Place holder. Reminder that RPOL rules kinda demand we do this.

"'You're here for two reasons,'" Mittens answers Matt, trying to impersonate a somber man, "'The first is because you ventured into the Depths.  I hear you did so to help the locals with a kruthik infestation, which means you're brave.  The fact that you're sitting in front of me means you're capable.'"

She shrugs her shoulders.

"I don't pretend to know how these things work.  I just know that what I see tends to wind up happening.  It'd be just as confusing for me if someone were to stab me and it didn't hurt."

Adam offers no retort and simply follows along.

Time skip!

The kruthik hive is in and around the tomb of an ancient
Dhakaani warlord. The PCs discover the excavated tunnel
to the tomb after a short time searching the area noted on
Olaakki's map.

Ashurta's tomb has a few features common throughout the
complex, except where otherwise noted in an encounter
description.
Carved Walls: The makers of this place carved the
walls with geometric patters and stylized scenes common
to Dhakaani tombs (History DC 10). As you like, embellish
descriptions by mentioning carvings.
Dread: A nameless fear hangs over the tomb, and its
shadows reach in unnatural ways. It has a minor connection
to the Shadowfell (Arcana DC 15).
Heat: Many of the rooms in this place are either hot,
or show signs of otherwise pervading heat. Geothermal
energy from the lake of fire under Sham powers some of
the tomb's functions, making what should be a cool underground
area much warmer (Dungeoneering DC 10).
Iron Doors: Rusty iron doors placed throughout the
tomb are unlocked unless otherwise noted.
Kruthik Tunnels: Except where they widen as shown
on the map, the hive tunnels throughout the tomb are
narrow. A Medium creature must squeeze, and a Small
creature must move through them at half speed. Kruthiks
ignore these restrictions.
Magic Lights: White motes of magic light illuminate
some of the tomb's rooms and passages. These lights
are remnants of more elaborate magical effects that
enchanted the tomb ages ago. They are not corporeal and
cannot be attacked or otherwise affected.
Stairs: Stairs in the passages are difficult terrain.

The entry to Ashurta's Tomb is currently deserted. The
kruthiks within the area don't emerge until after the characters
have entered the area (see Tactics), so they don't
appear on the tactical map.
As the PCs travel the initial passage, read:
The rough-hewn walls and ceiling of the wide tunnel give way
to a paved floor ahead. Dim white light washes the passage in
a pale glow; the light is brighter in the worked chamber farther
on. The faint smell of sharp vinegar exudes from kruthik corpses
that lay about the floor. Dark smears and spent black arrows tell
of a nasty battle that occurred here recently. Those who fought
the kruthiks are nowhere to be seen.
Nature Check
DC 10: The ammunition strewn about on the floor here is
clearlygoblin-made.
Perception Check
DC 9: From somewhere in the distance, a grinding sound of
stone on stone can be heard.
DC 10: Humanoid corpses were dragged from the passage
into the tunnel to the south of this area.
DC 15: About a dozen kruthiks fought about half that
number of Small and Medium humanoids here.
As the PCs enter the chamber, read:
White motes oflight hover in the corner alcoves of this worked
chamber, which appears to be the entry to an old tomb. In its
center is a pile of blackened skulls, held in place by a low, runescribed
iron barrier. A tattered red banner hangs from a shining
steel shaft that rises from the west side of the barrier. On the
western wall, the doors of the tomb's original entrance have given
way to encroaching earth-part of a dark iron door lies near a
pile of rock, and another part is half-buried in that pile. Pillars
hold up the high, vaulted ceiling. Alcoves line the eastern wall
and the northern part of the western wall, each holdina a scatterina
of old bones. A stair ascends in the center of the far wall to
closed iron double doors. All the walls bear carvings of geometric
patterns, and scenes of goblins at war, work, and play.
Four kruthik tunnels pierce the walls.

Angel seems relatively un-phased by the signs of struggle. She says, "Looks like someone was here before us and weakened the critters. So... what's the plan from here? Open the iron doors?"

Maverick and Carla are as talkative as ever. That is to say not.

  Matt finds himself wondering if they will even see the ghosts that are supposedly here if they turn up.  "The door seems to be the first, and only play for going past this room.  Trying to cram ourselves in bug tunnels is just asking to get killed."

  He sticks with the others for now.

OOC Style: Matt Initiative for later. 10
Matt's skills can Take-Ten every 'listed in post' thing but the DC 15 Arcana check (I'm aware the lower in post stuff is Nature, not Perc.  But Wis Secondary.  Honestly I'm shocked the DC's aren't halfway up Paragon from Mr. Professional).

"This place is connected to the Shadowfell," Mittens says, looking spooked, "Stay on guard, and keep sharp."

She nocks an arrow and steps into the room cautiously.

Lucky sits down so the children will slide off his back.  Once they do, he stands back up and enters cautiously, following Adam's lead.

Adam steps in, sword at the ready, looking for clues everywhere.  Including the ceiling.

Bag: When the PCs draw close, it's clear that a creature
bled heavily on the pile's southern side. A torn and
bloodstained leather bag lies on the pile, its contents partially
spilled out.

"This might have belonged to the last group to enter here," he says, reaching for it with his free hand.

Just then, A tapping like falling rain warns you of an impending kruthik
attack from the tunnels in the walls!

Angel: 28
Adam Init 21
Sharn Kruthiks: 15
Kruthik Hatchlings: 13
Maverick: 12
Mits init: 12
Matt Initiative for later. 10
Kruthik Young: 6
Carla: 5
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:25, Sat 12 Feb 2011.

Angel turns an ear in the direction of the sounds. "We got company." she says before noticing the Sharns. She fires at the closest one and has her bow ready to fire again should it or the one behind it come directly at the group. Even as she is knocking an arrow, she glances over her shoulder quickly before jogging backward several steps to be in a farther position, yet still in range to killify the enemy.

(Minor: Hunter's Quarry on Sharn 2)
(Standard: Warning Shot v Sharn 2)
 dmg: 11 (Includes quarry)
 If a creature moves into E5 before the start of my next turn, I can make
 a secondary attack against the new target as an immediate action.
(Move: Backward 3 squares)

Sharn 2 HP: 32 - 11 = 21

"That..." Adam says, "Is a lot of giant bugs.  I'll try to hem them in."

He charges in and stabs one squarely in the back!

(( move, charge.  15 damage to kruthik young 1 ))

The first Sharn Kruthik has no idea that Angel has forbidden entrance between the two pillars in front of it, so it dares rush through!  Angel fires expertly and hits it squarely in the leg!  But that doesn't slow it down.  It and the other sharn kruthik rush at her, take flight dodging the opportunity attacks of Carla and Mittens, then land next to Angel to attack!  Angel dodges one, and is just about to get hit by the other when Mittens hollers "DUCK!"  The attack goes high, Angel goes low, and the attack misses!

(( 4 damage to sharn kruthik 1.
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.

CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+7 vs. AC; 1 d8 + 1 damage, and the target is grabbed. While
grabbing, the kruthik can claw only the grabbed target, and that
target takes 6 damage, instead of 2 damage, from the grabbing
kruthik's 8nashin8 horde aura. The kruthik gains +1 to AC and
Reflex while grabbing a target.

Mits bard feature negated a hit to Angel. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Sun 13 Feb 2011.

The Kruthik Hatchlings swarm around Adam and attack!  Most don't make it through his armor, but two of them chomp at an exposed bit of his ankles!  Two others attack Carla and Maverick, but their attacks are in vain.

(( Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage

Claw (standard; at-will)
+5 vs. AC; 4 damage.

-2-4-4 = 10 total damage to Adam. ))

Maverick stabs the hatchling before him in the eye before hopping off it's mid-collapsing corpse to the one next to Carla and stabbing it too. Both of them make screeching sounds as they collapse. With that, Maverick looks from Adam to Angel and back. Adam clearly needs more help. "Carla, help Adam." he says, realizing Angel and Matt are a tad occupied.

(Standard: Basic Melee v hatchling. Hit.)
(Move: To Carla in such a way not to provoke AoO)
(ACTION POINT!)
(Standard: Basic Melee v hatchling. Hit.)

  Matt once again finding himself hoping that Adam does not die a horrible outnumbered death, and himself in a situation where he can't quite drop everything to go aid them just yet.

  Also, the usual crushing guilt for being glad its them instead of him.

  As the Sharn closest to him has their assault against Morbid Archers thwarted, Matt repays it's effort with a WhackAMole slam of his Warhammer before sidestepping and chopping the back of... well, bug equivalent to neck on the second (though in map terms, first) Sharn.  He is less than pleased at his shins being injured after the fact, but knows he's still vastly more well off than Adam is.

  "Be there in a minute Adam.  Don't Die." Great advice Matt.  Just wonderful.

---

  Reaction: Parry and Ripost Vs Sharn 2, Hits. 8 DMG.
  Move: Shift
  Standard: Shield Feint Vs Sharn 1.  Hits, 15 DMG (whoo max),

Matt Marks: Sharn 1.  Sharn 2.
Effects: Matt has +3 To-Hit for next Attack vs Sharn 1.  Matt takes 2 DMG from Sharn Aura.

Giga AoO Reminder: Matt has ridiculous Default AoO.
+13 Vs AC; 1d10+10 DMG.
Shield Feint raises it to +16 Vs. AC;  if Sharn 1 triggers AoO.

Sharn Kruthik 1 HP: 21-8= 13 (Bloodied)
Sharn Kruthik 2 HP: 28-15= 13 (Bloodied)

Matt HP: 46-2= 44/46 S 10/10 V 11
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Sun 13 Feb 2011.

"Woohoo!" Mittens steps away from the giant (medium) winged bug!  "Attack me, attack me, neener neener neeener!"

The kruthik next to her raises a claw to try and stop her, but Matt SMASH!  She raspberries at it and continues to the northeast backward to be close enough to Adam to sing him an encouraging song, firing a shot at the other flying kruthik that knocks it out!

(( move AoO interrupted with AoO from Matt and squish bug1.  Shoot and KO Bug1!  Holding off healing Adam for now ))

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:41, Sun 13 Feb 2011.

Two Kruthik Young attack Adam, one charges at Mittens!  All three fail to do any damage.

Carla comes around the corner of the skull pile and holds her fists forward. The kruthik around Adam seem to slink a little just from her doing that. Then she opens her hands and whispers, "boo." and the kruthik young back away, screeching in horror and pain as they catch fire with blueish-white flame. One of the hatchlings collapses from the flame while the other just disintegrates like it was torn atom-by-atom into nothingness. It doesn't even make a sound.

(Move: Duh)
(Minor: Maledictor's Doom on Adam's group.)
 -1 to attacks.
(Standard: Scourge of Heaven vs Adam's group. Hit 2 hatchlings and the 2 young.)
 dmg: 9 and -2 to attacks.
 Maledictor's Doom: Push 1 square due to fear
 Aversion Staff: +2 to Carla's defenses against attacks from Adam's group.

The kruthik that got disintegrated I rolled a crit on.

Kruthik Young 1 HP: 28 - 9 = 19
Kruthik Young 2 HP: 43 - 9 = 34
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Sun 13 Feb 2011.

Angel scurries over to the east side of the chamber and slides to a halt before stepping forward and firing at the kruthik that attacked Mittens. "I've got your back, Mittens!" and with that, a THUNK is herd as an arrow burries itself deep in the thing's exoskeleton!

(Move: To J14)
(Minor: Quarry Kruthik Young 3)
(Standard: Basic Ranged v Kruthik Young 3)
 dmg: 18

(Immediate Interrupt prepared: Disruptive Strike)
 Trigger: Ally attacked by Kruthik 3.

Kruthik Young 3 HP: 43 - 18 = 25

"Nice job, everyone!" Adam says, "I guess these things aren't as tough as they look."

He takes out one of the nearest bugs and steps south.  The other bug lashes at him, dealing a flesh wound.

(( Standard: whack a minion.  Move: shift.  Free: take 2 damage from aura. ))

The last remaining hatchling attacks Adam, but is unable to find an opening in his armor.

"Wunna flank with me, Maverick?" Mittens asks with a smile, nocking another arrow.

Maverick takes Mittens' invitation and scurries over to the other side of the Kruthik. Just as the kruthik seems to notice Maverick, he hops over it's would-be attacking leg and stabs it a good one in the back. Having caught it's attention, he is depending on Mittens to kill it before it retaliates on him.

(Move: to H8)
 It's as far as I can move, but even if it wasn't, I'd cause
 AoO moving into I8 from there. However...
(Standard: Acrobatic Strike. So hit.)
 Before or after the attack, you shift 1 square
 dmg: 15 (haha combat advantage)

Young 3 HP: 25 - 15 = 10

  "Just because they aren't as tough as other giant bugs doesn't mean they aren't dangerous.  Good job on the Not Dying thing though Adam."  This said, Matt charges forwards and gets a replay action of 'bounce the bug off the floor' strength impacts.

  The Young Hatchling staggers and skitters in a small circle a bit before getting all aggressively snippy again. "...Someone please nudge that thing to death already."

---

  Move: Duh
  Standard: Charge Vs young 3, hits. 9 DMG.

  Marks: Young 3

Young 3 HP: 10-9= 1

Matt HP: 44/46 S 10/10 V 11
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Mon 14 Feb 2011.

"Stupid bug!" Mittens taunts the hatchling next to Adam!

The one Matt attacked tries to take advantage of Mittens' opening, but Matt sees the attack coming and interrupts with a stern THUMP of his hammer on the monster's head!

Mittens sticks her tongue out at the hatchling.  It's head explodes!

(( Viscious Mockery is a ranged attack and draws AoO from young3.  Which draws AoO from Matt.  Which smushes young3.  Viscious mockery CRITS the hatchling! ))

The first kruthik young charges at Carla and claws at her, hurting her badly!  The second attacks Adam, but is unable to penetrate his defenses.

(( 9 damage to Carla! ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:50, Tue 15 Feb 2011.

Make that NO damage! Angel saw the bug going for Carla and shoots it with a bolt to what passes as its neck, making it reel from the pain and be off enough to not bite Carla.

For that matter, why stop at one arrow? Angel fires another arrow and says, "Hurry, Carla! Help Adam!" as the bug in front of Carla drops.

(AoO: Disruptive Strike v Young 1. Hit!)
 dmg: 11

Decided to take Angel's turn before Carla's...

(Standard: Basic Ranged v Young 1. Hit!)
 dmg: 10
(Minor: Quarry on the final enemy)

Young 1 HP: 19 - 21 = -2
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Tue 15 Feb 2011.

Carla points at the last remaining bug and shakes her finger in warning. Should it decide to harm Adam, it will have a world of hurt coming to it.

(Standard: Offering of Justice.)

If the young attacks, it will take 16 damage.
If it doesn't, it will gain 5 temp HP.

  They were all fighting for their lives against homicidal bugs, so of course Matt had inconsequential things on his mind.  "Huh, so that's what Carla's voice sounds like."  The sound of Darkblue...  Hey, when you talk with text coloring is CLEARLY sound variations.

  Yet more bugs dealt with via Hammertime Autopilot and, hurting their feelings enough to sadface to death, and arrows...  Okay only that first and last could be 'yet more' qualified.  Either way, Matt hurries around to the back of the pillars and seriously indents him some Kruthik shell.

  His efforts are rewarded by more shin scrathings.

---

Move: Duh (to 5M)
Standard: Halfcircle+Panch CHARGE vs Young 2. Hits. 14 DMG.

Marks: Young 2

Effects: Flanking CA to young 2. (Mav, get in here and Sneak Attack this thing in ZE FACE)

Young 2 HP: 34-14= 20

Matt HP: 44-2= 42/46 S 10/10 V 11

Maverick moves northward, seemingly past Adam. Rather suddenly, he pops out next to Adam and stabs the thing HARD! Yes. Shortsword is a rogue's salvation. No sooner does he do that than he ducks back behind the pillar so fast only the quickest eye could have caught him caught that he ducked off to the west again. Although he is in plain sight for Mittens, Carla and even Angel, all that means is they get to see him sneaking for once and it's no wonder he can disappear so readily with skills like that.

(Move: To H5)
 Maverick stealth check 1: 31
(Standard: Fleeting Spirit Strike v Kruthik.)
 shift 2 squares to I6. STAB! Hit.
 dmg: 17
 shift 2 squares back to H5.
 Maverick stealth check 2: 28

Kruthik HP: 20 - 17 = 3

Adam finishes off the last Kruthik with a reaping strike.

"Nice work everyone," he commends, "Here's hoping things don't get any worse further inside...  But I suppose we already know that won't be the case."

On the bright side they're just bugs, Lucky considers, Haven't had to kill people or fight undead yet.

Mittens hums a soothing tune while she investigates the bloodstained leather bag Adam noticed earlier.  In it she finds a damaged journal and an ancient key to the eastern doors.  The pages of this book are stained and cut.  The few that are scribed bear Common script.

"The writer was a member of the Kech Volaar-the Wordbearers of Darguun," Mittens says after few minutes minutes studying the journal, "I recognize that crest.  The goblins came here seeking "Ashurta's Tomb" and "the Blade."  The journal also mentions something about a key to the tomb's entry doors.  There's a piece of leather in the journal..."

She shows it to the others.  It has symbols on it that appear to be an open right hand over a down-turned triangle.

"So.  The goblins weren't down here as pest control.  They had something else in mind."

(( Adam spends a healing surge to regain full HP ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:23, Wed 16 Feb 2011.

  Matt eyes the symbol, then says "Well then... I have no idea what all that is supposed to mean.  Beyond the obvious Keys go in locks thing or 'Goblins want to loot something'."

  Matt doesn't trust in Mitten's to be able to elaborate because of Exposition powers.  He has such expectations because she's a Bard and good at that kind of thing even in the normal sense.  Matt hasn't read her character sheet and realized Mitten's bard has training in exactly zero knowledge skills outside of freebie Arcana.  He just expects all those bardic stories to involve backup in trivia knowhow.

  He turns to Carla and asks "So, do things always explode when you talk?  If so I can see why you would prefer not to in casual conversation."

OOC Style:  Short rest to regain Encs, but not healing up yet. (Just 4 HP? Not worth it).

Matt HP: 42/46 S 10/10 V 11

In response to Matt, Carla waves her hand a little as if to say "sort of". The little cherub wanders over to group now that the fight is over.

Maverick is annoyed with himself that he isn't managing to keep all these foreign names of groups and gods straight. Thankfully, Mittens decided to translate for herself. "Whatever they were here for was likely evil. So let's make sure we don't awaken any evil while we're down here."

Angel goes to check on the injured. This means Matt. Adam healed up. "You sure you're gonna be OK, Matt?" she asks nice and quiet so as not to draw attention.

  Matt nods to Angel, "I've had worse whacking myself in the forge.  As it is now treating this like I have past scrapes would be wasteful."  He smiles, glad to be seeing the 'concerned but doesn't want anyone to know' Angel again instead of the 'Slavery and dismemberment for fun and profit' one.

  "Thanks for checking though.  I've got a bizarre feeling that I'm not getting hurt enough for keeping the rest of you safe.  But I can only be in one place at once... And Adam is often waaaaay on the other end of where that can be.  He seems to be handling that much better though."  Seriously, completely surrounded by minions and more, Adam comes out pretty good.  Compare 'Adam Vs. Two Enemies. BLARG' in past encounters.

Mittens uses the key on the iron doors to the east, and it works!  The doors unlock and open, revealing a dark hall beyond.

"Boy those bugs sure do stink of salad dressing when they die," she says, "Don't be in too much a hurry to get chomped, slammer.  I'm sure there'll be plenty opportunity for that soon enough."

She doesn't bother with a torch and simply walks down the hallway.

"Your sentiment is appreciated, though, Matt," Adam thanks, following Mittens a short way but moving a little quicker to get ahead of her and take the lead, "A willingness to suffer in place of others is a sign of a high heroism.  I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling ill at ease about the nature of this mission.  Olaakki made no mention of the goblin group seeking a blade.  Maverick voiced what I was thinking."

Lucky follows along at his regular pace.  Probably some evil relic that takes over your mind and makes you slaughter people and collect their skulls as a hobby, he surmises, Whatever you do, do not loot anything!

Adam nods.

