Raichel opens the fight with a lightning strike, but rather than risk hitting allies, she misses the panthers.

---

Lightning Strike misses

Timothius sings and the captain and his cats feel weaker while the team grows stronger. His song speaks of how they held off an army of orcs and have stayed blameless heroes.

---

Hymn of Resurgence. Hit(27)! Hit(23)! Hit(24)!
 -2 defenses
 prone if hit
 allies gain 5 thp.
 You know the deal. ;)

May Slams her singing stick and shield into the panthers, sending them toppling towards Thanuu on their backs. She pinches her muzzle briefly to say in a nasaly voice, "With pleasuuuuure!" then returns to her defensive posture.

---

Funneling Flurry v Panther 1 and 2. Hit(25)! Hit(21)!
 dmg: 9 and slide targets 1

Panther 1 HP: 76 - 9 = 67
Panther 2 HP: 76 - 9 = 67

  "As tempting as it is to hit that guy's smug face first thing, putting down these panthers first so we can focus on him better is probably the better idea."  If it can be pulled off anyways, plans and battles and the former lasting the latter, etc.

  The artificer toughens up May once again, takes a shot at one of the Panthers, and pitches a Morningstar through the air, which comes to a stop above May.  "Morning!  Morningstar Star!" ... Okay then.

---

  Standard: Repulsion strike, hits Panther 1. 14 DMG.  -3 Melee to-hit until end of my next turn.  knocks prone.
Minor: Resistive Buff May.
Minor: Dancing Weapon summon.  cant make it attack yet and an AP for a minor would be a waste.

Panther 1 HP: 53 left
TIME PARADOX: 9 more damage from MAgic Weapon
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

The panthers claw at May and manage to wound her!

"You can make it talk too?!" Mittens squees upon seeing the dancing weapon power for the first time, "Neat!"

Thannu screams a battlecry and swipes at May who avoids the attack with ease.  Then Mits does her threefold circlelasersplosion attack!  One of the panthers goes down and Thannu collapses screaming!

"What is this light?!"

Raichel shoots and misses again. >.> "....sorry, guys." she stands there trying to get her lightning to spark again like Violet Incredible trying to get her forcefield powers to work.

---

Lightning Strike. Miss(16)

Timothius throws a seal at Thanuu and says, "Not like we're really hurtin', Raichel." Tim then answers Thanuu, "This light is the sign of your defeat! Surrender and the pain will end!"

---

Astral Seal v Thanuu. Hit(28)!
 -2 defenses, next ally who hits him gains 5 hp.

May smacks the downed Thanuu with her stick. "I'mma beat you with this stick until you submit, DOG!" she then readies to interrupt him with nasaly impersonations of what he told Sarshan earlier about the team being invaders and such.

---

Panther provokes AoO. May hits(20)!
 dmg: Enough
Standard: shield feint v Thanuu. Hit(27)!
 dmg: 10

Panther 1 HP: 2 - w/e = KO
Thanuu HP: 130 - 10 = 120

  Kyle fires an acid dripping Crossbow bolt into the fallen Thannu's chest.  Meanwhile, his morningstar swoops down for some amateur dentistry.  Morning! Kermolar!  "Star!  Kerincisor!   "Hey, remember when they were threatening us like they mattered?  Good times."

---

Standard: Scouring weapon, hits.
Double Minor.  double morning star hits.

Boss HP: 81 HP left. Bloodied.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:32, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

"Nnngh!"

The badguy gets back up, teleports to be next to Mits and Kyle, takes a swing at them both, misses Kyle and barely nicks Mittens.

"Noooo!"

"Yeah I wouldn't want to be you right now," Mittens says, zapping him good as she backs away fast enough to make it look like a teleport, "Flanked by my sis...  Mmm.  Yeah.  Prepare for some pain."

Raichel says, "Tim?"

Timothius nods. "Sure." he looks at Thanuu and blasts him with light, then says, "The left side, Rai."

Raichel SLAMS her left foot into Thanuu's left kidney, which mysteriously got exposed just at the right time for her foot to land. When it does, it sends thunderous shockwaves through him. Her kick seems to NOT CARE that he's all ghost-like.

---

Timothius uses Solar Enemy and Prophetic Guidance. It was very effective.

Raichel uses Twin Thunders. Hits(25)!
 dmg: 22

Thanuu HP: 56 - 22 = 34
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

  "Aaaaar!"  The dancing weapon flies over, swings low and ooooh, it's a good thing Thannu is insubstantial.  Right in the euphemism.

  Kyle just looks upon the Shadrakai with disdain as he pulls a spare Morningstar, and rests it on his shoulder simply waiting.  "Soon."

---

  dancing weapon, 22 / 2 = 11 DMG.
Readied for after insubstantial magic weapon.  16 DMG.

Boss HP after dancing:  21 HP</red>

May steps over to him. "Sounds like we beat him senseless. He isn't even capable of speech now." WHAM! she slams him with her carrikal. "Give up already. Seeing you this way is pathetic."

---

Weapon Master's Strike. Hit(26)!
 dmg: 19/2=9

Thanuu HP: 21 - 9 = 12

  Taking a cue from Raichel, once whatshisname the Shadrakai phases into full physical existence,  Kyle slams his armored punchfist into their right Kidney.   Uselessface let's out a high pitched wheeze like a deflating balloon and falls over.  "Well, that was-"  The enchantment on his flying morningstar fails and it falls, bouncing off the fallen idiot's skull.  Dull moaning suggests they are still alive.  "...I got nothing.

Mits suppresses a snicker upon hearing the Wham Wheeze Crumple Thump Moan finishing combo.

"That was almost musical.  Would make for good song titles too.  'Morningstar Melody' 'Rhythm of Ruin' or 'Beat of Defeat.'  Love that spell, Kyle.  For a moment your dancing weapon sounded like a pirate!"

She peeks down the direction Sarshan and his men went.

"I can understand wanting to deal with exploding foundry right away, but how could he have expected one guy and his two pets to be more likely to kill us than his entire tower's guard?  What a villain!  'Everyone has a price!'  'You owe it to me to join me!'  'I'm such a nice guy for killing you!'  Yeesh."

She takes a look out the windows.

Any PCs peering out the eastern windows can see
the foundry being consumed by ongoing explosions
of shadow and flame. Although Modra didn’t complete
his sabotage in a way that would destroy the
tower, the foundry’s systems have failed, releasing the
arcane energy that fuels Sarshan’s dark experiments.
From the south windows, chaos can be seen in the
camps as mercenary bands try to pull back from the
destruction. The pens of the slave bazaar have been
broken open, and the slaves have overthrown their
masters and started fleeing to the north.

  Kyle get's to examining the portal.  After a moment, he says while digging through his pack "This is a very elaborate, and old, portal structure."  He pulls out a hammer of the tool variety, and whacks the portal with it causing the destination to come into view.  "Old as in outdated."

 OOC: Kyle is basically Auto success on Arcana and History checks.  We need 4 successes to activate portal Safe Mode (can pass without losing a heal surge).   You are allowed to make two successes on eah of the skill checks soooo, Kyle can solo this if need be.

So, we have two options.  We can just say "Kyle turns on the portal" and get on with it.  Or we can have other alts chip in, since I want to give you guys the option.

So people don't have to backscroll:  short version of skill challenge.
DC 14 on all.  Arcana,  History,  Perc, Thivery.  Max of 2 successes per skill.  Need 4 successes to win.  3 failures botches it.  Botch is "portal works, but drains a Surge or Level in HP."  Props to writers, this is not a save or die situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Sun 13 Apr 2014.

Raichel says, "Had a feeling when he said 'everyone has their price', but you don't have to be evil to believe that."

May says, "Such a nice guy for killing you is... probably more a product of being from this place than his villainy. Seems everyone loves death here."

Timothius asks, "...does this mean we can leave now? Or are we still going to try and hunt down Sarshan and stop him?"

May says, "Thanks to his 'emergency', we have free reign of his tower. I say we do a quick search. Maybe we can stop his plans quicker by undoing a spell or something."

Timothius curiously watches Kyle.

---

My alts are perfectly fine with Kyle soloing this skill challenge. Especially since the only skill any of them might be good at is Thievery. Which would be May and ironically Raichel.

"Yeah I got that 'very old' feeling about this place when we found an ancient shrine the current residents weren't aware of," Mits says, "Searching for self-destruct switch sounds like a good idea.  Once we all figure out this portal.  If we don't find something to spoil his efforts, I say we have our prisoners carry as many books and notes as they can through the portal then we burn the rest."

She'll aid Kyle with the portal if only to be helpful.  If the group tries her plan they'll soon discover that while the researchers can be intimidated into cooperating, all the combatants refuse.

  "The place is already on fire with the surrounding people fleeing the area.  I think this tower is not going to be doing very well soon." ...  There were researchers?  Literally everyone they have run into in the past day was a combatant.

  Maybe they researchers were hiding inside the desks?

May, Rai and Tim immediately get to searching and/or asking the researchers how best to thwart Sarshan's plans. If both asking and searching yield no results, they will, of course, do as Mittens suggested. Rai is sure to make sure the team remains aware of the urgency, instigating her allies.

---

(OOC: Yes, there was a module paste somewhere in the thread that mentions certain rooms contained researchers who did nothing but cower if attacked or abruptly tell you to stop being an interrupting person while they assume you work for Sarshan.)

The PCs pass through the teleportation portal from
the tower and arrive back at the Shadowfell gate that
can take them home. From the cavern entrance, they
see the destruction of Umbraforge in the distance.
The guards normally stationed here have returned to
the tower, giving the PCs a chance to take a short rest
if they wish to.
When the big tremor hits, the PCs are likely to
flee at once. Interrupt or paraphrase the read aloud
text according to their actions, but make sure the
characters see the six specters emerge before they slip
through the arch.
6 specters (S)
When the PCs have completed a short rest, or
if they are intent on immediately activating the
Shadowfell gate, read:
A skittering fall of rock down the rift gives a split-second’s
warning of another tremor, bigger this time. The cavern
pitches around you—a crack like thunder echoing as the
northern wall splits and heaves. And with a groan, the
archway you just passed through crumbles and falls as a
blast of arcane energy slams out across the chamber. Where
it strikes the Shadowfell archway, a flare of black erupts
from the stone, congealing into six humanoid
forms.
It is most likely that the PCs will flee
through the arch in the hope that the
specters cannot follow. In that case, this
encounter uses the tactical map and features
of the white shrine (page 21), below.
If the PCs choose to play out the
encounter entirely in the Shadowfell’s black
shrine before returning to the world, use the
tactical map for the white shrine, rotated 90
degrees and altered as per the area description
(page 21). When the PCs finally cross
through to the world, have a tremor burn out
the Shadowfell gate as they pass through it
for the last time.
When the specters emerge through the arch in
the white shrine, read:
The boiling field of shadow within the archway is suddenly
rent by the five figures as they claw their way through it.
With a shriek like shredding steel, the black mists within the
Shadowfell gate are torn apart, the six specters seeming to
absorb the darkness as it fades away.
The Shadowfell gate has just burned out and the six
specters have consumed its power.

Two of the specters float forward and blast the group with a spectral barrage, knocking everyone but May over!

Raichel hops up as quickly as she was falling, rushes around to the side of the group of ghosts and turns into her archon form again! A ghost gets dragged over to her and electrocuted!

---

Minor: Stand
Move: To west of ghosts.
Standard: Shocking Magnetism. Miss(13) Hit(17)!
 dmg: 16/2=8

Specter 1 HP: 30 - 8 = 22

Mits stands back up, eyes ablaze with white fire!  Her staff transforms into a crown made of solar fire and floats over her head almost like an angelic halo.  She then crouches into a Bushido pose, a radiant sword appearing in her hand.  In a flash, five ghostly copies of her burst forward, slashing several ghosts into oblivion!  They shriek as they vanish!

One survives long enough to float over to her and burst with psychic energy only for one of the ghostly Mittens to finish it off with another slice!

Timothius stands, gives his prophetic guidance, and waits for the fireworks.

May hops up to see most of the ghosts gone. "Thanks for leaving me one, Mitts!" May says, hopping over to the ghost and smacking it decent.

---

Tim prophetic guidance.
MAY!
Move: Stand
Minor: Shift to ghost
Standard: Shield Feint
 dmg: 14/2=7

Ghost HP: 12 - 7 = 5

Raichel slams her electrified fist into the ghost. The camera zooms in on the ghost's face to show it being punched in slow motion, its skeletal cheek wobbling like flesh before suddenly speeding up to get thrown into the next existence.

---

Five Storms. Miss, AP, CRIT!
 dmg: 21 (not divided because ghost strike ki focus)

Ghost 3 HP: 5 - 21 = somewhere no longer in Shadowfell

  Kyle sees that by the time he gets back up, the ghosts have been exploded.  "Well, that was a pleasant change of pace compared to the last time."

Mits blushes a little from May's comment, rubbing her head.  "Uh...  you're welcome, May.  I'm impressed how much you shrugged off their psychic attacks.  I guess you're a bit more mentally tough than you were giving yourself credit for."

She nods to Kyle.  "If you mean 'over in under 20 seconds,' I agree.  But those attacks hurt like crazy."

Rubbing her head for the pain as well as for the bashfulness.

Timothius proceeds to do his healing thing. Though his heals are comparatively weak this time, he still heals himself and Raichel to full and Mitts nearly to full.

May says, "We have GOT to find a way to kick butt and not get our butts kicked while we're in the Shadowfell."

Raichel says, "We're alive. That's all we can ask for now."

  Oh right, it is so easy to miss the non-violent flavor text when so much of your time is taken up by the violent flavor text, and violent action text.

  "Well, let's get back and seriously suggest the city splurge on the budget for closing this portal.  Unless they like having a backdoor for shadowfell mercenaries and wildlife to come through."

  Not like they would spring for making their OWN base to take advantage of the Shadowfell.  Portals to other realms are never allowed to be for your long term military benefit, noooo.

Mits hugs Rai.  "SO glad to be back in the land of sunshine.  Even underground is less gloomy than outdoors there."

She glances at the inactive portal.  "My guess is this one is out of juice."

"I hear voices," the familiar voice of the Happy Beggar's proprietor can be heard saying from somewhere outside the room, "It sounds like the adventurers."

Footsteps approach.

Raichel hugs Mittens back, but upon hearing the footsteps, her ears perk up. "I feel so warm just hearing his voice." she says, her words half-choked.

May marches for the door and yells cheerfully, "Prashant! It's us! The kobold with hair, the three kitties and the big-jawed guy who hangs out with such an odd bunch!" before opening the door.

Timothius hugs Mitts' other side, sighing long and relaxed like he had been holding his breath the whole time.

  <brown>"I would not believe a portal that would cause us inconvenience to stay off, if left alone."<brown>  you are safe back in your home realm, what do you do?...  Of course you check your crossbow, Kyle.

Mits from the SW d6 game would approve of Kyle's OCD.

More kitty cuddles and cheek kisses for the twins!  ^.^

"Good point," Mits agrees, "Just pointing out we won't need to worry too much if we wanted to get some rest first."

The paladin couple arrive with a small group of city guards who are astounded to discover what lies beneath this establishment.

"Good to see you well.  We were worried when you didn't return.  So we pestered the authorities until they agreed to come take a look."

"What in blazes?!" a guard comments, staring at the prisoners.

Another is cautiously poking his spear through the still active teleportation circle.

Raichel smiles a little when the guard says "what in blazes" and says, "Heh... nice to not be the one provoking that kind of response for a change. Yeah. These prisoners are from the shadowfell. The big boss behind all this is a man by the name of Sarshan. From what we were able to find out between discovering his magic-made army of experimental beasts, is that he is an opportunist who believes the Prime Material is about to be felled by someone else and he's just taking advantage. Couldn't get any names from him on who, where or when."

May says, "Though he did offer the CLASSIC villainous offer;" she then puts on her best impression of Sarshan. "Join me! Combat skill like yours can not be ignored; it would be wonderful to have you working for me! We can RULE the planes together!"

May then glances at the kitties and says, "I'd hug you all too, but spiky armor. Maybe when we hit the hay." then looks at Kyle. "You love your weapon. I like that about you."

Timothius says, "It's good to be home again... can we trust the portal to be taken care of so we can go sleep somewhere?"

  Kyls nods to May,  "They do not keep just me alive, after all."  He doesn't voice his concerns about putting hard working bloodthirsty Shadrakai mercanaries out of work with vat grown monsters in front of the local guards.

