After spending an uneventful night and another half day traveling the following day, the team finally makes it back!

Unless most of
the prisoners perished, the town is delighted with
the PCs’ success, and they throw a great feast in the
repaired Hall of Great Valor to honor them.

The little boy Thurann of course isn't very festive since his dad is dead and before long a relative takes him in and leads him away to his new home.  The other rescuees are happy to be eating again but are mostly quiet except for the old man Sertanian who is vocal in his praise for the hobgoblin-slayers.

Raichel and Timothius are blushing from the praise, but Timothius occasionally glances at the quiet rescuees. He watches a little helplessly as Thurann exits.

May grins and thanks Sertanian for his compliments, but is sure to frequently throw compliments around at her allies and the rescuees.
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:42, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

  Kyle is glad that nobody on his watch died (hey, tragic as it was the Dad was dead before they got there the first time).  Felt like a close thing at times, poor May.  Speaking of which,  "Glad to see you in a good way, May.  What you had to go through made the first trip seem like nothing."

  What's worse than almost getting your face bitten off by a Drake?  It happening more than once within a short timespan.

Mits is sure to say thanks for any praise directed at her or her friends / sibs, but is keeping quiet for the most part... ah who are we kidding?  She hardly gets a bite in for all the bragging about how epic all her friends were!

"I think the Hall of Heroes should have a new display to honor those who gave their lives for the defense of Brindol."

"An excellent suggestion," Sertanian says, looking over at Councilmember Eoffram Troyas.

"I'm sure the council will do at least that," Troyas answers.

May grins at Kyle. "Thanks, Kyle. I'm just glad it was me instead of you all!"

Meanwhile, Raichel blushes deeper. "Well... um... I'm really grateful. Thanks. But what would go in the museum anyway?"

  "Yeah, one of the harder things to get used to in this business May." No matter what you do, someone you like (or at least work with) is going to get maimed.  Best one can manage is keeping that to as little as possible.

  He comments to Raichel, "The usual amount of effort is a plaque with names on it.  Though I think Mittens meant something a bit more substantial.

"A memorial to Kartenix was what I was getting at," Mittens clarifies, "But I was somewhat vague 'cause I never did hear if anyone else wound up dead from all this besides him."

"Quite a few people died in the initial assault," Troyas answers.

"So yeah.  Something to honor them."

Rai and Tim's blushes die down a bit now that the spotlight had gone from "honor US!" to "honor the fallen" and their expressions both go to solemness. May is still smiling.

Timothius says, "I thank you all for all of this... but I need to retire for the night."

Raichel nods. "Me too. Good night, everyone."

The twins bow and head off to wherever they have been given to sleep.

May says, "I'll stay up with anyone who wants me to. Otherwise, I'll head to bed too."

  "Sleep well then. I'll be up a bit more, but I doubt much longer.  It has been somewhat busy for all of us after all." All those short rests isn't very restful when you spend those five minutes dealing with stab wounds.

Mits waves night knight to everyone.

"Me go with them.  Plan to return to badguy hideout tomorrow to recover artifacts and stop boss villain.  Thanks for the food and stuff!  Nini, Kyle.  Nini, May."

She follows her sibs.

The sibs head to bed.

May just stays up with people (be it Kyle, the survivors, or just anyone who wants more detail from her on her and her allies' adventures). But she eventually conks out. Unless people offered her to go to bed, she pretty much falls asleep at her seat.

May of course was offered a room of her own by the town.

  The least Kyle could do is make sure May falls asleep in comfortable furniture meant for it, as opposed to sideways on a chair.  On the bright side, Kyle is saved the whole five silver he would have put up for the brave and beautiful kobold thanks to his hometown footing the bill.

  Speaking of which, Kyle goes home nearby to sleep.  That's probably not going to be something he can do very often in the days to come.

After breakfast Mittens is eager to get on the road.

"Sooner we get the baddie defeated, the safer the town will be."

May arrives last due to having stayed up late. But after breakfast, Raichel nods. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Timothius asks, "Are we able to get horses?"

The group still has use of the horses they had earlier.

  Kyle is still gently settling into this version of reality, but that didn't stop him from being up and ready well in time to eat a proper breakfast before departure.

  "Even if this wasn't my hometown, just calling it done with those in the keep still standing would be unprofessional."  Okay we saved these people and beat some of them.  Good luck with those other dozen or so people and creatures who wish you harm.

"So glad you're not the kind to make crazy comments about us being no different from invaders because we're setting out to break into somebody's home, defeat them, and take their stuff," Mittens says with a smile, "If motive behind actions are meaningless and the actions themselves are all that matters then there's no such thing as heroes.  As it stands we've already done a great deal of harm to secure the safety of Brindol.  Harm to villains."

May mounts up and seems confused. "Not sure who you've been hanging out with before adventuring, Mittens. You come from a town of malcontents who curse heroes for breaking into the enemy's lair? If so, you didn't seem terribly surprised by the praises we got."

Raichel says, "Might be Tim and I she's saying that to. Timothius tends to be a non-violent sort and I tend to be a strict sort. So he's said stuff like..."

Timothius picks up, "..'killing is only a last resort. Even in self-defense, you should do everything to avoid killing.' and Raichel will say stuff like..."

Raichel picks up, "..'rules should apply to everyone. No one is above the law. So if breaking and entering a person's home is against the rules, that also applies to entering a villain's home.' ...but all rules have exceptions and pecking order. Obviously, if a building is on fire, it's OK to break into the building in order to save the lives of those caught inside. Or in this case, we are taking the part of the officials and breaking into a place where thieves are keeping the things they stole. It's not stealing if you are retrieving it for the original owner."

May says, "So... you three just like musing about these things?"

Raichel says, "Racism is an interesting thing. It can cause people to say and do stupid things to justify being mean to you. So we've had people try to accuse us of evil or lawbreaking just because they don't like us."

Timothius says, "...after a certain point, Rai, I think they just disliked you for being so law-biding. You made most people look bad."

  "Plenty enough problems to find with others without even considering what species they are."  Well, okay there are obvious exceptions.  It's probably someone difficult to co-exist with any sentient race that reproduces through means that kill other people, no matter how you dress it up as 'but it's natures way how dare you be offended they injected their eggs into your eyesockets you should be glad to be part of the miracle of birth'.

  Where were we?

  "I can appreciate trying to live up to some decent standards.  But I can't honestly say I will ever value the lives of those trying to kill us over the lives of those I work with.  You already know what I'll call you crazy over Mittens, wanting to rush further into an occupied stronghold while the last of your lifeblood is still slowly leaking from your body."  This sort of job requires less self preservation instinct than normal.  But he hopes these kittys can dial it back before it gets them killed even faster than expected.

  Trick will be pulling that off without them simply just dropping all pretense of giving a damn about others.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

"My parents would try every trick in the book to try and keep me from becoming an adventurer," Mittens says, "'Killing for money is always evil!' 'Your siblings will wind up dead following your example!' 'It is not lady-like to explode things with swords and magic!'  And so on.  It got quite tiresome.  Imagine my disgust when after we left home I heard other people parrot the same nonsense my parents spewed.

"But yeah.  Dittos to what sibs said.  Because we're Shifters we have to be especially careful to mind our P's and Q's or we'll wind up in prison for saving someone's life.  My lack of surprise for our being rewarded for doing good deeds comes more from my crazy ideas that that's what's supposed to happen.  Silly me!"

She twirls her finger at her head with her eyes crossed and tongue hanging out.

"If it makes you feel any better, Kyle, I've picked up a spell that should make killing me a little more difficult.  And you're no more doting than my fluffy bro."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:00, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

Timothius says, "Mom and Dad are good people and only said those things out of love." he then looks towards Kyle. "Don't be so sure, Kyle. The ones you work with some day may be villains temporarily allying with you while the one trying to kill you may be a loved one under mind control. But I at least get what you're saying. And don't worry... I have priorities too. Just because I care for the lives of my enemies doesn't mean I somehow no longer care for the lives of my allies."

Raichel says, "Danger is the nature of the business. I strongly believe I'm going to taste death before I even reach my 18th birthday. But I don't have a death wish. And I'm hoping by then, Timothius will have learned how to obtain the raise dead ritual I've heard about."

May says, "Now now... if I've proven ONE thing, it's that I will die before you do. So just make sure I'm still breathing and I'll keep punching Mr Death in the face for all of you, OK?"

  The artificier artifact trivias "The minimum manufacturing cost of a Holy Avenger is six hundred twenty five thousand and one hundred seventy five gold.  This is does not include examples such as the Justice's Edge, meant for Bahamut's favored which is decorated with extra rubies and platinum.  Some storybook heroes get handed priceless artifacts so they can technically claim how pious they are.  The rest of us have to hope to get paid enough to pay for food and maybe save up enough for some nice boots, when not breaking open graves and cupboards hoping to find something useful."

  Case in point, exactly what the hairy siblings have been wisely doing without Kyle's prompting.  Also, Kyle feels strongly about actually getting paid for their work in case it wasn't obvious yet.  "Besides, a reputation for making sure you are paid for your work will keep away the people who want you to deal with every little problem.  Either something big for a similar reward, or people with a big enough problem that they will ask anyways.  Working for free isn't as bad as having a reputation for it."

  He shrugs in response to Tim.  "Despite as much as I've just gone on about it, there are plenty of things not worth taking money for.  I get a bit tired of not being a selfless beggar being equated to greed though.  But then most of those complaints I've gotten have been from merchants looking like I just killed their daughter for asking to be reimbursed for used crossbow bolts."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Sat 16 Nov 2013.

"Thanks May!  But don't forget that monsters can't kill you if we ki... defeat them first!"

Mittens gasps at the staggering cost of the Avenger.  And the staggering stinginess of Kyle's former employers.

"Good grief!  Well.  W...  Will keep that in mind.  But please don't think less of us if we leave the financial stuff to you, Kyle.  That...  Ugh.  Is it any wonder people turn to banditry?"

Timothius looks at Mittens as she starts using the word kill, but then seems satisfied when she corrects herself and goes back to looking forward.

Raichel says, "I've heard finances are the number one reason for divorce and for war. People are greedy."

Timothius says, "So shall we figure out how we divide the spoils from here out so our team doesn't start a civil war?"

May says, "When it's a weapon you all don't use, I'll take it. If you don't want it, I'll take it. If it's heavy armor, I'll take it. Outside that? I'm guessing any money we find will be divided 5 ways among all of us?"

  "Considering I'll be hanging a bit back compared to most of you, I can't fault anything that would help you survive up close better going to those that need to be.  I don't think I've ever heard of my favored weapon showing up at loot in the first place to begin with."  Unexpected Irony with Kyle.  The artificer is sort of shrug when it comes to personally desired magic items.

"So far it seems we've been pretty sane with the distribution of wealth, yeah," Mits says.

This canyon winds between two ridges. Suddenly, chittering,
armored buglike creatures emerge from the ground just
north of you and quickly move in your direction.

There is time enough to dismount so the horses won't be in danger, so Mittens does so.

Timothius dismounts as well. "Please tell me you all are only here to chat?"

May and Raichel hop off their horses. May says, "Hi, bugs! Can I tell you about my latest weapons?" she goes to take point.

  Kyle sighs, and things had gone so well on their trips up until now.  Still, he is at least thankful this sort of problem did not turn up while escorting the townsfolk.  "I expect they will be getting a very close look at your weapons May."

  Kyle lines up a shot on the closest (even though he could manage any of them, whooo Weapon Of Long Range) Bug, the shot flying true if only for small harm.  Still, as the bolt burries itself in the bug body his allies around him feel the familiar arcane buzz of Magic Weapon Buff.

---

Standard: Magic Weapon vs Adult 2.  Hits. 8 DMG.

Effect: Buff.  +1 To-Hit, +3 DMg Rolls to every ally until End Of My NExt Turn.

Adult 2 HP: 67-8= 59
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

"Bonzai!!!" Mittens screams, rushing forward like a bat out of hell!

Burning hands completes the picture!  The kruthik shriek in pain and anger!

---

Spent ACTION POINT!  0 remaining.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:06, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

May charges at one of the kruthik and bashes it solid with her Carrikal! "Check out THIS weapon!"

Raichel trots up a bit with Timothius. As he continues on ahead, Raichel pauses and throws lightning from her hand at the kruthik. It looks almost downed.

---

Move/Standard: Charge v Young1. Hit(27)!
 dmg: 13 (6+4+3)

Raichel Move: North 6
Raichel Standard: Lightning Strike v young 1. Hit(14)!
 dmg: 12 (2+7+3)

Timothius double-move north.

Kruthik Young 1 HP: 27 - 13 - 12 = 2

The first kruthik skuttles to the right of the group and fires a pair of poison spines!  One gets deflected off Mits' magical force field, but the other hits Raichel!

 Considering May is the one at the moment all alone against multiple bugs, Kyle moves up next to Raichel (way to still put her between you and dangerous animals Kyle) and casts Thundering Armor on the armored kobold.  His actions are rewarded with the less protective aspects of that spell nearly flattening the young bug by May.

---

Move: Duh.
Standard: Thundering Armor (On May) Vs Young 2. Hits.  18 DMG!.

Buffs:  +1 AC to May until End Of My Next Turn.

Young 2 HP: 21-13= 8

An adult bypasses May and fires a pair of spines at Mits and Kyle but the heroes deflect the attacks.  The young one next to may takes a step south and tears into May's flank!

"Trying to surround us, are you?" Mits says, stepping closer to Raichel, "Nonono!"

She blasts them back with beguiling strands!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:24, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

May thrusts her weapon at the nearby adult kruthik. While it's distracted defending itself and not getting hit, May then slams her spiked shield into the other kruthik, sliding it and finishing it.

Raichel throws another lightning bolt, hitting the adult! It bounces and zaps the other adult.

Timothius throws white fire at the adult, but the adult dodges like Neo. Just barely.

---

May Standard: Funneling Flurry v Adult 1 and Young 2. Miss(11), Hit(21)!
 dmg: 6
May Move: Shift inbetween the adults

Raichel standard: Lightning Strike v Adult 1. Hit(16)!
 dmg: 15 (and bounce to adult 2)

Timothius standard: Sacred Flame v Adult 1. Miss(14)

Raichel HP: 22 - 5 = 17
Young 2 HP: 4 - 6 = KO
Adult 1 HP: 46 - 15 = 31
Adult 2 HP: 46 - 4 = 42

  Kyle has a moment of what he calls 'suicidal tendencies'.  What does he consider suicidal tendencies?  Walking right up to a giant bug to make sure he can shoot it in the face properly for May's swifter Saftey, even though it means the Bug stabs him with it's buggy claws.

  Still, sizzling acid bolt now lodged upside the Young's head, and a quick application of his own meager compared to Tim's healing arts to May.

  In hindsight, he could have just punched the bug with his freaking Talid covered hand and not gotten clawed for his troubles.  But that was a really nice shot and even his magically enhanced fist wouldn't have done as much harm on a perfect swing.

---

Move: Stupid pants.
AoO trigger: Adult 2 hits Kyle for 6 DMG.
Aura: 1 DMG ow.
Minor: Healing infusion to May.  Surge+1 HP healed.
Standard: Scouring weapon Crossbow vs Adult 2. hits.  14 DMG.

Adult 2 HP:  40-14= 26.

Kyle HP: 33-2-6= 25
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

The adult kruthik north of May takes advantage of her being flanked and slashes her!

May flanks with Kyle and grins, smacking the adult with her carrikal. "Nice little reckless act there, Kyle!" she commends!

Raichel throws another lightning bolt, nearly finishing the adult kruthik. "We almost got 'em."

Timothius concentrates, glows, and all May's wounds mysteriously start closing.