"Lucky's thinking evil magic item.  Please no touching of treasure we might find.  Especially blades."

Angel really does want to kiss Matt at this point. As Adam pointed out, the guy is made of hero. Her blush is showing as she smiles at him endearingly. But she decides not to kiss. She doesn't want Adam to feel left out anyways and she is much to methodical and planning to allow herself something that sudden. She'll find a better way to figure which guy she wants and how she will get said guy. "And this, Matt, is why I like you." she says. "Had a feeling you were like this deep down, even if all you had to deal with before this mess were town jerks who wanted more than their share."

Carla does not have the same reservations as Angel. She knows her size and appearance will keep any guy from ever giving her any chance at romance. So she beckons to Matt and Adam. Should either come down to her level as indicated, Carla will kiss them on the cheek. They rushed into danger and sustained injuries.

Maverick agrees with Adam/Lucky and follows Mittens. Of course, Angel and Carla will stay with the group as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Fri 18 Feb 2011.

  Matt shrugs, "Well to be fair, almost anything is more dangerous than someone threatening to cut you... For not giving them a knife with which to cut you with before they pay for it."  Also up there, 'Give me crossbow bolts or I'll shoot' said with empty crossbow.

  Matt doesn't comment on Adam's assurances, because he's still rather certain 'hey, stab Meeeeee!' is more a sign of idiocy than heroism... Even if he keeps doing that sort of thing regardless of this opinion.

  When Carla beckons him over, he thusly heads over and is further thusly check kissed.  Light blushing ensues.

OOC Style: Thusly.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:54, Fri 18 Feb 2011.

Adam too falls for the cheek-kiss trap and gives a heroic chuckle in reply.  To Matt's commentary, he facepalms, embarrassed to be a member of humanity.

The tunnel becomes slightly warmer as you reach another set of
iron double doors. A hole that cuts partway into the upper northern
corner of the door frame reveals flickering red light coming
from within the chamber ahead.

Perception Check
DC 5: The hole is part of a kruthik tunnel.
DC 8: From somewhere in the distance, a grinding sound of
stone on stone can be heard.

When the PCs can see into the area, read:
Contained in shallow floor indentations, three braziers dance
with red fire in this room. One stands in each of the northern
corners, at the ends of a row of alcoves along that wall. A stylized
fiendish figure with gleaming eyes holds a brazier in the
southern wall, and similar alcoves flank it. The central part of
this chamber is lower than the area around it, with squat stairs
descending to it in all directions. Broad plates scribed with runic
words are set into the center of the depression, forming a square
containing four rows of four plates. Statues of fierce goblin warriors
flank the short staircases on the east and west. Closed iron
doors stand in the far wall.
Perception Check
DC 8: A kruthik tunnel comes up throuBh the floor in the
southwest corner of this room.

THE PUZZLE
Runes in Common spell out words on each plate. The map
shows the first letter of each word. Reading from west to
east and north to south, the words are as follows:

East North South Open
Door Fire Right Hell
Rage Hand Release Unlock
Up Left Down Today

A PC who stands on a plate can use a minor action to push
that plate down.

Devil Statue: This 10-foot-tall statue (Athletics DC 12
to climb) depicts a fiendish creature bound to service. Its
northernmost 2 squares are a flaming brazier.
Two large, polished red garnet gems (150 gp each)
cause the statue's eyes to gleam in the light. A successful
DC 15 Arcana check reveals that removing tJle eyes is
dangerous.

Adam and Lucky move cautiously into the room.  "Remember what I said about dangerous evil magic items?" he says, "That applies to dangerous evil magic trap tiles and gem eyes."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Sat 19 Feb 2011.

If allowed, Mittens would counter Carla's cheek kissing with a cheek kiss to the little one!  When she arrives in fiendish passage, she stares for a few seconds at the statue, bow at the ready.

"I don't think anyone in our group is a kleptomaniac," she says, "Which is good because you guessed right.  Tampering with the gems is dangerous."

Like Carla would forbid a kiss. Heck, she would allow anyone in this group to kiss her on the lips without much fuss. So when Mitts kisses her, Carla smiles, pushing her cheek up into Mittens.

In the new room with the devilish statue, Carla looks around, looks lightly bothered by the statue, then nods to what Adam and Mittens say. She listens and hears the scratching. Then goes to examine the floor buttons. Carla sits on the steps and looks at the others, curious to see what they will do or say.

Angel ponders as they enter. When Mittens points out about the gems, Angel chuckles. "Nothing says "doom" like stealing gemstone eyes from a devil statue. The gems are probably infused with evil as it is..." she glances at Carla. "Are they?"

Carla just nods.

Angel nods back. "Figured. Right, so... a puzzle. Any insights on the puzzle before we screw it up, Mittens?" May as well ask the resident prophet-bard just in case.

Maverick is examining the gem-eyes even as Adam speaks up and Mittens confirms. He looks over at them. "...." yep. Mav doesn't say anything. Gasp. Say it ain't so. Though he is thinking about how Adam already said "no looting".

Maverick then goes to look at the puzzle, doing like Carla and sticking to the steps so as not to push any buttons yet.

  Matt says "Like Mittens said, I don't think any of us are cliche greed over sense rogues fortunately."  We would have a scene cut to Joe Darkthorne where he says 'No, I'm not that stupid either', but he's a Ranger.

  "So the yet more bug tunnels are obvious, but I'm not sure what the deal with the stone grinding sounds are yet."  He joins in the popular look but don't touch antics with the plates.  "This is probably going to suck...  Is the west plate saying 'hint, this one opens stuff' or saying 'you need to do everything else before this will open stuff'. Or what.  Considering the West one mentions Hell, starting with the west plate isn't something I'll do without warning you first."

  OOC Style: So, plate orientation in order of listing would be,
West (open)
East (Hell)
North (unlock)
South (today)
  Right?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:48, Sat 19 Feb 2011.

"Well one clue is that this is the first thing we've found written in actual Common," she points out, "So I'm guessing this is more a test for visitors than unavoidable doom.  Hell does seem like an obvious choice to avoid, yes.  "Open" and "Door" could be good or bad depending on what's behind the door.  The demon could be a warning, or something the goblins respected.  Presumably they respect clever people who can figure out vague puzzles.  Most of the four word phrases made by reading across, down, or diagonal make no sense.  Except maybe 'Open Right Hand Up.'"

She opens her right hand and holds it up.  Nothing happens.  She inspects the statues.

"No apparent means of opening the hands of any of the statues."

(( OOC Map updated.  Was hoping to avoid effort.
http://img.photobucket.com/alb.../fiendishpassage.png
Apparently common looks nothing like English.  Go fig. ))

"An open hand," Adam echos, "Let me see that leather thing again."

Mits hands it over.

"Hmm."

Lucky stays attentive, expecting kruthik ambush or suddenly animated statues.

(( I'm not especially fond of solving riddles and puzzles.  As is always the case, it seems easy if you know the answer.  Well I can tell you I'd have never guessed this one with the given clues.

http://img.photobucket.com/alb...l/crypticleather.png ))

Carla considers Up, Down, Left, Right, Open, Hand + Release. Then Adam asks for the leather thingy. Open Right Hand Up! Right! She watches Adam and then thinks about other possible clues.

East North South Open
Door Fire Right Hell
Rage Hand Release Unlock
Up Left Down Today

Carla looks at her own right hand, closing and opening it with a thoughtful expression. She thinks the East Fire Release Today makes some sense. She goes over to the eastern brazier and checks it for any hand design. Even if it's hidden in the back of it instead of immediately obvious.

Carla finds no such clue.  No matter how many times she rolls a crit on a perc check.

"Thanks, Mittens." Angel says in response to the clue-spouting bard. "Adam seems to be on to something by asking for the leather open-hand symbol." she smiles. She likes the fact the musclebound prince is smarter than the stereotyped body builder. "My only worry is that the kruthiks will come in here and ruin the puzzle before we can even solve it. They already kinda messed things up by killing the goblins... not that the goblins would have helped us willingly, but we might have been able to have Maverick spy on them or something."

She sits on the steps also, leaning her right elbow on her right knee so as to lean her head on her fist.

Maverick considers the options. Do not steal gems. Do not set yourself on fire. Do not step on tiles prematurely. Open hand. Leather thingy with hand design. Dead goblins. He's relatively sure the puzzle is it and that there are no hidden clues. But he's having a hard time figuring out the puzzle, so he figures he'll search the room for anything else. Who knows... might find clues on what is going on rather than the puzzle.

Passive perc is 18

Eastern Double Doors: This exit is closed but unlocked
A PC who actively searches the doors while
they're open can make a DC 8 Perception check to see that
the hinges on each door are connected to rods embedded
in the wall and that the rods can be pulled out of the wall,
slamming the doors and keeping them shut.

Admiral Akbar need not say that devices for slamming doors shut is probably part of a trap.  Also, Maverick notices that the grinding stone sound is coming from the room to the east of these doors.

  Matt looks over to Mittens and says "Mitten's The demony statue's hand already is open.  Though it's the left hand, which a right hand would match up on...  It's got a fire going, and it's to the east... Which is also the same side the grindy noise is coming from."  After a quiet moment, Matt says "I'm going to try pressing the leather symbol, then my own hand against the statues.  Unless someone else want's to try instead."


OOC Style: Man, I was WAY off for the tiles arrangement.  I might have thought about the leather symbol more readily if it wasn't brought up a few days ago <.<

  Also just double checked text compared to picture.  No mention of the demony statures hand position.  Important detail omitted? Or my just reading too much into things. We'll find out.

None of Matts allies object to his attempt, so the attempt is made.  Nada.  Nothing happens.  Adam is at a complete loss for offering any useful advice.

"Maybe if we had an expert trap builder in the group, we could ask them to just disassemble the thing..." Adam suggests, "Unless it's super rigged against tampering.  Like the gems apparently are."

Maybe if you'd paid more attention in school rather than run off to go work out you might have a clue on this puzzle, Lucky thinks chastisingly.

"They didn't cover solving ancient goblin puzzles in school, Lucky," Adam answers with a sigh.

Mittens relaxes some, even stowing her bow.

"No worries about Kruthik attacking before we answer the puzzle incorrectly," she says with confidence, "Ambush only if we answer wrong."

She holds her right hand out and traces it with her left hand's finger.

"I'm certain that the symbol on that leather was intended as a right hand.  If you trace your left hand, the thumb is on the other side.  So 'Right Hand' has got to be part of the solution somehow."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Sun 20 Feb 2011.

Maverick nods to Adam. "I'll get to work." he begins fiddling with the components of the device. Why not? He hasn't used thievery this entire campaign and he's trained in it.

(Maverick thievery check: 25)

If the trap can not be disabled or correctly done through a roll like that, then that roll should at least keep Maverick from screwing things up.

Angel slouches. "But Matt just tried what had to do with the right hand."

East North South Open
Door Fire Right Hell
Rage Hand Release Unlock
Up Left Down Today

Angel looks at the buttons. "Well... the words "right" and "hand" are on the same rows as "door" and "unlock". Coincidence? Or could the puzzle be telling us to push those two buttons?"

Carla pretty much decides "screw this" and spreads her hands forward. A translucent blue hand materializes in the room. She hands a piece of paper to Adam. Written on the paper says, "Ask the hand the following three questions: 01) What is the first step of the puzzle? 02) What sequence should the buttons be pushed? 03) Where do we use the hand symbol we took from the goblin?"

Out of desperation, I went looking through Carla's powers and even her rituals. Go me! I have Hand of Fate for being an Invoker. And can use it once a day for FREE.

Player's Handbook 1. Page 306. Take that! That'll teach you to be a puzzle!

  Matt says "The desire to dismantle puzzles and put them back together in the solved position seems to be a universal one."  He eyes the giant naked blue man Giant blue hand "...Knowing Carla, this is going to be helpful... Damned if I know how yet though, but thanks Carla."

  Note to self, pickup hug tiny girl when there is a completely out of danger moment.

Adam takes the parchment and reads the request aloud.  The blue hand points at the tile labeled "Open" and moves in a downward direction toward the tile.  Then moves to the "Right" tile and repeats the gesture.  Then does the same to the "Hand" and "Down" tiles.  It then vanishes.

"Open right hand down," Adam grumbles, before continuing sarcastically, "I should have guessed.  Whatever it is you did... Thank you, Carla.  Nice that we didn't have to deal with another ambush.  Well here goes nothing."

Unless the others object, he gets to pressing the tiles in the indicated sequence.  Lucky's nervous and braces himself, but doesn't directly object.

Maverick is able to determine with his thievery check that it's a good thing Carla did what she did.  And for his efforts, he also notices that once the correct sequence is entered, it will be safe to take the statue gems.  Once Adam finishes pressing the tiles in the sequence indicated by the blue hand, the devil statue slides into the room, revealing a passage leading south.  The fires in the braziers go out, replaced by white motes of light that float at ceiling height.

"Yay!" Mittens cheers, "Hand of fate for the win!"

She readies her bow and proceeds through the new exit.

"Mittens please wait for the rest of us," Adam requests, wiping some sweat from his brow.

"K" she answers, pausing.

Angel looks to Adam. "Well, you're the elected leader of this group. So lead the way. Mittens and I got your back." She goes to bump shoulders with Mittens. "Good going, by the way, Carla."

Speaking of, Carla had nodded in response to Adam when he commended her. Then quietly followed the bunch as indicated. Maverick doesn't feel he needs say anything, but he does give Carla a gentle pet as he walks by her, also following the group.

  "I love it when I'm right about the good things." Yup, Carla's glowy hand totally was helpful.  "And true enough, lead on oh prince.  I'll be literally right behind you unless you figure I should hang back in case something comes from behind in the path."

  OOC Style: Whooo! Legitimate puzzle hintguide.

Adam shrugs and waves Matt over to be at the front with him since the hallway behind the demon statue is 10' wide.  As the group walks through the dark hallway illuminated only by Carla or one of Matt's torches or both, they can notice the sharp vinegary smell of kruthik blood get more faint.  They pass a typically small kruthik tunnel, but only 20 feet from it is a much wider Kruthik tunnel cuts right through the hallway.  Wide enough that the group could walk through it single file without squeezing.  Adam gazes down the long hallway then into the inky blackness of the wide kruthik tunnel.

"Hmm," he says, "I get the feeling that a strong force of kruthik could be down either direction of this tunnel.  I can just make out a pair of doors at the end of the hallway.  If we proceed down the hall into the next room, we could be faced with who knows what only to be flanked by a surprised attack from behind.  Even if we bar the doors from inside, I imagine that would only slow the kruthik some.  Of course, if we go down one tunnel we could be flanked by whatever's in the room, but that seems slightly less likely given what Mittens said about undead.  Forward, left, or right.  Which would be the wisest direction to proceed?  It looks slightly more... slimy to the right.  Might be a nest.  If they're anything like ants or bees, we kill their leader and the whole hive falls.  Then the people above could rest a little easier.  Any objections to going right?"

You mean besides the obvious fact that we shouldn't be down here in the first place? Lucky wonders.

(( Figured an 18 perc check would be enough to notice the slime. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Mon 21 Feb 2011.

"When you kill the mother, there is no other!" Mittens sings before returning to speech, "Into the foundation of the hive!  Works for me!"

Again she begins to lead the way.  Adam clears his throat.  Mittens looks at him inquisitively.

"Oh!  Right!  Marching order.  Matt, Adam, Maverick, Carla, Me, Angel, Lucky.  Men, women, and tigers."

Lucky sweatdrops.  Adam nods.

"That's a good marching order tactically too.  We'll want Matt and myself on the cutting edge for if the tunnel opens into a nest chamber like I expect it to.  Lucky watches our rear and I'll fall back there if needed."

(( By the way, the last room counts as an encounter.  Milestone get! ))

Carla might have gone for a high-five, but she can't reach that high. So instead, the hand of fate goes to give Carla a "high five" before it vanishes. Which makes her smile. Carla keeps a smile for a while as she walks with the group, occasionally looking up and over her shoulder at Mittens with that smile to make sure Mittens sticks with her.

Angel is behind Mittens and is fine with being so. With a tiger behind her, she feels her backside is covered quite nicely. "Is it that you feel like all this has already happened that causes you to jump forward, Mittens? Or is that just something you do?"

Obviously, no objections to moving to the nest.

Maverick blushes lightly at being called a man. He doesn't seem concerned with marching order, though, and walks along without a sound. He wrinkles his nose a little at the slime as his mind goes back to being in an over-sized stomach with mouths. He listens to the others without commenting.

  Matt sighs, "If only for the fact we'd have to probably fight a huge number of bugs no matter where we went, sure, go after the biggest and likely most well protected on while we're still relatively fresh."

  Enthusiastic about it? No.  Disapproving of it? Also no.

Mittens sings for Angel,

"The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said.
The chances, the changes are all yours to make.
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.

The greatest adventure is there if you're bold.
Let go of the moment that life makes you hold.
To measure the meaning can make you delay;
It's time you stop thinkin' and wasting the day.

The man who's a dreamer and never takes leave
Who thinks of a world that is just make-believe
Will never know passion, will never know pain.
Who sits by the window will one day see rain."

You move though a tunnel wider than most of the rest in the
kruthik hive. An odorless slime coats its walls. The passage
widens even more ahead, leading to another hollow in an
ancient tower foundation.

http://img.photobucket.com/alb...l/hivefoundation.png

The widening tunnel yawns into another hollow. Sheets of a
slimy, yellow substance divide the cavernous space. A host of
shiny, metallic eggs fill gaps in the rubble, coated in similar
slime. Dozens of tiny kruthiks swarm over the area. A chittering
and hissing rises among the kruthiks as you enter.

Nature Check
DC 5: The sheets of slime are mucus. They're harmless but
can form a slippery film if knocked to the floor. Kruthiks are
unlikely to be affected by this slipperiness.
DC 10: Destroying eggs is likely to momentarily cause most
of the kruthiks to avoid the one who destroyed the eggs. However,
a hive lord will attack an egg destroyer with preference and hate.
Perception Check
DC 8 In the communal chittering, you detect the rasp of
a larger creature. (The character hears the hive lord and
senses its location, but doesn't yet see the creature.)
DC 10: A winged kruthik hangs on the wall across the chamber,
maybe 20 feet above you.

Illumination: Dark.
Eggs: Kruthik eggs (in the squares marked with blue
dots) create difficult terrain for nonkruthiks. A nonkruthik
that enters an egg square without succeeding on a
DC 5 Acrobatics check destroys the eggs, creating slimecovered
terrajn in that square. A nonacid attack against an
egg square also destroys the eggs.

A character who destroys the eggs in a square gains a
+2 bonus to all defenses against kruthiks other than the
young hive lord until the end of his or her next turn. The
kruthiks favor other targets. Conversely, the young hive
lord gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls for
the same amount of time against a PC who destroys eggs.
It favors such targets.

Mucus Membranes: These filmy sheets (denoted by
orange lines on the map) stretch between squares, blocki
ng line of Sight but not line of effect. It costs 1 extra
square of movement to move through a mucus membrane.
Once an attack goes through a membrane, or a creature
other than a kruthik moves through it, the membrane is
destroyed. It collapses to the floor and covers adjacent
squares in slime. Any attack aimed at a mucus membrane
destroys it with the same effect.

Slime-Covered Terrain: Where mucus covers the
ground, a two-legged creature struck by an attack must
succeed on a DC 5 Acrobatics check or falI prone. When
a character slips in such a square, the mucus sticks to that
character and is no longer a hazard unless mucus covers
the square again.