  "But yes, this the owners of this establishment are wonderful and all.  But they really should look into their clientele... and their basement, more often.  On that note, I do hope noone was injured on death spores on the way in if those were not cleaned out."

Mits reads the skeptical looks on the guards faces and says, "And if you need any proof, you can interrogate these prisoners.  In fact, you should question them either way for what they know about Sarshan's plans."

Mits takes a knee to huggle May with a big smile.  "I have chain armor, May."

One of the guards taps his nose and answers Kyle, "We know how to deal with those deadly shrooms."

With their religious background, Ausma and
Prashant can give the PCs more information on
the white shrine, since they recognize it as a place
of ancient demon worship. They conclude that the
dark power that created the specters has festered
within both sides of the Shadowfell archway all this
time—a potentially grave danger to Overlook that the
PCs have eliminated. The teleportation portal is still
operational, but it can be shut down by representatives
of the Council.
The discovery and destruction of the Shadowfell
gate makes the PCs heroes in Overlook, especially
when Sarshan’s connection to the recent orc raid
is revealed. The shadar-kai’s warehouses will be
raided, but in the aftermath of Modra’s treachery,
Sarshan has been careful to clean up any evidence
of his recent activities. Though his operations are
shut down for good, no further information on the
shadar-kai’s presence in Overlook can be found.
The PCs have plenty of time to rest up and plan
their subsequent moves.

((OOC: But plot will put them back on the rails soon enough.))

Timothius is sure to spend more time with Ausma and Prashant to discuss religion. Now that he's not in a hurry to chase down villains or save the city, he figures he can finally discuss at length what those two started to discuss. Namely the idea of focusing on a deity, what benefits are involved, who would ordain him (since that was actually an honest part of the problem; he had to be a cleric of an ideal because no church wanted to touch a shifter initially). He has no issue with Ausma and Prashant having such a preference for Pelor since Pelor has the closest leanings to what Timothius believes in. But while his strong reverence and respect for ALL of the good (and some unaligned) gods shows, it also shows that he has a higher respect for good in and of itself. Ausma and Prashant will also find Timothius wants to have a nice quiet life raising kids, loves art and music, and tends to be merciful. While the merciful part doesn't quite fit Moradin, the other two do. Granted, Ausma and Prashant's bias for Pelor will likely make them think wanting the quiet life is more a Pelor worshiper's calling.

Raichel sticks with Timothius and Mittens as she can, but will only sit in on religious conversation so long before excusing herself to practice or go on a jog around the city. Of course, she is curious to follow wherever Mittens might go as well, partly because she has learned Mittens has an uncanny knack for finding trouble.

May, of course, is much simpler. She can be found methodically going from one weapon shop/smith to the next with the occasional stop at armor shops/smiths.

  Kyle looks more into that whole Alchemy thing in the meantime, considering how much pain glorified bug spray had saved them all in their latest problems.  Though practicality and cost, like so many things, keeps that line of research short.

  He is sure to help out May when it comes to weapons and armor examination at least.  Magically resizing armor and equipment is on his character sheet, after all.

Ausma and Prashant explain the advantages of being ordained into a single church include, but are not limited to, having a structured establishment that can vouch for you if need be, having fewer bosses than if you tried to please all the churches, having connections with political clout, having a ready resurrection service, having rank, respect, trust, authority to perform ceremonies such as weddings.  They of course state the obvious that if he wants to get married, raise a family, and live in peace he'll have to quit adventuring.  Timothius will have time to begin the ordination process if he chooses to do so.

Mits spends her time exploring the libraries of the Council, the churches, and the occasional private library in search of any clue she can find on the locations of portals to the Shadowfell and other related things regarding the looming threat to the world.  Her notebook fills up quickly, and her frenzied pace gives a strong sense of urgency.  Everyone has frequent opportunity to curb stomp the occasional mugger or other dark denizen of the city too numerous for the city guard to keep in check.

As a result of saving the city not once but twice, the
PCs have become well known in Overlook. This
notoriety sees them approached by Kalad, the dwarf
paladin they rescued in “Siege of Bordrin’s Watch.” In
the aftermath of the thwarted raid, Kalad has taken
up a position as a sergeant in the Overlook watch. It
is official business that brings him to the PCs, where
he asks them to meet with a member of the Elsir Consortium.
At a time of the PCs’ choosing, Kalad escorts them
to a private room in an upscale Elftown tavern.

May sees no reason not to go right away. She has done her shopping, Kyle has done his research, Tim has gotten officially ordained, Rai seems curious as a kitty about this meeting, and Mittens seems to be stir-crazy. So unless Kyle or Mitts object, the kobold and the kitty twins follow Kalad.

On the way, of course, Timothius tries to calm Mittens down a bit. "Have faith, Mittens... so far, we have been rising to the challenge and always just on time. I honestly feel the gods are with us. Try to relax?"

Raichel says, "Relax or no, what did you learn? Anything?"

 Kyle has no reason to turn down the requested meeting with Kalad.  Whatever the reason for it happens to be is still up in the air, but odds are good he will go along if only to help out his friends.

"I know we'll win," Mits says with a faraway look in her eyes, "But considering the fact that a few hours has made the difference between dozens of dead people verses hundreds of dead people, I'm not going to be dragging my feet ever again.  Besides.  While the good gods may be for us, the evil ones will be against us.  So it'll be up to us to tip the balance like we've done before.

"What I've found is that the Elsir Vale is a veritable nexus of links to the other planes.  Legends of portals to the Feywild, the Elemental Chaos, even the Astral Sea abound.  I've also found that the rottenness of this city is...  Something feels off on the highest levels.  It's not quite apathy because they're taking our warning seriously.  I dunno.  Things have taken a recent turn for the worse in recent months, and that's saying something considering how bad they were before we arrived.  Sarshan's hint that something bigger than him is working behind the scenes just fits."

Once at the destination, Kalad
introduces them to a well-dressed dwarf wearing
the rich robes of a successful merchant, his golden
beard braided with silver bands.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8Mfy...00/bram+ironfell.jpg

“Greetings, Heroes of Overlook. I am Bram Ironfell of the
Clan Ironfell and representative of the Elsir Consortium.
Your reputations precede you, and for your actions, you
have my personal thanks in addition to that of the city. I
have a tale I wish to share with you, over dinner and drinks
of course.”

Timothius puts an arm around Mittens and says, "It's not dragging your feet to allow yourself a chance to recuperate."

Raichel says, "Yeah... but I have to side with Mittens. Overlook is under attack by multiple obsessed villains. And hearing what Mittens just said, it's no wonder! The place is a nexus to anywhere in existence. Whoever has control of this spot and uses its portals right, could very well have power over entire worlds. Or at least lay the groundwork for later generations to have that."

Timothius mews. "....why the urgency from the villains?"

Raichel says, "Well Mittens said it; this place was already a bit dark before we arrived. I think this is just a fruit that has ripened; a plan whoever set into motion finally coming to a head."

Timothius says, "We're never going to rest. Mittens, if you stress too hard, you will run yourself down and burn out. And then Rai and I will be too down to be effective heroes. And the whole place will come crashing down."

Raichel says, "It'll be OK, Timothius. I think we're actually close to closing this chapter."

Later on, when the group meets Bram, May says, "A tale? Nice. Right up your alley, Mittens!"

Raichel says, "Dinner and drinks sounds good..." of course it does, Raichel. You just did another lap around the city early this morning and at noon just because.

  On the subject of antsy evil "I think it may be something as simple of them not wanting competition."

  Something about Mittens's commentary about the upper class being somewhat off, and being invited to dinner by the upper class a minute later puts Kyle's paranoia above it's usual levels.  Still, best if events don't prove his mixing up and stocking up on vials of Sweet Water to have been necessary.

  "Of course, thank you for the invitation."

Mits headshakes.  "The Book is far from over, and there's several more chapters to go.  Don't worry about me lacking rest, Timothius.  In spite of appearances, I am quite disciplined and know my limits well."

She eyes Bram with a skeptical look but isn't paranoid enough to expect being poisoned.  She listens intently to his tale.

"You're welcome, Kyle," Bram answers.

He then gets into the tale...
The city of Overlook stands at the base of the Stonehome
Mountains at the farthest western reaches of
the Elsir Vale. This age-old redoubt was the center of
the ancient dwarf-kingdom that once dominated the
vale, but which faded into obscurity generations ago.
Though little is remembered of this lost kingdom,
its folk ventured far and wide in their day. One dwarf
clan—the Ironfell—made forays in search of mineral
wealth in the deserts beyond the Thornwaste to the
southwest of Elsir Vale. There, they established a
mine they called the Karak Lode, after the first dwarf
of Clan Ironfell to fall in its defense.
Over long years, Karak became a legendary source
of wealth as its folk pulled rich deposits of gold, silver,
and other precious metals from beneath the desert
sands. A supply depot was established at the desert’s
edge to service the caravans traveling between the
mine and Elsir Vale, but the location of the Karak
Lode was kept a closely guarded secret. Only oathsworn
members of Clan Ironfell ever made the final
leg of the journey across the sands.
Dwarves hold their secrets close, and their grip
is doubly tight where wealth is concerned. So it was
that Karak’s secrecy eventually became its downfall.
Under the pressure of monstrous marauders, famine,
and migrant human tribes, the dwarf kingdom of
Elsir Vale declined. As its resources were taxed past
the breaking point, the kingdom’s borders began to
contract until little more than the territory immediately
surrounding Overlook was left. In time,
sandstorms struck the southern wastes and the Karak
supply depot was abandoned. Soon, all contact with
the mine was lost, and the Karak Lode was consigned
to history.

“The location of the Karak Lode was known to few even
within the clan, and it was thought that all who had such
knowledge were lost when the mines were reclaimed by
the desert. Even within the clan, Karak is all but forgotten.
However, recent events might change that.
“The destruction of Sarshan’s operations in Overlook
saw the shadar-kai’s many warehouses and transit
points raided. In one of those raids, the watch uncovered
documents connected to Sarshan’s operations, including
an ancient fragment of parchment. On it was written a
list of landmarks and bearings for a journey, along with
the name of Clan Ironfell. I had never seen this parchment
before. However, at the watch’s request, I undertook a bit
of research into my family’s archives. If what I discovered
there holds true, this parchment holds the directions to the
Karak Lode.”

Timothius says, "Sooo... you want us to find a mine that can't be used and was destined to scare people away? I mean, I know it has personal value to you, please don't take what I said wrong. But why awaken old ghosts?"

Raichel says, "I'm sure there's more to it than just re-opening a mine... right?"

May tail-wags and eats as she seems to listen eagerly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:29, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

  "I assume you want us to look into if it even exists, and this parchment is accurate before committing to the hard task of reopening such a place.  However, even if we were properly compensated such a trip would be wasted unless you are ready to spend the time and resources recovering it should it prove true."  Even more, if Bram wants to beat any competition to it and hopes to lay claim to the whole place himself.

Mits doesn't have anything to add yet.

“Discovering what became of my kin would end a sad
chapter in Ironfell history, but that is not my primary
motive in seeking your aid. If the Karak Lode can be found,
its wealth offers the means to shore up the defenses of
Overlook and the Elsir Vale. However, it is anyone’s guess
what manner of creatures might lair there, or what defenses
the last of the clan left to guard the mines. This is not a job
for the city watch, I fear.”
Bram offers the PCs 1,000 gp (half in gold, half in
gems) as an upfront payment for undertaking the
search for the Karak Lode. In addition, the PCs can
claim any other treasure they recover along the way.

May says, "Shore up Overlook's defenses? Now that's something to make the trip worthwhile. If we find it, that is."

Raichel says, "With the stuff Mittens has been finding and the information we learned in the shadowfell, while money coming to Overlook sounds great, I hope you'll understand if I answer with this: For now, my team and I will take and and all information you may have about this place, talk it over, and then have an answer for you by morning."

Timothius is silent also.

May says, "Well, I'm on board anyway. Though I won't go without my team. I'm kinda anxious to test out my new arsenal of weapons. And those monsters driving everyone out makes me wanna kick them out. But at the same time, if we find Overlook has a serious threat that only we can deal with, we'll have to do that instead. I'd welcome finding old ruins as a break from constantly fighting whole armies, but my team and I may not have a choice."

  "I would ask about mine profit percentages, but I somehow doubt you are that desperate and would settle for second best if we stuck it out for such." Kyle, your 8 Charisma is showing.

  "Still, if the resources would actually go to something so practical I would likely go along with them."

"We should go and go soon," Mittens urges Raichel, "There's a settlement down there, and I bet they need urgent help considering recent events cutting them off from Overlook.  All I'm getting here in Overlook are dead ends, and well... May has a point.  If getting a source of money is the only option we have for shoring up Overlook right now, then we should pursue it."

Mits gives Bram a stern look, "Though if you flip-flop on what you're telling us and try to use the mine for merely your own personal gain, the Council will hear about it.  Including the mine's location."

Bram headshakes.  "What good is gold to one in a fallen city, hmm?  I'm not so foolish as to think everything will simply work out.  I plan to recoup my expenses, divert the rest to the city defenses until the threat is passed, then use the mine for profit.  Acceptable?"

May says, "Alright, everyone. Let's get going."

Raichel says, "A settlement?! I thought the place was ancient and abandoned generations ago."

Timothius says, "Come on now, people... the guy is our host, invited us here and treated us to dinner. Please don't antagonize him when he hasn't been anything but nice so far?" and there goes Timothius' 17 charisma. He looks at Bram and says, "I appologise, Mr Bram... we have been through some pretty horrible things and seen some of the darker side of people. Please forgive the abrasiveness..."

  "I can not fault anyone for covering their expenses." So long as, you know, they are actual expenses.

  Kyle is now surprised that Bram has made little to no mention of the settlement himself.

"The only settlement I'd heard of was abandoned long ago," Bram says.

Mits nods to Timothius then answers Raichel.  "Dunesend.  Abandoned by Overlook, but not its people.  Unless they all just mysteriously vanished without a trace since the most recent record.  I'll bet they're trapped by there by the Thorn Waste."

Bram shrugs.  "Thanks for your courtesy, Timothius.  Don't worry about abrasiveness.  You all are the Heroes of Overlook, not the ambassadors.  Believe me when I say I can appreciate your forthrightness."

Raichel says, "Then let's go. Thanks for the food, Bram."

Timothius goes back to being quiet, but will follow the team.

May thrusts a hand forward to shake Bram's hand before leaving. She looks very bubbly and excited.

  "Still, even for mercenaries with a good reputation there are probably limits."  Look at worst Kyle suggested the guy was too cheap to not contractually obligate them to years of financial payoff.  If they can take the goods from the mine.  Which they won't, because we can't have nice things and there will be too many pigeons for them to deal with to bother with the mine after all.

  Or maybe Kyle's just being too cynical again.  Meanwhile, look at may being all pleasantly professional.

Bram chuckles at Kyle's comment.  "Yeah.  Conversely, there's limits for those who hire them."

Mits blows up on her hair, "We're only technically mercenaries because we don't turn down payment for heroics.  We're not in the same category as Sarshan's 'Everyone has their price.' type."

"Clearly.  And you've proven that more than once."

The PCs can make Sense Motive checks against
Bram, but the dwarf ’s stated intention in using the
wealth of the mines to defend Overlook and Elsir
Vale is entirely truthful. If the PCs have previously
heard of the consortium’s secret plots to replace the
ruling council with a hand-picked body loyal to the
merchants’ own interests, Kalad confirms that Bram
is known to be opposed to that group.
Kalad is familiar with the Ironfell clan and
vouches for Bram’s good character. However, his
duties with the watch prevent him from accompanying
the party on their mission.

Mits shows on the map the best rout to take through the city to begin the journey.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:59, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

May marches the group to a carriage and four horses. A pony with all kinds of weapons attached to it (Such as a giant crossbow once wielded by an orc) brings up the carriage's rear. "I've got all our traveling expenses taken care of! Let's get going!"

Inside the wagon, May is sure to play show-and-tell with about half a dozen weapons (since MOST of them are on the horse and she didn't want to disarm herself of some of her tried-and-true magic weapons).

Raichel is interested, but Timothius seems distracted by his concern for Mittens. "Are you upset about us being labeled mercenaries, Mittens?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

  Kyle still thinks 'oh we won't turn DOWN money' is dumb, it's not his fault life keeps throwing problems the people and places that need saving do not have the budget or time to pay them properly.

