*Handwaves*  Freedom was never there.  The group was able to ambush the badguys successfully.  Or...  do we want to start over from the point before Freedom showed up?

Callie, as usual, checks on her allies' injuries first before checking on the enemies. She would, of course, assist in tying up any survivors. Once she has helped any injured allies, she gets to waking a survivor.... if any survived.

Dido thanks Callie for her gentle healing, of course, but other than that is silent during his rest. Probably praying.

(OOC: Joe said "sure, skip" basically. So posting is go!)

The goblin Callie wakes sputters and struggles.  "Gah!  Lemmego!  HEEEELLLP!!" he screams.

Mittens cups her hand to her ear then headshakes.

"Nope.  Didn't think so.  Your allies aren't coming to help you.  And even if they were we'd just overpower them too.  I think you know what comes next.  You tell us what we want to know, or else come the ouchies."

She thumbs at Kitau who's glaring at the goblin with murder in her eyes while thumbing the edge of her axe.

  "Kitau will not let something like iron bars get between her and someone she wants to behead.  You are kind of doomed if you do not talk."

  "Tweet, Her small size just means her rage is highly concentrated.  She bleeds explosions! and blood."

Callie is just looking aside in a "whatever" kind of manner, her fullblade-to-her sword resting on the ground with her (she's seated). Dido stands like a sentinal as soon as he's done his prayers.

"OK OK!" the frightened prisoner panics, "What do you want to know?  Just don't kill me!"

"Well for starters, I want verification that this is in fact the Bloodreavers' hideout."

"...yes?  What else would it be?"

Mittens shrugs.  "A cult trying to open a rift to the Shadowfell for the demon lord of undeath.  Except that was last week."

"...."

"Tell us the layout of your hideout."

The goblin describes the following: (See Link back to this game Game Map 0 for reference)
1. Narthex (C1): A short flight of steps leads up to this
hall. The ceiling is 25 feet high, and a balcony rises 15 feet
above the floor at the north end of the room. Priests of
Torog once stood on the balcony to speak to worshipers in
the narthex. The double door to Location 3 is locked.
2. Balcony (C1): The balcony door is unlocked.
3. Front Hall (C2): The Bloodreavers guard this hallway,
keeping several goblins on watch here. The double
door to Location 1 is locked. The double door to Location
10 is unlocked; it is inscribed with the image of a beholder
and the symbol of Torog, the King that Crawls.
4. Guard Room (C2): This cluttered chamber serves
as a sleeping area for the Bloodreavers. Four goblins and a
bugbear normally keep watch from this room.
5. Bath Chamber: A large pool fills the southern half
of this room. The pool is 5 feet deep. A statue rises from
the pool, depicting a creature that is half-woman, half-sea
serpent. An underground stream replenishes the water, so
it serves as a water supply for the gang.
STOP!
AREA 1: THE CHAMBER OF EYES (C1–C4)
3
6. Sitting Room (C4): This area was a small study for
the priests who tended the shrine. The Bloodreavers’ leaders
now use the adjoining rooms as their own. Two duergar
representatives from Clan Grimmerzhul are here to settle
payment for recently purchased slaves.
7. Acolytes’ Rooms (C4): Some Bloodreavers use
these rooms as personal quarters. A hobgoblin warcaster
resides in the western room, and two human bandits (currently
occupying Location 9) share the eastern room.
8. High Priest’s Quarters (C4): Krand, chieftain of
the Bloodreavers, has taken the former high priest’s room
as his own. He keeps most of the band’s booty here, in a
large locked chest.
9. Refectory (C3): This room serves as the dining
hall and kitchen for the Bloodreavers. Two goblins reside
here on filthy pallets in the storage area. Two human
bandits and three hobgoblins are eating here when the
PCs arrive.
10. Torog’s Shrine (C4): Once a shrine dedicated to
Torog, this room now serves the Bloodreavers as a slave
pen. However, the Bloodreavers have already sold the captives
to Grimmerzhul duergar, so no slaves are present.
Krand’s pet dire wolf sleeps in this room, and two hobgoblins
prepare the room for the next batch of slaves.

  Superbird kind of just stares at the Goblin, "Holy Squawk, that's not just the first time anyone spilled instead of getting spilled, it's actually useful. We can't kill him now man, Tweet."

  Terdisas considers the given information.  "Considering our luck in starting off with the upper northern sections, I would not be adverse to continuing along the northern most edge of this place before going anywhere near the larger rooms.  Not to mention the novelty that anyone we encounter will hardly have any room to flee or back off."

  Which is like, the opposite of most 'stuck by entry point of encounter for most of encounter' battles that happen half the time.

OOC Style: Ter's logic even applies without having an itemized "X enemies are in Y rooms" listing and just a general shape outline of the building.  Pick off the edges before approaching main areas? score.

Callie looks over at the goblin. "The sad part about what Mittens just said is that it's true. The good part is, the cult we fought were not over our heads. Even if the demon lord they were trying to summon would have killed us with a thought."

Callie then says, "I agree with Terdisas. And with Superbird, of course. This place is pretty fancy for a bad guy hideout. Its got me thinking ahead for..." she shakes the thought. "Let's get going. The Bloodreavers are no doubt going to find us out sooner or later."

She heads north.

Dido follows.

The staircase up turns right and leads to a hallway that ends in a closed door.  Mits jogs ahead of the group then carefully approaches the door.  She puts her finger to her mouth and caaarefully opens the door to peek through.  She then caarefully closes the door again.  Finally she faces her allies and cantrips an image of what she saw: a Duregar warming itself in the light of a fireplace and a wood pile at the far side of the room.  From where she was standing, she could only see one Duregar, but there was a shadow cast on the floor that suggested there must be two.

She then cantrips her plan to the group: "I'll open the door and the rest of you ambush 'em."

---

Stealth: 26.  Surprise round for whole group.  Mits surprise round action: readied action - will open door when her allies indicate they're ready.

https://docs.google.com/spread...zY0plSm5ncEhDNkZuNGc

Dido pulls out his hammer, shield up, and looks ready to charge. He nods to Mittens to indicate he's ready.

Meanwhile, Callie holds her sword. She also nods to Mittens.

---

Readied a charge vs first enemy Dido sees when Mitts opens the door. Which is G1. Normally, charging him would provoke opportunity attack from G2, but if G1 and G2 count as surprised when Dido charges G1, Dido will go AoO free.



Meanwhile, Callie's readied action is simply to follow up to be in front of Mittens if possible after Dido and Kitau have entered the room. So going to either F3 or F4.

Also rolled inits. Callie: 16, Dido: 4
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:27, Sat 28 Apr 2012.

  Terdisas and his Familiar are similarly silent.  Considering the crowd and hall, not much else to do but prepare to shoot anyone he could potentially see once the door opens.  Of course, it's not all bad having everyone between you and potential danger.

---

Terdisas Initiative: 18

Readied Action: Lightning Strike to first visible Target (G1).  17 on the raw dice, so that hits even before modifiers.   17 Lightning DMG to G1.  4 Lightning DMG Arcs to G2.

Terdisas HP: 37/37 S 6/6 V9 AP 2
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:15, Sat 28 Apr 2012.

Mittens flings open the door and the Duregar are barraged with a flurry of sudden attacks!  Stab!  Slash!  Zap!  The enemy is taken totally off guard!

---

Feel free to edit in the results here.
Kitau charge:

G1 HP: 60-17(Ter)= 43/60
G2 HP: 60-12-4(Ter)= 44/60
DIDO: G1 HP: 43-6 = 37
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:11, Sun 29 Apr 2012.

"The hells?!" the Duregar snarl, "Krand!  Intruders!"

One retaliates against Dido, his warhammer catching fire as he brings it to bear against the paladin, but Dido deflects the attack in a shower of sparks and flame!

The other looks ready to take a swing at Kitau.

---

shift h3 to h4.  mWarhammer (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+11 vs. AC; 1d10 + 3 damage.
Infernal Anger (minor; recharge ⚄ ⚅) ✦ Fire
Until the start of the duergar guard’s next turn, it deals 4 extra
fi re damage when its melee attacks hit, and if an adjacent enemy
moves or shifts during this period, the duergar guard can shift 1
square as an immediate reaction.

Missed!  If adjacent PC moves, will shift to H5.  Terdisas next in initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 29 Apr 2012.

  Terdisas had the feeling he may regret this, but he just can't reasonably expect every enemy to kindly walk into his line of sight from the safety of the hall.  As it is, it would be difficult shots in the hall.

  The sorcerer walks past his allies to reach the side of the fireplace, and gets clipped across his shoulder with a hammer for his trouble (fortunately, not the one on fire).  "Well, it seems I have two options.  Complain loudly..."  "Tweet, Oh! I know this one! or REVENGE!"  "Correct."

  That said, the offending Duergar gets halfway to flash frozen for his trouble.

---

  Terdisas
Move: From A3 to F2
  G2
Attack Of Opportunity Vs Terdisas: Hits (25 AC), 6 DMG
  Terdisas
Standard: Frostbind Vs. G2. Hits (22 Fort). 19 Cold DMG.

Effects: -2 AC to G2, Until End Of Terdisas next Turn.

G2 HP: 44-19=25/60
Terdisas HP: 37-6= 31/37 S 6/6 V 9 AP 2

Teeth chattering from the cold, the Duregar hit by Terdisas' powerful blast wallops Kitau hard across the face who vanishes, leaving only the blood splattering on Callie and the echo of her short scream as evidence she was ever there.  The infernal Dwarf takes a step back and shoots a poison quill at the sorcerer... with his beard.  Don't ask.

The sound of a door opening followed by hurried footsteps can be heard to the east.

---

R Beard Quills (minor; encounter) ✦ Poison
Ranged 3; +11 vs. AC; 1d8 + 3 damage, and ongoing 2 poison
damage and –2 penalty to attacks (save ends both).

G2 beard quill v terdisas

1d20 +11 >= 17
11 + 11 = 22 ... success

Accidentally skipped Krand last post.  He moves to Q5, minor to open door, then moves to K5

Terdisas HP: 31-9= 22, ongoing 2 poison damage and –2 penalty to attacks (save ends both).
Kitau HP: CRITTED! 45-13=32, Fade Away activated.  Now invis

"Beard quill," Mittens mutters, "That's a new one."

She heads into the room and unleashes her burning hands on the enemy!

---

K HP: 64-17=47
G1 HP: 37-17=20
G2 HP: 25-17=8

Kitau reappears, slashing the freezing Duregar across his face!  He falls dead.  Kitau spits on his corpse.  Then she finishes off the other Duregar with two axes to his chest!  Finally she points her axe down the hall and says, "You're next!"

---

kitau funneling v g1,2 with ca

1d20 +11 >= 21
1: 3 + 11 = 14 ... failure
2: 9 + 11 = 20 ... failuresuccess thanks to Ter's debuff!

minor: quarry g1
ACTION POINT!

twin strike v g1 1d20 +9 >= 21
17 + 9 = 26 ... success
13 + 9 = 22 ... success

G1 HP: 20-13-10=-3 dead!
G2 HP: 8-13 = -5 dead!

Dido moves over to the far wall and says quietly, "See if you can put our enemy in front of me, Kitau. Then we'll flank 'em." He looks down the hall and yells, "Come get us if you have the courage!" and then gets a frown as he breathes in deep and with a heft that would make a dwarf proud, throws his hammer right at the hobgoblin, hitting the guy square in the chest with a rather audible THUD that seems to resound with quiet thunder. The hammer then rematerializes into Dido's hand with a holy sound like a distant choir.

---

Move: G3 to F5
Minor: Divine Challenge on K
Standard Action: Basic Attack v K. CRIT!
 Dmg: 10, Crit d6: 3 = 13 total

Just so happens W is exactly 5 squares from Dido, which is the range of his divine challenge AND the short range of the throwing hammer.

Note for Kitau: If Kitau uses her Goblin Totem (mace) with Weapon Master's strike, she can slide Krand from H5 to G5 and then shift to H5 to flank with Dido. This is what Dido was hinting at.

Krand HP: 47 - 13 = 34
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:21, Wed 02 May 2012.

From inside a room down the hall comes a robed Hobgoblin wielding a staff.  "I got this, Krand!" he shouts.  With a swing of his staff, he fills the entire room with a huge wave of force that injures hits all the heroes hard!  Just... not as hard as the warcaster expected.  "Ok... maybe not."

Out from the farther room come the two goblins that fled the earlier combat!  They take aim and fire at Dido, but the bolts just bounce off his armor and shield.

"Gah!" Krand shouts when chest-hammered!  "They killed the Duregar!  Do not underestimate them!"

He then rushes Dido with his spear but is unable to get through the halfling paladin's defenses!  As he passes Kitau, the gnome misses but Mittens cracks him upside the back of his head hard!

"Wise words," she says, "We slew a dragon, and that was just our first day.  Surrender."

---

C Force Pulse (standard; recharge ⚅ ) ✦ Force
Close blast 5; +7 vs. Refl ex; 2d8 + 4 force damage, and the target
is pushed 1 square and knocked prone. Miss: Half damage, and
the target is neither pushed nor knocked prone.

Force Pulse v Ter, Cal, Kit, Mit, Dido

1d20 +7
Ter: 8 + 7 = 15 miss
Cal: 6 + 7 = 13 miss
Kit: 10 + 7 = 17 miss
Mit: 7 + 7 = 14 miss
Dido: 4 + 7 = 11 miss

damage
2d8 +4
8 + 6 + 4 = 18/2 = 9

Terdisas HP: 22-9=13
Callie HP: 37-9=28
Kitau HP: 32-9=23
Mittens HP: 31-9=22
Dido HP: 43-9=34

Mits AoO CRIT damage!
2d6 +10
4 + 5 + 10 = 19
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Wed 02 May 2012.

  "To be fair, I was not around yet for the dragon slaying."   "Chirp, but you're the one who shoved a Necromancer face first into the Shadowfell, all Ironic Death Style."  "True, speaking of that particular spell..."  It's that time again kids, For the Super Robot Attack like named Thunder Slam!

  Like the warcaster, Terdisas was expecting better results.  On the other hand, 'light' damage for a sorcer is still rather severe...

  Shame about that botched save throw.

---

Save Throw: 7.  even with my +2 Bonus vs poison and such it's not enough ;.;
  Move: shift to F3.
  Standard: Thunder Slam Vs Warcaster. Hits (26 Fort). Damaged, Double 2s so 15 Thunder DMG. Push 1.

My hit dice are burning hot for once, just as my damage dice are ice cold.  Not that it matters on a Sorcerer, whoo.  So using a second wind next turn, even if I make my next save throw.

Effect: Push Warcaster 1.

Warcaster HP: 46-15= 31/46
Terdisas HP: 13-2= 11/37 HP. S 6/6 V 9 AP 2.

Callie as ever, is keeping an eye out to see how her allies are doing when she notices Terdisas isn't doing too well. He's doing worse than Kitau at the moment, so she quickly reaches a hand to touch Terdisas. "I've got you covered, Terdisas." and heals up Terdisas.

She then immediately turns around, grips her bastard sword, and slashes Krand across the side, making a nasty gash that almost drops him. "They won't believe that, Mittens, even if it IS true."

Terdisas admitting he "wasn't there for that one", though, helps the story as why wouldn't he join in taking credit for that one? But then, Superbird's interlude probably helps too.

Callie steps to the side, still staying close to Terdisas. "Flames of Sehanine!" Callie yells as Krand catches white fire and collapses before the the fire seems to dissipate. Terdisas is feeling even BETTER as he can't feel the poison doing anything anymore.

---

Minor: Healing Word on Terdisas
 D6: 4
Standard: Basic Melee v Krand. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 10
Move: Shift from F4 to G3
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Sacred Flame v Krand: Hit(22)!
 dmg: 7
GRANT SAVE THROW FOR TERDISAS!
 Save throw: 10 (+2=12) SAVED!

Terdisas HP: 11 + 4 + 3 + 9 = 27
Krand HP: 15 - 10 - 7 = KO

"And once again the villain goes down faster than he can cry, 'uncle!'"

"Nice one, Terdisas!  They're all clumped up for a nice double-kaboom!"

Scorching burst is go!  Kaboom!  She then rushes up to the Warcaster and follows up with her new spell: Fire Shroud!  Kaboom!

"Making room for the melee types!"