---

May standard: Shield Feint v Adult 2. Miss(13) AP Hit(15)!
 dmg: 11

Raichel standard: Lightning Strike v Adult 2. Hit(23)!
 dmg: 9 (and bounce to adult 1)

Timothius standard: Healer's Mercy.
 D6 result: 5. +3 +9 = 17

May HP: 17 + 17 = 34 - 2 = 32
Adult 1 HP: 29 - 4 = 25
Adult 2 HP: 26 - 11 - 9 = 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:11, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

"No more flanking for you, Kruthik!" Mits says, using beguiling strands on it to shove it out of flanking.

"I'm guessing you're fast enough to flank it again if you want to, Kyle."

The unmarked kruthik side-stepps and slashes May, but the attack doesn't seem to harm her at all!

Kyle nods his thanks to Mittens for putting May in a more advantageous positioning, and steps up behind the BEST KOBOLD EVER.  He uses up his last freebie infusions for the day to make May a bit more durable, and snaps off another bolt into the still standing (now barely standing) bug, improving May's offensive chances while at it.

---

Move: Duh.
Minor: Restoritive Formula on May.
Standard: Magic Weapon Vs Adult 2.  Hits. 13 DMG.  Buffs May.

Buffs:  MAgic Weapon (+1 To-Hit, +3 DMG Rolls) for May.
Infusion:  Resistive Formula for May.    +1 AC until end of Encounter. OR Spend a FREE ACTION to burn AC buff to gain surge+3 (12 in this case) Temp HP.  AKA, did you get hit anyway? BAM Temp HP interupt if you so desire

Adult 2 HP: 21-13= 8

May hits the adult to death, smashing its head in. Raichel then unleashes a HUGE lightning bolt at the other adult, nearly destroying it. It's a miracle the thing survived. Timothius heals up Raichel with a hug while Mitts finishes off that last bug.

The bug scratches May out of spite as it dies.

---

May standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Adult 2. Hit(20)!
 dmg: 10

Raichel standard: Thunder Slam v Adult 1. Hit(16)!
 dmg: 22

Timothius minor: healing word Raichel
 2d6+7: 14 + 6 = 20

May HP: 32+1 - 2 = 31
Raichel HP: 17 + 14 = Full
Adult 1 HP: 29 - 22 = 7
Adult 2 HP: 8 -10 = dead

"It never ceases to amaze me May doesn't so much as say 'ouch' while being eviscerated by gigantic murder monsters," Mits says, offering a mage-hand fist-pound to May, "Also, epic blast, sis!  And nice work as usual with the keeping us alive with the heals, guys!"

  Kyle habitually checks his crossbow now that the dust is settling, commenting  "I could have done things better.  But at least my less than intelligent choice resulted in hurting it more than it hurt me."  You have punchy glove so you can PUNCH things without AoO, USE EM, even if the bigger damage dice on the crossbow are so tempting.

  "Still, if it ended up with May looking closer to her usual self as soon as the fighting was over instead of half dead, worth the scratch." Oh boo hoo I got hit got 8 damage all fight while May is being eaten.

Kyle HP: 25/33   +8 = 33/33.   Surge -3   6/9.   Infusions 2/2

May smiles brightly. "Ouch!" she giggles.

Raichel and Timothius high-five each other and go to do the same for their team mates.

May says, "Yeah, thanks, guys!" she side-hugs Kyle then goes to do the same with Timothius.

Pretty much, a full round of congratulations are had while the bunch rest.

Mits provides a small "We're awesome!" fireworks display for added celebration.  Before long she mounts up to continue on to the destination.  Eventually, the group finds itself outside the enemy lair.

"Any bets on whether all the monsters have been replaced with tougher versions?" Mits asks.

  Kyle is thusly sidehugged.  He's still too new at this whole 'friendly togetherness' thing to sidehug back before she moves on to next huggy target.

  "A whole shiny copper, with a gold on there being no reasonable explanation if they have been replaced already with living forces."  Then getting raised as zombies to fight over again wouldn't be shocking.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

Raichel slams her fist into her hand. "If there are tougher monsters, we'll just have to beat them harder."

May says, "Was gonna say 'but not as tough as us', but that'll do too!"

Timothius says, "We'll also have to be more careful. With no hostages to worry about; no innocent lives on the line, we can afford to take extra precautions."

"The valiant heroes enter The Chamber of Flame Unbound," Mittens narrates once given the sign that the coast is clear by homever is taking point, "And the sound of buzzing flies reminds them of the dead bodies of the villains slain on their last trip remain where they were laid to rest...  Note to self.  Cremate bodies after clearing dungeon to prevent their return as zombies."

She continues to be her silly self as the group cautiously retraces its' steps.  Before long it's pretty clear that nothing notable has changed since their last visit.  Everything is as they left it.  At last the group arrives at the room just before where they fought ghouls and zombies, and the rooms where they found Jalissa and Thurann.

"As I recall, there was several places to go from here.  There's west to unexplored place, north to some empty room, north then west to where the zombies and stuff came from, east to where the kid was tied up then north to... wherever that hall with columns leads to.  I vote we peek through the west door at least before deciding on where to go next."

Once the group is ready for an ambush, she opens the door.  Nothing but a stone staircase leading up that ends in a hallway to who knows where.

Mits takes on a sarcastic tone.  "Oh I know!  We should split up to cover more ground!  But there's only 4 directions to our 5 members.  I guess at least two of us will be forced to be together.  Sigh!

"Kidding.  Not a good idea.  Stick together."

  Timothius is expressing a desire to not act in a suicidal manner, Mittens is merely joking about doing such.  Oh what a wonderful day it is to be hunting insane things that want you dead, when your team isn't practically trying to help them do it.

 "Normally I'm inclined to clear out a floor before moving on to the next one.  But from the size of the keep there shouldn't be much up there and would likely be a faster trip than the rest of this floor."  This said gesturing to the upwards stairss.

May doesn't joke about having anyone but her lead the way. Instead, she just starts on her way. "You'd think the ones living here would have cleared out the dead. Unless all that are left are undead. Or love the smell of rotting flesh."

Raichel and Timothius simultaneously stick their fingers down their throats in a "bleh" manner. Then follow after.

Mits nod-nods.  "Or could be they couldn't be bothered with cleaning up after us.  Too busy feeding puppies to zombies."

Thin menhirs are scattered across the floor of this
triangular room. A passageway leads north, then turns
west—and something beyond that turn is casting light.

Mits eyes the menhirs suspiciously.  "I'm thinking trap."

  "Most likely, that's a lot of cover for anyone that we can't shoot through.  But as usual, we can't get much done sitting in a hallway the whole time."  still beats sitting on a staircase half the battle.  Habitual crossbow check is go.

  Speaking of habits, obligatory Arcana check.  Whether or not the party know knows 'standing next to pillars hurt hulk' up to GM.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:36, Sat 30 Nov 2013.

  ____
 /    \
|  O   |
 \____/-------------------------.______________________________
______________________________________________________\
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Once the facts are revealed about how the menhirs will HURT just for being near them for longer than a second, Raichel says, "Do that mage hand thing, sis. See if you can open those doors from here."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
______________________________________________________/

May leads the way past the menhirs. Raichel and Timothius follow right behind. May peeks around the corner carefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Sat 30 Nov 2013.

"You!" Sinruth hollers, charging the group.

"I knew you'd return!"

He trips May with his spiked chain.

"I've been looking forward to this!"

He stands over her and stomps at her face!

"Sinruth will make you pay!"

May squeaks from being knocked down, but deftly dodges the stomp and pops up. "Woops! Missed me! Missed me! Now you gotta kiss me!"

Raichel holds out for May to move into position. May flanks with Raichel, swings at Sinruth and slams her weapon into his shield. But she wins the round because she raspberries at him.

Timothius steps back and throws a glowing blue ball at Sinruth, which is dodged.

---

May move: stand from prone
May standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Sinruth. Miss(19)

Raichel standard: Five Storms v Sinruth. Miss(14)

Timothius standard: Astral Seal v Sinruth. Miss(14)

 Kyle could move down back to by Mittens, but while that would block off Sinruth from the Mittens, it would mean they had nowhere to go that wouldn't let them get flanked (Hindsight says GOOD JOB IDIOT).  He strikes out with his regretfully wimpy (compared to a REAL weapon) armored fist, still striking true and leaving a lingering acid burn upon his enemies armor.  While he is at it, he makes May a little more durable.

He also comments to May "I don't think he's smart enough to take you up on such an incentive."  Hmm, Don't hit Kobold, but get to Kiss Kobold.  HARD CHOICE FOR BOSS ENEMY.

---

Minor: Resistive on May (+1 AC, until Free Action spends it for Surge+3 Temp HP).
Standard: Scouring Weapon (Talid) vs Boss. Hits.  11 Acid DMG.  -2 AC until end of my next turn.

Sinruth HP: 170-11= 159/185 (bloodied 92)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:17, Sat 30 Nov 2013.

"Oh, pff," Mits says, shooting Sinruth with a magic missile, "You're way less dangerous than a mushroom we encountered the other day."

"I'll show YOU dangerous!"

He side-steps May's opportunity attack to be next to Mits then twirls his chain around, slashing Mits and Timothius badly!

Timothius ows from being hit!

May frowns for a change. "You big coward! Scared of a little kobold GIRL?! Get over here!"

Raichel says, "On it!" and smacks Sinruth in the stomach with her staff, knocking him back between Raichel and May. "Back you go!"

Even as Rai does this, May swings at and misses Sinruth, only to hop past him into the spot he used to be in. "Not doing THAT again, mister!"

Timothius points his staff at Sinruth, causing him to glow a little.

---

Raichel standard: Five Storms v Sinruth. Hit(17)!
 dmh: 15

May standard: Shield Feint v Sinruth. Miss(13)
May move: pass forward to space Sinruth used to be in.

Timothius standard: Prophetic Guidance v Sinruth
 Effect: The target grants combat advantage until the end of your next turn, and your allies gain a power bonus to damage rolls against the target equal to your Wisdom modifier (4) until the end of your next turn. The next ally who misses the target before the end of your next turn can reroll the attack.

Sinruth HP: 159 - 15 = 144

  Kyle more directly heals May this time, as he reaches his hand out and zaps Sinruth right in the face with kitten boosted static electricity.  It's no sorcerer shock, but it will do.

---

Standard: Static Shock vs Sinruth. Hits.  14 Lightning DMG.
Minor: Healing Infusion for May (Surge+1)
Effect: -3 DMG to Sinruth's next attack.
Sinruth HP: 126-14= 112/185
Kyle, 6/9 surges 0 infusions 1 AP.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:53, Sat 30 Nov 2013.

"Ow!"

Mittens gets angry as well.  More from Timo getting hurt than herself.

"I've been looking forward to this!"

She twirls her hand around and a magic circle appears behind Sinruth.  She then lifts her palm upward and a little demon Mittens climbs out of the circle!

"Mittens make you pay!"

The little demon slashes the hobgoblin in he back with her sword!

Sinruth roars in rage and attacks May twice with his spiked chain.  Both times fail to harm the kobold fighter.

Raichel roundhouses the guy in the face!

May smashes him, the aura beginning to really show Sinruth what the catboy he hit did to him as he seems squishier.

Timothius then throws a white fireball at Sinruth, burning him while adding some of his vigor to May.

---

Five Storms v Sinruth. Crit(28)!
 dmg: 20 + 4 (Tim) + 3 (crit dmg) = 27

Weapon Master's Strike v Sinruth. Hit(22)!
 dmg (1d8+6+4): 18

Sacred Flame v Sinruth. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 6

112 - 27 - 18 - 6 = 61

  Kyle takes a swing with his Talid, and it... Well, causes some bruising?  Honestly compared to everything else going on it's not very impressive (At least Tim's 6 damage was a LASER).  Still, even that meager blow is enough to grant his usual arane advantage to his friends.

---

Standard: Magic Weapon Punch. Hits.  6 DMG.
Magic Weapon Buff to Raichel, May, Devil Mittens.  +1 To-hit +3 DMG.
Boss HP: 61-6= 55

Little demon Mittens laughs maniacally as she slashes Sinruth some more!  "Thanks for the buff, Kyle!"

"Mmmm.  Take damage to use beguiling and punish him if he attacks....  Worth it!  Ow."

Mittens winces after hitting Sinruth with her spell.

Sinruth tries again to trip May and again finds her to infuriatingly agile!  "I'll get you yet!  I'll get you all!"

Raichel smacks her staff into Sinruth's side, but gets mostly armor.

May swings and hits, her weapon aglow from Kyle's buff!

Timothius throws a glowing blue ball at Sinruth... which Sinruth doesn't dodge this time and it forms a rune on the guy's head. "Hit him now, Mitts!" even as he says this, he puts a hand on Mittens, all her wounds closing immediately!

May says, "Now is a good time to surrender, Sinruth."

---

Five Storms. Miss(13)

Weapon Master's Strike. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 14 (7+4+3)

Astral Seal. Hit(26)!
 -2 penalty to all defenses. The next ally who hits it before the end of your next turn regains 5 hp
Healing Word on Mittens: surge+12

Mittens HP: 13 + 19 = 28
Sinruth HP: 29 - 14 = 15
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:40, Sat 30 Nov 2013.

  Kyle has a repeat performance of his last attack, but this time around at least he punches Sinruth right in the eye with his punchy gauntlet.  "I'm pretty sure he's going to make one last attack out of spite, then demand we spare him afterwards."

---

Standard: more of the same!  6 DMG.
Magic weapon buff to: Rai, May, Devil.
Boss HP: 15-9= 6

"The Red Hand never surrenders!" Sinruth insists, slashing Kyle and Demon Mittens good with his weapon!

Raichel smacks Sinruth with her staff, knocking him unconscious. "...let's tie him up and get some answers."

---

Five Storms. Hit(18)!
 min dmg downs Sinruth.

Mits helps with the tying up and promptly draws a curly mustache on the badguy's face and searches for anything valuable.

Brindol Treasure: Sinruth is wearing the gaunt-
lets from the Hall of Great Valor, and the dragoncrest
helm is sitting on the sarcophagus in room 21.

Sinruth’s Papers: In his breast pocket, Sinruth
keeps a region map (similar to the one on page 6, but
with several paths and good ambush spots marked), a
map of Brindol (similar to the one on page 8, but with
the Hall of Great Valor), and the letter from the Emis-
sary (see page 45).

Mittens holds the letter up to the light, clears her throat, and reads it in a mock gentleman voice:

Brave Sinruth,
The Red Hand will rise again! The other remnants take great cheer in your recent attacks on commerce coming into
The Blight That is Brindol.
We’re particularly pleased with your ability to inspire a fighting spirit in others, whether they have true goblin
blood or merely wish they did. To be blunt, we think you should have many more soldiers under your command.
Many, many more.
And recent events have rendered some remnants leaderless. With a bold stroke on your part, the remnants would
rally to the Red Hand you so proudly display.
As your bold stroke, do this: Attack the The Blight That is Brindol by night. Focus your efforts on their Hall of
Great Valor, for it mocks the many hard-won victories by the first Red Hand of Doom. Take from them the spoils
of war they shamelessly hang on their walls and bring those antiques back to Rivenroar.
Do this before the moon is next full. And with regard to your previous question, turning over captives to your
unliving allies at Rivenroar is perfectly acceptable. War sometimes makes strange bedfellows, and we appreciate
how you’ve united such disparate forces under your banner. Whatever prisoners you take from Rivenroar you can
give to the wight.
Fight with the valor of your ancestors, Sinruth. And keep your hands stained red with the blood of the weak!
I will visit you again next month, at a time of my choosing.
The Emissary

  "Considering how that compares to the usual sort of note you find in this kind of place, I wouldn't be surprised if the 'Emissary'"  He can only airquote with one hand, he's not putting down his crossbow for a Turuian Council impersonation, "Sounded like Mitten's impression.  Still, now we know that Sinruth was put up to it by someone with bigger plans, and that we have to deal with at least one Wight.  Unless there's something even worse with it, we should focus on the Wight because that vitality I ask for donations of to keep the infusions going?  Wights tear that out of you with their claws."