  Kyle thanks May for dealing with the travel arrangements.

  "Well, when was the last time you've heard of a flattering story about a famous mercenary Timothius.  Any 'hero' who takes up requests and gets rewarded in the end is still a mercenary though, no matter how noble.  While those who would turn down any compensation at all just to avoid the label are just hurting themselves."

"Nine out of ten definitions for the word 'mercenary' say that it means you fight merely for personal gain and sell out to the highest bidder," Mittens clarifies, "So no.  I don't like the label even if it's technically 1/10th accurate.  If we were official members of the Overlook military then the last one out of ten meaning wouldn't apply because then all of a sudden our motives would have the 'if we sell out we get executed as traitors, so of course money isn't the object!' excuse to fall back on.  But even official soldiers or even paladins aren't foolish enough to turn down their salary.  I can tell you without a doubt this distinction will be brought up.  'They're mercenaries!  Why should we take their word over Captain Trustworthy?!'"

Her mood improves thanks to May's show-and-tell.  She'll even nerd up a few historical tidbits over legendary examples of weapons shown.

May is so excited about Mittens sharing historical tidbits that she squeals, sticks her legs straight out and her tail straight up while holding the weapon out in front of her! "I didn't know that! WHEEEEE!" What? May obsesses over weapons, not books. So she actually doesn't know much about weapon history. But since it has to do with her latest purchases? She's all giddy.

Timothius says, "I'm sure there are upsides and downsides to taking on the mercenary label. Technicalities or not, reputations is priceless. You can't buy a reputation like ours. Like it or not, people have presuppositions about certain labels. The presuppositions that come with Mercenary might open a few doors for us among our enemies, but will likely close more among our friends."

Raichel says, "I think our actions will speak for themselves. People will label us whatever they want to label us. But the simple matter is Mittens doesn't like the term, so as a friend, I'll ask you not call her one anymore."

  Kyle nods,  "Easy enough to not call her that, so I will not.  Just as soon as she stops saying things like 'ugh, do we have to get paid?' to our clients.  Especially if she is going to pick up tastes towards the more costly enchantments like sunblades.  I would not feel the need to stress the point so hard if not for such things."

Through the Thornwaste Level 6
Skill Challenge XP 750
South of the Westdeep, the broken ground of the Thornwaste
stretches before you. Ridges of knife-edged stone spread as
far as the eye can see, interspersed with heavy growths of
twisted brambles. Your first investigation of these reveal that
their thorns are iron-sharp, capable of drawing blood even
through the thickest clothing. No trail or tracks lead into the
wasteland ahead.
This skill challenge sees the PCs make their way across the
desolate landscape of the Thornwaste, seeking the supply
depot that marks the beginning of their journey into the
desert.
The Thornwaste is a parched landscape of washed-out gullies
and tangled briars. The directions from the parchment
indicate that a road once passed this way, but it has long
since disappeared. Though the area appears inhospitable,
dozens of species of desert animal dwell here, hunted by
predators including lions and wild boar.
The PCs meet Mag Blackthorn (see below) after their second
success or first failure (whichever comes first) in the skill
challenge. The first combat encounter (“Clan Rivals,” page 72)
takes place after the party’s fourth success or second failure.
Complexity 3 (requires 8 successes before 3 failures).
Primary Skills Endurance, Nature, Perception.
Other Skills Nature, Perception.
Victory If the PCs achieve 8 successes before 3 failures, they
emerge from the Thornwaste near Dunesend.
Defeat If the PCs get 3 failures before attaining 8 successes,
they stumble out of the Thornwaste one day away from
Dunesend. This extra day of travel costs each PC 1 extra
healing surge. Additionally, the party attracts the attention
of a satyr rake that shadows them, then joins the combat in
“The Warden” encounter.
Special If the PCs ally themselves with Mag Blackthorn, they
gain a +2 bonus to further checks in this skill challenge.
Endurance (DC 12). The PCs must endure the harsh
environment and deadly briars of the barren Thornwaste as
they make their way south.
This is a group check. One character acts as lead, while the
others make checks to aid that character. Each ally that gets
a result of 10 or higher provides a +2 bonus to the lead
character’s check (which counts as the check to determine
a success or a failure). A failed check indicates that all
members of the party lose one healing surge, in addition to
counting as a failure for the challenge.
Nature (DC 12). The PC makes a Nature check to help find a
safe path through the briars, or to find sufficient water to
sustain the group.
Perception (DC 17). The PC seeks and finds a good vantage
point atop a stony ridge, from which the best path can be
seen through the scrubland ahead.
Nature or Perception (DC 12). The PC notes signs of
predatory beasts or finds a remnant of the ancient dwarf
track through the wastes. On a successful check, the next
primary skill check made in the challenge gains a +2 bonus.
This use of these skills does not count as a success or failure
toward the completion of this challenge.

"Thank you," is all Mits has to say on the topic.  She's quite happy with May's liking her lore spew.

The journey through the trackless Thornwaste is proving to be quite a bit easier than one would expect.  Sure there's the occasional thorn bush branch blocking the winding way that needs hacked, but Mits gives such accurate directions it seems as though she has the way memorized if not for her non-committal language.

"This dry stream bed is probably the clearest path for miles around.  It'll likely snake through these shale hills in a mostly Southward direction where I expect it to reach a east-flowing creek.  There we'll likely be able to ford it a few minutes upstream.  On the other side I should find a high spot to get a look at our next dry stream bed..."

Later, from atop the predicted high spot, "Ooh!  Even better!  I think I found the old road!  We've got a nice clear walkway if we go just a little more upstream."

In the distance, you spot something. Slipping through the
brush and brambles is a human male in a tattered black coat
and leggings. A battered, wide-brimmed hat shrouds his face,
his boots held together with coarse twine. He carries a spear
in one hand, a leather-bound book in the other.

Mag hails the PCs, declaring himself protector
of the Thornwaste and demanding to know their
business.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

Timothius steps forward and waves. "Hail! We are the heroes of Overlook. I am Timothius. This is Mittens, Raichel, Kyle and May. Our business is private; we promised someone to keep it secret."

Raichel bows.

May throws her whole body in the air to exaggerate her waving hand. "Can I get a closer look at your spear, Mag?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:41, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

  Kyle was considering mentioning they planned on checking up on the local settlement, which technically wasn't their secret job.  But follows Tim's example.  "Is there any concerns you have we should be aware of?"

"'Protector of the Thornwaste,' you say?" Mits echoes, "Then our business as it relates to you is 'Just passing through.'"

"Heroes, you say?" Mag answers, looking satisfied, "Just passing through?  You must be headed for Dunesend, then.  They could sure use a hero or five.  Just be warned.  The Queen of the Drylands and her minions are quite powerful.  If you're new to heroing, you'll not last a day."

To May he says, "You seem nice enough, so I'd rather you not.  I give closer looks to those whom I would slay."

He'll give helpful directions and advice before taking his leave.

May seems to accept the guy's answer well enough. But once he's gone, she says, "Nice guy. Woulda been nice to get a closer look at his spear, but I understand where he's coming from."

Raichel nods and says, "I'm glad he accepted our answer. And I'm glad there is someone like him out here, watching over the place... though that brings up a question: Why does it even NEED watching? Is there something buried here?"

Timothius shrugs. "Maybe we can ask him on our way home."

  "The drylands are large, there may very well be things of more interest in them than what our travels will see."  Or, you know, it could just be lame environments and random encounters.

When Mittens warns of an ambush, May presses forward and says, "WE'RE ON TO YOU, VILLAINS!" as she twirls a sling and throws a stone at the hellhound, dealing as good a blow as can be done with such a weapon (sans a crit)!

---

Move: Into the open!
Standard: Ranged Basic v Hellhound. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 11

Hellhound HP: 96 - 11 = 85

"They've spotted us!" a dwarf in platemail says, "For Clan Hammerfist!"

He charges May and fails.

"Most of them are over here!" another says from the brambles, charging Kyle and missing.

A third just lumbers through the brambles.  The hellhound snarls and attacks May, biting the hand that slings him!

Timothius moves over and says, "I've got May!" and throws his famous seal on the hellhound.

---

Astral Seal v Hell Hound. CRIT(31)!

Raichel deftly moves around to the dwarf's side and says, "Stop your evil ways! We are heroes! We didn't come here to fight you! We came to rescue Dune's End!" she swings her staff, but her timing is off and the guy had moved forward incidentally dodging.

---

Five Storms. Miss(11). At least it gives the move technique, so no AoO there.

Mits moves out of Kyle's way and readies an attack...

  Kyle comments, as he sidesteps for a more head on angle, "That last one may be their problem, with our luck."  He tries for the home run with the morningstar, but the Dwarf blocks the blow with his shield.  Who would have expected that to happen?

  Still, at least he moved close enough to toughen up May with Artificer Radiation.  No we are not letting that joke go.
Fail attack.  Resistive buff may.  +1 AC, can cash in for 3+May Surge THP

May slightly tilts and turns her head in the direction of the Mittens behind her as she hears a reposition request. She pulls out the carrikal and whacks the hellhound another good one, blessings healing May's wound up. Then she moves to where Mitts asked.

---

May activates buff, gains 18 thp.
May takes 5 dmg from Hellhound aura.
Standard: Weapon Master's Strike v Hellhound. Hit(23)!
 dmg: 10
Move: Shift to square Mittens requested of May.

Maych-P: 55+2thp + 5 = 60+2thp
Hellhound HP: 73 - 10 = 63

Mits zaps three of the enemies with her radiant scythe.

"And if that's not enough for you, we're on a holy mission from the gods to rescue Overlook and the entire world from an extraplanar attack!  Stand down, NOW!"

"Yeah right," a dwarf says, knocking May over, "You're all just glorified mercs in it for the money!"

"That's propaganda for ya!" another says with a laugh, knocking Rai down, "If our clan gets to the mine first, we'll be the heroes!"

"Holy mission my arse," the third says, hammering Rai with a charge, "You're working for Clan Ironfell!"

The hellhound flanks May and savages the back of her neck!

---

OOC: The dwarves are sure of their combat superiority.
They and their hell hound fight to the death.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

Timothius almost lost his footing when Mitts says what she does, "Are you TRYING to make us sound unbelievable?!" he then addresses the dwarves, "I am a Cleric of Pelor! A friend of Kalad, Paladin of Moradin! If you have ANY respect for your god, then HOLD THIS SENSELESS FIGHTING!"

---

Hymn of Resurgence v Hammerer1,2,3,Hellhound. Hit(26)! Hit(25)! Miss(15) Hit(28)!
 -2 defenses, knocked prone when hit, blabla.
 5thp to all but Raichel
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:37, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

The bolters don't have anything to add and just shoot at May, one of them hitting her in the shoulder.

"We don't have time for this!" Mittens snarls at the enemy, "Astral Angelic Echelon TERROR!"

The ground around the enemy ignites with white fire, Mittens grows a pair of angel wings, her scythe becomes ethereal and grows to be fifteen feet long, and she swings it around, knocking the enemy back as they scream in horror!  One of the dwarfs falls unconscious.  Several winged swords appear over them threatening to attack should they continue the battle!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

Raichel yells at the one near her, "FALL!" and her words send the guy flying, his ribcage cracked from the sheer force and he lands unconscious in the brambles. Then Raichel moves over to May and throws lightning at the next dwarf, taking him out and it bounces to the hellhound behind her, taking IT out. Her eyes dart to the ranged dwarves remaining.

---

Standard: Thunder Slam v Hammerer 2. CRIT!(28)!
 dmg: 28
 crit dmg: 13
Move: To May
ACTION POINT!
Standard: Lightning Strike v Hammerer 1. Hit(15)
 dmg: 8. Transferred the storm bonus to Hellhound for total of 8 dmg

Hammerer 2 HP: 34 - 41 = KO!
Hammerer 1 HP: 7 - 8 = KO
Hellhound HP: 7 - 8 = KO

May just charges in the direction of the remaining dwarves.

"And if you're still not convinced:" Timothius says, walking to his twin sis, "Be healed, Raichel." he puts a hand on her and the nasty bruise that was on her face vanishes. He then continues on in the direction May went.

---

Healing Word on Rai.
 roll: 17. +10(surge) = 27

Raichel HP: 24 + 27 = 42 FULL

The bolters are scared witless, so they're stupid enough to attack.  And miss.

  "Nice shooting, you should have mentioned your holy mission was smiting idiots."  The aritificer makes his way through the brambles, he's not close enough to shoot well yet, but not like the enemies can do it to him either.

"Still attacking?!" Mits hollers, rushing to keep up with the others, "Idiots!"

She swings her scythe and a bolt of radiance blasts the two bolters!

Raichel runs up to her siblings and throws another lightning bolt at the enemies. Like with the hellhound, it hits one and bounces to the other, giving them a serious jolt!

---

Move: To sibs.
Standard: Lightning Strike v Bolter 1. Hits(19)!
 dmg: 8
 dmg to bolter 2: 8

Bolter 1 HP: 37 - 8 = 29
Bolter 2 HP: 37 - 8 = 29

May rushes up the side of the rock face and gets up in the dwarf's face. "We said SURRENDER!"

---

Double move. Climb check: 20

Timothius moves to the cliff face and says, "Please give up! We really DON'T want to waste our time with you and I don't wanna hurt you!" With that, bolter 1 feels an impending sense of doom. Not quite a Carla finger-shake, but close.

---

Move: To rock
Standard: Prophetic Guidance on Bolter 1

  Kyle moves up closer to the outcropping from the other side, and summons the Thunder Helmet Of Face Blasting for May.   The shot misses, but then a ray of sunlight streaks down and the blast bounces off it into the back of the bolter's head, taking him out.

+1 Power bonus to AC to May, until end of my next turn.
Tim yays = Thundering takes out bolter 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

Raichel repositions to get a decent look at the remaining dwarf and shoots lightning at him. "May's got him, Mitts. No need to climb."

---

Lightning Strike v Bolter 2. Hit(26)!
 dmg: 13

Bolter 2 HP: 29 - 13 = 16

May steps over the downed dwarf to his buddy and WHACKS him across the face with the jawbone weapon she likes so much. "If you want ALL your bones broken, I can oblige!"

---

Weapon Master's Strike v Bolter 2. Hit(26)!
 dmg: 11

Bolter 2 HP: 16 - 11 = 5

Timothius may not like violence. And he especially dislikes being the cause of it. But sometimes, to end the violence quicker, you need to be violent. Or to keep worse violence from happening, you need to inflict not-as-bad violence. In this case, Timothius decides to take the hit to his sanity because he's worried his allies might kill this guy or do some really really bad things to him that he might live through. Timothius thrusts his staff forward and then spreads his arms! White fire explodes from inside the guy, shooting from his ears, mouth, nostrils, and eye sockets! Although the guy wobbles there with smoke coming from his mouth, his eyes and such seem unharmed as he collapses.

Timothius looks rather frightened and clings to his staff, leaning on it, panting, his eyes fixed on the dwarf he downed.

---

Standard: Sacred Flame v Bolter 2. Hit(19)!
 dmg: 11

Bolter 2 HP: 5 - 11 = SO defeated

Mits exhales.

"Right.  Let's loot these guys and get going.  I've got a feeling someone will be in urgent need just as we arrive, so please please please hurry."

Treasure: In addition to any treasure you place
here (see “Treasure Parcels,” page 59), one of the
dwarves bears a fist-and-hammer crest on the side of
his warhammer. A DC 15 History check (DC 10 for
a resident of Elsir Vale) recognizes the crest as that of
Hammerfist, a clan of local dwarves that have long
been bitter rivals of the Ironfells.
One of the dwarves also carries a journal hinting
at his clan’s hunger to claim the lost Karak Lode in
defiance of Clan Ironfell. This journal makes note
of “the secret route to the mine” being discovered
months before, but makes no mention of who did so.

  Kyle autos the History check regarding the crest, and offers the Warhammer to May  "Here May, I do not think you have an official Hammerfist Clan weapon yet."  After all, the rest of the enemies don't have official logos on their hammers.

  He looks to Mittens, and says "While I do not doubt you, and I am thankful for the convenience Mittens, I am curious which divine hint line you have that Timothius lacks this past week."

  Eletor would shrug and tell Kyle that ordained clerics don't always have better instincts than loose cannon freelance holy types if he was here.

May gets watery-eyed when Kyle hands her the hammer. "Thank you! That's a PERFECT trophy! Though I'll have to be careful if this clan is local. They see me with this, I might get assumed a bad girl."

