This thread made to have a place for Tim's endless alts to have a place to play.  The idea is similar to the Hero Guild.  A place where heroes gather, pick up teams, and do one-shot quests.  Quests will be a couple encounters, usually no more than 5.  I will not likely play any characters.  I will be playing the role of "cruel DM."  My goal will be to challenge Tim's characters to the utter limits.  I intend to make published modules seem tame.  TPK is a real threat.

I'd like to try out Morthos first. And I had an idea for these sandbox characters. Perhaps this sandbox can be the character origins leading up to their introduction in a given thread. For example, since there isn't a thread that is level 1 anymore (DS doesn't count due to full party. Wrath doesn't count due to "meant to be purely RP with little to no dice rolling"), the sandbox can tell their stories that led to level 2 and up. Of course, if they don't survive, then it serves more as a "what if". :) So yeah... starting with Morthos.

Brutality will be thick here, but plot will be thin.  Probably.  Will see where things go.

Blackguard.  Hmm...  Is that a... defender?  Striker.  Must be striker.  Because there isn't a single mention of a mark in the character sheet.  Well if he's ready to go this alone, level 1, ok.  Or would you rather have a team of NPCs go with him?  Or pick a team of your characters?

Was thinking of writing up Panch as a character and test him here, but...  I dunno.  Maybe another day I'll feel motivated enough to actually read the vampire section of the new books.

I'm here! I think I need to fix my character sheet up slightly, at least to make it easier to read. Other than that I'm ready for an adventure!

The port city of Antur is a city-state member of the Bolevur Empire Mallesova Protectorate Pelartia Alliance - one of the largest, wealthiest, and most unstable nations in the world.  Just last month the former regime was overthrown and replaced and renamed.  Not long before that, the same had happened.  Over and over since before memory or historical record.

The real power around here is money.  Those with rule those without.  Racism doesn't exist - money has a way of making people overlook racial prejudices.  For a time.  Corruption doesn't exist - because it's simply a way of life.  Bribe?  What's that?  Doesn't everyone slip money to law enforcement to have them look the other way?  In such a city, opportunity abounds.  But opportunity is valuable and usually a closely guarded secret.

The adventurers may or may not have met one another, but at the present time are out of work.  That's why they find themselves on the outskirts of the city near a trading post waiting for a chance to hear about an opportunity for easy money.  Well...  insofar as guarding a overland delivery of valuable commodities is easy money.  Several other hopefuls are there, each one armed, armored, or in some way ready for combat.

An orc wearing chainmail steps out of the guard shack.  Attached to his belt is an impressive looking whip.

"Alright you sorry excuse for a rabble!" he bellows, "The application is simple.  The last five standing get the job!"

(( Map: https://spreadsheets.google.co...aGUwZVE&hl=en_US
Initiatives are listed on the map.  Defenses listed too.  Was having issues with inserting comments, so complete monster entry for some of the monsters are on separate tabs of spreadsheet. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Tue 26 July 2011.

Akemi looks around, looks at the orc, then assesses the situation. She is never surprised, so this comes as no surprise to her.

Chant seems prepared as she immediately holds her shield up.

Morthos grins as he brings up his sword and shield.

Skylar seems distracted with his thoughts when he suddenly snaps out of it, looking confused.

Initiatives:
Akemi: 16 +4 = 20
Chant: 18 +0 = 18
Morthos: 13+0= 13
Skylar: 4 +5 = 9

Zekk Reaver: If you aren't familiar, there is a "Dice Roller" Click up at the top of your screen between ScratchPad and The Cast. From there, you can roll dice and even add in your initiative as part of the roll. Or you could just roll a d20 and add the initiative manually. Whatever you like. :)

Zekk stands among the other in the area, weapons at the ready, as he looks at his latest opponents.

Initiative. 7+6=13
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Wed 27 July 2011.

Christof looks over at the large half-orc and nods his head. Some may find it strange that the two travel together, but those that look harder notice the similar qualities and can tell that the two are brothers. They work well together, Zekk using brute force to ensnare the enemy and Christof dishing out the pain from afar.

Initiative: 3

A gruff looking human takes a step toward Akemi and swings his mace at her head, but she is able to evade the attack!

(( Move: from i6 to j5.  Standard: Dazing Strike misses.  Free action: drop his d20 on the ground.  Minor: get a different d20 in hopes he'll hit next round.  Next in initiative order: Akemi ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Wed 27 July 2011.

Akemi uses the duck to side-step, almost like a slithering snake. She whips around with some wrist action and throws a bola at the bandit's feat, causing him to trip and fall. The weighted balls on the bola smack the bandit's legs. Between that and the way he fell, the bandit takes some serious damage.

(Move: Shift from K4 to J3)
(Standard Action: Bola Takedown. Hit(25)!)
 dmg: 8
(No Action: Assassin's Strike)
 dmg: 8
(Minor Action: Not taken.)

Bandit HP: 37 - 16 = 21 <-- prone

The three kobolds all chuck their javelins at Morthos, and one of them penetrates his defenses!

(( Minion 1-3 Javelins vs Morthos:  miss, miss, hit.  4 damage.  Morthos HP: 27  Minion 1 move from f11 to c11.  Minion 2 move from g13 to c13.  Minion 3 move from h15 to c15. ))

The goblin rushes to the human that Akemi knocked down, and taking advantage of the off-guard enemy, strikes with his shortsword!  He takes a guarded stance, ready to jump out the way of an attack.

"I help you with this one, red hair."

(( Move from k9 to j6.  7 damage to the human bandit.  Human bandit's HP: 14.

Intentions:
Goblin Tactics (immediate reaction, when missed by a melee
attack; at-will)
The goblin shifts 1 square. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Thu 28 July 2011.

"This is an opportunity..." Chant comments to herself before rushing in next to the other tiefling she can see. "We must stick together. Those kobolds are showing teamwork that the rest of us should be using." She calls out in a surprisingly booming voice, "Those who gather to me, I shall aid you to victory! For mine are the powers of uniting a team!"

(Move: From O14 to J13)
(Standard: Full Defense)
(Minor: Words of Friendship. +5 diplomacy)
 ...good thing. Rolled a 1. But that's a total of 15!

Chant is a melee-focussed bard who was far from the others and has a speed of 5. The kobolds have ranged attacks. Seemed full defense was best. Then rolled diplomacy to reflect her attempt to pull a team together.

"You got it, beautiful!" the halfling says, rushing to be by her side, "This is insanity!  I never thought a job application would put me in mortal danger!  Let's survive this together!"

(( Double Move from g8 to n15 j14.  Next in initiative: Zekk. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:56, Sat 30 July 2011.

Zekk realizes he has spent to long out of the action and rushes to meet a foe. He saw the human take a few hard hits and the goblin now has his back to him. 'Perfect,' he thinks and rushes towards them.

He comes up behind the goblin with a good hit and in a quick motion lands a second hit on the human who is still on the ground.


Move: From O10 to K6
Whirling Rend: 7 damage to goblin, 6 to human

With a BIG grin on his face, Morthos says, "Can't we all just get along?!" as he seems to become blanketed in shadow and rushes headlong towards the kobolds! "Wheeeee!" He holds his sword out and smacks one with it while running. Then smacks another as he is still running. If the other kobolds don't get out of Morthos' way, they'll be knocked out like the last guy.

(Minor: Shroud of Shadow.)
 Partial concealment. +5 temp HP.
(Move: K12 to F9)
(Standard: Charge to D10! Hit(24)!)
(ACTION POINT!)
(Standard: Charge to D12! Hit(15)!)

Morthos HP: 27 (+5thp) = 27 (32)
Kobold 1: KO
Kobold 2: KO

I was reminded that a charge ends your turn. So charge, action point, charge is not possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Thu 28 July 2011.

Skylar points at the farthest kobold, shooting what looks like a green arrow and the kobold falls unconscious. As Skylar shot the arrow, he twirls his finger clockwise quickly. Then the kobold closer to Morthos has a magical green arrow enter him as well, seemingly out of nowhere. "I'm with the tiefling lady." he claims.

(Standard: Magic Missile v Kobold 2.)
(ACTION POINT!)
(Standard: Magic Missile v Kobold 3.)

Kobold 2: KO
Kobold 3: KO

Irony, the kobolds might have joined Chant if given the chance to speak up before knocked out. Then again, speaking is a free action, so they could have claimed fealty with her. Missed their chance.

Christof sees the kobalds go down and decides to help Zekk out. Seeing the goblin, he says a few words and a curse is laid on him followed by a blast of infernal energy. When the energy hits him, he also feels the effects of the curses damage

Minor: Curse
Standard A: Eldritch Blast + curse damage-> 8+3=11 dmg

"OwowOW!" the human bandit complains, "Dangit!  Jeez!  Why's everyone ganging up on me?!  Alright, alright!  I surrender!"

He drops his weapon, and crawls away.

