This is where the new thread for Kitau will go.  One thing I'm considering here is the possibility of this-thread-only house rules such as "I can make a gnome with +STR and +DEX racial stats if I feel like it so there" to satisfy my need for max stats to go with my silly race / class combinations.  Or perhaps a super powered stat array.

So far what we've got is:

Kitau: Gnome Fighter.
Callie: Halfling Cleric.
Hruggik's to-be-named character: Probably Striker.

Allowed alignments are: Unaligned, Lawful Good, and everything between.  If you must play evil, you'd better be darn sneaky about it or expect the team to toss your character in prison.

Strongly considering a few alts. Callie is a no-duh in honor of my Shadowfell adventures, but here are a few thoughts:

Carla: For the interesting concept of new meets old, having a deva invoker in an adventure that was designed for PHB1 race/class selections.

Dido: To have another guy for once (My female cast is HUGE), and to have someone Kitau and Callie can relate to in their own way. Also, Dido is the character I learned 4.0 on as is the campaign Shadowfell keep. So it would be fitting.

Butterfly: Because I still have yet to RP her. And playing an elf-raised human would be so fun. ^.^ And yes, I decided to go with human rather than half-elf. Because that was her original design. (Fun fact! I originally designed her for DnD version 2.0!)

And as fun as Raichel would be, I'm thinking she might even be MORE fun in the Forgotten Realms. All thoughts appreciated.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Thu 01 Apr 2010.

Adding Rai to Loudwater would be yay.  Could even add Butterfly there.  Gale would appreciate the 3 girl to 3 guy ratio. :p

Dido in shadowfell keep would be yay.  Would he be related to Callie?  Brother, husband, boyfriend, never met?

Which leaves Carla.  Ascention if anywhere.  Sure that would make the team no longer human only, but plans were underway to make that the case anyway.  Or if you want her omg uber mighty powerful death-touch right off the bat, send her to eberron.

All of this is fine with me. :) Yay!

I like the idea of Carla joining Team Unity.  Was going to exclude Mortin from now on anyway.

For Will:

Unaligned human, eh? Hmm...

PHB1
Paladin (Sadly, would rule out Dido. Though would be admittedly interesting to see)
Warlord (With Callie would make two healers. Not needed, but see Paladin)
Wizard (A controller is kind of needed, yeah)

PHB2
Bard (Because, seeing your character sing or play music would be new)
Druid (Controller. And have yet to see you play a primal char. Could add hating bears as a fun fact, despite being a nature lover)
Invoker (Mitts mentioned pulling Carla in Ascention instead anyhow. Plus: Controller)


PHB3
Psion (The irony of seeing Mr Anti Mindrape playing something akin to it is immense. Plus: Controller)

In conclusion, I think it would be best for you to go with Druid, and yet quite interesting to see you use Bard. Religion wise, if you choose a divine type, I would suggest either Sehanine for someone for Callie to relate to, or find the near-opposite (Like Kord?) to have team friction fun. XD
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

L O L !

That's totally my vote!

Finding a pic for Carla is proving... difficult. Despite about 3 or 4 baby girls being among the avatars. :) No worries.. Reverie has gone this long without a pic.

A quick reminder to myself: Make Liberty. Could be psion, could be battlemind, etc. :)

Almost Neutral, but good. My favorite alignment.

  Nothing wrong with doubling up classes, though if you had your heart set on Psion for Lib and wanted it all for herself, I can grab another class (you guys pick).

  And also, fistshakage at the flagrant advantage Telepathy style Psion has over Telekinesis style.

  Oh look, Im a 4 HP per lv cloth armor person.  I can either... Use a Melee attack, and an attack that drags people towards me.  Or, I can use an area burst that lowers to-hit, or a hurtyful single target that lowers all defenses, both until the end of your next turn.

  Both styles also get an Eyebite clone -.o, only difference is it uses your Int mod instead of Cha mod.

  Lv 3 picks.  4 powers to choose from. 2 are buffed by cha, one is either, one buffed by will.  The cha ones include 'slide an enemy, and cause that enemy to melee basic someone with a to-hit bonus = cha mod', and 'area burst fort def penalty'.  Lv 3 Make Orcus kill people for you with a hit bonus power. At-Will.
  The telekinetic one, bit of an attack, and makes a single tile fire zone of wis mod damage... yeah.

  I seem to vaguely recall Seth saying something about them possibly completely removing the 'make enemy do melee basic' power, due to the fact enemies melee basics are all kinds of broken.
  Edit: Oh, that was some dragon mag warlock power they got rid of because it was 'broken', and now it's back in the PH3 for telepathy style psion.

More comparisons (picking one of each style)

lv 7. Telepath; hurts and causes pcychic vulnerability.  Telekinetic; pushes 1, but the augment makes it pull your wis mod -.-; to your squishy self.

Lv  13: Telepath; hurts, makes target grant CA to next thing to attack it.  Telekinetic; Dire radiance clone (any movement, but only wis mod damage)

lv 17: Telepath; lets adjecent to enemy ally do a melee basic, with cha mod damage bonus.  Telekinetic;  No damage, immob target.

Sensing a trend here.  Also, the compendium and character builder, list the telepathic stuff, but not any of the telekinetic stuff.   The entry for the psion class itself, has the telekinetic stuff edited out in the compendium.

  It's like they're ashamed to admit the Telekinetic stuff exists.

  Unrelated rant, those PH3 races getting multiple stats to pick from. Oh look, Shardminds get +2 Int, and +2 Cha OR Wis.  Wow, the new race can be min maxed for both builds of the new class. How convenient ;D
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

Fallcrest stands amid the Moon Hills at the falls of the
Nentir River. Here travelers and traders using the old
King’s Road that runs north and south, the dwarven
Trade Road from the east, and the river all meet. The
surrounding ridges shelter several small valleys where
farmers and woodsfolk live; few are more than six or
seven miles from the town. In general the people outside
Fallcrest’s walls earn their living by farming or
keeping livestock, and the people inside the walls are
artisans, laborers, or merchants. People with no other
prospects can make a hard living as porters, carrying
cargo from the Lower Quays to the Upper Quays (or
vice versa).
Fallcrest imports finished goods from the larger
cities downriver and ironwork from the dwarf town
of Hammerfast, and exports timber, leather, fruit,
and grain. It also trades with the nearby town of Winterhaven.
The surrounding hills hold several marble
quarries that once produced a good deal of stone, but
the area has little demand for ornamental stone these
days, and only a few stonecutters still practice their
trade.
Fallcrest
A small town built from the ruins of a larger city, Fallcrest is
the crossroads of the Nentir Vale.
Population: 1,350; another 900 or so live in the countryside
within a few miles of the town. The people of Fallcrest are
mostly humans, halflings, and dwarves. No dragonborn or
eladrin are permanent residents, but travelers of all races
pass through on occasion.
Government: The human noble Faren Markelhay is the Lord
Warden (hereditary lord) of the town. He is in charge of
the town’s justice, defense, and laws. The Lord Warden
appoints a town council to look after routine commerce
and public projects.
Defense: The Fallcrest Guard numbers sixty warriors (see
the accompanying statistics block), who also serve as
constables. Moonstone Keep is their barracks. The Lord
Warden can call up 350 militia at need.
Inns: Nentir Inn; Silver Unicorn. The Silver Unicorn is pricier
and offers better service; the Nentir Inn sees a more
interesting clientele.
Taverns: Blue Moon Alehouse; Lucky Gnome Taphouse;
Nentir Inn taproom.
Supplies: Halfmoon Trading House; Sandercot Provisioners.
Temples: Temple of Erathis; Moonsong Temple (Sehanine);
House of the Sun (Pelor).

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/ima...pt_4E_fallcrest1.jpg
Key Locations:
1. Tower of Waiting
2. Upper Quays
3. Five-Arch Bridge
4. Nentir Inn
5. Knight’s Gate ( and The Town Walls )
6. Silver Unicorn Inn
7. Halfmoon Trading House
8. Moonstone Keep
9. The Tombwood
10. House of the Sun
11. House Azaer
12. The Nentir Falls
13. Temple of Erathis
14. The Bluffs
15. The Catacombs
16. Moonsong Temple ( devoted to Sehanine. )
17. Fallcrest Stables
18. Wizard’s Gate
19. Naerumar’s Imports
20. Kamroth Estate
21. Moonwash Falls
22. Septarch’s Tower
23. Blue Moon Alehouse
24. Teldorthan’s Arms
25. King’s Gate
26. The Market Green
27. Sandercot Provisioners
28. Lucky Gnome Taphouse
29. Lower Quays

It's a clear early morning in early spring.  Just cool enough to see one's breath, but warm enough that the farmers are preparing their fields for seeding.

Nentir Inn

A fine new building constructed of fieldstone and
strong timber, the Nentir Inn stands on the west bank
of the river. Merchants from Winterhaven or Hammerfast
make up the clientele, along with travelers
who happen to be passing through. A good room with
two single beds goes for 5 sp per night. The Nentir Inn
also boasts a lively taproom, which is popular with the
folk who live in the vales on the west bank of the river.

Kitau is enjoying a quiet breakfast alone at the inn's taproom, having spent her fist night comfortably in one of the rented rooms.  Gnomes aren't very common around here, but she's an especially unusual sight for a gnome - heavily armed and armored.  She seems quite used to the many glances she gets from the locals.  So far, no one has approached her other than the bar maid waiting on the guests.

The inn is indeed a place to go for socializing and probably the best way to gather rumors (aka streetwise checks) other than one of the local taverns. But with that in mind, a beautiful young halfling woman wearing white robes highlighted in red triangle designs enters the inn and the glances are quickly directed her way. Along with a few friendly waves, a few bashful glancing away and a few grumbles.

"Callie! Come on over here and have some water!" the man serving drinks calls out to the halfling. Callie smiles and wanders over to a table to meet up with the man. "Good morning, Sandrik. I trust the sun brings good news with it's arrival?" Callie asks in a sweet, soothing, musical voice.

(Sandrik is a made-up NPC. A half elf like the proprietor of the inn Erandil Zemoar, he is an employee of Erandil and runs the kitchen / taproom services.)

By coincidence another halfling happens to be at the inn. Dido walks down the steps, having spent the night here like Kitau. He is an early riser, but he had prayers and meditation to take care of just like every morning.

Dido walks over to a table and takes a seat. When waited on, he orders water and some standard breakfast. His eyes wander around the room with no concern for who notices him and who doesn't. His apparent seriousness is broken when the waitress returns and Dido smiles at her, thanking her.

  There happens to be this cliche.  This cliche involves a man (Human, as you need to specify in DnD) dressed in black entering the Inn the more obviously Heroic (or at least, Heroic deed by way of 'Yaaaay! Violence!' mentality) have already congregated in.  The cliche teeters a bit on the edge of a turn, as just how sinister Black Bear hide armor underneath a more standard black cloak is considered by the narration deparement.

  The cliche train then overcorrects and flies off into the next kingdom as we consider this guy's face (if not their casual, less than sinister expression).  Picture Gomez Addams.  Now, Picture Gomez Addams if they had Dick Dastardly's moustache.  Paladin's don't have Detect Evil built in for 4th Ed (Worth the trade of not having your class features go Poof on you), so you'll just have to take our word for it this guy isn't Evil.

  "I thought you said the place was warded against vermin, Clarence." Sandrik comments mostly in jest.  Hey, the guy's only had one other line so we can hardly derail their personality this soon.

  "Tiny vermin.  I'm a bit too big if your label was accurate anyway." Clarence responds as they head for the bar. Yes, it's the morning. So?  They can put coffee in your booze just fine... Or was that the other way around?

  They do note the larger than usual amount of heavily armored short people in one spot.  But of course, who's going to worry about the multiple people geared up for a small war compared to the guy in stiff leather with a stick that's been here for years depriving exterminators of work in certain select locations for reasonable rates?

OOC Style: And I do believe, possible whoops fixes and ever listing a BG aside, the Clarence Cast Click Sheet is done.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

Kitau eyes the new arrivals and continues to eat her breakfast like a wary hawk.

Giving up on getting a rise from Clarence, Sandrik turns back to Callie and nods, "Business is good, weather's nice, what's not to like?  Yourself?"

The waitress blushes, smiles back at Dido, and gives a flirty yet still businesslike suggestion.  "Anything else you need, just let me know."

Callie notices Clarence and says, "Clarence... there is room at my table if you like." she looks back to Sandrik. "Oh things have been relatively OK... though concerns are coming to my attention. I may have to leave town for a little while. Do you know anything about any visitors?"

Dido definitely defies the "K" sound. That aside, he smiles back to the waitress and says, "Thank you. I will if I need anything."

That was cute. he thinks. I'd get her a flower, but I'm afraid that would just be a tease. Besides... I'm not a resident.

His eyes wander to Kitau's and he smiles in return to her watchful eyes. I wonder what her deal is. he continues in his thoughts. "Excuse me ma'am. Worried about something?" he asks of Kitau with a voice that carries without need of yelling.

  Clarence nods, taking his drink and himself over to Callie's table.  While it was technically possible to have coffee out in the wilderness, it tended to be better when made indoors by professionals.  "Thank you Callie...  Hmm, something that drags you away from the temple must be serious."

  They look over to the short man calling to the other short lady, "Aside from those two?"

Kitau narrows her eyes when Dido's gaze meets hers and he asks his question.  Who does she think she is, Philip?  Well, no fish here, just a less brainy or charismatic than expected gnome trying to figure out an honest way to answer a very direct question.

"Wary," she corrects Dido.

Not exactly "worried" in the traditional frightened little woman sense, but "No" wouldn't be entirely honest either.  Clarence's comment returns Kitau attention to the conversation between the locals.

Sandrik raises an eyebrow.  He's of the same opinion that Clarence is.

"Leave town?" he asks, "Must be serious indeed."

He gives a glance at the short people mentioned by Clarence then his gaze moves over to a not so short person being waited on by the bar maid - a well dressed Tiefling man.

"Well there's that fella there," Sandrik says, "Why do you ask?"

He lowers his voice and leans forward.

"Are there spies among us?"

Callie snorts some water and covers her mouth, giggling. Spies. In Fallcrest. She eyes the halfling, the gnome and the tiefling. She finally returns her gaze to Sandrik. "No... no spies that I know of." her giggling interspertant throughout her speech.

She gets up and heads over to the tiefling and curtsies. She headed for him first because the gnome and halfling appeared to be engaged in conversation for now. "Welcome to the Nentir Inn, sir. My name is Callie. May I inquire yours?"

Dido says, "Would you like company?" to Kitau. "You are invited to this table. Or, if you like, I can come to yours." he is briefly distracted by Callie introducing herself to the tiefling, but looks back at Kitau.

  Clarence sees that Callie's thoughts on the Underlined SPIES in Fallcrest are about the same as his own.  Although considering how much life can enjoy throwing annoyances in your face some days, they would not be particularly surprised if the Tiefling cackled maniacally and tried to sell Callie poison cookies just to spite their expectations

"Depends on the company," Kitau answers frankly.

She points at the seat across from her, glancing briefly at the distracting cleric.

"Serim Selduzar," the Tiefling answers Callie with a polite nod, looking rather amused, "I appreciate the welcome, but you're curiously outfitted for a bar maid, my lovely young lady."

He presents the seat across from himself, eyeing Callie's bastard sword like he's trying hard not to burst out laughing.

"Please.  Join me.  Your friend over there is welcome too."

This said with a headtilt in Clarence's direction.

Sandrik is clueless as to why Callie found such humor in his question.  But he's satisfied enough that the patrons are being social.  Good for business.

Callie looks towards Clarence and waves him over before sitting down. "I'm not a bar maid, Serim. I'm a cleric from the local church of Sehanine. Are you new to Fallcrest?"

Dido takes the invitation and goes to sit across from Kitau. "What are you wary of, if I may ask?" he gets a more serious expression to show he isn't taking her concerns lightly.

  Most Bar Maids don't dress up like White Mages gone Metal anyways.  Clarence swaps locations once more, but even that Cha 9 doesn't mean he's going to turn down Callie and Serim's invitation for such (or is that the Wis 18 talking?).

  "I spend a good deal of my time out of the city, and even I know that.  So of course he's new."  That is the Cha 9 talking.

Kitau eyes Mr. Plate Armor more closely and surmises he's a holy soldier.  It's literally written all over him.  But how to answer his question in one word or less?  Not that she's practicing her Maverick impersonation.  That's crazy talk!  She gives an angry glare to the happy Tiefling.

"Evil," she answers Dido darkly.

Serim manages to keep from rolling on the floor laughing and merely chuckles merrily.  These two are priceless!

"I stand corrected," he says, "And excellent deduction.  Yes I'm new to Fallcrest.  I could never have guessed she was a cleric of Sehanine from her armor, weapon, and holy symbol.  Nor could I have guessed her companion is a druid from his hide armor and staff."

Well they COULD be NPCs coincidentally wearing tell-tale gear.  Maybe.  He reaches into his pocket, takes out a gold piece, and offers it to Callie.

"An offering to your church," he says, smiling.

Callie replies to Serim with a smile (Reference Kuro from BESM here), "Thank you, Serim. Though I can appreciate your sarcasm, you would be amazed how many people are missing great amounts of knowledge on the gods. Such as what their names are, much less what their symbols are."

She pockets the gold piece. Then says, "Though as obvious as I might be, I'm not sure what makes you so sure Clarence a druid and not a rogue, ranger or even just some guy who hunts in the woods and likes his walking stick. But at least you have demonstrated you don't miss the obvious. Unfortunately, if there is something obvious about you besides your appearance and the fact you're new here, I have missed it. So what brings you here?"

Dido lets his glance look again. Sure, the guy looks like one of those half-devil descendants the tieflings. But outside of that, Dido doesn't have much reason to suspect the man. He looks back at Kitau. "Seems to me like a local holy woman and her friend have their eyes on the one you were eyeing. So you shouldn't worry too much. What brings you to town?"

Yes, he heard Callie ask that of Serim. It's a good question!

  Elsewhere, Joe is someone who uses one of the most obvious bows in existence for a reason... Not that it helps the second they disarm a trap.  Without thieves tools.