Take Ten Meets Lore check on Wights, which fills in the stereotype knowledge.  Kyle might not be trained in Religion, but Int Mod Skill.  Timothius would have been able to fill the team in anyways (Oh hi 'can use stat of choice on a Trained knowledge skill House Rule.  Religion = Int on Wisdom classes is why that Rule was thought up in the first place).

OOC: Milestone kids! +1 those Action Points.  I also finally put a stat block in Kyle token.

Kyle HP: 23+8= 31/33 Surges 5/9, Value 8.  AP 1+1= 2. Infusions Zero/2.  Empowerment 1+1= 2.

Right, Who's willing to spare some surges?  How those poor paladins manage with Lay On Hands I'll never know.

Dido Paladin: It's because we're full of goodness and mercy.  It has nothing to do with the fact I can only use it once a day.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Mon 02 Dec 2013.

May raises a hand. "Me! Me! I can totally donate! I've got 'vitality' to spare! At least if any of my last experiences here are any indication."

Timothius giggles at first from the gentlemanly reading, but as Mittens continues reading, his chuckling dies down to a sad face. "What is wrong with these people?"

Raichel listens to what was written and looks angry. "They're monsters, Timothius. But it is a little weird they view the stolen treasures with some respect..." She goes to wake Sinruth up, shaking him. "Wake up!"

---

-Updated all characters to have spare action points.
-May donates 2 surges to Kyle. 10-2= 8/11 surges
-Timothius healing words himself to bring his HP to max. Surges: 6/7
-Rai was not injured this fight and spends no surges.

Sinruth wakes up.

"What the hell?  Why aren't I dead?  What do you want with me?"

Mittens can't help herself.  "WE'LL be asking the questions, worm!"

Mage hand to flick his nose.

  "Even with all this time, I don't think I ever got a handle on 'good guard, bad guard'.  Do I look for spare ettercap's seeking an easy Hobgoblin meal or do I tell him it will be easier if he answers our questions?"

May sprawls on the ground, gazing at the ceiling. "Why didn't you kiss me when you missed me?" she giggles.

Raichel says, "You ask a valid question, though. Why AREN'T you dead? I'll tell you why; My brother is a very merciful guy. You may not care about other people's lives, but he cares about yours. Admittedly, so do I. But the fact of the matter is you are guilty of a lot that will likely give you the death sentence. So answer our questions and you may find yourself getting an end you wish for; be it death or life in prison."

Timothius asks, "Why did you attack Brindol? Why did you kidnap innocent people and try to feed them to undead?"

Sinroth scoffs.  "Because I had greater aspirations than a life spent preying on the fringes of civilization!  I listened closely at the campfires when my fathers and uncles told tales of the Red Hand of Doom, a mighty army that ran across the land like a scythe.  When I became an adult and a leader of my own band of men, I found a cache of tunics and weapons left behind by that army.  I felt my destiny calling.  He declared myself the new Warlord of Sinruth’s Hand  and set about recruiting the massive army that is my birthright!"

"Bla bla bla 'because I'm evil,'" Mittens summarizes, "Who's The Emissary?"

"Not tellin."

  "You found some old clothes and let yourself stick your neck out for someone writing of a 'greater purpose' who took no risk of their own.  Even if you knew who the Emissary was, it is clear you don't know to recognize when you are being used.  Do you even know of what significance your deadline was?  Instead of building up your strength you followed orders to attack now, before the full moon."

Timothius says, "You have a point. Full moon can't be a coincidence."

May says, "Didn't answer a question. That's one point." she holds up a single finger from where she's laying. "First point's free! But for every point you add by not answering questions, that's another goblinoid tribe I will spread the word of how Sinruth is a traitor and the Red Hand was actually founded by a group of enemy spies who wanted to lead goblins to their deaths en-mass."

Raichel just glares at Sinruth.

Sinruth just spouts angry curses and mentions that he hopes the wight eats the heroes one by one so the others have to watch.

"Something tells me we're not going to get anything useful out of him," Mits concludes.

  Kyle is amazed they got what little out of Sinruth that they did.  He looks to Timothius and says "So, deal with this now.  Or drag him down to the cells for later?"

  Overhead, the words FINISH HIM float waiting for Tim to either wait too long or enter the fatality movements for Kyle putting a bolt through an eye socket.

May says, "Awww... baby's first temper tantrum! So cute!" she hops to her feet. "That's another point." She looks at the others.

Timothius says, "You know... it's not a bad idea to take the time to spread the word that the Red Hand are traitors. Would deal a blow to their morale and at least keep the Red Hand from rising again. As for Sinruth, let's knock him out and lock him up. We can get more out of him after we're done with the wight."

Unless Sinruth's tune changes, Raichel goes to knock the guy out with a Spok hold. "Let's find the wight then."

Sinruth is thusly KO'd.

Mits starts headed toward the room Sinruth came from to check for loot.

"Prolly worth the hassle to drag his sorry butt to the cages as Kyle suggested.  If this Wight is made of so much butt-kick, I'm inclined to try and face it first then mop up whatever else is lurking down here."

She finds an ornate, gilded dragoncrest helm.

"Sweet!  One of the stolen treasures!"

---

OOC: But that's because Mits doesn't know she'll hit the next level just before getting to the boss fight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:50, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

  "Another thing to return to it's museum"  and get paid.  Also important.

  Habitual crossbow check is Go on the way to Wight Wroom... Room.  "Considering the last few fights, Gonna risk the one less heal to just reinforce May straight off."  Meaning unless his initiative is super horrible,  May's getting the Resistive Infusion +1 AC till turn to THP before the enemy has a chance to swing.

Raichel says, "Our front gal sure could use it, yeah. And Timothius has us covered for heals."

Timothius puts a hand on Kyle with a smile. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Right?"

Raichel looks over at Mittens. "As long as we make sure the path TO the wight is clear. Otherwise, we could get ambushed from behind while fighting."

May drags Sinruth off to the cage with the rest of the team.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

Once secure, the team winds up at the crossroads where the undead appeared.  To the left is the room the undead came from.

The middle of this room has a sunburst mosaic in it.
Passageways head west then north, north then east, and
due east.

Sunburst: When any creature crosses the thresh-
old to enter room 19, the sunburst design set into the
flow turns black and the lights dim. Undead creatures
that start their turn on a square that’s part of the
black sunburst regain 5 hit points.

The team soon figures out that this room connects with the one north of the crossroads.

North room:
A still pool of water dominates this room, which is
noticeably more humid than others inside the catacombs. A
sheen of water droplets covers the walls.

Scrying Pool Room: If disturbed, the pool of water
in the center of room 18 shows faint images of many
of the rooms in the catacombs. Rather than ordinary
ripples, the waves and ripples form crude but recogniz-
able images.

Playing around with the pool a bit, Mits discovers images of 3 rooms the group has yet to encounter:

Room 22: An empty room with four heavy square
columns near the corners.

Room 23: A shrine with pews and an obelisk. At
the base of the obelisks are shattered shields with
the Red Hand insignia on them.

Room 24: A room with two thrones next to each
other. One has a skeleton, and the other has a biped of
uncertain race.

http://scales-of-war.pbworks.c...702/RaR_titlepic.jpg

"Hmm...  I wonder if that's the wight."

  Kyle made his Wight lore check, so nods.  "I'm going to go with yes.  Besides, it's the only room left we're seeing anything standing in beyond scenery...  Though knowing our luck there could be enemies that just don't show up on puddle vision."  He considers the various forms of map they have.

  "The Western side gives us a better view of the Wight's room, and more room to fall back if things go terribly wrong.  If there are no surprises waiting in the four pillar room that is, in which case having both directions to escape cleared is for the best anyway."

Timothius says, "Either way, let's approach with caution. Never know with all the weird magic going on around here. For that matter, there might be invisible enemies." What? They fought invis enemies already. Sure, gnomes, but hey it counts.

May says, "Taking point!" and marches forward, leading the way.

The group arrives at the end of the tunnel that ends in a doorway.  Beyond the door is the room they saw in the pool.

A foul creature stalks the space bounded by the square
columns in this room, but it stops short of crossing that boundary

http://media.tumblr.com/d38cfe...fe8naIbo51r0zz7o.jpg

Mits readies a spell.

  Kyle sees the angry demon, and almost recognizes it but not quite.  He looks to Mittens, "I don't suppose you know offhand what kind of Demon that is?"

May says, "It's a Demon known as 'The Pinata'. It gets kicks from being beaten until candy comes out of it. Of course, I could be getting it confused with the other demon known as 'The Surrendering Demon' who likes to make friends and hold picnics. Let's find out."

May heads forward and says, "Hey you, demon! You the nice kind of demon, or the evil kind of demon?"

Timothius says, "May... caution?"

May's idea of caution is to walk up to a pillar and use it as a second shield.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:01, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

The evistro throws itself against an invisible barrier, unable
to get to you. But then a wererat appears at the northern
doorway and yells, “I release you, crypt guardian!"

It then charges May!

Raichel moves up a bit and throws lightning at the wererat, only for the lightning to then shoot from the wererat to the demon!

---

Move: North a little to see both enemies
Standard: Lightning Strike v Wererat 1. Hit(22)!
 dmg: 11 (bounce 4 to demon)

Wererat 1 HP: 48 - 11 = 37
Demon HP: 90 - 4 = 86

Another wererat charges May!

The demon shrugs off the lightning with it's variable resistance!
This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

Timothius shoots a white fireball that barely misses the wererat.

---

Sacred Flame v Wererat 1. Miss(14)

Mits wiggles her fingers and one of the wererats staggers back.

"Evistro, a Carnage Demon."

  Kyle decides to artificer the hell out of this situation, and test run his first examples of completely custom wand.  So far as cramming knock off wizard spells into sticks goes.   First, he buffs the strongest kobold in the world to be a little tougher.  Then, he quickdraws a wand with a blue ribbon and points it at the Demon.  The demon gets a confused and angry look on it's face (instead of an angry and angry look on it's face), walks behind one of the wererats, and punches it in the back of the head.

  "Well, that's one wand working out lovely."   He said, as he dropped it to the ground (free action),  move up beside the enemies, and quickdrawed a second wand with a red ribbin on it, spraying a burst of... a spray of...  some sparks that kind of sting.  "And no current replacement for the Mittens Maneuver compared to the real thing yet, I guess.  Thanks for the info Mittens, Evistro Demons love biting bloody people, like, a LOT."

---

Minor: Resistive on May.
Free: Draw Charm wand.
Standard: charm wand vs demon. Hits.  Demon Dazed Until End Of My Next Turn.
DEMON: Punches Rat 1 for 9 DMG.
Move: duh.
Free: Draw Burning Hands wand.
ACTION POINT: Standard burning hands wand vs all enemies.  Hits all.... 7 Fire DMG.


rat 1: 48-9-7= 32
demon: 90-7= 83
rat 2: 31-7= 24 
This message was last edited by the player at 08:51, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

May deftly hops about among the enemy until she's right in the middle of them. "Heyhey! Look at me! Just a helpless heavily armed and armored kobold waiting to be bit and given all kinds of filthy diseases!" She throws her two arms out at the two rats, initally only hitting armor with her Carrikal and Spiked Shield. Then suddenly, she slams the demon in the side with her main weapon!

---

Move: Passing Forward
Minor: Shift into middle of enemies
Standard: Funneling Flurry v Rat 1 and Rat 2. Miss(13), Miss(15)
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Shield Feint v Rat1. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 11

Demon HP: 83 - 11 = 72
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

One of the rats tries but fails to retaliate against May.

Raichel moves up to be up in the demon's face. She slams a fist in the demon's chest while donkey-kicking the wererat.

---

Move: To be next to demon and wererat 2
Standard: Five Storms v Rat 2 and Demon. Hit(24)! Hit(24)!
 dmg: 7
Flurry of Blows: 5 dmg to rat 2

Demon HP: 72 - 7 = 65
Rat 2 HP: 32 - 12 = 20
This message was last edited by the player at 09:10, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

One of the wererats savagely bites May with its diseased teeth!

---

May can roll a save throw to avoid contracting filth fever.  Timo's turn next.

Edit: May saves from fever: 19. Also, she resists the ongoing damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

"Down the wererats first! They can make you really sick! It'll be harder to cure than anything the demon does!" Timothius yells. He blasts the nearest wererat with white fire and hits it square in the back!

---

Move: Next to brazier
Standard: Sacred Flame v wererat 2. Hit(17)!
 dmg: 10 max!

Rat 2 HP: 20 - 10 = 10
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Tue 03 Dec 2013.

The demon claws May, leaving her bloodied!

Mits does the finger wiggling thing again aaaand nothing.

"Least you actually managed to use that spell at all."

  Kyle heals up May as soon as he is able to, carefully lines up his Superior Crossbow, and fires a sizzling bolt past Raichel with safe room to spare and right into Wererat beside her.

  It's still standing, but that's because gravity hasn't yet caught on to the face the Rat's head was torn off, pinned to the southeastern pillar, and reduced to a smoking skull as it's flesh drips into a puddle of goo.  "So, on that note.  Have you considered surrendering?"

  NOW the wererat's body falls over.

---

Minor: Arty Heal May (Surge+1 = 10 HP) May HP: 15+10 = 25/36
Standard: Scouring Weapon Vs Rat 1: Hits, 22 Acid DMG.  Killed.

Rat 1 HP: 10-22= -12/48

May starts singing, "I have a team who heals my wounds! Doo-da! Doo-da! I have a team who heals my wounds! Aaaall the doo-da-day!"

She slams her Gauntlet Axe into the demon's gut. "Sorry, Timothius! I gotta keep this demon occupied. You all will have to worry about dishing out the pain on the ratface!"

---

Standard: Shield Feint v Demon. Hit(28)!
 dmg: 8

Demon HP: 65 - 8 = 57

The rat says nothing, but the look on his muzzle suggests that he is considering surrender.  Clash!  His short sword scrapes harmlessly off May's armor.

Raichel punches the demon a good one in the jaw and slips past him with ease. "Thanks for choosing to resist my lightning, demon! It's invigorating to get physical again!"

Lightning dances across Raichel's body before she throws her hands forward and a 3' thick lightning bolt shoots right through the demon, over May's head, and into the wererat, slamming it back! The wererat flies about 15 feet before landing on its back and smoking there. "Alright, Timothius, I got the wererat!"

---

Standard: Five Storms v Demon. Hit(15)!
 dmg: 8
Flurry of Blows: 5 dmg
Move Technique: Shift 2
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Thunder Slam v Rat2. Hit(17)!
 dmg: 25!!

Demon HP: 57 - 13 = 44
Rat 2 HP: 24 - 25 = Fried
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Sat 07 Dec 2013.

Timothius says, "If you were being controlled by these wererats to hurt us, then sorry about this..." he takes a monk-like half-prayer pose.

---

Standard: Prophetic Guidance.
Effect: The target grants combat advantage until the end of your next turn, and your allies gain a power bonus to damage rolls against the target equal to your Wisdom modifier (4) until the end of your next turn. The next ally who misses the target before the end of your next turn can reroll the attack.

The demon says something angry in Abyssal and claws May!

Mits lowers her guard and looks over at May.  "Would you be so kind as to make room for me to blast the demon, please?"

  Terdisas thinks what Raichel did was too cool to Cameo comment 'Thunder slam is Thunder damage'.  Which is saying something considering it's his favorite power so far.

  Kyle meanwhile, Carnage demons are basically all about flipping out and smashing things, so if anything the Wererats are making it slightly less violent by keeping it from hitting them too." Aside from when Kyle made it, at least.  That said, yet another case of Cheating With Magic, as his poor dexterity nails yet another  shot with his crossbow, gone from meh to WHOO thanks to Timothius's aid.

---

Standard: Magic Weapon Vs Demon.  Hits.  13 DMG.  Buffs Mittens and Raichel.

Demon HP: 44-13= 31

May squeaks from being hit. "No... umf... sweat!" she hops around the demon tauntingly. "Needed to be in front of you all anyway!" She cocks her gauntlet axe and GASHES the demon something fierce!