Raichel is seen looking at a journal and says, "We of clan Hammerfist have a chance to show those Ironfell losers; Someone already found the hidden route and we will be following that lead..."

Timothius stares at the downed dwarf for about 6 seconds before he comes to his senses and rushes to check on everyone. He then helps tie up the baddies.

May says, "If we're so short on time, what do we do with these guys?"

Timothius says, "If we leave them here, they'll starve to death. We have little choice but to force-march them to our destination."

Raichel says, "I doubt the cut-off town has much in the way of a jail to hold this many prisoners. But maybe they'll have something akin to stocks that we can hold them in..."

Mits kills the hellhound with a radiant bolt.

"We don't have time for a forced march!  There's a gnoll that's going to make an 'example' out of a villager!  Very soon!  Anangeltoldmeso.  If we're not willing to let these attempted murderers go, let's kill 'em and go!"

She readies her scythe to behead the nearest nimrod.

  "Mittens, come on.  Let's be rational about this."  Well, that's very noble of you Kyl-  "There is a perfectly good pit we can just toss them down right there." Welp.

Timothius stands in Mittens' way and says, "If there really is THAT much of a time crunch, then don't waste any more time on these guys! We'll track them down later if they wake up before we get back!"

Raichel says, "And let murderous badguys get away to kill more people? I'm with Kyle. Dump them in the pit. They should have enough rations on them to keep them alive until we return."

May is already dumping bodies into the pit. "We'll get there in time, Mittens."

Batman logo spin!

As the PCs enter Dunesend, read:
You crest a low rise to see the expanse of thorns suddenly
end, a great sea of sand beyond it. At the transition from the
Thornwaste to the desert, a decrepit village sprawls, its huts
and fields spreading to either side of an ancient stone tower.
A sudden cry of pain drifts toward you on the wind.
As the PCs approach, read:
In the center of the settlement, sun-darkened human villagers
observe in angry silence as a massive gnoll raises a bloodflecked
flail over its head. At its feet, a human male lies dead.
Behind the gnoll coils a serpentine creature with glittering blue
scales and dozens of legs. It watches the villagers hungrily.


(Cant find the pic online.  Will drop it into tim's art page)

  Kyle's previously mentioned Lore Crit comes into play, and quietly urges his friends "Do not rush out.  That is a Behir, it can and will effortlessly swallow you whole from fifteen feet away.  More bad news, they are heavily resistant to lightning, but not thunder."  He considers it's size, and says "The only good news is it's a younger one, so we have a chance of putting it down before it snacks on anyone too hard."

May says, "Either I stop it and risk being eaten, or it comes and eats all of us. Got it." and rushes to the behir, SLASHING it with her carrikal! "How about the heroes of Overlook make an example of YOU?!"

---

Move: To Behir (JUST enough movement speed!)
Standard: Villain's Menace v Behir. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 16
 Until end of encounter, +2 to attack rolls and +4 to damage rolls.

Behir HP: 87 - 16 = 71

  "I really, really wish I could deny the truth in that logic."  He sighs, and follows up on Tim's untyped yet request to save nameless NPC.  He moves up, revives them, and lands a half decent shot against the Behir, but sadly his second shot glances off.

Move: duh
minor: heal to npc.
standard: repulsiion strike vs behir, hits.
ACTION POINT: fail scouring by 1.

Behir -3 Melee to-hit until end of my next turn.
Behir HP: 53 left.

The saters send a barrage of arrows at Raichel, downing her!  One arrow that was headed Kyle's bounces harmlessly off the village blacksmith's leather apron's shoulder strap!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:21, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

Timothius waves a hand at Raichel and the arrows she was shot with fly out of her, her wounds closing. Even as he does this, Timothius heads for cover. Then points at the Bahir and his allies can see bull's eyes in various spots on the Bahir.

---

Minor: Healing Word
 roll: 11. +10(surge) = 21
Move: To cover
Standard: Prophetic Guidance on Bahir


Raichel HP: -3 + 21 = thankfully 21. Thank you 4e "start at 0hp" heal mechanics.

---

Mittens rushes forward, ignites the ground with white fire, and calls down an ion beam strike from the heavens upon the Behir and the Warden!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:48, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

The Bahir turns to face May, growls loudly and goes to chomp her, but she steps to the side, jumps into the air and slams her shield down on him, making him literally eat dirt! The whack sounded so loudly that it rang through the whole encampment. "SURRENDER NOW AND BE SPARED!" she yells as she stands over the unconscious Bahir.

---

Shield Edge Block. Hit(20)! Thanks to CA.
 dmg: 16

Bahir HP: 16 - 16 = 0

Raichel hops to her feet, martial-arts style, and throws a lightning bolt at the warden. "Find those sneaky..." the lightning fries the gnoll something fierce and then bounces to one of the Satyrs. Raichel then runs for cover. "I'm OK, everyone!" She yells.

---

Minor: Stand from prone (haha boots)
Standard: Lightning Strike v Warden. CRIT(28)!
 dmg: 16
 crit dmg: 4
 dmg to Satyr 1: 4
Move: To cover

Warden HP: 73 - 20 = 53
Satyr HP: 80 - 4 = 76
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

"YOU DIE!" the gnoll screams, charging Mittens and hitting her with his heavy flail!

Radiant energy punishes him for attacking Mittens!  The villagers shriek and run to hide in their homes!  Only the one Kyle healed remains outside because he had to pick himself up first before running to open his front door.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

May says something in draconic to the gnoll that did NOT sound friendly. She comes up behind him and WHACKS him upside the back of his skull so hard the guy hears his own skull crack. He's lucky his head jerked forward from the force or he would have splattered brains. "You will leave my team alone."

---

Move: To flank Warden with Mittens
Weapon Master's Strike v Warden. CRIT(35)!
 dmg: 19
 crit dmg: 17

Warden HP: 43 - 36 = 7

  Kyle is feeling seriously betrayed by the cover mechanics right now.  So he blows his second and last infusion out of frustration healing the blacksmith through the door.  Sorry Raichel.

  At least the crowd clearing out means such a thing probably won't happen again.  So he heads on over and kablongs the Gnoll only left barely standing by his friends into concussion country.  Not to mention another reminder that this party is totally legit in taking Crimson 'I'm imagining I am beating up gnolls' Determination.

OOC: Magic weapon o'clock klonks Gnoll into KO.  M weapon bonus to Mittens.  +1 tohit, +3 power DMG rolls
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

"I'm outta here!" one of the Satyrs says, running to the southwest.

"Yeah, I'm not being paid enough to die," a second says, running to the south.

"Hey sorry 'bout the arrows, pretty kitty!" the one that finished off Raichel shouts, running to the southeast, "I'm simply hired help following orders.  Nothing personal!"

"We did it..." Mittens says, "We arrived on time..."

She drops to her knees, bursting into tears.

---

OOC: The Warden and his behir fight to the
death. The satyrs are strictly hired help, and
they flee if the Warden and the behir are
both killed
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:14, Sat 26 Apr 2014.

Timothius says, "Be right there, Mitts! Healing Rai!"

Hearing Tim say he was gonna help Rai, and knowing Kyle took care of any villager health needs, May flops on Mittens and says, "Yup! Made it."

Timothius heads for Raichel to heal her. Raichel then follows Timothius to Mittens.

---

Move: Double move to Rai
Minor: Healing Word on Raichel
 roll: 18. +10(surge) = 28

Raichel HP: 21 + 28 = 42

  Kyle checks on super sadface kitty before his crossbow, alert the doomsday watch.  "I'm not going to ask how many people would have died Mittens.  Just that you don't drive yourself to the breaking point even after they are saved.  You life matters too."

Mits grins and thumbs-ups at Kyle.  She giggles at May's lap-flop and pets her golden locks.

"Have I mentioned I love your hair, May?  Well I do."

The villagers begin to furtively peek out of their homes.

The twins are hugging Mittens, not saying anything at the moment.

May's eyelids get heavy as she smiles from the pets. "Why, thank you, Mittens. I've been thinking I might try the pigtails look here soon..." somewhere in her mind, she is considering how if she does that, she can use them as weapons in a whip-like fashion when someone gets too close. But she doesn't say as much.

Raichel says, "The villagers are coming out. Hopefully, they can give us more on where we'll find those runners."

Timothius stands slowly and looks at the villagers. "We are friends! We came urgently to help you! Don't be afraid!"

  "Don't worry, we only hurt assholes.  at least, so far that seems to have been the case.   NOW he checks his crossbow.

  "So, what makes a Gnoll bring a Behir through this town to threaten to eat people with?"

Mits figures 'nuff said by her friends to the villagers.  "Pigtails would look cute on you.  But then, everything's cute on you, May."

In the aftermath of the encounter with the Warden,
the PCs find themselves in a complex dilemma. The
folk of Dunesend have been saved from the predations
of the Warden and his allies, but they fear that
reprisals from Queen Shephatiah will soon follow.
As a result, most of the villagers are noticeably cool
toward the PCs, though none are hostile.

An aged human named Darkus Comahni works the
forge here, repairing tools and household implements
for the villagers.

If Darkus Comahni is approached as he gathers
up the remains of his apprentice for burial,
gawks that his apprentice is still alive a DC 12 0
Diplomacy check inspires him to speak to the PCs.
Likewise, a DC 17 Diplomacy check inspires Lotho
Elberesk or the halfling Bede to open up. Attempts
to communicate with other villagers result only in
sullen anger.

“The queen’s wrath will surely come down on us. Where
will you outsiders be then, I wonder?”

In response to specific questions, Elberesk, Darkus, or
Bede respond with the following:
What was going on here? Who was that gnoll
and those other creatures?

“That creature was the Warden, a foul tyrant that serves
the Queen of the Drylands. The blue worm was his steed
and enforcer, and it has slain several among us in recent
months. The others were creatures of the Thornwaste in
league with the Warden. They are the ones that prevent us
from fleeing this place or seeking aid for our plight.
“The Warden was here to make his monthly collection
of tribute. Poor weather has delayed our crops, but he
accused us of holding out. He used poor Vaudnim to set an
example for us all.”

"Thank you for saving my life," Vaudnim says, "This is my teacher, Darkus.  Pleased to meet you.  But why did you risk yourselves for us?"

Seeing Mittens is OK now, Timothius goes to glomp Kyle. "Thank you, Kyle. You kept the blacksmith's apprentice from dying." he purrs.

"Thanks, Mittens." the grinning kobold responds with a squeal in her tone.

Raichel immediately responds to the question of where the heroes will be, "We will be in her face, crushing her before she does any more harm!"

Timothius says, "Unless she surrenders peaceably. I doubt she will, but there's always that chance."

When asked why the group saved the village, May says, "Because we're heroes! We rescue those who need it! And before ANY of you doubt what we can do, you saw how quick we crushed these monsters? And even when we get hurt, well..." she glances at the cat-hugged Kyle. "We have two who can use supernatural means of miraculous healing."

  "I'm sure you would have done the same Timothius."  Kyle just had higher initiative order at the time was all.

  To Vaudnim, he says "May has about summed it up.  My conscience keeps making me do all these crazy things instead of just standing there watching it happen."  The spells and military grade (hmm, actually probably better than most) Crossbow do help when it comes to accomplishing those crazy things compared to townsfolk though.

  "Still, if you have anything more detailed than 'Queen is scary and will hurt people' for us to go on, that would be appreciated."

"What they said," Mits agrees, "Thanks, everyone."

Where can this Queen Shephatiah be found? Are
there more of her followers?

“The satyrs live within the Thornwaste along the desert
frontier. Like the shifter brigands of the desert, they have
eagerly pledged themselves to the Warden’s service. The
Warden comes always from the desert to the south. Where
his queen is, we do not know, but he and his followers
carry no more than a few days’ water to get here. A few
of our folk tried to follow the Warden’s trail when he first
appeared, but they never returned. All I can tell you is that
the Warden came once with a shifter who spoke out loud
of returning to somewhere called Karak. This creature was
soundly beaten by the Warden for his slip.”

If the PCs indicate their intent to end the threat from
Queen Shephatiah, Lotho puts them up and feeds
them free of charge at the caravansary while they prepare
for their journey.

"We could use some dinner, yeah," Mits says, "Afterwards, though, we've some unfinished business in the Thornwaste before we can spend the night here.  Or..."

She looks in the direction the group came from and falls silent.

May blurts, "Or what?!"

Raichel says, "Let's talk about that over food."

  "Or we wonder who's brand of cynicism is true when it comes to roadside ambushers left in pits."  Kyle brand, they escape and build a giant robot dwarf bandit.  Timothius brand, they eat eachother and then wildlife eats the survivor who got too fat eating dwarves to climb out.

"...or that guy we met will come over here and tell us what became of the dwarves.  I think I saw him headed our way.  So I guess he followed us."

Mittens takes a deep breath.  "To answer your earlier question in more detail, when we were traveling through the Thornwaste I caught sight of a tiny fleck of yellow.  A canary I think.  It must have looked at me.  The moment it did, I got an image of this place and The Warden.  A message?  If I were to put it into words, 'The gnoll will kill a villager if you don't hurry.'"

Raichel says, "So literally, a little birdy told you?"

May giggles. "That's weird. Who knew it would be such a difficult, arduous task to save a single villager when it has been easier than we thought to stop armies?"

Timothius doesn't look happy. Rai soon notices and gives him a side-hug.

  Superbird has the best supernatural bird relatives.

  "To be fair, we've been stopping the ones in charge of said armies and closing their convenient access.  While in the case of the village, they were already here."

EDIT: Staring at alchemy things is reminding me of lots of weird quirks.  like tanglefoot bag.  First it immobilizes until end of YOUR n

There is also Greenbane, which is basically "Beastbane, but vs PLANT keyword".  It is same levels and such... But it's component costs are either hilariously jacked up for it's later levels or they accidentally used Magic Item prices, because it asks for 2,626,000 for the level 29 component cost.  same as an ACTUAL LEVEL 29 ITEM.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:39, Sun 27 Apr 2014.

Mits also reaches to side-hug her bro.

Mag Blackthorn does indeed show up and he has a dwarf prisoner with him.  One of the bolters.  He doesn't enter town, though and calls out from the border.

"I believe this belongs to you," he says, shoving the bolter, looking unhappy.

He says nothing more and turns to leave.

Raichel races towards the dwarf to intercept while yelling out, "Hang on! What happened to the others?!"

Timothius follows Rai at a walking pace.

May follows at a running pace, but is unable to keep up with Rai's running pace.

  "Really?  Are there quirks of ownership in the Thornwastes I am unaware of?  Because him and his kin wanted nothing to do with us except to put a hammer in our skull."  The vague wandering guy may just be using a figure of speech Kyle.

Mag disappears into the Thornwaste without giving an answer.

"He killed 'em," the dwarf grumbles, "Well...  most of 'em.  One of us slipped and died trying to get out of that hole.  The others were in no shape to fight him so they ran.  And he shot 'em in the back."

Mits walks with Timothius to arm-around and whisper to him.

"Is there something specific that's upsetting you other than the usual 'villains getting killed?'"

Timothius says, "Do we really know for sure they were not just confused? We don't really know much about their feud so, for all we know, they thought us the villains and figured an ambush was the only way they'd win. And put yourself in their shoes: How in the world are they supposed to know we aren't just Ironfell stooges interested in nothing more than the mine? What if they didn't intend to kill us?"

Raichel, meanwhile, says to the dwarf, "Well hello again. Thanks to you, we arrived just in time to see the villager we came to save already dead. Luckily, since he JUST died, Kyle was able to heal him before his spirit left this world."

May, being right there with Raichel, says, "You know? Ironically, if they had decided to stop just long enough to talk, we would have been even later."

  "To be fair, he was only mostly dead."  Dead and Dying are totally two different status keywords!  Nevermind the implications of 1 HP wonders always being instantly overkilled.

  "I am more interested in why Mag felt the need to bring you here, if he even bothered to mention it."

"Whatever," is all the dwarf has to say in answer to May and Raichel.

To Terdisas he shrugs.  "He didn't tell me his reasoning."

Mits considers Timothius' words.

"You have a point.  I just assumed they were evil because they attacked us with a hellhound and didn't offer us the option of surrender.  But controlling a beast of evil has never been a clear indicator of being evil.  We should ask this survivor.  But since you're better at the whole talking thing, I'll let you do the asking."