  "It's the bears thing.  Bears are always causing problems.  Yes, such a sensible response there Clarence.

"Work," Kitau answers, sliding her business card toward Dido.

"Have weapons, will travel," it reads.

"Kobolds," she elaborates, sipping her drink.

"You're a sweet thing," Serim answers, leaning his head in his hand with a sigh, "I'd hate to burden you with details of my present unfortunate circumstances, but I suppose there's no stopping a sweetheart like you from caring.  I'm the third son of a southern noble with little prospect to inherit.  I'm thinking of establishing a small manor somewhere nearby - far from my oh so generous siblings.  I'm looking for capable associates to help me, and a band of enthusiastic adventurers would suit my purposes admirably...  If being rewarded handsomely suits their purposes."

"How handsome a reward and what is the task at hand?" Callie asks succinctly.

Dido eyes the card and looks back at Kitau with an unsure expression. "I wouldn't recommend for anyone to do such dangerous jobs alone. You didn't INTEND to... did you? Either way, I'm coming with you when you head that way..."

  Clarence would wonder just how many well armored girls carry business cards advertising their use of such, but just because he has a high Perc doesn't mean he was paying complete attention over there.

  "Is there an option for moderate reward with a vast chance of surviving to spend it, perchance?  Or is that just too much to hope for when it comes to propositioning any adventurous sort."

Kitau nods to both Dido's question and his statement without any further elaboration.  She turns her attention back to the Tiefling who's now used words that are more to her liking.  Namely, adventurers rewarded handsomely.  Still doesn't like him.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Fri 09 Apr 2010.

"Well that depends," Serim answers Callie and Clarence both, "I'm sure you've heard the news that the Skull Kicker kobold tribe has driven off it's rival clans and been aggressively raiding the King’s Road.  They're holed up in the appropriately renamed Kobald Hall.  The Lord Warden could easily eliminate this threat if he were to mobilize the city's militia, but for some reason, he chooses not to.  Instead he's posted a small 10 gold per kobold bounty.

"Not much considering the reports I hear suggest that their numbers are small.  Well I suspect that there must be a reason behind the rise of this particular tribe.  They're much more organized and aggressive than the kobolds of the past.  I'm willing to pay 100 gold to learn what power is behind these kobolds.  Additionally, I'll buy back whatever valuables the kobolds have looted at their market value.  From what I've heard, that could be hundreds of gold, so I will set the limit at 1,000.

"So that leaves it up to you what ratio of reward to risk you desire.  If you take 100 volunteers, that's still potentially 11 gold per person.  Of course, the fewer you take the larger the reward per person.  Since they're holed up in the old keep, a small but highly capable group would probably be best, but again, it's entirely up to you how you want to lessen your risk should you choose to take on the task."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Fri 09 Apr 2010.

Callie gives a thoughtful look as Serim explains. "Well trouble HAS been increasing. Which is why I was heading out of town for a while here shortly. And we have had an adventurer or two stop through, but... they usually either said they would do it and then left town in the opposite direction, or flat out refused. I was going to investigate it at the least and hopefully find no evidence that people died trying to do this."

Dido also listens in and hears what Serim has to say. He smiles at Kitau. "Looks like you and I don't have to be alone in this. We should go introduce ourselves to our potential companions." he says, standing, though he waits for Kitau to get up before he does any walking towards the table the other two are at.

  Clarence would be sure the Kobolds were employing bears somehow to be such a problem, but even their nonsensical ire with such animals had limits.  "Well, as much as what passes for my common sense suggests otherwise, I'll come along with you if you need the help Callie."

  They consider Serim for a moment, then ask "And assuming you don't come along for this little adventure yourself, where would we come back to meet you?"  But odds were good they would come along.  Harder to make sure the hired looters Adventurers actually gave you the treasure when you didn't come with them.

Kitau carefully considers Dido's suggestion.  She really doesn't like the idea of working for a Tiefling, but she likes the idea of having to compete with a competent group for killing kobolds even less.  Best to be a part of the group and take advantage.  As for the Tiefling... keep you enemies closer.  She makes up her mind, stands, and follows Dido's lead without a word, taking her business card back.

Serim chuckles at the exchange.

"She's as brave as she is beautiful," he comments of Callie, "And if it helps your sense of common any, sir, it seems we have two more capable looking people showing interest."

He gives a nod to the new arrivals.

"Serim Selduzar at your service," he introduces, "This is Callie, cleric of Sehanine; and Clarence, Druid of vermin warding.  If you didn't happen to overhear, I'm offering a 100 gold bounty to any group who brings information of who is organizing the attacks carried out by the Skullkicker clan holed up in Kobald Hall.  Also, I'll be buying back up to 1,000 gold worth of merchandise recovered from them."

He turns to Clarence.

"I'm not qualified to join you," he admits, "I'll likely still be staying here at the inn when you return.  If not, I'll be easy enough to find.  I plan to use the time building a reputation for myself."

Callie blushes lightly at Serim's complement. "...thanks.." she says quietly in response. When Serim turns their attention to the ones walking over to them, Callie looks over to Kitau and Dido. She gives them both a warm smile in greeting.

Warm Smile (Callie Utility 1)
"With a smile that lights the night
 as day, Callie gives others pause."
Encounter * Radiant
Free Action    Sight
Target: Each creature that sees Callie
Attack: Charisma vs Will
Hit: Target is dazed until the end of
 Callie's next turn.

(OOC: Just kidding, of course. XD But was fun writing it.)

Dido blushes from the smile and tries not to let it show. He smiles at Callie, then Serim and Clarence. "Greetings. My name is Dido. I am a paladin serving the Platinum Dragon and Moradin." he places his hammer upon the ground, hammer end up and next to him. It is something he always does when mentioning the name of Moradin among those who are not enemies as a sign of respect to the god of Earth and Stone. Of course, the people here have no way of knowing this. "And this beautiful fey flower is Kitau." he says, switching the hammer over to his left hand and presenting Kitau with the now-free right hand.

"I am pleased to meet you all." He caught himself from saying "honored" since that would not be entirely true. He believes strongly that to actually say he is honored, he has to know the person he is talking about first.

  Serim's flattery is completely wrong.  Callie would be off to Punt Asmodeus a few Hells upwards if she was as brave.  "Can't really fault you for your choice of location, and your choice to stay here."

  Clarence looks over to the short ones he is not so personally familiar with.  'Always a pleasure to meet those more heavily armed than me who intend to use such on someone else."

   Halflings with Bastard Swords.  Halflings with Warhammers.  Gnomes with... Wow.  Clarence can't help but glance at his  worn whatever-wood-was-handy-at-the-time staff, but it's not like he ever hits people with it anyways.

  OOC Style: <Neeeeeeeerd>Your Callie utility is clearly impractical.  If they are dazed until the end of your next turn, then they will be too out of it to blindly agree to your request on your next turn.</Neeeeeeeerd>

  Also, was messing around with the Builder.  It doesn't factor in the AC/Reflex for when you have a spiked shield equipped (Spiked shield turns up on the 'weapon' list, I know they can factor implements that raise defenses, but I guess they never got around to it with the spiked shield).
  We know for a fact spiked shield also = light shield, I'm mentioning this so Mitten's doesn't figure Kitau's stats too low when they figure when with Spiked Shield equipped in Off-Hand slot.

  Was also reminded that not only do shield bonuses not stack, but you just plain can't dual wield shields for... some reason.
  Even more >.<, the 'two weapon defense' specifically labels it as a 'shield bonus', so using a spiked shield on top of that is useless.

  So yeah, Kitau may want to drop spiked shield prof unless they still want it for the style points (if they still have two-weapon defense build in for free).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Sun 11 Apr 2010.

Kitau frowns, the right corner of her upper lip twitching.  She keeps her eyes fixed on the Tiefling, making it look like he's the only one annoying her.  But since she didn't smile back to Callie or blush at Dido, it's anyone's guess if she's simply ignoring their pleasantness or she dislikes smiles and compliments.

"And what will you do with that 1,000 gold worth of stolen goods once you've laid claim to it?" she asks.

Serim raises his eyebrow and puts on an amused frown.

"Looks like you've got yourself a classic adventuring party, Callie" he says, "Cleric, Paladin, druid, fighter.  Well I suppose you should have a rogue and a wizard join you for good measure, but that's up to you.  As for what I'll do with the goods, I haven't made up my mind.  I'm thinking of asking the church help me with locating the owners so they can buy back their goods.  Of course, should you choose to keep any of it for yourselves, that's your prerogative; I'm not the one who'll have to explain to the original owners or law enforcement 'finders keepers.'"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Mon 12 Apr 2010.

Callie looks at Serim. "Who are the original owners anyhow?" she takes a mental note of Kitau's antics. Though in Callie's mind, the girl is either having a bad day or is just normally a grump.

Dido is fine with either option as far as Kitau is concerned. As long as Kitau is willing to do the right thing. He doesn't interrupt the question asked since he finds the question one he'd ask anyway. He glances about at the others as Serim mentions the "almost a full party" and chuckles lightly. He looks at Clarence and comments, "Likewise..." while thinking, It's very nice to know Bahamut and Moradin are on my side.

  It appeared that the gnome could speak larger than single word sentences for the purposes of possibly judgmental questions.  As if Clarence didn't tend towards that kind of question himself sometimes.

  "I think at this point, 'lots of people' would be the most detailed answer for who they have robbed so far."

OOC Style: My brain is failing at registering what an amused frown looks like <.<

Kitau narrows here eyes at the Tiefling, but decides against saying anything more.

(( OOC: best i could find was this: http://travel.webshots.com/pho...00398075358605XAfJXE ))

Serim nods at Joe's comment.  "Yes, lots of people," he says, "But I do intend to ask around to build a more specific list of stolen items."

Callie looks around and says, "Well if you bunch are ready to head out with me, I'm ready when you are." she stands up as if to emphasize this fact.

Dido nods, "It's what I came here for; to help. Though before we head out, might I suggest we get ourselves a map either of the route there or of the destination itself? It would be bad to wind up traveling for a long time and suddenly realize we're way off track. And once we get there, it would be nice to know where we are in there as we explore."

  Clarence finishes their Morning Fun Coffee, though doesn't stand quite yet as why not spend some moments lazy when you legitimately can?  "So long as nothing too chaotic is going on at the time, I could reasonably guide us there.  But a map would be a decent thing to have."

  Clarence will stand to leave when they actually leave.  His narration department is also hopefully optimistic that anything they deal with travel wise won't need more than a DC 20 Nature or Dungeoneering check.  What with them being level 1, and able to hit 20 Nature and 19 Dungeroneering on a Take Ten... So of course, Dungeroneering will be needed at DC 20.

  It's Science.

Serim nods.  "If I had a map, I'd offer it to you.  I suppose there's a couple places you could inquire for one.  Gate guards.  High Septarch Nimozaran might have one.  One of the temples maybe.  The Lord Warden perhaps if he's not too busy.  And I'm guessing should any adventurers show interest in joining you I should send them to wait for you at the western exit of town."

Kitau can't deny the sense of these suggestions and just nods.

Callie nods to Serim. "Please do send any potential adventurers to that gate. And inform them that we will be departing from that gate at around noon. Thanks." this said to give such adventurers a chance to meet with her and the others. "May Sehanine watch over you." She then turns to leave.

If she knew the compliment Clarence was paying her in his mind (the Asmodeus commentary), she would be lighting the way with her blush. Maybe.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Wed 14 Apr 2010.

Dido doesn't have anything to add since Callie more or less decided things for the group. He smiles and follows the pretty halfling.

(Fast forwarding)

Eventually, it's noon time and Dido follows the group to the west gate with map in hand. It's a map of the region, so it will help them stay on track. But once they are there, they will have to map the structures themselves as there were no maps of the kobold-infested place.

  Indeed, it is The Future

  "Well then, is there any particular way people wanted to go about this?  I'd hope for a quiet approach, but I doubt any of us here are particularly good at the skulking in the shadows thing."  Druid? yes.  Built in skill for feeding himself off wildlife on a Take-10? yes.  Actual stealth training available for Druids? No.

Leaning against a tree just outside town limits is a Shifter woman reading a book that's hovering in thin air.  She peers over the book at the approaching adventurers and smiles.  She wasn't expecting so many short people.

"On your way to the Kobolds?" she asks.

(( Wizard: skilled in thievery and stealth just 'cause.  So there.

Background: Luskan (Luskan Benefit)

Even though Luskan doesn't exist in this world. ))

Kitau eyes the woman but doesn't respond to either her or Clarence beyond slowing to a stop should the others do the same.

Callie did, in fact, slow to a stop at the gate. She looks Mittens over from head to toe. "Don't see your kind often in these parts, madam. My name is Callie and yes, we" she spreads her arms to indicate the others with her "are on our way to persuade the kobolds to stop their cruel activities."

She gives Mittens a gentle smile. "We would be happy to have your company. Were you planning to go with us?"

Dido is noticing the girl-to-guy ratio tipping in favor of girls and is lightly bothered. They should not have to be involved in such dirty business as fighting kobolds. They should be watched over, cared for, loved and pampered, given flowers and given children. He can't deny he is happy to have the help. But he is realizing his job might be harder if he doesn't plan ahead with them. He too eyes Mittens from head to toe and then gives Kitau another once-over. He strokes his chin in thought.

"Excuse me..." he intrudes. "Perhaps it would be wise if, on our way, we establish everyone's role in the group. We will very likely be fighting kobolds, but unless we decide ahead of time who does what, we might be fighting each other as well and not work as a team."

Meanwhile, he quietly thanks Erathis for giving him the company of Clarence. He may champion Moradin and Bahamut, but he isn't blind to when the goddess of community totally blesses him with at least ONE GUY so he has someone to relate to. And then he glances at Kitau and thanks Erathis he also has a warrior to relate to. He then prays to Erathis that the group will get along and adds, "And since Callie is our local cleric and I am your paladin, I highly suggest she and I pray blessings over us."

  Mittens was not expecting so many short people, with their interest in the kobolds.  She must have been expecting the rare Dire Kobolds.

  Clarence is not that bothered by the gender ratio.  Not because their Druidlyness has a pile of 'Females are more deadly by design' outlook, but because hey, more people stabbing things or whatever is good.  "I hadn't really planned on slashing or lighting any of you on fire.  Dealing with things at a distance I tend to either discourage single people from taking risky actions, or hit small groups indiscriminately while discouraging them from moving too far.  I get the feeling my meager close in aid won't be particularly needed."

  No rouges, and three Melee Smashers who are less squishy than him.  They can so live with just using Fire Hawk over and over during a solo boss fight.

  Clarence is also not a Panther Adam.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Wed 14 Apr 2010.

Mittens wasn't surprised by that broad a definition of 'short people' as they were expecting to see the more common non-dire variety of Kobold today, who in spite of having language and culture are usually more commonly referred to as monsters than short people, but never mind that.

Mittens eyes back the people that eye her, but in a much exaggerated manner, eyes wide, but then returns to her normal posture.

"Um... yes and no," she answers Callie, "And good idea, he-of-the-plate-armor.  Names might be handy too.  I'm Mittens.  Wizard extraordinaire.  And I can sneak descent if needed."

>.>  <.<

"Yes I'm aware that the name means 'a covering for the hands' but I prefer if people keep their hands well away from me.  Also aware of the lack of a significant population of Shifters in the area.  Inanycase, I'm guessing I'm speaking with Callie and Clarence, but the names of Mc Hammer here and Manyweapons there were unknown to the gossips I happened to come by.  Callie I'm guessing is as much a healer as the gossips mentioned.  And Shiny likes to catch arrows with his chest...  So... Woman At Arms... What do you do that's useful for the kobold kindness campaign Callie's crafted?"

"If they refuse I'll introduce them to pain," Kitau answers frankly, "Name's Kitau."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Thu 15 Apr 2010.

Dido smiles in approval of Kitau. Then faces Mittens. "I prefer catching the arrows with my shield rather than my chest." he says with a chuckle. "My name is Dido. I'm pleased to meet you."

Callie nods in agreement to Dido's suggestion of praying a blessing, then listens to the others talk. Of course, she lets Dido introduce himself before speaking up again. "So then, now that we have been introduced, shall we pray those blessings? We can converse more on our way there."

She waits for a general consensus, just in case anyone wants to add some last minute comment or suggestion.

  "Go ahead when you're ready to make with the Holiness." Clarence might not exactly be filled with particular faith in the Gods, but whining about a kind offer of prayer made as much sense as being full of rage if someone said 'God Bless' as a form of farewell.

  "As for your name Mittens, makes as much sense as those named after things that grow in the dirt, or rocks."  Ginger, Emerald, we're lookin at you.

Mittens nods solemnly.  "Yea prayer is usually a good idea," she asserts, "Make people think they've got the gods backing 'em up, so they tend to be a lot less fearful of horrific painful death.  Consequently they're more likely to fight to the death.  Sadly this holds true of monsters who pray to their gods.  Oh well.  May as well not give them the edge then, right?  By the way, it's a 15 mile journey.  May as well play get-to-know-you games on the way there.  I guess we could start with the obvious: favorite gods and why."

Kitau was expecting the religious types to want to pray, not that she sees it any more that so much hot air... but then Mittens makes her strange assertion about the psychological usefulness of prayer that effectively defuses the very usefulness she lauded.  She's totally dumbfounded.  Are all shifters this insane?  Get to know you games?  This is going to be a very long 15 miles.

Dido eyebrow-twitches at Mittens' comment about the "usefulness" of prayer. True that those who claim have no faith still have enough faith that the prayers wind up boosting morale anyhow. Unless, of course, you hate the gods. But its the way Mittens put it. He decides, however, to begin the blessings. "Moradin!" he slams the bottom of his hammer into the ground. "We ask that you keep the ground level and firm, that we might find our way to dispense of evil. Remind us there is something greater than ourselves such as each other and the people depending on us." he then puts his hand on the symbol of Bahamut. "We also ask you, Platinum Dragon, to give us the strength of heart to hold firm against the odds, no matter what those odds might be. I ask of you, keep us mindful of honor and to protect those who need and deserve it."