Mittens drops prone.

---

W HP: 31-10-11=10 and Ongoing 5 Fire DMG (Save Ends).
G4 HP: 47-10-11=26 and Ongoing 5 Fire DMG (Save Ends).
G5 HP: 29-18CRIT!-11=8 and Ongoing 5 Fire DMG (Save Ends).

Kitau moves forward to stand over Mittens then hacks the Warcaster's leg off at the knee, dropping him.

"Cantrips for washing blood out of your pigtails," Mittens mutters, "Gotta love 'em."

---

W HP: 10-12=-2

Dido heads toward the nearest enemy, going past Kitau and standing on the one Kitau just defeated. "I don't think they understand they are throwing their lives to the wind." he says as he swings his hammer at the goblin in front of him. But he doesn't hit hard. However, both that enemy and the goblin behind it are marked.

---

Move: F5 to J5
Minor: Divine Challenge on G4
Standard: Valorous Smite v G4. Hit(27)!
 dmg: 7 >.> double 1's. BUT G4 and G5 are marked.

G4 HP: 26 - 7 = 19
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:49, Thu 03 May 2012.

The two remaining burning goblins fly into a rage and attack Dido fiercely!  The far one with the crossbow misses, but the closer one slashes Dido with a battleaxe!

---

sadly, 2nd chance didn't help.
Battleaxe (standard; at-will)  Weapon
+6 vs. AC; 1d10 + 5 damage, or 2d10 + 5 while bloodied.

Dido HP: 34-13=21
G4 HP: 19-5=14 failed save
G4 HP: 8-5=3 succeeded save
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Fri 04 May 2012.

Mits crawls back and stands back up.  "Ahem.  Kaboom."
The closer goblin erupts in flame!

---

Scorching burst hit, miss.
G4 HP: 14-11=3
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:46, Fri 04 May 2012.

Kitau impales the nearest goblin with her javelin, killing it.

---

Up next: Terdisas, Callie, Dido.  In any order.

  "Ah, the delightful tingle of a Cleric's care, thank you Callie."  After a moment though, he looks down and mutters "Not that I was helping matters" as he finally thinks to pull the poison barb out of his chest... Sure, not that it would have helped earlier if he did.  But principle of the matter.

  Terdisas wanders down for a straight shot down the hall and over his allies heads, and hits ceiling.  "Chirp, Okay I guess the Goblin only looks like a gentle breeze will fell him."

---

  Move: F3 to F5
Standard: Lightning Strike vs G5...  Rolled a 2, so misses by... one? wow.

Terdisas HP: 27/37. S 5/6 V 9 AP 2.

EDIT: Looks like Ter map HP/surges never got edited, so now he matches post Callie healing result. SO Glad for Inside Post Numbers to Reference :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:52, Wed 09 May 2012.

Dido seems calm, despite his injuries as his hammers starts gathering energy into itself like Bahamut in FFVII gathers energy in his mouth. He steps forward and uppercuts the goblin so hard, it causes the goblin to do an unwilling backflip and collapse in a heap.

---

Move: J5 to K5
Standard: Doesn't matter v G5. Crit(29)!
 crit dice: 4
 dmg total: 14

But yeah. None of dido's stuff does anything on a miss, so it didn't matter if I did a basic melee or an at-will. The effects are only on a hit and if I hit, the goblin would be done anyway.

G5: 3 - 14 = -11

Callie had made up her mind earlier to heal Kitau next, PLUS she is relatively sure Kitau is slightly more winded than Dido. So she heals Kitau with another prayer. "Let's enter a room, close the door, and rest."

---

Minor: Healing Word. D6 result: 1. True Callie fashion.

Post-fight resting will take 1 surge from Callie and 2 from Dido. Holding off figuring rest HP in case we get ambushed.

EDIT: Rest info
Callie HP: 37/37. Surges 8/9
Dido HP: 41/43. Surges 6/10

Kitau HP: 23 + 11 + 4 = 38 and -1 surge. 5/8 surges remaining.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Sun 06 May 2012.

The group gathers together and rests up in the room as Callie suggested without any interruption.  Mittens conjures up a vague map from the description given earlier and considers it.

"May as well take that nearby south exit to the prison room," she says, "Considering we were grouped up so nicely for that hobgoblin sorcerer's blast last time, let's try and spread out if there's another blaster among the next group, if not back up to a hallway to force them to funnel to us one at a time."

Kitau HP: 45 of 45.  surges: 4 of 8
Mittens HP: 30 of 33. surges: 4 of 6

"I left the hall for a reason, even if I did get swatted for my effort.  Still, I would not have been able to help as much as I did otherwise.  hmm, if we go south now than if anyone is in the most northeastern part of the building they could strike at us from behind."

OOC: If it was not already used, I feel it is safe to assume Callie's second charge of  Healing word goes to Dido.  If we're not doing "Multiple Short Rests for max heal powers" angle that is.

Terdisas HP: 27+0= 36/37. S 4/6 V 9 AP 2.

Callie nods at Terdisas. "On the other hand, if someone heard us, they would have shown up by now. So now it's just a matter of if anyone is patrolling. Let's hit that far room at the end of the hall and see what's in it. Is everyone OK?"

She checks on each member of the team even as she's talking, checking wounds and such, while occasionally giving a reassuring smile whenever someone she's touching looks at her.

Dido just blushes when Callie smiles at him, but adds, "The room to the far end of the hall sounds fine. We were headed that direction anyway and that's the direction our resistance seemed to come from, so we know we're going the right way."

He sighs and says, "I wish I knew what drove those goblins. To be so furious in the sight of being so soundly beaten... it's almost as if they cared about the ones we had defeated. That's the only reason I can figure being so angry when certain death offers me an out."

"Good points," Mittens agrees, "Onward with caution, then!"

She sneaks forward and carefully peeks into the room.  She then relaxes and casually steps in.

"Coast is clear.  Looks like the boss's bedroom.  If so, prolly kept his profits locked up in here somewhere.  5 copper says he's got the key on his person."

She scans the room and comments on Dido's commentary.

"Well there were those crazy berserkers in that blood drenched temple of doom earlier.  I'm guessing like them, these guys were just full of blind battle frenzy."

She shrugs.

"Well there's the expected locked chest.  Not trapped from what I can tell.  And over here's a little contract slash invoice slash receipt thingy."

She picks up the paper and reads it aloud.

"'Sold: Riverdown slaves.  Price: 1,000 gold.  Signed: Murkelmor Grimmerzhul.'  This apparently two days ago."

---

20:52, Today: Mittens rolled 10 using 1d20+5. perc check.

Secret Doors: A PC detects a secret door with a DC
25 15 Perception check. The doors open easily and are not
locked. No check is required to find the exit from within
one of the secret passages

Treasure: A chest in Location 8 holds the Bloodreavers’
treasure. The chest is locked (DC 25 15 Thievery check to
open); Krand carries the key. The chest contains +2 delver’s
chainmail, one potion of healing, five gems worth 100 gp
each, 450 gp, and 500 sp.
nondescript loot that translates to a chunk of whatever the PCs wind up having when they level up.

If the PCs search Krand’s quarters, they discover a
letter. The letter, written in Common, is a contract to purchase
the Riverdown slaves for 1,000 gp; it’s signed by
Murkelmor Grimmerzhul, dated two days ago.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:00, Sun 13 May 2012.

  "Hmm, unfortunate.  Now it appears the hard part will be discovering where the slaves were taken."  "Tweet, fighting an entire building full of slavers isn't the hard part?" "Of course not, we already know where they are."

OOC Style: For later, Terdisas initiative 19.

Callie frowns. "People for sale.." she looks angered again. Granted, Dido is joining in the anger party too, but says nothing.

Callie says, "Good find, Mittens. And good point, Terdisas. We gotta get through this fast so the slaves don't lose any more time free than necessary. Let's keep going and see who else we can find. South?"

---

Initiatives rolled ahead of time:
Callie: 12 + 3 = 15
Dido: 4 + 3 = 7
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Thu 17 May 2012.

"We'll want to interrogate the survivors for clues on where to find them, then.  Maybe a description of the buyer."

She sneaks to the door on the south side of the hallway and caaarefully opens it to peek inside.  She then cantrips what she saw to the others.

Carvings of eyes cover the walls, floor, and ceiling of this chamber.
An idol of a horrible toadlike creature dominates the area.
In the center of the floor, chains are affixed to the flagstones,
though no prisoners are chained there. A huge black wolf lies on
the floor nearby, and a hobgoblin is busy oiling the chains.

---

By huge they mean "large."  Dire Wolf Level 5 Skirmisher Large natural beast (mount)

http://img.photobucket.com/alb...ll/chamberofeyes.png

  "I shall assume, unless you were taking as swift a look as possible so as to lessen chances of discovery, you did not detect any arcane backing to all those eyes."   Superbird nods, "Tweet, that many eyes on the walls is just screaming for a pile of EYE LASERS.  I heard about this group of badasses having problems dealing with just one eyeball on a wall, chirp."  Level One Dominate. LoS Range. Whooooo.

  "At the very least, we will not have to worry about protecting innocents in the heat of battle...  Mittens, are you thinking what I am thinking when it comes to the dangerous animal in chains by open oil containers?"  Show of hands, who thinks the module accounted for flammables in this encounter?...  One, two, three.... Zero.  Zero hands.

Callie and Dido perk up. Callie starts nodding emphatically. "Setting them on fire is *definitely* a plan..." Callie whispers. Callie then looks over the rest of the group. "After what Superbird just said, I think we should just blast 'em and wait here at the door. Those eyes firing at us would be a very bad thing if they fire at people."

Her stomach growls a little and she ducks her head, blushing a little.

(OOC: Had this post ready for a while now. >.< Oh well. Happens to us all.)

"Good points," Mits whispers, "Gimme a sec.  Commencing magic detection."

She mutters and gestures a few moments.  "Not detecting any magic from the eyes, but I like the 'luring them to us' plan just to be safe.  Mechanical traps a possibility too."

She fires a scorching burst at the chain, catching it on fire!  The hobgoblins shriek and the dire wolf yelps!  The flask of oil is dropped to the ground, spilling oil, which then ignites!

Kitau readies her javelin for the first enemy to come into view.

---

http://img.photobucket.com/alb...well/TorogShrine.jpg
PC surprise round.
Mits used surprise action to blast the chain.  Mits is standing in i3.
Kitau uses surprise action to ready an action: ranged twin strike attack with javelin.  Kitau is standing in i1.  (With Dido Presumably in i2)

A2 HP: 39-12=27

I9 is on fire until the end of the 1st non surprise round.  Creatures who enter the square or end their turn in it take 5 fire damage.

A1 location: J4
A2 location: i9
A3 location: h11
Dire wolf (upper left corner of large creature) location: d5

Hobgoblin Archers (A) Level 3 Artillery
Medium natural humanoid XP 150 each
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +8; low-light vision
HP 39; Bloodied 19
AC 17; Fortitude 13, Refl ex 15, Will 13
Speed 6
m Longsword (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
+6 vs. AC; 1d8 + 2 damage.
r Longbow (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon
Ranged 20/40; +9 vs. AC; 1d10 + 4 damage, and the hobgoblin
archer grants an ally within 5 squares of it a +2 bonus to its next
ranged attack roll against the same target.
Hobgoblin Resilience (immediate reaction, when the hobgoblin
archer suffers an effect that a save can end; encounter)
The hobgoblin archer rolls a saving throw against the eff ect.
Alignment Evil Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Athletics +5, History +6
Str 14 (+3) Dex 19 (+5) Wis 14 (+3)
Con 15 (+3) Int 11 (+1) Cha 10 (+1)
Equipment leather armor, longsword, longbow, quiver of 30 arrows

Dire Wolf Level 5 Skirmisher
Large natural beast (mount) XP 200
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +9; low-light vision
HP 67; Bloodied 33
AC 19; Fortitude 18, Refl ex 17, Will 16
Speed 8
m Bite (standard; at-will)
+10 vs. AC; 1d8 + 4 damage, or 2d8 + 4 damage against a prone
target.
Combat Advantage
The dire wolf gains combat advantage against a target that has
one or more of the dire wolf’s allies adjacent to it. If the dire
wolf has combat advantage against the target, the target is also
knocked prone on a hit.
Pack Hunter (while mounted by a friendly rider of 5th level or
higher; at-will) ✦ Mount
The dire wolf’s rider gains combat advantage against an enemy if
it has at least one ally other than its mount adjacent to the target.
Alignment Unaligned Languages —
Str 19 (+6) Dex 16 (+5) Wis 14 (+4)
Con 19 (+6) Int 5 (–1) Cha 11 (+2)

In an ongoing effort to find a way for Tim to be able to continue to play D&D while at work, locations of monsters and PCs will be put into posts and a googledocs spreadsheet will not be kept.  Here's hoping this works.

Callie prepares herself for the influx of enemies, anxiously awaiting Mittens to gtfo so Dido and Kitau can take their rightful places.

---

Callie
Is standing at H1 so Ter can stand in J1.
Surprise Action: Standard: Full Defense

----------------
Dido holds his shield up, preparing to defend his allies while stepping aside just enough for Mittens to get behind him and the others.

---

Dido
Is standing at I2 right behind Mittens.
Surprise Action: Standard: Full Defense
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Sun 10 June 2012.

Init order

Kitau 24
Dire Wolf: 22
Terdisas: 19
a3: 18
Callie: 15.3
a2: 11
a1: 8
Dido: 7
Mittens: 6

01:29, Today: Narrator rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11. a3 init.
01:28, Today: Narrator rolled 11 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 4. a2 init.
01:28, Today: Narrator rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1. ar1 init.
01:27, Today: Narrator rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15. Dire wolf init.

Detail implied but not spelled out: Mits had to spend a round caaaarefully cracking the door open again before blasting or she would have had to spend her surprise round flinging the door open.  So the door is only barely cracked open.  And because you can't ready actions on surprise rounds, Dido and Callie were stuck just using full defense.  Oh well.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Sun 10 June 2012.

  Terdisas leans upon his staff, taking one of those rare moments where he can legitimately relax in battle.  It would be silly to run ahead of the ones with armor and shields taking up defensive stances after all.

---

Stands there! J1. Standard: Readied action, L strike if anything somehow enters his attack line... which would require the enemy taking Dido's place at I2. Yup. Stand there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:52, Wed 13 June 2012.

The dire wolf charges up the stairs, barely able to squeeze onto the narrow balcony, and swings it's paw at Mittens, but only gets a paw full of door.

---

SQUEEZE: MOVE ACTION
✦ Half Speed: As part of the same move action, move
up to half your speed.
✦ –5 Penalty to Attack Rolls: You have a –5 penalty
to attack rolls until you return to your normal space.
✦ Grant Combat Advantage: You grant combat
advantage to all enemies until you return to your
normal space.

Dire Wolf HP: 67 of 67  Location: H4

Kitau is losing her patience, but manages to keep to the plan.

---

Kitau couldn't have readied an action because you can't ready actions in the surprise round.  So instead I'm just holding actions till she can do anything.  Flaw in the plan: didn't account for initiative mechanics.  Mits goes last and she's the only one in the team close enough to the door to open it wider.
Kitau HP: 45 of 45.  surges: 4 of 8  Location: i1.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:20, Sun 10 June 2012.

Cowering against a corner of the chamber, the small wolf shakes in fear. His fur is matted from dirt and blood -- the latter coming from wounds suffered only days ago. Though hungry Rolen has managed to reserve some strength, in hopes that someone from his tribe would come to his aid.

EDIT: Upon seeing a fire suddenly burst on upper walkway Rolen's hope for a rescue is renewed . Raising his head, his ears perk-up. Help! he calls, but it only comes out as a loud "Woof!".
___________________________________________________________________________________
Location: G10 (chained to the wall = prone)
Initiative (once freed): 14
HP 46/46
OOC: I hope everyone wasn't waiting for me -- sorry for the late post.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Wed 13 June 2012.

  "Chirp, another fight, another crowded wait in a hallway, or a staircase... Or both." Superbird comments on business as usual in fight land.  "Should I attempt to circle around through the room to the east, or wait here?"

Hold action too.

The third hobgoblin fires at Mittens but its arrow sticks into the door.  It then hurries around the balcony to the east to get closer.

The second hobgoblin runs to the bottom of the southern stairs and takes a shot at Mittens that misses her by an inch!