1 kruthik hive lord (L)
1 Sharn kruthik (S)
2 fresh-hatched kruthik swarms (F)
2 kruthik hatchlings (H)

Young Kruthik Level 4 Elite Controller (Leader)
Hive Lord (L)
Medium natural beast (re tile) XP 350
Initiative +5 Senses Perception +3;
low-light vision, tremorsense 10
Hive Frenzy aura 2; allied kruthiks within the aura deal double
damage with basic attacks.
HP 110; Bloodied 55
AC 20; Fortitude 20, Reflex 19, Will 16
Saving Throws +2
Speed 6, burrow 3 (tunneling), climb 6
Action Points 1
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+9 vs. AC; 1d1 0 + 4 damage.
<~ Acid Blast (standard; at-will) • Acid
Close blast 3; targets enemies; +7 vs. Fortitude; 1 d6 + 4 acid
damage, the target is weakened and takes ongoing 5 acid
damage (save ends both).
Alignment Unaligned languages-
Str 18 (+6) Dex 16 (+5) Wis 12 (+3)
Con 15(+4) Int4(-1) Cha10(+2)

Sharn Kruthik (S) Level 2 Lurker
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 125
Initiative +9 Senses Perception +1;
low-light vision, blindsight 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 32; Bloodied 16
AC 16; Fortitude 14, Reflex 16, Will 13
Speed 8, burrow 2 (tunneling), climb 8, fly 4
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+7 vs. AC; 1 d8 + 1 damage, and the target is grabbed. While
grabbing, the kruthik can claw only the grabbed target, and that
target takes 6 damage, instead of 2 damage, from the grabbing
kruthik's8nashin8 horde aura. The kruthik gains +2 to AC and
Reflex while grabbing a target.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str10(+1) Dex 18 (+5) Wis10(+1)
Con 14 (+3) Int 4 (-2) Cha 8 (+0)

2 Fresh-Hatched Kruthik Swarms (F) Level 3 Brute
Medium natural beast (reptile, swarm) XP 150 each
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +1; low-light vision
Swarm Attack aura 1; when any enemy starts ends its turn within the
aura, it takes 6 damage.
HP 55; Bloodied 27
AC 15; Fortitude 15, Reflex 15, Will 12
Speed 8, climb 8
CD Gnashing Claws (standard; at-will)
+7 vs. AC; 1d6 + 3 damage.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 16 (+4) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 10 (+1)
Con 15 (+3) Int 3 (-3) Cha 6 (-1)

2 Kruthik Hatchlings (H) Level 2 Minion
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 31 each
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +1; low-light vision,
tremorsense 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 15, Will 12
Speed 8, burrow 2 (tunneling), climb 8
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+5 vs. AC; 4 damage.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 13 (+2) Dex 16 (+4) Wis 10 (+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int 4 (-2) Cha 6 (-1)

TACTICS
The young hive lord rushes at the PCs and sprays an acid
blast at them. It uses its claw attack only if it can't hit more
than one PC with the blast
The kruthik swarms move toward the PCs. Each
one enters a PC's space, preferably near other enemies
and within the hive lord 's aura. They move to keep as
many foes adjacent as possible, harrying the characters
relentlessly.
Ifpossible, the Sharn kruthik flies down to attack a
character in or near a swarm or other kruthiks.1t grabs a
PC and holds on, savaging the character with claw attacks
and 8nashin8 horde.
The hatchlings rush and attack. They prefer to stay
within the lord's hivefrenzy aura.
All the kruthiks know about their terrain advantages,
and they use them. None of them flee from this battle.
They know that they must protect their offspring.
SHIFTING RUBBLE
The 2-by-2-square rubble area in the center of the chamber
is unstable. Anyone can see the loose pile, but a DC 5
Dungeoneering check is reqUired to recognize the danger
it poses. Among the monsters, only the young kruthik
hive lord is heavy enough to cause the rubble to shift. It
avoids the area when it moves. If a character moves onto
the mound, the rubble shifts and produces the following
attack. It can do so only once.
<~ Rubble Shift
Close burst 1; + 6 vs. Reflex; the target is knocked prone and
grabbed (DC 12 check to escape).
When the rubble shifts, eggs within the burst are
destroyed. The PC who caused t11e shift is treated as the
one who destroyed the eggs (see "Features of the Area").

Initiatives:
Hive Lord init: 17 + 5 = 22
mits bard init: 20 + 2 = 22
adam init: 12 + 4 = 16
angel init: 13 + 8 = 21
mav init: 11 + 7 = 18
carla init: 16 + 2 = 18
matt init: 9 + 5 = 14
Kruthik Hatchlings 2: 10 + 4 = 14
Fresh-Hatched Kruthik Swarms 2: 9 + 4 = 13
Kruthik Hatchlings 1: 9 + 4 = 13
Sharn Kruthik init: 4 + 9 = 13
Fresh-Hatched Kruthik Swarms 1: 4 + 4 = 8

Pink monsters controlled by Mittens's player.  Blue by Matt's player.  No monsters controlled by Tim this time.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

The hive lord immediately rushes the heroes and sprays the heroes with acid!

(( Double move, ACTION POINT! Acid Spray!  7 damage to Matt and Maverick.  the target is weakened and takes ongoing 5 acid damage (save ends both).  Note: Disruptive strike if it hits will negate hit on matt. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:39, Tue 22 Feb 2011.

"This must be the queen!" Adam surmizes, "Kill this one and the others might retreat!"

He shifts away from the beast then makes a circling charge to flank it with Matt!  He grabs hold of his sword with both hands and slashes down on the monster's back!  The sword doesn't penetrate the giant bug's armor, but it looks like the sheer force of the blow hurt!

(( double-handing the sword for +1 dmg.  minimum damage :p  9 damage to the hive lord ))

Mittens fires her bow at the hive lord, but the arrow misses a soft spot in it's armor by less than an inch and bounces off!

"Aww shoot!" she groans, "So close!"

She fires another arrow and it hits!

"Yay!" she says, "Next attack's twice as likely to hit now!"

(( Prophesied Strike misses by 1.  rolled a 6 for a total of (I think) 17 v 20 ac -2 from flanking and distant advantage feat.  ACTION POINT!  Re-roll same attack!  HIT!  minimum damage again.  7 damage to hive lord.  Effect: The next time you or an ally attacks the target before the end of your next turn, the attacker rolls a d20 twice and uses either result.  So... someone use something with a crippling effect or huge damage, please.  ))

Even as the acid is spraying, Angel fires an arrow and it doesn't fly true as the acid splashes the arrow off course. With Mittens offering Angel a chance at better accuracy and this being the big, bad queen, Angel shoots. And the arrow bounces off. But with that human determination, Angel gives herself one more chance, shooting an arrow at the Hive Lord. This time, the arrow sinks in nicely, causing a continually bleeding wound.

(Interrupt: Fail)
(Minor: Quarry)
(Standard: Hunter's Bear Trap. Fail. Fail.)
*ACTION POINT*
(Standard: Hunter's Bear Trap. Hit!)
 dmg: 16, slowed, ongoing 5 dmg.

Hive Lord HP: 84 - 16 = 78

Maverick ows! He winces as the acid burns him. He frowns, hand on something under his cloak. He then charges over to the Hive Lord, his knife bouncing off the thing's armor.

(Turn Start: 5 damage)
(Standard: Eyebite. Hit.)
 dmg: 8! Max! Halved by weakened.
(Move: To N5)
*ACTION POINT*
(Standard: Handspring Assault. Miss. RELIABLE! AAAAHAHAHAAHA!)
(Save Throw: fail)

Ah well. At least he's still invisible to the hive lord.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

Carla shines bright light, in case Matt's player is wondering where all that illumination is coming from and how Adam saw so well. The angelic girl glowing brightly, she wags a finger at the Hive Lord, warning it not to attack.

(Minor: Light of Order. Shed bright light.)
(Standard: Offering of Justice.)
 dmg: 18 if hive lord makes an attack.

  Matt, even if he were wearing goggles would find Zey Do Nothzing about the acid... Wait, acid? Wow, finally that reference is appropriate to the situation.  Fortunately, he shrugs off the bury slimy mess (so now it is only a slimy mess)

  Less fortunately, he wiffs with his hammertime.  "We've got fliers on the walls people." Matt says as he gestures his torch (you know, because as nice as allies are, ranged back row blasters being the lought source for melee isn't best thing in the world) in the general direction of the Perc 10 to notice Sharns. +15 Perc against non paragon DC sucka!  At least this time around Matt isn't starting off with things brutalizing his shins. 

---

Standard: Shield Feint vs Lord, Miss even with CA. (rolled a 16 total)
Saving Throw Made: Got exactly 10, whoo. Woulda made it on an 8 though.

Perc, Matt Uber Perc doesn't need a Roll.  Also, if Matt knew Maverick had Hedge wizard gloves he'd ask them to cast light cantrip on his shield.  Matt's carrying a torch regardless (yaaay small shield).

Intentions:  If the lord misses with a melee attack, Matt will use Parry and Riposte... I wonder if they will ever be in a position they can't aim for multiple melee uses with a blast 3?

Marks: Young Kruthik Hive Lord. Remember Matt's Mega AoO, Unless Adam wants to keep the Mark.

Reminder: It doesn't come up often, but Matt has Resist 3 vs Ongoing DMG.  Also, Matt has +2 Item Bonus to Save vs Poison, Weakened, Slowed, or Immobilized (Neck).

Matt HP: 35-2= 33/46
This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

  From the far end of the room, a pair of hatchlings scuttle towards the confrontation and charge into the fray with a different target each.  Both may or may not have put just as much effort into it, but while one hatchling scrapes the hell out of Adam's knees magical AC aura or no, the other just sorta scrabbles at Matt's leg armor uselessly.

  A swarm of bugs meanwhile, closes in on the first enemy it can see and now Adam has a whole little herd of the kneebiters underfoot.

  With all these bugs, Matt's hopes about his shins are now invalid. 

---

  Hatchlings are Move, Charge (Hatchling two andlged down first for a safe charge).  Swarm is double move onto Adam.

  Hatchling 1, charge vs Adam. Hits. 6 DMG
  Hatchling 2, Charge vs Matt. Misses by one.

Adam HP: 43-6= 37/43

To help with my personal bookkeeping, I'll be using RPOLroller for all Monster rolls.

The winged sharn kruthik descends from the ceiling, charges to flank Adam, then savagely claws and grabs him!

(( move, charge, claw hit!  4 x 2 = 8 damage and adam is grabbed!  (how did Adam take 4 x 2 = 6? damage from the hatchling?  Also, Matt would have taken 6 aura damage from the kruthik swarm, not 2, right? ) ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:42, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

The second kruthik swarm swarms Matt's ankles and needles away at his shin guards, but they can't seem to find an opening!

The Hive Lord shrieks in agony as it sprays acid at Matt and Carla, radiant fire erupting from it's eye sockets!

(( takes the 18 damage to attack.  acid spray misses matt.  hits carla!  9 acid damage, the target is weakened and takes ongoing 5 acid damage (save ends both). ))

"Lil too close to that thing, Carla," Mittens says, "Ladies and tigers, we need to back up.  Adam's about to bring the monster a bit closer.  But first..."

She tries to nock an arrow, but slips.  She shrugs and just sings a quick encouragement to Adam as she take a few steps back.

"Showdown, I ain't backing down from anybody!
Throw down, if I don't get some space!"

(( Standard jinx shot rolled a 2.  Eh, whatever.  Majestic Word on Adam to slide him to L-5.  Looked it up.  Slide is forced movement.  Forced movement ignores difficult terrain!  So there! Xp ))

Adam kicks the winged kruthik off then swings his fist and his sword down toward the hive lord!  Mittens foresees that Adam's attack will fail, so she correctly knocks her arrow and shoots the kruthik in the face!  It shrieks and is just distracted enough for Adam to slash and grab the thing!  He then one-hand lifts the giant bug over his head, and turns to moves over to the east!  But the winged kruthik grabs his ankle, pinning him in place.  Adam keeps his focus on the hive lord, slams it against the wall, then brings it crashing down onto ground, belly side up!

"It's underbelly might be weaker!" Adam says, "Finish it off, Maverick!  Matt!  Hold the line for us!  I'll join you once this thing is dead!"

"That thing's almost dead," Mittens points out, "Carla can just finish it off with a poke at this point."

The sharn kruthik buries it's claws deeper into Adam's leg!

(( Adam Bash And Pinion miss HIT!  Because Mits' Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade hits!  Mits: 17 damage!  Adam: 15 damage!  ACTION POINT!  Slamming Rush hits!  8 damage and the target is prone!  Was going to move, but AoO from sharn hits.  2+6(from sharn's hive aura)=8 damage to Adam and he's grabbed.))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Wed 23 Feb 2011.

Maverick would cast light if he had it. But not only does Maverick not have the Hedge Wizard's gloves (hint, Angel has them), even if he did have them, like Angel, he still wouldn't be able to cast light. Hedge Wizard's gloves only grant Prestidigitation and Mage Hand.

Still, despite what Adam said, Mittens' suggestion was actually on Carla's mind. She winces as the acid eats away at her, but walks over to the on-its-back hive lord and pokes it. The hive lord's legs curl in and it stops moving. Then waves a hand in a side-sweep. A blazing trail of divine energy sweeps in a diagonal, wiping out some hatchlings, eggs, and harming the sharn.

(Start turn: Take 5 damage)
(Move: To hive lord)
(Minor: Death knell, KO hive lord)
(Standard: Scourge of Heaven v Sharn, Fresh Hatched, Hatchling 1, Hatchling 2, Egg.)
 Hit Sharn, Hatch1 and Egg is autohit
 dmg: 10. Weakened = 5.
 The target also takes -2 to attacks until the end of your next turn.
 Aversion Staff: +2 all your defenses vs target until effect ends.
 Kruthik Property: A character who destroys the eggs in a square gains
  a +2 bonus to all defenses against kruthiks other than the young hive
  lord until the end of his or her next turn.
(Save throw: Epic fail. Not even memory of a thousand lifetimes could save me)

So Hatchling 1 and Egg are KO. Convenient diagonal pattern makes for interesting excuse for missing with scourge.

Carla's defenses: +4 to all defenses vs Sharn. +2 vs all the other Kruthik.

Sharn HP: 32 - 5 = 27

Staying put, Angel begins filling the battlefield with arrows. With almost a side note, she slays the hatchlings. Then another arrow flies true, striking several the freshly hatched kruthik in a vital area kruthiks! Another arrow hits half a second afterwords at the same spot. The kruthik found a world of pain kruthiks are dropping like flies seemingly out of nowhere!

(Minor: Quarry Fresh Hatched)
(Standard: Twin Strike v Hatchling, Fresh hatched. Hit, Crit)
 max dmg: 10
 quarry dmg: 4
 magic crit dmg: 5
(Minor: Swift Shot Crossbow power. Hit!)
 dmg: 14! Near max! XD

Hatchling HP(Joe edit, #2... maybe?) KO
Fresh Hatched HP(Joe Edit, #2): 55 - 33 = 22
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

Maverick sees Carla finish off the hive lord and sees Angel fill the next tough bug a large chunk of the freshly hatched bugs with arrows. He winces as he feels the acid continue to burn and then scurries around the bug with the beautiful practiced agility this group is used to seeing him use and slashes the wound Angel made several more bugs. It opens so much, the bug can't function anymore and collapses. Even AS the thing collapses, Maverick again moves with perfect footwork to flank with Adam. "I thought for sure" he winces "I had that bug those bugs. Someone finish it them!"

(Start of turn: Take 5 damage)
(Standard: Fleeting Spirit Strike v Freshly hatched. Hit.)
 Shift: from M5 to L7
 dmg: 26 13
 Shift: from L7 to J7
(Save throw: Fail)

So between forgetting weakened condition and not even realizing the fresh ones were a swarm, I have had to retcon my butt off. My post is now a mess.

Freshly Hatched HP(Joe edit, #2): 22 - 26 13 = Dead 9
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

  Matt's joy at not being Facemeltered by the big bug is lessened by the fact Carla was not so lucky.  He's happy to see the vicious gang beatdown upon the Kruthik lord has obliterated it without him even needing to get a proper swing in though.  "Easiest line holding ever, thank you."

  The blacksmith of painsmith... that doesn't even make sense... shuffles out of the swarm directly hassling him and sweeps his hammer across the ground in a large arc, gooshing the last of the Swarm already attacked and taking a miniscule chunk out of the swarm he just left.

  Aura damage then ensured.  Darn it.

---

  Ah, saw the gloves on a glance at Mav's sheet.  Forgetting Tim's love of listing '80 things I don't have but want'.  I also forgot Hedge Wizard's gloves cant cast light because I always associated light with prestidigitation, so,  ;.;  Nevermind even having light falls victim to the great 'no proper visibility for the PC's' conspiracy, it's range 4.  That's worse than even a torch.

  Move: Shift
  Standard: Cleave vs Swarm 2, Hits.  11 Dmg, Cleaves Swarm 1 4 DMG.

  Swarm 2 HP: 9-BLARG= Dedz
  Swarm 1 HP: 55-4= 51

  Matt HP: 33-6= 27/46 S 10/10 V 11

  All monsters I control are down.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

The sharn kruthik shifts to the east hoping to help harass Matt, but focuses it's main attack on Adam, but it's all it can do to just keep hold of the man.

(( miss.  but still has Adam grabbed ))

The last swarm of kruthik swarms Matt's legs again, dealing several painful bite wounds!

(( 5 damage to Matt ))

Adam easily breaks from the grasp of the winged kruthik and shifts to the right.  He slashes it, then follows up with a punch to the face!

"Killing the queen didn't make them surrender, but they seem to be dropping fast none the less.  Let's finish this."

(( escaped from grab.  20 damage to sharn kruthik. 2 aura damage to Adam. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

Mittens re-enters the room then taunts the swarm hassling Matt.

"Go away, bugs, ya bother me.  Go on, now!  Off!  Off!"

A few curl up and die.

(( Vicious mockery 12 damage and swarm takes -2 penalty to attacks ))

Angel is still in an ideal spot and has little need to move yet. She fires off more arrows, the first one finishing the sharn, the second one eliminating a good number of the freshly hatched annoyances. "I'm more worried about the acid on you guys!"

(Minor: Quarry v Fresh Hatch)
(Standard: Twin Strike v Sharn then Fresh Hatch. Crit, Hit)
 Sharn is dead.
 dmg to Fresh: 15

Fresh HP: 39 - 15 = 24
This message was last edited by the player at 06:30, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

Carla cringes and quietly whimpers as the acid hurts her still more. But she holds a hand forward and more insects fall. She's hurting pretty bad, actually.

(Start turn: Take 5 dmg)
(Standard: Visions of Blood. Hit!)
 dmg: 10! ....weakened = 5
(Save: Finally succeed.)

Fresh HP: 24 - 5 = 19
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

Maverick ows as he gets burned more by the acid. He weakly stabs at some bugs, looking like he's running out of energy and steps back carefully. He feels the burns finally subsiding, but it is little comfort as he has no idea what the gunk spat at him may or may not do.

(Start turn: Take 5 dmg)
(Move: To fresh)
(Standard: Acrobatic Strike v Fresh. Hit!)
 dmg: 8 halved by weakened = 4
 shift back 1 square
(Save: Success at last!)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:30, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

  Matt is more normally of the 'level headed knight' sort of fighting as opposed to berzerker fury.  Of course, everyone has a lapse now and again.  This is one such moment as Matt flips out and goes all 'Whack-A-Mole: Championship Edition Turbo Hyperfighting' until he's not making dents in anything but the ground and crunchy bug paste.

  "...I am perfectly calm.  Outside of worrying about how the rest of you are holding up."

  Seriously, another fight where they come out victorious but still risk death from post encounter DoT.  It's a damn pleasant coincidence for Matt the Superior Fortitude Feat comes with DoT resistance.

Standard: Steel Serpent Strike vs Swarm 1. Hits, 15 DMG.

Swarm 1 HP: 15-15= Dedz

Matt HP: 27/46 S 10/10 V 11

  Once everyone is 'safe', will get to work hammer throwing the rest of the eggs to death.

Mittens takes out her lyre then begins playing and singing a soothing song.

"In my favorite dream
Everyone is so delightful
No one’s mean or spiteful
In my favorite dream
Yes, and in my favorite dream
There my heart can go romancing
Dancing to a heavenly theme
But there’s something else I look forward to
It’s a secret, but here’s a clue
He’s my favorite, you know who
You’re the hero of my most favorite dream"

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bkQkzfEogk )

As she does so, she'll occasionally step on a kruthik egg.