He looks at Callie, expecting her to pick up where he left off.

Callie smiles endearingly at Dido during his prayer and how very... masculine / Dwarvish it was. She then sees her cue to continue the blessing. "Sehanine, though you currently are hidden from us, I ask you help us learn from each other and the experiences we are about to face. When night falls upon us, comfort us with the light of the moon and remind us you will surround us with your love." she faces the team. "Off we go, then."

She leads the way, going on the path. "So Mittens, you mentioned getting to know each other. You're the new face, so why don't you start. What is your faith and what drives you to do what you do?"

  They have three Gods with prayers directed to them, so they are now three times more ready to die than average... Wait, no, that would mean they'd kill themselves.

  Blake's responding to Mitten's first is less deliberate interruption and more 'eh, Clarence comes before them in the pose order'.  "I have a certain fondness for Erathis.  You hear the names just mentioned or Gruumsh and such often enough, but hardly for them.  That and Erathis just seem more low key despite the scale of her influence."  Said influence also usually attributed to Moradin.

  Oh look, there's a temple or shrine for Melora inside yet another city (like the one inside the Moonsong Temple).  Nevermind she dislikes cities and wants people to live close to nature... Oh look, people are throwing a fit over a two foot wide three foot tall shrine to Erathis in the wilderness.  Because it's an affront to nature you see.  And Clarence's staff was an affront to those people's heads.

  Melora, they will hit you in the face with a tidal wave.
  Erathis, they are pleased if you make a new kind of hinge.

  Driana (High Priestess in the Temple of Erathis) has gotten some ironic amusement that one of the few non-religious people to frequent Fallcrest that respects Erathis is a Druid.

OOC Style: Seriously, the hinge example is in the Builder Blurb for the goddess.  I get a mental image of Erathis being similar to someone who plays SimCity to win, and avoid the cause disaster button out of guilt.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Mon 19 Apr 2010.

"Well technically the two prayer warriors went first," Mittens asserts, "Given their symbols and prayers and such.  Let's see, so far we have Moradin for smashing evil, Platinum Dragon for honor, Sehanine for love, and Erathis for humility.  Interesting.  Very interesting.  Mine's got to be Avandra, goddess of freedom.  I totally respect the ones listed so far for their own merits, but I did say 'favorite' so there you go.  How 'bout you, Kitau?"

(( Originally was going to go with Raven Queen because she's a mortal that became a god by single-handedly kicking the former death god's bony butt, but then I found this little tidbit: "Bring down the proud who try to cast off the chains of fate. As the instrument of the Raven Queen, you must punish hubris where you find it."  Wait...  So shouldn't her followers punish HER for casting off the chains of her fate and having the gall to overthrow a god because she wasn't satisfied being #2 and sharing the realm with him?  Then she gets all miffed when the other gods limit her influence.  Mittens and I both face-palmed over this rule of hers. ))

Kitau manages to keep from rolling her eyes or face-palming.  (Not to mention grunting or snorting, which took a surprising amount of willpower for her to refrain from.)  Shutfu, the god of silence?  Kismass, the goddess of come-backs?  Fistyoface, the diety of instant satisfaction?  If only.

"No favorite," she answers succinctly.

An honest enough answer.  If they don't exist, then there's nothing to favor.  If they do, they're either too weak to even keep their own worshipers from making them look bad or they don't care.  Either one isn't exactly inspiring.

Dido looks to Clarence, "I think it's more a case that Erathis temples are in just about every city, so people take her for granted to some degree. Much like people take the human race for granted because you guys are everywhere." he offers. He then looks at Kitau. He thinks to ask her why she's so short with her words, but decides against it for now. He then looks at Mittens. "Callie and I may have gone first in expressing love for our respective deities, but we did not say what drives us. Then again, neither did you. But I'll go ahead and start for that. It's as simple as this: My whole life, I could not stand to see the just get put down and evil exalted. I swore to myself I would aid in the act of justice and helping those in need while putting evil back where it belongs. I suppose I was born with the drive for what I do today. I could never retire, for I am fulfilling my dreams every time I help others like I am today. How about you, Callie?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Mon 19 Apr 2010.

Callie answers Dido, "I grew up here. This is my home. But how I got to be able to wield this sword is a story on its own. See, often times I was the one trying to help people get along. In that respect, Erathis had my back. But my drive was due to the lessons of love I received at the church of Sehanine. Whenever people would not hear it, and continued to bring harm on one another, I would get in the way. In childhood, people were hesitant to beat on a little girl who preached about loving and getting along. But as time passed, I was dealing with drunks who were more attracted to me than they were to my message and I soon had to learn to stand up for myself more than for others. In a town of people much larger than me, it was quickly evident I would eventually not have the local authorities to lean on. Thankfully, I have not had to use this sword on citizens. And I have even helped a scouting party or two in recent history. So you could say adventuring wasn't my drive, but rather the knowledge that if you do not face evil, it will come to you eventually in the dark of the night and you will not be prepared." She then looks at Mittens.

  Clarence considers the thoughtful replies and information Dido and Callie give to Mittens.  They then look to Mittens with an incredibly serious (so far as they can pull that off) expression and say "Regarding the wonders of Nature... You will never hear me exposition about them unless it's involved in not dieing because of Nature."

  My, how helpful.

Mittens is a bit confused by Clarence's answer and mulls it over in her head a bit.

"My drive?" she asks in reply to Dido, "Hmm... Well ever since I was little I dreamed of being an adventurer like the heroes of legend.  So I studied hard to figure out how to make it happen.  Aaand here I am!  On my way to adventure!  How 'bout you Clarence, what's your drive?  A bit unusual for a druid to favor civilization.  And you, Kitau.  You're rather unique with your choice of profession too.  What's your story?"

Let's see... holier than thou, smarter than thou, prettier than thou, and...  nope.  Clarence has yet to do or say anything to annoy Kitau.  Miraculous.  Now to address Mittens' question.  None of your business?  What is this, therapy?  Rude finger gesture?  Silent treatment?  What would Clarence say if he didn't want to answer?  He's say something that was an answer and not an answer at the same time.  Sadly... not that clever.

"That's personal," she answers gruffly, letting it show that she doesn't like the question one bit.

Dido says, "Along the lines of making sure we don't turn on each other, sure we have established our roles as combatants. But what about pecking order? Who has the final say for orders? Being as this is Callie and Clarence's town, I think they should choose."

Without skipping a beat, Callie immediately answers, "I will lead." with a completely "I'm not kidding" tone and expression to match ( http://i331.photobucket.com/al...ordia/SeriousCat.jpg ). She doesn't explain. Just... end of discussion?

  "A city is nature.  This fact is just frequently overlooked because most of them aren't made out trees twisted into unnatural shapes.  Because that's just so much more natural isn't it?"

  Clarence eyes Dido, "Yes, I'm going to kick a paladin of Moradin in the face if I don't agree with them.  Because that's what I do all the time."  They don't see a particular need to question the leadership thing, their method is a very vague 'Stop Sucking' usually.  And that would only work if he was a Warlord.

  So, how close to Kitau's mental reaction was Clarence's verbal reaction?

Dido breaks pose order to answer Clarence's statement. "No offense, but I don't know you yet, so that is entirely possible. Though what people do when they turn on each other can be much worse than that."

Mittens giggles.  "Good points made by all," she says with a smile, "Yes, a city is very much a natural thing.  Just as natural as a hive of bees.  Well this bee has no objection to Callie being our little team's queen for the time being.  Shall we discuss further how we sting the enemy without flying in each other's way should it come to violence?  Not that I'd begrudge the kobolds the chance to surrender to Callie's authority peacefully, but I seriously doubt the Skullkicker clan got their name and reputation for ambushing merchants because they're the peaceful sort.  Allow me to elaborate."

An illusion of a chess board pops up with about half a dozen kobold figurines as black pieces, and miniature versions of the heroes as white pieces.

"Kobolds are shifty critters.  They like to ambush and surround their enemy or retreat and lure them into traps.  They tend to pick out one foe and gang up on them.  If I may suggest, our two knights can form the front line of defense with about 5' between them.  It broadens our front well enough and if any kobold wants to try and slink through that gap, they'll be flanked.  Callie can hang back just a slight bit and fortify whatever flank needs reinforcement.  Clarence can pick off their leader with his ranged attacks while I work on crowd control.  And by crowd control, I mean this..."

She waves her staff and shoots a scorching burst at the road ahead.

"Any time there's a nice clump of them, I sting like hell.  Thoughts?"

Presumably, the group hasn't been wasting time standing around and is already en rout to the destination, if not, Mittens would have urged the party in that direction immediately after the prayers.

Immediately, Kitau drops her stance low and readies her axe for an attack.  One, she never did like magic much, and two, if someone's shooting firey death, it's instinctive to assume there's danger nearby.  She glares at Mittens, glances around looking for enemies, then relaxes her stance.

"Fine," she says, not clarifying if she was replying to anything in particular.

On the bright side, no one pried any further into her personal business.

Callie nods. "That makes sense. Please try not to startle Kitau again if you can help it." She then looks around at the others quickly following up with, "Anyone else have preferences or suggestions?"

Dido eyes Kitau. Then looks at Mittens. Then Kitau again. "I would rather take point myself until we get to our destination. But I have no problem with your suggestions. However..." he turns his attention to Kitau. "You've been in a sour mood since I first saw you, Ma'am. And already a number of times I have seen your glare meet with a number of this group with enough hate behind it to have me worried. Why are you so angry? And if you don't care to share that, at least tell us why you are barely restrained from taking out that anger on us."

  "I'm going to agree with not setting random scenery on fire unless there's a practical benefit to doing so." Blake commented in regards to Mitten's demonstration.  Sure, nothing actually lit on fire, but who knows.

  They refrain from saying 'You caught me Dido, I'd actually wear your face for a hat'.  Though at this point they wonder if Kitau would offer to help pull that (or would that be it?) off.

  "The world is a violent place filled with Kobolds and Bears and peace promoting Holy sorts being more heavily armed than most because of how often that ever really works out?  Or, you know, She could just be an irritable person."

Mittens snickers at the reactions to her and Kitau's antics, and waits for Kitau to answer first, hoping maybe the question will have pulled more than a 2 word response out of her.

Kitau considers for a moment, thumbs at Clarence, and answers, "What he said."

3 words.  More than 2.

Mittens is still smiling, but she face-palms at the reply from Kitau.  Oh well.

"By all means," she answers Dido's suggestion, "The paladin in front!  Not even a loony of my caliber could object to that!  Heck.  I seriously considered taking up the plate armor and shield myself so I'd be first into the action, but Avandra didn't seem too interested in having me as her champion.  Ah well.  Lucky me the arcane forces don't seem so picky.  As for using my wizardly powers to burn the dirt road, it was to serve a very important purpose: namely to show you what I'm capable of on my 'low' setting.  'Medium' setting I can pull off once every 5 minutes or so, and 'high' setting once a day.  Much fun when I get to do that!  Inanycase, apologies for any nerves I wracked.  Not intended.  I'll try to remember to give more warning next time.  As for more preferences or suggestions...  Clarence mentioned stealth...  Clarence?"

Dido ponders the answer given. He resists the urge to shrug since Chirin fulfilled everyone's shrug quota for the week just last night. "I'm not stealthy even if I wanted to be. I don't think that will be much of an option with me and my clanky armor around." he says, chuckling a little.

Callie bounces in place a little and her chainmail can be heard underneath her outer cloth. "Me neither." she comments. "Chainmail. But if anyone has a means of making the less quiet members of our party be quiet, lemme know."

  Clarence is still trying to figure out why the seem to like Kitau so, but shall file it under one of those mysteries of the universe that just seem to work out.  Like standardized lighting power.

  "While I do have a certain degree of swiftness and lightweight clothing, practiced sneaking around is not something I'm good for unfortunately for me."  Clarence also had not sprung for that quiet travel ritual because rituals are expensive to buy, and expensive to cast.  As well as that particular one not functioning beyond travel.

  "I suppose at least, it's safe to assume none of us will deliberately clank and shout our presence to the world unless there is a point to it.

"Alrighty then," Mittens says, "I suppose I'll be the one to fill the 'sneak scout' role should such be needed."

She jiggles her robes vigorously, and they don't make any loud clinking sounds.

"Maybe I should thank Avandra for rejecting my paladin application 'cause I consider sneaking quite fun.  And disarming traps.  And picking locks.  'Course I've always been fond of swords...  Trouble with loving those hero stories so much is it makes one want to be every member of the group!  Ah well.  I'm sure I'll be plenty happy just filling the roles I'm good at.  Well since we've got strategy down, we may as well kill time with games!  How 'bout we play 'Never Have I Ever.'  Everyone holds up 5 fingers and takes turns telling the truth about what they've never tried before.  Anyone else in the group who has done what you just said takes down a finger.  So if I were to say, 'Never have I ever hugged a dwarf!'  Everyone who has hugged a dwarf takes down a finger.  When you run out of fingers, you're out.  Last one still with fingers up wins!  Lots of fun!  How 'bout you go first, Dido!"

Kitau considers not participating, but then she realizes if she can manage to get Mittens "out" then perhaps she'll shut up!  It's so easy to think of 5 questions to get the shifter wizard out, it's worth a shot.  Still gripping her weapons, Kitau holds up two fingers on one hand, and three on another.

We can RP a scene of 'Never Have I Ever' on a MUCK with these characters some time if we feel so inclined, but the purpose of the last posts was to put across the point that Mittens would want to fill the travel time with interesting ways of getting to know the rest of the team rather than spend the time in boring silence.

On to the adventure!

You travel 15 miles from Fallcrest into the wilderness to
find the once-sprawling manor now known as the ruins of
Kobold Hall. Inside the keep, you find a trapdoor at the base
of an old guard tower. It must lead beneath the ruins.

The ruined manor now known as Kobold Hall was
once a minor lord’s proud holding, a walled keep overlooking
the old King’s Road. That was years ago, and
the lord’s name and the glories he earned are long forgotten.
Today, the place is called Kobold Hall after the
malicious humanoids that infest the place. The Cloak
Wood has overrun the grounds, with trees growing in
the midst of abandoned gardens and courtyards.
Several kobold tribes dwell within the ruins, hiding
in the multitude of tunnels, ruins, and cellars found
here. The tribes squabble with each other, raid surrounding
settlements, and attack caravans on the old
King’s Road. Lately, the kobolds have become more
aggressive. The Skull Kicker tribe has taken over or
driven off the rival tribes. Emboldened, the Skull Kickers
stole a wagon loaded with valuable cargo from a
caravan on the King’s Road. As the adventure begins,
the characters find themselves in the small town of
Fallcrest. Explain to the players that their characters
know each other and are looking for adventure.
Use one of the hooks below to set up the backstory
for the adventurers, or create your own. You don’t need
a lot of details; you just need enough to explain why
the PCs are together and why they are heading out to
investigate Kobold Hall.

It would take about 5 hours to travel from Fallcrest to Kobold Hall assuming normal adult human speed, making it about midday when the adventurers arrive if they left first thing in the morning as hinted at.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:20, Fri 23 Apr 2010.

Throughout the trip, Dido is good spirited and plays the games. But his LAWFUL side definitely shines through a number of times.

Once everyone is at the destination, Dido takes point still. He remembers Mittens' idea, but strongly prefers not to put Kitau in harm's way, so he doesn't remind anyone she is to join him up front.

Callie looks around, says a quiet prayer and says, "Well... I guess we go in. If anyone wants to rest for a short bit before we do, say so now."

  Clarence almost quit one early due to counting 'hugged a dwarf' (they were both drunk) as valid.

  Regardless, they hang back as a half the time blastey controller tends to when they are not dealing with the 'slash people in the face' half of their strategy.

Mittens holds up a finger, steps closer to the trap door, and inspects it very carefully.

"As mentioned," she says, "Kobolds are fond of traps.  Worth being cautious.  I don't see any sign of a trap, but still..."

She stands behind the trap door, tucks the end of her staff into the loop handle, waits for everyone to step away, then lifts the door open.  Nothing happens beyond the hinges creaking.

"Didn't trap their front door?  Tisk Tisk!  'Course could be there was a trap and someone else set it off only just today...  Or this isn't the entrance.  But all those fresh Kobold tracks seem to indicate it is.  Only other thing is I prefer to not skip lunch."

She opens her sack and munches on a ration.

"So we want me to sneak ahead and scout the place out?  Or do we want Dido going in first to catch arrows with his shield?  I vote sneaking, but I'm not dead set on it."

Callie snacks while Mittens snacks, listening to the suggestion and says, "We go together. From what I understand, none of us are experienced at taking down kobold hang-outs. That said, how do you know about kobolds being fond of traps, Mittens? DO you have experience with them?"

She's extra grateful for the break being as she's a halfling and halflings are known for their love of eating.

Dido just listens and eats. No reason to let this break go to waste. He's grateful for the break, but just as easily hopes to get the fighting out of the way so that he doesn't have danger to look forward to. Not that he's scared of it, but more having first-day jitters as it were. He quietly hopes this is the reason for Kitau's crankiness, but doubts it.

Kitau was successful in getting the shifter "out" of the never ever game with ease, and it had the desired result - a few moments of silent shifter.  With that small victory as a catalyst, Kitau was able to successfully use what little she said in later games to steer Mittens toward saying less.

Upon arrival at Kobold Hall, she also has her lunch while waiting for the others to decide on how to proceed.  She's conflicted about voting in favor of Mittens' suggestion.  One, she wants to see if the wizard lives up to her boasted skill in stealth.  Two, it would mean that should she fail the cloth armor woman would catch the first few arrows with HER chest, and maybe then she'd learn not to boast so much.  But on the other hand it would mean *gasp* agreeing with Mittens, and, far more importantly, would mean even MORE delays to the violence.

So Kitau opts for her customary silence and simply nods at Callie's suggestion.  Do-nothing posts for her are not fail, their in character.

  It was just possible that Mitten's made their Nature roll, was how she knew the traps thing.  "Mitten's is right about their usual inclination toward traps.  Not that I've made it a habit to poke around inside their lairs either until now."