The first hobgoblin swings the door open wide then slashes it's longsword at Mittens!

---

[hr] HR!
Callie hold actions.  A3 move to L9.  A2 move to d11.  A1 remains at j4.  Opens door completely, Mits no longer has cover.  All miss their attacks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:38, Fri 15 June 2012.

Callie fires some white flame from her hands at the archer, burning him and empowering Mittens. "Careful, Mittens!" Callie warns, as she doesn't want to see Mittens hurt. But with the extra protection, hopefully Mittens won't get hurt badly.

---

Callie
Is standing at H1.
Standard: Sacred Flame v Archer 1. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 5

4 thp goes to Mittens.

---

Dido points at the archer at the door. "I am your opponent!" he yells as he throws his hammer at the archer. The hammer goes wide a bit, but comes right back to Dido's hand and he catches it. He doesn't care much that he missed this attack since he at least caused the archer to prefer firing at Dido instead of Mittens. But the archer will have to step back somewhere, lest it provoke an attack from Mittens.

---

Dido
Is standing at I2.
Minor: Divine Challenge on Archer 1.
Standard: Throw Hammer v Archer 1. Miss(13)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Sat 16 June 2012.

Kitau throws her javelin at the dire wolf, catches the weapon when it returns, then steps over to the right.

Mittens blasts the approaching enemies then carefully backs up behind Dido.

"I heard a woof," she says, "It sounded... normal.  Not beastly like that giant monster wolf thing trying to balance on the balcony."

---

Kitau marks dire wolf.  Hit, hit.  19 damage.  Move to g1

ACTION POINT! (0 remaining) Burning hands hits all 3 both targets in range!  13 damage.  Double move to I1.

Dire Wolf HP: 67-19-13=35 of 67  Location: H4
A1 HP: HP 39-13=26 of 39  Location: j4
A3 HP: HP 39 of 39  Location: L9 (oops.  juust out of range.)
Mittens HP: 30+4 thp of 33  4 of 6 surges.  Location: i1
Kitau HP: 45 of 45.  surges: 4 of 8  Location: g1.

Rules minutia.  Mittens couldn't shift back 1 square because Dido was standing there.  Couldn't shift then move her speed either because she would still end the first move action in Dido's square.  She would have to take an AoO from the Dire Wolf and a1 to back away.  So Kitau had to go first to make room for Mits to "double move" to i1 with 2 combined shifts.

New init order!  Badguys > Goodguys!  Meaning after Ter's turn the badguys go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Sun 01 July 2012.

  Terdisas is just waiting for the day they all perish because the enemy is the one with the area spamming attacks instead of just Mittens.  Considering how often they spend the vast majority of a battle clustered together on a staircase, or a balcony, or a hallway, or any number of cramped limiting conditions.

  Speaking of such things, even with how short most of his companions are Terdisas has difficulty getting a straight shot down the hall at something not even fully in view.  A chunk of ice bounces off the floor missing the dire wolf's paws and spiraling off into the room below.

---

Terdisas: Still at J1.
Standard: Dragon Frost vs Dire wolf.  Blah, rolled a 4, so misses by 1 (Squeezing Grants CA, but the firing angle turns around and grants cover so eh.)

Terdisas HP: 27/37. S 5/6 V 9 AP 2.

The dire wolf rounds the corner and comps Dido's entire head in one bite!  Nomf!  Fortunately, the mail underneath keeps the teeth from removing his head.  The hobgoblin at the door fires an arrow into Dido's foot!  The other hobgoblin on the east balcony returns to the south balcony and fires an arrow into Dido's shin!  The one at the south steps runs up the steps and fires, but the arrow deflects off Dido's plate armor.

---

Rolls were: 19, 2nd chance! 19, 15, 19, 12.  Sheesh.

Dido HP: 41-8-11-10=12/43

Dire Wolf HP: 35 of 67  Location: i3
A1 HP: HP 26 of 39  Location: j4
A2 HP: HP 39 of 39  Location: h11
A3 HP: HP 39 of 39  Location: j11

Seeing the motley crew of heroes burst forth from the door in the upper level, brings renewed hope to Rolen. Their response to his cry for help lifts him up from within. His fur hide recedes, revealing his pale elvish skin. Though small a frail, he starts to pull on the chain that has bound him to his dark stoned room. "Help!" be blurts out, it's weak, but audible over the clash of steel. "I'm down here!"

Callie is worried for Dido. "Dido!" she cries out before reaching to hug him from behind and empower him with divine healing. She pokes her head out from under Dido's arm so she won't be yelling in his ear when she answers Rolen, "We hear you! Hang on! We're coming!" she lets go of Dido and fires some more white fire, this time at the Dire Wolf. The wolf gets burned for a decent bit, but more importantly, Dido glows some, being rejuvinated even more.

---

Minor: Healing Word on Dido
 Dido regains: 10+3+2= 15
 Dido loses a healing surge.
Standard: Sacred Flame v Dire Wolf. Hit(19+6=25)!
 dmg: 3+4=7
 Dido receives 4 temp hp

Dido HP: 12 + 15 = 27 (plus 4 thp)
Dire Wolf HP: 35 - 7 = 28
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Sun 15 July 2012.

Dido says, "Thanks, Callie." before swinging his hammer at the dire wolf, apparently not swinging hard enough. Still, despite the punishment he just took, he refuses to let his allies take any damage like he just did. So he lets out a loud challenge those nearest to him. "BRING IT!"

---

Minor: Lay on Hands on self. Dido heals for 10.
Minor: Call of Challenge. Mark all within 3 of Dido.
Standard: Ardent Strike v Dire Wolf. Miss(6+10=16)!

Dido HP: 27 + 10 = 37 (plus 4 thp)

Dido surges: -2

(OOC: Sorry for the loooong delay. Dice-dependancy tends to slow down my posts for a number of reasons when I have a job. XD )
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Sun 15 July 2012.

"Hang in there!" Mittens answers the voice of the mysterious one whom she can't see from where she's standing, "Gotta defeat these baddies first!  Magical replication fire attack go!"

She brings the bottom end of her staff down to the floor, and a duplicate of herself appears between the dire wolf and the nearest hobgoblin archer!  The duplicate then reverses the gesture, causing gouts of fire to erupt from beneath the adjacent enemies!...  Gouts no larger than torch flames.

"I'm going to go cry in a corner now," Mittens says, slinking off to the west.

---

Spectral Image!  Fire Shroud!  Rolls:  1, 1!  At least they weren't twos?
Mittens current location: f1.

Kitau takes the spot Mittens was standing in and throws her javelin at the nearest hobgoblin archer.  It hits with enough force that the hobgoblin is pushed back and he falls off the balcony!

---

Kitau Current location: i1
A1 HP: HP 26-21=5 of 39  Location: K5, prone
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Mon 23 July 2012.

  "If you are willing to come by for another attempt Mittens, I believe I can make your burning habits easier."   that said, Terdisas manages to make the shot against the poorly positions, yet still somehow dodgy Dire wolf as it's fur frosts over and layers of ice build around it's limbs.

  "Chirp, yeah.  Because freezing something makes it easier to light it on fire. That makes squawking sense." Superbird adds.   "I just cast the spells, maybe the actual Wizard Mittens understands how that works."

---

95% of the time working on this post was working out "where on the map everything is" again <.<  Yeah next to nothing has moved since last post, and Both Terdias and his target are in the same place... Why did I spent that time working our everyone's positions again? :psyduck:

Standard: Frostbind, Hits (24 Fort). 22 Cold Damage.  Sorcerers! When they hit, they hit hard. (Ter is Single Targets/No Friendly Fire only because he's scared of even the CONCEPT of friendly fire).

effects: Dire wolf has -2 Reflex, Until End of Ter's next Turn.

Dire Wolf HP: 28-22= 6
Terdisas HP: 27/37. S 5/6 V 9 AP 2.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Mon 23 July 2012.

You're not the only one.  So I'm going to try Google draw again.  Seems to be working for me well enough.  And tim can DL the map as a PNG before going to work rather than having to screenshot a spreadsheet, open paint, paste, and then save as a png.  But if link no worky, then this experiment = fail too

https://docs.google.com/drawin...QlrFk9F482zrQuw/edit

The dire wolf snarls and claws at Dido but chips a nail on the stone hallway.  It then slinks back away from the fray a little bit.  The two hobgoblins across the way fire again at Dido, burying two more arrows into the paladin's chest.  The one Kitau knocked over curses, stands, and hurries to rejoin the fray.

---

Wolf miss, a2&3 hit. a1 moves.

Dido HP: 37 (plus 4 thp)-14=27 of 43.  Dido surges: -2
Dire Wolf HP: 6.  -2 to reflex.  location: G4
A1 HP: HP 5 of 39  Location: f6
A2 HP: HP 39 of 39  Location: h11
A3 HP: HP 39 of 39  Location: j11

Kitau steps forward and finishes off the first hobgoblin archer with a well aimed throw of her javelin.

---

A1 HP: HP 5-5= dead  Location: f6
Kitau Location: i4.

Holding Mits' turn till after Dido attacks the dire wolf.  If he kills it, Mits will scorching burst the archers.  If not, magic missile to the dire wolf.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Fri 27 July 2012.

Dido turns the corner and slams his hammer right onto the wolf's left temple, knocking it out. "Thanks for clearing a way, Kitau!" Then points his hammer at the archers across the way. "Surrender!"

---

Move: I3 to H4
Standard: Valiant Strike v Dire Wolf. Hit(25!)
 dmg: 9

Dire Wolf HP: 6 - 9 = KO!

Callie hurries out to the balcony. "Cover me! I'm going for the prisoner!" and with that, she runs down the stairs! Yes; runs.

---

Move: H1 to G4
Move: G4 to D5

Mits steps into the hall and fires a lopsided scorching burst at the enemy that catches one of the two she was aiming at.  "I haven't the foggiest," Mittens answers, "I'm even having a hard time with the 'I just cast the spells,' part myself it seems.  You got it, Callie.  5 silver says these guys are just as dumb as the last bazillion enemies who refused to surrender to us."

---

Mittens Location: i1.
A2 HP: 39-9=30 of 39  Location: h11

  The balcony was now clear of enemies, so Terdisas finally left the little nook and went out into the open... So far as being on the opposite side of the room as Two archers was in the open.  "I would not look forward to an extended shootout, arrows have a way of reminding most spell slingers robes only go so far... On the other hand."

  The sorcerer leveled his staff across the edge of the balcony and fires with a by now familiar to his usual party members thundercrack, slamming into the archer across from him like some kind of... angry... magic punch, thing.  We've lost our flavor text somewhere.  "Getting into a shootout with me is not without it's own risks."  Who's got more hitpoints now, sucker.

---

Move: J1 to K4
Standard: Thunder Slam Vs Archer 3, Hits (14 Fort). 23 Thunder Damage. Alas, nowhere to push.

Archer 3 HP:39-23= 16.
Terdisas HP: 27/37 S 5/6 V 9 AP 2.

I shall miss making enemies bloodied in one attack as the levels climb.  While the enemies no doubt remain able to.

"Kill them!" the archer Terdisas slammed screams.  He fires back, but the arrow flies wide.  The one Mittens burned shoots at her, but fires just as poorly.  He at least side steps a bit so Mitten's next blast won't threaten them both.

---

A2 location: G11

  "Tweet, They want to kill you, to death.  Enact plan Standard Procedure!"  "...On the off chance that is a good idea, what now?"  "Lightning, all of the lightnings, chirp."

  A valid point, as really once Terdisas has worn out his encounter powers welcome it really does come down to making Emperor Palpatine look on with pride.  With the odd ice brick thrown in for variety.  His recent target is now introduced to scientific magical proof that Lightning follows thunder, and not the other way around.  His remaining archer ally just gets lightly zapped in the meantime.

The best At-Will powers are the ones you are happy to spam like crazy.

Initiative order? What's that?  Shoot first ask questions later when its 'Heroes go, then Enemies go' time.

---

Standard: Lightning Strike Vs Archer 3, Hits (18 Reflex). Damage rolled a 1, 12 Lightning DMG. Small Arc to Archer Two, 4 Lightning DMG.

A3 HP: 16-12= 4
A2 HP: 30-4= 26

Terdisas HP: 27/37 S 5/6 V 9 AP 2.

Seeing his rescuers before him gave Rolen new hope. They were battling the foes that had held him captive these past few weeks. They were battling to free him from his bonds.

He struggled to once again break his iron bonds. He knew it was a fruitless attempt but he strained, and twisted, trying to maneuver his body in such a way that might snap these bonds.

His muscles aches from malnurishment, but he pulls as hard a he can, hoping.
____________________________________________________________________________________
_{Break chain roll: 1d20 (8) + 1 = 9 FAIL!}
It's been a while since anyone posted, so I thought it might have been my turn.

Callie heads over to Rolen, then notices Terdisas makes an enemy look ready to keel over, so she fires at that archer, downing him and transferring the vigor to Terdisas! "Just hang tight, dear..." she asides to Rolen.

---

Move: D5 to H6
Standard: Sacred Flame v A3. Hit(20)!
 dmg: enough.
 Grant Terdisas 4 temp hp.

A3 HP: 4 - 5 or more = KO

Dido runs down the stairs, heading for the archer, but can't make it there fast enough before the archer's next attack.

---

Move: H4 to C8 (Double-Move, not mechanically a run)

Pretty much all he can do. On the bright side, worst that can happen to him now is a crit from the archer, which won't down him.

Kitau throws her javelin and scores a scratch on the remaining enemy then starts to hurry around the balcony.

---

Twin hit, miss.  Almost perfect minimum damage.
A2 HP: 26-4=22
Kitau new Location: L5

"Looks like I'm down to my fall-back spell," Mittens says, entering the room to take her stand next to Terdisas, "Good thing it's one that can't miss or I might just have to hang up my wizard's hat.  On the bright side, our enemy fails harder than me."

Zap!  Magic missile upside the head for the archer!  Mittens glances down the balcony at the struggling elf.  "Gimme us a minute and I'm sure we'll find the keys to your shackles on the enemy."

---

Mits move to J4
A2 HP: 22-8=14
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Fri 24 Aug 2012.

"I'll take one of you out with me!" the archer swears, moving to take cover behind one of the pillars before it fires a shot at Callie... which misses.  "Aw hells."

---

Move to J11

Rolen's eyes meet Callie's. There is a tear in his eyes. He was sure this was where he would die. He nods in responce, and waits eagerly to be freed.

Dido heads up the stairs and charges at the archer, who deftly dodges the hammer swing! Dido just glares daggers at the goblin.

---

Move: C8 to E11
Minor: Divine Challenge on Archer 2.
Charge: E11 to I11. Miss(10)



A glowing lance materializes in Callie's hand before she throws it at the archer, impaling him right in the gut and providing just the opening an ally needed! "Take THIS with you!" she answers the goblin's spiteful words.

---

Move: N/A
Standard: Lance of Faith v Archer 2. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 11

Archer 2 HP: 14 - 11 = 3

  "Alas, spite while a powerful force, was not to be yours to wield."  The Sorcerer proceeds to punch the Archer in the face... Well, okay.  The Sorcerer fires off an ice blast in the shape of a fist into the Archer's face.  That's just as manly right?

  "Chirp, I don't think that's what they mean by putting ice on a head injury."

---

Standard: Dragon Frost vs Archer 2. Hits (21 Fort).  Don't even need to roll damage.

Archer 2 HP: 3-SORCERER = KO.

Mittens bursts out laughing.  "Nice one, Superbird!"

She hurries down the stairs and unlocks the shackles binding the elf using her thief's tools.

"Points for me for not needing to root through stinky Hobgoblin pockets to find a key.  Now to root through stinky pockets for loose change."

Unsurprisingly, the grunts had little in the way of money on them, but they at least had some.

---

FYI, Salow: I do not dole out treasure or require purchase of items in this game.  When you level up, the total allowable value of your gear goes up with you.  Commerce happens off panel.

Dido plops to his butt to rest. "Thanks, Terdisas."

Callie places a hand on Rolen and prays quietly, causing Rolen's wounds to disappear. She then sits herself to rest up a bit.