"It's a crime to murder an unarmed guy, right?  Right?!"

"Yeah," the orc answers, "Just don't expect to be hired, pansy."

"Least I'm still alive.  Jeez."

(( free action: drop weapon.  Move action: shift 1 square from j5 to k4.  Standard action: Full Defense.  +2 to all defenses to compensate for his still being prone. ))

Akemi doesn't say anything to the bandit, but seeing him move closer makes her move away. Akemi would prefer to continue until the guy doesn't move, but makes a mental note of the legalities and goes for a knockout. She picks up the bola from the patch of ground where it was and swings her bola at the guy, who evades it.

(Move: Shift from J3 to I4.)
(Minor: Pick up bola)
(Standard: Bola Takedown. Miss(9).)

"I'm hit!" the goblin shouts, "Human no threat now.  Help me with half-orc, red hair!"

The goblin swings, but his sword bounces off Zekk's armor.  He then backs away.

(( Miss.  Move: shift from j6 to i6. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Sat 30 July 2011.

This is a rare instance where Chant feels she doesn't really have to do much. Three have taken her offer. She nudges her head for the halfling to follow and she walks to the center of the battlefield. "I have three takers on my side. Who else is with me? I am now not just one, but four. Men! To my side!" she holds her shield up, sword at the ready. But she is standing defensively of the halfling. "Quickly, what is your specialty?" she asides to him, keeping her eyes on Zekk and the goblin.

(Move: J13 to J8)
(Diplomacy roll: 15)
(Intimidate roll: 25)
(Standard: Full Defense)

First I think I've done full defense twice in a row, but I as a player and her as a character both honestly don't know who to attack. She was tempted to go after the goblin because he's in bad shape. But she can't get to him with her poor move speed and if she could, it's doubtful she could do the damage she'd need. Plus she is trying to win without having to fight for Sun-Tsu reasons.

"I'm a slinger," the Halfling answers, moving to be behind the tough sounding Tiefling lady, "I hit folks from a distance with rocks.  Preferably when I'm hidden, but sometimes I don't have that luxury.  So we going with the 'If they're not for us they're against us' rule?  What happens if more than 5 team up?  The orc said the last 5 standing get the job..."

As if to demonstrate, he starts winding up his sling, ready to let a rock fly!

(( Move from j14 to j9.  Standard action:  Readied attack - will attack with his sling the first confirmed threat to himself or his new allies.  Rolled ahead of time: 17 + 6 = 23 to-hit.  Will deal 7 damage if it hits the threat.  Next in initiative: Zekk. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Sat 30 July 2011.

Zekk follows the goblin and swings at him in a downward attack, which the goblin dances around. With a quick movement, Zekk comes around with his other weapon, but achieves the same results. In the background  Zekk hears someone talking, but isn't paying attention to it right now. He can tell it isn't Christof's voice so he continues his fight.

Zekk K6 to I6

Morthos heads over to the goblin and swings and misses. "Impressive, Goblin! You are one nimble guy!"

(Move: D10 to H7)
(Standard: Ferocious Strike v Goblin. Miss(11))

Skylar waves a hand and the goblin looks sluggish before collapsing to the ground. Zekk can sense he was also targeted, but the spell didn't effect him somehow. The goblin is alive, not that someone checks that sort of thing mid-fight. Skylar says, "I think all the people who are going to join you have, miss. So it's really us vs them now, until 5 remain."

Skylar then heads over to use Morthos as a shield in case Zekk decides to retalliate against him.

(Standard: Stone Blood v Goblin and Zekk. Hit(19)! Miss(11)!)
 dmg to goblin: 10
(Move: E4 to G8)

Just realized that with current setup, 6 player characters means PvP has to happen in this encounter eventually, regardless.

Goblin HP: 7 - 10 = KO
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Tue 02 Aug 2011.

As the goblin drops, Christof feels a surge of energy and feels stronger than normal.

Christof seems the human trying to limp away a decides that that wont do. He is here and should have been ready to fight to the finish. He lines up his shot and almost misses, but the human moves right into the blast, which knocks him to the ground.

Immediate: Dark One's Blessing (+1 temp hp)
Attack: Human (hit) dmg 13: KO

Akemi eyes the downed human, the downed goblin, and the fact the others are getting ready to turn their attention on each other. Akemi finds there are 7 remaining, herself included. 4 are teamed up; The two tieflings, the human wizard and the halfling. There are 3 not teamed; Akemi herself, the half-orc, and the half-elf. The half-elf has proven to be too ruthless to fall for a fake surrender tactic. The half-orc has proven to be a person of action and not words, like Akemi. If she were to team up with the 4, that would make 5. If she were to team up with the two, that would only make 3 vs the 4. The math isn't hard.

Akemi looks Chant in the eyes and says, "I am with you, tiefling." in an oriental accent. With that, she throws her bola at Zekk's face, smacking him good! The string from the bola swings the other weight around, throwing the already off-balance half-orc to fall to his back and fall hard.

(Move: I4 to J4)
(Minor: Pick up bola)
(Standard: Bola Takedown v Zekk. Crit!)
 dmg: 12 and prone
(No Action: Assassin's Strike.)
 dmg: 8 (1d10)

Zekk HP: 29 - 20 = 9

In response to the sudden team member, Chant says, "Then our team equals five. Everyone! To my side!" She directs the halfling that's behind her to Zekk. She smacks the downed half-orc with the flat of her blade. "Finish him." she says to the halfling, almost like Shao Khan. "Remember; Alive, not dead."

Chant then faces Christof. "Five to one, half-elf. Surrender."

(Move: J8 to K7)
(Standard: War Song Strike v Zekk. Hit(19)!)
 dmg: 6

Zekk HP: 9 - 6 = 3

The halfling slinger nods.

"Knock out the half orc, right."

He skillfully fires a stone at Zekk's belly but juuust misses the opening and the rock bounces harmlessly off the armor.  The slinger then slinks to be be behind Chant.

"Easier said than done."

(( 19 vs AC.  Ironically would have hit if Zekk weren't prone.  Move from j9 to k8. ))

Zekk's finds himself on the ground and the world is spinning a bit. In his ears he can hear his heart beat, loud and rapidly increasing in tempo. His eyes grow wide and the pupils shrink to almost nothing. The grip on his axe makes indentations for his fingers.

In one quick motion, Zekk pushes himself off the ground and attacks Chant, being the closest to him. Chant didn't have a chance to dodge out of the way and is hit with a brutal attack. Standing there he began to feel a bit better and looked around for his next opponent.

Move: Stand up
Standard: Blood Seeker's Rage: Attack Chant
>>Dmg: 21 dmg
>>Blood Seeker's Rage Effect: AoO if bloodied enemy shifts while adjacent to me
AP: Healing Surge(+7hp, +2AC)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Mon 08 Aug 2011.

Morthos says, "Impressive recovery there, but..." and with that, he smacks Zekk back down. This time for the duration.

(Move: from H7 to I5)
(Standard: Ferocious Strike v Zekk. Hit(24)!)
 dmg: 10

Zekk HP: 10 - 10 = KO

Skylar fires a magic missile at Christof, hitting his mark as he always does with that spell. He can only hope people don't wind up betraying each other if it comes to that. Skylar then moves around to be right next to Christof.

(Standard: Magic Missile v Christof.)
 dmg: 6
(Move: From G8 to M7)

If Christof shifts away, he'll be fine. But if he moves without shifting, or doesn't move at all and attacks, he'll provoke an attack of opportunity. So Skylar's move is kind of to force Christof to move northeast. At least, if Christof wants to attack.

Christof HP: 30 - 6 = 24

Christof sees his brother fall and then looks around. There are still two groups, but they are all surrounding him. He decides to try and get out. "Forget it, I need the money, but I can tell when I'm far out numbered and out classed. I give up. Let me go help my brother," Christof says to them, hoping that they will allow him to actually get to Zekk.

Akemi nods and relaxes a little. In actuality, she has an attack ready in case this is just a ruse.

(Readied Action: Bola Takedown. Not bothering to roll unless this is triggered)

Chant nods to Christof. Then looks at the orc. "Five remain."

Skylar and Morthos say nothing, but stay put and keep a close eye on Christof.

(Standard: Full Defense)
(Minor: Majestic Word on self)
 Surge+4 = 11.

Skylar and Morthos ready attacks: Magic Missile and Ferocious Strike
Trigger: Someone attacks them or their allies.
Target: The triggering attacker

"Well that was intense..." the halfling says, "You ok there, miss?  Looked like that half-orc hit pretty hard..."

Still wary, he stoops down to check the goblin blackblade for any loose pocket change.

A gnome appears from inside the guard shack and whispers to the orc who nods and addresses the group.  "Turns out we got room for more than five.  Anyone ready to go when the caravan moves out is hired."

As Christof moves to Zekk, he calls over to the orc,"And how soon will that be?"