  Blake finished off a small bit of ration, was there any rule about eating before combat like there was for swimming?  "Considering what we're here for, I'd say only sneak in first if you think you can scout for the first problem we'll deal with and get back safely.  Even if you were somehow able to sneak all the way to the center of the keep, we wouldn't be much help to you from here.  And hardly able to retrace your steps as quietly."

OOC Style: DC 15: Know Kobold's like to hang out around dragon lairs and occasionally get turned into a Dragon hit squad if the dragon opts to pay attention to them.  DO 20: Kobolds use traps.

Is it just me, or do these results seem backwards in most commonly known detaOHMYGOD! This bear attacks with CLAWS! How could we have known that!?

"Right," Mittens says in answer to Callies decision, "Heavy armor people first.  As for my experience with Kobolds...  Well when I was much younger, I was taking a basket of goodies to my grandma when I fell into a pit trap set by a kobold tribe.  They took me to their brick fortress and fed me green ham while holding me ransom.  Hero after hero tried to rescue me but kept falling for their pitfalls.  I tried to make a rope out of my hair to escape..."

>.>  <.<

"Orrr I read these stories in books, but that doesn't sound as exciting."

Kitau rolls her eyes, puts away the rest of her ration, and descends the ladder without waiting for Dido to take the lead.  She decides to bypass the last few rungs by sliding down landing with a nice armory kerchink.  She finds her self at one end of a short hall that ends in a staircase leading down.  It's darker than the sunny day above, but not so dark that it's easy enough to tell that the hall is unoccupied.  She waits for the others to catch up.

(( Take 10 acro stunt.  Book makes no mention of lighting but assumes that PCs can see the darkvision enabled kobolds well enough when they get that far...  So...  Not even going to bother saying it's anything other than "bright" light.))

Dido ALMOST trips over himself trying to go RIGHT behind Kitau. He's annoyed, not wanting anything to happen to the people he's just getting to know. He lands with an even loader clang as he reaches the bottom and glances around, hammer ready. He then looks at Kitau and calms down a little. "Safe." he says, looking up where the others are.

Callie steps down the ladder soon after and waits for the others before leading the way down the hall. "Despite our lack of stealth options, I recommend we keep our voices down and our talking to a minimum from here on. Agreed?"

  Clarence takes a more casual decent down the ladder, and the simply nod in response to Callie's request.  He's sure Kitau will be thrilled with that situation until such a point people get all talky anyways.

  OOC Style: Heh, the surprisingly merciful for profesional adventure writer 'you can see the Darkvision enemies fine' reminds me of one of the few random cultural quirks I've figured for Kasketons.  They don't install lights anywhere.

"Don't suppose it'll make much of a difference but fine," Mittens responds to Callie before descending the ladder herself.  Thankfully, wizards don't need to make athletics checks for such.

Kitau nods in agreement to Callie's suggestion.  And Clarence's narrative.  Speaking of narrative:

<adventure text>
The room ahead has four stone coffins, all of which show
signs of vandalism and abuse. To the left is a series of six
niches, set apart into two groups of three. Two more niches
along the walls each hold a suit of armor.
On the opposite end of the room is a raised section of
floor with a makeshift altar to Tiamat set atop it. Three
kobolds carrying spears stand in front of the altar.
</adventure text>

Skipping the first two monster encounters entirely so as to not get bogged down in less-than-interesting kobold fights.  I'll put us in the interesting ones.

Callie is having a strange deja-vu (sp?) of some elf asking about looting the armor in this room. She goes straight for the alter of Tiamat and examines it to see if it was replacing another alter or if it was just thrown there from convenience. She looks at the alter with a pitying expression, neither desiring to show disrespect nor desiring for people to have an alter of Tiamat.

(Tried rolling Callie's perception. rolled a 5. Realizing it'd be better to take 10 since we aren't being attacked and she's actively taking the time to search the alter. I think her perception would be untrained, so being wis, she might have a perc of +3. Meaning even a take 10 would give her 13. So fail.)

Dido goes to the alter. He frowns. Then looks for a means to cover up the alter. He'd destroy it, but that would make sound. He tests, however, to see how heavy the image (or symbol) of Tiamat is. Figuring if he can carry it out of there, he can smash it.

  Clarence gives the alter area a quick once over due to all the attention already on it, considering the rest of the room and it's exits.

  At Didio's actions they look over and say in a low tone "No wonder Moradin's symbol is an anvil. It's more resistant to smashing or theft from the religious competition.  It's not that Clarence likes Tiamat or anything, but when Clarence thinks of Nobel and Pious holy types, SMASH AND LOOT ALTER! is not usually the first thing that comes to mind.

  The first thing to come to mind tends to vary wildly admittedly.

OOC Style: Even though Wis is Clarence's primary stat and they are trained, it tops out at 19 Take Ten Perc/Insight value due to lacking feat+Bg bonus.  You need a 20 stat+training, or an 18 stat+training+extra buffs to take 10 20 perc/insight at lv 1.   At least Clarence has Lowlight over Matt, heh.  Speakin of insight, I shall edit my post if guessing Dido's intent is too far.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Sat 01 May 2010.

<adventure text>
Altar: The kobolds have lovingly crafted this crude
altar to the evil dragon god. A small bag on the altar
holds 60 gp, an offering to Tiamat.
</adventure text>

So... I'm guessing it's a rough statue of a many headed dragon made of stone.  Maybe... 50 pounds?  Then again, if making traps translates to any kind of skill in sculpting, these goblins crafted a masterpiece of an idol...

Luckily, Mittens rolled a 19+3 on a perception check that had no chance of success when taking 10.  Granted, the DM should have "called for a perception roll" given recent OOC banter, but was undecided about even including the next bit of adventure text at all:



What I find most amusing is the "DC 20: The character notices the firing mechanisms in the ."  ...What?  The check is so difficult even the DM isn't allowed to see what a successful perc check yields?  No fix in errata either.  Amusingly, Mittens succeeded the DC 25 thievery check on her first try.  The nine other tries for giggles all failed.

Mittens raises an eyebrow and clears her throat to catch the attention of the halflings at the altar.  She steps over to the nearest suit of armor, reaches into the helmet with a tool, and a dart flies out across the room.  "Remember that bit about Kobolds liking traps?" she whispers, "Well apparently they're epic at being able to hide whatever would have triggered this one.  Maybe a pressure plate next to the coffin I was tempted to peek inside to look for treasure.  Luckily making a beeline for the altar was safe enough.  I wonder if Tiamat would approve of my greedy thoughts of wanting to take that money on the altar.  Or if they'd approve of our taking revenge on her faithful kobolds for their attacks.  Or our getting wealthy in the deal."

She fiddles with the workings and a very broken sounding TWANG can be heard.

"This one's disabled."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Sat 01 May 2010.

Kitau snorts a chuckle of approval of the latest irreverent statements made.  She walks around the coffin Mittens mentioned and finds that two of the stone tiles do in fact depress slightly when walked upon and spring back to place when stepped off of.  But because Mittens disabled the trap, Kitau isn't shot at.  She casts a suspicious glance at the other statue.  She half steps lightly on one of the known trigger tiles and slowly puts more weight on it until it gives.

"I have an idea," she whispers, approaching Dido.

She plunks down her backpack, opens it, and indicates that he puts the heavy statue inside.  Should he comply, she then closes the pack, ties the end of her rope to her pack, walks over to the first coffin, then pulls on the rope to drag the heavy sack across the floor.  Sure enough, one of the tiles next to the second coffin depresses, and a dart flies out from the second suit of armor right at where a person would have been standing if they had stepped on that stone.

"Willing or not, Tiamat may prove useful to us," she concludes with a smirk.

Dido has that "I'm laughing now" smile on his face. "So. Cool." he concludes. "Let's keep 'er around for future traps then." he returns his attention to Clarence. "An interesting point about Moradin, but it wouldn't surprise me if that did indeed occurred to him."

Callie gives an approving smile and accompanying giggle to both Mittens' words and Kitau's demonstration / commentary. She has no commentary to add and simply continues on farther into the structure, figuring this room is more or less done.

  Yup, Clarence likes Kitau.  Now for valid practical reasons as well.  "Convenient indeed... Though if they shoot out of the helmets, couldn't we also just turn the helmets sideways?  Now that you have cleared some safe space, we can approach from that angle"

  It then occurs to them both why Kitau may not have thought to try that, and impressed them with Kobold dedication to traps.  Both are too short to reach the helmets from the ground.  So Clarence will deal with such if they find the idea acceptable.

OOC Style: DC 20 to notice a trap at lv 1.  Already commented on Clarence only having Take Ten of 19 because their Primary stat had the nerve to only be 18, not 20.  This lead me to another oh dear realization.

Rogues are traditionally the trap finding and Disarming guys.  But tell me, even post PH1... How many Rouge Builds use Wisdom?  None. So even if your Rogue has 20 Dex and thievery buffs, good luck having them find traps safely in the first place.

Wow, aside from the lack of Rogue utility powers which help with the Sneaking, Joe really IS a better 'rogue' as a Shootey Ranger.

This chamber looks like it was once a tomb, but the kobolds
have transformed it into what you might almost call a
playground.
Four stone coffins lie here, with a sludge-filled pit
between them. On the opposite end of the room is a pair of
wooden double doors. Flanking the double doors are two
raised platforms, both 10 feet above the floor. Two kobolds
stand on each platform.
Arrayed on the coffins are several animal skulls, all of
them arranged in small piles. One kobold holds a sludgedrenched
stone tied to a long rope that is secured in the
ceiling.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...mpvZVNFS2c&hl=en

((Taking 10 stealth is enough to not be noticed by the kobolds unless you barge into the room. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Mon 03 May 2010.

Kitau is learning how very inconvenient her heavy backpack is for transport, especially in a staircase that's only 5' wide.  She winds up lagging behind the others but keeps quiet enough to not draw attention to herself.

Mittens puts on the classic sneak posture (( http://www.l-o-2.com/blog/2006-10/sneak-king-thumb.jpg )) and hovers over Callie at the bottom of the stairs to take a careful peek around the corner at the noisy kobolds.  Being tall sometimes is handy.

"I've got an idea," she whispers to the others, "Well two actually.  One is I could use a ghost sound spell to distract them so we could charge in unimpeded for a few seconds.  Or I could fireball 'em and run to the last room so if they give chase they'll be bottle-necked in this narrow staircase.  Of course, plan B assumes they're dumb enough not to realize what a tactical blunder that would be for them.  On their home turf.  And that they don't run for re-enforcements.  I vote plan A."


(( I'll go ahead and tell you now that plan B won't work.  They're not that dumb. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Mon 03 May 2010.

Callie asks, "What's ghost sound? Sounds kinda spooky..." she shakes it off, "Having them distracted sounds like a very good idea."

Dido has a similar problem and lags with Kitau, lightly annoyed he isn't keeping up since he doesn't want the others to get hurt. "Don't forget to let me take point when it's time to charge in."

  "I'm all for distracting them, along with Dido going before me.  However, the last room has left me somewhat paranoid of those clear floors along the outer edge of the room past the pit.  And I don't think I'll be able to initially shoot for the one holding the rock...  I might be able to hit the rope though."

  OOC Style: Mitten's in CoX comment that 'probably the one on the right' had the rock means will take some doing to get within 10 of them, even if Clarence was in the first tile next to the room right now.  However, depending on where the rope is anchored to in the ceiling, Clarence could shoot out the rope from his first move distance.  A magically guided fire hawk is probably a lot easier to aim, and easier to hit a rope with than an arrow or thrown dagger.

  If it's too big a headache to deal with GM side, then I'll skip the idea.

Skull-Skull Stone Level 1 Blaster
Trap XP 100
This sludge-covered stone is tied to a long rope that hangs from a hook
in the ceiling.
Trap: When a kobold throws the stone, it attacks a target and then
returns to the kobold on the opposite platform.
Trigger
A kobold uses a standard action to attack with the skull-skull stone.
It can be used by two different kobolds in each round.
Attack
Standard Action Melee
Target: One character in the marked area on the map.
Attack: +8 vs. AC
Hit: 1d8+2 damage and push 2 squares.
Countermeasures
✦ A character in the marked area can ready an action to attack the
rope (AC 14, 10 hp, and resist 5 to all damage).
✦ A character can make ranged attacks against the rope.

Presumably this mighty rope of better-than-epic masterwork plate armor (Tarrasque plate armor +12 AC Resist 5 all) is affixed to the ceiling at the center of the room just above the sludge pit.

"Go for the rope then," Mittens whispers, "Just say when, Dido!"

She prepares her ghost sound spell while Kitau gets as close to the front lines as possible, leaving the heavy pack behind.

(( We get a surprise round which I think allows only 1 action.  Mittens is readying her ghost sound for when Dido gives the signal.  Kitau readies a move action for the same signal.  May as well roll initiative now.  ))

Dido (20+?), Kobold slingers (16), Kitau (13), Mits (13), Kobold Minions (6), Clarence (6), Callie (6?),
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Wed 05 May 2010.

Dido says, "When.", charges in, turning the corner and running towards the kobolds as fast as he can. He turns, slamming his backside against the wall and says, "By the Platinum Dragon, you will either surrender or face me!"

(Double-move to wall Kobold is on top of)
(Minor action: Divine Challenge to Kobold)

Callie waits for the others to do their thing before she too follows where Dido went, making sure to keep an eye on everyone. She leans her sword against the wall and laces her hands together in an indication to help someone over the wall.

(Double-move)
(Minor to get in the pose of helping someone up the wall)

>.>
Oh sure, I had said map on my laptop. But that doesn't mean I knew where everyone was placed. For Dido, his double-move is technically illegal, but I'm having him forcefully shove Mittens behind him, wait, and then charge in to begin things.

Mittens manages to get her spell off, and a voice like that of a female dragon booms from the far wall.

"TREMBLE FOOLS!" it says, "I AM TIAMAT!  DROP YOUR WEAPO..."

Mittens is interrupted by a paladin barreling through.

"Oh... pardon me.  Halfling coming through.  DROP YOUR WEAPONS!"

The kobolds are distracted for about half a second, but the bluff is so fail they look around the room and find Dido charging their way.  They ready their weapons.

(( Aaaalmost rolled a ZERO bluff.

Mittens wiz bluff check.

1d20 -1
2 - 1 = 1 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:59, Wed 05 May 2010.

  Clarence comments in passing to Mittens "And you would have gotten away with it too, if you did the voice for each head." Okay, so that probably wouldn't have helped, but the embarrassing whoops department is something Clarence takes the lead in a moment later.

 Why?  Well, after rushing out into the room and coming to a stop behind the coffin (conveniently between himself and the current rock holding Kobold), a Hawk of fire bursts forth from his staff, crashing headlong into the rope and...

  Does absolutely nothing.

  "...Flame retardant rope...  You don't generally associate 'safety precautions' with 'builds deadly traps'."

OOC Style: Clarence has 7 move, whee.  Fire Hawk is a fail by exactly 1 for the suggested reflex 10 on rope.  Meaning I rolled a 4 <.<
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Wed 05 May 2010.

AC 13; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12; see also trap sense
Trap Sense
+2 bonus to all defenses against traps

The reptilian humanoids gape at you.
Two carry slings, and quickly reach into their pouches at their belts
for ammo. One hisses and shouts, “Intrudersss! Intrudersss!”

The one Dido challenged slings a pot of very sticky glue at his feet, but Dido's so nimble he's able to evade the attack!  "Oum fwoom!"  (( That's Draconic for "Darn knight!" ))

The one standing further away glares at Kitau, but fumbles its glue pot and it cracks open on it's own feet!  "Blarg!"  It shouts!  (( That's Draconic for "Blarg!" ))

(( Glue Shot (standard; at-will)
R anged 10/20; +6 vs. Reflex; the target is immobilized (save
ends).

Had forgotten about Dido's challenge and attacked Callie successfully with slinger 1.  Targeting Dido instead makes the attack a fail. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Wed 05 May 2010.

Kitau's player considers having her do a high jump athletics check to attempt to catch hold of the top of the 10' wall ahead and pull herself up...  But she knows better than her player how high she can jump.  It would take a DC 30 athletics check even WITH a running start to pull off that stunt, so she doesn't even bother trying.  Instead she considers Mr. Plate Armor, Heavy Shield, and Hammer trying to climb said distance on his own and comes upon a plan similar to Callie's earlier one.  She rushes to Dido's side and drops to one knee.

"Stand on my shoulders," she commands.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:05, Wed 05 May 2010.

"Could be you just dried up whatever dampness was in the rope!" Mittens points out to Clarence, "And the next shot will destroy it.  Don't give up!"

She poses with her staff like she's using it as a sniper rifle and fires a scorching burst at the slinger that stuck Callie.  The "shot" erupts into a 15' firey explosion that ignites both the slinger and the nearby minion on fire!  They both shriek in pain and the minion drops face down motionless.  The explosion juuust misses scorching Dido by a few inches.  If he were any taller his head would be on fire.

"Woo!" Mittens cheers, "Two for one!"

(( Minion defeated, but not dead.  ;)
Slinger1 HP 24-5 = 19

Halfling average height: 3´ 10˝–4´ 2˝  If Dido were any more than 5' tall he'd be partly inside the AoE of the burst.  ;p ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Wed 05 May 2010.

No sooner does Mittesn defeat the first minion than another runs up the stairs to take it's place.  Well it doesn't stand on top of it's fallen ally but a little closer to the edge of the ledge where it spots Dido and Kitau.

"Nitis oum fwoom!" it says.  (( That's draconic for "Ignore the darn knight!" ))

The far minion swings the Skull-Skull! stone at Clarence and it hits him in the face with enough force to shove the druid back 10 feet!  Clarence manages to stay on his feet, but bits of sticky green slime from the stone remain with his face.  "Woot!" the minion exclaims. (( Draconic for Yay! ))

The stone swings back to the replacement minion standing over Dido who swings the stone at Callie and it hits her full on, shoving her back 10 feet before returning to the far minion.  As with Clarence, Callie is still standing, but now not only are her feet stuck to the ground but bits of sticky green slime are all over her.  "Woot!" the minion exclaims.