A little questioning shows that the dwarf is so unused to legit good-guys he's wierded out that anyone believes such a thing exists.  Of course we intended to kill you.  Why would we risk you blabbing that we stole the directions?  Not like we're new to this business.  We knew you had no value to us alive.

Timothius is still upset and seems to be losing his ability to stay calm as he says, "No value? Besides rescuing Overlook from invading armies? Twice? Which you can easily confirm back at Overlook, where everyone knows us now? You and your friends would have been dead sooner along with everyone in the veil if not for us and we are STILL working towards making sure a third threat doesn't invade. We didn't kill you because we are heroes! Have you never even heard of such a thing? And what about the value of life? Can you, or any of your entire, Moradin-forsaken clan claim the power to create a single life?"

Raichel says, "I think the rest of us will take it from here, Timothius... you're talking to a wall when it comes to heroics and doing what's right."

May says, "OK. So... Clan Hammerfist, was it? We'll be willing to collect your allies bodies on our way back to Overlook, but right now, we're a little busy. The only reason we took Ironfell up on this offer is because we're seeing to it that he uses the money from the mine to help shore up Overlook's defenses. Which brings an interesting question... how in the WORLD did you already know we were doing anything associated with Ironfell?"

---

Images come to mind of a crazed, frazzle-haired Timothius with a shaving razor, laughing maniacally at a beardless dwarf.

  Kyle doesn't bring up the fact that in this case, Mitten's didn't go on a decapitation spree because it took (slightly) less time to just shove them in a hole.  Meanwhile, May asking the smartypants questions.

  "I had assumed enough money means secrets are not very much so, but there may be a more direct answer now that you ask, May."

"Moradin," the dwarf scoffs, "Hate to break it to you, kid, but the gods aren't real.  What you clerics practice is just white magic, nothing more.  You've already pointed out that an arcane artificer can do the same thing."

He shrugs to May.  "We knew 'cause our Cap'm knew.  How he knew?  I suppose 'cause his boss knew.  And bosses just know stuff somehow."

Mits lip-skews.  "Yeah.  This one's not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  But I'm not going to allow him to make me believe most Overlook dwarfs are so jaded about heroes.  But before I go, Mr. Marksman, you should know that the High Priest of Moradin helped us speak with the ghost of one of the famous Farstriders.  Her final words were to tell us that what you do in this life will have eternal consequences for you.  You've a lot to make up for if you don't want to end up in one of the Hells."

"Spare me your sermons."

Timothius glares at the dwarf. Then his glare becomes a scoff of his own. "Well here's something real enough for you: We're going to show Overlook that Clan Hammerfist attacked its heroes. At best, your clan is going to take centuries washing the stench from its name. Give me ONE reason why I shouldn't. Just. One."

Raichel is about to speak, but quiets herself.

May says, "...I have a reason, but I'm curious what the Hammerfist guy'll say." she turns to look up at Kyle and/or Mittens. "Remind me to have words with Bram about how easily his 'secret' missions get out."

  "Yeaaaah.  I may make some professional rivalry jabs at the divine sorts, but even if Deities were less than they claim, souls and planes of afterlife are at this point proven even by magical academia."  Hey, if Asmodeous can slum it up and offer pact boons to desperate warlocks, Gods could very well be put in the same category when they give mortal's their zappy.

  He looks to May, and nods.  "I'll help hold him down if need be."

"What?  You think that'll get some secret information out of me?  It wouldn't even if I knew anything.  Which I don't."

"His own words!" Mittens laughs.

"That's not what I meant!  Irritating bunch of animals.  Blab what you want.  You're wasting your breath.  I ain't talkin!  You can tell Bram that his smug, sanctimonious, hero act ain't foolin' anybody!"

Mits snicker-snorts.  "He thinks this is an interrogation.  Look.  You've had your second and third chances and more.  You've run out.  But thank you for showing my bro that you and your comrades were nothing more than a bunch of murderous thugs who hadn't the least bit of good intentions."

"Tsh.  Whatever."

Timothius looks unimpressed. "I didn't ask for information. I asked for a reason to not do what I really wanted to do. Looks like you don't have one."

May pipes in, "There's a chance not ALL of Clan Hammerfist are a bunch of evil bandits. Some innocent people in the clan could wind up shamed, hurt, or even killed as a result of such a smear campaign."

Timothius thumbs at May and says, "There. A reason. See? You are so foreign to doing the right thing, you couldn't even muster a reason for your clan to not have its name smeared."

Raichel says, "Speaking of wasting our breath, we should have this guy locked up so we can get our night's rest in and get started."

  "I really doubt they have enough time for a lockup in a harassed settlement such as this.  Really at this point, we should start focusing on what we were going to deal with before this dwarven sidetrack."  At the very least, Mag saved them some travel time.

"Lockup can be as easy as tossing a tied up dwarf into a pit," Mits says, "I'm sure the villagers won't mind keeping this guy in a shed while we go deal with their evil queen problem."

The villagers DO mind.  But can be persuaded to reluctantly comply.  Rest is had.  Next day the weather looks decent enough to get started.

Raichel has been up, done her exercises and joined the team for breakfast. Timothius has been getting up around when Raichel does now, due to being officially a Pelor cleric now.

May got up when people were ready to eat. At the table, Raichel discussed past tactics with the team to give refreshers on what they have been learning from combat.

Before they leave, May uses some wax to give the dwarf a twirled mustache and comments about how now the beard fits him. After everyone is ready to head out, May takes point as usual. On the way there, she says, "You know... this hero thing has been turning out to be JUST like the story books. Mustache-twirling villains, city-wide recognition, showing up in the nick of time..."

  A lack of offers of half kingdoms and princesses, but then Kyle is okay with that because it would be hard managing that many areas and that many princeses at once could only lead to carnage.

  >"In this heat, the moustache will droop rather quickly.  But I suppose it is the principle of the matter."

"Yeah..." Mits agrees, "Though it's a bigger responsibility than I ever imagined."

As you travel, the intermittent desert landmarks you
pass are a perfect match for the course set out by Bram’s
directions. These are a scattered series of basalt pillars, the
remnants of long-ago volcanic eruptions rising now like
sentinels from the sand.
On the second day of travel, the PCs are spotted and
attacked by a patrol sent out by Queen Shephatiah.

Ahead, a figure emerges from a haze of wind-blown
sand. The emaciated form of an elderly human female
crawls toward you on hands and knees, her face lined and
sunburned beneath the hood of a ragged cloak. Her voice
raised against the wind, she calls out: “Turn back! Nothing
but death awaits you in the heart of the desert!”
Perception Check
DC 22: "A cloaked form lies on the ground a short distance
behind the old woman, all but invisible beneath a thin layer
of sand." Mittens says.

The PCs have a chance to spot the closest razorclaw
stalker, but the rest are out of line of sight on the other
side of the dune ridge.
When the PCs first see a razorclaw stalker, read:
A bestial humanoid suddenly rises from the ground, the
layer of sand that concealed it streaming down its mottled
brown cloak. It wields a razor-sharp short sword, snarling
as it attacks.
When the PCs see the hag in her true form, read:
The old woman’s form shimmers like heat haze. In her place
stands a wizened hag, pointed teeth bared in a hideous
smile as she laughs.

  "Listening to such common sense, unfortunately, is not often something we can do."  He looks to Mittens's narration, then asks the Crispy Lady  "Why are your friends leaving you to crawl through the sand unaided, old one?"

  Kyle's various paranoid assumptions are fighting eachother, using an old lady as bait would fit the SO EVIL mold but it would also be entirely impractical to keep one alive in the harsh desert.  Either way, Resistive Buff for May.

  Then Too Obvious For Surprise Round ambush happens, and he uses his lucky initiative placement to fire a shot.  Unfortunately, the dice cooties have caught up to him and the shot goes extra wide.
OOC Fail attack.  Resistive buff on May.  +1 AC.  Can cash in for May Surge+3 THP.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

Raichel hurries around to stand protectively in front of her siblings. She and May then move forward. "Who are you?!" Raichel asks, "We mean you no harm!"

---

Rai: Readied Thunder Slam for if shifter moves within 3 squares of Rai or allies
May: Readied charge after Rai's readied action resolves (whether person gets pushed or not)

"We are the heroes of the Elsir Vale!" Mittens hollers, zapping at the only visible enemy, "Surrender and be spared, evil ambusher!"

The monster disappears behind the ridge.

"Help!" the old lady hollers from behind the ridge.

Timothius follows his siblings and holds a ball of white fire in his hands.

---

Readied Sacred Flame for when enemy enters range.

  "It would be easier to help you if you did not deliberately crawl away from us, seriously."  Kyle is trying to decide if expectations of paranoia, or expectations of idiocy are more likely when it comes to the old lady.  Possibly both.

  Kyle would ask May to not run off this time, but figures it is even less likely with a senile old lady involved than a behir, even if doing so means nobody can help her for a good while when it comes to combat.
OOC readied hits anything, if they enter range at least.

May and Raichel take another stride towards the dune crest. "There's 3 of the-oof!" May yells as she gets blown aside. "THE OLD LADY CAN BLOW YOU AWAY!"

Raichel reaches the crest also and says, "I can do that TOO!" her voice booming across the sands, whipping them aside like a tunnel of soundwaves was traveling them! But the hag crosses her arms DBZ-style and takes the hit without seeming harmed or even budging. "HEEEEE HEEHEEHEE!!"

---

May: Move, Char-oops! Attacked by readied hag scream!
Rai: Move, Thunder Slam. Miss(19). The hag has frickin' 20 fort. O.o

The razorclaws charge and all slash May with their shortswords.

"For Queen Shephatiah!"

Mits gets closer then notices some soft sand.  Oh well.  It's where she needs to be, so she steps into it.  At least she was able to identify some other spots.

"Soft sand all along here," she points out.

She conjures an enormous magnifying glass over the heads of the shifters, focusing the scorching desert sunlight on them!

"We've defeated your Warden and Behir!  Surrender I say!"

Timothius steps forward, laces his fingers together in a prayer pose, closes his eyes, and sings while gently bobbing and swaying. His allies know this feeling as they feel tougher and two of the enemies start to feel themselves naked.

---

Move: To allies
Minor: Healing Word on May
Hymn of Resurgence v Claw1,2,3. Hit(29)! Miss(14) Hit(25)!
 -2 all defenses, when hit they go prone.
 Allies in blast (Mitts, May, Rai) gain 5 thp.

  Kyle moves up towards the fighting, and quickly draws a paper pouch from his various pockets.  He pitches it up over the hill, and it explodes in a cloud of powder behind the jerkface shifters.  The middle one shrugs it off, but the ones at the edges go all catnip stoned.

OOC: Move, duh.
freebie draw.
Standard: Pacification dust vs shifters. Hits THANKS TO TIM YAY!.
Razorclaw 1 and 3.  Can't take STANDARD actions, until end of my next turn.
Aftereffect: Targets slowed, until end of their next turn.
Razorclaw 1 and 3 knocked prone, thanks to Tim yaaaay.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

The hag steps forward and lets out a scream so powerful it even affects Timothius on the other dune.  Kyle is fortunately shielded from the worst of it.  The two shifters Kyle hit stand up, purr, and paw at invisible butterflies.  The other one stabs May and tries to back off, but May stops him with a counter.

May jabs with both her singing stick AND her shield! The shield's blade slashes the shifter in such a way, he staggers behind his ally. The stick shoves the other back. And then May seizes her moment and rips her feet from the sand to hop in among all the bad guys. "Make a move on my friends with me here next to you. I DARE you!" She is hiding her injury well.

---

Funneling Flurry v Claw 1 and 3. Hit(28)! Hit(26)!
 dmg to Claw 1: 13 and slide southwest
 dmg to Claw 3: 6 and slide south
Move: Shift towards Claw 3, into midst of enemies
 Athletics to escape sand: 26 BOOYA!
Minor: Daring Shot.
 All enemies in burst 1 marked (that's ALL enemies)
 Gain thp equal to 2(Con mod)+4(number of enemies adjacent)=6

Claw 1 HP: 62 - 13 = 49
Claw 3 HP: 46 - 6 = 40
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

"Wow, nice one, May!" Mits commends, struggling to break free from the sand.

"Kaboom."

A shockwave blasts the enemy that seems to make them terrified!

Raichel turns into a blur as she suddenly zooms to flank with May in a split-second! She then slams her palm into a shifter's shoulder, knocking him into his ally and the two mysteriously collapse unconscious!

---

Move: Lightning Shift to flank Claw 1 with May
Standard: Twin Thunders v Claw 1. Hit(19)!
 dmg to Claw 1: 23
 dmg to Claw 3: 5

Claw 1 HP: 22 - 23 = KO
Claw 3 HP: 1 - 5 = KO

Timothius says, "May! Be healed!" and her wounds all close. "Thanks, Tim!" she responds. Timothius then says, "I can do that quite a lot! Surrender now and we won't have to keep hurting you!"

He says a quick prayer and soon his allies can see those bull's eyes again. This time, they are all on the hag. She feels like she is being watched by a MUCH more powerful being.

---

Healing Word on May
 Roll: 14. +15(surge) = 29
 All allies gain 4 thp.
Standard: Prophetic Guidance on Hag.

Maych-P: 24 + 29 = 53

  Kyle puts extra effort into getting up and down the dune without skirting into free shot range of their enemies, and comes to a stop behind the Hag with Mr. Morningstar coming out.  Don't worry, he hit her with the acid dripping weapon where she was already balding on her skull.  How considerate of Kyle.
OOC: Action point for extra move.
Scouring weapon vs Hag. obvious hit.
Hag -2 AC until end of my next turn.
Razorclaw Slowed, until end of IT'S next turn.

Hag HP: 56-24= 32. bloodied.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

The hag shifts out from between May and Kyle then uses her massive shriek of pain again!  But May stuffs a shield in the hag's mouth, halving the noise this time.  The shifter tries to move away from May and gets stopped in his tracks.  With a quick jab, he manages to stab May.

Mits fires a pair of sunbeams at the enemy then breaks free from the sand and heads behind one of the dunes.  "It's kinda nice to be able to have a nice relaxing fight like this without any time limit pressures."

May swings at this amazingly armored, tough, dodgy DBZ hag.

Raichel shoots LIGHTNING and the hag still dodges.

Timothius heals May again, all her wounds closing. He throws a seal at the ninja Hag who tilts her head to dodge it like Vegeta. With a smirk on her face.

---

blabla miss mechanics blabla...

Healing Word on May.
 Roll: 15. +15(surge)=30
 Tim and Allies all gain 4thp

Maych-P: 33+30=FULL

  Kyle tap taps the smirking hag on the shoulder.  As she turns around to look, he brings down his weapon in an overhand that drives the Hag not only into unconsciousness, but chest high into the sand.  She's still smirking though, gotta give her that.

  He looks up to the remaining razorclaw jerkface, and says with a bored monotone "Stop, no, don't make us maim you into submission."

  The unconscious hag snorts sand out her hook nose.

"Nice one, Kyle!" Mits cheers.

The shifter hesitates, looking like it's making a hard decision, relaxes like it's given up, then takes a lazy jab at May.  That hits her in a vital spot.  The shifter winces like it knows it really shouldn't have done that.

"S'matter?" Mits says, "cat got your tongue?  Zap."

She blasts it near unconscious.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:58, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

Raichel goes to flank with May and brings her staff to the shifter's back with a loud THUMP! that sends the guy to the ground unconscious. ".....I'm beginning to wonder if those Satyrs are the only ones around with survival instincts."

---

hit with whatever. min dmg downs him.

  Even if an accidental crit was such little damage in the long run, May did just get critstabbed at the last second.  So Kyle moves to check up on the best blond in a several thousand mile radius.  "It's easier to consider when to run from a fight or not with a ranged weapon."  Says the guy who has been going all morningstar happy the past few encounters.

"That last guy looked like he was about ready to give up but changed his mind," Mits points out, "Let's question him first."

Badguy hog-ties are had.

Once Timothius wakes up the one that was about to give up, he asks, "Why did you attack us?"

The hag will be saved for last.

May and Raichel stand by.

  Kyle says "If you are working for the Queen, just why should we be afraid of her beyond generic 'she will totally kill you fools' comments."

"There's another reason?" he asks Kyle

"Well there's a deep question," he answers Timothius, "But I'll not bore you with philosophy and skip to the part you're likely after.  I attacked because I work for Queen Shephatiah and she ordered us to patrol the perimeter and attack anyone who isn't already one of us."

"Then how do you ever get new recruits?" Mits asks.

"After they surrender we take them to her."