He gets to his brother and does his best to make sure he will not bleed out. 'I knew I should have gotten that healing potion,' he though to himself.

08:25, Today: Christof Ley rolled 8 using 1d20. Heal check.

Chant pulls out her flute, looks down at Zekk and begins to play a surprisingly strong melody. Zekk's wounds begin to magically mend. Anyone paying close enough attention will see the other downed people are also being healed.

The others are simply resting.

(Song of Rest. Chant is applying it to everyone (even the downed NPCs). +4 to everyone's healing surge value during this rest. This means Zekk will be healing faster.)

"Five minutes," the orc answers before entering the guard shack with the gnome.

The halfling checks the pockets of other fallen combatants, not including the half orc, of course.

"I would like to take a moment to point out that I never caused any actual harm to your, um, brother there.  No hard feelings, right?"

Zekk comes to, opening his eyes to see his brother. His wounds seem to be healing well enough, but he sits on the ground until the ringing in his head stops.

While sitting there, he looks to Akemi and says,"That was a mighty strike you had miss."

Then to his brother, who was helping him stand,"You gave up, didn't you?"

3 healing surges used to gain max HP

Helping Zekk up he responded, sounding amused,"I expected as much. Well, when you went down it was then five against one. True there may have been two teams, but I was the outsider. Better to cut my losses and get your sorry self off the ground. 'sides, it seems to have worked out well enough."

To Zekk's compliment, Akemi bows. "...thank you." she says quietly.

Chant looks at Zekk and says, "You delivered a mighty blow yourself. What may I call you two?"

Morthos grins.

The halfling slinger just keeps quiet and once he's done searching for loot watches the others converse.

(( No further posts from me till the in-game 5 minutes are up.  Or for some reason someone strikes up a conversation with the NPC. ))

"I am Christof Ley and this is my brother Zekk Reaver," he said to Chant. "And you are miss? I am glad we can all be this calm after a battle, even a mock one. It is good to be in such level headed company." As he said this last part he gave Zekk a sidelong look.

"Aye that is true, but not enough so it seems," he said, then looked back to Akemi and said,"Perhaps at some point you and I can have our own match? We could see who is truly the stronger then." He seemed to be in good spirits for having just been royally beaten.

Akemi looks aside. Then back to Zekk. "In terms of physical strength, I think it is obvious you are stronger."

Chant gives a fist-to-chest salute. "My name is Chant." she looks at Akemi and Morthos. "And you two?"

Morthos looks at Akemi to make sure she goes first. Akemi answers, "Akemi."

Seeing Akemi answered, Morthos nods to the others and says, "Morthos. And boy, was that a fun warm-up!"

REBOOT!

The world is changed.  I feel it in the water.  I feel it in the earth.  I smell it in the air.  Time nears the end.  We stand on the very brink of the unknown, and soon... nothing will be the same.

Several centuries ago, huge airships ascended into the sky and several colonies were established on the moon, civilization's crowning achievement.  Over time, loyalty to the kingdoms of our world waned and the moon colonies became independent nations.  These nations united under one banner and an empire emerged.

A massive project to reduce the cost of launching trade airships back to our world resulted in a city sized double-sided ramp curving up from the surface and pointed at the land below.  Over time, "The Knife" grew as generations of shipping companies added to it to reduce costs more and more.  Today, it is about the size of a country and casts enough of a shadow that it can be used as a global sundial at night.

Rumors abound about the tranquil paradise that is the Moon Empire Celestia.  Long life, extended youth, perpetual luxury, no crime or strife, and so on.  What is known is that it is very wealthy and very hard for outsiders to enter.  Also that it is barren and anything living up there is borrowed from down here.

So why have the ships stopped flying?  Why has there been no word from Celestia?  Its as though the world is holding it's breath.  But for what?  The stars themselves seem to be hiding some terrible truth about to be made known.

---

Heart Forest - a vast wood sacred to the Elves and many other races.  Only a few decades ago, war threatened to defile this mystical place, maybe destroy it entirely, but King Josef Pish of the nearby human Kingdom of Veyer was able to defend the land and is now the official protector of the forest.

You all have traveled to this woods for various reasons, perhaps an assassin is meeting a secret contact here, perhaps an invoker child just wandered this way, perhaps a warden is here on summons for the spirits of the woods itself.  Your reasons are your own, and you likely traveled alone.

Suddenly, the sound of a woman's scream pierces the tranquility of the forest!  You rush to see what may be amiss!  At a clearing in the trees is a horrific sight!  Three hobgoblins are cheering as three wolves are tearing a teenage human girl to pieces!

---

Tim: Bring in any characters you want, any number you want.  I'll fill in the blanks.
Roll initiatives!
2 hobgoblin archers (level 3 artillery) 13 + 7(Hob archer) = 20
1 hobgoblin warcaster (level 3 controller) 13 + 5(warcaster) = 18
3 gray wolves (level 2 skirmisher)13 + 5(wolves) = 18
https://docs.google.com/spread...RUFsdUE&hl=en_US

Arowyn frowns as he hears the screams and rushes to the scene. Though as he rushes, his feet seem to be one with the flora of the forest floor. Upon seeing the sight, his eyes narrow as he finds this evil trying to mar a young girl. In the sacred woods, no less!

Mara-Kai arrives on the scene and is trying, at least, to be stealthy. Though is probably making a noise or two. She looks for an opening to hopefully get in a surprise attack.

Bethany just pops out from behind a tree and says, "Don't do that! You're making her upset!"

---

Initiatives:
Arowyn: 11 + 4 = 15
Bethany: 12 + 3 = 15
Mara-Kai: 15 + 0 = 15

Stealth checks:
Arowyn: 17 + 4 or more = 21 or higher
Bethany: 5 + 3 = 8
Mara-Kai: 13 + 0 = 13

Don't have Arowyn's sheet yet. But his init is probably decent. Likely to be a +4 due to elf druid. Won't have improved initiative feat at first level, so... yeah. Likely his init is 15. Dunno what his stealth will be, though. But minimum 21... yeah.

Somehow Lucky just knew the peace and quiet was too good to be true.  He approaches as stealthily as he can to investigate and gawks at the terrible sight!

---

Init: 15

Placed Loik on the map.  Will need your char's to be on the map too.  Badguys percs are 14, 17, and 18.

Loik's stealth: 12 + 6 = 18 - 5 penalty for presumably moving more than 5 squares to get to the scene.  = 13.

I'm guessing you're not going with 'Arowyn was there all along, haha.'  I'm a little vague on how surprise round works when you didn't beat all the enemy percs.  I guess you get one action and can target anyone, just don't get C.A. on everyone.  Just the one who's perc you beat.  Which i think is the warcaster.

https://docs.google.com/spread...RUFsdUE&hl=en_US

Arowyn thrusts his hands out, fingers spread as a powerful, blizzard-like wind swirls around the archer and the warcaster, tossing them to and fro. While the wind is what blows them around, it's the immense chill that actually hurts them. "CEASE!" He commands!

---

(Standard: Chill Wind (targeting G4) v Archer1, Warcaster. Hit(18)! Hit(20)!)
 dmg: 9
 Slide targets 1: Slide Archer south to F5. Slide Warcaster west to G4.

Haha surprise round, teehee.

Archer 1 HP: 39 - 9 = 30
Warcaster HP: 46 - 9 = 37

"At-tack!" the Warcaster shivers!

He steps forward and blasts Bethany and Arowyn!

---

Move to e6. Arowyn: 15 + 7 = 22 ... success  Bethany: 20 + 7 = 27 ... success  2d8+4 = 14 damage on Arowyn.  Push him to d11.  Push Beth to g12.

Bethany HP: 24-20=4
Arowyn HP: 25-14=11

"I-I'll sh-show y-you!" the archer shivers as it steps to the side for a better shot at Arowyn.  The other steps over to assist, but they both only manage to stick arrows into the tree next to Arowyn.

---

Archer 1 move to e5.  Archer 2 to e7.  Rolled a 3 and a 2.  Failtastic!

Two of the wolves charge Mara-Kai, but they bounce off her arcane shield!  The one who goes after Lucky bites him on the leg!

---

Wolf1 vs Lucky hits, 3 damage.  moved to j11
Wolf2 fail v Mara Kai moved to L8
Wolf3 fail too.  moved to L7

Lucky HP: 25-3=22

"Spirit of Adventure, we need you!" Lucky says, pointing in Arowyn's direction.

Out of the ground a ghostly shifter woman rises, grins & waves at Arowyn, then gets ready for combat.

"Spirits!  Please heal these heroes!" Lucky requests.

Arowyn and Bethany both feel a little better.

"Ooh!" the spirit says, "Use that big power!  Move to the middle and I'll go hassle the hobgoblins!"

Lucky nods, and sidesteps the wolf next tho him, taking a bite to the arm for his trouble.