Rolen rubs a small hand over the now healed wounds. His wrists no longer bleeding from the iron manacles. The scrapes on his knees now gone. The gashes on his back and sides have also disappeared. He looks at Callie thankfully as she rests against the dirty stone wall. He reaches for her waterskin and holds it to her mouth, believing that a bit of water may help. As he does this he speaks through cracked lips and a dry throat. "Thanks," whole sentences were not going to be easy for a while. "I'm Rolen," it was obvious it was time for introductions. After all, they just saved his life.

Callie smiles endearingly at Rolen, accepting the waterskin, but holds out one of her own up to Rolen's mouth. She finds the idea rather humorous and at the same time kind-hearted, for the two of them to feed each other.

She licks her lips after the first sip and says, "I'm Callie. The kitty is Mittens. The blond guy with armor is Dido. The guy in blue robes is Terdisas. And the cute girl with the armor and axes is Kitau. It's SO good to see another friendly face, Rolen. And reassuring to have rescued someone."

As opposed to last time, when they show up to find a hero who had long since died and had serious issues to work out before he could even move on to the afterlife... if he ever does.

  Terdisas nods,  "As unfortunate you situation was, it is likely a better one than what those taken are going through.  Still, we won't do them any good if we rush off without taking care of ourselves first."

  This of course was meant for the ones who did the hard front lines work, as opposed to his own one extreme or the other 'only take a scratch, or get smashed into the floor' luck.

"Nice to meet you, Rolen," Mittens answers with a smile, "You sure do a good dog call if that was you I heard earlier.  You wouldn't happen to have seen where the badguys took the slaves, would you?  Oh, and if you're hungry..."

She offers him some good old fashioned rations.

((OOC: It's likely Rolen would have seen the slaves taken out the double doors to the west. ))

The ravages of hungry take pain in his stomach and he eagerly snatches the rations from Mitten's grasp. He tears into the food with reckless abandon. Crumbs and spittle flying every which way. He hadn't eaten in days; his survival hinged on the sips of water that he stole away from the beasts that once shared this dungeon. Hearing the cat's question he points off to the double doors.

Seeing how hungry Rolen was, Callie is further impressed that the guy gave her some water out of compassion. Still, she looks in the direction Rolen pointed. "Thanks, Rolen" she says before looking at the others, "Like Terdisas said, last thing those slaves need is us dying so we can't save them."

Once rested, Callie stands up and looks at Rolen. She figures she'll leave the hand-up to the taller folks.

Dido peeks over the balcony at Rolen. "You there.. Rolen, was it? You should stick with us. It would be more dangerous for you to stay here or try to leave unescorted. Stay behind us, though, so if it looks like we won't make it, you'll have time to run for it."

Once rested, of course, Dido would get up, looking ready to lead the way again.

  Terdisas considers the current group.  Three short people, three tall people.  The tall people hide behind the short people.

  Would the other way around be any better considering the elemental carnage Mittens and himself hurled over their tiny protector's heads?

"Yes, rest and recovery good," Mittens agrees, "I would like to take a moment to point out that obliterating a lair full of slavers and a giant monster wolf is becoming bread-and-butter work for us.  More notable is slaying a dragon and later a cult of Orcus thus sealing the Demon Lord of the Undead from invading the Prime Material with a zombie army.  Saying that makes me feel a little better about my poor showing just now."

She follows along with the others.

His belly rolled and made an audible grumble. Rolen blushes wiping his mouth clean with a dirty hand. Rising from the stone floor he looks at the group. "I have been through these halls several times; they only just chained me to this wall. Perhaps I should lead the group?"

---

^{can you post the link to the map again?}

Dido says, "Give directions, but Kitau and I take point. Unless you are particularly good at absorbing arrows, sword-swipes, and magic spells."

--------------------

Callie nibbles some on her own rations, being reminded she should eat a little. "I'll give you more food here soon, Rolen. But eat slower. Eating fast isn't good for you." she offers some more rations.

  "I blame the architecture more than our aim back there."  worse than missing a shot is being unable to take one in the first place, after all.  Well, maybe unless you missed with a Daily.

  "As Dido says, you can easily say 'go that way' from further back if need be."  Superbird comments, "What if he wants to lead the way with biting faces off, tweet."

  Lycanthropes freaked out about.  Druids given steady government jobs.  Society!

"Thank you for helping to salvage my fragile ego, my friend," Mittens answers Terdisas with a bow.  She too offers Rolen some noms...  A slice of chocolate cake covered in hot fudge.  "A tasty treat I promise is not unhealthy."

(OOC: Prestidigitation.  It's magically delicious!  And zero calories!)

To Superbird she comments, "Just because he does a fantastic woof-woof impersonation doesn't mean he wants to eat faces."

By now Kitau has opened the double doors to the west.  Everyone would recognize the hallway to the lair's front door...  and the defeated berserker goblin on the ground from earlier.  To the right is a stairway leading up.  Beyond that is the hallway that leads to the guard room the group first encountered.  On the left is a hallway followed by a closed door.

Takes the "lucky" cake and sniffs at it, much like a wolf would do to something new. He'd never seen such a creation, and found it's oozing stream of brown goo intreging. His tongue lashed out of his mouth to try the new food, and to his surprise he found it quite delectable. Seeing that there was no use in hiding it, he snatches the cake and devours it within seconds. Licking the fudge off fingers and forearm, as he had grabbed the cake so hard that it nearly burst. Between bites he manages to find some humor to respond to the cat lady. "I've tried some faces before, tastes like chicken," as he looks at the talking bird.

Dido is following Kitau and trying to take the lead.

--------------------

Callie follows along and once the group is coming up on unexplored turf, she turns to look at the others. "Try to lure them again like last time?" she asks.

  "Chirp, Chickens are poor imitations of birds, they can't even fly."

  "If we want to avoid fighting from a hallway away again, we would have to press on.  But I'll leave that decision tot he ones running face first into danger."

Mittens giggles at how voratiously Rolen devours the cake.  "Well i would cautioun against eating the faces of the baddies we encounter.  They are likely to give you a tummy ache.  Also, it has been requested that we all try and spare our foes whenever possible.  Tends to be easier to get info out of the living than the dead."

Regarding marching order, Kitau makes no effort to stay in the lead, but Mits requests to be allowed to scout ahead as before.  If allowed, she'll report back what she found:

5. Bath Chamber: A large pool fills the southern half
of this room. The pool is 5 feet deep. A statue rises from
the pool, depicting a creature that is half-woman, half-sea
serpent. An underground stream replenishes the water, so
it serves as a water supply for the gang.

9. Refectory (C3): This room serves as the dining
hall and kitchen for the Bloodreavers. Two goblins reside
here on filthy pallets in the storage area. Two human
bandits and three hobgoblins are eating here.

"A bath chamber?!" his words are full of surprise and yearning. A bath would feel wonderful at the moment. Whether in beast form or human, the fleas had managed to stick around. Though after a second thought Rolen feels ashamed. These kind-hearted people had just rescued him, and wer probably on their way to rescue someone of higher importance, and all he could think about was himself. "oh," he starts to apologize, "forgive me. You all are on an important quest. Please forgive my outburst."

As Mittens gives her reports, Callie scrunches her nose and sticks her tongue out. "Bleh... why do they live this way, wallowing in filth?"

When Rollen apologizes, Callie gives him a reassuring smile. "We'll come back to that after we rescue the others. Wouldn't wanna leave you alone at the pool for someone to come hurt you..."

She looks back at the others. "Go where there's enemies. And Terdisas has a point... as long as we have room to fight..."

  Terdisas has his Sorcerous overkill set to Stun unless otherwise noted anyways.

  "As Callie says, being caught with your pants down in the literal sense is likely the last thing you need today Rolen."

"Yeah what they said," Mits concurs, "So shall we go with standard attack procedure, then?  Sneak to door, open with burning hands, melee types charge, yadda yadda?"

She sneaks off toward the door.  Kitau follows, this time apparently much sneakier than the cat, but leaves room for Dido to take point.

---

23:40, Today: Mittens rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3. stealth.
23:44, Today: Mittens rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4. init.
23:41, Today: Kitau rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19. stealth.
23:42, Today: Kitau rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14. init.

Still somewhat weak from malnutrition Rolen does his best to remain quiet, and returns to his shaggy wolf form. "I'll take the rear" he says before the fur and snout appear.

---

^{Stealth: 8 = 1d20(2)+6
Stealth: 14 = 1d20(8)+6}

  Terdisas's own stealth was hit or miss, some natural talent wasn't a match for actual training (or, both).  At the moment, he was lucky.  But as usual he expected it to be pointless considering an entire crowd was required to be silent.

OOC: 01:24, Today: Terdisas rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20. Initiative.
01:24, Today: Terdisas rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10. Stealth.

Dido says, "I'm not sure about you blasting them, Mittens. It's a great opening move and all, but it seems the enemy can be swift to hit you at the same time before I can so much as put my shield in front of you."

Callie says, "I'll heal her if she gets hurt, Dido. But the blast of hers is really helpful... it means the fight is over faster. Which means less injuries all around, ironically."

Dido gives a relenting sigh and nod.

Dido is surprisingly quiet for all that armor. Similar with Callie.

---

Callie Stealth: 13+2=15
Callie Initiative: 9+3=12
Dido Stealth: 15+-1=14
Dido Initiative: 7+3=10

https://docs.google.com/drawin...QlrFk9F482zrQuw/edit
Mittens opens the door!  Surprise!

The room appears to be a combination of kitchen, storeroom,
and mess hall. Several barrels and a woodpile rest in the kitchen
area, where a large cooking fire burns. Hobgoblins, goblins, and
a pair of humans are gathered around battered old tables. The
room’s occupants look up in alarm and reach for their weapons.

---

Surprise round!  Lest there be any confusion, during the surprise round PCs get 1 action.  PCs may act in the surprise round in any order.  After every PC has acted in the surprise round, Initiative order is as follows:

Terdisas 26 Initiative.
23.7 soldier init.
Kitau rolled 21  init.
16.6 bandit init.
Rolen Init 14
Callie Initiative: 9+3=12
Dido Initiative: 7+3=10
9.5 sharpshooter init.
Mittens 7 init.

---

Hey kids!  It's Rag On Byron Time!  I was running pathfinder for Byron, Tim, and Salow(Rolen).  The PCs set an ambush for the expected bandit visit.  Byron rolled 2nd after Salow in initiative, but his wizard's spell was the signal for the other PCs to attack.  So I had him act 1st in the surprise round.  After surprise round was over, Byron insisted he go before Salow's char because "otherwise I'm losing a turn."  I didn't argue long that he was wrong and we just let him go 1st because it didn't matter.  Tim and I later chatted about it.  Tim: "Didn't something like this come up once before with Seth and/or Joe?"  Me: "Eh whatever.  From now on I'll not call for init for a surprise round and simply tell the PCs when they act.  THEN I'll call for init once normal combat starts."  I'm expecting that won't be necessary on the boards.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Wed 26 Sept 2012.

Kitau rushes into the room, weapons at the ready!

---

Kitau had to round a corner so cannot charge.  Mittens already used her surprise action to open the door.

EDIT: Rolen, in a Wizard of Oz type moment, clicks his heels together.

---

^{Activating Using Fleet Pursuit}
This message was last edited by the player at 07:22, Fri 05 Oct 2012.

Dido rushes in, purposely in the midst of the hobgoblins as if daring them to flank him. He knows Mittens wants to rush in and blast things, but he'd much rather the enemy's attention be on him right now. As Dido rushed in, he swung his hammer, which hits with a loud clang on the hobgoblin's heavy shield.

Callie follows up behind a little, but allows room for Mittens to position herself.

---

Dido: Charge from A6 to D6. Miss (16)
Callie: What letter comes before A4? to A6
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Tue 02 Oct 2012.

  It may very well be a terrible idea, but Terdisas advances to the doorway so he can actually see the fight and potentially contribute, instead of spending over half of it in a back hallway.

  Just because it would be safer for him, didn't mean the end results would be the best for his health if he did stay out of sight the whole time after all.

---

Surprise Action; Move: A3 to B6

Terdisas HP: 36/37 S 4/6 V 9 AP 2.

The enemy looks like they're ready for combat now.

---

Surprise round over.  Enemy no longer granting combat advantage and can take attacks of opportunity.  First up in initiative: Terdisas!

  Terdisas has one of those moments of Arcane and strategic clarity.  He has to make up for the fact the Feline Wizard is not in a position for the usual burning artillery... Okay, really he's just hoping to end this fast because the stay in this keep is getting old, so frivolous use of the Big Guns and Action Points it is!

  "Attention slavers, this may sting"  The sorcerer announces as he raises his antithesis of ergonomics staff, with it encrusting in jagged ice and partially up Terdisas's Arm "...Oh wow, Dejav-"  He is cut off as the ice explodes across the room, seeking out the Goblin archers and closest Soldier and shredding them like a nasty could of daggers impression.

  "Tweet, you were almost dead the last time that happened."   "True"  Terdisas comments, as he buckshots more ice into the nearest Hobgoblin's kneecaps, sending them slumping to the ground unconscious.  "I can shoot more instead of running this time."  "I'm sorry for making fun of your fear of friendly fire, chirp."

---

With a lack of information otherwise given, I'm going to assume the barrels don't provide partial cover?  Not that it matters with these rolls, YEESH.  This is the best the rollr.appspot dice have treated me, ever.  I'm scared.
  Terdisas
Ice Javelin Vs, H1, S1, S2.
H1:CRIT, Hit (29 Dex), +9 Crit DMG :supaburn: 30 Ice DMG Total. 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends). Not Needed.
http://rollr.appspot.com/view/...IIRGljZVJvbGwYpclkDA
S1: Hits (16  Dex), 18 Ice DMG, 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).
S2: Hits (17 Dex), 17 Ice DMG, 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).

Action point: Frosbind Vs, H1. Hits (23 Fort). 24 Ice DMG. KO!
  Hobgblin Soldier 1
Good News: Reaction; Today: Monster Intern rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17. Hobgoblin Resilience. Saves Vs Frostbind Effect.
Bad News: Just took a total of 54 Damage (plus ongoing) with a max of 47 hitpoints.

Effects: H1: -2 Reflex Until End Of Ter's Next Turn Save Ends, 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).  S1 and S2, 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).
Note For GM: I used H1's reaction encounter, since it is a Then And There effect (and I'm sure the Hobgoblin would like to not be extra vulnerable to fireballs and lightning)... Not that it mattered with all that damage.

H1: 47-54= KO!
S1 HP: 31-18= 13/31 (Bloodied) -5 Ongoing Ice.
S2 HP: 31-17= 14/31 (Bloodied) -5 Ongoing Ice.

Terdisas HP: 36/37 S 4/6 V 9 AP 2-1= 1.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:15, Wed 03 Oct 2012.

"Kill the mage!" The hobgoblin soldier to the south shouts as it charges Terdisas!  The monster's weapon smashes hard into the sorcerer's right kneecap with a crack!

"Rrrargh!" the soldier near Dido shouts as it retaliates with it's flail smashing the halfling paladin hard on his noggin with a loud clang!

---

9 damage to Dido.  7 damage to Terdisas who is now slowed and marked by H3.
Terdisas HP: 36-7=29/37
Dido HP: 27-9=18 of 43
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Fri 05 Oct 2012.

"Any chance you could push that one back into the room, Kitau?" Mittens asks.

Kitau side-steps to be south of Dido then swings at the hobgoblin with her mace in an attempt to force it south of her, but it evades her attack.

"Nuts," Mittens says.

"Yeah, mage bad," one of the human bandits agrees as it skirts the north side of the room to get at Terdisas.  He then smacks the human sorcerer upside the head with his's mace, leaving him seeing stars! wall separating him from the sorcerer with his mace.  The other one jumps up onto one of the tables to flank Dido then swings it's mace down toward the paladin's head but misses his target.

---

7 damage to Terdisas, also dazed till end of B1's next turn
Terdisas HP: 29-7=22/37 Oops!  Ter had cover!  I was under the impression that only fighting through a narrow window granted cover, but DMG pg 43 says I'm a doofus for thinking that. :p
Next up: Rolen, Dido, Callie.  They can act in any order relative to each other.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Fri 05 Oct 2012.

Rolen holds back until Callie and Dido have acted

---

Effectively dropping his inititative order

Callie raises a hand and shoots holy fire from it! The hobgoblin who thumped Dido on the head is burned harshly! The flames then transfer to Dido, making him appear to have a shield of holy fire. "The rest of your gang is gone! We've plowed through them, but will spare you if you surrender!"