(( Song of rest!  +4 to all your healing surge values!  ^.^ ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

"Holding up alright," Adam answers, "You did really well, everyone.  Your valor continues to amaze me.  I've got a couple of ideas that I think might help.  I noticed the maximum range of that acid spray was about 15 feet.  I remember an instructor telling me about a standard military formation he uses against things like fire beetles that have spray attacks like that.  The front man would face his side to the enemy, shield at the ready.  The rest of the troops would follow with 10' between them.  Of course, advancing sideways means about half speed, but it could be very much worth it.

"The other thought is that we should drag this queen with us and leave it behind us when we enter through the doors at the end of the hall as a warning to any kruthik that come along that they shouldn't dare try and attack us.

"Final thought...  Mittens.  Please stop smushing the eggs.  Didn't you mention that we need those to barter for information on getting home from a scholar interested in kruthik eggs?"

"Oh!  Right!  They were gooping up my boots anyway.  Anyone happen to have a magical bag of holding to put them in?"

Lucky facepaws.

(( What Adam's suggestion is that Matt lead with a 10' gap behind him, using the "full defense" action every 5 squares. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Thu 24 Feb 2011.

Carla and Maverick rest up a bit. Carla just closes her eyes, still glowing. Her wounds close. Maverick answers Mittens, "Those kind of bags are rather expensive... and not easy to come by." a crack in his voice betraying the pain he's in. "We'll have to carry them by hand. Thanks for the song..."

Maverick spent 2 surges. Full HP. Surges 4/6
Carla spent 2 surges. Full HP. Surges 5/7

Carla seems to be concentrating on something when a magical translucent disc appears near her. She stands up, places a hand on it. Pushes down. Frowns and nods. She offers a slip of paper to Mittens. It reads "This will hold 500 lbs. Feel free to use this to hold the eggs."

Ritual: Tensor's Floating Disc

Angel walks up, sees Carla is OK, so she just pets the girl. Then goes to check on Maverick, who is also OK. So Angel pets him as well. "That's some song you sang, Mitts." she comments. "Not a burn mark left on 'em." Magic. The reason scars are purely player's choice. Angel then goes to check on Matt (who is also presumably OK by the time Angel makes it to him). "Is everyone OK?" she double-checks, turning to face the whole group. "Just making sure. If anyone wants anything, please lemme know.."

She marvels a bit at Carla's floating disc. "Huh... now ain't THAT handy..."

Angel will provide aid to anyone who needs it. And a free hug!

  Matt shrugs "We could always just come back for them on the way out.  They aren't any less likely to hatch here than they would be carried with us, not to mention less likely to get crushed in a fight."  He does refrain from the smashey for now though.  Matt is fine, and smiles softly when Angel checks up on him and the others.  "Still standing, it's going to stay that way unless we run into something way out of our league."

  "I'll lead on as you suggest Adam, though I did realize positioning that would have allowed us close in sorts to not all get sprayed at once, there just wasn't room for it in here."

One surge spent, Matt HP: 42/46 S 9/10 V 11

"Thanks, Carla," Adam says, beginning to load up dead winged kruthik and various eggs onto the floating disc.  He's happy for the chore that doesn't involve violence, especially considering what he's about to say.

"We won't," Mittens interrupts to assure everyone, "I've seen us in the future.  Powerful and confident.  We survived today and tomorrow and the day after."

Adam heavy sighs.

"Thank you for that confidence," Adam says, "Though the very reason we survive could very well be because we came up with a reasonable plan for dealing with overwhelming odds ahead of time.  So allow me to elaborate:  No one gets left behind.  Matt and myself are the kind to say something like, 'I'll hold them off!  The rest of you get out of here!'  A noble sentiment, to be sure, but we can't allow it.  If we retreat, we retreat together.  The only exception is if it becomes completely impossible to run away together.  For example, if everyone but Carla were defeated all in one powerful explosion, I would want her to escape rather that stay and be killed.  No heroic last stands, please.  If one of us falls, the rest pick up the fallen and leave with them.  This is a very very important code of honor in my nation's military.  So can we all agree on this?"

Lucky nods and goes to give affection to Maverick.  Mittens grins and thumbs up.

Mittens reads Carla's note and nods to the cherub.  She playfully hops up and down on the disc to demonstrate that it can carry quite a bit of weight.

"No one gets left behind," Mittens sings as she gathers up eggs, "We stand and fight together!"

She looks over to Angel and gives a smile and a bow.

"Thanks!  We should totally jam some time!  Or sing a duet!"

To Matt she mentions, "I think Adam's implying that we could take this valuable stuff to the exit first, then return to potentially dangerous door at end of spooky dark hallway.  Thanks for the helpful suggestion, but even though I know we won't be forced to flee, I think it'll ease his nerves if he knows the important eggs are near the exit so we can quote-unquote hastily grab them on the way out as we run away scraming."

She gives a teasing look to Adam who just returns her look with a smile.

Carla waves her hands at the others to catch attention. Then demonstrates. She walks one way, the disc follows her. She walks another way, the disc follows her. She turns to hold her hand out in a "halt" fashion. Then walks. The disc follows. She then looks back at Adam and Mittens, shrugs, and starts heading towards where the group came from, stopping to look over her shoulder.

Angel huhs. "You saying the disc will follow you until you dispell it?"

Carla nods.

Angel then asks, "So you will have to "drop" all our stuff at the entrance."

Carla nods.

Angel looks back at Adam and says, "Well there ya go. I'm still not adverse to the idea of leaving things at the entrance to grab on our way out, but do keep in mind an opportunist might steel the stuff and find himself eaten alive by hatching bugs. And even if not that, the eggs could still hatch while we adventure... thoughts?"

Maverick says, "If they hatch, they hatch. If they're stolen, they're stolen. I say we just do like Adam suggested. We're only really here to rescue the city from a kruthik infestation. All else is just bonus."

  Matt says "Well, I've already given my outlook on the Eggs situation.  Though we could at least bring some to the exit of this particular tunnel so we don't need to come back into this cramped and dark place for them.  As for prophetic assurances we will live, it wouldn't make sense for me to take those at face value any more than prophetic assurances we're going to die.  You do keep telling us we have a choice in the matter, and that tends to come with the chance to screw up normally."

The eggs and such are dealt with, and the group makes their way to the dark scary door.  The door is unlocked and untrapped.  It opens into a large room:

White light bathes this space, originating fr0m the crystal eyes
of an immense statue in its center. The figure has four identical
sides, each depicting a richly dressed hobgoblin warrior making
a heart-crossing gesture, apparently a salute.

Bone filled alcoves line the north and south walls, and
the room has two pairs of iron double doors, one to the east
and another to the north (one of which the PCs have just
opened). Thick pillars support a ceiling that vaults from about
10 feet at the edges to 20 feet in the middle, high enough for the
massive statue.

In each eastern corner is a stylized statue of a hobgoblin warrior
wielding a spiked chain, slightly larger than life. Two similar
statues stand on a dais in the western reach of the chamber, but
these show scimitar-wielding hobgoblin soldiers.
The dais also has a lone sarcophagus set upon it. Ornate
stone boxes sit to each side of the coffin.

Perception Check
DC 5: The smaller statues have yellow gems for eyes.
DC 10: From somewhere in the distance, a grinding sound
of stone on stone can be heard.

The honor statue occupies a 2·by-2-square space and
stands 15 feet high (Athletics DC 15 to climb). It sits on
a 3-foot-tall base that surrounds the statue and has the
word "Ashurta" carved on all sides in Common script. The
squares the base occupies are difficult terrain.

Illumination: Bright light from the honor statue's eyes,
unless they go out. In that case, it is dark unless the PCs
have a light source.

Ceiling: 10 feet high over the alcoves, rising to 20 feet
high in the room's center.

Alcoves: Each alcove is large enough for a Medium
creature to occupy, but the bones make these squares difficult
terrain. The alcove walls are blocking terrain.

Dais: Three gentle steps lead up to this platform that
supports Ashurta's sarcophagus.

Pillars: Blocking terrain.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Sun 27 Feb 2011.

Mittens returns the statues salute with the same salute and a smile.

"This must be Ashurta's final resting place," she surmises, "'The blade' those goblins died looking for is likely in here.  Remember, no touchy of evil magic items.  Also, traps likely."

Adam nods.

"No kruthik tunnels that I can see," Adam points out, "I wonder... Were they afraid to come in here?"

Lucky groans.  I don't like the sound of that.

Angel looks around and says, "Cheery." before continuing to examine. "OK. so we look for another door? I mean, I thought the bug problem was our primary goal.."

Maverick looks about at the area, copies Mittens in saluting the statue, and stays close to Lucky. In response to Mittens, Maverick says, "Traps likely... or do you mean this room IS a trap?"

Carla goes to the most ideal location of the room. Close to the center, but out of "reach" of the statue. She prepares herself for attack.

(Move: To center of room, 2 squares from statue)
(Standard: Readied Visions of Blood v attacking enemies)

Angel: 1+8 =9
Carla: 16+2=18
Mav  : 14+7=21

This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Wed 02 Mar 2011.

  Matt considers the tomb setup they have entered, then comments "So, our given and claimed task was to deal with the Kruthik problem...  Just what are we doing in this part for again?"   Besides most likely raiding and defiling something before all this is done.  Hey, The Mummy's Curse™ doesn't happen because you dusted the place, even if the Mummy can be kind of a dick.

  "Though, I do have to wonder.  In an elaborate puzzle filled tomb, what do you put past the resting place itself?"   This said as he looks towards the eastern doors.  "Mind the statues.  I'm halfway expecting them to take a swing at us...  And that grinding sound is still there."

  OOC Style: Matt Initiative.  21
  Matt HP: 42/46 S 9/10 V 11
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Mon 28 Feb 2011.

The honor
statue starts to rotate clockwise, and Ashurta emerges
from the sarcophagus (using a minor action to do so). The
other monsters appear in the squares where the guardian
statues stood (the wights in the eastern corners, and the
zombies in place of the statues on the dais), as the statues
that originally surrounded them crumble to dust. The
monsters receive a surprise round.

HONORING ASHURTA
To lessen the threat they face in this encounter, each PC
must salute the statue or otherwise show Ashurta respect
(it's up to you whether an action is respectful) before
interacting with other aspects of the room in more than a
cursory way.

Some Honor: If, before doing anything else in the
room, some PCs show respect, but others don't, the statue
rotates and monsters appear as described above. Lights in
the statue's eyes stay on, so the PCs can see the emergence
of the undead. The monsters still receive a surprise round.
Ashurta speak in Common or Goblin: ''The honorable
amon8 you should have 8uided the otJlers, weak and i8norant
as they are. Now you all must pay the blood price for your folly!
Perhaps some will claim the blade of the Ashen Crown, a painful
lesson learned." He and his Wight followers continue to
mock disrespectful PCs.

Ashurta Level 4 Elite Soldier (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid (undead), hobgoblin Wight XP 350
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +6; darkvision
HP 108; Bloodied 54; see also death scream
AC 22; Fortitude 18, Reflex 17, Will 19
Immune disease, poison; Resist 5 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant
Saving Throws +2
Speed 5
Action Point 1
CD Ashurta's Blade (standard; at-will) .. Weapon
+ 12 vs. AC; 1d1 0 + 5 damage (crit 2d6 + 15), and an ally within
line of sight can shift 1 square as a free action. + Dispatch (standard; requires Ashurta's blade; recharge ~ [ITJ) ..
Weapon
+12 vs. AC; 2d10 + 3 damage, and two allies can each shift 1
square as a free action. <. Bloodcurdling Shriek (standard; recharges when first bloodied) ..
Necrotic
Close burst 2; targets enemies; +8 vs. Fortitude; 2d6 + 4 necrotic
damage, and the target is slowed and takes a -2 penalty to all
defenses (save ends both). Ashurta slides each undead ally within
the burst 2 squares.
Blade Daze (free, when Ashurta hits with Ashurta's blade; daily)
The target is dazed until the end of Ashurta's next turn.
Combat Advantage
When Ashurta hits with a melee attack against a creature that
grants combat advantage to it, that creature also loses a healing
surge.
Death Scream (when Ashurta drops to 0 hit pOints)
Ashurta unleashes a b/oodcurdlina shriek.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when Ashurta suffers an
effect that a save can end; encounter)
Ashurta makes a saving throw against the triggering effect.
Quick Command (minor 1/round; at-will)
An ally within 10 squares makes a melee basic attack.
Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Athletics +7, Intimidate +11
Str 16 (+5) Dex 12 (+3)
Con 14 (+4) Int 15 (+4)
Wis 9 (+1)
Cha 18 (+6)
Equipment scale armor, light shield, AS/lUrta's blade (broadsword),
key to the treasure boxes

2 Chainfighter Wights Level 5 Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid (undead), hobgoblin XP 200 each
Initiative +10 Senses Perception +6; darkvision
HP 64; Bloodied 32
AC 20; Fortitude 17, Reflex 18, Will 16
Immune disease, poison; Resist 5 necrotic (if the wight takes
necrotic damage, it gains an extra move action on its next turn);
Vulnerable 5 radiant
Speed 6
CD Spiked Chain (standard; at-will) • Weapon
+10 vs. AC; 2d4 + 5 damage, and the chainfighter Wight can shift
2 squares.
t Revolving Strike (standard; requires a spiked chain; recharge 4-6)
The chainfighter Wight makes spiked chain attacks against two
different targets.
Combat Advantage
When a chainfighter Wight hits with a melee attack against a
creature that grants combat advantage to it, that creature also
loses a healing surge.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when the chainfighter
Wight suffers an effect that a save can end; encounter)
The chainfighter Wight makes a saving throw against the
triggering effect.
Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Athletics +12, Stealth +11
Str 16(+5) Oex 18(+6)
Con 16 (+5) Int 10 (+2)
Equipment leather armor, spiked chain
Wis 9 (+1)
Cha 15 (+4)

2 Hobgoblin Soldier Zombies Level 2 Soldier
Medium natural animate (undead) XP 125 each
Initiative +6 Senses Perception +6; darkvision
HP 41; Bloodied 20; see also rise aBain
AC 17 (19 with phalanx soldier); Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 13
Immune disease, poison; Resist 5 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant
Speed 5
CD Scimitar (standard; requires a scimitar; at-will) • Weapon
+8 vs. AC; 1 d8 + 5 damage (crit 1 d8 + 13), and the target is
marked until the end of the hobgoblin soldier zombie's next turn.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when the hobgoblin
soldier zombie suffers an effect that a save can end; encounter)
The hobgoblin soldier zombie makes a saving throw against the
triggering effect.
Phalanx Soldier
The hobgoblin soldier zombie gains a +2 bonus to AC while at
least one ally is adjacent to it.
Rise Again. Healing
If a hobgoblin soldier zombie is reduced to 0 hit points or fewer
by an attack that does not deal radiant damage, it rises on its
next turn (as a move action) with 5 hit points. If it takes a critical
hit after using this power or is reduced to 0 hit pOints after the
second time this power triggers, it is permanently destroyed.
Zombie Weakness
Any critical hit to a hobgoblin soldier zombie drops it to 0 hit
points.
Alignment Unaligned
Skills Athletics +6
Languages -
Str 16 (+4)
Con 17 (+4)
Oex 12 (+2)
Int 4 (-2)
Wis10(+1)
Cha 4 (-2)
Equipment scale armor, light shield, scimitar

Statue
Once the statue starts rotating, any creature that enters
the statue's space or starts its turn there is subject to the
attack described below. The statue stops rotating at the
end of any round in which Ashurta is destroyed.
t Statue Slam
+7 vs. Reflex; 1 d1 0 + 5 damage, and the target is pushed 2
squares and knocked prone.

Ashurta delays ifhe must, waiting for his allies to close
with the PCs. He then uses quick command to give one of
them an extra attack. After this, he engages in the battle
directly, moving toward the melee that contains the largest
number of enemies and allies to unleash his bloodcurdlin8
shriek. He slides his allies into flanking positions where
possible, and his allies use his Ashurta's blade shifts to
do the same. Ashurta then uses dispatch when possible,
employing blade daze the first time he hits with a weapon
attack. Every turn, he gives a quick command. He uses bloodcurdlin8
shriek again on his turn after he becomes bloodied,
and hob80blin resilience as soon as he suffers an effect a save
can end.
The chainfighter wights focus their attacks on a PC
other tha n Ashurta's chosen prey. They prefer to flank
with a hobgoblin soldier zombie. If they can flank two
targets, they do so to better employ revolvin8 strike. The
chainfighters keep shifting to gain the best position possible,
using the honor statue's rotation for help if need
be. Have them make spectacular jumps using the statue's
rotation if doing so makes sense. This tactic has the
added benefit ofletting the PCs know how the statue can
be used.
The hobgoblin soldier zombies prefer to fight alongside
allies to keep phalanx soldier active. Still, their primary
purpose is to help the wights gain and keep combat advantage.
They also mark targets to hinder attacks against the
wights. Otherwise, the zombies rain melee attacks on the
PCs. They are smart enough to risk using the statue's rotation
to shift or jump.
It should become clear to the PCs that the wights in
this encounter (including Ashurta) need combat advantage
to drain healing surges. This is meant to force the
PCs to keep moving and lessen the overall drain over time
(normal wights drain healing surges whenever they hit
with a basic attack). If the players don't realize what's happening
after the wights have each drained two surges, call
for a DC 10 Religion check. On a success, give the players
this tactical information.
All the undead fight until they are destroyed.

Chainfighter Wight 1: 16 + 10 = 26
adam init 19 + 4 = 23
Mittens init 17 + 2 = 19 (pushed up for sanity)
Chainfighter Wight 2: 12 + 10 = 22 (delayed down for sanity)
Matt Initiative.  21
Mav  : 14+7=21
Carla: 16+2=18
Hobgoblin Soldier Zombie 1: 6 + 6 = 12
Hobgoblin Soldier Zombie 2: 6 + 6 = 12
Angel: 1+8 =9
Ashurta init: 3 + 7 = 10 (delayed down for sanity)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Wed 02 Mar 2011.

All enemies except Ashurta rush the heroes!  When the northernmost chainfighter closes the distance to Callie, she was ready for it and blasts it's mind!  It retaliates with it's chain, but her aversion staff glows and the chain bounces off a pale blue force-field!

"You all came here to shoot off your mouths!" it snarles with it's creepy zombie voice.

(( Surprise round: move closer.  Visions of Blood hits!  8 damage to chainfighter wight 1.  Spiked Chain hits misses due to aversion staff!  Monsters color coded and marked as to who controls them for your convenience.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:22, Wed 02 Mar 2011.

"We came here to prevent an evil magic item from falling into the wrong hands!" Adam retorts, "Like this blade you boast of!  If you'd mete out death for some perceived slight, then I've no reservations about destroying both you and your vaunted blade!"

He slashes the chainfighter then grabs it by it's throat!

(( 16 damage to chainfighter 1 and it's grabbed! ))

"Boss fight!" Mittens chimes happily, trotting into the room, "Mind the spinning statue of doom."

Her devilish pick begins to glow as metal music begins to play!  She then begins singing a very up-beat song!

"Crownless again shall be the queen
Trophy on her grave still remains unseen
A boat on the river confessing the sins
The Riddler revealing the deep hidden things

Crownless again shall be the king
A gull covered in oil with a broken wing
A hitcher on a road alone and lost
Iron sharpens iron - a truth that once was

Mine is the Earth and the sword in the stone
Mine is the throne for the idol
One fleeting moment and it is all gone
Crownless again
Will I fall?

Roaming on razor-sharp castles
Ruling all but myself
(Now my night is laid to sleep)

One fragrant rose worth ten times what I am
A crippled begging a coin braver than I ever was
Reflection from me - Devil dressed in white
Chasten the being
Become what I once was
Mine is the Earth... "
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t8MbnWGcWc )

(( Song Of Courage!  Allies gain +1 To-Hit while within 5 sq. of Mits!
Jynx shot hits!  10 damage to chainfighter 1.  Already bloodied!  Reminder of readied action: blood seeking blade if you need to land an attack.  And prescient feature +3 to your defenses if you need to keep from being hit. ))

  The second of the chainfighters charges across the room, lashing out with their chain in a near perfect strike past Matt's defenses...  Though it seems a rush job as only the most glancing of hit's is accomplished before they skirt behind the Fighter and eye Mittens, brandishing their chain.  "Going to sing your way to safety are you fleabag?"