"Spirit of the Healing Flood!  Wash over us!"

All but of the enemies wince in pain and all the heroes feel invigorated!  Meanwhile, the shifter spirit rushes at the hobgoblins menacingly!

"I'm a scary ghost!  Raaawr!"

---

Minor Call Spirit Companion.  Minor Healing spirit 3 hp to Arowyn and 6hp to Bethany (she spends a healing surge).  Spirit moves to d6 while Loik Moves to i10, provoking AoO.  Wolf hits!  7 damage.  ACTION POINT!

Loik Spirit of the Healing Flood vs every enemy's fort

1d20 +4 >= 13
1: 12 + 4 = 16 ... success
2: 13 + 4 = 17 ... success
3: 2 + 4 = 6 ... failure
4: 16 + 4 = 20 ... success
5: 10 + 4 = 14 ... success
6: 20 + 4 = 24 ... success

7 damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Effect: Until the end of the encounter, you and each ally in
the burst gain regeneration 2 while bloodied. As a minor
action, a character can end this effect on himself or
herself to regain 10 hit points.

HP RESULTS
Lucky 15
Arowyn 14
Bethany 10
Archer1 23
Archer2 32
Warcaster 34
Wolf1 31
Wolf2 31
Wolf3 31
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sun 02 Oct 2011.

Mara-Kai says, "I got the wolves!"

Arowyn narrows his eyes at the Warcaster, runs towards him, changing into a bear. He roars loudly, locusts swarming out of the bear's mouth! The locusts distract the Warcaster and his archers!

---

(Minor: Beast mode! Transform!)
(Move: D11 to D8)
(Standard: Swarming Locusts v Archer 1, 2, Warcaster. Miss(7), Miss(8), Miss(10))
 EFFECT!!! BWAAAHAHAHAHAH! The blast creates a zone of swarming locusts that lasts until the end of your next turn. While within the zone, enemies grant combat advantage.

Bethany screams from being hit (and hit hard), followed by tears/crying. As if some kind of natural reaction, though, while Bethany looks away and holds her arms up defensively, a beam made of rainbow colors and sparkles shoots from Bethany. It's about 3' thick and makes a powerful rushing sound like a waterfall while the entire area seems to lightly shake just from its rush of power. FWOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!! The searing radiant energy rips the warcaster's flesh while burning it. He now has burnt open wounds all over his body and his clothes are barely on him.

---

(Wild Soul Roll: 8 on a d10.)
 Beth currently has resist 5 psychic
(Standard: Dazzling Ray v Warcaster. Hit(15))
 dmg: 26

Warcaster HP: 34 - 26 = 8
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Wed 12 Oct 2011.

Mara-Kai glares at the wolves in front of her. She swipes at wolf 3 with her sword. Granted, she uses magic in that sword, but seeing as the wolf dodges, the magic isn't activated. Suddenly, she seems to ski across the land. The wolves bite to no avail as it is like biting water.

Mara-Kai touches her sword's blade with her fingertips, then flicks her fingers at the Warcaster. A rune gets etched between his eyes, magically connecting him with her in battle.

---

(Standard: Greenflame Blade v Wolf 3. Miss(14). Big honkin' surprise with today's rolls.)
(Move: Swiftcurrent. From M7 to G7.)
(Minor: Aegis of Assault on Warcaster)

At least Beth hit with her daily. XD

Meanwhile, quick reference for the move Racial power I used: You can shift up to your speed over ground or liquid terrain. You take no penalties for squeezing during this movement, can move through enemy spaces, ignore difficult terrain, and take no damage if the surface or substance you move across would ordinarily deal damage to you.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Wed 12 Oct 2011.

"What the hells?!" the warcaster screams, "RETREAT!  Wolves!  SIC!"

He and the archers run for their lives!

"Nuh uh!" Mittens says, "Bethany!  SIC!"

More rainbow energy attacks the enemies!  The warcaster looks ready to keel over, but is making surprising progress in fleeing!

---

Shaman pet feature grants an ally within 10 to make a ranged basic as an AoO

bethany strobe v archer 1, 2 and warcaster

1d20 +4 >= 15
1: 2 + 4 = 6 ... failure
2: 7 + 4 = 11 ... failure
3: 11 + 4 = 15 ... success

damage
1d10 +4
3 + 4 = 7

Warcaster HP: 1

Two wolves flank Lucky and begin savaging him, leaving him within an inch of dying!  A third goes after Mara-Kai but can't get through her defenses!

---

Lots o damage and prone Loik.

Lucky HP: 2

Mittens rushes over to help Lucky!  She yanks a wolf off him and he gets up!  "Bad dog!" she scalds!  "Sprits... heal me..." Lucky wheezes.

---

Move, minor, standard missed.
Lucky HP: 10
Bethany HP: 15

Arowyn moves over towards the wolves and regurgitates locusts at them! The locusts sting Wolf 3 badly while Wolf 2 somehow misses the brunt of the assault. Still, both are quite distracted by the locusts. "Don't worry about the cowards!" Arowyn's bear form yells, sounding like the vocalist for a death metal band, "I'll hunt them down later!"

---

(Move: O22 to R22)
(Standard: Swarming Locusts v Wolf 2, 3. Miss(9), Hit(17))
 dmg: 12! Max!

Wolf 3 HP: 31 - 12 = 19

Bethany squeals as she sees Lucky getting hurt. "Stop it! You're hurting him!" Even as she says this, a rainbow-colored fog spews forth at the wolves, pushing them away from Mara-Kai and Lucky.

Mara-Kai says, "Behind me, white-hair!", so Bethany rushes over to be behind Mara-Kai.

---

(Standard: Mists of Disarray v Wolf 2, 3. Hit(13)! Hit(25)!)
 dmg: 11 and push 1.
(Move: R26 to Q21)

Wolf 2 HP: 31 - 11 = 20
Wolf 3 HP: 19 - 11 = 8
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Fri 14 Oct 2011.

Mara-Kai points her sword and with a backwards-flamethrower sound effect, charges her sword before FWOOSH! spewing a blaze at the wolves, completely frying Wolf 3. "Stay here." she says with a tone of concern to Bethany. Mara-Kai then heads over to be by Lucky, making it impossible for the wolves to flank anymore.

---

(Minor: Aegis of Assault on Wolf 2)
(Standard: Flame Cyclone v Wolf 2, 3. Miss(11), Hit(12)!)
 dmg: 11
(Move: R21 to T23)

Wolf 3 HP: 8 - 11 = KO

The two wolves do as expected.  They attack!  The one next to Lucky tears him a painful wound that nearly causes him to pass out!

---

Missed Mara-Kai.  Hit Loik.  7 damage.

Loik HP: 3

"You get behind her too, Lucky!" Mittens says.  Lucky backs away, and Mits goes after Mara's Mark.  "This one needs more rainbow, Bethany!"

---

Claws of the Eagle triggers Energy Strobe.  Barely hit due to CA.  Now grants more CA till end of Loik's next turn.  10 damage.  Ending regen for 10hp.

Wolf2 HP: 20-10=10
Loik HP: 3+2+10=15
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Sat 15 Oct 2011.

Arowyn, still in bear form, moves over to be next to Lucky. The locusts travel over to cover the area where the other wolf is.

---

(Move: R22 to R23)
(Standard: Swarming Locusts v Wolf 1. Miss(9). Who cares? Zone haha)
 Wolf 1 granting combat advantage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Tue 18 Oct 2011.

Bethany blinkblinks as the spirit seems to know her name somehow. Bethany isn't even sure herself how she has this name. It sounded like a good name at the time... "Kitty!" she cries, seeing Lucky get hurt more. The wolf next to Mittens gets to feel Bethany's pain as its mind reels from the sudden hurt and concern. The weight of emotion and guilt is more than the wolf is used to and it passes out! The other wolf feels some of this pity and can feel an ache in its heart, but the pain passes as the wolf doesn't understand why in the world it felt sad or concerned for its prey and is back in hunter mode.

Sparkles flit about Bethany as her wounds heal up and she gets restored fully. Even her clothing seems to... heal... themselves... O.o

---

(Standard: Chaos Bolt v Wolf 2. Hit(16)!)
 dmg: 12 psychic dmg
 Class feature Chaos Burst: Get a +1 to AC for rolling an even number.
 Rolled even number, so get to attack a second target.
 Attacking Wolf 1. Hit(21)!
  dmg: 4 (Rolled a 1 and second attack is only 1d6+sorc power(dex mod))
(Minor: End regeneration to gain 10 HP!)

Wolf 2 HP: 10 - 12 = KO
Wolf 1 HP: 31 - 4 = 27
Bethany HP: 15 + 9 = FULL

Move moves into a position that forces the wolf to pay attention to her, then causes the wolf to be bound to her in combat magically! "Hang on, friend." she says with her head very slightly tilted towards the shoulder Lucky is behind, "We're almost done here. You'll be OK."