Mittens lightbulbs.  "Don't get any closer to the center of the room, Clarence!" she suggests, "I think they can't reach you where your standing.  I think they can only target Callie with it now!  One could say she's in a sticky situation!"

(( Clarence HP: 25-4=21
Callie HP: 27-7=20

The stickiness from the stone is just flavor text:

Skull-Skull Stone: This weird device counts as a
trap. The kobolds normally swing it down to hit a skull
on the coffins below. The object of the game is to get
a skull to stick to the rock, and then grab the skull as
it comes back to the thrower. When the PCs arrive
on the scene, the kobolds are happy to use the rock
against them.

Also, the bit about Mittens figuring out that the rope is only so long and can only reach so far would have been a no-brainer for anyone now that they've seen it in use. ))

Dido sidesteps the jar of sticky stuff, being sure not to bump into Kitau as he does so. He ducks some as the explosive fire missed him by a few and he yells, "Hey! Careful with that! You almost got Kitau and I!"

Upon Kitau speaking, Dido immediately does as Kitau instructs, despite his mind battling him about stepping on a lady's shoulders. The alternative would be to throw a girl into harm's way. He doesn't doubt her confidence to carry him either and figures if she falls, that's more her fault for over-estimating herself. Still... "Thanks, Kitau!" he exclaims before attempting the climb.

He hops from Kitau to the top of the platform as if with ease and immediately raises his shield before a kobold clangs his weapon against it! "Clax de wux tenamalo, wux darastrix tuor ekess qe!" he says in Draconic before swinging his hammer at the one who swung at him, clanging soundly, but not damaging the kobold unfortunately!

(Move: Climb! Athletics roll: 18, +5 = 23 +whatever Kitau gave.)
(Minion Opportunity Attack: 13)
(Standard: Valiant Strike! Fail!)
(Minor: Divine Challenge on Kobold Minion)
(Translation of Draconic: "Robbed you again, you dragon wannabe!")

Callie oofs as she is hit dead center and sent staggering backward 10 feet! Not deterred, she hurries forward. She raises her hand and a bunch of moonbeams shine out of it to the kobold above her. Regardless of if it hits or not, she kneels to Kitau. "Your turn, Kitau. Ally-oop?" she gives Kitau a smile.

(Move: To the wall!)
(Standard: Lance of Faith! Fail!)
(Minor: Helping Kitau climb!)

  Clarence takes one right in the head, ow.  They steady themselves, wiping goop from their forehead.  They would be tempted to go for their own area attack if not for the fact his current allies were  actually up their now.

  "Well then, let's see if I can't discourage them more directly." Clarence mutters, as another bird of fire flies into the air and claws the slinger by Dido's hands.

---

http://rollr.appspot.com/view/...IIRGljZVJvbGwYvbcUDA
Fire Hawk hits Slinger 1, 19-8= 11 hp left.
Slinger 1 now has the Hawk Camping it, which means it can AoO another Fire Hawk if it moves, makes a ranged attack (like the rock.. if they are even the one with it right now), or anything else that can trigger an AoO.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Thu 06 May 2010.

The further slinger that dropped it's glue pot loads another into it's sling and slings it at the nearest target, Callie, but fires so poorly Callie doesn't even have to try to dodge.  "Glatz blackin!  Fernakantin!"

The other slinger OWs at being harassed by the fire hawk and now knows that it can't safely sling again for a while,* even if it shifts, so it draws it's dagger, shifts over to be adjacent to Dido, and stabs at him.  This too fails badly.  "Wux darastrix tuor ekess qe," it repeats back to Dido, "Thphthph!"  (( That's a fart sound made with one's mouth. ))

*(( I was wondering where the rules said this, and managed to find this:

PHB 57:

Whenever you affect a creature with a power, that
creature knows exactly what you’ve done to it and
what conditions you’ve imposed. For example, when
a paladin uses divine challenge against an enemy, the
enemy knows that it has been marked and that it
will therefore take a penalty to attack rolls and some
damage if it attacks anyone aside from the paladin.

))
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Thu 06 May 2010.

Apparently Kitau trusts Callie to be sturdy enough a spring board because she charges full tilt at the halfling, plants her foot on Callie's knee, and leaps up high enough to hook her axes onto the ledge, then swings herself up to a flanking position behind the minion facing Dido.

"Yish!" she exclaims, swinging her axes in a scissor attack at the minion's neck, removing it's head from it's shoulders with brutal efficiency.

Without hesitation, she readies herself to face the slinger.

"I AM careful!" Mittens objects in response to Dido's complaint, "I'm deadly accurate with my magic.  See watch!"

She holds her staff on her shoulder like some kind of rocket launcher then fires a magic missile at the goblin which hits dead center.  In it's armor.  Too bad she didn't go for a face shot or she might have finished it off.  Upon noticing that no one is in danger of the skull-skull! trap any more, Mittens points out the obvious:

"Good idea attacking the slinger, Clarence," she says, "Looks like that swinging stone isn't a threat any more so no need to burn the rope."

(( slinger1 HP 11-6 (minimum possible damage) = 5 hp left. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Thu 06 May 2010.

A drake snarls, charges up the stairs and chomps Kitau's leg!  Kitau hisses through her teeth in pain.

(( Kitau HP: 25-13= 12.  bloodied in 1 chomp and it could have been even worse.  check out these make-any-PC-jealous stats.  HP and basic melee alone make this thing crazy for lvl 2:

Guard Drakes (D) Level 2 Brute
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 125 each
Initiative +3 Senses Perception +7

HP 48; Bloodied 24
AC 15; Fortitude 15, Reflex 13, Will 12
Immune fear (while within 2 squares of an ally)
Speed 6
m Bite (standard; at-will)
+6 vs. AC; 1d10 + 3 damage, or 1d10 + 9 damage while within 2
squares of an ally.
Alignment Unaligned

... at least it has normal vision.

Also, put it as close to the top of the stairs as possible because I doubt it would be able to reach anyone with it's bite otherwise. ))

The minion at the far end of the room that still had the stone looks disappointed that it can't play skull-skull! any more.  It let's go of the stone which swings freely back and forth.  The minion then takes out a javelin, steps forward, and throws it at what looks like the easiest target: the shifter in a wide open pose wearing no armor.

"Wizard AC, lol-OW!" Mittens ouches as the javelin stabs her in the leg, "Spoke too soon."

The minion woots and tells his buddy down the stairs to join the fun!  Buddy does as suggested and his javelin also stabs her in the leg!

"STOP POKING ME!" Mittens demands, trying to imitate an orc's voice.

(( Mittens HP: 21-2-2 = 17 ))

Dido (20+?), Kobold slingers (16), Kitau (13), Mits (13), Drakes (7), Kobold Minions (6), Clarence (6), Callie (6?),

  Clarence's upset at the latest thing hassling Kitau is only lessened by the fact it is in no position to hassle Clarence.

  They rush forwards past the slime pit again having coffins between him and the Kobolds on the opposite end of the room.  Unfortunately for them, it seemed that he was in no proper position to hassle the Drake as their latest in a short line of fire birdies hit the wall behind it.

OOC Style: Move duh, Fire Hawk roll of 3 = FAIL

Callie meeps at how hurt Kitau gets, "Kitau!" she says in panicked concern before kissing both her hands and blowing the kiss at Kitau, the worried look still on her face. Kitau can feel that wound close on its own and feel a lot less painful. She immediately goes to climb the wall, doing a Jackie Chan wall-bounce between the wall and doorway just so to practically run up the wall and land on the upper platform perfectly.

Once on the platform, Callie cries out, "May Sehanine light your path and crush those who would stand against you!", several lights shining out from her, hitting Kitau, Dido, the Slinger and the Drake. The slinger and Drake get seared by the light while Kitau and Dido feel bathed in confidence.

(Minor: Healing Word on Kitau.)
 Kit's surge value (6) + Callie's healer's lore (3) + 1d6 (2) = 11 HP.
 So there.
(Move: Up the wall! Athletics roll: crit)
(Standard: Divine Glow. Blast 3. Enough to get all targets mentioned.)
 Kitau and Dido gain +2 to all attack rolls until end of my next turn.
 Slinger and Drake take 10 dmg
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Sat 08 May 2010.

Dido's eyes go a bit crazed as the drake bites Kitau. He immediately occupies the spot next to Kitau and growls at the drake in an almost Dragon-like fashion "Don't you TOUCH her! You will deal with ME!" he yells, swinging his hammer down on the drake while invoking a prayer of sorts, "Lend your strength, Lord of Dragons!"

With incredible speed from sheer determination, he brings his hammer back around like a pile-driver to the Drake's skull a second time in a row! Both swings hit the drake good and hard, letting it know who it REALLY needs to pay attention to.

(Move: Shift next to Kitau)
(Minor: Divine Strength)
(Standard: Valorous Smite)
 Dmg: 16
(ACTION POINT!)
(Standard: Ardent Strike)
 Dmg: 9

Slinger HP: K.O.
Drake HP: 48-10-16-9=13
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Sat 08 May 2010.

Dido's discovered the interesting THUD sounds that a drake's skull makes when hammering force is applied.  Callie has discovered the shriek it makes when burned by holy light.

Kitau clears her throat.  "Thanks..." she says generically to both Dido, Callie, and Clarence for helping her out.  She's a bit surprised at how angry the others are with the enemy for doing the expected, and how little they objected to her beheading a goblin, but she complaineth not on either account.  It's becoming increasingly clear to her that this would have been a very hard bounty for her to collect on her own.

She refocuses her attention on the drake, considers her next move, and chooses tactics over fury.  She side-steps to the top of the stairs, and begins hacking away at the drake's right side.  The drake hisses and takes the cue to hop into the spot where Kitau was standing... and is now flanked on two sides and completely exposed to Clarence's next attack.

(( minor quarry, Move shift, standard: funneling flurry. Drake HP: 13-10=3 ))

Mittens fires a scorching burst at the minions that speared her.  The slinger and one of the minions duck under the blast, but one doesn't see it coming and his head asplode!

"Take that, you pokers!" she says before shifting back into the stairway out of sight, "HA!  Just TRY and hit me NOW!"

(( Scorching burst: miss, hit, miss.  Move. ))

The guard drake takes the hint from Dido that he's the most serious threat at the moment and chomps at the most unguarded part it sees - Dido's face!

(( Dido HP: 25-7=18 ))

"Gah!" the remaining minion gasps as his ally drops to the ground.

It shifts forward in hopes of finding Mittens to retaliate, but she's out of sight.

"Grrr!"

It flings a javelin at Clarence in frustration and manages to graze his shoulder in spite of his being behind cover.

(( Clarence HP: 21-4 = 17

Future note: would be nice if everyone used the "Player/Monster HP:" format so it's easy to find current HP with a ctrl-f.

Also, given Clarence's current location, if he wants to drop prone he'll have total concealment from the kobolds.  ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:14, Mon 10 May 2010.

  Clarence figured that even with as violent as the Drake was, three incredibly violent short people surrounding it should be able to make short work of it.

  So they turned their attention to the remaining kobolds on the other side of the room, raising their staff to abuse them with the elements only to have their aim thrown off by flying sharp object to the arm.  <Deep Speech>"Your face deserves to be a pair of boots"</Deep Speech>  Clarence growled out as they swung their arm back again, still only managing to get the Kobold's annoyingly wet as opposed to anything useful.

OOC Style: SUPER Fail.
Fail One, rolled a 4 hours ago intended for Clarence's attack.
Fail two, Curious to see how much the dice would spite me if I decided to waste an action point on some kobolds, I pressed roll while I was typing my 'Clarence misses' post.
It was a 1, Of course.

So, meh, Action point wasted on a 1.  At least Maverick can feel better about themselves.

Unrelated note, among the other details the Charbuilder Summary paste ignores, it doesn't list your languages.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Tue 11 May 2010.

A white flame erupts from Callie as it encompasses the drake and Dido, burning the Drake to death and healing Dido some. She didn't even have to use her sword. XD She hurries to the stairs and down them and prepares to open the doors.

(Standard: Sacred Flame)
(Move: To base of stairs!)
(Drake takes 7 dmg. Drake is dead.)
(Dido gains 2 temp hp)

Seeing the drake fall and Callie worrying about doors, Dido rushes over towards the other stairs, hurrying up them towards the remaining kobolds. "Surrender!" he calls out.

(Double move)

Callie's ranged attack provoked an AoO from the Drake.  It chomped at her and missed, triggering Dido's divine sanction.  The divine sanction could have killed the Drake, but I'm assuming Dido's not intent on murdering wildlife, so it fell unconscious.  Callie's attack then hits the unconscious drake, taking it into negative HP, but still successfully doing the effects of the spell of granting Dido temp HP.

Kitau isn't willing to take the long way around like Dido wisely chose to.  Instead she decides to JUMP the gap!

"rrRRAAA!!!"

As she hurls herself at the nearest kobold, she stows her axes, takes out a mace, and swings at him with all her might mid air!  The slinger braces itself for the attack, but the club catches it on his shoulder and sends it reeling.  It teeters on the edge for a moment then falls head-over-heels to the stone floor below.

"BLAGK!" it screams before it hits the ground head first with a bone-snapping CRACK!

(( Minor: stow axe, free: stow other axe as part of weapon master strike 'cause mace is a versatile ( i've seen a DnD pic of a weapon strap for keeping it tied to one's wrist, but this is the best I could find google wise: http://www.climber.org/gear/im...ceAxeEckertClimb.gif ), move: running LEAP! athletics result 25!  success! standard: ready weaponmaster strike for the moment Kitau is adjacent to the kobold.  HIT!  weaponmaster club effect: slide target 1 square.  kobold fails save vs. falling off the edge!

Slinger2 HP: 24-13-10(maximum possible damage) = 1

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/ima...erpt_4E_paragon2.jpg ))
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Tue 11 May 2010.

Mittens peeks her head out, very very sorry she missed all the action.  That'll teach her to duck around a corner to avoid being attacked!

"Ooh!  Ooh!" she she says excitedly when she sees the kobolds lined up for a scorching burst, "Perfect!  Nice positioning, Kitau!"

She swings her staff in an arc with a WHOOSH and a fireball explodes halfway up the wall, overwhelming the last two kobolds!  Kitau gasps when the fireball just barely misses her.

(( Scorching burst hit both.  Yay win! ^.^ ))

  Clarence comments to Mittens as they come out into the open, "Any particular suggestions on how to shoot that well when I'm closer to them?... Oh, right."  This last part said as they consider the obvious, being javelin ouch.  "Much rather you manage to hit things and remain out of harms way, so if you can keep that up it should be convenient overall."

  Clarence considers taking the javelin with him, but decides against it.  Possibly due to the fact Clarence would have been a Javelins R Us class if those even existed.

  "Are the rest of you alright back there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Wed 12 May 2010.

Callie opens the doors to unveil how she's doing. "I'm doing OK, thanks. Kitau? Dido?"

Dido's charge is slowed to a jog and then a stand still when he sees the bunch dead when he arrives. "....what? How did you get here?" he asks Kitau in honest confusion. He then peers over the edge. "I'm doing OK. And from the looks of it, so's Kitau."

Kitau stows her mace and draws out a dagger, kneeling down over one of the unconscious kobolds.

"I'm fine," she says, stabbing the helpless kobold in the throat repeatedly, "Don't forget to check for survivors.  We should collect their noses for the bounty.  Much easier to carry than heads."

She then proceeds to slice the nose off of the kobold.

Mittens puts on one of those vacant-eyes anime shocked expressions ( http://forums.animesuki.com/im...rs/avatar39790_1.gif ) and stares at Kitau's butchering.

"Well..." she says, "I suppose she has a point about the noses...  But I was under the impression we were... you know... trying to not kill them on purpose or something."

Callie only hears butchering SOUNDS, not really knowing the critter wasn't dead. "I thought they *were* dead. You're right, though Mittens. Don't forget everyone, if you find a survivor, don't kill it." she goes around the doorway to look at the downed kobold that fell. "This one's definitely dead..." she goes to check the ones upstairs that they fought at the beginning (left side of map).

Dido frowns. These kobolds were clearly on the side of darkness with no intent of ever going good. And they worship Tiamat. "I don't know that we'll have enough rope to tie up all the kobolds that may survive. What should we do if we wind up with more captives than rope?"

  "She jumped."  Clarence says in regards to Dido's initial question.  "I'm admittedly more concerned with us not dieing than how the kobolds end up."

Kitau gives an annoyed glance in the direction of Callie's voice when she gives the gentle order of not killing the kobolds.  She takes hold of the next kobold minion and stabs it in spine to keep it from screaming should it wake up before she can remove it's head and mount it on the end of her javelin as an ornament.

"Why keep them alive?" she asks as coldly as she can, "I doubt they'll answer any questions."

Because it's unlikely they're interested in keeping the kobolds alive for any of the other reasons Kitau can think of.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:05, Wed 12 May 2010.

Mittens approaches the one Callie pronounced dead and rubs her chin.

"Hmm," she says thoughtfully, "I was very careful to apply only enough power to make a small creature pass out...  I guess it was well on it's way to being dead before I blasted it."

She looks over at Dido.

"I'm sure Kitau would be more than happy to remove their hands and feet should we run out of rope."

She glances at Kitau's new javelin ornament.

"Wont that make it harder to throw?"

Kitau takes the minion's remaining javelin and stows it without commenting.

Callie says, "They may be kobolds and we may have heard the kobolds here are up to nothing but bad, but the kobolds are living, breathing, thinking creatures and the person who told us all that info didn't seem all that nice himself. For all we know, the kobolds here are not evil or are just doing their job or some other unforeseen reason we should not kill them. We are not judge, jury and executioner. I have no problems with us defending ourselves from attacks like we just did, but suppose you found out the kobold whose head you just mounted turned out to be a gnome from your hometown, but was magically enchanted to look like a kobold. Or was working under cover. You never know."

Kitau will likely have to remind herself that Callie DOESN'T know Kitau's background, so her saying what she just said was so not meant to be insensitive.