---

Move: in a fashion not to draw AoO.
Standard: Charge Vs. Matt. Hits. 8 DMG.
Effect: Shift 2 (to north of when Matt was at k7)

Matt HP: 42-8= 34/46 S 9/10 V 11

  Matt says as he repositions himself to give the Chainfighter (second) a harder time reaching the rest of his friends, "I was a bit busy focusing on the bugs and keeping my friends alive. I'm still not even sure who in the hells Ashurta is."  He takes a swing with the edge of his shield, but it's off by a decent margin.

  "So for now, Back down from your pointless bloodthirst or go through me if you want anyone else." ... Well, aside from the other half of the party not behind him...

---

Move:Duh. Yaaaay Pass forward.
Standard: Tide of Iron vs Chainfighter 2. Miss.

Maverick mutters something under his breath that is drowned out by all the ruckus. However, he does raise his voice to say, "You want respect? EARN it!" and with that, he moves about the chain fighter so fast, it wouldn't have mattered whether the guy noticed him or not, though the wight seems to act like he doesn't see Maverick. With that, Mittens prophetically knows Maverick will miss if she doesn't fire her bow now. But firing a bow point-blank is Angel's shtick, so the wight retaliates on Mittens, hitting her with its chain! However, even as it reaches to do so, Maverick stabs it squarely in the side, causing it great pain! Simultaneously, as it starts to move away, Matt is also retaliating with a warhammer to the shoulder, causing the wight to stumble and return to the spot it was trying to leave!

With all this happening at once, Angel took an opportunity to fire, but some things are a bit challenging even for her and she misses, due to a preference for NOT hitting her allies. Hey, at least she is that skilled.

Even as this happens, Maverick just as deftly skirts the chainfighter and winds up behind Mittens and Adam.

(Move: from L4 to L5)
(Standard: Eyebite v Chainfighter. Hit.)
 dmg: 3. But I'm invis to him now.
*ACTION POINT!*
(Standard: Fleeting Spirit Strike v Chainfighter. Miss.)
 (Mitts interrupt: Blood seeking blade. Hit!)
  dmg: 14 to chainfighter
 (Angel interrupt: Disruptive Strike. Miss. Worth the shot, pardon the pun.)
  (Provoked AoO from chainfighter. Hits!)
   dmg: 10 to Mittens
   move as part of attack? NO!
   (Provoked AoO from Matt. Hits!)
    dmg: 11 to chainfighter and pin him, keeping him from moving
...this means Mav hit, by the way. With invis and thus, CA. So...
 dmg from fleeting spirit: 22

Mittens HP: 38 - 10 = 28
Chainfighter HP: 64 - 3 - 14 - 11 - 22 = 14
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Thu 03 Mar 2011.

Carla flutters her wings, pulling herself back a little. She then holds her hands forward. The chainfighter near Matt/Mittens winds up screaming and collapsing. The other chainfighter also screams as it is blown back 10 feet, but manages to stay existing for now. Carla then turns and her eyes peer into the hobgoblins. They tremble before her gaze as even dead, they are terrified of the angel.

Her gaze shifts to Ashurta with pity written all over her face.


(Move: Shift into position.)
(Standard: Rebuke Undead vs both chainfighters. Hit both.)
 dmg: 13. But they are undead. They are vulnerable to radiant. >:D
 +5 = 18 dmg
(Minor: Maledictor's Doom v Hobgoblin Soldiers.)

Chainfighter 1 HP: 30 - 18 = 12
Chainfighter 2 HP: 14 - 18 = unundead

One of the horrified hobgoblins decides it can't abide Carla and goes to attack Matt. Matt's superior combat training would tell him this guy did a rather skillful, valiant effort. But for being shaken by fear he would have hit. The other hobgoblin faces his fears by freaking out and attacking Carla head on! But between his frantic fear and the force field that pops up via Carla's staff, Carla is not harmed.

(Hobgoblin Soldier 1 CD Scimitar v Matt. Miss!)
X!! D!! That -1 to attack Carla gave him mad him JUST miss Matt!
(Hobgoblin Soldier 2 CD Scimitar v Carla. Miss!)
Hahahaha aversion staff! BECAUSE he's taking -1 to his attacks, I get +2 to defenses against him. HEEHEE!!!

Angel answers the first chainfighter, "Actually, not ALL of us came to shoot off our mouths. Carla doesn't talk. But even if she did, I'd say look who's talking!" she smirks, shoots an arrow right through one of the hobgoblins. She can't see anyone else besides the hobgoblins. "But if I were you guys, I'd run before Carla starts to whisper. Some evaporate when she does that."

Another arrow hits the hobgoblin.

(Minor: Quarry hob 1)
(Standard: Basic Ranged v hobgoblin 1. Hit!)
 dmg: 18
(Minor: Swiftshot crossbow. Basic Ranged. Hit!)
 dmg: 10

If you look at the rolls, it was vs hob 2. I goofed and forgot I can't quarry him. So Angel is going for the closer one so she can hurt it bad.

Hobgoblin 1 HP: 41 - 28 = 13
This message was last edited by the player at 06:29, Thu 03 Mar 2011.

"Oh give me a break!" Ashurta groans as he steps forward, "You!  Kill the baby!"

A soldier zombie attacks Carla on his command, but again the weapon deflects off her force-field!

"Some heroes you are, having children do your fighting.  In that case I'll let you hear what children sound like in the afterlife...."

With that, his mouth opens wider than should be physically possible for even a zombie, and out comes the most horrifying chorus of children's screams!  Matt, Adam, and Carla are able to grit their way through the attack, but Mittens and Maveric's eyes glaze over as black stuff oozes from their ears, and they drop their guard!

(( Bloodcurdling Shriek v Matt, Mits, Zeeg, Adam, Carla fort

1d20 +8
Matt1: 7 + 8 = 15
Mits2: 16 + 8 = 24 HIT!
Zeeg3: 18 + 8 = 26 HIT!
Adam4: 12 + 8 = 20
Carla5: 1 + 8 = 9

8 necro damage, target is slowed and takes a -2 penalty to all defenses (save ends both) ))

The remaining chainfighter flanks Carla and attacks with it's chain!  The attack breaks through the force field, but was apparently slowed a bit, reducing the force of the blow.  A black glow surges from Carla through the chain and into the wight!

(( 7 (Minimum) damage.  But Carla loses a healing surge due to C.A. ))

"Shut it!" Mits shouts as she backs up and fires an arrow into Ashurta's gaping mouth!  The evil hobgoblin zombie shrieks in pain!

Mittens fires another arrow into it's mouth!

"I said shut it!"

(( Saga Of Rivalry hits!  25 damage!  Choose an Ally within 10 of you, (Angel) Target takes 5 DMG at End Of It's Turn if it is not next to that Ally (Save Ends). Ally gains +2 T-Hit Vs Target Until End of Enc.
ACTION POINT!  Prophesied Strike hits!  10 damage!  Next time You or Ally attack target before End Of Your Next Turn, Attacker rolls twice and uses either.
Rolled 18 on save throw! ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

"Hypocrite!" Adam accuses Ashurta stepping forward to take a swing! "You're the one using children to attack!  Maverick willingly chooses to be a hero!"

(( Villain's menace daily roll: 1.  >.>  Reroll thanks to Mittens' last attack!  Rolled a 4.  ;.; ))

  Matt is once again in the unpleasant decision time of 'hang back and protect people, or charge forwards to help the others'.  Of course, Adam is on the front lines once more, so it's a bit easier to fall into the rearguard grove for the moment.

  His next swing at the nearby Chainfighter is all kinds of record screeching distracted by the demands of respect demanding Ashurta casually saying 'Kill that baby'.  Matt may be getting used to the brutal combat in general, but someone shouting that kind of thing is still up there on the 'wut?' scale.

 "Okay, I know who Ashurta is now.  He's a dick."  While true, that answer won't count in a History Class Matt.

---

Standard: Tide of iron vs Chainfighter 1. Miss.  I rolled another 3 -.o

  Marks: Soldier zombie 1

  Matt HP: 34/46 S 9/10 V 11
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

You know what the wonderful thing about missing on a reliable daily is? Yeah. Maverick still has his daily even though he tried to use it last encounter. He could have tried again in the same encounter, but didn't because the hive lord dropped too fast to bother. But now it's Ashurta's turn.

"If you think you're earning my respect, you're wrong." he says as he hops back a step before leaping forward and digging his sword deep into Ashurta's side! Just as easily and quickly, he hops back. He seems to still be effected by the power Ashurta used on him, but he also doesn't seem to care and already demonstrated he can push right through that power's effects with sheer tactics.

(Move: Shift from M6 to N7)
(Bluff to gain combat advantage: Fail)
(Standard: Charge Ashurta with Handspring Assault. Hit!)
 charge move: from N7 to L7
 dmg: 16
 shift 2 as part of power: from L7 to N7
(Save throw: Failed)

Ashurta HP: 73 - 16 = 57
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

Carla cautiously moves from between the flanking enemies to be at Adam's side. She lifts a hand to the sky and gets hit by the Chainfighter, who then skirts around and between Maverick to flank Adam with the hobgoblin. He was afraid Carla would... yup. Carla takes the damage like a champ, as though she was a statue. She clenches her fist and yanks it down, tearing the ceiling open with that radiant Ion Beam of Power, searing the very essence of these undead filth. She then takes a single step out of the beam of light. She looks directly at Ashurta with those glowing eyes of hers, her pity replaced with a stern look.

(Move: shift from L9 to M8)
(Standard: Brilliant Beacon centered on Adam. Hit Chain and hob. Miss Ashurta.)
 But wait! Memory of 1k lifetimes! Roll JUST high enough to hit Ashurta!
 10 ongoing radiant dmg (Save ends). Oh wait! they are VULNERABLE! Heee...
 15 ongoing radiant dmg (Save ends) instead.
 Enemies in the zone take a -2 to attacks, defenses and save throws.
(Meanwhile, AoO provoked from Chainfighter. Crit on Carla. Thankfully...)
 dmg: 13 to Carla. Yes. 13 dmg on a crit. Don't you feel so proud, Chainfighter.

*ACTION POINT!*
(Move: Shift from M8 to N9. Sadly, if Carla ends her turn in the zone, it ends.)

The hobgoblins look rather intimidated as the first one knows he can't escape Matt, but just witnessed a giant beam of energy WAY too close for comfort. He attacks Matt, only to find his scimitar bouncing off Matt's armor. The other hobgoblin decides he'll take advantage of flanking and attack Adam. He misses, but takes a step back so he isn't being seared by the light. Even as he felt the effects of the light start to bear down on him, though, the hobgoblin endured it!

(Both: basics vs mentioned opponents)
(Annoying immediate reaction lets hobgoblin save from ongoing damage before he even gets hurt.)
(Hob 2 shifts back out of the ion beam)

Angel smiles, "Some people just don't listen, do they, Mitts?" And with that, she fires a pair of arrows into Ashurta. Then scurries over to him right past Matt and Mittens! "I need a good shot at him! There!" and now she is FINALLY able to quarry him and shoots two more arrows into Ashurta. Ashurta's attempt to try and retaliate is so bad, Angel laughs at him while she knees him in the crotch and heads off back to where she started. "Your boss is finished and I haven't even suffered a scratch! Save yourself SOME face and surrender, lest you take still more shame with you!"


(Twin Strike v Ashurta. Hit!)
 dmg: 15
(Move: from K2 to L6)
(Minor: Quarry Ashurta)
*ACTION POINT*
(Evasive Strike v Ashurta. Hit!)
 dmg: 24
 Centered Flurry of Blows +3 dmg and slide target 1 square from K7 to L7!
 Shift 4 as part of power back to K2!

Ashurta HP: 57 - 15 - 24 - 3 = 15

Guess how much damage he takes at the start of his turn thanks to Carla? Good times. Oh and let's not forget if it survives that somehow, he still takes 5 dmg at the end of his turn if not adjacent to Angel. Oh well!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

"Plug your ears," Mittens says, "He's about to..."

Ashurta screams another bloodcurdling shriek as holy light pours out his mouth and eyes from within!  His whole body lights up before he burns up into a pile of ash and smoke!  Matt and Adam were able to plug their ears just in time, Angel was far enough away that she didn't have to, but the rest are again hit with the dark horror of the shadowfell!

"...that."

(( Death Scream (when Ashurta drops to 0 hit pOints)
Ashurta unleashes a b/oodcurdlina shriek.
Bloodcurdling Shriek vs adam, carla, mav, mits, matt fort

1d20 +8
adam1: 6 + 8 = 14
carla2: 20 + 8 = 28 Hit!
mav3: 14 + 8 = 22 Hit!
mits4: 18 + 8 = 26 Hit!
matt5: 15 + 8 = 23 Hit MISS! thanks to Mits' bard feature
6 (minimum) necro damage and the target is slowed and takes a -2 penalty to all defenses (save ends both). ))

The last chainfighter also is consumed by burning radiance and collapses in a pile of ash and smoke!

"Boy they're dropping like flies," Mittens points out, "Epic awesome attack there, Carla!  Thank you for shutting them up!  Nice shooting and kicking too, Angel.  How you do all that in 6 seconds still defies my capacity for reason."

She fires a shot at the zombie next to Matt, defeating it!

(( Majestic word, heal 12 hp for carla.  jynx shot KO-LOL's the hobgoblin zombie! XD! ))

"Let's brighten this last one's day," Adam says, stepping over to the last remaining zombie.

He slashes it and grabs it by the face!  He then drags it over into Carla's light, and smashes it through the dividing wall which crumbles to dust!  He offers no option of surrender and body-slams the monster to the floor, his fingers still crushing it's face!  The zombie stops moving!

(( Bash and Pinion 8 damage.  Slamming Rush CRIT! 999 damage!  Grabbed and prone! ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Sat 05 Mar 2011.

  "I am always so very glad to see you all still standing while you rectify that situation in out problems."    This said, he heads closer to the rest to check up on them.

  "Sorry I wasn't better at keeping you from getting hurt Mittens."  Tank, next to Mittens for pretty much the whole fight.  Mitten's ends up with the least HP out of everyone else... Well, currently.  Carla got a heal in.

 

---

Move: Shift
  Standard: Steel Serpent Strike vs Soldier Zombie 2. Hits. 14 DMG  I can't really legit Ready an Action when I don't expect Zombies to pop backup.

  Though if the sucker takes a swing and misses, Assume Matt swats them back down with his Encounter power.

  Carla coulda easily made the DC check to know that with it being near universal to zombies.  But she hasn't mentioned it, (or anything really considering her talking habits ;D).

Carla is demonstrating that the fight isn't over as she holds the ion beam up and moves it northward with the wave of a hand. The girl looks exhausted, yet continues to do so. She holds up another hand and it sparks with electricity before Carla has a ball of lightning in her hand, as if waiting for something.

(Minor: sustain zone)
(Move: Move zone north one)
(Standard: Readied Vanguard's Lightning on Hobgoblin 1)

Maverick can see Carla isn't done fighting and keeps himself on guard as well. He's ready to do some extra stabbing if needed.

(Standard: Readied Piercing Strike v hob 2.)
 trigger: hob 2 so much as budges

The hobgoblin nearest to Matt rises up and looks menacingly at Matt. Even as the thing rises, Carla shoots the lightning ball at it. It doesn't want to enter the zone, so it runs away to hopefully survive to the next round. The other hobgoblin starts to rise only to be immediately hacked down by Maverick. "....looks like Carla knew these things still had some fight left." Maverick surmises.

(Hob 1 rises. Can't charge, used it's move action to stand/rise. Carla's readied action critical fails. With no standard available due to reach mechanics, the zombie decides to run for cover.)
(Hob 2 STARTS to rise, triggering Maverick's readied action. Hit. 13 dmg. Zombie is down again.)

Angel gives a weirded expression. "Really?" and hurries to follow the fleeing hobgoblin. She shoots him with an arrow and he drops again.

(Move: From K2 to I7)
(Minor: Quarry)
(Standard: Basic Ranged v hob. Hit.)
 dmg: 19

YAAAAY! I finally got to use Prime Shot class feature! I'll never see it used again! Wheeeeee!

  Matt considers the sudden recurring undeadness from the hobogoblins, and looks over to the fallen Ashurta.  "So, if the weaker ones get back up...  Why hasn't he yet?  And does anyone have a clue who Ashurta freaking is because this is halfway out of nowhere to me."

  Poor famous enemies.  Dealing with people who never heard of them.  Not like Matt even needed to take a single swing at the guy for them to fold though.  "Well, at least the statue isn't spazzing out anymore."

  Once Carla is all properly healed up, Matt will attempt a pickup hug of the tiny lady.  Because she's adorable and got hurt badly for their sakes and also Ion Cannoned their enemies into the floor.

  OOC Style: Short rest when reasonable able.
  Matt HP: 46/46 S 8/10 V 11
Or, if no Song Of Rest to be had, 45/46.

Mittens sits herself down in front of the pile of ash that was once Ashurta and begins to sing:

"Sometimes I ask myself
What am I doing here
I think of all the reasons
But it's still not clear
I look at places to go
There's nothing near
So take me away from this
Cause this place I'll hardly miss

So take me back in time
To another world
Then you can be mine
We don't have to worry
When you're by my side
There's nothing I don't know
There's nothing to decide
Apart from where we want to go

What I am I doing now
By coming back for more
Is it me or I have I been here before
I want to go somewhere
That we can explore
Just take me away from here
To somewhere that's no where near"

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAeBXh25NiQ )

Her eyes catch a glint of metal and she reaches her hand into the pile of ash.  She draws out an ornate dagger that bears a resemblance to the broadsword that Ashurta had wielded in the fight.

"Ashurta's blade..." she says, "Deadly against aberrant creatures.  A piece of the Ashen Crown.  This is what those goblins were searching for.  To answer your question, Matt, The Ashen Crown - Arkantaash in Goblin - is an artifact of the Dhakaani Empire that could be separated into five pieces.  Numerous Dhakaani heroes were known to carry a fragment.  All were lost when the empire fell.  Among other powers, the Crown could influence death itself.

"The five pieces of the Ashen Crown came to be named for their last owners.
Karruuk's circlet, a headband made of gold and mithral, serves as the base. Ashurta's blade is a frontal ornament.  Zaarani's solitaire and Mukoorak's orb decorate the Crown like gems.  Lurtaan's cord, a braided mithral chain, wraps around the circlet.

"The Crown once belonged to Valaes Tairn elves who came to Khorvaire in ages past.  They made it from four elven magic items, calling it the Crown of Remembrance, or Liryana'tani in Elven.  After the goblins captured the Crown, they added a fifth section Ashurta's blade.

"The full Crown has a mind of it's own and grants powers.  The wearer of the crown has a clearer understanding of arcana, history, and religion, is more ready to defend against aberrant creatures, can shrug off mundane damage, can stagger well-hit foes, can occasionally daze an enemy, restrain an aberrant one, can dip into the sneak attack damage of a rogue, and has powers similar to the Gentle Repose, Raise Dead, and Speak with Dead rituals.

"But perhaps more powerful than all that combined is the power it holds over the hearts and minds that respect it's history.  One group of goblins were willing to risk their lives to find it.  They hoped this symbol would reunite their people and save them from extinction.  The crown has the power to reshape the destiny of this entire region for good or ill... depending on who possesses it."

Adam was quite startled by the sudden re-animation of the two zombies and is getting a bit paranoid.  During Mittens' song, he busied himself disarming and dismembering the monsters that weren't turned to ash, careful not to touch anything directly with his hands.  Lucky puts a paw on his buddy hoping to help calm him down.  Adam sits and catches his breath.  He eye-twitches when he realizes Mittens is giving her exposition with a zombie weapon in her hand.

"Didn't we mention like three times not to touch evil magic blades?!" he says with no small amount of annoyance in his voice, "A mind of it's own you say?  If you can drop that thing I might believe you still have your wits about you, Mittens."

Mittens sets the dagger on the ground and scoots away from it with a sheepish grin.  "Oops!  Sorry.  Kinda forgot.  Couldn't answer Matt's question without touching it."

Adam glares angrily at the blade.

Something tells me that even if we could destroy it, you're not going to let us after that bit about it being key to saving a race from extinction, Lucky predicts.