Even as she says this, green fires alight her sword as she cuts into the wolf, burning the wound as she makes it!

---

(Move: T23 to S24)
(Minor: Aegis of Assault on Wolf 1.)
(Standard: Greenflame Blade v Wolf 1. Hit(20)!)
 dmg: 9

Wolf 1 HP: 27 - 9 = 18

The last wolf snaps at Mara-Kai but fails to get its fangs on her.

Mittens is mysterious in many ways.  >.>  <.<  Like how she forms a blazing sword out of nowhere and slashes at the wolf!

---

more chaos bolt fon.  max damage!

Wolf HP: 4

Arowyn transforms back into an elf wearing leaves and vines for clothing. He grips his fist and the wolf coughs up some vines before collapsing. He immediately goes to check on Lucky. "Are you alright...?" he asks softly. His own wounds are showing as the elf is bleeding from various parts of his body.

---

(Minor: Change to humanoid shape)
(Standard: Spirit Briar v Wolf. Hit(20)!)
 dmg: Min is 5, didn't bother rolling.

Wolf HP: 4 - 5+ = Dead

Bethany says, "My goodness... can I help? I don't know how to heal wounds..."

Mara-Kai says, "I'm not trained in medicine either, unfortunately..."

Arowyn says, "Don't worry... I am trained in it. And this guy is a shaman... he can call on spirits of healing."

(Rest-haz. Arowyn spends 2 surges and heals to full.)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Thu 20 Oct 2011.

Lucky rushes over to be next to the dead girl and tries to recussitate her.

"I'll...  I'll be alright..." he whimpers through his tears, "This poor girl... Help me bind her wounds...  Please!" 

Mittens folds her arms and shakes her head.  "It's far too late, Lucky.  Her spirit's completely severed from her body.  Nothing short of a Raise Dead ritual can help her now." 

Lucky quietly cries over the dead girl.  Mittens fidgets and changes the topic.

"Well hello there awesome people McWolfbane what strikes terror into villains!  I am Mittens!  Spirit of Adventure!  This shaman here is named Lucky.  Thanks for helping, and you're welcome for your help, too.  So what are your names?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Fri 21 Oct 2011.

Arowyn clenches his fists in anger. As Mittens changes the topic, Arowyn says, "I am Arowyn. I can track the enemy and now's the time. Let's go before he kills others. We can converse on the way."

(Perc check to begin tracking: 15 + 12 = 27)

Bethany cries as well. She goes to hug Lucky. Upon Mittens asking, Bethany answers, "My name is Bethany Bright."

Mara-Kai follows Arowyn, answering Mittens as she does, "My name is Mara-Kai. I am a swordmage." she seems sad and angry, but she's so wet it's hard to notice she's crying too. Her hair constantly flowing like a waterfall seen from a distance. Mara says, "We'll need to be quiet soon, though, or they will know we're following them."

"Yea!" Mittens agrees, "Let's catch those badguys!  One wonders what they were doing in a sacred wood in the first place..."

"I'd like to know that too," a pair of young sounding voices ring out.

From the north a pair of green children riding on the back of a purple unicorn approach.  The grassy-haired kids dismount and cast a sad look at the dead girl.

"Poor flower girl," one says.

"We should revive her," the other says.

"We are Bud and Lumin."

"The watchers of Heart Forrest."

"Thank you for chasing away those invaders."

"If you catch up to them, please try to keep them alive."

"So we can ask them why they're here."

The kids start drawing a circle around the dead girl.  Birds and squirrels arrive and watch.

Arowyn notices the twins, gives a respectful bow and says, "As you wish, watchers. Thank you for taking care of the girl." before he continues his search.

Bethany wasn't sure the concept of death, but thinks she understands. So she is happy when she hears what the twins are up to. "Thanks!" she says before following Arowyn.

Mara-Kai is unsure about the twins, but they sure are exotic. And cute. She nods. "Thanks for taking care of her." she hurries off after the other two.

Lucky and Mittens thank the twins as well.

"You're welcome!" they answer in unison.

Before long the group tracks down the hobgoblins who are apparently arguing about how best to escape the woods.

---

DC 13 to sneak up on them.

The heroes begin sneaking. While Arowyn and Mara-Kai seem to be one with their surroundings, Bethany steps on a leaf, making a slight crinkle sound.

---

Stealth checks:
Arow: 13+3=16
Beth: 9+3=12
Mara: 16+0=16

Lucky doesn't do any better than Bethany.  In fact, he does the worst of the group.

"What was that noise?!" an archer asks, nocking an arrow!

---

Surprise round!  Each that beat the stealth DC gets 1 action.  Then the initiative order is:

Arowyn: 16+4=20
Archers 17
Lucky 17
Warcaster 15
Beth: 12+3=15
Mara: 2+0=2
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Sat 26 Nov 2011.

Arowyn holds his hands forward and that blasted cold wind blows the enemy southbound while giving them frostbite!

---

Surprise Action:
Standard: Chill Wind v Archer 1, 2, Warcaster. Hit(19)! Miss(9)! Hit(20)!
 dmg: 6 and slide the target 1 square
 Moved Archer 1 from H7 to H8
 Moved Warcaster from H8 to H9

Archer 1 HP: 32 - 6 = 26
Warcaster HP: 12 - 6 = 6
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Sat 26 Nov 2011.

Mara wastes no time getting into the enemies' faces and says, "Surrender."

---

Surprise action!
Move: M10 to I8

Arowyn then shape-shifts into a bear again and rushes to the enemy, belching those locusts. Yes, it's the same trick as before. No, it's not any less scary than before. Definitely distracting, though only the archer closer to Arowyn really feels the sting.

---

Arowyn first in the round!
Minor: Wild Shape
Move: L11 to J10
Standard: Swarming Locusts v Archer 1, 2, Warcaster. Miss(7)! Hit(20)! Miss(5)!
 dmg: 9
 Effect: The blast creates a zone of swarming locusts that lasts until the end of your next turn. While within the zone, enemies grant combat advantage.

Archer 2 HP: 39 - 9 = 30

"Focus on the bear!" the Warcaster orders!

The two archers back up a step and their arrows strike true, nearly killing Arwen!

---

Arwen HP: 25-20=5

Lucky steps forward to be next to Arwyn while Mittens charges at the warcaster and punches his lights out!

"Spirits of healing, restore my friend," Lucky chants as the two arrows just drop out of Arwyn's hide!

---

Rolled Minimum damage.  Juuust enough to KO warcaster!

Warcaster HP: 6-6=Lulz!
Arwyn HP: 5+6=11

Bethany gasps and hurries around the tree she was at, and around her allies. She fires a beam of sparkling purple energy that seems to just seep into the archer's mind, giving him one nasty migraine.

---

(Move: M11 to I13)
(Standard: Chaos Bolt v Archer2. Hit(23)!)
 dmg: 15

Archer 2 HP: 30 - 15 = 15
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

Mara-Kai points her sword at the archers and shoots a large ball of fire at them, frying the second archer while the first one manages to dodge it. She then magically bonds the unharmed archer to her and moves in to engage both of them, standing over the body of their leader.

---

(Standard: Flame Cyclone v Archer 1 and 2. Miss(10), Hit(15)!)
 dmg: 10
(Minor: Aegis of Assault v Archer 2.)
(Move: I8 to H9)

Archer 2 HP: 15 - 10 = 5
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

Smelling opportunity, the bear changes back into an elf and shoots thorns at the south-most archer, knocking him unconscious.

---

(Minor: Shapeshift into elf)
(Standard: Spirit Briar v Archer 2. Hit(17)!)
 dmg: minimum of 5, so didn't bother rolling.

Archer 2 HP: 5 - min or more = KO

The last archer steps back and fires an arrow right into Arwyn's chest, dropping him to the ground!

"BACK OFF!" it demands!

---

14 damage to Arwyn

"Arwyn!" Lucky gasps!

He kneels at the elf's side and pulls the arrow out, while spirits of healing reviving his friend!

"You'll pay for that!" Mittens shouts, charging at the archer, once again drawing on Bethany's chaos bolt, but this time failing to harm the foe.

---

Rolled a 2.  Arwyn HP: 6
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Sun 11 Dec 2011.

Bethany shines light at the archer that seems golden in color, a halo appearing over her head briefly that looks like Pelor's symbol.

---

(Standard: Energy Strobe v Archer. Hit(21)!)
 dmg: 12
 D6: rolled 5 which means radiant damage and radiant resistance

Archer HP: 26 - 12 = 14

Mara-Kai slices at the archer and says, "Last chance before you die; surrender and be spared."

---

Standard: Basic Attack v Archer. Hit(22)!
 dmg: 7

Archer HP: 14 - 7 = 7
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

Arowyn doesn't give the guy a chance, makes a grabbing motion and vines choke the guy into unconsciousness. "Not his choice." he manages before sitting down to rest.