---

Move: Around to between Demon and Raichel
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Demon. Hit(20)!
 dmg: 18!!

Demon HP: 31 - 18 = 13

Mits unleashes all her pent-up burning hands frustrations on the demon.  Its agonized screams are muted by the force of the spell as its flesh is blasted from its bones and the remaining skeleton is vaporized.

"Good thing we decided to clear out this room first.  Wight plus wererats and demon would likely have been bothersome.  Taking a peek at next room."

She tip-toes toward the hallway to the north without the slightest sound.

Timothius points his staff at May and her wounds close. Entirely. But he walks to her regardless to check on her. "...phew... no filth fever."

May says, "Thanks... I'll be resting." and plops to her butt.

Raichel sits right behind May and hugs her from behind. "You did great, May. Glad you're alright..."

---

Healing Word roll: 13. +May's surge value of 11 = 24
May Surges: 8/11 - 1 = 7/11

May HP: 16 + 24 = Full HP

  Having not taken a scratch while May gets chewed on (again), and with a known bigger fight looking, he restores both his infusions himself.  He looks over to May and Tim, saying "I'm glad to hear there were no lasting effects. While it's not the worst disease out there, filth fever on top of fighting a wight would add up."

  OOC: Surges, 5-2= 3/9.  31/33 HP.  AP 1.  Empowerment's 1-1 = 0 (Recharged a wand).

"Closed door."

Mits slumps to the floor and waits for burning hands to recharge.  Once it has, she uses mage hand to open the door, fires a scorching burst into the next room, then moseys back into the room.

"Incoming wererat."

Raichel moves up and fires another humongous lightning bolt, throwing the wererat back and slamming it into the north wall! "Hey genius! We just tore your two friends and their pet demon apart and aren't even hurting! Surrender and live!"

---

Move: North a little
Standard: Thunder Slam v Rat1. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 20!

Rat 1 HP: 48 - 20 = 28

  Kyle hands Mittens the wand with the red ribbon around it, "In case you want an extra explosion."  then moves up a bit and fires his crossbow at Wererat Raichel just nailed.  Kyle almost takes it down like a vampire, the manages to hang on despite the bolt buried in his chest and acid trickling towards it's heart.

  And before he forgets, the armored Kobold is now even more armored.

---

Free: mittens haz wand.
Minor: buff may.
Move: duh,
Standard: Scouring weapon vs Rat 1. CRITICAL.  2 crit dice,  27 Acid DMG.  -2 AC till end of my next turn.

Rat 1 HP: 28-27= 1  

"Thanks!"

Mits steps forward and unloads her burning hands on the two wererats.  FWOOSH!  Kyle's crit victim drops and the other shrieks!

"Pray Kyle isn't the one to finish you off.  You might be able to see the guy's severed head behind me if you need any more convincing."

Mits' burning hands is technically set to stun at all times for Timothius' sake, so that last fatality was totally the fault of something other than her magical flamethrower.

May WHACKS the wererat. "Surrendering yet? It's not like the alternative leaves you alive. Or hinders us."

---

Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Rat 2. Hit(27)!
 dmg: 18

Rat 2 HP: 29 - 18 = 11

The rat bites May!

---

The wererats know they’re cornered. They fight
to the death.

Raichel finishes off the wererat. "Dang it! Stop biting May, you filth-fever-freaks!"

The lightning then arcs down the hall. "....there's another?"

---

Lightning Strike v Rat 2. Miss(15) Hit(24)!
 dmg: 12 (min!)
 arc dmg: 3 (to gnome maybe?)

Rat 2 HP: 11 - 12 = KO!
Gnome HP: 46 - 3 = 43
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Sat 07 Dec 2013.

  "Would you believe me that despite my preferences, I'm trying to leave them in a condition to surrender?  But acid isn't very picky."  Just look at the eating habits of cubes.

  At Raichel's revelation, he nods and moves up to the corner by the first fallen wererat, snaps off a shot with his crossbow into the gnome, and comments as it vanishes  "Another Gnome.  Didn't see a crossbow before it vanished in response."

---

Move: Duh.
Standard: M Weapon vs Gnome. hits.  8 DMG.

Gnome HP: 43-8= 35

The gnome steps forward and casts illusory terrain on everyone in range, slowing May, Mits, and Rai!

Mits fires a pair of fireballs at the gnome!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:51, Sat 07 Dec 2013.

  Kyle was planning on saving it for the Wight, but against something that it would be of obviously more benefit against Kyle summons the ANGRY ROBOT EYE floating above the Gnome's head, staring in disapproval as the illusionist's concealing aura dissipates.

  That done, he steps back down towards Mittens and May, and fires a crossbow bolt clean through the Gnome's right knee.  "Well, at this point I think just about anything will drop the-"

 Gnome on FIRE.  "Nice shot Mittens."

---

Standard: Punshing eye.
 3 aura on Eye (purple box).  Enemies inside cant have concealment, allies who hurt enemies inside deal +4 Psychic DMG.
 Move: Duh.
 ACTION POINT: Standard: Magic weapon vs gnome. CRIT.  19 DMG.

Gnome HP: 23-19-MITTENS= KO

Milestone. +1 AP (and +1 Empowerment for Kyle).

Seeing that none of his allies are injured, Timothius rushes over to the lycans and gnome to check on them and make sure he can save them from dying if possible. Admittedly, he puts a little more priority on the gnome, but then, aside from "eek! mean people and explosions! Must make them see illusions!", the gnome hasn't proven evil just yet. Especially since the guy did NO harm to Tim's allies.

"Excellent work, team!" May commends.

Raichel nods and gets to tying up the enemies even as Timothius checks on them. "Yeah. This has been getting surprisingly easier..." she says with a tone of hope to her voice.

  Kyle says "There is that Raichel, they seem to have run out of Drakes.  Unless we've missed some secret entrances to rooms not on the map, now all that is left is the Wight.  Though we should probably see what they thought was worth putting a demon between us and it first."

OOC:  Used my empowerment to recharge Charm wand.  Only got three surges, but only need one to cap infusions.  Who wants to volunteer?

Kyle HP Lv 3: 36/38  Surges, 3/9.  Value 9.  AP 0+1 = 1.

The room the gnome came from contains some of the Brindol treasures.   The ceremonial sword, the broken shields, and the battle standard are here.

"New spells!" Mits announces, flipping through her spellbook.

"Lessee.  Giving up on burning hands.  Taking skewering spikes.  Adding Shock Sphere!  Hurts everything in the burst and it's a big burst.  Lemme show you."

She demonstrates the spell.  Kerzap!  Big ball of lightning!  Mits grins at Rai.

"As a reminder.  When I say 'hurts everything in the burst' I mean 'try not to get surrounded by enemies so I can even use my best magics.'  For example.  I see a hallway leading to the wight.  Let's blast the wight and force it to come to us rather than charge it, OK?"

Raichel smiles when Mittens looks at her. But upon hearing the plan, Raichel says, "What if he doesn't chase us and just blasts back whenever we peek?"

May says, "Then I'll charge 'em. But if there's a chance we can get him to come to us, I'd like to try for that." She wags her gauntlet at Mittens. "But I'm not gonna let you take point for long, Mittens. For that matter, I'm not gonna let you take point at all. If the point is to pull the guy, I can do that just fine with a javelin."

  "Lightning seems popular these days, we're all copying you Raichel."  Hey now, you've always had a lightning and thunder at-will Kyle.  Though the lightning sphere is getting up there.

  "Good outlook May.  As useful as Mitten's exploding things has been, I'd rather keep her out of harms way." He eyes her staff,  "Even if she's a bit harder to hit with a sword than even me."

Mits wiggles her eyebrows.

"I've given up on burning hands so there's less reason for me to be up front now.  Let's get going!"

Two thrones sit along the north wall of this immense
chamber. One has a rotting but still fleshy corpse on it,
and the other has a bleached skeleton. Other piles of bone
litter the ground.
The eyes of the fleshy corpse begin to glow.
“Intruderssssss!” it lisps. “Consssssssume them!”

  Kyle habitually checks his crossbow, snaps a shot off at the advancing boneshard skeleton (it goes into an eyesocket, rattles around the skull and pops out it's mouth), and comments "I know Undead don't generally make sense, but at least Zombies have what's left of a stomach.  Skeletons consuming people is dumb."

  While he's at it, more Buffs for May.  Man, having rediscovered that ability is REALLY burning through these infusions, but the results have been worth it.

---

Minor: Buff may (+1 ac deal).
Standard: Magic weapon vs boneshard.  Hits.  12 DMG.  Buffs entire party (+1 to-hit, +3 DMG rolls).

Boneshard HP:  77-12=  65/77

Raichel smacks the boneshard with her staff perfectly and hops backward to stand next to her bro.

---

Standard: Five Storms v Boneshard. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 20 max! (thanks, Kyle+flurry)!
Move technique: Shift 2 away from Boneshard.

Boneshard HP: 65 - 20 = 45

The first thing the deathlock wight does is shout
“Arise, my warriors!” At that point, five of the bone
piles coalesce into decrepit skeletons.

It moves south and fires a grave bolt at May but misses.

May smacks the boneshard, sending bone parts flying! "Nice shooting, if you were aiming for the wall!" May taunts the Wight.

---

Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Boneshard. Miss(11) Reroll 3's! Hit(21)!
 dmg: 15

Boneshard HP: 45 - 15 = 30

Several sharp bone fragments erupt from the boneshard skeleton, injuring Mittens, Kyle, and Raichel!

Timothius throws a seal on the boneshard.

---

Standard: Astral Seal v Boneshard. Hit(25)!
 Boneshard takes -2 defenses. Next ally to hit Boneshard gains 5 hp.

A skeleton steps into view and fires a shortbow at May!

"Aw man!  They are ranged attackers!"

Pwoosh!  The boneshard skeleton is blasted back by beguiling strands as is a decrepit skeleton!  Mits follows up with shock sphere and takes out another decrepit!

"Except that one.  That explodes up close.  Let's kill it from a distance.  Meaning javelin, May."

More skeletons appear!  They all shoot at May and one manages to hit!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:27, Sat 07 Dec 2013.

  Kyle takes the bonesplion like a man, and nods to Mittens as she puts some distance between them and the boneshard.  "Thanks mittens, let's see if I can help you Raichel finish this faster."   That said, he fire the latest in a long line of 'holy crap what' results acid shots at the Boneshard.

  The boneshard's ribcages dissolves, and as it's skull goes spiraling away 'the camera shows the skull flying at the other skelly in slow motion, jaw clacking. It BITES the other skelly's spine, snapping the skull off'

  "...That works too."

---

Standard: Scouring weapon vs Boneshard. Hits. holy crap 24 Acid DMG.  Kills it.  boneshard ragequit takes out a minion.

Raichel moves forward to be in range and throws another massive lightning bolt! While it's so large the Wight is not really able to dodge it, he moves enough to miss the bulk of its damage.

---

Move: In front of May to be in range.
Standard: Thunder Slam v Wight. Hit(23)!
 dmg: 12

Wight HP: 54 - 12 = 42

The wight stretches out it's hand.

"Rissse again, beloved!"

The boneshard stands back up, minus its head!  The wight then hits Raichel with a grave bolt!

May says, "Rise again?! Why you!" she charges right past the boneshard and seems to ignore the nasty wound it causes her! When she finally makes it up to the Wight, she swings and hits it in the gut!

---

Move/Standard: Charge v Wight. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 5

Wight HP: 42 - 5 = 37

Timothius waves his staff and glows. Everyone within 25 feet of him feel tougher and Raichel's wounds close entirely. "We need to catch up to May! I can't heal her from here!"

---

Minor: Healing Word on Rai. Roll: 12. +Rai surge 8 = 20
 Allies within 5 gain +4 thp.
Standard: Astral Seal v Boneshard. Hit(23)!
 Boneshard gets -2 defenses. Next ally who hits it regains 5 hp.

Mittens fires a pair of scorching bursts at the boneshard skeleton, this time incinerating it to ash!  She casts light on a new staff of hers and steps closer to May.

"Love those warm fuzzies, Timo!  Thanks!"

Move: To just in front of Mittens
Standard: Shocking Magnetism v Wight. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 13
ACTION POINT!
Move: To be adjacent to Wight, but not allies.

  Kyle tries again with the crafted wand method... Nothing much happens that anyone can tell.  So he sighs, and fire a small orb of lightning dead center between the still standing undead.  The wight ducks out of the way, but the remaining skeletons are electocuted so you can comically see the X-ray view of their smaller skeletons before they collapse into piles.

---

Move: duh.
Standard: illusory wand, MISSOTHON.
Action point: Shocking sphere.  Miss Wight.  Hits both minions.  kills both minions.

May moves over to the Wight. "That's what YOU think!" the little lizard exclaims as she smacks him across the mid section!

---

Move: To Wight!
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Wight. Hit(26)!
 dmg: 13

Wight HP: 37 - 13 = 24

Timothius rushes over to be close enough to heal May and then does so. "Stay safe, Kyle! Hold on, May! I got you!" and with that, all her wounds close again!

---

Move: Double Move to get in range
Minor: Healing Word. Roll: 12. +10 = 22
 May surges: 7/11 - 1 = 6/11

May HP: 25 + 22 = Full

A skeleton standing near Mittens reassembles then immediately collapses again when seared by the radiance of Mittens' light staff.

"They spontaneously reanimate?" Mittens asks rhetorically.

She blasts the Wight in the face with a magically summoned spike!

Another skeleton outside the radius of her staff rises and fires at May but misses.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:11, Mon 09 Dec 2013.

Raichel finally gets unstuck and heads over beside Mittens. She throws a lightning bolt at the Wight, burning it and causing it to collapse! "I... I got 'im?"

---

Move: Closer
Standard: Lightning Strike v Wight. Miss(8) Reroll 3's! Crit(25)!
 dmg: 15 +1(crit) = 16

Wight HP: 6 - 16 = Unundead

  "Of course you got him, you don't tend to miss."  That said, he moves up into position by everyone not May, and fires at the once more standing skeleton...

  The arrow passes through it's eye socket and out a hole in the back of it's head harmlessly.  "Note to self, hitting the same bullseye twice is overrated."

KERMISS.

May goes to the remaining skelly and smashes it. "Stop animating already!"

---

Weapon Master's Strike v Minion. Hit(21)!

Mits readies a fireball, watching the bones on the ground.  Nothing happens.

"Huh.  Maybe it was a thing the boss could do?  Till Rai zapped his face off anyway.  Well yay for finishing off the wight!  Let's finish exploring, looting, and whatnot and get outta here.  Oh.  We should make a pyre and burn everything dead and undead.  Just to be sure.  Don't need them reanimating again because we weren't thorough."

She gets to work doing just that.

  Kyle nods,  "Sensible outlook.  They already bounced back from being dead once, the extra times means it's more than worth the caution."

  He considers the condition all his allies are in, and finds himself in that strange but part of the job feeling where he is glad to be the only one with lasting injuries when the dust has settled.

  "Care to patch me up Timothius?  You're better at that than I am."

Timothius goes to patch up Kyle. "sorry I didn't heal you earlier..." he says quietly and timidly. "May was in the immediate danger."

May gets to gathering the bones in a pile for Mittens. "No reason you can't get the fire started NOW and we continue to add to the fire as we explore."

Raichel is blushing a little. "It's not that I doubted I'd hit him, it's that I doubted he'd go down..."

"I'd rather not be breathing the smoke of burning undead if it's all the same to you," Mittens answers May, "Preference for building the pyre outside."

After some work, the dungeon is cleared and a pyre lit.  Sinruth of course has nothing but hate in his eyes at seeing his dreams go up in smoke.  The other prisoners don't seem very repentant either.

"So...  We dragging their sorry butts all the way back to town?  Or can we finish them off and toss the bodies in the fire with the others?"