---

(Unsure why Dido would start combat with 27 HP when we all rested. :\ It was in his post after last fight, though admittedly I didn't show the use of surges or what his HP became. Let's see... surge value 10, use 2 surges to get to full. So his current HP is 43-9=34. Slightly important since it decides whether Callie used a healing word or not.)

Standard: Sacred Flame v H3. Hit(23)!
 dmg: 10! (Rolled max!)
 4 temporary hit points to Dido

Callie current HP: 37 of 37

H3 HP: 47-10=37
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Tue 09 Oct 2012.

"You will answer to ME!" Dido says as a breeze bursts out from him and all the enemies around him know there are consequences to ignoring this challenge. He strikes the Hobgoblin Soldier in the same way the soldier struck Terdisas; In the knee! "HURTS, doesn't it?!" he asks, rage in his eyes. He then scoots over to be right in front of Terdisas, shield up.

---

Minor: Call of Challenge
Standard: Valiant Strike vs H3. Hit(23)! (thanks to being surrounded)
 dmg: 7
 Terdisas gains +1 to all defenses
(Power of Protection: One ally withing 5 squares of you gains a +1 power bonus to all defenses until the end of your next turn.)
Move: Shift from D6 to C6, halving the number of enemies with CA on Dido

B1, B2, H2, and H3 are all challenged by Dido.
H3 HP: 37-7=30

An urge comes over Rolen. Those who saved him are now in danger. He must act. He moves down the hall, sliding past Mittens, Callie, and Terdisas.
He barks in protests as the enemy swing at him as he passes through the door. The pain is only temporary as he retaliates in kind.
Biting at arms or ankles he rips flesh from both.
And then moves deeper into the room seeing other goons in the rear.

---

Moves from A2 to C6 - Opportunity attack from B1 and H3!
H3 atk: 27 = 1d20(16)+7 -- dmg: 6 = 1d10(2)+4
B1 atk: 17 = 1d20(13)+4 -- dmg: 2 = 1d6(1)+1
Rolen HP: 43 - 6 - 2 = 36
^{Darting Bite -- Action: Standard -- Range: Melee Touch -- Target: One or Two Creatures
Attack: +6 vs Ref
Hit: 1d10 + Wisdom modifer (+4) damage. If at least one of the attacks hit, you can shift 2 squares
Primal Predator: The number of squares you can shift equals your Dexterity modifier (+4)}
Atk vs H3: 1d20(17)+4 = 21 Hit! dmg 1d10(6)+4 = 10 -- H3 HP 30 - 10 = 20
Atk vs B1: 1d20(18)+4 = 22 Hit! dmg 1d10(3)+4 = 7  -- B1 HP 47 - 7  = 40
Rolen then shifts from C6 to G5 (no opportunity atk from H2 due to shifting)

The two goblin sharpshooters shrieked from Terdisas' attack.  They take cover and vanish from sight and sneakily take cover, take aim, and retaliate.  Their crossbow bolts strike true, wounding the sorcerer gravely!

---

00:56, Today: Narrator rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10. s2 save.
00:56, Today: Narrator rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4. s1 save.
00:29, Today: Narrator rolled 8 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 1,3. Oops.  Terdisas saw them!
00:27, Today: Narrator rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18. s2 v Terdisas.
00:25, Today: Narrator rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,1. damage.  Oops.  Should be +4
00:24, Today: Narrator rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12. s1 v Terdisas. Oops.  Should be +9
00:22, Today: Narrator rolled 21 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 9. s2 stealth.
00:22, Today: Narrator rolled 18 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 6. s1 stealth.
+2 attacks from stealth combat advantage, -2 from cover due to allies etc.

S1 HP: 13-5=8/31 (Bloodied) -5 Ongoing Ice.
S2 HP: 14-5=9/31 (Bloodied) saved from ongoing damage.
Terdisas HP: 36-14=22/37 S 4/6 V 9
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Fri 12 Oct 2012.

  Terdisas, seeing how everything wants him dead he has already done some good and Mittens want's a shot, goes to fall back to the hallway.

  Unfortunately, not even the wagging nono finger of the gods can deter Hobgoblins intent on misguided hatred of Mages (Terdisas was a Sorcerer, after all).  Resulting in a flail upside Terdisas's skull and oh wow.  We know head wounds bleed a lot, but is there supposed to be that much blood?

  He staggers past Callie and Mittens back into the hall, <aqua>"Hello girls, I must speak with the dolphins."<aqua>

---

  Terdisas
Move: To oh wait interrupted.
  Hobgoblin 3
AoO Vs Terdisas: CRITICAL. 21 Damage, Marks and Slows Terdisas.
02:32, Today: Monster Intern rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20. H3 AoO Vs Terdisas.
  Terdisas
Move: B6 to A5,
Move Two: A5 to A3.

Effects: Terdisas Marked by H3, Slowed until end of H3's next turn.
Dido's Divine Sanction causes 7 Radiant Damage to H3.

Terdisas HP: 22-21= 1/37 S 4/6 V9
H3 HP: 20=7= 13

EDIT: Whoops, forgot about Rolen's damage. fixed now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:37, Sun 14 Oct 2012.

"Ouch," Mittens comments with a cringe when she sees just how badly Terdisas is hurt.  Her brows furrow and she steps forward.

"Those who hurt my friends DIE IN A FIRE!"

Fire bursts forth from the four nearest enemies, causing them to shriek in pain!  One of whom passes out!  Mits then starts powering up all DBZ style

---

IMPORTANT note to self: Activated Wizard's Fury Daily!
02:29, Today: Mittens rolled 13 using 1d8+8 with rolls of 5. damage.
02:28, Today: Mittens rolled 28 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 18. fire shroud v b2.
02:28, Today: Mittens rolled 29 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 19. fire shroud v b1.
02:28, Today: Mittens rolled 28 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 18. fire shroud v h2.
02:27, Today: Mittens rolled 22 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 12. fire shroud v h3.
H3 HP: 13-13=KO, ongoing 5.
B1 HP: 4030-13=17, ongoing 5. (Rolen had b1's starting hp as 47 but should be 37)
H2 HP: 47-13=34, ongoing 5.
B2 HP: 37-13=24, ongoing 5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Tue 16 Oct 2012.

"ARG!" the remaining burning hobgoblin shouts, stepping forward to smash Dido!  It flails about wildly, but doesn't even come close to hitting the wily little paladin.  "Another mage!  And they killed boss!"

"There's nowhere to run!" the bandit standing on the table points out, "Kill or be killed!"

---

H2 HP: 34-5=29 make save vs ongoing fire.

Kitau gave a glance toward Terdisas as he retreated to make sure he was going to survive then refocused on the bandit in front of her.  She swings her axes down toward his feet!  He manages to pull one of his feet away in time, but he other gets hacked and he screams in pain!

---

Thundertusk Boar Strike miss, hit.  Quirky roll20 dice roller messed up the formula: rolling 1d20 + 9 > 15
(6)+9>15 = 1 Success
Monster AC is 16 so I figured I'd have to roll > 15.  But roll20 thinks 15 > 15. :/
B2 HP: 24-11=13

The table bandit steps down to take a swing at Dido and whiffs, his fires still burning.  The other bandit whiffs as well then steps away from Dido and manages to put out his fire.

---

If crit didn't auto-hit, these guys would miss on a 20 vs Dido's current 25 AC.  o.o
B1 HP: 17-5=12
B2 HP: 13-5=8  ongoing 5 fire

Dido swings his hammer swiftly, but misses the human and only scrapes some of the hobgoblin's armor. Only to follow up with another wild flailing of his hammer that, again, misses. One of those times where, yes, it's nice to be small so others find it hard to hit him, but is sucks to have shorter arms than your enemy. "We said we'd spare you, but you're not listening!

---

Standard: Strength from Valor v hobgoblin, then human. Miss(18)! Miss(15)!
Action Point!
Standard: Valorous Smite v human bandit. Miss(13)!

Oh well. At least all baddies within 3 are marked by me!

Callie does not like seeing her allies be hit for so much and bursts out that holiness the team is now somewhat familiar with. The human bandit feels his whole body giving way to the holy burst. The hobgoblin felt like he almost would have become weaker, but for his anger pushing his will beyond his physical capabilities. But Dido looks rejuvenated, and only Callie and Mittens can see Terdisas nearly got brought back completely. "You're not forgotten, Terdisas! Let my love for you bathe you in Sehanine's healing power!"

Callie takes up her bastard sword in a threatening posture. "And they won't listen, Dido. And honestly, I can't blame them."

The one time enemies surrendered, they wound up sentenced to death anyway. Callie's wondering if she will ever find a villain worth bothering to redeem.

---

Standard: Beacon of Hope! vs hobgoblin then human. Miss(9)! Hit(21)!
 human is weakened.
Effect: You and all allies in burst regain 5 HP and your healing powers restore +5 HP until the end of the encounter.
Minor: Healing Word on Terdisas
 Roll: 9 (6+3)

Max healing on Terdisas! So that's 5(beacon)+9(healing word)+5(beacon)+9(surge value)
28 hp of healing!

Dido HP: 38 + 5 = 43 (includes 4 temp HP)
Terdisas HP: 1 + 28 = 29
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Tue 16 Oct 2012.

Rolen looks to the rear of the room -- the archers look weak, and seem to be fading fast. He then steals a glance back at the door, and the mass of people crowding around it. Decisions, decisions.
Rolen does one last double-take and charges back into the fray.

---

^{Pounce [Level 1]
Action: Standard Range: Melee Touch Target: One Creature
Attack: +4 vs Ref
Hit: 1d8 + Wisdom modifier (+4). The target grants combat advantage to the next creature that attacks it before the end of your next turn.
Special: When charging, you can use this power in place of a melee basic attack. (+1 for charge +2 for feat = +3 total)}
20:49, Today: Rolen rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10. Charge! (pounce). HIT!
20:51, Today: Rolen rolled 10 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 4. pounce dmg.
H2 29 - 10 = 19 target grants CA to next incoming atk.

---

A frenzy comes over Rolen and he attacks the two evil-doers. His attacks are wild and reckless, but the will of the gods bless him and he strikes down the human jailer.

---

^{Action Point
Savage Frenzy [Level 1] – beast form
Action: Standard
Range: Close Burst 1
Target: Each enemy in burst you can see
Attack: +6 vs Ref
Hit: 1d6 + Wisdom modifier (+4) damage, and the target is dazed and slowed (save ends both)
Miss: Half damage, and the target is slowed until the end of your next turn}
21:10, Today: Rolen rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6. Savage Frenzy. Miss.
21:10, Today: Rolen rolled 7 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 1. Savage Frenzy. Miss
Elven Accuracy
21:11, Today: Rolen rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13. HIT B2
21:13, Today: Rolen rolled 8 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 4. dmg on B2.
Rolen Hp: 36
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Wed 17 Oct 2012.

The two snipers duck behind cover then snipe at this newest mage!  One of their bolts hits her in the throat!  The linger effects of Terdisas' ice spell finally wears off.

---

S1 HP: takes ongoing 5 frost.  8-5=3 saves vs ongoing ice
Mittens HP: 33-15=18
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Thu 18 Oct 2012.

As blood drips from her neck wound, Mittens growls a gurgley growl at the snipers that shot her and retaliate with two magic missiles!  One of the goblins passes out, and the other looks like it barely survived the force!

---

S1 HP: 3-8=KO!
S2 HP: 9-8=1

  Terdisas is back in buisness, though he did wish the usage of Ice Javelins did not have an apparent habit of happening alongside near death experiences.  "Thank you Callie, sorry for overworking you like this."

  Along those lines, Terdisas stops behind the cleric arcing a misjudged lightning bolt into the wall past the still standing Goblin.  At least from his current position, Terdisas also had some cover from attack.  He wasn't exactly going to invite another free swing after what happened the last time.

---

Move: Two down.
Standard: Lightning Strike Vs S2, fail roll miss.

Terdisas HP: 29/37 S 3/6, V9
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Thu 18 Oct 2012.

The hobgoblin tries again to retaliate against Dido but fails.

Kitau skirts around the table, flanking the hobgoblin with Dido, then hamstrings it with her axe!

---

H2 HP: 19-12=7

The bandit throws a dagger at Dido that deflects harmlessly off his armor.

Dido uppercuts the hobgoblin's sternum, knocking the wind out of him and knocking him unconscious! Then looks at the bandit and steps closer to him with a challenge. "Fight me or surrender! Those are your choices!"

---

Standard: Valiant Strike v Hobgoblin Soldier. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 9
Minor: Divine Challenge on Human Bandit 1
Move: Move up 1 to be adjacent to Human Bandit.

Hobgoblin Soldier HP: 7 - 9 = -2

Callie winks at Terdisas and says, "You know I don't mind as long as you don't die."

Callie blows Mittens a kiss. "Wipe the blood, honey. I got you covered." she then rounds the corner. "As you can see your efforts are futile; I can just heal my friends. Surrender! No, really!" She swings the sword that's bigger than she is and leaves a HUGE gash in the human bandit. "I can heal you too!"

---

Minor: Healing Word on Mittens
 HP restored: 3+5+8(mitts surge value)
Move: To human bandit, standing on downed hobgoblin.
Standard: Basic Melee v Human Bandit. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 9

Mittens HP: 18 + 16 = 33
Human Bandit HP: 12 - 9 = 3
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Thu 18 Oct 2012.

Rolen Pounces into the corner and snaps his jaws around the guard's neck, ripping away his throat.

---

Pounce 1d20(15)+7=22, HIT!
1d8(4)+6=10 -- makes B1 dead

The sneaky sniper takes one last spiteful shot at Mittens, this time hitting her in the shoulder!

---

Mittens HP: 33-7=26

The bolt that was in Mitten's throat just kinda drops out due to Callie's healing, freeing her up to talk again!  "Thanks, Callie!  Ow!"

She finishes off the sniper with a magic missile.

---

S2 HP: 1-8=KO!

  Terdisas follows Callie's advice to mittens as he finally starts cleaning away the SO MUCH BLOOD.  Another benefit of enchanted clothing is the fact it doesn't stain, convenient when you wear blue.  He has to make do with a handkerchief for the job, all those damage +'s don't stand up next to Cantrips once the fighting is over.  "Well, looking at the end results one could assume it was a one sided battle."

OOC: Short Rest Stuff.
1 surge used.
Terdisas HP: 37/37 S 2/6, V9

Licking his pawn Rolen attempts to clean himself off before returning to human form. "Those were my captures," he says kind of sad. He does a quick count of the dead. "Although, I seem to recall there being more of them."

In response to Rolen, Callie says, "As I told this felled bunch, we *have* been mowing through the rest of this place. We beat several others before even getting to where you were being kept, Rolen."

She begins checking each member of the team for injuries.

Dido looks around and says, "Well maybe if one of them survived, we can get some more answers." He gets to checking the fallen to see who is still alive. Any still living, he begins to tie up.

(No rest taken on Dido or Callie)

"Oh," he says to Callie. "I do recall someone saying there was a bathing room nearby? If no one else minds, I haven't bathed in days, I would like to go clean up, if possible." He says it meekly, but hopeful. The blood and dirt have now caked together to form a crust over his skin and ragged clothes. Feebly he tries to rub some of it off, but to little avail.

  "It does seem that we have finally worked our way through the entire building.  Although, you may wish to ensure the apparent sanitary habits of slavers Callie was commenting upon earlier did not extend to the bath chamber, before anyone dives in."

((INSERT THIS POST BEFORE POST 143)))

As Terdisas expected, Mittens uses prestidigitation to clean up and offers to do the same for anyone else who wants.  Kitau makes sure Surviving badguys are tied up before accepting the offer.  "So imagine my surprise when a wolf bursts into the room from behind me and starts tearing into the badguys.  I'm gunna go out on a limb and guess that Rolen is a druid.  Am I right?  Whatever the case, I'm impressed.  Wasn't expecting recently rescued captive to join the fight at all, much less with so much speed and ferocity.  Nicely done!  Same for everyone of course, but I've come to expect no less from you bunch."

((Next up in post order: Callie and Dido.  Then Mittens / Kitau again so I can get caught up.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:32, Fri 19 Oct 2012.