---

(Standard: Spirit Briar v Archer. Hit(17 v Will)!)
 dmg: 7 exactly!

Archer HP: 7 - 7 = KO
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

"Gosh that was scary," Lucky says, resting near Arwyn.

Mits gets to tieing up the badguys.

"But awesome!  Sorc was all ZAP!  and Swordage was all SLASH!  and Drood was all KRK!  And Gob was all ACK nooo!  You guys did great!  Now let's interrogate 'em and find out what they're doing here."

She slaps one with a ghost fish, waking him up.

"ACK!" it says, "Ghost!"

Arowyn walks to the prisoner, changes into a bear and begins in his death metal voice, "What were you doing here?"

Ironically, he's not trained in intimidate. But he figures just being a bear and having a bear's voice is probably plenty intimidating.

Roll it!

Intimidate results:
Arowyn: 9+0=9
Bethany: 5+4=9
Mara: 1+0=1

The hobgoblin begins stammering incoherently about "Idon'twunnadieIdon'twunnadieIdon'twunnadie!" so Lucky chimes in.

"We won't kill you if you simply answer our questions," he says almost comfortingly.

"Well my boss WILL kill me if I tell you what we're doing here!"

"I punched your boss's lights out," Mittens reminds.

"Not him!  The BOSS!  The leader of the Savage Hand!  I guess he'll kill me anyhow 'cause I failed to scout out the area."

---

LuckyMits Aid-other intimidate? 10.  Group together beats the low DC.

Arowyn asks, "If your purpose was to scout, why torture the girl from earlier?"

"Torture?  We were under orders to kill anyone who saw us.  And our wolves were hungry.  We weren't torturing it at all."

Lucky facepalms.

Arowyn gets angry. "Yes you were! You had her eaten ALIVE! The least you could have done was kill her first! And you were cheering at her screams! Don't you dare lie to me again, or I'll show you how it feels to be eaten alive." he bares his teeth to show he means he will be the one doing the eating.

"ACK!" the archer screams before passing out.

Mittens grins and thumbs-ups.  "Awesome!"

Lucky sighs.  "What other questions would we ask anyhow?  Where his boss is?"

Bethany says, "Yes?" as if Lucky's question was a valid one to ask of the now unconscious goblin. "And what is the Savage Hand? Why were they scouting here?"

"Well scaring him worked for one question," Lucky says, "Maybe we need to figure out a clever way to phrase the question so he's more likely to answer."

"Well figure quick," Mittens says, reviving the archer again, "He's waking up."

Arowyn says, "As you can see, I have not eaten you yet... what is the Savage Hand? Why were they scouting here?"

"An army!  A vast, unstoppable army of hobgoblins, goblins, and bugbears!  I was sent to scout ahead because...  Uh...  well whatever reasons the boss has I'm sure are important, but he sure doesn't tell the scouts."

"An army?" Lucky asks, "Well suppose some folks are wise enough to know better than to resist the Savage Hand.  Would the boss accept tribute in exchange for sparing a town?"

"Uh... I guess?  I don't know."

"Where's the boss now so we know where to send the tribute."

"Back the way we came.  Up the stream and to the west.  Hidden in the tall grass."

Lucky looks at the others to see if they have any more questions.

Mara-Kai looks at the others. "This isn't good. We need to find civilization and warn them."

Bethany asks, "Why not just go to his boss and ask him or her not to kill people anymore?"

Arowyn sweatdrops. "Like he's going to listen?"

Bethany bites her lower lip in a light cringe. "You never know.."

"Let's uh... report back to those forest children like they asked us to," Lucky suggests, "They might know of a way to get a warning out quicker than we could."

"Children," Mittens scoffs, "I'll bet they're older than you by far."

Lucky shrugs and gets to readying the prisoners for a forced march.

Arowyn thanks Lucky again for his aid and helps with the forced-march.

Bethany goes to ask Mittens, "How did you become a ghost?"

Mara-Kai goes to take point so she could face any other possible scouts head-on before such scouts could attack her allies.

"Same way most folks become ghosts," Mittens answers, "I died with very important unfinished business to attend to.  How 'bout you?  What's your origin story?  The rest of you too."

"You already know my story," Lucky answers, "But for the benefit of the rest of the group I'll repeat it.  My birth parents died when I was only 3.  They left me with a trusted elder who raised me as a Shaman.  His dying request was that I spend my life helping others as best I can.

"Mittens and I had just finished saving a goblin village from enraged spirits when she told me to come to this forest as soon as possible."

"I had a feeling we were needed here.  I was right."

Mara-Kai says, "I grew up in the Genasi city of Ore. There, being a swordmage was required learning due to tradition. I have since learned that such a concept is considered foreign, but many are jealous, wishing it was tradition in their cities to be taught how to defend themselves. In any case, I came out to the world rather than stay home because I feel the need to rescue the defenseless and then encourage them to encourage others to begin such a tradition so the world will be safer."

Arowyn raises an eyebrow, smiling as he now knows he is definitely in the company of heroes. People who give a care. He then decides to tell his story. "I grew up in one of the woods of this vast forest. I always had a close affinity with the primal spirits and many a tree calls me son. As I grew, I learned how to become like the wildlife that surrounds me and began to commune with them in ways nobody else can. I became a druid. So I was charged with protecting this forest."

Bethany has been wowing at everyone's story, giving Lucky a hug when he mentions his loss. Trying to hug Mittens when she mentioned she died. Then hearing it's more or less HER turn to speak up, Bethany ohs and says, "I was born yesterday. But I have been around for much longer. I was once a demiplane nestled in this forest, but the forest said there were bad things happening and now would be the best time for me to realize my dream: To become a mortal and live as mortals do."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Wed 21 Dec 2011.

Mittens pat-pats Bethanky with a grin when hugged, as solid as any living person, but not quite as warm.  She's the same temperature as the air around her.

"Being a mortal is alright to be," she agrees.

"Wow you two are really connected to all this, then," Lucky concludes of Bethany and Arowyn, "Any idea what business an army would have with this woods?"

---

DC 10 insight or history check = Most likely because the woods are between the army and a likely target: the nearby Human kingdom.

Arowyn says, "They seem pretty straight forward. This forest is between them and the nearby human kingdom. So they are using the woods as a staging ground for their latest war. Thankfully, it seems they are amazingly ignorant of the fact my people inhabit this woods. Albeit sparsely, but we are here nonetheless... we should go to that kingdom. Everyone would be better served that way."

He searches the bodies for an obvious "savage hand" marking/symbol/etc and says, "After we report back to Lumin, of course."

Arowyn would then begin carrying/dragging the bodies back to the other spot.

---

I have a +9 insight. So even a roll of 1 would get the DC 10.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

"Goblins aren't known for being especially smart," Mittens comments, "So maybe your people can lure them into a trap.  Larger numbers alone doesn't make an army unbeatable."

When the group returns to Bud and Lumin, they find the two sitting to either side of the dead girl chanting.  She's surrounded by glowing runes and is floating off the ground as vines reach up from the ground to touch her wounds then return to the ground.  The children take a break from their chanting to smile at the adults.

"Welcome back," they say together.

Lucky explains what the group has learned so far.

"Thanks for letting us know," Lumin says,

"We'll be sure to warn everyone in the woods," Bud continues.

"Twilight and her friends can carry you quickly to the city to warn them."

"We'll watch the prisoners."

Vines rise up and bind the prisoners.  Meanwhile, the unicorn's horn glows and several deer arrive and duck down for the heroes to mount them.

Arowyn wastes no time mounting his deer. Bethany goes to mount hers, but also hugs it and sighs blissfully. Mara is hesitant, but mounts her deer, hoping her weight won't be too much.

Arowyn says, "Thank you, friends. Let's hurry."

Riding bare-back at high speed over long distance turns out to be quite uncomfortable and and very strenuous, leaving no room for conversation during the long, arduous trip.  The group is met with curious glances as they approach civilization.  The people are mostly Human with the occasional Elf, Dwarf, and Halfling, and seem completely unprepared for war.  The streets are straight, there are very few guards who don't try to stop the heroes, and people quickly move out of their way.

Tiny cottages give way to taller, older buildings as the group enters the city.  The roads broaden, but are much more crowded so the group must slow down even though people make way.  Finally, at the castle gates, the gate guards stop them.

"Now there's something you don't see every day," one say.

"Dry blood!" the other says, "They've been injured!  Medic!"

Lucky raises his hand and headshakes. "Our wounds have been tended to, thanks.  We had an encounter with some hobgoblin scouts in Heart Wood.  After defeating them, we questioned them and learned that they were scouting the forest for the Savage Hand army.  The army is now camped in the Western plains beyond.  It's likely that this kingdom is their target."

The second guard gushes tears.  "I'll sound the alarm!  Get them to the king!"