  "There's no reason to be sorry Timothius, I'm only even asking because you did such a good job in the fight nobody else is hurt now."

  After the transition time, he comments "Sinruth is the only one worth saving for a public execution.  But dealing with him here and now works too."

Healing Timmy is healing! He totally has Kyle patched up good. Kyle's words make Timothius smile, if a little bashfully.

Raichel says, "Maybe the others will feel more inclined to repent if they aren't afraid Sinruth will somehow escape and punish them later. We should execute Sinruth now; Not only for that, but to prevent such an inevitable escape."

Timothius says nothing and stares at the ground.

May says, "Makes sense to me. So let's kill him first and see how the other prisoners feel."

Mits does her best to comfort Timothius, but she knows there's nothing she can say to cheer him up he hasn't already heard a hundred times.

Sinruth slain and thrown into the fire, the others try to lie about being unwilling parties to his scheme.  But their lies are paper thin and they easily turn on each other, admitting for each other their many murderous crimes.

Mittens rolls her eyes.  "So.  Shall we finish these off as well, then?"

  Kyle nods, "No practical reason to prolong their suffering, may as well get to it." Well, that and no practical reason to put up with them any longer.

May was sure to keep Sinruth's stuff and helps with killing/burning badguys.

Eventually, the baddies dealt with, Raichel says, "Well let's get back to Brindol." and gets to her horse.

The way back is as arduous as ever, but at least this time no wild animals attack.  Eventually the group makes it back to Brindol.  With the treasures returned and the villain dealt with, another feast is held in honor of the heroes!  This time Thurann joins in, and he even smiles when he hears that Sinruth is dead.

"Thank you for avenging my father," he says.

Mits nods.  "It was an honor!"

  "We couldn't just leave a keep full of hostile raiders right outside town,  Even with you safe and the job pretty much done with."  Looting back the stolen museum pieces aside.

  "Of course, May, Mittens, Raichel and Timothius didn't need the same 'I live here' incentive as me."

Raichel goes to put Kyle in a headlock. Raichel decides it better to not do something like that in front of the people who are admiring Kyle and friends. She'll nuggi him later. "You represent the pride of Brindol, though. The museum pieces may be nice trinkets, but you, Kyle, and all those who stood up to Sinruth, like Thurann's father, are Brindol's real treasure. That said, I'd be honored if my siblings and I can become honorary citizens of Brindol, even if we'll be heading off to look for others who may need help."

"I'm sure that can be arranged," the council member says.

Mits nods to Rai's sentiment.

"You make for a reliable ally, Kyle.  You're welcome to join us when we do head off to look for more adventure.  Same goes for you, too, May."

Maybe not a noogie, but Mits offers May and Kyle fist-bumps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:37, Mon 09 Dec 2013.

  Kyle nods, "Thanks you two, for thinking I'm something special for not wanting my hometown to burn down around me." Though the way things tend to go, sadly he's aware that is something special.

  He adds to Mittens, "I was worried when I started working with you, but you all seem to be shaping up pretty well.  I may take you up on that."   After all, someone might need to yell at them for being too self sacrificing again.

Much worse things in life than people who are trying to be storybook heroes. Like, well, people who are trying to be storybook villains. Like Sinruth.

May throws her whole body into a fist pump, posing all action-pose. "KAPOW!" she then gives Mittens a toothy-grin. "Thanks! I'll be more than happy to join my friends wherever they go!"

Timothius goes to hug Thurann. Raichel says, "Alright then... man, I tell you what.. I'm really glad you keep throwing feasts for us. Gods know we work up the appetite."

Thurann returns the fluffy kitty's hug.  Mits grins at the positive reception of her offer.

The following morning at breakfast, a dwarven messenger arrives.  He unrolls a scroll, clears his throat, and reads:

"War approaches.  A call to arms is being sounded
throughout the Elsir Valley, summoning warriors to help
defend Bordrin’s Watch in the Stonehome Mountains far to
the west. Word of an army of orcs on the march has spread
through the Vale for some time, but now, it appears the
rumors were true.

"You, along with other militia groups and adventurers
from all over the Vale, are invited to attend the Council of Elders
at the High Hall in the city of Overlook to the west.
Great glory and riches await those brave enough to answer
the call!"

He rolls the scroll and looks like he's about to leave.

  Paid royal mercenary work as opposed to conscription.  Either they are confident in the defense, or desperate enough to throw money at the problem (Or, unrelated third option Kyle is not thinking of).

  He asks for some job specifics as opposed to pay specifics though.  "The Orc army in question wouldn't happen to be going by the Red Hand would it?"  Hopefully any army the Council is worried about is one they know more about than 'it has orcs, I guess'.

Raichel rushes over to the dwarf to block his path and waits to see if the guy will answer Kyle.

Timothius reaches in Raichel's direction out of reflex, but retracts his hand to his chest and starts walking in her direction.

May just casually walks after Raichel, figuring it obvious the whole group is going that direction.

Mits follows along with the ambushing of the messenger, chewing on her breakfast.

The messenger looks mildly annoyed with Raichel getting in his way but turns to answer Kyle.

"Red Hand?!  They were defeated a decade ago!  And they came from the wilds of the Vale, not west of the Stonehome Mountains like these orcs."

"Local hobgoblin tried to rebuild the Red Hand is why he asks," Mittens clarifies.

"If you got any other questions, ask 'em of the Council.  Now if you'll excuse me, I've dozens of other places to deliver this message to, and I'm not to be held up."

  Kyle nods, "Fair enough, it sounds like you are going to be busy."  Not 'fight an orc army' busy probably, but that would depend on the messengers random encounter rolls.

  He looks to his hairy and scaled allies,  "I take it you all intend on looking into this?"

Raichel gets out of the dwarf's way and turns to her allies. "An army? I dunno why they are calling for adventurers. It's worth going to the meeting to see what gives, at least, but I am not ready to go into a war with armies and stuff."

Timothius looks relieved.

May says, "It does seem odd they mention great glory and riches... so I'm guessing they aren't looking for soldiers so much as people willing to do specific tasks at specific locations. Specialized people... like us adventurers."

"Glory and riches is government-ese for 'we pay your medical bills and pin a medal on you if you survive,'" Mittens surmises, "Or, if this dwarf city is in a more merc-ish mindset, 'You get to keep what you loot and brag about the notches on your sword's hilt over ale.'  Guess we'll find out which.  But I'm guessing May's likely right.  And even if we don't get directly involved in the war, there's always quests to be had that the government is 'too busy dealing with the war' for at times like these."  So yeah.  I'm for checking it out.  Yay horses!  Would be a week's walk without 'em."

  "Or at the very least, something they can't have their own forces deal with without looking bad."  Hello, I'm Mon Mothma.  I need you to kill all these people for me, and then I will look all shocked and sad that people DIE in a war.

  "Still, if what is said is even half true invading forces have a habit of continuing their path.  I'll be surprised if we end up doing anything with actual help no matter how many recruits they get though."

Raichel says, "Then let's go as soon as we're done eating." and starts eating faster.

Timothius says, "The few extra seconds you might save by eating faster aren't worth getting ill, Raichel."

Raichel sighs a little and slows back to normal-eating pace.

May giggles.

"I'll go get the horses," Mittens offers, already done her breakfast.

She runs, not walks, to the nearest exit.  Before long, the group is on the road to Overlook.

  "Take the time to enjoy a proper meal when you can, considering the usual conditions in travel or wartime."

  Once they get on the road,  Kyle wonders if they will be attacked on the road more, or less than all those trips spent guarding trade caravans before all this red hand business.

Timothius occupies the time by encouraging the group to engage in a game or 3 on the trip. Sadly, without a carriage, such games have to be "i spy" or "20 questions", but they still steer away from boredome. As do the siblings' occasional "inside language" conversations.

May seems to be great at coming up with random stories of epic heroes who fought giants and stuff like that.

Assuming no ambushes happen, when the group set up camp, Raichel volunteers Mittens to tell a night-time story, claiming she's real good with story telling.

Mittens accepts the offer with a smile.

"Ok so once upon a time in a fantastical world of spirits and elemental power.  Well not elemental magic as we know it in the arcane sense.  Rather elements could be bent to certain gifted people's wills through focusing of the mind.  In a city on the back of a giant lion-turtle there lived a man named Wan..."

The journey along the Dwarfroad is uneventful until the group reaches a patch of road just outside the Westdeep, where the heroes stumble upon a band of seven orcs.

"Surrender you valuables or we kill you!" one of them demands!

  Called it.  "Oh you are just adorable, brings be back to my old job.  Look, I spent most of my pay on these things in the past so I want you to take good care of it."  That said, he Utility quick draws and fires Magic Weapon shot at the one making demands/whoever happens to be in front of them for an easier shot.

  Crossbow bolt costs add up, especially compared to arrows.

---

Magic Weapon, hits 21 AC.
Initiative 6.
I'll roll DMG after yes/no hit?

EDIT: 10 DMG.
Demands Guy HP: 46-10 =36/46
This message was last edited by the player at 08:03, Tue 10 Dec 2013.

"Ataaaack!" the injured orc hollers, charging the team!

He swings at May but she dodges.

May says, "Hey now! Catch a clue and surrender!" she wacks the guy across the belly. "I'll spell out the terms of surrender for you:" and her free action has to wait for next round. But she does move around the guy so she's between the group and the enemy.

---

Weapon Master's Strike v demands guy. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 12
Move: Pass Forward

Demands Guy HP: 36 - 12 = 24

Timothius throws a blast of holy energy forward at his allies, making them all feel tougher! And the demanding orc feels himself weakening.

---

Hymn of Resurgence v demands guy. Hit(18)!
 Demands Guy takes -2 defenses until end of Tim's next turn. When ally hits him before Tim's next turn, demands guy is knocked prone.
 Effect: Everyone in burst 5 gains 5 temp hp

"For the Fire Nation!" Mittens hollers, throwing a fireball and ball of lightning at the enemy!

Six orcs collapse unconscious!  The one who's still standing charges her but she blocks the attack with a shield spell!

Raichel says, "Seriously? Still fighting? WHY?! You are so outmatched, we haven't even been hurt yet!" and with that, she grabs the demands guy and tosses him at his ally in such a way the guy swings at him! He misses and then goes prone!

---

Drunken Monkey v Demands Guy. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 13 (minimum dmg)
 Demands Guy v Raider 2. Crit fail(13)
Oh well. Demands guy still goes prone from being hit

Demands Guy HP: 24 - 13 = 11
This message was last edited by the player at 08:40, Tue 10 Dec 2013.

 Kyle shifts up beside the fallen loudmouth, flexes his fingers in his Talid, and punches the teeth right out of the fallen Orc.

  Well, that is not entirely accurate.  He punches the demanding Orc right in the teeth, and they melt to an oddly-specific-but-hey-magic strength acid as he passes out.

  "Normally his skull would be a puddle, but I'm feeling vindictive and want to mock him more.  Unprofessional I know."

---

Move: Shift.
Standard: scouring weapon vs Demanding Orc.  Hits. Take down.

Demanding Orc HP: 11-Tastes Like Burning = Toothless.

May says, "I didn't even get to defining surrender... fine. Timothius, make this guy weaker so we can down him quicker?"

Timothius used Prophetic Guidance. It was super effective.

---

Prophetic Guidance v Raider 2
Effect: The target grants combat advantage until the end of your next turn, and your allies gain a power bonus to damage rolls against the target equal to your Wisdom modifier (4) until the end of your next turn. The next ally who misses the target before the end of your next turn can reroll the attack.

May then moves over to the remaining orc and swings at his back. "How STUPID can you be?!" WHACK! Backside now quite bloody.

---

Move: To Raider 2.
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Raider 2. Hit(17)!
 dmg: 14

Raider 2 HP: 29 - 14 = 15

Mits steps back, trying to figure out another bender reference...

"Earthbend spike!"

She knocks the last guy out with a spike to his knee.  She hops up and down in celebration!

"Excellent!  Flawless victory!"

Raichel gets to tying up the badguys with their own gear. "Well there's the evidence of orc advancement." she checks for any kind of insignia, such as Red Hand or something else.

  Ah yes, looting.  The most practical and not hypocritical at all of endeavors.  Look if Paragon Shephard can loot over a million credits then you're going to be just fine from a moral standpoint.

  "Or at the very least, bigger groups of bandits on the roadside by one or two.  That's a lot of clubs though."  He wonders what May's opinion is on clubs?

Baddies looted, tied up, and interrogated, it soon becomes apparent that they belong to the orc army mustering to the west that Overlook is worried about.  Their leader's name is Tusk who has supposedly defeated half a dozen orc chiefs to unite the orc tribes.  This group of scouts won't say how they got past the Dwarven defenses.  Their insignia is simple: they each wear a fang necklace to honor Tusk.

"Perhaps the Dwarves will have some means of getting them to reveal their secret that we don't," Mittens says, "We should take these alive to Overlook.  If they refuse to march, we can always drag them behind our horses on make-shift stretchers."

"You no drag us!  We go on our feet!"

May says, "That makes things simple." she LOVES the greataxes. And clubs. May totally loots the weapons. She happily swings one of the clubs around while riding her horse.

Raichel stares forward, pondering. "I'm glad these orcs attacked. I hate to put it this way, but it will make us look good when entering Overlook and thus hopefully garner the respect we need just to attend the meeting. Although the dwarf messenger seemed unphased by our appearance. So maybe Overlook is used to variety?"

May says, "The fact we were at an inn and nobody was freaking out was likely his clue. But I still think Kyle should go ahead of us to explain why three shifters and a kobold are leading a bunch of marching orcs to Overlook."

  At least with these prisoners, they had a walking resum- Oh hey, good catgirl.  "You're going to be just fine in this business, Raichel."  He turns to May and nods,  "A good point, never thought I'd end up being the most sociable option."

"Alrighty, then!  Let's go!"

1. Dwarfroad
The old Dwarfroad emerges from the Elsir Vale
and climbs the slopes of the Stonehome Mountains,
moving through Overlook and ascending up to
Bordrin’s Watch and down the other side into the
badlands beyond. The old road is far older than Over-
look, having been paved during the Age of Chains
by dwarf slaves for their giant masters. After the
dwarves successfully rebelled, the Dwarfroad served
as a primary trade route for the old dwarven kingdom
that followed, but over the last century or so, goblins,
bandits, and worse, have made travel along it perilous.
Still, closer to Overlook, the road is somewhat safe
and folk near the city still make use of it.

Shantytown
“You think Nine Bells is bad? Spend a night in the
Shantytown.”
Not a true district, Shantytown clings to the back of
the city like festering boil. Shantytown is a wretched
maze of tents, shacks, and rotting wooden buildings,
and it is home to the poorest and most desperate of
people that have nowhere else to go. Most of Shanty-
town’s people are refugees from other lands, victims
of tragedy and circumstance, or exiles who keep a
low profile so they can go about their wicked busi-
ness without attracting attention. Thus, Shantytown’s
people are beggars, destitute farmers, maimed
adventurers, undead, necromancers, cultists, and
worse, all thrown together in one of the most
desperate spots in the region.
Buildings: Tents and lean-tos make up the
majority of “buildings” in Shantytown, though some
wooden structures rise up from the mess like islands
in a sea of misery.
Streets: Little better than muddy paths wending
through heaps of debris and filth, no one is sure if the
mud is actually mud. . . .
People: People of all races and from all lands live
here, though humans appear to be the most numer-
ous. Most have hard luck stories, but a few live here by
choice—for easy hunting or to escape notice.
Sights: One can see a filthy child screaming in the
middle of a street, a flock of chickens fleeing from a
hungry cat, a brown-clad cultist with a rat skull on a
thong around his neck, a shrine dedicated to a sinister
god, and a bloated corpse ripening in the sun.
Smells: Filth, filth, and more filth—the stench of
Shantytown is staggering.
Sounds: Within this area one can hear laughter
and crying, moans and sighs, the squelch of foot-
falls, the grunt of pain, the short shriek of butchered
animal, the howl of a dog in pain.