Dido nods to Terdisas and then to Mittens. Then says, "Might I suggest, just in case there are some stragglers, I stick with Rolen while he bathes. Meanwhile, the rest of you can be searching for clues or interrogating prisoners."

As soon as it's agreed on, Dido would accompany Rolen to the pool.

Callie says, "That's fine. Be sure to run straight here. We'll be in this room if you need us. And take Terdisas' thought seriously... we don't know what's been in that pool, so test it quickly before going in."

Callie looks at Rolen. "If you're willing when this is all over, I'd like to have you on the team. Give it some thought."

He nods to Callie, "I will give it some thought."

Rolen then looks to Dido, and if he was still in animal form his tail would be wagging. The thought of a bath re-energizes him and he nearly skips out of the room, a huge smile on his face.

Before heading down the hall and rounding the corner, he ensures that Dido is still in tow.

Once they are alone he asks Dido, "What do you think? Should I joy your band?" He's almost chipper about it. As if there was no doubt as to what Dido would say. The thought of being with people, civilized people, again excited him. But what about your family? a little voice said to him.

"Cantrips are no substitute for the real thing admittedly," Mittens confessed before he left in a hurry.  Though in Rolen's case the conjured cake may have spared him the tummy ache the real thing might have caused him after woofing it down.  "What they said.  You have a safe and refreshing splish-splash time."

Interrogating this last group of enemies proves relatively unproductive.

"I don't know where!  All I know is the merch was sold to some devil dwarves!  Please don't kill me!"

"Merch?"

"Merchandise!  The slaves!  Gods...   Why'd you have to kill Hextor.  He owed me money."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:46, Sat 20 Oct 2012.

"You know *exactly* why we had to kill Hector!" Callie scalds sternly, wagging a finger at the man, "I didn't *want* to and we offered you all surrender, but not a one of you listened. Only a handful of goblins have surrendered to us, seems everyone else is obsessed with dying."

Callie then goes closer to the guy. "And so what if he owed you money? What good is money going to do you now? You're going to jail and, if you're lucky, you won't be sentenced to death. No amount of money is going to squirm you out of that. If I were you, I'd be thinking about much more important things, like if you have made peace with the gods, and how you can earn your life back so you don't have to face execution!"

(Sorry for the out-of-order post. Was kinda anxious to post this anyways.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Mon 22 Oct 2012.

Dido looks at Rolen, only lightly jealous that Rolen gets to bath while Dido has to stand guard. He's tired. It's been a day full of combat. Blood and sweat. He'll be sure to take care of hygiene when this is done. But he is only lightly jealous. After all, poor Rolen was shackled, starved, etc.

Dido smiles at Rolen. "We're a dangerous bunch to be with... but I just witnessed how dangerous you can be. I think once you're fully nourished, you'll be ready to tackle the things we've been tackling, big guy. I admire how quickly you jumped in to help out, Rolen. You are more than welcome in my eyes; you are to be admired."

Rolen gives an inaudible reply to Dido's comment. It felt good to, no, it was nearly gratifying to take down those who'd captured him. But what else could be in store for this intrepid group? What "mission" were they on? How did he know if they weren't just a group of mercs, or goons, just out on a stroll, killing those who stand in their way?

No. They didn't seem to be "bad" people. They helped him. What bad guy does that?! They offered food(!) and aid. Surely they must be the "good" guys. But still, what purpose would Rolen have to continue on? He was no freed. Or at least, once they left this awful place he would be.

Your parents. A small voice said. You need to find them!

"I will join you," Rolen says quietly to Dido as they enter the bathing room.

The group makes it back to the Seven Pillared Hall without incident.
http://media.photobucket.com/i...PillaredHallView.jpg

Anyone of the dark town are shocked at the number of prisoners and dead villains the heroes bring back, and they step aside to make way.  Before long, the Ogre Brugg steps out of his office and eyes the adventurer's latest handiwork.  Even his eyes go wide at the results.

"Well I'll be a gnoll's cousin!  Not only did you come back alive, but you bring more entertainment for me!  HAHAHA!"

He swats one of the prisoners just for fun.

"Well I'll take these brigands off your hands and... uh..  hmm..."

He glances in the direction of where he summoned his unmerciful master last time.

"Well what would you want done with these prisoners?"

Callie says, "I'd like them to be put to work until it's time for us to leave. Then when this mess is over, we'll take a few of 'em back home with us to show the people there proof of what we did."

Rolen stands by Dido, not sure yet what to say, or do.

The city, town, whatever they called it during their approach, was busy. He'd never seen so many homes and people milling about -- especially in the absence of trees and other wildlife. He'd only been to a "city" once before, but he was only a pup at the time. His father and brought him as a treat for learning how to transform, but their visit was only brief. He'd had no time to look around. In and out, that was it. Now he just felt lost in the sea of civilization.

He doesn't respond to the large man's inquiry. He just shuffles his feet and looks to those around him to lead the way.

  "I do not suppose you could be more convincing in getting them to reveal where their latest buyers ran off too?  Working our way through their entire stronghold still hasn't made them any more eager to talk."  Pesky hostility modifiers to social skill rolls.

OOC: Fun Fact: Party originally had a 'Likes the City' Primal Predator Druid along for the ride through young Ice Dragon fight (Haha, Wolf Summon knocking dragon prone over and over).  Before I switched out to Terdisas because I just wasn't feelin it.

Kitau shoots a skeptical glance to Callie then glares at the Ogre.  "May seem like poetic justice for slavers to end up slaves, but I say they should all die."

She glances to Callie and back again.  "Don't want it on my conscious if one escapes and goes back to his vile ways."

Mits shrugs.  "What Terdisas said."

The Ogre chuckles with a sadistic grin.

"Oh I'll be more than happy to question them.  But their fates aren't really up to me or you.  So don't worry your blonde little head, gnome.  I'm sure they'll not have the least chance to escape.  So.  Who wants questioned first?  YOU!"

He grabs one by the leg and holds him in the air upside-down.  "I want you to tell me, 'I don't know' for as long as you possibly can, little one.  HAHAHA!"

His enforcers take the prisoners and he returns to his office to torment his new plaything.

Callie looks at the others. "So what's next? The only clue we have so far is some kind of demonic dwarves bought the slaves."

Dido says, "Then may as well ask around if anyone knows of demonic dwarves and if so, where they dwell.."

Such gratitude in violence. No wonder his people kept to the woods.

"Perhaps the soldiers who protect this place would know." chirps Rolen. Assuming there is a garrison here.

  "Even if answers were as quickly forthcoming as I expect."   Ogre says stop hitting yourself!... With your severed leg.  "Some proper rest would be a good idea before moving on to pursue the slaves.  If Rolen chooses to remain with us, I suppose we should chip in for something more substantial than the clothes upon his back he was left with."   Sure, mechanically Rolen had the goods, but thematically they had just rescued them from being a chained up animal.

Kitau seems satisfied that the prisoners won't be getting away and says no more.  Mittens nods and thumbs at Terdisas.  "Once again, what he said.  Rest good.  We'll likely need all the juice we can muster when facing a small army of demon dwarves.  Though it may not hurt to ask around before we crash.  So let's get Rolen situated while we do so."

While you’re resting at the Halfmoon Inn, Rendil, the halfling
you rescued earlier, pulls up a chair. “I just heard something
strange,” he says in a low voice. “The duergar of Clan Grimmerzhul
bought a lot of provisions from Dreskin. The duergar have
a trading post here in the Hall, but rumor has it that they have a
fortress somewhere deeper in the Labyrinth.”

Callie smiles brightly at Rendil. "That's the clue we needed. Thanks, Rendil. Any chance you could point us to their trading post?"

"Before we go further, can someone please explain what's going on?" Rolen's lost.

^{OoC: Some background info would help guys. Sorry. Coming in late to a game always requires some details to be filled in.}

  Terdisas attempts to word his explanation without sarcasm.  "Well, we were-"  Too bad Superbird has a smaller grasp on tact,  "Tweet, We're trying to rescue captured slaves.  Did you forget about all the other slaves sold off before you were? Chirp."

  The sorcerer double facepalms.

"Yeah, thanks, Rendil," Mits echoes.

The halfling puts on a proud smile and bows.  "You're most welcome, my friends!"

He gives a curious look to Rolen, wondering who this new person is.

"I'm sure he wasn't asking about that part," Mittens answers Superbird, "It's every other part.  Like, 'What's with the ogre?  Who's this Rendil guy?  Why does this random collection of strange people give two hoots about the well-being of slaves?  Etc.'  So I shall give a quickish answer and a long one.  The long answer can be found in the chronicles of our adventures."

She produces a fine looking book.  "You may read it on the condition that you do so with me supervising.  The short answer is that we are an experienced group of heroes who've already defeated a young dragon and his kobold bandits, a death cult and their zombies, and we've rescued you and Rendil here from the Bloodreavers.  This place is apparently controlled by a secretive group named 'The Mages of Saruun' who employ Brugg the Ogre as their enforcer - the closest thing this place has to law and order.  The last time we gave him prisoners he summoned his master - The Ordinator Arcanis - one of the Wizards, who became judge jury and executioner when he blasted all the prisoners into oblivion with a huge magical kaboom.  So it seems the Bloodreaver slavers are no friend of the Wizards."

Callie nods at what Mittens says, "Mittens' summary is a good one. Yes, we're rescuing slaves. But it seems we are also getting rid of someone Else's enemy in the process." she offers a bite of her food to Rendil as a very halfling-style token of gratitude. "Oh... and Rendil, this is Rolen. We rescued him, and it seems he wants to join us in our quest. In fact, he fought pretty viciously at our side."

Dido looks over at Kitau. Then looks at Rolen. "Also, there's something else. But we'll discuss that when we're in a more private setting."

Rolen nods to Dido's comment. There seems to be a lot going on. And if there was anyone or any group that would be capable of helping him find his parents, it would be these fine people.

He flips a few pages of the book Mittens gave him. "It appears that you have been busy. Please forgive me if I do not return this soon. I am a slow reader." He closes the book and puts it aside.

Rolen waits quietly, yet eagerly, to hear more.

  "At the very least, Brugg's displays of violence have been for the sake of the local law."   Even then, the ogre seems positively mellow compared to Kitau.  "Also, my usual disclaimer regarding my absence for Dragon Slaying."

  "Tweet, Boss man was totally the one to take out the death cult leader with maximum Irony though."

Kitau sighs and leans her head in her hand at what dido Dido mentions.  Mittens takes her book back from Rolen.  "In that case you can read it next time there's a lot of boring traveling to do," she says, "Under my supervision.  It's the only copy."

(If no objection to moving right along,) Later: the team is now alone together without any listening ears.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:05, Fri 26 Oct 2012.

(Assuming everyone doesn't object to the time skip)

Dido then looks at Rolen. "When we're done with the Bloodreavers, we plan to see about bringing some *real* law and order to this place. The Mages of Saruun may have some order going on, but it's *their* order, not a moral one. You should have seen how nervous Rendil was when we hinted at fixing a problem he complained about. These people live in fear because they are ruled by tyrants."

Callie nods and says, "IF we can handle them. They may be too powerful for us to do anything about by ourselves, but we'll be sure to report this place to its neighbors."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:30, Fri 26 Oct 2012.

"I see." Rolen doesn't know what more to say. "I will lend a hand when and where I can." He swallows hard, as if dehydrated, though it's a swallow of caution more than anything else. "I am looking for my parents above all else. Once I find them, my travels will be over."
It troubles him to say so, but family comes first. A life of travel and fighting was not in his blood. His clan was a peaceful group -- 'Those who run away, live to run away another day' his mother once said. Though Rolen was sure it was in jest, the words somehow made perfect sense.
He looks at the ground, afraid to see how the others react.

  Terdisas left Amn to avoid complications with ruling class arcane practitioners.  Now he's alongside people who want to do the opposite.

  "I occasionally find myself wishing for a more flexible morality.  It looks like I will be along for the ride if you do get around to that particular goal instead."  Pesky conscience, it can cause so many problems.

Kitau seems a little surprised at what Dido said but adds nothing.

"Well here's hoping you're reunited with your parents, Rolen," Mittens says, "And we set things right in this place once and for all.  Though I'm a little surprised at the lack of 'Please no more ripping out throats with your teeth' requests."

She gives a curious look to Callie.  Kitau rolls her eyes.

---

Can has jump to next morning, after extended rest and LEVEL 5! after this next round of posts, yes?

Callie says in a jaded tone, "Ripped out throat, chopped to pieces, electrocuted, burned to death... is there really a difference?"

Callie then looks at Rolen. "Whenever it's possible, we try to spare life. Try if you can, but I don't expect you to endanger yourself over it. In the meantime, welcome aboard and thank you for what aid you will give us."

Dido too says nothing, but looks at Kitau slightly confused when he sees her surprise. As if to say "What? What'd I do?"

(Sure, we can skip)

Though the taste of blood had left his mouth hours ago, the memory of violently taking down the prison guard was still fresh in his mind. And having been brought up by not one person, but two, hit Rolen hard. He'd never used his animal form to harm another person, only to hunt down game. So to have taken down an person was a new experience, a frightening one at that. And to be nearly scolded like a bad dog made his heart sink.
"I'll try" he said only just audible.

  "I think I was a little too busy leaking the contents of my skull to be overly concerned with Rolen's choice of methods.  Besides, it has never been the mid battle violence that has been cause for debate."

OOC: skip is fine, in case my comment got lost to the sands of AIM or Roll20.

Mits snickers at Terdisas' remark.  "Yeah that was pretty scary.  Here's hoping less of that happens in the future."

To Rolen she shrugs.  "Personally I don't see much point in it beyond keeping an enemy alive for questioning given the inevitable results - badguys die by our violence or by 'the law's' violence.  Makes little difference to me.  But I have not killed so much as one badguy since Callie's request.  So...  Halo!"

A halo appears over her head.  Prestidigitation!  Gotta love it.

The group has a restful night at Rendil's and is feeling refreshed the following morning.  Except for Kitau, whom Mittens tells the group is sick with the flu or some such.  "Rendil promised he'd look after her while she recovers.  I assured her that we'll not let any badguys off the hook in her absence and she seemed satisfied with letting us go adventuring without her on that condition."

Before long the group arrives at their next destination:

The trading post is a sturdy building of gray stone carved into
the cavern’s wall. A sign above the door displays an emblem of a
hammer and manacles. The front door leads to a counter, where
two dwarflike creatures stand. They have skin of a sooty hue,
bald heads, and stiff beards of rusty orange. “You don’t look like
merchants or mages,” one says in heavily accented Common.
“What’s your business here?”

Callie looks slightly up at the dwarf-like folk. Callie seems to take on a rogue-like visage as she smiles, the lids of her eyes slightly lowered and her body posture relaxed and fluid. "We aren't merchants, actually. We're adventurers. But adventuring needs provisions just as much as merchandising and we were told this trading post has some things we can only get here. As adventurers, we have much coin, and would like to do business."

---

Callie Bluff check
1d20 +10
17 + 10 = 27

Dido doesn't so much as put a hand on his sword, but he is ready for action. He'll have to ask Callie what this is about later. But for now, if lying gets them in to save slaves...

Rolen remain quiet and keeps an eye on the grey dwarves across from them.

  Rolen could have worse problems, the rest of the party could fit old movie stereotypes of how to react when somebody turns into a wolf and starts biting people.  But then pitchfork mob could be preferable at times to certain annoyances.

 Terdisas makes his will save against asking what a mage looks like to the... Duergars (Hey he got shot by bread quills, that's memorable even if the species name was less so)?  If Mittens and Himself did not look the part.  But then that was an easily answered question.  Mittens was a Wizard and Terdisas was a Sorcerer, completely different!

  "The used armor business may pick up if we had something to bring several hundred pounds of armor back with us every fight, instead of just leaving it there on the ground."

Mitten skews her lips to the side.  "They must be referring to the boss mages who run this place," she concludes, "For clearly the magical-looking woman with the magical staff and magical robe and book of magic and magic necklace must be... you know... magical?"

The Duergar remain grumpy looking.  One takes out a price sheet and hands it over to Callie.  The prices are double what she's used to.  6gp per foot of chain.  2gp for a waterskin.  20gp for a tent, and so on.