The first guard sweatdrops.  "You believe them?"

"You don't?!  Just look at them!  Get the to the king!  Time's wasting!"

He rushes off and starts ringing an alarm bell.  The first guard shrugs.  "I guess you should leave your... mounts... here.  Let's go."  He leads the way to the keep.

The trio dismount and hurry with the escort. Fun fact: Arowyn neither knows nor cares about protocol when talking to a king. Bethany cares, but knows about as much as a baby when it comes to that. Mara, at least, understands the concept of bowing.

Responding to the alarm, several guards pour out of the doors of the keep, the barracks, and several other buildings.  They give the heroes various inquisitive looks, some mixed with fear, some mixed with anger.  The group is led past several portcullises, heavy re-enforced doors, and narrow, halls lined with murder holes.

Two impressive guards flank the closed gilded doors that lead to the throne room who point their weapons at the group.  One of them gives two rapid knocks on the door with his heel then the sound of a heavy wooden beam sliding to bar the door can be heard.

"Explain yourself!" the other demands of the group's guide.

The guide gulps and stands at attention, "Sir!  These injured visitors claim to have news of a Hobgoblin army they believe is headed this way, Sir!"

The one who asked the question then crisply side-steps then rapid double-knocks on a small cubby door built into the stone wall.  He opens it and relays the message...

"An apparently injured Elf druid, white haired young lady with magical robe, an apparent lycan shaman, and a watery swordswoman bring news of an approaching Hobgoblin army," all while keeping his keen eyes on the group and his weapon poised.

He closes the cubby door and says, "Please wait while the message is delivered."

"Nice to see we're being taken seriously," Lucky says, "and not just labeled monsters and thrown in a dungeon."

The guards offer no reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Thu 12 Jan 2012.

Mara says, "All of us are foreigners. While we wait, could you give us a quick overview of protocol when approaching the king?"

Arowyn says, "Protocol? We go to the king, tell him what we saw and heard, and that's that."

Mara says, "But I have heard in human kingdoms, people are killed for doing things like not bowing, or stepping closer to the throne without asking permission, or one of the worst ones I heard; killed for looking at the king. It would be a shame for our conversation to get cut off because of such things."

Arowyn says, "If we are killed, that is the natural order of things. If the lack of information due to recklessly killing those who came to warn them causes them to die, that will be poetic justice. But these people have been smart enough to heed our warning so far. I doubt they will worry about this "protocol" for the time being."

Bethany examines the guards, apparently seeing her reflection in their armor. "Ooooo..."

"My king executes only dangerous enemies of the people," the serious guard answers, "Not helpful visitors who lack training in protocol.  He is an honorable and just man.  I expect that he will respect that you were willing to risk your lives to warn him of the danger and breeches in protocol will not trouble him.  That said, to answer your question, it is requested that you keep your hands visible, that when a hand is raised you stop talking, that if you must interrupt you raise your hand, that you face the king at all times, and that you do as asked.  Doing these things shows respect and will be much appreciated.  But do not forget the urgency of your news.  Every moment counts, so focus on that."

Lucky blink-blinks.  "Wow.  I'm liking this place a lot.  Thanks!"

Arowyn says, "Thank you." and sits patiently to wait to be seen.

Mara-Kai blinkblinks, slightly surprised by the guard's comments.

Bethany smiles brightly.

Moments later the sound of a heavy wooden beam sliding away form the throne room doors precedes the doors opening.  About a dozen guards stand at the doorway.

"The visitors may approach," the lead guard says

When the group approaches, the guards step back to make room for them.  The door is closed behind the group then barred.

"Follow, please," the lead guard says.

He and the other guards march backward toward the throne.  Once withing talking distance the guards halt and a herald speaks up.

"His highness the honorable King Josef Pish Veyer, Sovereign of the Nine Realms, Defender of the Peace, Guardian of the Sacred Forrest grants you audience."

The brown and gray haired king clears his throat.

"Welcome my friends.  Please forgive the formalities.  I hear you have urgent news.  I would like to hear it in your own words."

Mara-Kai immediately speaks up, "I'll go first and then the others can give their account individually."

Arowyn looks like he was going to speak, but stops himself when Mara speaks. He shrugs and nods.

Mara-Kai says, "I was wandering through the woods, on my way to your kingdom in fact, when I heard a scream. There were some hobgoblins... three of them. And each had their own pet wolf. The wolves were tearing a young human girl to pieces while the hobgoblins cheered. I thought I was alone, so I hesitated, thinking I would be hopelessly outnumbered. But this young lady..." she presents Bethany, "Bethany bravely came from nowhere and demanded the hobgoblins not harm the girl. Just a second later, this man" she presents Arowyn, "Arowyn came out and also demanded they stop. Then I saw him cause winds to obey his commands. The hobgoblins were scared and attacked, apparently able to see all of us at that point. They hurt Bethany and Arowyn very badly. Then this one" she displays Lucky, "Lucky came out, summoned a ghost, and healed the two. The ghost seemed to be the one giving orders. I took the wolves while the others handled the hobgoblins. Bethany nearly destroyed the hobgoblin leader with some giant beam of light. Back and forth it went, my allies frequently knocking at death's door, but we finished the wolves the the hobgoblins got too scared. So they fled. Arowyn assured us he could track them, so we rested and some... plant-like kids, with green skin, grass for hair and leaves for ears, came to help the now-dead human girl. From there, we tracked the hobgoblins, who didn't look too good. We finished them, but were careful not to kill them so we could question them. Once they were restrained, we asked them why they were here, torturing a girl. Even while they tried to defy us, they accidentally admitted they were working for the leader of the Savage Hand, scouting the area for him. He then told us what the Savage Hand is; a vast army of goblinoids. He didn't know exactly what it was his boss sent him out to scout for. Just observe and report, I guess. He then told us where the boss is; Up the stream and to the west, hidden in the tall grass. So we returned to the plant kids and reported. They said they'd warn the people of the forest and gave us deer to ride here to send word to you."

The watersoul genasi pauses, her hair flowing like a waterfall and her natural TRON lines glowing as she looks her allies over then back to the king. "That's my synopsis."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Fri 27 Jan 2012.

Arowyn says, "That is accurate. I have nothing to add."

Bethany asks, "What about the part where you turned into a bear and threw up locusts at them?" then sadly adds, "Or much more important, the part where they said the girl had nothing to do with their task, they were just feeding their wolves?"

Her clothes continue to shift in color, the full spectrum of the rainbow.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:34, Fri 27 Jan 2012.

Arowyn looks at the king. "Mara-Kai told you the important details. The girl, I have been assured, will be OK. But we may have forgotten to mention something vital, so please ask what you may."

The elf is the only one in the group who can be considered normal.

The king listens intently, hanging on every word said, watching every unspoken detail with a piercing gaze that shows deep concern.  "Thank you so much for delivering this most urgent message.  Those forrest children are friends of mine and I plan to visit them in person as soon as possible in light of what you have told me.  Do you know anything about the strength of the Savage Hand?  How many of them are there?  Do they have any siege weapons?"

Lucky headshakes.  "I'm sorry, all we were told is where they're hiding."

"Likely they were relying on having the element of surprise.  You've disarmed them of that critical advantage.  Thank you."

The king is apparently treating the strange looking messengers the same way he would any human messenger with the same message, but the lords and courtiers present are much more obviously surprised by their appearance.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Mara-Kai says, "As our story attests to, we are capable in combat. What would your highness wish we do at this point in time?"

"Well since you offered, I would be honored if you would join me in visiting Bud and Lumin..." the King begins before he's interrupted by a member of the royal court raising his hand.

The king nods to him and the nobleman advises, "It would be more efficient to send someone in your stead considering the many urgent preparations that need done here."

"True," the king sighs, "Very well.  Assign an ambassador to the job."

He turns back to the heroes.  "Thanks again.  Anything you need will be provided.  A proper reward will have to wait.  Until then, you have my ear when you need to tell me something.  Godspeed."

Lucky smiles and bows.  "My pleasure, your highness."

The group is met by a well dressed attendant who escorts them through a door to the left that leads to a banquet hall with a royal meal already prepared on the table.  Servants step forward and pull back chairs for the guests.

"This meal is for you if you are hungry," the attendant explains, "The ambassador will join you presently."

Lucky smiles and sits.

The trio sit with Lucky at the table and thank the attendant before digging in. All of them are quite hungry after all the stuff they went through. Mara is glad she is so watery she can be her own shower, but she will still need to wash her clothing later. Arowyn is similarly glad his clothing grows on him by the magic of nature. He can simply shed his clothes, bath, and grow a new set of clothes, saving him the effort of washing clothes.

Bethany is new to the whole "getting dirty" thing and will likely bath with her clothes on, not knowing any different. But for now, she at least eats just fine, even knowing table etiquette.