"Carla do you think you can safely carry that thing on your person without being influenced by it?" Adam asks.

Carla releases the ion beam and then rests. But even when she seems done resting, she looks pretty hurt. Not in the bumps and bruises sense, but more of the "looks like she's gonna cry" and "rather exhausted" sense. She is picked up by Matt and looks up into his eyes, the girl sucking in her lower lip, ducking her head and shrugging her shoulders in a light cringe, though it is clear she appreciates being held as she grabs hold of the breastplate collar of Matt's armor and leans against him. Her eyes are watery and she keeps her eyes on Matt's. A tear escapes and rolls down her cheek.

She then turns her head when Adam asks her about the dagger. She nods at him.

(healed up to 27 HP of 34. Brings me down to 2/7 surges. Scared of spending another surged even though 7 HP is significant.)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Sun 06 Mar 2011.

Maverick tries not to let the annoyance rub off on him as he calms himself, healing up while resting. He listened, though. He looked at Mittens. "Thanks for the music, Mittens." before watching to see what the others do.

(One HP away from full. Surges 3/6)

Angel begins the usual checking on others. Then puts a fist on a hip while listening. "Thought it was my job to be paranoid. But now that we know what it does, I guess we don't have much choice but to take it. Figures." she shrugs with a smile. Her smile fades and she says, "But extinction? I never knew goblins or hobgoblins were in danger of extinction."

(Never got hit. All day. Her temp HP must be the variety that wards off evil spirits.)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Sun 06 Mar 2011.

  It takes all of Matt's gargantuan for his class insight to hammer the 'should be obvious' fact Carla is not crying because of him home.  Because seeing Carla in such a state is quite upsetting.  He holds the tiny winged girl as gently as a guy in scale mail can manage.  "It's going to be fine, we're all here for you.  You protect us just as you deserve to be protected.  Though I still feel I could have done a better job, more so than usual."

  After all that, the tank is only down by two heal surges... Of course he's lucked out like crazy in not getting hit by big attacks today sure, but that's beside the senseless guilt point!

  Matt will take a seat leaning against a wall holding Carla, both to rest easier and so Carla doesn't have a drop to deal with when she wants off the Hug train.  "Though, I have to wonder Adam.  Sure, the Goblins stole the Crown from Elves if that story checks out... But they took an Elven crown of goodness and made it even more effective at fighting horrors from the far realm?  That doesn't exactly sound evil.  It'd be like if Kobold's stole a Dwarven Crown, then made it give you the ability to vaporize zombies with eyebeams."

"Love!" Mittens says in Carla's general direction, blowing kisses.

"Love!" she answers Maverick.  More airial kiss attacks.

"Love!" she says to everyone else with more happy gestures.

"Less total species extinction," Mittens answers Angel, "More specific subrace and cultural extinction of the goblins in this area."

"Thank you for making that point for me, Matt.  I get the feeling if I were to say it, it would sound like I was just saying that to be allowed to hold it again.  The crown's personality itself isn't evil per se... it's more 'neutral.'  It doesn't especially care to go out of it's way to make the world a better or worse place.  Much like most people.  Really it's only goal is to witness history in the making.  Help me out here, Carla.  He'll believe you if you just nod that we don't need to be paranoid about touching the dagger."

Carla nods. (( OOC: This approved by player. ))

Adam eyes Mittens then Carla.

"Good point, Matt," Adam consents, "Then I suppose it should be Maverick who carries it.  He's the most likely to get the best use out of it."

Lucky looks uncomfortable, but relents and nods.

Evil hobgoblin zombie king's aberrant slaying crown-dagger, Lucky thinks, Even *I* have to admit that's friggin' awesome.  Don't feel comfortable with something that touched something so icky touching my Maverick.  But... Evil hobgoblin zombie king's aberrant slaying crown-dagger!  I can't deny him THAT!

Lucky scooches the dagger over to Maverick with his paw.

(( Ashurta's Blade
This byeshk spike can change size and shape into several bladed
forms. It is deadly against aberrant creatures.
Weapon Enhancement: + 2 to attack rolls and damage rolls
Critical: + 2d6 damage, + 2d1 0 damage against aberrant
creatures
Property: You gain a + 1 item bonus to all defenses against the
attacks of aberrant creatures.
Power (At-Will): Minor Action. Ashurta's blade takes the
shape of a broadsword (Adventurer's Vault, page 9), dagger,
longsword, shuriken, or short sword. It takes on the statistics
normal for that weapon until it changes shape into
another weapon.
Power (Daily): Free Action. Trigger. You hit with an attack using
the weapon. Effect: A target of the attack is dazed until
the end of your next turn. An aberrant creature is also restrained
and cannot teleport until the end of your next turn.  ))

Maverick blushes lightly from Mittens' kiss-blowing and pretends to catch it and stow it in a pocket as if for later use. He then takes the blade. He narrows his eyes at the dust pile that used to be Ashurta before looking at Adam. "Thanks." he says quietly. He holds up the blade in a semi-dramatic fashion, making the light shine off the metal. "With this blade, I will help find the other pieces and hopefully unite goblin and elf alike in the prevention of evil and bloodshed." He then sheaths it.

Carla is quite happy with her place in Matt's arms and even goes for another cheek-kiss with a smile, feeling QUITE a bit better. She looks at the others expectantly, but lest she burden Matt, Carla slowly climbs down. She figures the kiss was enough to let him know she appreciated the holding. Carla begins heading back out of the dungeon with the others.

Angel asks, "So... DID we finish off the infestation of Kruthik? I mean... we ARE done down here, right? We can just go, hopefully not get backstabbed when we arrive back in town, and begin our search for the other pieces of this crown?"

  Matt smiles at the Mitten's Air Kiss Rampage, and blushes when Carla gives a more direct one.  He gets back up on his feet and blinks in confusion when people start preparing to leave however.

  "Uh, I know we've all just had a large fight and a lot to think about... But I'm pretty sure we're not done."  This said, as he points at the eastern Door Matt had pointed out right before Ashurta rose and fell.  "Like I said, what does one keep past the resting place of a famous warrior and important relic?  It's either going to be an anticlimax or something crazy."

  Matt's the Character's expectations are: No Idea.
  Matt's Player's expectations are: Standard Dungeon Crawl Boss Room Shortcut To Surface.  Dibs on the Heart container if there is one.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Tue 08 Mar 2011.

"Remember me mentioning a ghost?" Mittens asks Matt, "Well that ghost, a wight, a pile of skeleton fighters, and some altar of blood are in the next room.  Basically it's the 'welcoming committee' for 'unauthorized visitors' who didn't know the 'secret key' of the puzzle room.  Nasty place best left alone with no reward for entering beyond survival.  As for the kruthik....  Um... well...  Matt's right.  We haven't finished them off.  The rest of 'em are down an uncomfortably narrow tunnel."

Lucky and Adam both smile proudly at Maverick's oath.  He then listen's to Mittens' assessment of what remains of the dungeon.

"But just wide enough that we can squeeze through, I'll wager," Adam says with a sigh, "Much as I would like us all to get some well deserved rest, if we let them go now, there's a good chance someone will die from a kruthik attack before we return.  Point the way, Mittens."

Mittens points back the way the team came and Adam follows.

At least we're not walking into blood altar room of death out of some bizarre lust for combat experience and adventure? Lucky thinks.

Angel hrms. "With that much of a squeeze... might be hard to shoot past you guys. Well let's try anyways." she follows along and thinks about how to avoid being hurt. And how to help her allies avoid that, of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Wed 09 Mar 2011.

Maverick strongly considers eviscerating the kruthik with the newly acquired weapon. He goes to ride on Lucky for the time being, feeling like one of the coolest boys in the world. He realizes his small size and stealth might help him in the narrow tunnels, but... he also realizes he isn't tough enough to handle being ambushed in such a tunnel on the home turf of the kruthik. He would take point, but he already knows the answer the others will give.

Carla wiggles her wings as she follows the others, hopping on to Lucky when Maverick does. Imagine this: She says nothing. I know, right? Amazing.

Carla pulls out a brush and brushes Lucky's fur.

  Matt sighs, "Well, considering how things have turned out I should go first, and STAY in front until relatively effective positioning for everyone can be managed.  Yes it's dangerous, but beyond being the most armored I've also been relatively unharmed today."  He still blames himself a chunk for Carla's pain, considering the two people furthest in front were himself and the tiny Deva.

  He looks to Angel, "As for shooting past, I know you will be able to pull it off."


OOC Style:  Matt Initiative: 18

  Matt HP: Matt HP: 46/46 S 8/10 V 11
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Wed 09 Mar 2011.

You are in a rough1y semicircular hollow- the interior of an
ancient tower foundation. Rubble is strewn around its perimeter
and sits in a pile near the center. Two support beams run across
the chamber in the space beneath the ceiling. Four openings,
including the one you just entered through, exit the hollow in
different directions.

2 Kruthik Adults (A) Level 4 Brute
Medium natural beast (reptile) XP 175 each
Initiative +6 Senses Perception +4; low-light vision,
tremorsense 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 67; Bloodied 33
AC 17; Fortitude 14, Reflex 15, Will 13
Speed 6, burrow 3 (tunneling), climb 6
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+8 vs. AC; 1 d1 0 + 3 damage. ::r Toxic Spikes (standard; recharge IZl [UJ) .. Poison
The kruthik makes two attacks against different targets: ranged
5; +7 vs. AC; 1d8 + 4 damage, and the target takes ongOing 5
poison damage and is slowed (save ends both).
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 17 (+5) Dex 18 (+6) Wis 12 (+4)
Con 17 (+5) Int 4 (-1) Cha 8 (+1)

Sharn Kruthik (S) Level 2 Lurker
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 125
Initiative +9 Senses Perception +1;
low-light vision, blindsight 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 32; Bloodied 16
AC 16; Fortitude 14, Reflex 16, Will 13
Speed 8, burrow 2 (tunneling), climb 8, fly 4
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+7 vs. AC; 1 d8 + 1 damage, and the target is grabbed. While
grabbing, the kruthik can claw only the grabbed target, and that
target takes 6 damage, instead of 2 damage, from the grabbing
kruthik's 8nashin8 horde aura. The kruthik gains +2 to AC and
Reflex while grabbing a target.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str10(+1) Dex18(+S) Wis 10 (+1)
Con 14 (+3) Int 4 (-2) Cha 8 (+0)

Kruthik Young (Y) Level 2 Brute
Small natural beast(reptile) XP 12 S
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +1; low-light viSion,
tremorsense 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 43; Bloodied 21
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 11
Speed 8, burrow 2, climb 8
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+5 vs. AC; 1d8 + 2 damage.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 15 (+3) Dex 16 (+4) Wis10(+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int 4 (-2) Cha 6 (-1)

2 Kruthik Hatchlings (H) Level 2 Minion
Small natural beast (reptile) XP 31 each
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +1; low-light viSion,
tremorsense 10
Gnashing Horde aura 1; an enemy that ends its turn within the aura
takes 2 damage.
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 15, Will 12
Speed 8, burrow 2 (tunneling), climb 8
CD Claw (standard; at-will)
+5 vs. AC; 4 damage.
Alignment Unaligned Languages -
Str 13 (+2) Dex 16 (+4) Wis 10 (+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int4(-2) Cha 6 (-1)

TACTICS
The kruthiks assault the PCs Viciously. The adults begin
the encounter on the beams (from where they shoot their
toxic spikes), and the other kruthiks start at floor level but
might climb walls to get away from attackers.
FEATURES OF THE AREA
Illumination: Dark.
Ceiling: 30 feet high.
Rubble: The rubble in this area is difficult terrain.
Support Beams: Jammed between the rough walls
(Athletics DC 10 to climb), these 5-foot-wide beams are 20
feet above the floor of this chamber.

Angel: 15 + 8 = 23
init for young 2: 17 + 4 = 21
Maver: 11 + 7 = 18
Carla: 11 + 2 = 13
Matt Initiative: 18
init for adult 1: 10 + 6 = 16
init for young 1: 12 + 4 = 16
init for sharn: 3 + 9 = 12
init for adult 2: 2 + 6 = 8
init for hatchling 1: 3 + 4 = 7
init for hatchling 2: 2 + 4 = 6
init for adam 2 + 4 = 6
init for mits 3 + 2 = 5

http://spreadsheets.google.com...amp;authkey=CJ2s6PYE
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:57, Thu 10 Mar 2011.

Angel moves north, sees a bug, and shoots it, killing it where it stands with a single arrow. Just as she does this, a bunch of smaller kruthik come rushing over to gnash at Matt, but Angel looses another arrow, skewering a bunch of them at once, causing the swarm to be distracted from harming Matt.

(Move: B13 to B10)
(Standard: Twin Strike. Hit, doesn't matter)
 dmg: so what?

Hatchling is minion. Hatchling is dead.

(Young move to Matt)
(Standard: Basic. Hit!)

(Immediate Interrupt: Disruptive Strike. Hit!)
 dmg: 12 and the young now miss Matt. Neener neener.

Maverick swings his sword around and past Matt, slicing more kruthik. There are not many left of the ones that charged up to Matt at this point.

(Standard: Clever Strike v Young. Hit!)
 dmg: 18
(Move: To where Angel was: B13)

Side Note: I never use Guarded attack and am unsure why I took it. So consider this the retrain of my lvl 1 power: Acrobat's Blade Trick. It's not on my sheet yet.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Fri 11 Mar 2011.

Carla moves closer to the kruthik and shoots a blast of energy that seems to make them terrified of her, but she reaches out and touches them, ending the fight and putting them to sleep. All this before Matt even had a chance to hack at any.

(Move: To Matt/kruthik young.)
(Standard: Visions of Blood v Young. Hit!)
 dmg: 8
(Minor: Death Knell. It's over.)

  Matt smiles at the carnage of the sort he is heavily biased towards.  "Thanks everyone, you make the well worth it risk of going in front that much less risky."  This said, Matt continues forwards to the edge of the room, stopping short his speed by a single tile as he sees one of the Larger Kruthiks perched on the support beams above.

  In the torchlight, Matt could almost swear the bug had a smug 'nya nya, you can't reach me' look on it's face... Or he could just be paranoid and delusional.  After a moments pause of deadpan expressionlessnes, Matt sighs and whips his Warhammer straight into the Bug's face, almost but not quite knocking it off it's perch before he catches it on the Rebound.

  "I love this Hammer. Of course, I made it myself so I may be a touch biased."

---

  Move: Duh
  Standard: Ranged Basic vs Adult 1, Hits. 15 DMg(Max LoLs).

  Marks: Adult 1 Marked by Matt.
  Intentions: Parry and Riposte to a Sharn or Adult if they miss a Melee attack within Matt Melee range.

  Adult 1 HP: 67-15= 52

  Matt HP: 46/46 S 8/10 V 11

  The First Adult makes... Whatever you call those noises a highly offended giant bug makes, and fires spikes at the not quite White Knight, which have the poor luck of bouncing off the dead center of his small shield without even having to move his arm.

  However, before Matt has time to even think up some form of verbal mockery to a bug that can't even understand common, a Sharn rushes in out of nowhere and jumps up to latch onto Matt's neck!  Sure, it was surprisingly painless, but this is definitely not a good sign.  "...Keep being awesome. Keep being awesome!"   Well, that's one way to cry for help.

---

Adult 1:
  Standard: Toxic Spikes Vs Matt, Miss.

  Sharn:
  Move: Duh
  Standard: Attack Vs Matt, Hits. 3 DMG, Grabs. +2 AC/Reflex.

  Effects: Matt Grabbed.  +2 AC, Reflex for Sharn = 18 AC, 18 Reflex.

Adult 1 HP: 52/67
Sharn HP: 32/32

Matt HP: 46-3= 43/46  S 8/10 V 11

The hatchling chitters forward at full speed, but it's fangs chip harmlessly off Matt's armor!

(( Roll of 14+attack bonus+charge bonus... Still missed.  o.o ))

The Kruthik Adult on the far beam skitters south a bit then across the wall to get a better shot at Matt and fires a poison dart at him!  The spike hits and the poison slows his movements!

(( Poison dart hits.  11 damage, 52 ongoing poison (haha resist 3 ongoing), slowed, (save ends both) ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:33, Fri 11 Mar 2011.

Mits sees what Adam's about to try and do, but he won't be able to with Matt standing where he is.  She steps forward to get a clear shot.

"One foot in front of the other!" Mittens sings to Matt, "Step to the right!"
( From this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNa6RqrhjI4 1:11 )

In spite of being grabbed and poisoned, Matt's feet feel compelled to side-step to the south in time with the music, and in doing so, he feels much better!

Mits then shoots an arrow through the struggle between Matt and the Sharn Kruthik, hitting it in the face!  It shrieks and flails, making Adam's next attack more likely to hit!

(( Majestic word on Matt = full hp.  Prophesied Strike v Sharn hits!  12 damage. ))

Adam runs into the room and thanks to Mittens' distracting arrow, he grabbs the Sharn Kruthik by the face and pulls it off Matt, slamming it into the nearby wall!  He pulls to carry it off, but it catches itself on the wall.

(( Bash And Pinion hits, breaking the monster's grab on matt!  11 damage ))

Angel moves around through the other hallway and shoots a couple arrows in quick succession, hitting and killing both the Sharn and the Hatchling. She smiles as she is already mid-arrow-pull, turning to see the adult kruthik.

(Move: B10 to G8)
(Minor: Quarry Sharn)
(Standard: Twin Strike v Hatchling, Sharn. Hit. Hit.)
 dmg to Sharn: 12

Hatchlings and Sharn down.

Maverick rushes past Mittens to get a clear shot, slingshot in hand. THWAK! A stone finds itself bouncing off the adult kruthik's carapace, but not without rattling the thing enough for serious injury.

(Move: B13 to E12)
(Standard: Basic Ranged v Adult 2. Hit!)
 dmg: 16 12. These bugs have tremor sense 10. And the map forces you to be within 10. So much for my striker being a striker until he flanks with someone.

Adult 2 HP: 67 - 12 = 55
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Sat 12 Mar 2011.

Carla hurries to follow Angel and once next to the archer lady, Carla looks a the adults and they ever so slightly slink, cowering from her gaze.

(Double Move: C12 to F8)
(Minor: Maledictor's Doom v adults!)

Yay Mal being a minor. -1 to their attacks and saves. Carla now has +2 defenses v them.

  Matt is thusfully saved from the dread horrors of Damage Auras.  "Thanks you again for being awesome."  Matt advances to an almost, but not quite 'haha, neither of us can attack eachother' position relative to the First Adult thanks to the shrugged-off-but-not-fast-enough effects of the toxic spikes, and once more hammer tosses to crack the until then unharmed face of an Adult Bug.

  Sadly, this time around the damage is less than impressive.

---

Move: Duh
Standard: Ravged Basic vs Adult 2, hits. 7 DMG.

  Save: Auto succeed lols armor.  though amusingly, I rolled anyways before I remembered, and exactly made that.

  Marks: Adult 2

  Intentions: Parry encounter first time I can pull it off on either adult.

  Adult 2 HP: 55-7= 48

  Matt HP: 46/46 S 7/10 V 11

  The Adult bug really wishes they could get another shot of projectile poison at the heroes from relative safety again, but they botch their roll so sucks to be them!  So, they skitter across the support beam and charge down the wall at Matt, a Claw swiping well and true for the smith's face and barely missing because SURPRISE! Angel Baby!

  If this bug and Ashurta somehow meet in the afterlife, they may compare notes regarding baby hatred.

---

Move: Duh
Standard: Wall climbing charge, exact hit Miss thanks to Carla.

Recharge: 3, so fail.

Adult 1 is 1 tile above ground level hanging on the wall.

The adult kruthik further in the room skitters around to try and flank Matt with the other clinging to the wall.  It then rears back to attack, but pulls a muscle and winces.

Adam slashes the adult on the wall with his sword and follows up with a punch.  Mits predicts that the punch is about to be dodged and tries to help out with an distracting arrow, but... TWANG!  Didn't nock right.

"Guess it was fated to miss," Mits mutters.