"Wow.  You were going to recruit us?"

"Well...  Not from all your talk about being heroes.  After that we knew you weren't out to be hired."

Timothius says, "That's some interesting information... and don't worry. Philosophical stuff doesn't bore me. You can talk about all that when we've finished questioning the others."

Raichel says, "Wait... people surrender? ....I'm confused. YOU bunch didn't surrender when we offered it to you. If she hires people who are more suicidal than surrendering, how is it you bunch ever got recruited?"

May says, "I have a guess, but I'm curious what the actual answer is."

  "Well I was more hoping for some specifics of why we would even begin to think she can take us.  Every generic claim of the superiority of those leading these sort of things are beginning to blur together.  Maybe she's another who likes being insubstantial and invisible half the time?  That has been popular lately.  So has wildlife from the shadowfell and elemental chaos.  Does your queen bring anything new or is she just another would be leader out in the middle of nowhere?"

"You're a confusing bunch yourself," he answers, "On the one hand, you're shifters and...  Not sure what she is.  Yet you're all heroic acting.  You talk about running into other-worldly terrors yet act naive about how tyrants operate.  She doesn't turn invisible, no.  She's just very charming and terrifying all at once.  If you surrender to her, you'll be put to work.  About the best there is in this gods-forsaken wasteland.  If you surrender to her enemies, well...  You'll be executed."

Mits looks a bit annoyed.  "I'm kinda sick of the 'Shifters are supposed to be brutal and savage and non-heroic in every way,' talk.  Bad enough coming from racists, but all the more annoying from fellow shifters."

"See what I mean?  I just don't get you all."

Timothius says, "Love is the simple answer. Just as selfishness is the answer from most of our enemies."

Raichel says, "I'm sick of it too, sis, but the fact is our people decend from lycanthropes, who don't have the nicest of reputations. Our family is an exception."

May says, "Well, Mister, we are rather ignorant on the why for villains. We've only been at this for maybe a month? We don't have lots of practice talking to villains and tyrants at all. Just a lot of practice fighting them."

  Not really one of the more useful talks, in fact one of the less useful ones.  Though Kyle can't blame his friends for wanting some conversation time for the only shifters they have seen aside from themselves in a while, even if they are just a bunch of jerks.

"Huh," the shifter says, as if 'love is the answer' were some great insight, "Food for thought.  So can I ask why you all are here?"

"We're looking for the lost mine of the Ironforge clan."

He ohs.  "Well you're wasting your time.  The mine's spent.  It's just an abandoned shell now.  We use it as a place to crash.  Nothing more.  If it were full of wealth, don't you think we'd have left this place for someplace nicer rather than try and eke out a living in this desert?"

Mits exhales in disappointment.  "Well...  So much for any hope of bolstering Overlook with the mine's riches.  I guess all that's left is to just tell old Queeny her tyranny days are over then go home."

Raichel says, "Yeah. But again, not like we have any leads on who else is attacking Overlook. So onward."

Timothius looks back at the captive. "If you could point the way, that would be helpful. You have nothing to lose. If you take us there, we fight the queen. If queen wins, you continue as you have been. If we win, we take you to have a new life."

May looks at the group. "...should we even bother interrogating the other prisoners?"

  "Probably not.  I figure the Hag only has more violent screaming to do anyways."  He wonders if Mag will shot up and shoot anyone they leave alive again.

  "If she does not have anything more specific than 'someone very bad is planning something, but I do not know who' like the last guy, then the Queen won't be worth keeping around long enough for a public execution."

"If they have an itch to be helpful, there'll be plenty of time for that as we force march them back to their mommy," Mittens says, "And I agree that dragging a fortress worth of prisoners all the way back to Overlook only to be executed would be a colossal waste of our valuable, people's-lives-depend-upon-it time."

"You all are too honest," the shifter says, "If I help you without being forced, the queen will find out and have my head."

"Suppose you join us and we kill all the others?" Mittens offers, "I can't see any good reason to keep them alive when after we defeat them they refuse to repent of their evil ways."

"Repentance is what you want?  I doubt you'll believe any of us if we say we've turned a new leaf.  Or maybe you would?  I dunno.  I'm just a band of cowardly thugs without any remorse for being evil but more than willing to pretend to be if that's what'll spare our hides.  Surely you'd notice if what you say is true about all the stuff you've experienced."

Mits sweatdrops.  The others when wakened refuse to be helpful.  Though they at least don't ask why the shifters and kobold aren't evil.

PART 2:
FORTRESS IRONFELL
Deep in the desert three days south of Dunesend,
an isolated outcropping of basalt marks the location
of the famous Karak Lode. When the members
of Clan Ironfell began their excavations here, they
constructed a defensible fortress to protect the mines
below. Within the rock of the basalt bluff, they carved
a multilevel complex whose gatehouse was the only
sign of what lay below. From this bastion, the Ironfells
controlled the desert for 50 miles in all directions.
As part of the complex’s unparalleled security,
access from the fortress to the mines was carefully
hidden. Only by using special signet rings could
the dwarves of the clan access the mines once their
secret gate was sealed. In case the fortress ever fell to
invaders, the clan created false trails leading off into
the desert, creating the appearance that the fortress
was simply a stop-over point for shipping ore back to
the supply depot.
Approaching the Fortress
The PCs reach Karak the day after the “Desert Patrol”
encounter.
Earlier that morning, the course you have been following
became a rocky track leading toward another basalt bluff
in the distance. However, as the track curves around to its
south side, you see two guard towers of hewn stone set into
the face of the bluff. Narrow gouges that might be arrow
slits flank a narrow track leading directly into the rock.
Though worn by long years of sand and wind, the towers
are clearly of dwarven construction, standing as strong as
the day they were built.

http://i136.photobucket.com/al...onfellFortress01.jpg

May, Rai and Tim get with the force-marching. (So moving while talking)

Timothius would consider arguing that the prisoners could just be let loose and told "don't do this again or we'll spank you", but even his naivety and love of life have their limits. However, "Speaking of people's lives depending on it..." Timothius glances at Mittens. "You were going to decapitate several people we didn't know to save one person we didn't know. Sure, they attacked us, but I already made the point that isn't enough proof for us to have cause to kill them. We weren't sure they were villains or murderers. I appreciate how seriously you are taking our time crunch, I really do. But if it costs killing strangers we don't know anything about, the cost is too high. I accept that most if not all of the people who work for the queen directly are executable criminals, but please try to remember not every stumbling block is just so much meat to be hacked up."

Raichel says, "We may not really have that option, Timothius. I'm positive some day, someone who didn't really deserve execution will attack us and we'll kill him out of self defense."

Timothius says, "Self defense is fine. I'm talking about when the fight is over. We are all in a hurry, stressed, and worried. Not a one of our team isn't worried Overlook will fall. But I am also worried that in the process, we might do things we will regret the rest of our lives."

May says, "How we have operated so far seems to be working out fine. You trust your sisters, Kyle and I to know well enough who is evil and needs to be sent away. And even on the off chance we don't, we've all been listening to you when you called for mercy on the enemy's behalf."

  Kyle figures the bandits missed the entry of "Any" in the monster manual for Shifters.  But then, these module specific ones are listed as Evil-wait, the bandits are Unaligned.  As if we need any more evidence the alignment system is broken as all get out.  We're just going to gloss over all Kobold MM entries being Evil.

 "While only caring for business, the Hammerfist dwarves probably fell under 'least deserving' if we had to rate our enemies on a scale of in need of removal for the safety of others on this trip."  One is a group of hired hammers who only care about the mine and the PC group, the others so far have been either attacking civilians or working for the Queen giving such orders.

  Kyle would not have particularly minded if they were all dead, admittedly.

  "Here's a more practical question, has a wanderer going by Mag Blackthorne caused you or your queen any trouble?  Or do they prefer to stalk those who are of no actual threat to the area.  So far for a 'protector of the Thornwastes' he seems to be going after the wrong people."

OOC: Heh, Blackthorne.  The name Darkthorne came to be by looking to the side and seeing my copy of Blackthorne CD.  Kyle's 90's Comic Mans Face and hairstyle are full circle based on Blackthorne's 90's comic mans face.

"I admit I was making a lot of assumptions," Mittens says, "For example I assumed that the things my ears heard were real.  And what my eyes saw was real.  That I really am me and that you are you.  And that an archangel of The Platinum Dragon wouldn't tell me to make haste to rescue a villager if said villager wasn't worth saving.

"I believe that the lives of a hundred invading orcs isn't worth risking the life of one dwarf paladin.  Or that half a dozen mocking murderous thugs aren't worth risking one oppressed villager.  I didn't kill them in combat because I was worried you wouldn't believe me that an angel told me someone's life was hanging by a thread or that I could tell those guys were irredeemably evil just by looking at them.

"So yeah.  There's going to be lots of times when we won't have the luxury of taking prisoners.  Right now we're not under any immediate deadlines, but ever since our first quest I've been getting an increasing sense that every passing moment brings impending disaster closer.  We were a day too late for Thurann's father, a few hours too late for the paladins of the Sundered Chain, too late for the Freestriders, and barely not too late for rescuing Kalad, stopping Tusk and The Warden.  I'm half expecting that because we went to the trouble of not killing these prisoners to find some innocent person having just become the meal of a dire scorpion when we arrive at... oh... here we are."

The cooperative shifter shrugs.  "Mag Blackthorne?  Uh...  No?  We don't patrol the Thornwaste.  Dunesend is as far north as any of us ever bother going.  And I'm pretty sure we don't have any innocent prisoners for feeding to dire scorpions other than that weird old man we found wandering around a few days back."

May looks up at Kyle and says, "We exited the thornewastes when we fought that purple wyrm and his gnoll buddy. The queen and her people simply aren't in the thornwastes."

Timothius says, "We can't be everyone's hero, Mittens. Even the gods can't. We showed up too late; that wasn't our fault. We do what we can with what we have. But if there is no room for mercy, then there's no room for me because I'm not cut out for this. I already said I understand and accept that some just plain have to be snuffed out. But not everyone we fight needs to be. Be mad with me for caring for the unloved if you like, Mittens, but my heart won't pump the other way."

Raichel says, "No need to be dramatic, Timothius. Like May said, it shouldn't be an issue. I suspect, though, that most enemies we fight will be worthy of death. Are you prepared for that, at least?"

Timothius nods. "As prepared as I'll ever be... it's just that those Hammerfist guys were the closest things to non-villains we've fought. I'm worried some day we will be attacked by honestly confused heroes who thought us the bad guys and by then, we'll be so jaded, we'll just lop their heads off."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Fri 02 May 2014.

  "Didn't stop Mag from leaving the Thornwastes just to drop off the one dwarf he didn't kill, so I am doubtful of him actually restricting himself to the area."

  Kyle thinks the issue is less about morals and more 'what the surprisingly accurate voices tell me' when it comes to Mittens right now.  Speaking of morals, Kyle fields a question Tim probably would have if not so distracted.  "What is so strange about the old man, and how long ago was this?"

  You know, that whole 'feed old men to giant scorpions' thing.

"Mercy for a killer who winds up slaughtering a dozen more is no mercy at all," Mits says, "I'm doubtful we'll find one soul worth saving in this place outside whomever that old man is."

1. Entry Tunnel
A rusted portcullis blocks this long tunnel, with
another raised and hidden beyond it. The down portcullis
can be raised only from this area, but it cannot
be locked in the up position.
Arrow slits and murder holes along the length of
the tunnel provide defenders with multiple angles of
attack. Anyone looking in through the arrow slits sees
shadowy figures beyond (see below or the tactical
encounter).

When the PCs enter this area, read:
The darkened entry corridor extends inward between rows
of arrow slits. At the far end, a massive stone gate banded
with iron stands closed. Halfway along the corridor, a
rusty portcullis blocks further movement. The sand that
has drifted in to cover the corridor floor is well marked by
recent footprints and signs of heavy objects being dragged.

Mits shares what she sees:
Perception Check
DC 7: Dark figures loom on the other side of the closest
arrow slits, silently watching you. A foul odor comes from
beyond.
DC 12 (automatic if a light source is introduced
into the arrow slit): The unmoving figure is a crudely
made straw dummy, an old dwarven helm on its head and
an ancient polearm lashed to it with rope.
DC 17: The shadows of the corridor ceiling conceal a deep
groove 10 feet before the stone door. Spikes can be seen
within, another portcullis there, ready to be dropped.


More shrugs from Shifter face.  "'Birdman' we call him.  Human, white beard, peasant garb.  Weird 'cause we found him wandering the desert without any provisions.  Doesn't talk.  Just smiles and whistles to the canaries on his shoulders."

Mits gets a cuppycake smile and is rendered speechless.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Fri 02 May 2014.

May looks at the shifter and asks, "OK... so... how do we keep the trap from being sprung on us? Is there a way besides the front gate?"

Raichel and Timothius double-take in unison when the shifter mentions the old man has canaries. They both seem intimidated and gulp in unison before scooting closer to each other. Timothius whispers, "Is this some kind of test...?"

Raichel whispers back, "It can't really be him... maybe it's a priest imitating him.. I mean... if we know about it, surely someone else who looks the part..."

"If you can fly," Shifter Face answers, "The harpies use the hole in the roof.  Waaaaay up there, fifty feet up."

  Kyle lost his Religion training in a time paradox, but has Mitten's ramblings about canaries and 'GOD told me' to give him a bit of a hint what Tim and Raichel are talking about.  Bahamuts crazy retired messenger bird secretary!

  "I doubt we have the luxury to go back to town and demand supplies for a tiny siege wagon.  That second gate is the problem.  A bit hard to force our way through under fire, if we are just stopped in the middle"

"So we take the direct approach," Mits says choosing not to think too hard on the Birdman, "Here's hoping May is strong enough kick in the front door."

May says, "What? Kick it in? If there's a hole in the roof, can't we tie some rope together and throw a grappling line over the wall? This is a dwarven stronghold... it's designed to keep armies out, much less a small band of adventurers. Tell you what... if you're confident that's the only way through, then fine. But I'll go to the gate alone."

Raichel and Timothius say in unison, "That does look like a death trap."

.....

After a few minutes of back and forth deliberation, May decides to go forward. Why? Same reason Strongbad got talked into hugging a tree for Homestar: We'll never know.

May goes to lift the portcullis and seems to manage just barely. "OK, guys... wedge something really sturdy under there?"

Raichel says, "Nothing all that useable for that..." and moves to the other side with Timothius.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Fri 02 May 2014.

  Kyle's uncharacteristic speediness (thanks initiative crit!)  takes Mittens's offered sharp object and shoves it in the gears where the sun don't shine (Well, that would be MOST gears actually. But it's a big scythe).

  "So much less complicated than using overpriced glue."

"You had glue?" Mits says, sounding disappointed.  She heads in with the others.

Rattle, SLAM!  Another portcullis slams shut and the enemy attacks!

May charges forward to lift the second portcullis. As she umfs and grunts, Raichel and Timothius rush forward. Timothius seems to be freaking out and grabs the portcullis, lifting it over his head like it was only a few pounds! "HURRY THROUGH!" his panicked voice yells. May lets go of the portcullis, wide-eyed.

Raichel doesn't hesitate, rushes through, and throws a chi strike with her palms at the front door, slamming it open!

---

May str: 17
Tim str: 23! Crit!
Rai str on front gate: 18! success!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Fri 02 May 2014.

Mits rushes through the door Rai opened and finds a door to the left.

"Door," she informs the group, "We can get at them through here."

Kyle winds up next to Mits.  Timothius is attacked by several javelins and a necrotic blast from murder holes in the walls and ceiling, but only one javelin hits.  May is attacked as well, but nothing connects.

May and Raichel rush through the door. May just makes it to the enemy and then deftly shifts aside to make room for Raichel, who then cracks her staff over the enemy's head!

Timothius, meanwhile, enters the gate and closes it.

---

May: Double move to get to enemy. Minor to shift south 1
Rai: Move to get to enemy. Five Storms. Hit(18)!
 dmg: 7(min) +6 = 13
Tim: move, close gate

Mauler 1 HP: 74 - 13 = 61

  Kyle walks up to behind his friends, and just shoots the guy.  Sometimes simple works.

  M weapon: hits.   10 DMG.
Bonus to Mittens, May, Raichel.  +1 to hit, +3 DMG rolls.
Resistive buff for May: +1 ac, can cash in for her surge+3 THP.

Mauler 1: 51 HP left after Kyle hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:56, Fri 02 May 2014.