Most flee at the sight of the approaching group of shifters and orcs with a kobold thrown in for good measure.  Others watch nervously from behind shuttered windows.

---

More maps
http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/.../Elsir_Vale_mod2.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/15wf9ud.jpg

Connecting the above two:
http://i23.photobucket.com/alb...0/Combinedmaps-1.png

And a pic of High Hall:
http://www.striemer.org/scales.../images/overlook.gif

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:56, Wed 11 Dec 2013.

Timothius first, then Raichel, then May all are concerned for the screaming child. Timothius forgets the idea of him being a shifter might be scary to the kid and rushes over to him/her to kneel beside and ask, "What's the matter?"

Raichel is following after, but May decides to stay back a bit, carefully keeping an eye out for anyone who might attack her friends.

  Even if his so far he's spent far more time in proper civilization between dangerous roads and hostile lairs, the existence of such a of the place isn't too surprising to Kyle.  Even if potential hires having to travel through it won't leave the best impression of council.

  When Tim rushes right at a small child, he more calmly follows after.  Hopefully screaming is the worst that happens, but he doubts it.

The screaming child screams, "Werewolf!" and runs away from Timothius in terror!

"Razorclaw Shifter, actually," Mittens corrects, not that anyone's listening, "I'm guessing tantrum.  Let's be careful not to be distracted by anything non-life-threatening.  Don't need folks spreading rumors of us chasing small children around town when we were only trying to help."

"Pathetic," Demands Orc grumbles.

"Yeah." Timothius agrees with the orc. "This whole place is pathetic."

Raichel says, "Then let's hurry. Chances are the orcs will attack soon and these people don't have a defensive wall to protect them."

May is quiet, though she isn't smiling for a change, her expression quite serious.

---

demands orc stating the obvious about how pathetic the whole scene is made me think of the one time Rodimus actually took pity on Decepticons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uNb2up5iYk

  Kyle is impressed at how well Demands speaks after getting their teeth melted.  The props department has some good dentures.

  "I suppose if someone is lucky, the situation will be dealt with before it comes to that for anyone." But since when was anyone's luck that good?

As the group approaches the first gate, Mittens offers Kyle the letter of recommendation she asked for from the Council of Bridol.

"In case a squad of captured orc scouts isn't enough to get us in."

The gate guards do look surprised by the approaching group and one is sent for reinforcements.

Raichel sits back and waits with the others, keeping a close eye on the prisoners with May while Kyle goes on ahead.

Timothius says, "I'm real excited about helping these people... a chance to help so many is great on its own. But it will also provide an opportunity for us to show we are heroes. And then we can help more."

At that, May finally grins again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Wed 11 Dec 2013.

    He nods to Mittens as he takes the credentials,  "Having a reputation for being useful is always a good thing.  Though it an end up making it harder to people with real problems in the long run if you also get a reputation for doing it out of the kindness of your fuzzy little heart.   If people know you expect to get paid for the job, then it's not worth the effort to ask you unless they need it enough, or are serious enough to ask even if they can't pay the 'heartless mercanaries'."

Mits nods.  "Yes.  But on the other hand folks who have real problems but no money don't bother asking the 'heartless mercenaries' because they know they won't help without a promise of payment.  So I think it best to have a mixed reputation.  'That fluffy kitty will do anything you ask for free!  Let's take advantage of him and offer him a bag full of coppers 'cause we're sooo poor and sooo needy!'  'But he's got this hard-nozed merc with him who'll melt our faces if we try and trick the fluffy one.'  Compared with, 'We can't afford to hire powerful defenders take out the bandits extorting our village!'  'But I've heard of one group that occasionally will do work for free if the need is great enough, and we sure need it!  We can at least ask.'"

When backup arrives, the Dwarven guards approach Kyle.

"Care to explain yourself?"

Timothius smiles at Mittens and then Kyle. "Mix sounds good... I'm glad to have you along, Kyle." And then the dwarf speaks.

Raichel waits. The guard addressed Kyle, after all.

May is performing a puppet show for the orcs that involves a retarded puppet getting beaten up by some not-retarded war-like puppet.

   Kyle nods to Mittens, look at her all full of reasonable ideas and stuff.  He calmly states to the Guard "Invitation to the Council of Elders regarding a building Orc army.  Ran into an apparent example on the way here."   He resists the urge to offer putting them back on the road if they don't want to deal with it.

  "Sorry if delivering prisoners who might know something about that is a waste of time.  Do you need to see our paperwork?"

The guard looks skeptical.  "Doubtful these orcs are in any way tied to the army to the west.  There's only one way through the Stonehome Mountains, and Bordin's Watch remains vigilant.  Still, good job defeating a band of orcs.  I take it the savage girls on horseback are with you?"

The paperwork comment gets a confused look.  "What paperwork?"

Timothius ducks his head. "I'm not a girl..." he says quietly.

Raichel wants to interject, but remains quiet. It's best to let Kyle talk for now.

May looks over her shoulder at the dwarf guards, smiles, waves with a puppet hand, then goes back to entertaining the orcs.

  "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it was unconnected violence.  Just wanted to be sure."  At the confusion, he says "They are with me, yes.  Was wondering if you needed Mayoral documents instead of just taking my word for it they smash bandits and attempted Red Hand revivals better than most I've worked with."

"Mayoral documents?  Red Hand?  What are you talking about?"

"We are the heroes of Brindol," Mittens summarizes, "We have a letter of recommendation from the town council attesting to this fact."

The guard looks surprised.

"I'd heard Brindol had been attacked.  You five dealt with it yourselves?  There was talk of a detachment of troops being sent there if the High Council decided the city could spare 'em.  Looks like that won't be needed.  So... it's still not entirely clear what you all want.  You mentioned about the invitation to any able-bodied warrior to report to the High Council, but that doesn't say everything.  Were you expecting to march those orcs into the High Hall or something?"

Timothius says, "We were expecting to give the orcs over to the authorities in case you could get information out of them that we could not. We interrogated them and they confirmed they are from the orc army, led by Tusk. They won't say how they got past the dwarven defenses, though."

May holds up a bunch of toothy necklaces. "These necklaces apparently identify them as belonging to that army. They wear these things in honor of Tusk."

Raichel says, "We do want to attend the meeting we were invited to go to. Just need to turn in these prisoners first."

 Kyle would like to blame being used to working with more competent town guards, but really he should have used more detail than 'example of orc army' in the first place.

  "What they said, basically.  While showing up already with defeated orcs might be a good sign to some, it really wouldn't be appropriate in the high council chambers."

Mittens lightbulbs and prestidigitates a beard for her bro.  "There ya go."

The guards seem quite a bit more convinced of the identity of the orcs now, and put on more serious expressions.

"Good work.  I'll have someone escort you to High Hall.  We'll take the prisoners from here."

The group is accompanied by a mounted gate guard into the city.  As they travel toward the 2nd gate he gives a quick overview of the places they pass.

"To the north is Blister.  The Blister is a rough-and-tumble section of the city,
populated by mercenaries, adventurers, and the usual
sort of traveling folk with few roots. Characterized by
a great number of winesinks, taverns, pleasure dens,
gambling halls, and bordellos, Blister is not a place to
get lost.

"To the south is Boneyard.
Not much to do in the Boneyard aside from sicking up.
Occupying the southeast corner of Overlook, Bone-
yard has every distasteful business and venture,
including everything from the city’s slaughter-
houses, renderers, tanners, dyers, and even the city’s
graveyards."

Timothius giggles from the beard. As the guard gives a brief description of Blister and the Boneyard, Timothius gets a Kermit "Sheesh" expression.

Raichel asks, "If I may ask, how long has the whole orc army threat been going on?"

  Kyle asides to the scaled and hairy ones, "Thanks for that, forgot how to properly conduct myself on business working the same caravans so long I guess."

  At the mention of Graveyards, he asks "What is the frequency of undead problems at the graveyard?"

"Zero," the guard answers Kyle, "At least as far as I know."

He then answers Raichel.

"The lands west of the Stonehome Mountains have always
been a festering mire of want and suffering. This
parched and barren landscape is suited only for orcs,
goblinoids, and other fell creatures. From time to
time, a warlord gathers a small army and tumbles
out of these badlands to test their strength and arms
against the stalwart dwarf defenders, but never have
they crossed the mountains because straddling its
single pass is an ancient dwarven stronghold named
Bordrin’s Watch. No matter how many orcs muster,
they die upon its walls, painting the sturdy stone
with their black blood. So the rumors of a new host
in these forlorn bogs and dead woods seemed a small
threat—nothing the guardians could not handle. This
army, though, is different.

"Even though we dwarves have been successful in
containing the orc hordes in the past, this time it’s
different.  The citizens Overlook are concerned
that the walls of the Bordrin’s Watch might not be
enough to staunch the flood. All their misgivings
stem from the reports brought back by our own
scouts, who mention endless ranks of orcs, trolls,
and worse marching inexorably to the Stonehome
Mountains. To shore up the thin number of defend-
ers to man the Watch, Overlook dispatched a call to
arms, beseeching able-bodied men and women across
the Elsir Vale to mobilize at Overlook and then join
forces with the defenders in the mountains. With the
memory of the last war that ravaged the Vale, militias
formed up.  And it seems adventurers from as far away as
Brindol have answered the call.  This is encouraging.
That they've found a way through the mountains..."

"Not so encouraging," Mittens finishes.

Raichel says, "Kind of figured. Shantytown was the first sign things weren't all that great. Then you tell us about Blister and the Boneyard and I can't help but assume the land is plagued by attacks. Still, we'll see what the council has to say."

Timothius kisses his holy symbol and offers a silent prayer to Pelor.

May says, "They must be different. Impressive for them to cause dwarves some worry. But I have every confidence that Overlook and it's latest plan to bring in adventurers and volunteers from far and wide will show the orcs that we have a deeper loyalty than the kind fear and violence commands!"

   "Well, that's at least one thing the place has over Brindol then."  No undead lurking in a nearby location, delightful.

  "For the moment, we can hope that they have only found a way to travel through the mountains and not bring siege equipment along with them."  Of course, Kyle is not as well learned in wider army logistics as he is 'a few people fight a few people' tactics, outside of skill checks.

The guard nods to May's and Kyle's comments.  To Raichel he headshakes.

"Not exactly...

The city of Overlook stands on the eastern slopes of
the Stonehome Mountains, a hoary range of crum-
bling peaks as old as the world. The city’s founding
lies sometime far back in the mists of time, at a point
after the dwarves in this region threw off the shackles
of slavery and chased the giants and orcs west across
the mountains at the end of the Age of Chains. Over-
look, and the fastness of Bordrin’s Watch, were raised
to safeguard the liberated dwarf peoples and to be
the first line of defense should our ancient enemies
forget their defeat and seek to enslave us
once more.

Since its founding, Overlook has never come under
attack, though Bordrin’s Watch has time and again,
at least once every century. Overlook supplies the
mountain pass with soldiers, supplies, and needed
resources, ensuring the Watch is never without the
goods they need to live up to their ancient respon-
sibility. While doughty dwarf warriors hold the
Watch, the city is far more cosmopolitan and includes
peoples of nearly every race and culture known in
this corner of the world. Dwarves are still the domi-
nate group of course, but humans and halflings make up a
close second, followed by dragonborn, tieflings, and a
smattering of eladrin and elves, and an assortment of
other, less familiar, races.

Overlook is largely a trading center, and people
on both sides of the mountain come to the city to
exchange goods, rumors, and information. The city’s
numerous markets and bustling streets makes it the
ideal place to do business, thus adventurers in search
of a particular tool or device are more likely to find it
here than anywhere for miles around.

Supplementing its trade is a robust mining indus-
try. The mountains are rich in iron, silver, tin, and no
few gemstones. Dwarf and human miners and pros-
pectors set out from Overlook each day, some working
in the blackness of the deep mines, while others scour
the heights in search of treasures—some succeeding,
others failing, and others still vanishing in the misty
peaks never to be seen again.

Although the city depends on Bordrin’s Watch to
endure most of the attacks from the west, the city is
not without its own defenses. The dwarves erected
steep walls to protect themselves, but as the city out-
grew its original protections, the inhabitants raised
more walls to encircle the growing population. So far,
this has happened four times, giving the city four sets
of walls, one inside of the other. The shantytown, the
unofficial ninth district, grows beyond the eastern
walls and it’s just a matter of time before the Council
decides to raise another wall and add those squatters
to the rest of the city."

"Methinks his point is that outside attacks are not the reason for the present state of some of the shadier districts," Mittens concludes.

"Aye.  The Council of Elders, a group of
five male and female dwarves, governs Overlook.
Each is elected to office and serves a 10-year term.
They see ruling as a burden and none relish
the job, preferring to hand power off to someone
else. Heading up the Council is the Great Elder,
Morgoff Stonefirst, an aging dwarf who’s ready
to retire.

One representative from each of the eight
districts of Overlook attends the Council, serving as
advisors and also to air the grievances of their particu-
lar constituencies. Although these individuals have the
power to influence, they have no real authority in the
city, though many are wealthy and powerful by means
other than the office they hold."

He clears his throat and changes the topic back from politics to the one he prefers - the description of the City.

"Piercing each wall, on both the western side and
the eastern side, is a large gate flanked by two square
stone towers. Most times, the gates stand open, even
in the dead of night, but when trouble looms, such
as now, the gates are closed at dusk, and the inner
gates—the ones leading into High Hall—might close
even earlier.

The outer walls are 100 feet tall,—taller where
they travel over higher elevation. Each inner wall
stands another 20 feet tall. Guards patrol the walls
infrequently, though the gatehouses are held by a
half-dozen warriors."

The group passes through the second gate without slowing, those gate guards simply nodding to the escort.  Beyond the gate, he gestures to the south.

"The Forgeworks, or just the Forge, is a middle-class
district given over to successful artisans, tradesfolk,
and other men and women who work hard and are
successful in their professions. More than half of
the buildings here are workshops with apartments
overhead. Warehouses, businesses, stables, and other
places of industry round out the rest. The Forgeworks
stands in the Middle City, south of Tradetown."

He gestures to the north.

"Tradetown is a melting pot of all races, cultures, and
occupations. In many ways, Tradetown is a lot like
the Blister, but it has been established for longer and
it has a mix of fabulous wealth and appalling poverty.
Tradetown, as one might expect, is a commercial
and retail district, where merchants, tradesfolk, and
prospectors come to do business. Most middle-tier
business-inclined people have homes here and gather
in coffee houses, upscale bars, and bathhouses to do
business. In stark contrast to the bustling commerce,
Tradetown is also home to a powerful thieving guild
named the Lost Ones. A clandestine organization,
they have agreements with nearly all the major enter-
prises here, offering protection (or rather exemption)
from thievery and the promise to leave their custom-
ers alone.  Have a care in Tradetown. You can go there with a
full purse and come out with nothing more than a pail of
beans.”

Timothius feels his purse as if just the mention of it made him think his money might get stolen by Tradetown's existence. "Will do, thanks... still better than being in Blister, right?"

Raichel says, "From what I'm hearing, it's worse in a way. At least Blister's honest about its corruption. Tradetown sounds more like a criminal-run place that pretends to be legit." she looks at the guide. "Thanks for the warnings."

May says, "How about weapons shops?"

  Kyle feels he lacks the spare funds and time to try is luck in Tradetown for anything significant anyways.  "Unless the place is particularly unlucky" Of course, internal political collapse alongside the need to stop an army would just figure, "The place will keep running long after we're gone even with it's problems."

  If only because it's bad business to be complete anarchy and black market goods.

"Aye," the guard answers, "For fine weapons it would be best to spend a day comparison shopping in Forgeworks."

After the third gate he continues with the exposition.

"North is Elftown.