(( Slash and pummel.  Slash hit, pummel missed.  Mits tried to make it hit but rolled a 1.  oh well.  9 damage to adult 1 ))

Mits twangs another missfire.  >.<

"Fwank wif me, Mavwik!" she says.  She runs right between the two kruthik, triggering a flurry of opportunity attacks!  Adam hits his mark, Matt misses his, Kruthik on wall hits it's mark, Kruthik Mits rushes around misses.

(( 9 damage to mits, 15 damage to adult 1 ))

Angel heads over to flank with Matt and shoots the bug point blank! With an arrow shooting through one of its vital organs, specifically a PAINFUL one to be shot (Like the bug's equivalent of a kidney?), Angel swings a foot to its side, kicking it over to the side and she moves with it, quickly flanking with Adam instead. Now the bug isn't flanking Matt and is instead flanked with Adam and Angel. "And Adam can flank with me." she adds after Mittens called for flanking. Oh, and by the way? This positioning alongside Maverick's coming Mittens-requested flank will ensure Matt isn't flanked anymore. Or any team mate for that matter. Especially if Carla moves into the H10 spot Angel just left...

(Move: G8 to H10)
(Free: Point Blank Crossbow)
(Standard: Evasive Strike v Adult 2)
 (Free: Centered Flurry)
 dmg: 26 and move bug to G11
 Shift 1 as part of the attack. To G10

Adult 2 HP: 48 - 26 = 22

Maverick nods in response to Mittens and hurries over to the bug. With a deepening frown as Maverick realizes these things detected him even with his amazing stealth skill, he growls at the bug. "Screw. You." and stabs it so hard, the thing splits in half, dying instantly.

(Move: To flank with Mitts.)
(Standard: Fleeting Spirit Strike v Adult 1)
 dmg: 28

Adult 1 HP: 28 - 28 = Beetlejuice

Carla waves a finger scoldingly at the kruthik, staying where she is and giving the kruthik an almost pleading look. The kruthik is overwhelmed with a sense of "doomed if I do... helped if I don't..."

(Standard: Offering of Justice)
 dmg: 20 if kruthik attacks.

I LOVE THIS ATTACK!!! ARRRRGLEBARGLE!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Mon 14 Mar 2011.

  Matt looks up at the big, and gets a certain feeling about the now inevitable end results of one sided gang beatdown Justice.  "This is going to be messy, isn't it?"

  That said, he clips the Bug across the face with his hammer swung underneath his shield, held up to cover his head.  This is followed up by an overarm hammer blow (in the literal sense) so strong it drives completely through the Kruthik hard enough to crack the stone wall behind it.  The remains of the bug slide to the ground and Matt after a quiet moment, lowers his shield arm.

  "...well, at least my head is still clean..."  Good thing you got the Carla hugging out of the way already.

---

Standard: Shield Feint, hits.
ACTION POINT: Steel Serpent Strike. CRITICAL
No need to even roll for damage, the Enc crit alone is more HP than enemy has left.

Adult 2 HP: 22-FATALITY!= Matt wins, Flawless Victory! (Hey, Matt HP IS back to MAX)

Matt HP: 46/46 S 7/10 V 11

"Stab-o, Smash-o-licious!" Mittens commends, clapping her hands, "Bug problem dealt with!  Day saved!  Much deserved rest now!"

She sings her song of rest for the group and gets ready to leave this place.

Adam was hoping she'd say that.  Lucky more so.

"Good," he says, "Let's take 5 and leave this accursed place."

Lucky sensed that Maverick was a lot more peeved at monster bug than one would expect.  At least comparatively speaking.  He goes to give Mav some daddy-cub attention.

(( No need to worry 'bout mechanics.  No more encounters this game day unless PCs pick a fight at random.  Will fast-forward to next scene after next round of posts if no objection. ))

Maverick flops onto his butt and broods a little. Upon seeing Lucky lick him, he just pets the tiger like he's some mastermind. "I'm taking one of the eggs for myself." he proclaims. "After we ask the professional about their nature, their habits, I'm going to raise one as a pet." The way he says this suggests there is no negotiation on the matter.

After a little rest, he begins scooping some bug blood into a vile. O.o
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Mon 14 Mar 2011.

Angel finds a bare spot to sit where there are no bug guts. She scrunches her nose in an "ewe" as she watches Maverick mess with bug guts. "I'm so looking forward to bathing and having my gear professionally washed. Good job, everyone. We seem to be getting a lot better at this each time."

Carla sits to rest and listens to the people around her. She finally heals up her last bit of healing since she feels the day is done.

(Fine with skipping. Though wouldn't mind RPing a bit before next encounter comes up. Such as if anyone is WTFed by Maverick wanting a kruthik pet, or when Mav goes to talk to the egg-collector, or when the team go to get their respective baths. XD )

  Matt is so glad his friends came out relatively untouched this fight.  Not coming out too poorly himself isn't that bad a result either.  "Maverick, I don't think it's the Kruthik's blood that's poison.  If it was we'd be having some issues at the moment."  What? It's the only practical reason that comes to mind for Maverick wanting to loot some bug bits... Outside of them wanting to loot an entire soon to be live bug.

  OOC Style:  I'm good for timeskip and RP gap between ow and next enc (but considering this is final fight of this dungeon, that much seems certain).  Though, I'm also for skipping the 'RP your Hygiene routine' angle.

  It's a small thing, but for some reason my brain just screams at me 'pointless!' an inordinate amount if I have to type out that sort of thing.

"As awesome as that might sound," Mits answers Maverick, heading out with the others, "I suggest you turn that thought around.  What you seek lies not down that path you speak.  Keeping such a creature as a pet is not a safe bet.  Though I should say, there is another way.  The professor will explain the details of the kruthik bane."

She rubs her chin.

"I just came to a realization.  You know how prophets are all vague and stuff?  How they won't give you a straight answer when you ask, 'what the heck is that supposed to mean?'  Well it's because they don't know.  I want to say, 'Hells yeah!  Kruthik attack dog would be fantastic!'  Some reason I just can't.  I wonder...  Do I sound more like a prophet when I rhyme?  Or more like a witch?  Would I be taken more seriously either way?"

Lucky winces at Maverick's suggestion.  A pet?  Really?  He gives Mav a look of shock and confusion.

"Well I can gather from Mittens prophesy that we're about to learn a thing or two about kruthik," Adam says, sounding like he's not looking forward to the lesson.

Just outside the tomb, the group is greeted by Olaakki.  With him is a pair of human guards, a Halfling reporter, and an intelligent looking elf woman: http://tinyurl.com/4ex4mma

"Greetings, heroes!" Olaakki says, looking very happy to see them, "How did it go?"

The halfling excitedly begins scribbling away at his notepad.  The guards eye the heroes with a look of being impressed.  The elf woman looks a bit intimidated by the scary PCs armed to the teeth and covered in signs of battle.

Maverick just nodded at Matt when he commented, yet does not change his mind on blood-collecting. And to Mittens, he doesn't comment, figuring that if there is, in fact, an alternative solution, he'll hear it soon enough.

Time-skip, Maverick looks up at the lady and directly at the halfling reporter. Then back up at the lady. He can't much blame the gal for being intimidated by Adam, Lucky and Matt. Though he doesn't find Mittens, Carla and Angel all that intimidating. THIS Maverick didn't see Mittens smiling with blood all over her mouth. But then, if Maverick doesn't find Carla intimidating, that can say something about his thought processes.

Maverick answers the halfling by presenting Carla's hover disc. "We squashed the bugs." he thinks, but doesn't say. He figures he will let the adults talk with the adults. Besides... he's more interested in getting to the researcher.

Angel answers Mittens' question about sounding like a prophet, "Prophets aren't known for rhyming. They are known for their speaking the will of their god or telling the future."

Time skip, however, and a reporter. "It went well enough. None of us are dead or even scarred. We really want a break, though. Baths, sleep, the works. So unless you have some pressing questions, I think that's what we'll be doing first..."

Carla is riding on Lucky's back and looks at the reporter and elf lady with those glowing eyes of hers. She doesn't comment or even gesture.

(OOC: Was less "rp hygiene" I had in mind, more "excuse for guys and gals to RP apart in a purely social environment" like last time when Mitts and them bathed with the orcs. But bath or no, that's what I was aiming for. A "Guys only" and "girls only" kind of RP.)

  "Well, the Rhyming thing would involve more effort, so possibly sometimes?" Matt says as he gets the majority of the gunk off with a towel... What, you should always bring a towel... Though Matt may need to take to bringing more, and possibly burning this one.

  SPINNING BATKORD LOGO TRANSITION!

  Matt considers the turnout, and comments "Well, from what we've had waiting for us it looks like someone finally expected us to not fail at something."  Really, not as much of a story to be had by bringing a reporter and then pointing at a cave saying 'people probably died in there... What, I'm not going in there to check'.

  "I'm inclined to agree with the rest first, talking later option though."  No scars, none dead... But Carla came closer than Matt would have liked.  Nevermind that 'so much as scratched' is more than Matt would like for any of them.

OOC Style: Ah, in that case sure.  This party is also the most balanced in that regard too.  2 talkative +1 barely/rarely talks people per Gender... Wait, no.  We've got Lucky.

  Also, Batkoooord! *Bamf* BatKooooord! *WHAM*  Batkoooord! *Klud!*
This message was last edited by the player at 09:35, Wed 16 Mar 2011.

Mittens takes on an air of telling a ghost story and begins recalling the adventure.

"The rough-hewn walls and ceiling of the wide tunnel gave way to a paved floor ahead," she says in a hushed tone, play-acting herself entering the tomb with bow at the ready, "Dim white light washed the passage in a pale glow; the light brighter in the worked chamber farther on.  The faint smell of sharp vinegar exuded from kruthik corpses that lay about the floor.  Dark smears and spent black arrows told of a nasty battle that occurred there recently.  Those who fought the kruthiks were nowhere to be seen..."

"Detailed narrative after we've all had rest, please, Mittens," Adam interrupts, before answering Olaakki, "It went as well as a life-threatening excursion into an undead and monster infested tomb can go.  We survived...

"And succeeded!  All the kruthik be defeated!  Samples even taken for professor!  Boss zombie killed too!"

"Where would you recommend for some washing up, a meal, and lodgings?"

The elf woman looks excited at the mention of kruthik samples, but says nothing.  The halfling continues to scribble feverishly on his notepad, and the guards look even more impressed.  They grab some wooden boards laying in a wagon nearby and begin to board up the entrance to the tomb.

"Yes, rest, of course!" Olaakki answers, bowing several times, "I would be honored if you would come to my temple for all your needs.  It may not be much to look at, but it won't cost you anything."

"Fine," Adam answers, "Any objections?"

He looks to the others.  Mits grins and thumbs-up.

(( Imagined a scene after the group leaves: The guards finish boarding up the entrance and paint a message across the boards.  "KEEP OUT!  ZOMBIES!" ))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Thu 17 Mar 2011.

Maverick says, "I want a pet kruthik." before nodding to Adam. "Those samples belong to our team. I wanna rest, but I want the professor to understand I want my pet. That means no mutilating eggs..." he says cautiously. He idly pets Lucky as he watches the guards board up the tomb.

Angel nods and says, "Don't worry, Maverick." she keeps herself from petting him as his hair has residual bug guts on it. "We'll make sure you get the information you need." Pet or no pet. Angel notices the excitement in the elf and says, "...are you the professor? Or do you work with them?"

She quickly interrupts herself, "What Adam said... we need rest first. Please direct us to bed, bath and beyond?"

Carla remains silent. Imagine that.

  Matt says to Olaakki, "That would be appreciated, thanks."  In general he says "I'll leave the bug details to the others, even if I'm not quite sure how the Kruthik pet thing will turn out."  Maverick has already shown himself to be more than capable of eradicating baby Kruthiks, so what's one more if it turns out poorly?...  It's a good think that line of thoguth is regarding bugs because in general, it's actually kinda creepy.

  Don't worry dear.  If the baby turns out poorly we can always Destroy it! Aaaahahahahaahahaa Where is my ominous thunder crash? *Boom* thankyou. Aaahahahahahaaha!

"My pleasure," Olaakki answers with another bow, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that none of you mentioned your reward.  Well I haven't forgotten what you were promised and shall give it to you as soon as we arrive."

He leads the way to the temple.  The guards don't follow along, but the reporter and the elf woman do.

"Hmm?" she answers Angel, "Oh!  Yes yes.  Professor Gydd Nephret at your service.  I heard some adventurers were looking into the kruthik hive.  I'd heard rumors of winged kruthik.  Interesting.  Very interesting.  I'm willing to pay for samples."

"You seemed eager enough to give a detailed account of the adventure," the reporter mentions to Mittens, "Would you continue the story on the way there?"

"Sure!" Mits answers.  She begins relating the adventure in her own words, but notices Olaakki getting rather uncomfortable and making gestures for her to stop when "the blade" is mentioned.  She ponders, then continues the story, but without any further mention of a special blade.

The group arrives at the temple.  It doesn't look like a temple at all.  Rather it looks like abandoned store-front property repurposed as a shrine.  Candles and altars and such.  Very unimpressive.  Olaakki offers Adam a small sack of gold who accepts it.

"Thanks again for the accommodations," Adam says.

"You're quite welcome again.  Beyond the curtain in the back you'll find the sleeping quarters and bathroom."

He begins to boil a pot of water over a small wood stove.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Fri 18 Mar 2011.

Angel says, "Thanks. I'll take advantage of..." she looks at the others. More specifically the melee types, who happen to be the boys of the group... didn't even occur to her until just now. "Why don't you guys go wash up first. You had to be up in the face of those bug guts the most." she glances at Carla and Mittens. "Not that I'm belittling what you two went through. I remember you got up close and personal a few times yourselves. But being covered in bug guts.. the boys have us beat at the moment."

She then looks at Olaakki. "So, Olaakki. How *did* things go with Cue-ball the Great? You know... the guy who can't fathom that heroes like my friends here exist? Did he try spreading rumors? Are we in the clear?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Mon 21 Mar 2011.

Maverick takes Angel's hint and goes to wash up. He looks at his gear and then to Adam. "We need to pick up some spare clothes. Or at least, someone who is halfway clean needs to pick up some clothes for us. For now, I'm just going to spray myself off first, clothing and all, and then bathe."

Carla would offer to shop, but... she feels too dirty herself. Angel is likely the least dirty here, yet she wants a bath badly. Carla sits to the side, waiting for someone else to lead her or such. She'd rather everyone else have a turn first.

  Matt might not keep a spare set of armor around, but he had thought to at least bring more clothes and a few towels along.  Not that this didn't mean he would not need laundry service as well, but he'll at least have something clean waiting and ready to put on once finished washing up.

  "To be honest, on my end it was less forgetting about reward and more putting that off until later." As well as a bit of not expecting anything at all now that the problem is gone, so it's a pleasant surprise when they actually get paid at all.

  "Thanks for the first up space offer Angel.  I could go pick up some more clothes after I get washed up since I have spare outfits already." Matt comments, and heads for hygiene land once responses or anything it'd be less than polite for him to ignore and walk away from are dealt with.

"Oh!" Olaakki says, "Clean clothes.  Of course.  One moment."

He hurries over to a chest, opens it, and pulls out an acolyte's robe from among many others.  Again, unimpressive.

"There's different sizes from big to small.  You can wear these while I deal with laundry.  What of Molric the Rude?  Oh he's no fool.  He'll not put his foot in his mouth till he's sure how public opinion of you will pan out.  Part of why I invited this reporter.  So the truth of your heroics would be made known.  Other part being he offered a handsome reward for your story."

(( Handwaving all the washup, laundry, and such.  Girl / guy separation RP will have to happen another time because there's only room for 1 at a time in the tiny bathroom. ))

The reporter thanks Mittens for the detailed account, pays her, and heads off.  Eventually everyone is washed up and wearing clean robes, or in Matt's case, spare clothes he brought along.  Dinner is a simple soup and loaf of bread which the Professor chooses to not partake in.  Olaakki busies himself cleaning hero clothes and armor of bug guts.

"So what's your interest in the kruthik?" Adam asks her.

"Hmm?  Oh.  Yes yes.  The kruthik.  Interesting creatures.  Very interesting.  Kruthiks are chitinous reptilian hunters that burrow through the earth, riddling the Underdark with tunnels.  They hunt in packs and nest in sprawling subterranean warrens.  They use their superior numbers to overwhelm and devour all other nearby creatures.  Kruthiks dig tunnels that remain intact behind them.  Often the first clue to the presence of a kruthik hive is a preponderance of such tunnels in the vicinity.

"Kruthiks hunt methodically, stripping one area of prey before expanding their territory.  They butcher their kills and carry treasure back to their nesting warrens.  Mauled carcasses and strange tracks that look as if they were made by spikes are sure signs of a kruthik horde.  Kruthiks communicate with one another through a series of hisses and chitters.  A typical kruthik hive is ruled by the largest kruthik, called the hive lord."

Adams eyes are glazing over as the professor gives a mini lesson on the creatures.

"What about keeping one as a pet?" Mittens asks.

"Hmm?  Oh.  Yes yes.  Alas, every record I've read of attempts of civilized races doing so ended with the tamer eaten, even if the creature was raised from the moment it hatched.  But from what I've read, it is entirely possible that a sentient creature could uncover the means to control kruthiks, bringing them to bear as living weapons.  The most likely candidates for such an accomplishment are tieflings, devils, and evil creatures willing to deal with devils.  Probably through blood sacrifices or some such.

"My interest is largely in studying their biology.  So the possibility of examining winged kruthik was interesting.  Why would someone want to keep one as a pet?  There's so many other choices out there that are so much more tamable.  And don't require near as much time, money, and facilities to maintain."

Lucky glances at Maverick.  I was wondering the same thing.

Maverick says in a very clear but suppressed frustration, "The kruthik can detect my presence. I thought I was able to sneak past anything. If I kept one as a pet, I could learn how to sneak around one. Have any better ideas?"

He doesn't *mean* to come off as sounding abrasive or rude, but he's upset. Even though he's washed up by now. This will bug him (pardon the pun) for the rest of his life (or until he is no longer detectable by kruthik and such).

Angel scrunches her face a little when she hears about kruthik eating their masters. She looks over at Maverick, "...is it really that big of a deal? We won in the end."

Maverick responds with, "How would you feel if a certain enemy caused you to miss every single shot? To me, winning is being able to sneak. When I get discovered, it is either because I allowed it, or because I am a failure. For something to detect me is an insult to everything I am."

Angel mulls it over, thinking about an enemy who could make her miss all the time. Maverick didn't even realize how perfect a comparison that was. "Right. Very big deal." she says in a serious tone.

Carla watches and listens as the people converse, occasionally writing on a note. She tugs on Adam, points at herself, then points in the direction Olaakki went. Once she is sure Adam acknowledged this, Carla walked to the next room over to find Olaakki. If she should find him, Carla goes to give the guy a smile, a curtsy, and then the note from earlier which reads,

"Thank you for your humble service. You are a very kind person and I wish to show my thanks. Please allow me to help lighten your burden by helping with chores. Or, if you have an idea what you'd rather me do for you, let me know."

  "While I'm not exactly a wilderness expert, the flying ones seemed to sense things slightly differently... Unless that's just some bias for how they were all about the 'latch onto people's faces' compared to the others.  So while they could fly, I think Maverick might have had a better chance with those ones?"  Matt's Wisdom stat is decent, but no Nature training.  So he can't even make the lower end DC 15 check... Which the professor has kindly recited anyways, so score!

  But yeah, no knowing for certain with Matt that all Kruthiks except the Fresh hatched Swarms and Sharns have Tremorsense, nor knowing for sure Sharns can not see outside of blindsight/lowlight 10.  Lowlight 10?  That's just uselessly redundant if you have blindsight 10.
  Matt does have it somewhat hammered into him by now from IC experience to assume 'everything I fight can see better than I can.  Even if it has no eyeballs or tentacles for eyeballs' though.  Though in this case it lead to incorrectly assuming every Kruthik has Darkvision.

  Matt also heads on over to aid Olaakki, more specifically with the armor.  Before all this insanity, Matt was a smith after all.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:47, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

Lucky senses Maverick's frustration and moves to rub against him.  I understand.  Just look at me.  My whole purpose is to warn the people I care about to stay away from danger.  You can see how that's going.