Regular bathing is considered a luxury by most people in this day and age, but Lucky is thinking about getting cleaned up too.  The meal is quite savory but somewhat simple by royal standards.  Bread, but no cake.  Fruits, but no fruit pie.  Seasoned meat, but no fancy glaze or garnish.  It's almost homely.

"Wow, this is great!" Lucky chimes, "I'm really loving it here!  It's rare I get treated so well.  Most places are paranoid of my appearance only just tolerating me...  even if I just saved someone's life."

Despite the fact she seems to know table etiquette, eating is relatively new to Bethany, so she is smiling brightly and seems to love what she's eating.

Arowyn nods, "It is a relief our efforts were met favorably. Tell me of your past exploits, Lucky?"

Mara-Kai says, "Indeed... now's as good a time as any to catch up on each other."

"I guess you could say I'm a child of the wild," Lucky answers, "I started out raised by a bear.  She taught me how to survive in the wild.  But she died of old age.  So I started exploring civilization.  Erm... by that I mean a Razorclaw tribe.  They found I had a rare connection to the spirit world and taught me the ways of the shaman.  From there I did my best to put my talents to use helping folks.  It's taken me some time to get used to these advanced civilizations, but it seems their folk need helping at least as much as any other."

Arowyn nods. "All people need help. No matter who, how powerful, how advanced, how peaceful, or how prepared. It is the law of this existence. But being one who helps others, while wishfully unnecessary, is one of the higher honors this world bestows. I too am a child of the wild as you put it. I was born in a particularly tribal elven society who believed in protecting the nearby enchanted woods you met me in. They, along with the trees themselves, their dryads, the animals of the forest, and many ancient spirits, have all raised me and guided me in the ways of nature and its wishes."

He then looks at Bethany. She grins. "As mentioned before; I was once a place. Now I'm a person. This happened today."

Arowyn sweatdrops. "...oh. Right." he looks at Mara.

Mara nods. "Grew up in the land of my people and learned the traditions of my people. One of the traditions I picked up was sword magery. Not all genasi pick it up, but most do. I'm nothing spectacular where I come from, but venturing into this area has shown me how exotic I appear to these people..."

"It sure is nice to have the company of a kindred spirit," Lucky answers Arwyn with a friendly smile, "Ironically, the spirit companion I've been bonded to is more interested in adventure than peace or even nature."

He then smiles brightly at Mara, "You're more than exotic in my eyes, Mara.  You're more lovely than an enchanted forest waterfall cascading into a life-giving pool girded with blooming lilies basking in the radiant summer sun.  If not for your courage and skill, the rest of us might not still be breathing much less admiring your exotic beauty.

"And thank you too, Arwyn, Bethany, for your part."

To Beth he gives a warm smile, "As you are or as you were, you're a place I like to be.  Your welcoming eyes make me feel a home.  Your charming smile is warmer than any hearth and more enchanting than any hidden glade.  I'm so glad you're here with us."

Arowyn raises an eyebrow as Lucky goes on a praising streak.

Mara blushes a bit, her tron lines glowing a little brighter.

Bethany smiles brightly, like a child who just got the same kind of compliment. She hugs Lucky. "I'm glad to be warmer than a hearth... what's a hearth?"

Mara says, "I... think you're over-stating my appearance, but thank you."

Lucky returns Beth's hug with a daddy hug and smile, picking up on her innocence.  He points at the fireplace, a common sight in almost every room of the palace.

"In winter time, people use hearths to warm their homes.  They're usually built in the middle of the home, so they've been called the heart of the home."

While he casts an admiring smile at Mara, the expected ambassador enters the room.  He looks like a generic Human noble.

"Greetings, honored guests.  My name is Ambassador George.  The King has sent me in his place to accompany you on your journey back to Heart Forest.  I am ready to depart when you are."

"You're welcome," Lucky answers Mara.

Arowyn says, "The less time wasted, the better. Let's go."

The others nodnod, Beth still hugging Lucky in return. The group takes off with the ambassador to Heart Forest.

Mara is fidgeting with her hair, as if re-examining what Lucky spoke of.

Bethany is dragging her finger around on her clothes, which causes a path of opposing colors that fades back to normal. Well.. normal for HER clothes, anyway, which is continually changing color.

"Very good, sir," the ambassador answers, "Right this way."

Lucky is just as huggly as Beth wants him to be as he follows the lead of the ambassador.  He idly wonders if this makes him a tree hugger.  Or if he were to nibble on her sleeve if he would taste the rainbow.

"The stable master noticed that your mounts were exhausted from your big journey.  The king has provided fresh horses.  Both saddled or otherwise as you prefer."

"Definitely saddled, thank you," Lucky answers, "Much more forgiving on rider and mount both."

"Agreed."

If Mara should cast a glance at Lucky, he's smiling brightly at her wonderfully feminine hair-check.

Arowyn takes to his horse quickly, the horse seeming to respond to him more favorably than it normally would to a stranger. Granted, all that means is the horse looks at him, whinnies, seems to "talk" to him, etc as opposed to the usual act like they don't notice someone mounting them.

Bethany's horse acts normal, though Beth doesn't as she pets the horse and is all excited to be on one.

Mara's horse seems lightly nervous, but Arowyn says something to calm the horse down. Soon, the trio are on their way with Lucky and the ambassador!

Lucky hops on his with the aid of a step-stool, not wanting to cause his horse any discomfort from a failed stirrup mount.

"If you haven't heard the news," he says to the horses, "There is an army of enemies on it's way to your home.  We must go to Heart Forrest quickly to help ready the defense."

The horses seem to understand the urgency and literally chomp at the bit.

The group quickly learns why horses are preferred over deer as mounts.  Zoom!  The trip back is much quicker and much more comfortable.  When the group arrives, they find Bud and Lumin frolicking with the now alive and well human girl.  The girls clothes were shredded and bloodied by the attack, so the children have clothed her in vines, leaves, and flowers.

"Welcome back!" they chime in unison.  The girl blushes and kneels when she sees the ambassador.

He dismounts and says, "Rise please.

To Bud and Lumin he bows and says, "The king regrets he could not visit in person, but he sent me in his place and I have a sending stone if you wish to speak with him directly.."

"We have much to do to get ready," Lumin says, followed by Bud, "and so does the King."  "So first thing's first."  "We need the heroes to fight off the other scouts snooping around."

They look to the heroes and say together, "Will you do this for us?"

Bethany was already off her horse to run to hug the now-living girl when she hears Bud and Lumin asking for her to help fight off scouts. "Of course we'll help. None of us have any reason not to. Right?"

Arowyn says, "Yes. We've little choice."

Mara says, "Just point the way."

The girl is taken by surprise when glomped by Beth.  She blushes and returns the hug with a shy smile.

"Thank you for saving me," she says softly.

Lucky gives a bow.

"You're most welcome, miss."

Bud and Lumin point to a raven.  "Follow Blueberry.  He'll lead you to the badguys."

The raven caws then flaps to a branch a little bit further away.

Beth kisses the girl's cheek before quickly going back to her mount. The trio follow the bird. Arowyn says "Blueberry, when we are getting close, chirp at us and we'll dismount so we can approach cautiously."

The raven caws in reply then flies to a further branch.  The bird eventually leads the group to a small clearing where they find several goblin sized footprints.  The raven caws.

"Thank you, Blueberry," Lucky says, "We'll take it from here.  They're nasty enough they might shoot you just for sport."

He begins following the tracks.

DC 15 to see the ambush.

Arowyn dismounts with the others. While Beth seems to be looking around curiously, she just misses the signs of Akbar. Mara is thoroughly oblivious, as if daydreaming. Arowyn, however, stops the party. "Ambush..." he says to the others quietly.

OOC: Rolled all three... Beth got 13. Mara got 7. But Arowyn critted for a total of 32 perc. XD

For initiatives:
Arowyn: 13+4=17
Bethany: 1+3=4
Mara: 20+0=20
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Tue 10 Apr 2012.

Two goblins wearing leather armor charge at Mara-Kai with their short swords, but both of them fail the get through her defenses!

A goblin wielding a spear in one hand uses the other to hurl a javelin at Mara, dealing a painful wound!

---

Mobile Ranged Attack (standard; at-will)
The goblin warrior can move up to half its speed; at any point
during that movement, it makes one ranged attack without
provoking an opportunity attack.

Great Position
If, on its turn, the goblin warrior ends its move at least 4 squares
away from its starting point, it deals an extra 1d6 damage on its
ranged attacks until the start of its next turn.

w1 v mara
1d20 +6 >= 19
13 + 6 = 19 ... success

damage
2d6 +2
1 + 4 + 2 = 7

Mara HP: 27-7=20

Important interrupt intentions!!
Goblin Tactics (immediate reaction, when missed by a melee
attack; at-will)
The goblin shifts 1 square.

B1 and B2 will try to shift into flanking Mara if missed by any melee attack!
Next in initiative: Mara-Kai!