Don’t know why they still call it Elftown; can’t say as I’ve
ever seen an elf there.
Elftown covers the northwestern corner of the inner
city and takes its name from the one elf to live there
some seventy years ago. The community consists
of upscale and well-off entrepreneurs, merchants,
bankers, lawyers, physicians, and other members
of Overlook’s upper crust, and many folk elsewhere
want to inhabit a small house on the edge of this fine
quarter.

"South is Stonehammer

There’s a different kind of stench in Stonehammer... it’s
the stench of arrogance.

Stonehammer occupies the southern half of the inner
city, and it wraps around High Hall up to the Dwar-
froad. Like Elftown, Stonehammer is home to the
wealthy citizens of Overlook, specifically the dwarves.
Since this district is cleaner, safer, and more exclusive
than other parts of the city, great deal of resentment
exists toward the folks of Stonehammer from those of
lower means and status."

"Maybe they call it Elftown because 'Wealthtown' was too obvious?" Mits conjectures.

May says, "Or it's called elftown because there's just the one elf. After all, when you put a small blot of ink on a parchment, do people pay attention to the parchment? Or the blot?"

Raichel says, "Interesting thought, May. So, how come Stonehammer specifically has the arrogance when Elftown is just as privileged?"

  "Most likely, longstanding 'old money' families compared to individual businessmen if it is anything like some other cities."  Oh, you worked your way up from a farmer did you?  Well I can trace my successful lineage all the way back to when we were in chains working for the giants!  Yes I know I told you this five minutes ago, but hadn't made me feel insecure by mentioning you made five gold more than me this week yet.

"Aye," Mittens answers May, imitating the Dwarf accent.

"I can only speak for m'self," the guard says, "And I don't like the place 'cause it's all about politics."

At the next gate the guard is stopped and he has to explain himself and the group he is escorting.  The gates are opened and he continues on.

"The heart and soul of Overlook, High Hall is where
the movers and shakers make all the decisions.

High Hall, or the Old City, is where the city leaders
convene to govern Overlook. Few folk still live in
High Hall since nearly every inch of available space
is given over to the various ministries making up the
city’s government. Thus, aside from a few extremely
wealthy folks, most people funnel out of High Hall
at the end of the day to head home to Elftown, Stone-
hammer, or elsewhere."

Buildings: High Hall consists of a forest of mas-
sive buildings packed tightly inside its walls. Towers
thrust up from the fortresslike structures, climbing
high above the walls and affording a look at the entire
city and the lands all around. Most buildings house
one of the dozen or so ministries that see to keeping
the city operating. Examples include the Ministry of
Commerce, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Min-
istry of War, and so on. Each operates out of a marble
or brick building fronted by impressive statues of
dwarf warriors, artisans, and historical figures, while
the walls themselves bear intricate carvings and bas-
reliefs capturing key moments from the city’s history.
The outer edge of High Hall holds the businesses
and few homes of those who grease the engines of
politics. Restaurants, inns, and a few shops provide
patronage to the city’s elite, but they shut down at
nightfall.

Streets: Suffering from too many buildings in a
confined space, High Hall’s roads are positively peril-
ous. Tight and cramped while winding through the
heart of Overlook, they contain numerous shadowy
alcoves, dead-ends, and limited range of sight as they
turn and twist. Although High Hall doesn’t have a
thievery problem, it does suffer from hired killers.
The dwarves deal honorably with one another, but the
same cannot be said for all the city’s representatives,
and rival humans, tieflings, and others might resort
to murder to eliminate an inflexible politician. Thus,
most high-ranking officials surround themselves with
guards, making travel anywhere in High Hall all the
harder.
People: The Council of Elders might all be
dwarves, but the rest of the city’s government is as
diverse as the city. Bureaucrats, functionaries, mes-
sengers, and palanquins bearing representatives from
other districts all make their way through High Hall
throughout the day, and sometimes at night.
Sights: Buildings, buildings, and more build-
ings crowd the district, their carved façades telling
ancient stories of heroic dwarves, the end of the Age
of Chains, and other historical events that helped
shape this region. One might see workers cleaning up
a murder scene, while street vendors sell everything
from amulets that promise to bring good luck in the
courts, to food dealers, and tattered street lawyers
searching for clients.
Smells: Overcrowding and the malaise of too
many people gives High Hall an unpleasant aroma in
spite of the fact that the Council spares no expense in
keeping this part of the city clean. Wafting up from
the streets is a mix of rubbish, food, and sweat, but
compared to other sections of Overlook, High Hall is
tolerable.
Sounds: Throughout the day, a steady hum of
conversation sounds, punctuated with the ringing of
bells, the angry shouts of guards as they escort their
worthy charges through the press of people, voices
raised in protest at some new law, and an assortment
of other noises make High Hall loud. At night, how-
ever, it becomes deathly quiet.

Raichel and Timothius cringe a bit and wrinkle their noses as the noise and smell spoken of makes itself known. The twins look onward at one of the murders being cleaned up. Raichel has a look of anger, seriousness, or both. Timothius has a look of pity.

May, of course, is merry through the noise and smells. But upon seeing a murder scene, she goes quiet and serious, only sideways glancing at the scene for a few seconds before continuing to follow the escort.

Raichel says, "Sounds like this place could use some stronger law enforcement if murders are capable of happening so frequently."

  "I may begin to see why they are asking for outside help with their problems, when people have the confidence to leave a body in plain view of where the laws are written."

  Though shalt not kill, though shal-OH COME ON.  I'm standing right here, yeesh...  Okay, who stole my tablets and wrote 'Bane Rulz' as the 'blirteenth' commandment?

"We's country kitties," Mittens explains, "We come from low density population place where murder was an infreq...  erm...  where everyone knew everyone and pretty much who killed whom right away.  City stuff is new to us."

The guard shrugs.  "Not my jurisdiction."

Rising above all the other districts and buildings in
the city is Caer Overlook, a sprawling fortress of stone
hauled out from the depths of the earth from the very
mines the dwarves excavated during the dark days of
their enslavement. The castle consists of eight round
towers arranged in a star pattern surrounding a
central keep capped with a domed roof. Hedging
in all the towers and the keep is another stone wall,
taller than the wall bounding the High Hall, and it
raises 200-feet tall.
If the scale were not impressive enough, the archi-
tecture in the details establishes the fortress as one
of the greatest in the lands. Carvings, engravings,
and bas-reliefs adorn the walls, capturing moments
of dwarven history and inscribing those grudges to
which all dwarves still cling. Scrollwork bears threats
and promises, vows of vengeance against orcs, giants,
and anyone or anything else that had wronged
these people.

The escort must again explain in order to get inside with the group.

Inside, the same degree of artistry appears
throughout the building, from the brilliant tapestries
to the inlaid stone work covering the floors, and
statues of the courageous Firstborn who sacrificed
their lives to liberate their kin. All this, inside and
out, pales before the brilliant majesty of the Council
Chamber: the High Hall. This magnificent room
measures 200 feet in diameter with a great dome
overhead. A dais, raised 20 feet above the echoing
chamber, holds the five high-backed chairs for the
councilors. The floor around the dais is polished
to a mirror finish to reflect the mural on the dome
overhead. In it, one can see an artist’s rendition of
Moradin’s wrath against the primordials, telling the
story of the god’s gift, the betrayal, the Age of Chains,
and culminating in the dwarves’ liberation.
Caer Overlook provides quarters for the elders as
well as smaller apartments for the districts’ represen-
tatives and their families. Each is a sumptuous room
with high ceilings and marble floors. Fireplaces large
enough for a grown man to stand hold roaring fires,
heating the entire castle through a feat of engineer-
ing, while everburning torches illuminate the halls
and chambers with a soft white light. Few, however,
have the chance to behold the splendor of this place,
since the guardians protecting the councilors are
vigilant in safeguarding the private rooms and
inner vaults.

Standing on the 20-foot tall dais are the
five elders. Each of the three male dwarves have long
beards that hang to their feet, and two are old, being
gray and wrinkled. The third is younger, with black
hair and hard features. The two female elders are
both attractive, one with red hair and the other with
brown. All five wear the robes of their office—luxu-
riant purple and silver damask. Arranged beneath
them, filling the chamber completely, is a motley
crowd of common soldiers, militia, and adventurers,
with each race and occupation represented, and most
standing in small groups, but a few mingling.

"Well here ya are," the guard says, "I'll deliver this message from my commander then be on my way.  Good luck with the adventuring."

He heads off to an important looking guard and begins with the explaining for a third time, this time handing over a sealed letter.

The twin kitties are staring in awe at the whole place. They look down then look up to see the mural. They look down again to look in amazement at their reflections. Something they don't see often. They then continue to look around in amazement at everything and everyone around. "Feeling small yet?" Raichel asks.

The fact the place is distracting May from checking out anyone's weaponry is a testiment to the awe this room inspires. That said, she DOES check out people's weaponry. Just keeps being distracted by the amazingness of her surroundings.

  Kyle has been dealing with the sadly expected example of run down infrastructure calmly enough, but seeing these examples of clean wealth and culture (even if it was probably to highlight the figurehead importance of the council) was still impressive to him.

  "Thank you for the escort and insight, may the rest of your duties go smoothly for you."  That said to the departing guard, he begins looking over the... Well, competition is the wrong word.  Looking to see if he could get a sense of who to look forward to working with and who will be the sort of co-worker you just grit your teeth and resist the urge to drown them with the water cooler.

  So far as grating office talks around water coolers happen here.  Look he's a class that can have a steampunk robot arm as a prestige class some anachronisms are (more) inevitable (than usual).

Mittens is so happy she looks like she's about to burst into tears.

"Defeat a hobgoblin general and his evil alliance, check.  Defeat ancient undead king, check.  Stave off a sea of orc invaders, coming up...  Y'know.  I had a dream once where I received a royal commission in a Dwarven Hall.  This one is even better than the one in my dream!"

Adventuring groups such as the Freeriders,
( http://i136.photobucket.com/al...7/DnD/Freeriders.jpg )
the Farstriders, the Green Hand,
the Company of Wolves, the Slayers, and others are here.

Allow the characters to
mingle with these groups as the players like, but few
groups know much about what’s going on and if the
PCs faced orcs, they likely know more than the rest
of the host. Most groups are polite, but the Farstriders
drip with self-confidence bordering on arrogance.

Mittens seems to be in hero-worship mode when it comes to the Farstriders.

"Led by Edgar Sommerfield, a warlord of some fame, the Farstriders are far and above the most successful adventuring party in these lands. They’ve slain a black dragon, ousted a nest of kobolds, and even undertaken an expedition into the Shadowfell. Aside from Sommerfield, the group includes twin elf rangers, Uulath and Reiner, a half-elf warlock named Jen, and Corben, a human fighter."

"Catfolk," Jen comments to her allies, "How quaint."

---

A pic of the twin elfs: http://images3.wikia.nocookie....00px-Farstriders.jpg

Raichel and Timothius get stars in their eyes at their older sister going all fangirl over these people because, hey, REAL LIFE HEROES! They say "wooow..." in unison, holding each others' sides and tail-wagging in unison. With a bright smile, Raichel says, "Twins..." and Timothius continues her thought with, "How cute..." also brightly smiling. The two seem to be sincere about what they're saying, at least.

May hops over to be next to Mittens, looking excited. "Oh! Oh! Can I be quaint too?!"

Raichel offers a handshake. "Hi there. I'm Raichel; a monk/sorcerer. This is my older sister Mittens; a wizard, my twin brother Timothius; cleric of Pelor, May the kobold warrior, and Kyle the artificer."

  "A Black dragon, acid can be quite nasty." You should know Kyle.  "I think you probably qualify, May." at least so far as the dictionary definition indicates it means pleasingly unusual.  May could probably also manage old fashioned charm as well if we go by her taste in tribal weaponry.

  Kyle enjoys the innocent enthusiasm of his sharp toothed allies, and at least accepts likely disdain from Jen is much better than 'SMASH ANIMAL PEOPLE' reactions.  "It is good to know that some professionals may be taking on this job.  An army isn't usually something dealt with after a single stronghold."  Well, technically Kyle and the others may have done that just the other day.  But the Red Hand revival attempt seen so far hadn't exactly been worthy of the term army.

OOC:Fun Fact: in 4th Ed Black Dragons have the proud title of 'Only a White Dragon is weaker'.  Though that sustain minor "Only the dragon can see through it and is not blind inside... Unless maybe that lore check about darvision is true" zone they make is pretty annoying.  Enjoy a dragon sized -5 attack something you can't see penalty all encounter if they don't move kids!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Sun 15 Dec 2013.

The kitty called them cute.  Now the twin elfs know Timothius is a she.  They pay her and her sister Raichel no mind.  Until Raichel says "brother."  At which point they double-take.  The warlock looks at Raichel's hand like she thinks it covered in slime then returns the handshake with a mage's hand.

"Just be sure to stay out of our way," Corben answers, "Last place you want to be is between me and my target."

"I can do that too!" Mittens says, conjuring a mage hand to shake the warlock's.

Warlock is not amused.

The youngest male elder steps forward and addresses the crowd.

Welcome to High Hall friends. I am Elder Cadrick. I don’t
much see the point in bandying words, so I’ll lay it out for
you. War is upon us. A great host of orcs comes from the
west. Their intention is clear. They will come through the
mountains bent on slaughter. Those they spare can look
forward to a short life of slavery. Overlook, and Bordrin’s
Watch in the mountains, have long held fast against these
raids, but our scouts say never has such an army gathered.
Thus, we turn to you brave souls to help defend not only
Overlook, but also all the Elsir Vale.
When the orcs arrive, we’re certain they will come up
through the pass. We know this because already there have
been attacks from the tunnels below, compromising the
fastness. The defenders have fought back the savages, but
it’s clear the rest are coming and fast.
So here’s the plan. Durkik Forgeheart will lead the
militias and most of you to bolster Bordrin’s Watch. Orc
trailblazers infest the tunnels below, so we’ve tasked their
security to the Farstriders. One more mission remains,
though. We need a group to evacuate the monastery on
the other side of the mountains. It’s dangerous work, what
with the orcs and all, but priests need a warning of what’s
coming if they don’t know already.
Do we have any volunteers?

Raichel initially gives the warlock a "what?" look, but Mittens' showing off seems to calm Raichel.

If Timothius knew what the elves were thinking, he'd think it ironic since elf guys are so pretty they were Bishi before Bishi existed. Instead, all Timothius has to go by is how they are treating his sisters. But Kyle has a point... at least nobody is getting violent.

When volunteers are asked for, May raises her hand and jumps excitedly. "Volunteer over here!"

Raichel says, "I'd like to help. But I also want to be sure the whole team is OK with it."

Timothius says, "Where you and Mittens go, I go."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

  Remain professional remain professional remain profe- "I would have expected you to be a better shot with your reputation." DAMNIT.

  Then mention of a rescue mission turns up instead of wholesale killing orcs (even though the rescue will involve wholesale killing orcs probably).  Gee which mission would his team be best suited for?  "Just so long as you remember not to push yourself to the breaking point again, I think we'll all be good for a rescue attempt."

Edgar Som-
merfield, the leader of the Farstriders, angrily steps
forward and says, “Should I remind the Council of
our previous arrangement?” Cadrick responds with a
nod and a placating gesture, thanks the PCs for their
service, and dismisses the gathered crowd. The elder
speaks with the Farstrider’s leader for a few moments,
after which Sommerfield storms out of the hall. Cad-
rick holds the PCs and promises them 1,000 gp upon
their return.

"What previous arrangement?" Mittens asks.

Cadrick mentions
that the Farstriders met with the Council earlier and
negotiated for the job with the most danger and glory,
which is why they are descending into the mountains
to secure them.

"Apparently Somerfield considered the mission you all volunteered for to be more glorious?"

"Guess that's a matter of opinion."

Timothius asks, "Does it really matter? As long as people are helping, what difference does it make?"

May says, "Should we bother talking to them and arranging a swap?"

Raichel says, "Like they'd 'negotiate' with us."

  "While I'm not going to guess as to which is more dangerous, the defense of the tunnels is more important strategically but rescuing priests looks better." If there is anyone much left to rescue.