Dido is trying to get over the "she jumped" answer as he examines the gap. He looks at Clarence and says, "Well as Callie pointed out, defending yourself is sufficient for that." he then adds, "Chances of any kobolds here being undercover gnomes, though, are very low. And I understand most illusory enchantments wear off once the enchanted is dead. So let's not worry too much on that for now..."

  Clarence decides to let the moral debate up to, if not the experts, then those not him.  They take this mostly peaceful time to actually deal with his injuries cause by those so much effort into the lives or are being given.

OOC Style:one surge, 23 out of 25 HP cause I'm too lazy to burn another surge on 2 HP. 7 surges left
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Thu 13 May 2010.

Kitau eyebrow twitches at Callie's speech but decides to just take advantage of the truck sized loophole of "kill in 'self defense'" in the orders rather than argue the moral point.

"Fine," she says, trying to "casually" get to any other survivors so she can finish them off hopefully without the others noticing.  Once there aren't any other opportunities to snuff out kobold life, she retrieves her S.A.K. and waits at the hall that leads to the next room.

(( Kitau HP: 23. 7/8 surges. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Thu 13 May 2010.

When everyone's ready to move on in proper marching order, Mittens joins them.

You arrive at a chamber with a 20-foot-tall ceiling. Before
you is a 10-foot tall wall that leaves passages open to both
the right and left.

Mittens considers this new scenery.

"I suppose I don't need to say 'it's a trap' at this point?" she whispers to the others.

Suddenly, the sound of cracking timbers
echoes through the hall. The floor shakes, dust cascades
down from the ceiling, and something big and heavy hurtles
toward you!

"I guess not."

(( Mittens HP: full 21  5/6 surges ))

Rolling Boulder Level 3 Blaster
Trap XP 150
A giant boulder rolls through the chamber.
Trap: The boulder rolls over everything in its path.
Perception
✦ DC 10: The character notices the approaching boulder.
Initiative +5 Speed 8
Trigger
As soon as the encounter begins, the trap rolls initiative.
Attack
Opportunity Action Melee
Target: Attacks any character in a space it enters
Attack: +7 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 damage and knock prone.
Special: If the boulder ends its turn in a space with a character, it
makes a second attack. The character then moves to any open
adjacent space (character’s choice).
Countermeasure
✦ A character can attempts a DC 20 Athletics check as an
immediate reaction to leap over the rolling boulder.

Where we currently stand is not in the boulder's path.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...mpvZVNFS2c&hl=en
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:02, Thu 13 May 2010.

Boulder: 19+8=27, Kobold Slingers, Kitau: 16+3=19, Spiretop Drake: 11+6=17, Dido: 15+1=16, Kobold Wyrmpriest: 11+4=15, Clarence 12, Kobold Dragonshields: 8 + 4 = 12, Mittens 7+1=8, Callie: 6+1=7
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Fri 14 May 2010.

Dido continues to take point. He stops everyone short of the room and says, "I suggest we wait a little and see what that snap was about..." he then peeks about to see what's going on.

Callie is quiet. She can sense the annoyance coming from Kitau and also that Kitau is secretly trying to get away with killing more kobolds. So Callie pretends not to notice and just keeps herself in convenient spots to keep the killings from happening. She keeps a mental note that Kitau is likely to stir up trouble and might not be entirely trustworthy. For someone so gruff, she isn't as forthcoming as Callie has come to expect from headstrong types.

Once everyone moved along, she does as Dido suggests and shuts up.

(Callie insight on Kitau: 10+10=20)
(Callie bluff on Kitau: 10+4=14)

  Clarence carefully walks out to the first section of the room, eyewidens, then hurries back to where he was (which he can do with just 6 out of his 7 move).  "There is a giant boulder rolling around in there...  Maybe we should wait until it stops?"

Initiative results, 12.  After Dido, Before Mittens.  When initiative order starts to matter anyways.

DC 10 perc check to notice a 4 tile boulder. Ahahahahahaha... ;.; But yeah, Clarence totally makes that. A ONE would make that if I had to roll, and can't crit fail a perc/skill check. (outside of sadistic GM ruling)

The boulder slams into something the side of the wall around the corner, but with a very wooden sounding BANG instead of the expected stone-on-stone sound, cluing them into the fact that there may be doors in that direction.  The stone then rolls north followed by the expected stony CRACK!  Then more rolling sounds.

"The stone won't stay stopped from the sounds of it," Mittens points out.

Two Kobold Slingers climb to the top of the wall in front of the heroes.

"Aaak!" one of them screams, pointing at Kitau, "Coi tepohaic wer fothisev di Billy!" (( Draconic: "It has Billy's head!" ))

They both sling stones at Kitau.  She ducks under one shot, backhands the other shot, and snarls at them.

(( Kitau HP: 23-0=23 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Fri 14 May 2010.

Kitau had no idea Callie was on to her ploy and followed along with the others.

When the Slingers show up she decides on a strategy.  It worked out well last time, so Kitau tries for the athletics feat followed by clobbering an enemy off a wall tactic.  She scales the wall, breaks out the mace, and whacks it across the jaw trying to knock it off the wall.

"Ooomf!" it exclaims before regaining it's balance and celebrating, "Kaching!"

(( Move with successful Athletics check, standard: weapon master's strike HIT! But the slinger succeed the "resist falling" save throw.  I understand that climbing without a staircase normally costs double movement per vertical square for a total of 6 squares to get to where I had her standing before, 7 if diagonal movement after a climb to avoid AoO isn't allowed.  I'm going to overlook this because I wouldn't require Clarence spend a combat round action to move into the room and back, and adventures usually say "Have PCs place their figs on the map" but I skipped that step in the interest of moving things along.

But if anyone objects I can edit the post that she instead did an unarmed bull-rush that dealt no damage.

Slinger2 HP: 24-10=14.  Is marked by Kitau.
AC 13; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 12; ))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Fri 14 May 2010.

From the far corner of the room, a small dragon-like monster takes flight, bites at Kitau who evades the attack, then flies away.

((
Spiretop Drake (D) Level 1 Skirmisher
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 100
Initiative +6 Senses Perception +3
HP 29; Bloodied 14
AC 16; Fortitude 11, Reflex 14, Will 13
Speed 4, fly 8 (hover); see also flyby attack
m Bite (standard; at-will)
+6 vs. AC; 1d6 + 4 damage.
m Snatch (standard; at-will)
+4 vs. Reflex; 1 damage, and the spiretop drake steals a small
object from the target, such as a vial, scroll, or coin.
M Flyby Attack (standard; at-will)
The spiretop drake flies up to 8 squares and makes one melee
basic attack at any point during that movement. The drake
doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when moving away from
the target of the attack.

http://www.spiritualmagus.nl/i...ll/SpiretopDrake.gif ))

I'm going to delay the Wyrmpriest and Dragonshields down to the bottom of the initiative order to make things more manageable.  The new initiative order is:

Wyrmpriest, Dragonshield, Boulder, Slingers, Kitau, Spiretop Drake, Everyone else in any order.

"Nice taking of the high ground, Kitau," Mittens comments while firing a scorching burst at the Slingers, "I don't suppose the boulder can climb walls too, but you never know..."

"AAAK!" the ignited kobolds scream!

(( Slinger1 HP: 24-9=15
Slinger2 HP: 14-9=5 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:50, Fri 14 May 2010.

Dido hurries over to get around the kobolds so he can help Kitau. He can't blame her for charging in headlong like that, but for goodness sake, it would have been nice if she understood the concept of Paladin goes first!

He rather nimbly scurries up the wall, despite his armor, and slams his feet onto the top. He stands, slams his hammer into the ground and yells, "HOOAH!" like a spartan, challenging the slingers. "So that one's name was Billy, eh? Well he shouldn't have TICKED HER OFF!" he yells.

(Move: Double move to climb)
(I however, DID need to double move due to how far away the other available space was.)
(Minor: Divine Challenge)
(Intimidation roll: 4. +10 = 14. with any luck, that will piss them off enough to ignore Kitau as per intimidation rules; if you don't make them surrender, they get mad instead and aggro you)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Sat 15 May 2010.

Callie runs towards the wall, slams her oversized sword into the ground and pole-vaults up to the top of the wall behind Kitau, more or less side-flipping onto her feet and swinging her sword up to be with her all in one nice move. She then shoots a ball of white fire at the drake before shooting a beam of light at Kitau, causing Kitau to feel even healthier!

(Move/climb: 16+3=19. Close enough I decided to have fun with the result in my post)
(Standard: Sacred Flame. Hit! O.o)
 Dmg: 5+3=8!
(Minor: Not used)

(Drake HP: 29-8 = 21)
(Kitau HP: 23+2 = 25)

  Clarence has a significantly less fancy approach to the situation, as they stride out into the room (avoiding the run word, run gets you all kinds of penalties) and head for the platform the boulder fell off of. and then...

  They use the stairs.  We told you it was significantly less fancy.

Dido's taunt has the desired effect.  The boss kobold is more angry at HIM than Kitau!

"More like YOU shouldn't have pissed US off!" The Kobold Wyrmpriest shouts back at Dido as it shoots a crackling orb of energy at the paladin!

(( Energy Orb (standard; at-will) • see text...
Ranged 10; +6 vs. Reflex; 1d10 + 3 cold damage.

1d20 +6 >= 16
8 + 6 = 14 ... failure

...What text??

Kobold Wyrmpriest (W) Level 3 Artillery (Leader)
Small natural humanoid XP 150
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +4; darkvision
HP 36; Bloodied 18
AC 17; Fortitude 13, Reflex 15, Will 15; see also trap sense ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:41, Sat 15 May 2010.

The chieftain (the wyrmpriest) and the two dragonshields
remain on the platform.  If a PC comes close
to the platform, the dragonshields rush forward to
attack.

(( Dragonshields: readied attack, charge first enemy to come within 6 squares.

2 Kobold Dragonshields (K) Level 2 Soldier
Small natural humanoid XP 125 each
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +2; darkvision
HP 30; Bloodied 15
AC 18; Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 13; see also trap sense
Resist 5 cold ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:42, Sat 15 May 2010.

The giant boulder continues it's strange physics-defying journey around the central walled area, passing below where Dido is standing.  Meanwhile the Kobold Slingers find themselves between a rock and a hard place!  They're forced to fall back on their less favored daggar attacks!  The one facing Kitau manages to stab her arm, making her squeak!

(( both: minor to draw daggar, standard basic melee.
Dagger (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+5 vs. AC; 1d4 + 3 damage.

Kitau HP: 25-6=19 ))

Kitau really liked Dido's taunt.  She even smiled!  But it didn't last long what with being stabbed in the arm.

"Fall!" she commands the Slinger as she takes another swing at it with her mace and with a loud CRACK it's sent flying off the edge into the path of the boulder!

Then to Dido she suggests, "Can you push it into the path of the boulder?"

(( Slinger2 HP: 5-10=dead. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Sat 15 May 2010.

The Spiretop Drake makes a fly-by against Callie, chomping at her as it passes!

(( Flyby Attack: Fail. ))

  Clarence sees all the minor carnage going on, and sees that nobody has harassed the Kobolds on the farther end of the room yet.  so of course they take it upon themselves as their duty to mess with them.

  Is third time the charm for grasping tides?  Why yes it is, as the foremost dragonshield takes one right in the face.  Of course, fourth and firth time are not the charm, as the brunt of the assault is taken by the first Kobold, leaving the other two merely annoyingly wet.

  One could say that at least Clarence's aim is improving, but they are still missing two out of three people with what amount to magical grenades.

---

12+4 vs fort.  hits 16 fort, then I rolled a 4, then a 2 -.-; What's that Clarence? You hit something? Never again for the whole encounter.

Standard: Grasping Tides, hit Dragonshield 1.
Fancy: If Dragonshield 1 leaves the area of burst 1 centered on them, +5 vs reflex Arg, Target falls prone.

Dragonshield 1 HP: 30-9= 21

OOPS!  Fixing Kitau's post.

"No I'm not a one-trick pony," Mittens says as she fires a magic missle at the remaining slinger, "Or even a two-trick pony.  I'm just saving the big guns for the boss fight!"

The attack hits the kobold square in the back, and hits HARD!  It shrieks in agony as a few ribs crack from the force, looking like it's just a breath away from dead!

"Woohoo!" she exclaims running in the direction Clarence went, guessing she can out-run the boulder.

(( Slinger1 HP: 15-12=3 ))

Callie's concern for Kitau getting stabbed is quickly sedated by Kitau knocking the attacker down off the wall. Nevertheless, she heals Kitau again! "Light wash over you!" she half-sings at Kitau while once again using one hand to blast a foe and the other hand to heal Kitau. "I've got you covered, Mittens!" the foe she is blasting is the drake next to mittens. It's so nice to be in the center and at a high point where you can nearly reach and see everything.

(Move: Nadda)
(Standard: Sacred Flame. Hit! XD)
 Dmg: 1+3=4
(Minor: Nadda)

(Drake HP: 21-4 = 17)
(Kitau HP: 19+2=21)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Tue 18 May 2010.

Dido notices the boulder below is coming around and rather suddenly SLAMS his shoulder into the kobold slinger, sending him flying over the edge. The kobold tries to grab something! Anything! But can not and hits the ground with a resounding THUD! The kobold lays on the ground barely conscious only to see a boulder coming his way and he can't do anything about it. Dido peers down, then looks back at the Wyrmpriest. "Shouldn't have ticked you off, huh? Your ire means nothing, kobold."

(Standard: Bull Rush. Hit!)
 Kobold Save Throw: Fail!
 Dmg from fall: 3

(Kobold Slinger 1 HP: 3-3 = 0)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Sun 16 May 2010.

The Wyrmpriest is furious with Dido now!

"You'll regret that!" he screams, firing another energy orb at Dido before ordering his bodyguards in draconic, "Let's go"

The boss kobold rushes down the stairs to the west side of the central wall area to avoid being shot at again by Clarence.

(( Energy orb HITS (I think.  Assuming Dido's Reflex is -2 of what it would be at level two.  Also assuming he spent a healing surge during the short rest to bring his hp up.  18+6 = 24 out of 25 max hp. ) 4 cold damage! (rolled a 1 on damage)

Dido HP: 24-4=20 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Sun 16 May 2010.

The Dragonshields follow the Wyrmpriest.  At least... one follows, and the other tries and fails.  The grasping tide effects kick in and he slips.  Slips so epically that he does a vertical 180 back-flip and winds up completely upside down; his face on the floor, his feet in the air.

"aaaAAKMMRMF!" it scream-mutters!

It picks itself up and tries to shake off the dizziness.

(( grasping tide rolled a crit on dragonshield1.  I may give it some penalty in the future like it acts in an irrational way because of this crit.
Dragonshield1: move, move.  Dragonshield2: move, ready action = charge or basic melee at first enemy to get within range.  ))

The boulder slams into the south wall with a loud CRACK then heads east.  Right over the fallen slingers!  They make a sickly snap-crackle-splat sound as the boulder crushes their bodies under it's weight!

Kitau's not one to thank healers for healing any more than she's on to thank archers for shooting or wizards for blasting, but she DOES appreciate the heals none the less.  If she knew Callie were on to her ploy earlier, she'd probably appreciate the heals even more.  But Dido is now officially awesome in Kitau's book.  Clarence too for the very amusing bit vs. the dragonshield.

The sound of kobolds screaming and being crushed under boulders puts a smile back on her face and she considers her next move.  Since she's not blood-lusted mood at the moment, she figures a non violent strategy best.  The boulder has yet to go backwards, so she's guessing it won't in the near future.  So she stows her mace, grabs a ladder from the inside of the walled off area and plunks it down to the more useful to her and allies outside of said walled area.

"This way," she says as she descends the ladder.

She stops at the bottom and holds it to make sure it doesn't slip out from Callie and Dido when they descend.

(( Minor: Stow weapon.  Standard? move ladder from one side to another.  Move: Climb down the ladder.  It's a DC 0 athletics check to climb down a ladder.  Also I'll say it only costs 1 square of movement per vertical square descended. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Sun 16 May 2010.

"Awww," Mittens groans, "They MOVED!  Spoiled sports!  Ah well.  Not like I don't have a nice target to occupy myself with."

She slams her staff into the ground and a magic missile flies out of the top end and hits the flying drake with the same force it hit the earlier kobold!

"SQUAAAK!" it screams!

(( yay crit!  Drake HP: 29-8(callie)-4(callie again.  glad i'm not the only one who made that kind of oops) - 12 (mits) = 5 ))

That's twice now the spiretop drake has been blasted by Callie!  It tries another fly-by!

(( ...and fails. ))

Dido hurries over to the ladder as Kitau indicated. He knows Callie is out of sight and trying to help from above anyway. Soon as he gets down, he goes to Kitau's side and crouches, ready to charge.

(Move: Climb down)
(Standard: Readied action! Charge first enemy to get in sight!)
 If they come in sight, Dido's charge hits and does 7 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Tue 18 May 2010.

If it works, why stop? Callie whispers a prayer and a STREAM of white fire burns the drake with much fury, vaporizing it! With her other hand, she sends a beam of light at Dido just like the other time when she healed Kitau. "May you be impassioned, my companion!"

(Move: None)
(Minor: None)
(Standard: Sacred Flame. Critical.)
 dmg: 9

(Drake HP: 5-9 = Dead)
(Dido HP: 20+2 = 22)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Tue 18 May 2010.

  It's that time again kids!  Yes, it's time for Clarence to spectacularly miss with Grasping tides.  At least Clarence can comfort themselves with the fact that particular warrior is soaked down to their undergarments by now?

OOC Style: Rolled another 3.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Tue 18 May 2010.

The Wyrmpriest was so expecting the heroes to round the corner to attack that when they don't he suspects they were squished by the boulder!  He peeks around the corner to inspect the pancakes but finds that it's kobold bodies on the ground, and charging paladin in his face!

"ACK!" he screams when Dido smacks him a good one with his hammer, "Curse you!  Feel the wrath of the dragon's breath!"

He grips his staff and FWOOMS a 20' frostball at Dido and Kitau from his mouth!