Mits steps in and is about to blast the enemy when she suddenly chokes.

"What a horrid smell!"

She pinches her nose.  The trog swings at Raichel, daring her to retaliate.  Three more trogs appear from the stairs leading to the next level, one of them chucking a javelin at Mits and missing.

May whacks the trog, only to see reinforcements on their way down the stairs. Figuring her team can handle ONE trog, she deftly moves around to block their way to her team. "No kidding! Bleh!" May comments of the smell.

---

Standard: Shield Feint v Mauler 1. Hit(30)!
 dmg: 14 (thanks, Kyle buff!)
Move: Shift back 1
Minor: Shift to stand protectively in front of Mittens

Mauler 1 HP: 51 - 14 = 37

Timothius enters the room and sings, causing the team to feel invigorated. The trog, somehow, suddenly experiences how BAD he stinks.

---

Hymn of Resurgence. :)

  Kyle notices the approaching backup, and hurls another paper envelope of powder at the side of the stairway.  It explodes into a cloud of minty freshness, with the Chanter and Impaler at the top of the stairs stopping to complain about the smell.

---

Freebie Alchemy, Pacification powder.  hits Chanter, Impaler 2.
result:  They can't take STANDARD actions until end of my next turn.
Aftereffect: Slowed until end of their next turn.

Raichel doesn't mind taking the trog up on his challenge and cracks him over the head again! This time, it hurts even more. "WHY do these guys stink so bad?!"

---

Five Storms on Mauler 1. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 7 (min again) + 6 (flurry) + 3 (yay kyle!) = 16

Mauler 1 HP: 37 - 16 = 21

Mits steps away from Rai's stinky trog and ignites the ground with a glowy white arcane circle.  She then blasts the stair trogs with a massive bolt of energy that knocks one of them down!  It stands back up and hurries down the stairs.  Another continues down the stair and skewers her with a javelin!  The curse chanter just kinda wanders over to be next to May.

May deftly hops around the chanter and makes the trogs do more than just wander as she lets out a challenging yell that causes them all to be pulled to her! She only gets shields and armors against the stairmen, but hits the chanter soundly with a loud CRACK!

---

Move and Minor to shift 2 around the chanter
Come and Get It! Miss(17) Miss(16) CRIT(31)!
 dmg to chanter: 25

Chanter HP: 53 - 25 = 28

Timothius says a quick prayer, grips his staff and moves to flank the chanter with May. "Focus on this one." he says, pointing at the chanter. He then bursts with light, causing the enemies to become vulnerable again.

---

Standard: Prophetic Guidance on Chanter.
Move: To Chanter
Minor: Solar Enemy on all but southmost dude.

"Keeping them alive for your sake, bro," Mits says, blasting three enemies into unconsciousness.

Raichel is about to swing her staff at the mauler, but Mittens interrupts by kabooming and KOing 3 at once all the sudden. Raichel says, "Wh... but... well... fudgenutter." and turns into a blur before becoming a lightning bolt as she suddenly zaps through the last remaining guy, FRYING him rather badly! Raichel materializes behind him, flanking him with May.

---

Spark Form v Impaler 1. CRIT(29)!
 dmg: 26

Impaler 1 HP: 29 - 26 = 3

  Another example of step up, shoot, hurt badguys and buff friends.  "If knocking them out somehow improves the smell, killing them might make them smell like flowers."

  Kyle knows Trogoldytes do not work that way, but still.
M weapon. hits. downed enemy.
buff to May, Mittens, Tim.

"BuBleh!"

The second mauler finally rejoins the fight by charging Raichel with his greatclub!

Timothius tries something, but for some reason, it doesn't work.

Raichel steps to the side and thrusts her staff into the guy's belly, knocking the wind out of him!

---

Timothius uses Break the Spirit on Mauler 2. Miss

Raichel uses Twin Thunders v Mauler 2. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 22

Mauler 2 HP: 56 - 22 = 34

  Kyle tries to throw off the remaining enemy with a bolt of force, but it flies off at a 90 degree angle and out the murder hole, exploding one of the dummies in the opposite tower <brown>"..."<brown>

Mits finger-shakes at the enemy, making his eyes bleed.  He then swings at May.

After blocking the trog's attack with her shield, May whacks the trog with her carrikal! "Don't you see we aren't even hurting and we have taken out ALL your buddies?! Surrender already!"

---

shield edge block misses, but forces enemy to miss too. :p

Weapon Master's Strike. Hit(24)!
 dmg: 9 brutal 2 reroll. 14

Mauler 2 HP: 34 - 14 = 20

Mits blasts him again and the trog bursts into tears.  Tears of blood!

Timothius throws a seal that lands on the guy's forehead.

Raichel takes a deep breath and yells, "FALL!" which causes the guy to slam against the wall and fall unconscious.

---

Tim: Astral v Mauler 2. Hit(18)!
Rai: Thunder Slam v Mauler 2. Hit(28)!
 dmg: 17

Mauler 2 HP: 5 - 17 = KO

  "Good job everybody.  Now to tie the idiots to the dummies in stupid poses so they stand watch like they are supposed to."

OOC: Anybody want or need an Artificer heal, which is Surge+4 at this point.

"Nice one sis!" Mits cheers.

She snickers at Kyle's suggestion.  Her prestidigitation helps with the smell, but not much.

"Did anyone else notice Timothius turn into a he-man and rip a portcullis off its hinges?  'Cause I did.  That. was. awesome!"

Raichel nods to Mittens with a bright smile when she comments on her last attack.

May grins. "Yep! Totally noticed and was in too much awe to say much."

Timothius is blushing. "I... was terrified. People do amazing things when scared out of their skull..."

Raichel nods. "Memorable things. And I just love Kyle's idea."

May says, "Now to fruitlessly question these guys!"

Timothius provides the means of waking up prisoners.

  Kyle nods, "Remember, when you get frustrated with how often questioning our enemies is pointles, just remember how much it annoys them."  Spite can be so helpful.

All the trogs speak Draconic.  Not a one speaks Common.  So all questioning has to go through May.  Not that that changes anything.  They're all uncooperative and dumb as a box of rocks.  But they at least conveniently prove themselves evil beyond a shadow of a doubt.

"So.  Slay them and move on, yes?" Mits asks.

May says, "Yes."

Timothius looks down at May.

May says, "No, seriously. They were talking about how they were going to rip us all apart in front of each others' faces. They are delusional level evil. They said other things I simply won't repeat, but seriously... killing them would be a service to the feng shui of the world."

Timothius just looks at the trogs with a pitying look before saying a prayer for them and turning his back to them.

May systematically kills them with simple stabs to the heart.

  Kyle is not particularly surprised, or upset at the pest control.  "So, I caught a glimpse of something on our rush around the corner in that main room.  Go back to deal with it and the rest of this floor, or check out the stairs the reinforcements came from first?"

"I'm guessing you mean that central area with all the sunlight," Mits says, "Likely the place with the harpies.  I vote we go up first."

Raichel says, "Up. We might find some things upstairs to combat the things on this floor. You never know..."

May leads the way up the stairs.

Rai and Tim follow.

  Kyle nods.  The Keep where he met these hairy and scaley people showcased how important clearing floors before moving on to the next one could be, but then consistency and rational lair design have not been forthcoming since then.

  So off they go into stairs land.

The entire 2nd floor seems unoccupied.

4. West Upper Gatehouse
Bones scattered across the floor show where a desert
predator once laired in this chamber.
Tactical Encounter: Gatehouse.
5. East Upper Gatehouse
A winch in this chamber once controlled the first
portcullis in area 1. However, it is rusted and broken,
so that the portcullis cannot be raised from here or
locked in the down position.
6. Southern Overlook
This chamber allowed defenders to fire down through
murder holes into the entry tunnel, or through arrow
slits into the courtyard below. A working winch controls
the second portcullis in area 1.
Tactical Encounter: Gatehouse.
7. West Guardhouse
Stone benches and a rusted brazier mark this as a
resting place for off-duty gate guards. Access to the
northern overlook (area 19) is barred by a portcullis
along the passage to the north.
8. East Guardhouse
This chamber is identical to area 7. A portcullis along
the passage to the north blocks access to area 19.
19. Northern Overlook
This defensive position commanded a view of the
courtyard below. Along its northern wall were the
quarters of the mine-thane, the clan accountant, and
the head of the guard, as well as a private latrine. The
personal chambers have long since been stripped of
any valuables.
As well as being easily defensible, this area is free
of the stench and squalor that fills much of the rest of
the fortress. It makes a good place for the PCs to take
an extended rest.
25. Barracks
The miners, crafters, and guards of the Karak Lode
lived in this area, while the smaller side chamber
housed shift-captains. Six stone bunks stand here,
along with roughly made wooden tables, benches,
and chairs.

"Under better circumstances I'd say what a neat clubhouse this would make," Mits comments, "Well we've got three options now.  North stairs, Southeast stairs, and back the way we came to go to the harpy room.  I vote harpy room.  Seems to have the most elbow room.  Even if we decide to blast 'em and lure them to the front gate."

May looks around. "Yeah... I want a dwarven stronghold too! Can I have one? Huh? Huh? Can I? Huh?"

Rai and Timothius can be seen looking around and a small smile crossing their faces when Mitts suggests owning the place as a clubhouse. The smiles broaden when May acts like a kid.

May leads the way down.

  "While I have tended to respect Dwarven engineering for its durability, I am beginning to be concerned when it comes to how easy it seems to loose them to invaders."  The freaking PALADIN stronghold, doors kicked in and about everyone killed.  Facility integral to the defense of all the land, see above.  Dwarven mine responsible for the prosperity of an entire clan, you get the idea.

  He nods to Mittens, "Dealing with the enemies we already know about seems like the best course of action.  While dangerous, I would be more cautious of carrion crawler in that room.  Long, poisonous, stunning tentacles that is harder to shake off than usual."

Mits giggles at May's cuteness.  "I'll be sure to share if I ever wind up with one."

She recovers her scythe and it makes the rusty outer portcullis slam shut.

"I've got an idea.  Suppose we use a trog corpse as bait and lure the crawler here.  Shut and bar the door then blast away through the arrow slits."

May says, "Good idea! Hey... why NOT use what was used against us?"

Raichel says, "Totally for it."

Timothius says, "I may not like the idea of slaughtering the creature, but I can't deny it is a dangerous thing that we need to take care of..."

  Kyle smiles at Mittens's suggestion.  Somewhere a doomsday cult is running in circles screaming.  "Wonderful plan Mittens."

  Back to his usual expression, he says to tim "Carrion Crawlers are aberrant creatures.  While I have been working with some pleasant proof against stereotyping,  expecting a Carrion crawler to have a natural place in the order of things like a violent bear or horde of enraged elk is like expecting a Mimic or Aboleth to.  I hope you never see what an Aberrant rabbit looks like"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Sat 03 May 2014.

"Whee!" Mits cheers, "Mittens likes having useful suggestions!"

The plan works!  The crawler is trapped!  But then harpies appear and attack!  One sings to May, luring her closer then making her unable to walk!  Another sings to Kyle, Raichel, and Mittens.  Mittens is stuck in place from the song!

"Now this is annoying," Mits says, "Perfect setup.  Can someone drag me to them, please?"

Timothius moves to be behind Mittens. "How about I set you free?" he sings a song of his own! The harpies now know Timothius can compete with their singing, but set free those they captivate!

---

Move: To position
Standard: Hymn of Resurgence
 Rai gains 5 thp.
 May save: 4 failure
 Mitts save: 20 crit success!

Raichel turns the corner and thrusts her hands forward. A loud crack of thunder pushes down on the harpies from above, forcing them prone, only for the floor to catch fire!

---

Move: To corner to shoot at harpies
Vezzuvu's Eruption v Harpies 1,2,4. Miss(12) reroll 3. Hit(19)! Hit(24)! Hit(25)!
 dmg: 9 (resisted)
 Harpies go prone!
 If they end their turn there, they take 5 fire dmg

  Kyle steps up next to May, and pitches a glass vial into the tiny inferno.  The harpy feathers smoke slightly from the weak acid, which turns into smoke from candle flame sized fires on their feathers.

  "Hmm, not particularly strong compared to my usual work.  But more splashy than usual at least."  Artificiers.  Throwing jars of flammable acid at their enemies and saying 'meh.'
Move, duh.
Standard: Acidic Fire.  Hits Harpy 1, 2, 4.  5 Acid DMG.  2 ongoing Fire (Save ends).

Harpy 1, 2, 4 HP: 66 left.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:36, Sat 03 May 2014.

"Thanks a million, bro!" Mits says, hurrying into the fight, "Now to make this count!  Astral Tide of the First Storm's Terror!"
With a few swipes from her scythe, Mittens conjures a huge tornado of radiant energy that touches down over Kyle, tormenting the enemy while blowing May forward and Mittens back!

May then reels in the harpies with her challenge! The harpies all get dragged to May and she whacks all but one of them, who manages to evade. One, though, she hits especially hard! "JUST what we needed!" May exclaims happily!

---

Come and Get It v all enemies (3,1,2,4). Hit(20)! Hit(26)! Miss(15) CRIT(31)!
 dmg: 11
 CRIT dmg: 17

Harpy 3 HP: 21 - 11 = 10
Harpy 1 HP: 16 - 11 = 5
Harpy 4 HP: 40 - 17 = 23

The harpys stand back up and their screams of pain reach a deafening pitch making Mits', Kyle's, May's, and Raichel's heads spin!  And their own.  One gets a shield to the face and collapses!

Timothius comes out and says, "...that was unwise." as he sees the harpies dazed themselves. He then prophesies Harpy 2 will go down just as quickly (if not quicker) as the others!

---

Prophetic Guidance v Harpy 2.

Raichel becomes lightning and ZAPS through the enemy before materializing next to May and SLAMMING her staff into the harpies! One of the harpies falls from having been electrocuted and the other two remaining harpies feel the weight of Raichel's thunder as they notice even they can't resist her entirely when her staff rumbles with roaring thunder!

---

Spark Form v Harpy 3,2,4. Hit(28)! CRIT(29)! Miss(14)
 dmg to Harpy 3: 16
 dmg to Harpy 2: 33 (thanks +4 from Timothius)
ACTION POINT!
Twin Thunders v Harpy 2. Hit(26)!
 dmg: 25 (thanks +4 and thanks gauntlets of BLOOD) - 10 (resist) = 15
 dmg to Harpy 4: 5 (resisted)
Save throw: 16 success! No longer dazed

Harpy 3 HP: 10 - 16 = KO
Harpy 2 HP: 59 - 33 - 15 = 11
Harpy 4 HP: 16 - 5 = 11
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Sat 03 May 2014.

  Kyle points at May, and a localized and very selective whirlwind swirls through the area.  The more heavily wounded harpy is flung across the room face first into a pillar, taking them out.  The last one remains barely standing but all it's feathers are blown clean off.

---

Standard: gale-force infusion.  hits both.  14 DMG.  choosing not to slide.
Fail save throw.

May bonus: +4 AC until end of my next turn.

Harpy 2 KO.  Last harpy 2 HP left.

May swings her carrikal at the last harpy and downs it. Then stomps at it. "Rest up, guys..."

---

Weapon Master's v Harpy 4. Hit(23)!
 dmg: Mod alone kills it.

ENCOUNTER OVER

"'That was unwise,'" Mits quotes in a pose and tone that emulates a martial arts master before flailing her arms to accentuate: "Sparkle!  Crackle Zoom-Zap!  Kablammo Thud-Thump!  Slash Whomp!  Silence...  'Told you it was unwise.'"

She makes with the tying up of harpies.  "I've sometimes considered writing our adventures, but I feel like people would accuse me of exaggerating or making it all up entirely.  In any case we should dispose of the carrion crawler first before questioning creatures with deadly voices from at least 55 feet away."

  Kyle nods, then double takes when he gets a good look at the main chamber without distractions like things trying to kill them.  "So, part of the original Dwarven stronghold construction.  But can anyone else think of anything those four pillars would have any use for around here beyond Harpy perches exactly spaced to avoid them hitting eachother?"

Timothius giggles from Mittens quoting him in a flattering way. Then looks at Kyle. "I doubt it was for that, considering the harpies wound up not using them that way and just harmed each other."

Raichel says, "Dwarves are known to have decorative pillars like these." she immediately assists with tying harpies.