Callie looks the list over. "Don't suppose you have any 'special' goods we could look at inside?" she looks at the door and then back to the guard.

Fun fact: Sehanine is "unaligned", which means good, neutral, and even EVIL people can be her followers. So Callie brandishing Sehanine's symbol isn't harming her. Dido's platinum dragon, however... could harm him if the guards recognize it as a holy symbol of Bahamut, rather than either a decoration or the symbol of Tiamat.

Rolen sniffs around, and then walks over to the fire to warm himself. The days long stay in the dungeon still chilled him, and the fire would be a nice way to warm-up while he waited.

  Terdisas is somewhat biased now when it comes to Sehanine.  A girl bringing you back from 1 hitpoint TWICE can be like that.

  "Hmm, somehow I thought the silk rope would cost more."

"Steep," Mittens comments, looking over the list.

The Duergar look annoyed and shake their heads.

Callie quietly wonders if Kitau were here, if her perpetual grumpiness would allow her to speak their language. Well... if she ever spoke.

Knowing the only real power here is money, she opens her coin bag to look at the excessive amount of gold in it with a look of disappointment. She has it open enough to let the guards see it before she closes it with a shrug. "OK, fine. I'll dispense with the clandestine act. See... we heard you were sold some slaves. I guess you need them more than money?"

The sound of gold tumbling onto a wooden table draws Rolen's attention. A memory flashes, of the dungeon guards exchanging prisoners for coin, all the while laughing and drinking. A snear comes to his lips. If they have my parents, I'll kill them.

  Terdisas continues examining the inflated price goods sheet.  "I think we should get some torches while we are here, these are listed for 2 copper"   Superbird thinks that is probably a typo.  So far as handwriting has typos.

The Duergar go from grumpy to downright angry.

"OUT!" one demands, pointing at the door.

Mits folds her arms and perks an eyebrow.  "Think maybe you struck a nerve there, Callie?"

Callie gives the guy a confused look. She looks at Mittens and says, "It certainly wasn't on purpose." She looks back at the Duergar and asks, "Why so angry?"

A fire burns bright with Rolen and he roars at the grey dwarves, "where are my parents!" and charges (g4).

---

^{Pounce [Level 1]
Action: Standard Range: Melee Touch Target: One Creature
Attack: +4 vs Ref
Hit: 1d8 + Wisdom modifier (+4). The target grants combat advantage to the next creature that attacks it before the end of your next turn.
Special: When charging, you can use this power in place of a melee basic attack. (+1 for charge +2 for feat = +3 total)}
_{01:45, Today: Rolen rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16. pounce. HIT!!!}
11 dmg to G4 HP 60 - 11 = 49

  "Oh my, we are so sorry about this he is normally so well behaved oh who am I kidding."  Terdisas drops the CHA skills act because Hostility modifiers if not present before, sure as hell were now.  So instead just slams a sonic boom into the biting victim's face.

---

Standard: Thunder slam, hits (29 Fort), 20 thunder DMG.

G4 HP:49-20 = 29/60
Terdisas HP: 42/42 S 6 V 10 AP 1
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:02, Sat 03 Nov 2012.

Callie hops onto the table and throws her sizeable sword downward onto the Duergar... but the sword glances rather than the blade hitting direct.

---

Basic Melee: 16 total doesn't hit 16

"Well that went sour fast," Mittens says, blasting the bitten Duergar with a magic missile.

---

G4 HP:29-8=21/60
Mittens HP: 37+5thp S9 AP1
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

"MERCS!" the Duergar shouts, retaliating against Rolen with a swing from its suddenly flaming warhammer, "NEED BACKUP!"

---

Used infernal anger.

Rolen HP: 46-10=36

Dido hops onto the table as well and swings his hammer! The duergar in front of him manages to back up out of the way, but the hammer hits true on the one Rolen is on.

---

Move: To top of table
Standard: Strength from Valor v G4, G3. Hit(22)! Miss(10).
 dmg to G4: 6
 Dido gains 5 temp HP.
Minor: Divine Challenge on G4

G4 HP: 21 - 6 = 15
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

Two more Duergar burst into the room!  One attacks Terdisas and the other attacks Dido!  One guess who gets hurt.

---

Move to door, minor to open it, charge!  Or beard quill in G1's case.
Terdisas HP: 42-12=30/42 S 6 V 10 AP 1

////// EDIT: NEEDS TO HAPPEN AFTER G3's TURN! \\\\\\

Rolen's rage continues.

---

^{Savage Rend [Level 1]
Action: Standard
Range: Melee Touch
Target: One Creature
Attack: +6 vs Ref
Hit: 1d8 + Wisdom modifier (+4), and you slide the target 1 square
Special: This power can be used as a melee basic attack</table>
02:18, Today: Rolen rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17. HIT!!}
8 dmg G4 HP: 15 - 8 = 7


////// EDIT: NEEDS TO HAPPEN AFTER G3's TURN! \\\\\\

Callie swings her sword at the nearly-dead duergar and hits only armor again. She hops off the table, throws her hands forward and a blast of radiance fills the room. The duergar seem to press past whatever it would've done to them, but the power still invigorates everyone else.

---

Standard: Basic Melee v G4. Miss(18)
Move: Shift away, off table.
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Hymn of Resurgeance vs G1, G2, G3, and G4. Miss(9), Miss(8), Miss(12), Miss(14)

>.> Miss-a-thon. Callie is back to her normal self!

ALL ALLIES GAIN 5 TEMPORARY HP!

  Terdisas wishes that the tactically sound thing in the long run, wasn't also a very stupid thing for himself in the short term.  The Sorcerer sidesteps besides Dido, before failing to nail the finishing shot on the heavily wounded enemy.

  At least now Dido can't be flanked... Even if the enemy neat Terdisas will most likely literally go through him to get at the paladin.

---

Move: shift.  Standard: Fail lightning strile vs G4.

Terdisas hp: 30(+5)/42.

The near dead Duergar swings at Dido, but misses.  He then backs up behind his more healthy ally.

"Aaand it just got uglier," Mittens says, "Time for the KABOOM!"
She slams her staff on the ground and two of the Duergar erupt into flame!  And look barely singed from it.

"Ok that's annoying.  But I should have seen that coming.  SIGH!"

She finishes off one of the one hiding near the bookcases with a magic missile from her eyes!

---

Activated Wizard's fury!
G2 HP: 60-12(RESIST 10!) = 58, 5 ongoing fire
G3 HP: 60-12(RESIST 10!) = 58, 5 ongoing fire
G5 HP: 7-8 = KO
Mittens HP: 37+5thp S9 AP1 WIZARD'S FURY ACTIVE!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:16, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

Dido swings his hammer down on the duergar in front of him. As it hits with a loud thud, a blast of energy waves out from the hit, covering the enemies in the room with a need to focus on Dido.

---

Minor: Divine Challenge on G3
Standard: Valorous Smite v G3. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 11
 All enemies within 3 squares of Dido are marked by Dido.

G3 HP: 58 - 11 = 47
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

The Duergar all focus their attacks on Dido, but none of them make it through his impressive defenses!  Another Duergar appears in the lower door.

Rolen steps up and attacks the grey dwarf, swiping a paw at the creatures face (knocking some sense into him). Then steps to it's side and swipes at the other, who's blocking the door. The dwarf's face collides with Rolen's paw, and is a little smarter for it.

---

^{Darting Bite
Hit to G3 & G1 -- 8 dmg to each -- G3 Hp = 32, G1 Hp = 52}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

Callie steps forward. "Bathe in the light of Sehanine." she says as rays of light come forth from her and coat everyone in front of her. The badguys seem to be getting burned by it while the allies are feeling even more confident.

---

Move: Scooting to be next to Mittens.
Standard: Divine Glow v G1, G2, G3, Theurge. Hit(20), Hit(16), Miss(14), Hit(18)
 dmg: 7

ALL ALLIES GAIN +2 TO THEIR ATTACKS UNTIL THE END OF CALLIE'S NEXT TURN!

G1 HP: 52 - 7 = 45
G2 HP: 58 - 7 = 51
Theurge HP: 64 - 7 = 57

  Terdisas figures saving it for the end of a building won't matter if they are all down and out before them.  So the sorcerer's staff and arm encrust in jagged ice once more.    Terdisas does wonder how he ended up side tanking for Dido again though.  As much as he'd hate to see Callie get hurt, she's the one with the Chainmail.  Still, with both halflings on the counter top, it meant Terdisas could back off without worrying about the enemy flanking the tiny folk.

"Chirp, don't do it boss man!  Your skull always gets caved in when you use that squawking thing!"  It seems Superbird does have pattern recognition, but Terdisas fires off the enemy seeking shards of ice anyways.

"...I think you missed one oh wait no you didnt, Tweet."   Terdisass interrupts his familiar by kneecapping the enemy just throught he door.  Go figure, running away meant he could actually shoot them easier.

---

Move: Shift.
Standard:  Ice Javelins vs G1, G2, G3.  Everything hits yay Callie!  18 Cold DMG, and 5 Ongoing Cold DMG (Save Ends).

Action Point:  Frostbind Vs, Theurge.  Hits.  26 Ice DMG.  -2 Reflex till End Of My Next Turn)

Effects: Ongoing 5 Ice DMG (Save Ends) To, G1, G2, G3.   -2 Reflex to Theurge, Until End of Ter's Next Turn.

Javelin, 18 DMG (5 ongoing)
frost, 26 DMG.

Theurge HP: 56-26=30/64  Bloodied. -2 Reflex Till End of Ter's next turn.
G1 HP: 45-18= 27(-5)/60.  Bloodied, 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends)
G2 HP: 51-18= 33(-5)/60.  5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).
G3 HP: 39-18= 21(-5)/60. Bloodied. 5 Ongoing Ice DMG (Save Ends).

Terdisas hp: 30(+5 Temp)/42. S 6, V 10. AP 0.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:08, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

Dido swings his hammer down on the one he's flanking with Rolen. His hammer hits with a thud, but does no harm to the sturdy duergar. However, it DOES remind all the duergar that they should pay attention to Dido.

---

Minor: Divine Challenge on G3
Standard: Valiant Strike v G3. Miss(17)

I was getting a pretty significant +13 to my attack, which is 4 more than my norm. No accounting for low rolls. Oh well, Dido can STILL be useful!

Minor (instead of move): Call of Challenge (burst 3)
 Enemies in burst are subject to your divine sanction.

Lots of hurting enemies.  Check.  All of them resist fire...  Oh well.  Next idea: try and finish one off.  Mittens steps over to be next to the holy types and the wolf gathering arcane energy into her fists.  She then one-two punches the nearest Duergar!  It staggers then collapses with the sound of crackling ice.

"I'm glad you didn't listen to Superbird this time, Terdisas," she says.

---

Duergar will be officially KO in next post.
G3 HP: 21-8-8=5 (ongoing 5)

As the flanked Duergar succumbs to Terdisas' ice, the one closest the sorcerer breaks off to retaliate!  It winces from Dido's challenge and scores a glancing blow against Terdisas!

"Kill the mage!" the Theurge commands, summoning a firestorm of brimstone hail over the heroes!  He then backs away a few steps and opens a door.

The other near Dido attacks the paladin but his flaming hammer bounces off the shield!

---

D3 HP: 5-5=KO
G2 33-5-7=21
G1 27-5=22
Terdisas HP: 30+5-8=27 and prone
Callie HP: 37-8=29 and prone HAHA Second chance cause epic fail!
Mittens HP: 42-8=34 and prone
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:55, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

Fearing for terdisas' life Rolen darts away from the druegar by the door. thinking that the other have the creature's attention, the druegar smashes its weapon across rolen's back. the blow sends him stumbling to the other side of the room. his own blood nearly trips him up, but he regains his footing an pounces on the other druegar.

---

^{AoO from G1, rolls a 30 (hit!), does 14 dmg.
Rolen's Hp 41 - 14 = 27
1st Pounce rolled an 8 (edited) - Fail
Action Point
2nd Pounce rolled an 18 (edited) - Hit - 5 dmg
G2 Hp 21 - 5 = 16}

Callie just loves Rolen, having seen him pull something as brave as any of the party would have done. That said, she also is worried for Terdisas just as much. And knowing Dido is within touching distance of Rolen, she calls out to Terdisas, "The healing light of the moon wash over you, Terdisas!" and with that, Terdisas' wounds close and he's good as new again.

"As you can see, as long as I'm around, your attacks mean nothing!" Callie says to the enemies. She moves next to the duergar who attacked Terdisas and slams her large sword JUST next to his leg as if daring him to attack her instead.

---

Minor: Healing Word on Terdisas.
 Heal for: 3 (1d6) + 3 + 10 = 16
Move: To G2
Standard: Basic Melee v G2. Miss(12).

Terdisas HP: 27 + 16 = FULL HP

Unfortunately for Terdisas, he's to polite to point out that Mitten's is the Mage so kill her first.

"While I can understand retaliation, why do I so often find myself the only one of us out in the open?" The sorcerer thought to himself, Callie still patched him up in the end...  But this pattern was getting painful.

He stands back to his feet, and now that he has a little more backing opts to just jam his electified staff into the closest enemy's chest, the secondary arc curling through the doorway and chasing down Theurge.

---

Move: Stand
Stanadrd: Lightning Strike (Big Arc Version) Vs G2, Hits 19(Reflex).  11+2 Lightning DMG.
Arc: 8 Lightning DMG to Theurge.

G2: 16-13= 3
Theurge HP: 26-8= 18

Terdisas HP: 42/42  S 5 v 10

I'll assume since no mention either way, none of the enemies made their save throw vs ongoing damage.

Dido reaches over to put a hand on Rolen. "Moradin give you endurance for your courage, Rolen!"

Dido then yells towards the Theurge with a voice that seems to echo and boom like an angel, "COWARD! COME BACK HERE!" And he throws his hammer, raising his shield to block the duergar next to him. But the duergar swings so badly, distracted by the angelic voice, that he doesn't even connect with anything. The hammer hits true on the Theurge, smacking him across the cheek with a resounding THUD! The Theurge knows he has been challenged at a divine level and to deny that challenge will have immediate consequences.

The hammer then flies back to Dido's hand.

---

Minor: Lay on Hands on Rolen.
 Dido -1 surge. Rolen heals for 12 hp.
Minor: Divine Challenge on Theurge
Standard: Thrown Weapon hammer vs Theurge. Hit(20)!
AoO from G1: Miss(12)! Nat 1!

Rolen HP: 27 + 12 = 39
Theurge HP: 18 - 8 = 10 Will take 7 next turn if he doesn't attack Dido.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

"Ya know there's something to be said for this 'kill the mage' tactic we keep hearing about," Mittens says, firing a magic missile from her fingertip at the Theurge!  "Right back at ya!"

The missile hits hard, but doesn't quite finish him off.  "Aww nuts!  OKfine.  BAM!"

A second magic missile from a second fingertip does the trick!

---

Theurge HP: 10-16=KO!

"I'm outta here!" the surrounded Duergar shouts, slinking back before shutting the door!

"Jeez these people are just too powerful!" the other says, stepping back before closing his door and running off!

Terdisas makes the exciting short trip to besides the closest door, before sidearming his staff into it to open the thing up.

"If you would be so kind, Mittens."

Move: Duh.
Minor/standard: Door open.
If door open minor:  Ready action, L strike to G2 if Mittens don't fire.

Activate the time drive!

Terdisas Zaps the Duergar in the face after Callie misses and it seems Mittens will be busy.

G2 HP: KO!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:31, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

Callie goes to open the other door. Then turns and charges the now-exposed Duergar Terdisas opened the door to, but misses true to her nature.

---

Move to door
Minor to open
Standard: Lunge at G2. Miss(14).
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

Rolen sees the duergar rush out of the room. Knowing he's one of the only ones who can catch him, rolen calls upon his duridic powers. A tangle of thorns rip up through the ground and grab the duergar by the ankles, and whips him up to the ceiling before throwing him down hard unto the stone floor. The duergar kicks and screams as the thorn vine pulls him from his once cherished goal, the door.

---

^{Thorn Whip to G1
Rolled to hit 13 - Miss
Elven Accuracy
Rollen 24! - Hit - 9 dmg
G1 Hp 22 - 9 = 13}

Dido charges through the door. "Are you a man or are you a mouse?!" His hammer hits armor, not doing damage, but catching attention.