(( Dragon Breath (standard; encounter) Close blast 3; +6 vs. Fortitude; 1d10 + 3 cold damage. Miss: Half damage.  The chieftain uses his +1 staff of the war mage to increase the area of his dragon breath attack.  HIT both!  Max damage!

Dido HP: 22-13=9
Kitau HP: 21-13=8
Wyrmpriest HP: 36-7=29 ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:50, Tue 18 May 2010.

The Dragonshield next to the Wyrmpriest charges at Dido and stabs him with his shortsword!  Meanwhile, the target of the grasping tide attacks has developed a sudden phobia of drowning upside-down.  It shrieks and runs for cover!  Then the dragonshield that charged Dido finishes him off with a second attack!

(( Dragonshield2: readied charge vs. Dido HIT!  Dragonshield1: Move, full defense action.  Second attack HIT!  Did attempts 2nd chance racial power.  Hits anyway!

Dido HP: 9-7-7=-5! ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Wed 19 May 2010.

The rolling stone once again stops abruptly and changes course, this time crushing the Spiretop Drake as it rolls by!

  Clarence feels a moment of pity for the Drake, which is quickly crushed like that Kobold as the rational non Hippie part of their mind reminds them it was trying to kill them.

  Clarence makes his way down the stairs, then hurries across the floor past Mittens, commenting "Nice shot, I'll have to ask for pointers on proper staff usage during a quiet moment." as they continue past.

  They realize they could make it around the corner, but they would prefer to be out of harms way as much as possible so hurry up the ladder and stop short of visible contact between himself and the remaining Kobolds.

OOC Style: Double Move.

Mittens rushes past Kitau and whispers to as she passes, "Don't forget the boulder.  Far wall is safe."

"Taking the high ground doesn't hurt," she answers Clarence, "I got an idea, but we need them to move.  Don't let them hold their ground!"

Once next to Dido's body she slams her staff into the ground and says authoritatively, "You think that's a blast?!  Amateur!  I'll show you a BLAST!"

She holds out her hand and a 25' blast of fire incinerates the kobolds!  Their scorched black faces blink-blink after the attack.

(( Hit, Hit, miss.  Max damage!

Wyrmpriest HP: 29-16=13
Dragonshield1 HP: 21-16=5 ))

Whatever advice Mittens whispered at Kitau didn't register.  She goes berserk and charges in screaming bloody murder!  She breaks out the double axes and attacks the two nearest Kobolds!

(( Hit dragonshield with weaponmaster strike.  max damage!  ACTION POINT missed wyrmpriest.  oh well.  they're both marked now.

Dragonshield2 HP: 30-14=16 ))

Callie rushes over to the commotion and says, "Sehanine declares you do not die today, Dido! RISE!" She then puts her hands together and shoots multiple moonbeams like she did last encounter... both at enemies and allies. The Wyrmpriest and Dragonshield 1 get to see Dido waking up just before they black out and collapse from Callie's attack leaving only one Dragonshield.

(Move: To edge of wall)
(Minor: Healing Word)
 4 (1d6) + 6 (Dido surge value) + 3 (Wis mod) = 13
(Standard: Divine Glow. Hit! Hit! CRIT!)
 6+3=9 dmg to dragonshields. 11 to Wyrmpriest.

(Dragonshield 1 HP: 5-9 = KO)
(Dragonshield 2 HP: 16-9 = 7)
(Wyrmpriest HP: 13-13 = KO)
(Dido HP: -5+13 = 8)
(Dido and Kitau have a +2 to their attack rolls)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Wed 19 May 2010.

Dido opens his eyes, widens them as he sees between Kitau's legs and other such "perfect view from here" points, but also sees she's going berzerk. Deciding between the legs is a good idea, he swings his hammer up into the Dragonshield's crotch.

A crowd says, "oooo..." and Shau Kaun says, "Excellent!"

Dido then rolls to the side and stands up to watch the Dragonshield collapse. "Quick... the boulder..." he says as he comes to his senses. He grabs the Wyrmpriest and hefts the guy over his shoulders.

(Standard: Valorous Smite. Hit!)
 dmg: 5+4=9
(Move: Stand from prone)

(Dragonshield 2 HP: 7-9 = KO and never reproducing)

The boulder rounds the corner and squishes the kobolds still on the ground!  CRUNCH!

(( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN_R0J8kU5I comes to mind. ))

  "As tempting as a ladder may look in this situation, head for the hall we came from."  Clarence calls down from the ledge.  Game mechanics talky wise, Dido, Kitau, and Mittens could all reach the saftey of the hall (just exactly in the 4 move qualified) in a single move action.  Just in case anything happened.

  They are tempted to shoot at the boulder, but have the feeling even if their atrocious aim stops giving them problems it wouldn't be the best way top deal with this.  So they head around the wall and down the ladder to check out the door and area for anything more quirky than 'there is a door here, possibly locked'.

OOC Style: Double move, take ten perc with Training and Wisdom as my primary stat only (highest without additional skill boost assistance, or a 20 stat) = 19

"MOVE IT!" Kitau shouts at Dido.

She doesn't wait for the moments-before-dying paladin to react.  With surprising speed and strength, she football tackles him out of the way of the oncoming boulder then side-steps to keep from being squished herself.

(( Bull rush vs. Dido's fort.  Not easy to do with a +3 str mod vs. a paladin.  But she pulled it off! ))

"What if I want to do both?" Mittens asks rhetorically as she snatches the ladder and heads for the hall to keep it from getting crunched.

Clarence finds...  The inside of a wooden door.  It's barred shut with a wooden beam from his side.  This might explain why it's thievery skill-proof.  The rolling boulder is slowing down and is now no longer a threat to anyone in the room.

Dido offs and winces from the pain. He watches the boulder go by. "Thanks..." he manages to say in a pained tone. He gets to his feet. "Looks like the boulder's done... and no enemies coming. Let's see about resting up some?"

Callie looks over and down to the others, looking around herself. "Resting sounds like a good idea." she says, having overheard Dido.

  Clarence remembers when they suggested waiting for the boulder to stop moving.  Of course if they had, then they wouldn't have had the majority of kobolds gooshed for them by their own devices, thus saving the Holy types some angst while giving Kitau a stage fatality.

  They remove the wooden plank and open the door, and head over to the others.  "Resting would probably be a good idea, are you going to be okay Dido?"

Kitau grunts and nods to Dido's suggestion and slides down the wall she's leaning against to sit.

"I wasn't too rough on you, was I, tough guy?" she asks Dido with a smirk.

That's the most consecutive words she's spoken all day.  She must really like him!

(( Kitau HP: 8+6+6+6=25 4/8 surges ))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Fri 21 May 2010.

Mittens' idea of resting is to put the ladder back against the central wall, climb up to the top, and look around.

"I guess the drake came out of that hallway over there," she says, "Could be this guy wasn't the boss but just a lieutenant and the real boss is further in.  Still...  we could take that bone mask he was wearing and claim he was the boss to collect the reward.  Still...  I haven't seen much in the way of stolen goods laying about...  Hmm..."

She returns to ground level and examines the boulder and the Dragonshields it's resting on top of.  She pushes on it.  It doesn't budge.

"Hocus pocus," she says as she wiggles her fingers at it, "Boy.  You sure picked a poor time to start obeying the laws of physics or common sense.  Get off!  Please?  It's not cooperating.  Oh well.  I don't suppose they had much in the way of loot anyway."

She then looks over at the Wyrmpriest and pokes it with her stick.

"It's still breathing."

She loots the Wyrmpriest.  World of Warcraft free-for-all loot mechanics aside, she's not one to cheat her allies and itemizes what she finds.

"Small silver key... parchment that describes the location of a secret door in the alcove to the north...  +1 staff of the war mage... bone mask...  And some vendor trash."

None of them are bind on pickup items.

(( Mittens HP: full 21  5/6 surges ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:43, Fri 21 May 2010.

Dido glances at Kitau, immediately returning the smile with one of his own as he chuckles a little. "I'm pretty sure it beats being run over by a boulder. Sorry if I was slow, I was still a bit woozy from being hit so hard." he glances at the remains of the guy he hit in the groin. "Thank ALL the gods I was NOT hit as hard as I hit him." he then looks at Kitau. "But thanks for the rescue in any case."

To Mittens' antics, Dido sweatdrops. Then gets himself up. "I need to question that kobold before he goes to meet his goddess... who'll likely devour him anyway." he goes to the wyrmpriest and slaps him a few times. "Wake up!"

(Dido's player can't help but think up a line like "I like being tackled by pretty girls like you", but Dido is not much of a flirt.)

Callie giggles at the sight of Mittens trying to talk to the boulder. "You really think all that will get the boulder moving, or are you a comedian on the side?"

She keeps her smile as she has a seat on the wall, legs dangling over the edge. "As for taking the mask and claiming he's the boss, that would be dangerous. Imagine if people came here thinking it was OK only to be killed. Guilty of trusting us and the sentence is death? You may rest easy on that, but I wouldn't. We should clear the whole place to the best of our abilities before making such claims."

Due to being a servant of Sehanine, Callie applauds deception. But not when it means putting allies or people you love into danger.

  The theoretical event of Dido Full Contact Battle Flirting.  Dol Dorn Tempus Kord approves.

  "As much as I hate to say it, you should probably take the staff considering you have the habit of actually hitting things Mittens.  And yes, while personal risk isn't my idea of a fun time leaving this only partway finished is not a good plan unless we have the sudden need to flee."

OOC Style: Clarence HP: 23/25 , 7/8 Surges
I'd say 'at least Clarence never got hit even if he didnt hit much', But then Mitten's didn't get hit and they were kicking ass ;P

Oddly enough, Dido's not-so-gentle lay-on-hands is unsuccessful in waking the near dead kobold Wyrmpriest.

"Good points," Mittens answers Callie and Clarence as she stows the staff and strolls over to the secret door and uses the silver key to unlock it.

"Kaching!" she celebrates, "Secret door unlocked!  Loot and adventure are sure to be down this way!"

She peeks back into the room and points out the obvious to Dido.

"Perhaps a healing skill or power might work better.  Unfortunately, I have neither to offer."

She then returns to Clarence and offers him the +1 staff, "Actually... From what I've read, YOU should take this staff if you're having a hard time hitting stuff.  I hear enchanted staffs make your powers more accurate.  My existing staff is already calibrated for accuracy, so I don't expect the Wyrmpriest's staff would do much for me other than making my fires burn ever so slightly hotter."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:06, Wed 26 May 2010.

If anyone hit YOUR groin, Kitau thinks, The weapon would shatter on your stones.

"You're welcome," she says, getting up to start collecting kobold body parts as proof for the bounty.

Callie hops over to the ladder, "I can heal him up so he can talk." she comments, decisively loud so Kitau can hear her. She makes her way over to the one Dido was slapping around. With the wave of her hand, Callie wakes the kobold. "Awake." she whispers.

(Healing Word haha! Gets recharged after the short rest, lol. So Callie will finish resting after this use of it. So there.)

Dido gives Callie a smirk. "Thanks." then frowns at the kobold. "I'll say this quietly and clearly so I don't break your fragile, gentle hearing. Talk. Tell me who you work for, why you've taken this place as your own and a good reason we should keep you alive." he says almost through his teeth as he's refraining from shouting.

(Intimidate: 17. +10 = 27. A take-10 would be 20 anyway, so yeah. To the kobold, he looks like he is a dragon barely keeping a halfling form (Metallic Dragons, that's the "good guy ones who serve Bahamut", are known to have the power to shapeshift into humanoids).)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Wed 26 May 2010.

  An 'Accurate Staff' could actually be enchanted, thus having it's additional properties along with it's inherent aiming boost.  But the character builder doesn't seem to be able to factor that in through any obvious means yet, and Clarence needs all the help he can get.

  But then, the odds a Kobold from Pre PH3 materials had an Accurate Staff were rather nonexistent, so Mittens's point was valid.  "Well, thanks then.  I hope that any more disappointing showings I have are still made up for by the rest of you."

"Ugh, my aching hACK!!!" the Wyrmpriest screams when it opens its eyes to the scary halfling, "WHAT?!  Szartharrax!  Keepmealivebecausehe'lleatyou!"

He cowers and hides his face.

"Your welcome," Mittens answers Clarence with a smile, "And a copper or three in the next Avandra shrine you pass might improve your luck with drowning your foes..."

She watches the Wyrmpriest squirm and boast of his master.  She puts 2 and 2 together.

"Of course!" she says, pounding her fist into her upturned palm, "Kobolds often dwell near a dragon’s lair, maintaining a safe distance but bringing sacrificial offerings to their 'god.'  Most dragons ignore kobolds, as a crocodile ignores the birds that pick its teeth clean. Once in a great while, however, a young dragon takes an interest in its kobold cult, which then becomes a real menace to the dragon’s enemies.  The Skullkickers must be one such cult, and Szartharrax one such dragon.  And judging from this little guy's frigid breath, probably a young white dragon.  Though white dragons prefer cold places, they're highly adaptable.  What they lack in intelligence, they make up for in ferocity, usually fighting until slain.  Like the other chromatics, they're quite greedy.  Hence the looting of a trade rout.

"So yeah.  What Callie said earlier is quite true.  If we leave this threat unanswered, some rival clan will just take the place of the Skullkickers and Szartharrax will continue to grow stronger.  Or... by the time we return with re-enforcements, it will have found some other village like Winterhaven to terrorize then come back once it's old enough and big enough to assault Fallcrest directly."

REALLY?! Kitau thinks, Mittens is actually thinking of fighting a DRAGON with a handful of barely-survived-the-tooth-picks level mercenaries?!

Kitau knew the shifter was crazy, but now she's thinking there needs to be a stronger word for reckless.  But she's not going to admit she's scared.  So she just scowls.  She wonders if the religious types are going to say something stupid like "Our gods will grant us the strength to make the world safe from this beast!"  Yes, she's grown fond of them, but is she fond enough of them to join their fool's errand?

She then considers that it may have some kind of weakness.  But no amount of intimidation will convince the Wyrmpriest to reveal such a thing.  Perhaps getting the fool to boast will reveal something worth knowing.

"Ah," Kitau says, "Finally.  A reptile worth killing."

Her ploy works!  The Wyrmpriest begins to swear up and down how badly it'll rip the good-guys a new one.

"Szartharrax will swoop down upon you and his frightful presence alone will freeze you!" he boasts, "Then he will freeze you solid with his breath, tear you to pieces with his claws, then eat your shattered bits!  I've seen it happen!"

Yup.  Kitau can think of a way to trick the dragon.  But she waits to see what the others say.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:04, Thu 27 May 2010.

Callie gives Clarence an "aww?" expression and heads over to him to reach her hand up and pet his lower back. "We all have bad days, Clarence. I'm sure you'll perform well when it counts. In the meantime, you are already performing well where it counts by being here at all, big guy. It takes courage and at least a little care for others' well being. But then, I never doubted you had such qualities..." she gives him a bright smile.

When Mitts spouts off info, Callie looks over at her and says in a doubtful tone, "A dragon? Must be just a baby or it wouldn't need these wimps to do its bidding."

Dido listens as Mitts goes on, Kitau spurrs the kobold into bragging and then Callie makes a point about the dragon's power. He smirks at Kitau's method of extracting info, then looks at the kobold. "I will spare you, but you must do as we tell you."

He begins bandaging the kobold well enough that he won't wind up dying from internal bleeding or having permanent injuries beyond what can't be helped. As he does so, he looks at the others. "What Callie says rings true. Take it from one who worships the god of the good dragons, a dragon, while worthy of pause at any stage of their life, would likely have already taken Fallcrest rather than hiding away if he was something we couldn't take. My god's enemy Tiamat is usually served by the aptly greedy chromatics and Mittens' guess is an educated one; these kobolds likely serve a white dragon. White dragons, as Mittens said, are quite ferocious. But they are that ferocious, making up for lack of intelligence. Key point. We are smarter than this dragon. Especially together. Another point to remember; we are together. This dragon Szartharrax (sounds like a hair metal band, doesn't it?) probably tore apart some lone, chained up, helpless villager these kobolds captured for him. We are not chained up. We are not helpless. We are not just some villagers. Individually, we could take any one person or kobold. Together, we can take a young dragon. Won't be easy, but we can do it."

  Clarence had a feeling Callie would want to go after a Dragon.  Clarence unfortunately for his life expectancy would go along with her to make sure she came out alright, not that he'd admit it (hey, Clarence needs some stupid guy traits too).

  "I'll be more comfortable with my good intentions alone if we get out of this intact.  On a pragmatic note outside of survival, would we be able to charge extra for the Dragon due to it being beyond the initial contract?"

"Never!" the Wyrmpriest objects as he struggles against his bonds.  He's remembering that he and his allies were able to defeat Dido.  If a metallic dragon really HAD shown up and gobbled up his friends with ease, he'd probably grovel at his feet and beg for the life of Szartharrax, but having seen that he and his buddies were tough enough to at least inconvenience Dido and his allies, he's convinced his scaly god can totally have the intruders for lunch.

"I'll never do as you say!"

"Mittens Dragonbane!" the shifter pronounces proudly, "I like the sound of that!  Whether we get paid extra or not, I'll be happy enough to have bragging rights!  And I've got just the fire spell to melt this ice dragon!  If we can just figure a way to immobilize it, I can slow cook it at our leisure.  And it's own fury might be all we need to lure it into our little trap."

She stares at the boulder, rubbing her chin.  She tries to get the Kobold to talk the same way Kitau did.

"Even a baby dragon is pretty tough, but I'll bet this rock is big enough to pin the thing."

The Wyrmpriest remains silent.  Oh well.

Kitau's not one to get into lengthy explanations, so perhaps a demonstration would be best.  She takes the Tiamat statue out of her pack and sets it on the ground near where the boulder meets the wall.  She then threads a rope through the gap and ties a bit of her rations to the end.  She then makes Tiamat begin to "eat" the rations like a child playing with a toy.  She tugs on the rope, causing it and the ration to retreat into the gap between the boulder and the wall.  Tiamat gives chase then gets stuck in the gap.