May looks around at the pillars. "...to hold up the sky! That's what they are there for!" then looks at Mittens, "WRITE IT! DO IT! If people always cared what others thought, mother goose rhymes would not exist. Besides... WE wouldn't think you were crazy or exaggerating. So... write it for US."

"You beat me to it, May," Mits says, "Was going to guess 'holding up the sky.'  But thanks for the encouragement.  I'll do what I can to put it all to paper as time allows.  It may even uncover a clue about this invasion that I missed along the way."

The crawler is nasty mcnasty as it is defeated from a safe distance.  The harpies are evil mcevil.  They "speak" common (more a combo of singing and screeching) but never have anything nice or useful to say.  They boast about eating people and feeding the scraps to the crawler.

  Kyle would vindictively suggest pitching them over the side with their wings broken, but knows Murphy's Fall Damage would be all 1's.  And now it's too late to feed them to the carrion crawler, pesky hindsight.

  "My surprise is nonexistent.  Also your story will be more belivable than most Mittens, because it involves our embarrassing ****up's in battle."

  It's Greyhawk's funniest home cantrips!

Raichel says, "Times like this I have to remind myself torture is not the way I wanna go."

May says, "So we kill them now?"

Timothius says, "Looks like. But you have to wonder... are they saying these things because they want to die? Why else would they be boasting those things to us?"

May says, "In case we are like them and we consider what they did really cool or amazing and have them work for us instead of offing them?"

"Because villainous thugs are stupid," Mits concludes.

Once evil harpies are dispatched, Mits points out the obvious.

"So.  Forward, left, right, or back upstairs for those options.  Judging from the upstairs layout my vote is left."

She listens at the left door.  "Nothing."

  Kyle checks his crossbow, and says "At this point, without a map any direction is as good as another unless it's an obvious deathtrap...  After a moment of hindsight, he adds "I miss the days of not walking into obvious deathtraps to progress."

May pshaws, "Bah! The grass is ALWAYS greener. I prefer to look at it like this; nice to see we can just barge our way through even traps made in a dwarven stronghold gate!"

Timothius adds, "I'm not going to let anyone die, Kyle. But I at least know where you're coming from... safer would be nicer." he doesn't seem disturbed about the death of the harpies. Almost like someone just turned off the radio or something.

Raichel says, "So let's open the door if there's nothing going on behind it..."

Mits opens the door.

10. Stables and Cart Storage
Dusty bones, rotting wood, and bands of rusted iron
are scattered across the floor here. These are the
remains of the wide-wheeled wagons once used to
haul ore shipments across the desert and the mules
that pulled them. A scattering of blue scales show
where the behir has made this area its lair.
11. Stable Master’s Quarters
This chamber was taken over by the Warden. A
rough bed built of scavenged wood sits against one
wall, while the gnoll’s filthy and foul-smelling gear is
strewn across the room.
12. Ore Storage
Ore from the mines was stored here and made ready
for transport. Though the area is empty, the dust
of the floor shows where crates have been moved
through here recently (Perception DC 12).

"Alrighty.  So my hunch this was the least dangerous spot was technically right.  Moving right along."

She returns to harpy room and turns left.

13. Entry Hall
This corridor once guarded entry into the fortress’s
great hall. Footprints show where numerous creatures
have recently passed this way.
Tactical Encounter: Great Hall (page 83).

14. West Guard Post
This former guard chamber is the habitat of a sussur
tree growing up from the cracked stone floor. See the
tactical encounter for a description.
Tactical Encounter: Great Hall.

15. East Guard Post
Like area 14, this chamber is empty except for a pair
of sussur trees growing through the stone of the floor.
Tactical Encounter: Great Hall.

Mits listens at the door then shrugs.  "Nothing."

  "I just know something later will prove it wrong, but this place is making that first keep look good by comparison."  Or at least, dangerously competent.

May says, "I'd say 'at least there aren't any drakes', but this place probably keeps a secret stash just to spite me." don't worry. We haven't forgotten the idea of May riding a DRAKE. And vice-versa.

Raichel approaches the north door and listens.

Timothius prepares for his sisters and friends to get shredded by an oversized meat grinder.

When the PCs enter this area, read:
The heavy scent of decay is sharp here. Strange trees with
silver-gray bark and gnarled branches rise almost to the
ceiling, their thick roots punching down into the stone of the
floor. Atop a dais to the north, an eladrin female sits upon
an ornate throne. Five human brigands and a shifter warrior
stand between you and the throne, moving to attack.

DC 21 insight check.  Mits does not succeed.

If a PC succeeds on an Insight check opposed to
the dryad’s Bluff, read:
As if a veil had been lifted, you see through the corporeal
disguise of the eladrin queen, revealing a foul humanoid
plant creature beneath.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Tue 06 May 2014.

"Intruders!" the Eladrin / Dryad shouts, "Destroy them!"

A longtooth shifter charges Raichel and hamstrings her with its sword!

May tumbles between the shifter's legs. "ha-HA!" and twirls in a whirlwind of animal jawbone that takes down three of the incoming men! "Come and Get it!"

---

Come and Get it. Miss(13), Hit(30)! Hit(22)! Hit(23)! Miss(19)!
 dmg: inconsequential.

3 minions down

Blamblamblam!  Mits takes out the last two lackeys and blasts the longtooth in the back!

"Surrender, Queen Shephatiah!  Your days of tyranny are over!"

Timothius throws an astral seal onto the shifter.

Raichel then flanks the shifter with May and slams her palm into his chest! The shifter then notices that just as he's getting hurt, Raichel heals!

---

Tim: Astral Seal v Shifter. Hit(18)!

Rai: Twin Thunders v Shifter. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 19

Shifter HP: 57 - 19 = 38
Raichel HP: 32 + 5 = 37
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Tue 06 May 2014.

  "Right, Dryad.  Small one so she's going to fall under violently annoying while the big kids try to kill us much harder."

  Kyle circles around, and smacks the longtooth upside the head.  It's not much of a hit, but it's enough to provide Artificer Radiation to his hairy friends.  Any green coloring or feats of freakish strength are merely coincidences and not side effects.
OOC: move, duh.
standard. M weapon. high hit, DURP damage.
Minor: resistive buff May. +1 AC, can cash in for Her Surge+3 THP.
Buffs Mittens, Raichel, Tim.  +1 to-hit, +3 DMG rolls.
Longtooth down to 31 HP
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Tue 06 May 2014.

A pair of horse sized hyenas appear and surround May!  One of them bites her while the longtooth stabs her in a vital spot.

"You all shall die here!" the Eldadrin / Dryad screams!

She charges May and gashes her deeply!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Tue 06 May 2014.

May stomps threateningly at the queen and whacks the shifter with the back of her shield to remind him May is still there. She takes on a stance as her grin suggest a draconic confidence.

---

Minor: Dervish's Challenge v Queen. Miss(13)
 Effect: all immediate actions gain a bonus melee basic with off-hand weapon.
Standard: Villain's Menace v Shifter. Miss(12) crit fail. >.>
 Effect: +1 attacks, +2 dmg. Till end of encounter.

"Unwise," Mittens says, her voice echoing, "Justice!"

An angel wielding a scythe appears.  It swings the weapon and a skull appears breafly over the heads of the enemy only to be replaced by a count-down.

Timothius bobs and sings to his allies, "This was the day the queen met her match! The heroes she thought she would dispatch, did fell her and she knelt before them!"

---

Hymn of Resurgence Hyena, Queen, Hyena. Hit(24)! Hit(28)! Miss(16)
 -2 defenses, prone when hit
 +5 thp to all allies

Raichel crouches a little like a racer getting on her mark. Then ZOOMS faster than the eye can follow, becoming like lightning as she zips through the enemies, materializing in a flanking position behind one of the hyenas! The queen collapses as per Tim's song.

---

Spark Form v Hyena, Queen, Hyena. Miss(10) Hit(19)! Miss(13)
 dmg: Enough to fell the queen

Queen HP: 9 - d6+9 = KO

  Kyle summons a whirwind around May, dragging one of the Hyenas out of it's flanking position.  Unfortunately, he completely botches his repulsion strike once more, the shot bouncing off a wall, then back outside and blowing up another dummy.

OOC: Standard: Gale-force infusion vs hyenas.  Miss, hit.  17 DMG.
ACTION POINT: FAIL 1 on repulsion.

Hyena 1 HP: 31-17= 14

The hyenas cackle fiendishly and bite May, blasted by radiant energy for doing so.  They then try to shift away from her again to avoid being seared again only for May to finish them off.

"Gross," Mits says, pinching her nose, "What's with the rotting corpse?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:32, Tue 06 May 2014.

May goes to the queen and kicks her. "WAKE up! You didn't last long enough! I'm not DONE with you!"

Timothius rushes over to May and heals her before quickly tending to the others in his team.

Raichel goes to tie up the queen.

---

Healing Word. Rolled near min (11)

MAYch-P: 19 + 27 = 46

  Kyle checks his crossbow twice, too many 1's lately.

  "Probably a snack, or the killed them earlier and forgot to clean up after themselves."

"...I'm going to just make believe that there's no way we could have gotten here fast enough to save this person even if Bram Ironfell hadn't dragged his feet contacting us about this quest," Mittens grumbles.

The dryad's guards are all useless when questioned.  Just standard ignorant villains.  The dryad herself is just a hateful, villainous fey that does everything in her power to frustrate the heroes such as deny being the queen.  Which the idiot guards confirm because "Our queen is an Eladrin, not a plant monster."

May says, "I wish it was as simple as us stripping this wretch of her power and then handing her over to the villagers to be THEIR servant... but chances are she would just overcome them."

Raichel says, "She'd refuse anyway. Even if it meant death. Monsters like her would sooner die than do anything for anyone but themselves."

Timothius goes to the corpse to try to figure out how long ago it died and how it died.

May looks at an idiot guard. "What's the story on the corpse?" should the queen speak up, May has fun kicking her to shut her up while keeping her eyes on the guards, as if daring them to defy May.

  "If it was just her, I'd like to say no but that would probably be stupidly optimistic regarding the villagers competence in that area."  Right now, that Dwarf from Hammerfist has taken over and already had them make a statue in his honor.

"Just some villager The Warden brought back with him," guard answers, "Said he begged for a chance to appeal to the queen for a lower tribute for his people or something stupid like that.  Queen killed him in one hit and there he's laid for the last several days, stinking the place up."

"And it didn't occur to you that an Eladrin would be disgusted by a rotting body near by?" Mits asks, "Or wouldn't snack on a corpse with her feet?"

"Fey are weird."

May says, "That does it!" and grabs the queen by the hair. "We're taking you back to the village alive so you can BEG them for your life!"

Raichel says, "Won't work. Remember that 'would rather die' thing?"

May growls. "How about we let you die if you beg them? Otherwise, I will keep you as my personal footstool and make you live in humiliation for as long as nature deems worthy of the karmic retribution you so richly deserve?!"

Raichel looks a little torn, but says, "She'll be getting that retribution in the next life, May. Our place is to reduce the danger wicked types like her represent."

Timothius says, "Calm down, May... I understand your anger, but we have more important things than this queen to deal with. She isn't worth the time or effort.."

May says, "Yeah, but it would make me feel a lot better."

  "I'm going to have to disagree with your idea May.  Not on any moral grounds, it just is not practical enough to bother.  Unless you want to deal with watching to make sure the Dryad behaves itself while you work, with a prisoner who can teleport around nearby trees."  Kyle took a ten now that they are out of combat status.

  "On that note, if you want something more vindictive than simply killing her.  Just torch her trees first, then kill her."

Mits nature-nerds, "Also known as deeproot trees, sussurs usually grow only in the caverns of the Underdark. Their gnarled branches have few leaves but feature sprawling clusters of aerial roots. These trees must somehow be feeding on energy
within the ground."

"Oh no," the dryad drones, sarcastically pretending to be concerned, "Not my trees.  Anything, just don't hurt my trees."

"Aaanyway, we've the rest of this fort to secure," Mits says, "There's no hurry on figuring out what to do with queen shmuckface.  But we can at least finish off the minions."

May says, "Pff... there are no trees for her to use in that desert we crossed. And perhaps you underestimate how angry I am with her, Kyle. I will go a week without sleep to see what I want done. I would disassemble this place brick-by-brick if it meant I got to see her humiliated in a fitting way. Worth. The. Hassle."

Raichel says, "If it's that important to you. But I'm not going to be party to any kind of torture. So we'll keep her prisoner, but no cutting her just to hear her scream. The purpose is to show her the error of her ways, right?"

May nods.

Raichel says, "OK. And I'm with Mittens. Nothing says we have to decide right now. For all we know, we may find things later in this fort that will convince us that killing her is best."

Timothius seems a little relieved. "Much as I hate to say it, we should still burn down these trees. They could provide means for others in the fort to either teleport or gain sustenance."

  "I somehow doubt she will give either of you the satisfaction, let alone within a week.  Unfortunately May, enchanted belts of sustenance are a little out of my league at the moment."

"We can at least put it to practical use," Mits says, "We can use the wood to cremate the body.  We'll take the ashes back.  Better that than dragging a rotting body several days through the desert.  There's even a fireplace here to take the smoke outside."

Once that's dealt with the group heads over to the third door.

When the PCs can see into the first section of
corridor, read:
The corridor ahead is stacked high with boxes, barrels, and
crates. Beyond them, a lowered portcullis blocks access to a
wide stairway leading down. A single human male, his face
and cloak tanned by the sun, stands guard here.
When the PCs have a good view of the stairwell,
read:
Halfway down the stairs is a landing upon which stands a
rusted iron statue of a dwarf, an upraised pickaxe in one
hand and a smith’s hammer in the other. Around its waist
is a gleaming steel belt.
The statue’s ornate steel belt is actually an iron cobra
charged with guarding this area.
Perception Check (Mits succeeds on a 1)
DC 17: What appeared to be a steel belt is some sort of
creature or construct, moving slowly as you approach.
The iron cobra maintains its position as part of the
stairwell sculpture until the PCs enter its guarded
area (see the statistics block).

BAMF!  The group defeats these enemies without breaking a sweat!

Crates and Boxes: These low stacks of crates and
boxes provide cover and are difficult terrain. They
hold rations stolen from Dunesend and a handful of
caravans attacked by Queen Shephatiah’s raiders.

Development
If any of these guards are captured and interrogated,
they reveal what they know of the complex
in exchange for their freedom. However, their
knowledge is incomplete. They believe that Queen
Shephatiah is an eladrin who lairs in the great hall,
and they know nothing else of use.

May takes the defeated better metal snake and wraps it around her waste before clamping it to her belt. "I'm holding on to this. Maybe you can find a way to fix it later, eh Kyle?" she grins up at him.

Raichel says, "Meanwhile, what do we do with these guards? They are offering us info in exchange for letting them go."

Timothius says, "Their information could save our lives..."

May says, "First time in a while any prisoners were willing to give anything in exchange for anything. Maybe they don't believe wholeheartedly in evil, but are only here because they are paid to be?"

Raichel says, "Paid or not, they worked for this evil queen..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Sat 10 May 2014.

  "It is a thought, May.  Even if I can't the very least I can do is repair the structure so you are not wearing something so... Smashed."

  He looks to Raichel and Tim,  "As long as it's info for past this point. Telling us what we already know is not worth much."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 10 May 2014.

"The queen threatened to send her Gnoll and his Behir after us if we tried to leave!" one of the humans complains, "We had no choice!  But never once did we kill for her."

"Same here," the shifters agree, "We'll tell you whatever you want to know."

"There's always a choice," Mits answers, "But at least you're not squawking about how yummy we look.  Only place we haven't been yet is downstairs."

"Guh.  Hate those harpies."

"Nevermind the stinky trogs."

"Well we guard the downstairs.  It's off limits to even The Warden."

"But not to us 'cause we guard it.  Wouldn't go too deep down there.  There's something seriously nasty down there.  Like undead nasty."

Mits snorts.  "After that wight and boneshard and his endless skeletal army in our first adventure that we whomped so hard we turned them to dust and those shadowfell gate supercharged ghosts we obliterated in under six seconds, 'undead' isn't so terrifying of a word any more."

"Jeez...  Ok.  Well.  Uh... we've got a prisoner down there.  Seems harmless enough.  Safe enough to get to him, just don't go further down that hall unless you want to amuse yourself with some horrific thing even our queen didn't dare challenge."

"Not sure how they do it, but we occasionally get visits from mystery trogs and their strangle-monster from down there.  Never seen how they show up, though.  Must be some kind of one-way teleportation thing."