  "I wouldn't bother with trying to make the switch.  I think you'd want to make sure people get rescued more than the hurt feelings of fellow mercenaries."

"Chance of orcs at the Monastary," Cadrick answers, "Certainty of orcs in the tunnels.  They wanted dangerous, they got it."

Mits nods, "So let's get goin!  Every moment counts!"

"Good to see you take your task seriously.  Good luck.  And thanks for the capture of those scouts.  They may yet provide useful information."

May starts heading off with the others. As she does, she pffs at Kyle. "I'm about being useful. Either mission rescues people, you know, even if one is more a direct rescue. Besides, the Farstriders are no slouches. If they went, the rescue would be just as garunteed as us going."

Timothius says, "Personally, I wouldn't be as concerned about the Farstriders' hurt feelings so much as being able to get along with fellow heroes. If we don't start on a good foot, there is good chance we'll fight among ourselves more than fighting the enemy."

Raichel says, "But Mittens is right. Every moment counts. We can worry about friendships with fellow heroes another time."

  "Not going to argue the importance of either job, just considering what reasons they might have found ours preferable."  He comments as they get on their way.

  "I would be more worried how long they would last anyways in this business, if they couldn't handle working with you."

Mits doesn't comment, a little torn about defending her heroes and the reality of them not living up to her expectations.

"Thanks, May."

Constructed centuries ago to house an elite fight-
ing force of Moradin dedicates, the Monastery of the
Sundered Chain preserves the memories of the hard-
ships endured at the hands of the giants, and it trains
initiates in fighting arts useful for battling these foes.
For generations, the monastery has stood as a symbol
of dwarven perseverance and expertise in the fight-
ing arts and one who trains there not only receives an
excellent education in religion and combat, but also
gains a mark of pride and honor.
The monastery is about 20 miles from Overlook,
higher up in the mountains, and just beneath the
Hammer, a great peak that loosely resembles a down-
turned hammer. The trip to the monastery can be
free of danger, or, if the PCs are in need of additional
experience points, can be reached safely with an
extended skill challenge.
Setup: The PCs must navigate the mountains
using their expertise and cunning to avoid monsters
and hazards lurking at the higher elevations between
Overlook and the monastery.
Level: 3.
Complexity: 1 (requires 4 successes before
3 failures).
Primary Skills: Endurance, Nature, Perception,
Stealth.
Special: Once the characters reach the monastery,
they gain a +2 bonus to all checks each time they
repeat this challenge.
Endurance (DC 15): A trek through the trackless
wilderness is slow and arduous. At least two charac-
ters must make Endurance checks to preserve their
stamina and avoid fatigue, injury, and exhaustion.
Failed checks result in everyone in the party losing 1
healing surge in addition to counting as a failure.
Nature (DC 20): The mountain paths are twisting
and confusing, making it easy to become lost. In addi-
tion to counting as a failure, two failed Nature checks
result in the characters losing 1 healing surge since
they have to backtrack and reorient themselves to
regain their bearings.
Perception (DC 20): The character notices an easier
route up to the monastery, granting a +2 bonus to
all Endurance, Nature, and Stealth checks for the
remainder of the journey.
Stealth (DC 15): The characters move cautiously
through the mountains, being careful not to attract
attention. A failure closes off this approach for the
duration of the challenge.
Success: The characters reach the monastery or
Overlook without trouble.
Failure: Roll on the following table and begin a
combat encounter with the indicated monsters. After
finishing the encounter, the PCs must start their chal-
lenge over again to reach their intended destination.

With a little help from Raichel, May notices an easier route up to the monastery. As a result, the others wind up looking good.

Kyle and Raichel show the team how to conserve energy. May inspires the team with tails of great heroes crossing massive spans of treaturous terrain, making this seem like a stroll for the team.

Timothius also seems to have some excellent pattern recognition as the team travels. He points out land marks and paths that he saw afar and keeps the team on track.

Finally, when a patrol of orcs are spotted, May shows the team a way to circle around them while still keeping with Timothius' path plan.

---

Endurance (DC 15): Success
Kyle: 13+2=15
Raichel: 19+2=21
May: 26+2=28

Nature (DC 20): Success
Tim Nature: 18+2=20
Rai aid other: 6+2=8
May aid other: 17+2=19

Perception (DC 20): Success (gives +2 to other stuff)
May: 18
Rai aid other: 12

Stealth (DC 15): Success
May: 23+2=25

  Kyle makes sure to thank everyone for their efforts on keeping them from getting lost or running face first into violence.  "I'm almost hopeful the way back will go just as well."  You'll learn optimism some day Kyle.

OOC: Ugh, only 150 Exp for a level 3, complexity 1 skill challenge.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

"Mittens is emberassed she did not contribute in any noticable way.  Oh well.  At least I managed to not be a hinderance."

If you don't roll, you can't fail.

Monastery
This area includes the monastery, the courtyard, and
the outer walls. The entire site butts up against the
mountains, which serve as the fourth wall. The outer
walls stand 50 feet tall and plinths spaced at regular
intervals reinforce it. Access to the courtyard comes
by way of a pair of 30-foot tall double doors, which
are never locked.
Inside the walls is the Hall of Moradin and the
surrounding courtyard. Fine sand covers the court-
yard and the spaces between endless rows of statues,
each carved to commemorate the deeds of an ancient
dwarf hero.

A grand edifice rises above steep walls, which are about
50-feet tall. These walls encircle the compound and run up
to the higher slopes of the mountain beyond.

Perception Check
DC 10: The characters spot smoke rising from the courtyard.

The gate is closed.

Raichel says, "Those are some tall walls.... aaaand smoke."

May says, "Where there's smoke there's fire? Or maybe trouble."

May heads to the front gates to see if they are locked or not.

Timothius keeps off to the side, but close enough to be ready to heal May up if she needs it.

Raichel follows a short distance behind May.

May opens the unlocked gate.



May quietly looks at the others and says, "There are orcs... cooking and eating dwarves."

Raichel looks furious.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:31, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

  On the one hand, Kyle isn't expecting the courtyard to be completely ablaze because that could cut off the orc army's retreat if they needed it.  On the other hand, the last army to raid a place decided burn everything even if it hurts us!

  The ensuing reality is, of course, worse than Kyle's cynicism.  "How many are there? Violent revenge may come to mind, but if it looks like too many I'd rather focus on trying to get past to survivors.  Otherwise."  Habitual crossbow check.  "May as well make our exit a little easier."

One of the orcs notice the door is ajar and raises the alarm!  Combat is on!

Raichel moves to the door and throws that giant lightning bolt at one of the orcs, causing a severe burn on the orc's one arm. He also gets thrown into the fire.

---

Move: To door.
Standard: Thunder Slam v Raider. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 12
 Push 3. Chose to push 1 into fire.
 Fire does 5 dmg to Raider.

Raider HP: 46 - 12 - 5 = 29
This message was last edited by the player at 06:21, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

  Kyle is glad to see Raichel making the most of a, for her, weak attack as he follows up with a crossbow bolt to ther Raider's chest, the shot taken more for making his friends have better odds than the obvious desire to take down the orc.

---

Standard: Magic Weapon Vs Raider 1?,  Hits.  8 DMG.
Minor: Resistive Buff may.  +1 AC, till they free action it into Surge+3 Temp HP.

+1 Tohit, +3 DMG rolls for whole party till end of my next turn.

Raider: 29-8= 21/46 Bloodied

Kyle HP: 38/38 S 9/9, V 9, AP 1, Inf 2/2, Emp 1.

"Wow...  Yay for non ranged enemies who clump up for me!"

Kaboom!  Followed by the sound of 6 screaming orcs!  And 5 thuds as they hit the ground.

May charges at the raider who's in the fire, getting hit by the remaining gate orc on the way. She winces, but nothing more as she yells on her way, "AAAAAAHHH!!!!" her weapon hits only armor, but she makes this orc her mark.

---

Move and charge raider. Miss(15)
Provokes AoO from minion who hits May for 5 dmg

May HP: 37 - 5 = 32

Timothius fires a white fireball at the remaining orc at the gate. Just barely misses.

Raichel then shoots a lightning bolt at the raider still in the fire and burns him before the bolt bounces right back, hitting the orc at the gate.

---

Timothius used Sacred Flame. It wasn't meant to be.

Raichel used Lightning Strike v Raider. It was super effective! Hit(19)!
 dmg: 15

Raider HP: 29 - 15 = 14
Final minion KO'd

  "Thanks for clearing the way" He says to the hairy women, as he moves into the courtyard and comes to a stop by the smaller statues.  He then puts a stop to the Raider's recovery by introducing a sizzling crossbow bolt into his skull, dropping him dead.

  "So, any of you in the mood to ask the last standing dwarf eater to surrender?"

---

Move: duh.
Standard: Scouring weapon vs Raider 1? hits.  20 Acid DMG, kill.

Raider 1 HP: 14-20= Dead.

Mits fires a magical spike at the last orc but misses.

"Surrender!"

"Never!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

May says, "I knew that would be the answer." then swings at the orc, clearly marking it.

---

Weapon Master's Strike v Raider. miss

Timothius murmurs some prayers. That feeling of divine guidance happens again...

---

Prophetic Guidance v raider
Effect: The target grants combat advantage until the end of your next turn, and your allies gain a power bonus to damage rolls against the target equal to your Wisdom modifier (4) until the end of your next turn. The next ally who misses the target before the end of your next turn can reroll the attack.

  Not A Girl Timothius buffs people,  Kyle shoots the Orc, and buffs people. Somewhere, a priest and wizard are high fiving over the holy+magic combo wait no, make that a Cleric and Artificer right here high fiving.

  "On the bright side, our sort of show no mercy means he's not going to suffer."  much.

---

Standard: Magic weapon vs raider, hits.  18 DMg (thanks tim!).

Raider HP: 40-18= 22 Bloodied

The last orc is defeated.  Mittens looks like she's about to cry.

"So um...  Let's take 5.  And decide what to do next.  There's a chance they captured a dwarf or two.  And are interrogating them for important information.  Like Overlook's defenses.  So we should try and rescue them, right?  So we'll want to continue on in, right?  Which means we should bring the horses in, close and bar the gate.  And um...  In case some manage to climb the wall and free our prisoners...  Maybe we should finish them off before moving on."

Timothius did high-five Kyle, though his smile is sad and fades when he sees Mittens. He, like his sisters, looks ready to cry also. Raichel has tears of anger, though.

May says with a serious tone, "Yeah. We don't have time for murderous dwarf-eaters. Kill them all."

Timothius says, "I'm worried about barring the gate. If we should need to hurry out, that could make our escape take too long."

  "Considering how things look, I doubt the Orcs have called for much in the way of reinforcments, if at all.  Leaving the way out ready is probably for the best."

  If May doesn't do it, He'll finish off the Orcs so the fuzzy ones won't have to deal with 'learn to execution' on top of 'learn cannibals happen'.

Mits helps get the horses inside and ties them off to the statues.  She then gives her sibs hugs and moves on to the temple door, carefully listening.

"Opening the door in 3... 2... 1."

The dome of this massive chamber features a brilliant
mural of dwarves fighting giants in what looks like the same
mountains through which you have traveled. At the center
of the room is a dais ringed with blood-spattered steps.
Atop it stands a cracked anvil, clearly an altar, but now
desecrated by dripping gore and smears of filth. A hideous
orc crone dressed in tattered rags screeches when she sees
you, hopping from one leg to the other in outrage.

Perception Check
DC 17: You spot movement coming from the balcony over-
head—a figure wielding an impossibly large crossbow in two
hands drools with excitement as it levels the weapon at you.

  "Oversized crossbows on either balcony."  Kyle comments, unsure if he wishes he had one of those, or prefers something he can lift with one hand.  That said, he a caustic shot into a hoppy witch leg, and a second more standard (so far as magically augmented attacks go) shot into her chest before taking cover like a coward moving to a more strategic position.

  Also, as is becoming a habit, Kyle makes his favorite tough kobold even tougher.

Next episode: MITTENS REVENGE

"You will pay for your evil ways you evil witch you!"
"Where did that shifter even find  a shark pit to throw me in!?"
"Dun dun. dun dun. dudun duhun OMNOMNOMNOM."

---

24 perc check.
Standard: Scouring weapon vs Witch doctor.  hits, 16 Acid DMG. -2 AC
Action Point: Magic Weapon vs Witch Doctor. Hits, 7 DMG.  Buffs whole party.
Minor: Curative Adamix.. Adami... Curative Admixture for May.  No wonder I keep calling it Resist thingy.

Effects: +1 AC to may (with free action surge+3 THP option).  -2 AC to Witch Doctor.  +1 to-hit, +3 DMG rolls party.

Witch Doctor HP:33-16-7= 10.  (And then Mittens kills her, whooo!)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:45, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

"Thanks for the warning, Kyle," Mittens says stepping forward to get in blasting range of the orc witch, "Readying shield spell."

With a fireball that would make City of Heroes Mittens proud, she kersplodes the witch into so many acid-coated chunks!  Gloves are officially off!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

May says, "Thanks, Kyle!" and heads up north and swings her Gauntlet Axe one way and the other. With her left swing, she knocks the guy's jaw off! With her right swing, she hits him at just the right spot to pop his eyes out of their sockets. He falls dead from brain damage. She turns to look over her shoulder at the other crossbowman and points at him with her weapon. "You're out of your league! Surrender!"

Yep. Gloves off.

---

Move: To North Orc Crossbowman
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v North Crossbow. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 16
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v North Crossbow. Hit(25)!
 dmg: 17 (Max!)

Orc HP: 26 - 33 = FLAWLESS VICTORY!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:50, Tue 17 Dec 2013.

Raichel walks in through the doors, sees the north orc dead and looks south. She shoots a perpetual beam of electricity lasting 3 seconds. The orc falls unconscious. Raichel may be mad, but she is keeping to her personal scruples.

---

Thunder Slam v South Orc. Hit(16)!
 dmg: 14 (rolled 2 and 1. Thanks for dmg bonus, Kyle!)
ACTION POINT!
Lightning Strike v South Orc. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 12 (rolled a 1. Thanks again!)

South Orc HP: 25 - 28 = ZAPP

Timothius moves over to be between his sisters and close enough to heal anyone. He darts a glance in one direction and the next, nervous.

---

Move: Into room
Standard: Readied Healing Word
 Trigger: An ally hits bloodied or fewer HP.

A bunch of orcs charge Mittens.
Timothius says that prayer again, dooming the searge. The others gladly delay their turns for the happy buff.

---

Prophetic Guidance on Searge
Effect: The target grants combat advantage until the end of your next turn, and your allies gain a power bonus to damage rolls against the target equal to your Wisdom modifier (4) until the end of your next turn. The next ally who misses the target before the end of your next turn can reroll the attack.

Rather suddenly several orcs emerge from a secret door behind the dais, yell a battlecry, and charge Mittens!  She raises her shield spell, but one manages to break through her defenses and strike her across the jaw with his club!

With her cracked magical glass shield still raised, Mittens steps back and waits for Timothius to use his prophetic guidance.  Left hand upturned summoning a fireball and right hand and staff coursing with electricity, she points both at the enemy, firing both simultaneously!

"FIRESTORM!"

Krakoom!  Orc bits go flying everywhere, some splatting against her shield spell!  The smouldering sergeant is still standing, if just barely.

Raichel heads over to the searge. The sound of thunder accompanies her blow as she strikes him down with her staff! The thunder echoes across the halls as the searge falls.

---

Move: To searge
Standard: Twin Thunders v Searge. Hit(22)!
 dmg: 27

Searge HP: 16 - 27 = -11 KO

May looked over to see Raichel finish off the other crossbowman. Then looks over to see her allies getting charged and kicking butt. She rushes to be ahead of her allies and says, "I would have blocked their charge, but I didn't want those humungous crossbows impaling you!" her voice half-panicked.

---

Double-move to be ahead of allies.