"When fishing for dragons," she says, "You need bait."

She ties the end of the rope around her waist, points at the rations, and thumbs at herself.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Fri 28 May 2010.

Dido frowns. "We have plenty of bait here," he says, displaying the kobold, "why use you when we can use one of them? The guy is injured, and if we injure him to the point of Szartharrax realizing the guy has no use beyond being food, I doubt the dragon will let him go to waste."

Callie in uncomfortable with the idea of using anyone as bait. Even the kobolds. But she is failing to come up with a better idea. So instead, she answers Clarence, "It's possible and worth looking into, but I doubt Serim will be willing to pay anything beyond what he offered. We need to at least try. Kobolds are bad enough without being dealt with, but a dragon? Mittens has a point about the thing growing more powerful and coming back later."

Elric pointed out that Dido should have more current HP than is listed:

(Dido HP: -5+13 = 8)



So should be Dido HP: 13

  "We would need a convenient way to drop the rock on them for that to work out...  And I would much rather prefer someone I wouldn't mind getting eaten risking such instead, but they just might warn the dragon if we leave them in any condition to."  Of course, it seems the Paladin already has 'break the majority of their bits' in mind as a precaution there.

"I'd wager Dragons are kinda sharp," Mittens points out, "I have my doubts that even a young dumb one would be fooled into chasing a cripple gagged-and-bound kobold being pulled away by a rope tied to it.  Even if he's really, really hungry.  However, a gnome who boasts 'I just killed all your worshipers, get lost or else,' just might piss it off enough that it may try and pursue when the gnome vanished right from under it's nose when it attacked."

"Yeah this particular boulder may not be very convenient.  We need to know more.  Like where the dragon is, if there's any chance of trapping it near where it is, how likely is it to escape if things go wrong... stuff like that.  And to know that stuff, I'll need to scout ahead.  I'm confident enough with my sneaking skill that you can put ME on the end of a rope.  If I get in trouble, you can pull me out."

She ties her own rope around her waist and heads for the "secret" door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:50, Sun 30 May 2010.

Kitau likes the idea of mashing a kobold till it's only good as live bait, but she can't deny Mittens' point.  That's what she had in mind in the first place anyway.  But she left out an important detail.

"I can turn invisible briefly when injured," Kitau says, "but my footsteps aren't that sneaky.  It attacks, I vanish and run.  It follows my sound.  I think I'm the perfect bait.  Rope is just in case I get frozen.  She's probably the better scout.  Let's go."

Yeah critical planning qualifies for lots of words.  Also, she likes the idea of having the wizard on a leash.  Even if a long leash.  She ties the end of her own rope to the end of Mittens' in case she needs even more slack.  She then follows at an increasing distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Sun 30 May 2010.

Dido frowns. He begins gagging the kobold and says, "I never said the dragon was entirely stupid. But it IS evil and will not mind the appetizer. I'd rather it NOT be any of us appetizing a dragon!" that last part exclaimed sternly. "Maybe I didn't make myself clear enough earlier; We either attack the dragon head-on, use the kobold as bait, or we don't attack it at all. I'm not using any of my team as bait. Period." he says decisively. "I refuse."

He glances at Mittens. "I don't object to a sneaky scout checking things out, but please be very careful."

Dido then looks down at the kobold with Megatron's "such heroic nonsense" expression and says, "The dragon you worship will soon eat you and may not even know it's you. You absolutely *sure* you don't want to help us?"

A "bweep" sounds can be heard by the players as Callie scrolls through optional answers:

   "Wow! Kitau can form paragraphs?"
-> "You know what? This is getting silly. Let's call for reinforcement."
   "Hey! Why do YOU get to be bait? I'm jealous!"
   "You know... dragons can KILL you with the injuries they inflict..."

Callie selects option four. "Really? I'm impressed and all that you'd rather die than risk the life of a kobold, Kitau, but maybe that's because you didn't figure if the dragon gets the chance to injure you at all, you will die. Its weight alone will likely crush you. So I wouldn't rely on your "I turn invisible when I get cut" power because at that point, it won't matter. Mittens, maybe you can tell us what kind of magic powers you have that could trick the dragon? Maybe even trick the dragon into thinking this kobold is a halfling or a gnome?"

  Clarence was wondering why he had suddenly stopped mid animation, but now we know thanks to Callie's conversation menu.  "You know, if we were going to have to deal with the dragon inevitably, I could just summon a Wolf made more out of raw primal energies than flesh."

  A potential waste of a heal surge and a Daily power, but that would certainly beat one of them getting murdered in the face.  As well as the fact something that could actively take a bit out of your ankles would probably get more direct attention.

Mittens puts on a knowing smile when Kitau mentions the invisible bit.  She wasn't sure if that bit about gnomes was just fairy-tales or what.  She looks amused at Dido's putting his foot down and even more amused at Callie's sarcastic stab at Kitau.  Clarence's suggestion makes her grin like she can barely keep from laughing.

"Invisible, eh?" she says, "Handy.  Good to know the limitations of it too.  And it looks like the more we chat, the more options open up for us if not for Dido's 'either it's this or that or nothing' ultimatum, but I'm guessing he's willing to allow a spectral wolf into the list of options now that he knows about it.  Like maybe it's allowed if the wolf is dragging the kobold into the dragon's lair as a special delivery."

"No sooner than you'd betray yours," the Wyrmpriest answers Dido.

She rubs her chin and ponders Callie's question then snaps her fingers to make a armless, legless, plushie kobold wearing a Mittens mask appear in her hand.

"Hi!" it says, "I'm the disembodied floating head of Mittens!  I'm not your dismembered priest wearing a mask, no.  I'm here to infuriate you or make you very hungry then float away saying, 'You're not going to get away with this!'  You'll need a perception or insight rating of 1 on a scale to ten to see through my disguise, so I know this will lure you into my tra... into killing me and eating me!

"In other words, I'm terrible at trickery.  My magic focuses on blowing things up.  Usually with fire.  But I can throw my voice if that's any help.  I like the ghost wolf idea most so far."

Judging from the fact that Mittens is progressing at less than half speed and looking around like a curiosity orb suggests that she IS being very careful as suggested by Dido.

Kitau face-palms and head-shakes.  One at Dido's "my way or the highway" attitude, more at Callie's implying Kitau wants to protect kobolds, but even more at Clarence's suggestion.  Would have been nice to have known he could do that earlier to save herself from having to form a whole paragraph and get swatted down by her formerly respectable halfling allies for it.  She hopes that Mittens' ridiculous demonstration will put across the idea that the kobold is useless as bait, but she's not expecting much from any of her allies at this point.  She follows behind Mittens with one hand on the rope and the other holding an axe, showing that she's getting impatient with the shifter's slow pace.

Dido snorts (No, not the elf style snort of civility, the "that was kinda funny" snort). "I agree... the wolf sounds like a good idea." He then lets Mitts scout on ahead. Callie giggles from Mitts' demonstration and then follows along. "Yep. Stand up comic." she declares.

(Haha! Fail post! Skip Callie!)

  "An idea I wish I could use more often, but alas I can't command a spectral wolf to bite faces off very frequently.  Of course like all our hopes for staying completely safe, it only listens to me if I'm within sight of it.  So while it would still only go for Dragon ankles or further kobolds, wouldn't exactly lead the dragon back to us.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Wed 02 June 2010.

Mittens smiles at Callie's approval and lightening the mood for Dido.

"I feel the same way about my big fireball, Clarence," she says in reply to wishes for more frequent and less limited daily power, "If we're lucky, we'll have a nice hiding spot we can harass the dragon from without fear of retaliation..."

Mittens continues to lead the way...

You follow a long, winding passage from the kobold
chieftain’s throne room down and down into the earth. Eventually,
the finely worked stone tunnels give way to natural
passages.

Mittens and the others occasionally find tell-tale signs on the ground of which passage the kobolds frequent, and it's relatively easy to travel.  The tunnel terminates in a poorly hidden door.  The door barely clings to it's rotten frame and rusted hinges.  It leads to a stairway that descends into a tunnel lit by an eerie glow.  Mittens peeks her head through the doorway then returns to the others after carefully closing the door.

"I think that we may be in luck after all," she says, "I think the dragon is in the next area judging from the bitter cold.  That doorway looks like our ticket to maybe trapping this son-of-a lizard.  If it's small enough to fit through a hole that small, then we can probably kick it's butt directly.  If it's NOT small enough, then we can harass it from a safe distance.  See if you can figure a way to rig a snare around that door frame, or maybe figure a way to collapse it on a dumb ice dragon poking it's head through.  I'm going to go take a look to see what I can see in the next room.  Stay here and pull on my rope if you hear me scream, 'Arg, not the face!'"

She re-opens the door and slinks noiselessly into the passage below unless her allies stop her for whatever reason.

(( Mittens' take ten on stealth is far from Maverick level, but still a respectable 21 with footpads on. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:57, Wed 02 June 2010.

For all her crazy, Mittens was useful in lightening the mood even for the religious types.  Kitau is greatful for the sunbeam of sanity shining through the cloud of crazy that is this day.  She's more greatful when finally they find a sign of having found the end of this boring tunnel, and it conveniently has a built-in elder dragon filter.  Nothing that big is getting through the solid stone that surrounds the human-size doorway.

"Collapse it?" she says, inspecting the solid doorway with a head-shake, "Not even with alchemist's fire."

Though if for some reason you wanted to dismantle the wooden frame of the doorway it could be done readily enough with a crowbar.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Wed 02 June 2010.

Dido nods. "Kitau's got a point. It's solid stone. And your condition for pulling you back doesn't inspire confidence. Callie should follow you so she can heal you if needed." He looks back at Clarence. "It's a good thing you saved the best for last. If there is more than a dragon involved with this, then we will pack it up and leave. So don't feel like your survival is gone just because you use your seldom-useable power."

Besides... Dido will become the meat shield for everyone as they escape if it comes to that.

Callie eyes the entrance and then when Dido suggests she follow Mittens in, Callie quietly nods. She offers her bastard sword to Kitau. "Hold this for me so I don't accidentally clank it against the wall and ruin the sneaking or something?" Of course, should Kitau take the sword, it's pretty hefty, weighing at 6 lbs. Which, to people their height, feels a lot more like 10 to 12 lbs. It's no wonder Callie frequently has the sword laying against the ground or has it used as something to lean on. How (and especially WHY) the girly girl healer manages to wield this thing is a mystery.

  Clarence refrains from sighing, because this is a time when melodrama and noises would not help them very much.  "More than a Dragon in the sense of a few more kobolds with it, or more than a Dragon in the sense there is something comparable with it?

  Clarence really does when the inevitability of combat turns up, they don't miss so often.  Fortunately the new staff they've looted will let the wolf fight a bit better as well... However that works.

Mittens gives Dido a silly-face wink.  ;p  She thanks her lucky stars that he's not insisting that he-of-the-plate-armor isn't insisting he come along...  Then face-palms when jingly-chain-mail Callie thinks that leaving her sword behind will improve her stealth score of 1.  Actually, a take-ten stealth of 11 isn't BAD at all vs.... nevermind.  Practically every monster ever would hear Callie coming without even trying.  Unless she weren't moving or talking and far enough away.*  A few steps through the door, Mittens motions for Callie to stop then leans forward to whisper to her.

"Keep an eye on me from here, please," she says, "Taking a peek around yon corner."

Mittens then begins to re-proceed down the hall.  If Callie follows, Mittens will immediately fall over and twitch from being run over by another derailed plot train.

*(( Stealth check: you move up to 2 squares without penalty and it's your stealth score vs. enemy's passive perc.  Standing still and you get the following uber "sneak" bonuses:

PHB 187:

Listen	Perception DC
Battle	0
Normal conversation	10
Whispers	20
Through a door	+5
Through a wall	+10
More than 10 squares away	+2

I plan to use said "stand still stealth bonuses" in favor of PCs only or they'd never detect an ambush ever.  Standing still, Callie's whispers are almost as sneaky as Mittens not saying a word and tip-toeing at less than half speed.  Callie takes one step, and she'll jingle almost as loud as a person chatting.  I'm guessing unlisted modifiers like "around a corner" or "more than 20 squares away" are up to me, so I'm going with +2 and +4 for those.  So if Callie stays put, she'll have the equivalent of a 22 stealth check or so.  The moment she takes a step, her stealth drops to 11.  If I were to insist on stealth checks for standing still, it'd be kinda silly to think that a human sword mage (stealth mod 0) breaths that much more loudly than say an orc ranger.(stealth mod 8) ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:54, Thu 03 June 2010.

Kitau takes the sword from Callie.  She always figured a different reason for the bastard sword being named such than it being the illegitimate child of a longsword and a greatsword.  She figures its name comes from the resulting profanity when a weapons-master tall enough to use both "parents" with deadly accuracy has a hard time hitting the broad side of a barn with their offspring.  She never bothered even trying to master this bastard.  She eyes the door frame again and gives up trying to figure a way to turn it into an effective trap.  She's guessing Dido wasn't even bothering to try.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Thu 03 June 2010.

Callie does as told, partly to keep the plot going and partly because she also wants to keep an eye on the others if need be. Her situation isn't ideal, but she will likely deal with much worse. Dido is silent and tense, feeling helpless a bit since his position is supposed to be in front. He leans against the wall to peak and watch Mittens as well, knowing he wouldn't be able to do MUCH about her being attacked besides charging...

(Skip Dido. Have literally nothing to post)

  Clarence finds himself wondering just how much this is going to sting.  Even if Mittens comes back safely and unnoticed, there's still going to be a Dragon to deal with.

  So, 'A Lot' is the most likely answer.

Mittens peeks around the corner for several seconds then slowly makes her way back.  She climbs the stair and indicates for Callie to follow.  Once the two are on the other side of the door, she closes it and takes a deep breath.

"Baby dragon located," she says, "White scales as expected.  Also as expected, not gigantic.  About...."

She considers the scale of the bit she saw.

"Size of a bear?  Give or take a few feet?  Would have to put some effort into squeezing through that doorway, but do-able.  I think.  So... Given that we can't have the wolf pull it here for us thanks to that inconvenient bend in the hallway, we going to try the charge-in approach now that we know it's not the size of a building?  If the fight starts going poorly we can retreat back here."

Size of a bear?  That figures.  The big bad dragon is just an infant.  Nothing to flip out over.  Especially with a healer around.  Kitau's face says all she wants said, so she doesn't voice her opinion out loud.  Instead she just offers Callie her sword back and waits at the door to see if the brave bunch are afraid of a bear-sized dragon.

Dido wastes no time charging in. "For the Platinum Dragon!" he yells, armor clanking loudly as he charges in.

Callie takes her sword back and upon seeing Dido charge in, meeps and follows.

  Clarence skips the battle cries (mostly because he can't think of anything to say and would prefer the more well armored sorts draw the attention) as they hurry in after the others...  Well, slow pace in after the others. 7 spd compared to 5's and and a 4.

  As soon as they were able to, Clarence would summon the wolf behind the Dragon.

OOC Style: I haven't updated the sheet click to factor in new staff. But the general details are there.  Summoning wolf has a range 10, and wolf attacks as part of the summon. So that'd be... +6 vs Reflex; 1d6+5 DMG.  Wolfy knocks targets it has CA vs prone.

Kitau 23 > Clarence 17 > Dragon 15 > Dido: 13, Callie: 10, Mits 5
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:42, Fri 04 June 2010.

Kitau grins that Dido went with the Leroy plan.  She was ready for this, so she manages to out distance him, weapons ready!

"Be on guard!" she warns her allies before rounding the corner and disappearing from sight.

(( Surprise round used to get PCs to their starting squares.  Then, Kitau move action followed by Standard action: Ready a charge for when the dragon comes within range. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Fri 04 June 2010.

Skipped this bit earlier because they ASSUME you just BARGE right into the dragon's bedroom willy-nilly.

Finally, you come upon a large cavern. The air is
unnaturally cold in here. In the center of the room is a large
pool of frozen dark water. The cavern is quiet.

Features of the Area
Pool: The pool of water is 2 feet deep and frozen
solid. The ice is difficult terrain, but the dragon
ignores it if it walks through it (thanks to its ice walk
ability).

Amazingly, it won't knock you prone.
http://spreadsheets.google.com...mpvZVNFS2c&hl=en
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:13, Fri 04 June 2010.

  Clarence follows after Kitau, coming to a stop against the wall with his recently acquired staff at the ready.  'I did mention the wolf will nearly murder it's legs off if I can summon it while you're next to the dragon, right?  That's assuming the wolf lands a hit, of course.

OOC Style:  Move, duh.
standard: Ready action, fire hawk (currently +1 hit/damage better than my sheet says) if dragon comes into range/view.

Szartharrax hears Dido's battlecry and wakes from his daydream.  He slinks out to investigate only for Clarence's fire hawk to swoop down!  Infuriated, the dragon evades the attack and barrels forward, propelling itself faster by beating it's wings!  As soon as it's within charging distance Kitau throws herself at the beast with all her fury, but her axe glances harmlessly off its scales!

<draconic>"FOOL!"</draconic> Szartharrax bellows, <draconic>"YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME?!"</draconic>

It rears back and belches out a huge blast of bitter cold at Kitau, chilling her to the bone!

<draconic>"DIE!"</draconic>

(( Move 6, Standard action: 2nd move, interrupted!  ACTION POINT!
Breath Weapon (standard; recharge ⚄⚅ ) ✦ Cold
Close blast 5; +4 vs. Reflex; 3d6 + 4 cold damage, and the target
is slowed and weakened (save ends both).

Young White Dragon (D) Level 3 Solo Brute
Large natural magical beast (dragon) XP 750
Initiative +1 Senses Perception +7; darkvision
HP 232; Bloodied 116; see also bloodied breath
AC 18; Fortitude 20, Reflex 18, Will 17
Resist 15 cold
Saving Throws +5
Speed 6 (ice walk), fly 6 (hover), overland flight 10
Action Points 2 1

Kitau HP: 25-16=9 (slowed, weakened) ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:17, Fri 04 June 2010.