Adam glances at Lucky and sucks in his lips.

"Hmm," the Professor ponders, scratching her head, "Oh!  Yes yes.  I believe what the little one is referring to is 'Tremorsense.'  Kruthik are among the many creatures with this remarkable ability.  A creature that has tremorsense can clearly 'see' creatures or objects within a specified radius, even if they are invisible, obscured, or outside line of effect, but both they and the creature must be in contact with the ground or the same substance, such as water or a web.  The creature otherwise relies on its other senses.  The range of Kruthik tremorsense is about 50' in all directions.

"Various theories have been submitted for how this sense actually works in the absence of any movement on the part of furniture and other inanimate objects, but experiments prove that creatures with tremorsense can 'see' through walls and detect completely motionless objects within an air-tight sealed container such as a safe.  I don't yet know if the winged kruthik lack tremorsense.

"Magic exists that can emulate this sense and it has been used to great effect to find hidden things that are otherwise impossible to detect.  So no amount of stealth can prevent being 'seen' by tremorsense once within it's radius.  The only known way to hide from tremorsense is to not touch the ground at all.  Magic exists that can accomplish this.

"Given that, tremorsense isn't near as much a bane to a stealthy person as blindsight.  Blindsight, also known as truesight, works like tremorsense but without the requirement that the object be touching the ground and with the added requirement for line of effect.  Very few magics exist that can emulate or overcome blindsight, and all are very temporary."

"So what you're saying is that Maverick would not benefit at all from having a Kruthik pet?" Adam concludes.

"Yes yes.  For his stated purpose, no benefit at all.  As for abilities that trump accuracy...  Well legends tell that certain gods cannot be harmed by lowly mortals, no matter how accurate.  Only legendary heroes can hope to touch them with an attack of any kind."

"Maverick will find ways to overcome all senses," Mittens predicts, "The 'unseen watcher' will be the stuff of villain's nightmares for generations to come.  Angel's accuracy will become the stuff of legends and make even the untouchable touchable."

The professor stares and blinks.  "Interesting.  Yes yes.  Very interesting."

Meanwhile, Olaakki blushes when he reads Carla's note, bows, and nods.  He accepts all offered help.

"Thanks, you three," Adam says.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

When the scientist more or less insinuates there is no way to overcome tremor sense, Maverick looks about ready to eat a newspaper.

http://magicalscreencaps.com/i...iloandstitch_068.jpg

But when Mittens speaks up, he calms, even starts to smile some. He eventually nods to the scientist. "Thanks for all the info."

Maverick pets Lucky, appreciating the affection from the large cat. Who *doesn't* like being rubbed against by a kitty? :) ...besides total jerks that enjoy abusing animals.

Carla gives Matt a smile and proceeds to continue helping with chores, thankful for the extra help from Matt. She lip-sinks a "Thank you" to Matt before continuing to quietly serve.

Meanwhile, back with Adam and co, Angel says, "So shall we discuss tomorrow's plans before we head for bed?"

  Even total jerks would probably less inclined to complain about a Tiger than the housecat Lucky is being compared to.  Matt smiles softly and says "You're welcome." To the tiny Deva.

  The Smith of Smash looks over to Olaakki as he works, asking "Since you've been nice enough to help us out and let us rest at your temple, I was wondering if you could tell me some about it?"  This is partly asked because if later asked 'you stayed at a temple? what kind?' Matt would feel like he had several points lower than he really did in INT if his response was 'uh... a Hobgoblin one?'.

"My faith focuses on the restoring of my people to their former strength," Olaakki answers Matt, "So I pay respect to the dieties of our glory years: Arawai, Dol Dorn, Kol Korran, Olladra, and Onatar-as well as the Traveler.  I have a small following at it is, but it got even smaller after a few of my flock were attacked and killed by kruthik."

"Good idea, Angel," Adam says, "I believe Mittens mentioned that this professor would give us information on how we could get back home."

He turns to look at the elf woman.

"We're from the nation of Unity.  Well... except for Carla and presumably Mittens who has lost her memories.  We apparently stumbled upon a rift to the feywild, and it was a one-way trip for most of us.  Two of our group mysteriously returned to the prime material somehow.  Would you happen to know of any way for us to return there?"

"Hmm," she says, staring, "Interesting.  Very interesting.  You already have?  Returned that is.  This is the Prime Material.  Though... I've never heard of a nation called 'Unity.'"

Adam's face tenses at the revelation.

"Perhaps you might know it by it's Elven name, 'Glarandar?'"

The professor slowly shakes her head as if searching her memory.

"Between Yuirwood, River Lapendur, and the Tannath Mountains?"

More headshakes.

"Have you heard of Sharksbane Wall?"

Headshake.

"Algarond?"

Headshake.

"Sea of Fallen Stars?!"

The girl gulps, blinks, and recoils a bit.

"...sorry?"

Adam is visibly frustrated.

"Somebody said the pain won't be the same as it was yesterday," Mittens sings, "But after all this time, it feels the same: so far away, so far away.

Tell me something I don't know, (I'd love to take you home again)
As I walk the longest mile that any man has known,
My flesh and bone - the way is shown, my blood atone,
One man, alone and lonely."

"Please forgive the outburst," Adam mutters, "Anything you can tell us on how we can get home would be much appreciated."

"Hmm," Nephret answers, "Yes yes.  Of course of course.  I will look into this matter and return here tomorrow evening to let you know what I find, but alas, there is nothing helpful I can tell you now.  Tell me the circumstances of your... translocation?"

Mittens fills her in on the story thus far.

"Interesting.  Interesting.  I'll get on it right away."

She moves to exit.

Angel looks disappointed when she deduces from the elf that they have successfully gone to a plane that isn't even... charted. This place thinks it's the prime material. But they KNOW of the feywild at least. When the elf is out of hearing range, she looks at Adam. "We all miss home, Adam. I'm sure we will also feel better after some sleep. Maybe plans can wait till morning."

She looks at Mittens. "If you get any insights, of course, you'll let us know. Good night, everyone." she heads for sleeping quarters.

Maverick simply nods and heads for bed. On his way, he gives a bow to Olaakki and says, "Thanks again." before scooping Carla into his arms, kissing her cheek and taking her with him to the sleeping quarters. The blushing angel doesn't stop him. Maverick then curls up (with Lucky if he follows the boy), holding Carla up against him. "Good night, everyone..." he says quietly once everyone had gone to bed.

(Counting this as Carla's post)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Thu 24 Mar 2011.

  Matt can't help but overhear the back and forth between Adam and Nephret.  Adam talks in Bold text after all.  Well...  At lest the entire kingdom they pissed off thanks to a few relatively small incidents probably can't get at them from here?  Unless that was still 'here'.

  Note to self. Start collecting local maps whenever he gets to a new place that sells maps.

  Matt nods when Olaakki elaborates, "I'm still sorry to hear about, and to have seen what happened because of the Kruthik.  Hopefully you have more success in the future, and deal with it as graciously as you have recent events."  If a 'return to former glory' involved a bunch of people acting like Olaakki has been so far, this probably wouldn't be a bad thing.

  When the time for consciousness has overstayed it's welcome, Matt opts to sleep nearby Maverick, if not in the same pile the other two Maverick is with makes up.  Kind words and the more kind parts of his nature aside, they are sleeping in the temple of a Hobogoblin who knows of the Ashen Crown blade but doesn't want anyone else to.

  OOC Style: Are you not a Monk, and Afraid to sleep 'unarmed'?  Order your Belt Of The Brawler™ Today!  For the bargain price of a merely Level 2, you too can retain an average +2 Proficiency bonus and 1d8 damage without looking like a paranoid yutz for sleeping in plate mail with a fullblade under the pillow.

  Order now!

Olaakki bows repeatedly to the thankful heroes.

"Thanks again to you," he says, "I wish only that I could reward you better.  Rest well."

The night passes uneventfully.  No attempt is made to pick Maverick's pocket.  The next morning dawns with the smell of toasted bread and more stew.  Olaakki serves a humble meal then clears his throat after pleasantries are dispensed with.

"The other day, Mittens mentioned a special blade," he says, "Did you learn any more about it?"

Mittens nods.

Adam glances between her and the others.

"What's your interest in it, if I may ask?" Adam says.

"The Ashen Crown is a Dhakaani artifact from before the goblin empire's fall," the priest answers, "It is said that the Crown could be split into sections, each part a magic item.  It's possible that the blade you mentioned is part of the Ashen Crown.  If the crown could be restored.... It would mean so much to my people.  A symbol of hope."

Mittens grins.  "Toldya."

"Never doubted."

Angel folds her arms. "So what's the plan? We supposed to collect all the parts and reassemble it? Keep in mind, we've been unwillingly plain-hopping. Even if we find a piece, it may go with us to another plain and never be seen again. On the other hand, other plains might be where the pieces ARE."

(OOC: Yes. Belt of the brawler is win. It's the reason Raichel can get away with being a hybrid.)

Carla shows signs of paying attention between writing and such. She occasionally gives a smile to anyone who looks her way. Maverick, of course, keeps his mouth shut about the whole thing, letting the others do the talking. Angel seems to have a valid point and Maverick doesn't know that leaving the dagger with Olaakki is a good idea since, you know, Olaakki would be considered "unworthy" by his kin and killed for it.

  Matt can't help but nod in regards to Angel's outlook.  "While it was a bit more obvious the first time, if only due to the sudden scenery shift, we haven't even been able to tell when or where we've changed over.  That mountain didn't exactly vanish behind us, as we could see where we came from on the way up due to it's height.  Which makes the whole 'never heard of that place' situation even more strange."

  He considers further, "There was one known change when we first entered they Feywils. After that, David the Gnome came with us to the Orcs.  The Orcs told us to go to Saerloon and the Orc Doria comes with us to there.  We meet with Paelia, who knows Doria.  We go to Saerb like the tell us to.  After all that and we make our delivery, we are then told to go to Cormyer or the Dalelands by Inius, which has a mountain between where we were and there...."  Matt is quiet for a moment, remembering how the poor cobbler died via brains bashed in from corrupt guards.  "We climb the mountains, we can see where we just left on the way up.  We get to the top of the mountain, we get to the other side.  And people from where we just left are there, who know about what happened where we just where, working for the people from where we just were.

  Matt rests his hand against his forehead.  less facepalm more 'what's going on here'.  "Everything we have done from when we first entered they feywilds to when we entered this city have been linked with eachother step by step.  The only possible moment we could have changed realms again, was on an open path from the mountain that didn't exactly vanish into nothingness to here.  But nobody has freaking heard of the mountain or what's on the other side of it.  Unless everyone we've ever met since this all started has been giving us cross dimensional instructions and bounty hunters can beat us to crossing dimensions, there hasn't been any time we could have changed realms beyond the first time we entered that tree."

  He sighs heavily, "It's not the traveling through realms as a possibility that's strange to me... Gods my life has gotten weird... No, it's the fact that we can't have been going to places completely different from one another, when everything we have done before arriving in this city has been linked together.  I somehow doubt we'll ever get a reasonable answer... And the first, second, and onwards one to say, or write on a note 'some things are beyond our comprehension' or similar gets beaten with a wet towel."

  The displaced smith takes a moment to calm down, though he totally meant that silly threat, "As for a plan, there is none.  Every instance of 'this next person you talk to will have some insight how to get home' has proven false.  Prophesy, alterable or immutable has lead us astray, Not Mittens's fault she's just the messenger.  We're only moving forwards for the sake of not doing nothing at all.  It's been helpful to pretty much everyone we meet but useless to ourselves.  But I have no other ideas, so hey, why not keep *censored* solving every problem that comes our way except ours?  Put together a lost ancient relic just because it's there?"  More subduedly he finishes, "Not like our problems matter enough for anyone to do something about it..."

  Yeah, the whole 'Lost across one dimension with constant promises of aid? Try Several dimensions and more empty promises!' revelations haven't exactly done wonders for Matt's state of mind.

 *Probably needed Disclaimer: Matt the character is upset.  The fooking character.  I can deal with a patchwork module campaign OOCly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Sat 26 Mar 2011.

"I'm not asking that you recover the items," Olaakki answers softly, a bit intimidated, "Just that you relate any information you might find on them.  D... Did you find the blade?  Where is it?"

"Well if by 'some things are beyond our comprehension,' you mean I lack the brain power to calculate the distance between the stars and how they move around and such," Mittens answers Matt, "Then yes, some things are beyond my comprehension anyway.  If instead you mean 'we're expected to be too stupid to understand that sometimes traveling from one place to another can sometimes happen without a group of people being aware of it at the time,' then no.  I don't think it's beyond comprehension.  We just need more information.

"On the topic of professor having clues on how we can get back home, I didn't say that they'd have all the answers right away.  Sorry if I gave the wrong impression in that regard.  I'm very impressed with your ability to recap our story so far.  It'll help me when I try to write an epic ballad of our adventures together."

Adam nods to Matt's rant.  "Glad to see I'm not the only one who's ready to raise my voice over this situation," he says, "Now I remember earlier it was mentioned that yeah, until we have a better lead, our best bet is to solve every other problem but our own.  But now's not the time to bite off more than we can chew.  Our first order of business is to familiarize ourselves with this area.  Even if we don't stay long and get translocated again, knowing where we've been may be an important clue into what's going on."

At which point, there's a heavy knock at the door.  Olaakki answers and lets the guard outside enter.  The guard unrolls a scroll, clears his throat, and reads:

"To the heroes that eliminated the Kruthik threat: a summons to the headquarters of the King's Citadel in the Ambassador Towers district of Middle Central Plateau.  They are to present themselves by this afternoon to meet with Captain Saj Kalaes."

He then turns the scroll around to show it to the group.  The message has all official markings one might expect.

Olaakki smiles.  "This is good news," he says, "It means your good deeds have been officially recognized.  Perhaps you could ask for aid on your quest to return home."

Carla cringed when Matt raised his voice. Why didn't she cringe the other day when Adam did? She wasn't in the same room. She decides to go give Matt a leg-hug as a means of helping calm him down. She listens to the goings on and then watches the guard enter with his announcement.

Angel frowns. Matt had a point. But before she can say much, the guard shows up. She looks at the others. Then to the guard. "Sir, are we expected to show up as we are? Or wearing something... less adventurous?" better safe than sorry. As she waits for her answer, she glances about at her allies, as if looking for reactions.

Maverick is doing his disappearing act when the guard shows up. He watches from the shadows and listens. He can't help but think it would probably be best to not show up. But he waits until the guard is gone before he will voice his opinion on the matter.

Once the guard has left, Maverick would then materialize and walk over to the others, expertly avoiding the creaky floorboards. He memorized where they were yesterday.

  Matt is more upset for discomforting his friends than his own personal emo muffin deal right about now.  He goes to shoulder pat the leg hugging Carla, "Thanks..."  He looks over to Mittens after her reply and says "Like I said, I don't blame you Mittens.  As for the recap, well, it's been a memorable experience compared to the rest of my life so far."  That and his player can check a backlog unlike having to remember a campaign by memory alone.  And like Adam should talk about raising his voice, his text is always in Bold ;D

  Then the guard shows up with his announcements.  "Considering the rank involved with who we have been requested to see, I'm expecting them to want our means more than our manners."

  Insight variable part:  If Party is fine with letting Olaakki know they found the blade, Matt expositions.  If leaves out 'Ashurta is a dick' revelations. for the priest's sake'.
  If Maverick seems Noooo >.< for 'where is it now?'  Matt will only say he doesn't have it regarding it's location.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Sun 27 Mar 2011.

Mittens points and nods at Matt's guess, indicating that he's right.

"Um... adventure gear seems appropriate," the guard answers, "Promptness matters more than attire when the Captain summons a civilian.  If you were enlisted, that'd be a different story.  G'day."

He turns on his heel and marches out.

"So shall we go then?" Adam asks.

Not without Maverick Lucas points out.

"Oh... where'd Maverick disappear to?"

Maverick walks out into the open and says, "I'm here." seems he misunderstood. They AREN'T being asked to meet the king. Just some military official. "Let's go."

Angel and Carla seem to agree.

Maverick continues, "Be careful. Just because authorities say like us doesn't mean they do."

He mounts Lucky. Because being on the back of a cat that big is awesome. He pulls Carla on with him.

(OOC: Feel free, Matt. Maverick was indecisive about telling Olaakki or not. Less a trust issue, more "Olaakki will be targeted for assassination/torture the moment he boasts he so much as knows the whereabouts of said object")
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Mon 28 Mar 2011.

Angel nods to Maverick. "Don't worry, kid. If they try to trap us with words of silver, I'll catch it and turn it around on them. If they try to trap us with blackmail, same story. And if they try to kill us, we'll kick their butts."

She glances around. "Not that I'm saying they WOULD try to kill us... just saying there's nothing to worry about. We're as prepared as we're gonna be and sharp as tacks."

Angel and Maverick give one more thank-you to Olaakki.

She heads out with the group. "So Adam... how's this leadership stuff turning out for you? Do you feel you're doin' OK? I just wanna gauge your feelings..."

  Matt nods,  "Yeah, I think we're all familiar with that kind of situation by now."  Guards clubbing a cobbler to death? Bounty hunters? Naaaah, no corruption in governments ever ohcrap the Sarcasmotron blew up... Really?  That thing must be getting old to bust from that little.

  He turns to Olaakki, and says.  "We found Ashurta's blade.  I'd be sorry to say it was from their twice dead hands, but asking politely didn't seem to be a convincing enough method to get them to stop trying to kill us.  You'd think they'd be glad we were clearing his tomb of Kruthiks.  But then, I haven't really met any undead that can hold a conversation until then either."

  Oh Hai, I'ma the Plumber you callAAAAAIGH!
  Orcus desires no plumber.

"You have the blade?!" Olaakki gasps, "I... if I may request that I travel with you.  I may be unworthy to carry the blade, and it is safer in your possession, in the off chance that you get translocated in the next few hours the blade could be lost forever.  I humbly request that I bear the blade to your next destination, then you find a hiding place for it while you speak with the captain.  When you do... perhaps you could ask him for me if he's willing to secure 'something valuable' for you.  His reputation suggests he would be favorable to my cause, but I don't expect you to trust him right away.  If he agrees, the blade would most likely be safest in his capable care."

"No worries, Olaakki," Mittens chimes merrily, "We no go poof today.  We're stuck here for at least today.  I'm expecting us to get all the pieces of your crown before we go, but I've only seen as far as tomorrow morning.  We wake up in this same city."

Olaakki looks skeptical but says nothing.

"That's good to know," Adam says, "Do let us know ahead of time if ever you foresee us making another unexpected journey to who knows where.

"Leadership is a burden I wouldn't wish on anyone, Angel, but I don't know I've been doing all that much along those lines.  If anything, common sense and mutual agreement has been our leader so far.  Why do you ask?"

Angel chuckles at Adam. "You wouldn't *wish* it on anyone? Heh... interesting way to put it. I rather like leadership m'self. You are right in saying that we have been working as a team a lot and that common sense has been more or less leading us, but I guess you take it for granted when people do as you say since you're a prince. Fact is you *have* been leading. You just didn't notice because none of us challenged that. Not that anyone has the desire to, what with you being a good leader and all."

She looks over at Olaakki. "Feel free to come with. And we can discuss it on the way."

Maverick glances at Olaakki, then Adam, then Angel. He says nothing.
Carla just gives Olaakki a smile.

  As Matt follows along, he kerblinks at Angel's comments on Adam's 'leadership' and Princelyness.  "I'm gonna have to go with Adam on the 'he hasn't been leading' thing.  Outside of possibly his 'righteous indignation results in decision made for all of us' reaction to the initial bughunt offer being taken as 'leadership'."

  He shrugs, "As for the Prince thing, I think you might be the only one to even remember he's a prince most of the time Angel."  Matt doesn't make any comment on Angel's own leaderness.  She already admitted she likes that kind of gig, but that would be like pointing out 'Maverick likes being quiet' to anyone who had known the kid for five minutes.

  He just isn't sure if Angel is aiming for eventual leadership in the Title sense, or in the 'Adam takes the credit and blame for leadership' sense yet.  Even after growing up with the girl along with his 'wut?' scale Insight there's no figuring that out yet.  Or even if he's on the right track.