---

Move: Towards G1
Minor: Divine Challenge on G1
Standard: Charge G1. Miss(14)

"Good timing with that taunt, Dido," Mittens says with a smirk.  A pair of paws made of force go flying from her hands and finish off the last Duergar!  "Mreer!  Fffft!  Mittens pounce the mouse!"

---

Baddies defeated!  Yay!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:35, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

  "I am reminded why I have not developed a habit of fleeing to some corner, you all make sure I do not stay down."  He looks over to Rolen,  "I am quite thankful it is a habit you seem to have picked up as well."

Hunching over, Rolen tries to catch his breath. His back is in pain from the cold steel that had caught him by surprise. He glances up at Terdasis and gives a mix of a thumbs-up combined with a wave. "Welcome," he croaks out, before slumping to the floor, sweat dripping from his brow.

Callie drags the duergar into the room, then heads over to the Theurge to do the same with him. "Is everyone alright now?" she asks, relatively sure the new guy Rolen should be OK after he catches his breath. "Dido, hon? Could you bring that last guy in this room too please?"

Dido drags the last one back into the room with the others. "You got it, Callie.."

Once all the bodies are back in the main room, Callie asks, "Can someone close the doors while we tie them up?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Wed 07 Nov 2012.

Mits conjures a stool to sit on then handwaves to make the doors close. "I think Kitau would be proud of our showing there," Mittens says, "No baddies got away.  And not for lack of their trying.  Nice to have a rabid combat instigator around while she recovers or I might not have much to write about in my book.  So shall we make with the interrogation first?  Or search for treasure first?  Or I could do the latter while the more charming sorts do the former."

  "While he may have been kept in poor conditions, I am certain that Rolen is not rabid."  Literally, at least. "I suppose we can hope our words are as effective as our strikes after the fact, for once."

The rest does him some good, and before joining the group in the interrogation Rolen wipes away a white foam from the corner of his mouth.

He gets close to one of the duergars and demands, "Where are my parents!"

Dido simply has his foot on the one they are interrogating. Fittingly, it would be the one Rolen first attacked. "I doubt he knows one elf from another, Rolen." Dido looks down at the duergar. "But I'm sure he gets the picture that it's time to be helpful. We tried nice. That didn't work. So now we're trying less-than-nice."

Callie just sits on the counter top, not saying anything.

The Duergar frowns deeply, glances at his formerly conscious allies, and reluctantly answers Dido, "You'd have probably found it anyway.  In the desk in Kedhira’s room is a rough map of the Labyrinth that includes the location of the Horned Hold, along with a recent letter from Murkelmor instructing Kedhira to purchase additional provisions to feed our new merchandise."

Mits huhs.  "Horned Hold.  Sounds fitting for this place.  So what's the Mage's of Sarun's stake in this?  Do they have a hand in your slave trade?"

"What?  No!  You think we'd have to be secretive about it if they approved of it?"

"Juuust checking."

  Slave labor probably cost more than Unseen Servant rituals as needed in upkeep as it was, for a collection of Mages.

  "Actual documentation for once, well that certainly puts me in a better mood."   "Tweet, watching that goblin make a map in a hurry while Kitau stared at him was kinda awkard, yeah."

Rolen desperately wants to get going, If his parents are down here, then this horrible nightmare would all be over. His anger fumes and he begins to pace the room, in an attempt to not just start storming through the rooms like a Cujo looking for his next victim. At which he wolfs out and pads around the stone floor on all padded paws.

Callie says, "Go ahead, Rolen. Find the document."

Dido asks, "OK... What can you tell me about Murkelmor and Kedhira. Who are they?"

The Duergar thumbs at the Theurge.  "The one with the big spells is Kedhira.  Owns this trading post.  The head of Clan Grimmerzhul in the Labyrinth is Murkelmor, Kedhira's boss."

"Me go help loot," Mittens says, exiting through the door to the southwest.

  "Thank you. See how much easier things go when you answer questions?  Nobody is getting quills in their face or ice in their legs."  "Tweet, yeah we wouldn't have had time to commit violence in your office if we had a better lead to follow."

  Really, that was the biggest odds of these 'merchants' coming out of this without fangs to major arteries.  More important things to chase after, before they died of malnutrition and exhaustion in a mine.  It was a tricky balancing act, not going so fast it was suicidal vs wasting time smashing every naughty person they cross into the floor.

  "I'm sure they run an honest, if audaciously priced business on the side.  Loose change and documented slave trade amounts only if you have a taste for thematic looting."  It's not like we were stealing, that was money gained from stolen people!... Oh, their solid gold bath fixtures? Uh... Slavery?  What do you mean I can't use that excuse twice?

Rolen takes Callie on her word and starts to search the documents. In wolf form he looses some perception of what's important and what's not. Finding old shirts under cots and using them as chew toys. In one room, he finds a discarded meat bone. There's still some residual meaty-bits left on it, to which Rolen flops on the stone floor and gnaws away -- the marrow is always saved for last, it's the best part!

---

^{14:54, Today: Rolen rolled 12 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 4. perception.
If this finds anything, I'll say that it would be up to Callie to determine if it's important.}

Callie says, "Alright. Knock 'em out, Dido. I'll help the others search." She heads off to find the documents mentioned.

Dido does as asked and waits, guarding the unconscious duergar.

(Callie's passive perception is 15. She's taking time to be thorough and starting with the spot the dwarf mentioned.)

"What else would we take?" Mittens asks rhetorically, "Beard quill grooming supplies?  Though one does wonder what rules if any there are regarding these guys' non-slave merchandise once the Ordinator Arcanis inevitably executes them.  So far he's shown no interest in recovering valuables from the condemned, so I'm guessing it'll end up in Brugg's possession."

Loot and map are soon recovered.

---

Can move forward to next scene after next bit of posts if everyone wants.

  "Then we will call it a 'generous donation' if it comes to that.  If they are not smart enough to skip town while we are busy elsewhere."

OOC: I'm fine with moving on.

Rolen returns with the bone in his mouth -- though he has now returned to elven form, which is a bit odd.

_{OOC: moving onward is good!}

Callie and Dido stare at Rolen. Callie asks, "Rolen? Why do you have a bone in your mouth?"

Meanwhile, on Doctor Moreau's Island...
"What is the law?"
"That we shall not eat meat. Are we not men?"
"What is the law?"
"That we shall not hold bones in our mouths like dogs. Are we not men?"

(OOC: Yes, please. Moving on.)

"So the plan is to release the slavers, not hand them over into Brugg's custody?" Mits asks in surprise.  She glances at Rolen.  "I can think of at least one person besides Kitau who might object to releasing bad guys into the wild."

She sweatdrops and stares at the bone in Rolen's mouth.  "That... is going in my book."

She looks to the group.  "Given that two of us used some of our best spells in the last encounter, maybe we should kill a day and set out for the enemy stronghold when we're fresh in the morning?"

---

Skipping ahead once we decide what to do with prisoners / if we're going to spend a day to recover dailies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Sat 17 Nov 2012.

  "Look at it this way Mittens, we are coming back, with a hopefully large amount of freed slaves.  Do you think they would have preferred Brugg then?"

  Terdisas has a high enough tact stat to not comment on Rolen's snack choices.  "We do have more options than before.  We could continue on and stop if the next unfortunate event is just as strenuous."  TWO Daily attacks, whoo!

OOC: I'm good either way with rest or not.

Rolen realizes why everyone is looking at him and removes the bone from his mouth.

"If my parents are here, my vote is to explore more here." He points out that there is a door at the rear of the building.

Callie says, "I don't know what these criminals deserve, but release is not it. However, I'm not sure how we can keep them prisoner for sure without turning them in to Brugg... Any ideas?"

Dido says, "Sadly, Brugg is the only form of justice around here. But Rolen is right that finding the innocents is more important. Isn't there a way we can turn this place into a temporary prison for them without worry of their escape?"

Mittens now has a hand puppet that looks like Kitau.  She tries to mimic the gnome's voice and the puppet says, "Kill them.  Problem solved."

  "I do not particularly care what is done with them at this point, so much a decision is actually reached so we can move on to those more important things sooner rather than later."

"there must be a room we can lock them in until we return." he adds. "though killing them would be the easiest thing to do. but then what does that prove? that we are just as ruthless and evil as they are. no, i will not kill them. but they definitely deserve an unkind fate." he looks at each of the duergars in kind. "for now, we press onward, every minute wasted here is a minute closer to death the slaves are."

Callie's expression goes cold and she takes her larger-than-her sword and begins beheading the duergar one by one.

The Kitau puppet frowns and gushes tears, shaking it's fist.  "I've never been more proud of you, Callie!"

Mits nods in agreement with Terdisas and addresses Rolen.  "While I agree that time is of the essence, consider our chances of success given how much pain just a couple of unprepared merchants caused us.  'Horned Hold' sounds a lot more dangerous.  As the sneakiest in the group, our method is for me to scout ahead of the group and if needed send my even-sneakier-than-me snake ahead when we get close to the hold to scout it out even more cautiously.  Charging in blindly is likely to get us all killed."

The Road of Shadows
This passage is 10 feet wide and about 12 feet tall. It eventually
leads to the Horned Hold, although the way is not
marked.

The Road of Shadows
Leading eastward from the Seven-Pillared Hall, the Road
of Shadows wends through rubble-filled halls and a confusing
maze of passages and storerooms. The Road of
Shadows skirts a massive chasm. Passageways frequently branch off the
road, including one that leads south to the Horned Hold.

Mits summons her shadow serpent and has it scout ahead.  After a while she shows what she saw with a cantrip.

The path winds along the edge of a deep chasm for several
hundred feet, rounding a corner to reveal several large bastions
clinging to the side of the chasm. Two bridges span the chasm’s
depths, linking the bastions together. The path ends at the nearest
fortress, where a portcullis blocks the way. Five orcs are
visible behind the portcullis, keeping watch.

---

Ceiling: 25 feet high (Locations 1 and 9 only).
Escarpment: A character that climbs (DC 10 Athletics
check) over the low wall along the side of the path in
Location 1 enters the escarpment’s squares. Any character
entering one of these squares slips, falling 30 feet per
round. The escarpment’s surface is rough, and a character
slipping down it takes 1d10 damage per 10 feet up to the
chasm’s depth of 300 feet. A character can attempt one
DC 20 Athletics check per 30 feet to catch hold of the
rock.
Portcullis: The portcullis swings outward instead of
rising or lowering. The gate is locked from the inside and
requires a character adjacent to the portcullis to succeed
at a DC 22 Thievery check to unlock. The portcullis provides
cover; however, creatures adjacent to the portcullis
making a ranged attack or using a spear or a polearm
against a creature on the opposite side of the portcullis
can ignore this cover. A creature can wrench the portcullis
open with a DC 25 Strength check or break through by
dealing 60 damage to it.

  Terdisas considers this unpleasantly straightforward layout, and says "I admit, I am at a loss at how to deal with this with any degree of safety.  It's a bridge over a pit leading to angry people and sharp objects behind a grill."

"If only I could fly . . ."

Callie stares at Mittens' report. "....well gee. Aside from Magic Missiling them to death from around the corner, I don't see much option. You strong enough to break the door off its hinges, Dido?"

Dido says, "Thanks for the compliment, but no. I'm not Hercules."

"Was thinking that about blasting the door," Mittens says, "Of course... would be nice if I had my double magic missile daily spell at my disposal for that, but alas, was used in the last fight.  Could also go bowling for orcs with my flaming sphere.  Could also return to town and enlist the aid of Brugg or his boss.  If they're serious about ridding this place of slavers, they just might lend a hand.  Or that would take too much time.  Could also try and lure them out with some bluffing.  What you guys think?"

  "Yes, I suppose we could just blast the door from a distance as well until it gives up...  I would comment about developing cynicism, but really can any of us honestly say we would expect to be let past peacefully?"  Terdisas may have a good set of Charisma skills, but he doubts they are THAT good.

Callie glances up at Terdisas with a helpless smile. "You're funny."
She then looks up at Mittens. "Bluff sounds good. Maybe we could bluff 'em into thinking a new batch of slaves is about to escape. You have that fancy sound magic, right?"

Rolen sighs. "Pretending to be slavers can be risky. And if we're going to pull it off, you'll need an experienced slave." He looks for a bit of rope and starts binding his own wrists.

"Well I'm a positively terrible liar," Mittens says, "So don't look at me to do any talking."

Tying yourself up can't be easy.  So she offers to help Rolen with the rope.

  "I may be able to be slightly more convincing.  Even if they were only to take him off our hands and send us away with payment at the gates, they would still need to open the gates.  I wonder if a sales pitch highlighting the benefits of a slave who can both do manual labor, and function as a guard dog would help?"

Callie says, "I'm decent at bluffing my way in and out of things... problem is I don't look like a slaver in any way, shape, or form."

She looks up at Terdisas. "I like your idea. Let's go with you getting them to open the gate for us. Then the rest of us will charge in. The enemy will still think you're not with us until it's too late."

Rolen's ear perk up to the word "charge".

"I love that word." And instantly changes into his wolf form.

"Sounds good to me," Mits says, "Let's get started!"

  "Well then, I suppose we should be on our way...  You may prefer walking on two legs over a collar and chain for this show Rolen."

  One Superbird Symbol ramming into the camera scene transition later.

  "Hello, it has come to our attention that you have in ignorance neglected the greatest asset from your last batch of slaves.  You foolishly left behind a fledgling druid, capable of fitting the needs of both manual labor, and guard dog duty.  I know you probably feed those you do have less than scraps, but this one literally snacks on discarded bones so he'll fit right into your feed budget."

OOC:  Diplomacy roll, Rolled. A. Three.  16 Total.
Somebody hit me up with at least a +1 from Aid Other or something, Hard DC for level 4-6 is 17.

Outtakes:  "Why are we tied to a bomb shaped like a penguin?"  "Chirp, sorry.  the bird transition was set to Robin." 
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Wed 21 Nov 2012.

Rolen snarls a bit. His fur stands on end, and he barks a couple times to show his ferocity. He might be able to impress them a bit.

---

^{Intimidate roll of 18!}

"The bosses no say a thing about visitor," the boss among the orcs says as he and two others crowd the portcullis to look at Terdisas and his 'prisoner,' "You want sell them dog, you talk to bosses.  Grond!  Go get bosses for visitor!  Drak!  Open gate for visitor!"

The portcullis clank-clank-clanks open.

Terdisas waits patiently.  Well... Hopefully once things get crazy sooner than he expected, he won't be shot at first.

When the orcs stand clear of the open gate Rolen can't hold back his eagerness. It sort of a combination of emotions. Charging for the sake of charging. But then to get to his parents. It's all there.

---

^{Surprise round: move - charge (pounce)
rolled a 23 vs O2 - Hit
5 dmg to O2 -- HP 66 - 5 = 61}

Callie and Dido come running around the corner.

---

Run adds +2 to speed, -5 to attack roll until START of next turn, and grants Combat Advantage to enemies. Callie and Dido are running. Honestly, they won't notice the -5 to their attack rolls because it's a surprise round.

Mits rushes closer to the enemy as well!

"Oh no, it's the Pet Store all over again.  Bad wolfman, you spit out his face right now."  "Tweet, I can't decide if you're taking this too seriously, or not seriously enough."

Readied Action:  Lightning Strike to first enemy to attack Terdisas.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Wed 21 Nov 2012.

Rolen looks at the orc he just pounced, and swipes at him again.

---

Savage Rend: 18 vs Ref, Hit!
14 dmg to O2 - HP 61 - 14 = 47

One of the orcs charges at Rolen from his left with it's spear, and the one he savaged retaliates with a jab!

---

Rolen HP: 51-9-6=36

"Mosey, mosey, mosey," Mittens says as she approaches, "FWOOSH!"

She burninates three of the orcs!

"Mosey," she says as she backs away a step to make room for Dido to do his melee thing.

"Then I think Terdisas is doing perfectly."

---

Spent an Action point
O2 HP: 47-14= 33
O3 HP: 66-14= 52
O4 HP: 66-14= 52

"Die, mage!" one of the orcs Mittens burns shouts, stabbing at her with it's spear!

"Ouch!" Mits yelps.

The orc at the back of the room fires a crossbow at her, but misses!

---

Mittens HP: 34-10=24
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Wed 21 Nov 2012.