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02:13, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Winterhaven - Revisited.

Posted by StorytellerFor group 0
Roland Esperus
player, 546 posts
Cleric
Tue 5 Jan 2021
at 20:38
  • msg #981

Re: The well of Demons!

Roland cocks his head. "Well, if you want to stay alive, let's begin with this: throw any weapons you have on the ground in front of you."
Zakuryu Mori
player, 65 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Tue 5 Jan 2021
at 22:09
  • msg #982

Re: The well of Demons!

Zakuryu blinks in disbelief at Roland's demand and slaps a loose palm to his forehead in the background.  He muttered something in his mother tongue of Shou, which despite the language barrier clearly sounds like a whispered cry of exasperation.  That the pacifist among them was laying such a bold threat confounded him.  Zakuryu himself would rather take his chances in a fight than to risk his life trusting strangers not to attack him, were he unarmed.  Proving Roland's good will would certainly need a show of faith...

The samurai warrior undid his fighting sword from his belt, keeping it sheathed as he set it on the ground and kicking it across the open space between him and the tieflings.  Hands raised, he then proceeds to walk forward out of the shadows to join the conversation.

"Here.  I will start.  You said there was a Gnoll behind the door... over here?" he asks, pointing to the north end of the room.  "I have been itching for an equal opponent this whole journey.   Wait here; I will happily deal with the beast."
Dral
player, 851 posts
Fighter, 31/57 10/12 (14)
AC 20 F 19 R 18 W 17
Tue 5 Jan 2021
at 23:17
  • msg #983

Re: The well of Demons!

In reply to Zakuryu Mori (msg # 982):

Dral does not set aside his weapon, and he looks expectantly at the tiefling for their response and compliance.

When Zakuryu makes his assertion, Dral says. "I am prepared to believe you capable of this. I believe it to be an unnecessary risk that may overexert you, but I will support your decision"

To the tieflings he says "This area is dangerous. It was not lightly that we overcame the obstacles before us. How did you contend with the the threats in the well room, or with the spirits?"
Storyteller
GM, 1017 posts
Wed 6 Jan 2021
at 07:54
  • msg #984

Re: The well of Demons!

The tieflings both place their shortswords before you.
"We use magic to cover our location. Illusions nd such, native to our kin.
We snuck in, and found ourself in quite a bind. Nothing fancy here nor longwinded. It has worked before - but this place is different to what we have done beforehand. We prefer simpler things."

He pointed at the north door.
"Nasty fella in there, and the Alter is just beyond us...but we have not dared venture in there due to the gnoll. Came rushing out when we tried to access the altar you see,,"
Grock
player, 187 posts
HP 46/46 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 16:47
  • msg #985

Re: The well of Demons!

Grock sighed as little bit by little bit of information was added with each telling. He looked over at the tieflings. “Why don’t you go ahead and tell us everything? First time you said there was just a gnoll in the other room. Now you’re saying there is an altar as well. What else are you not telling us?”
Roland Esperus
player, 547 posts
Cleric
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 21:06
  • msg #986

Re: The well of Demons!

Roland nods. "I appreciate the gesture, gentlemen. I agree with Grock--what else do you know of this gnoll? And can you tell us more of the altar beyond?"
Storyteller
GM, 1018 posts
Fri 8 Jan 2021
at 08:02
  • msg #987

Re: The well of Demons!

The tiefling sighed.
"The gnoll isn't..normal. It is tainted with demonic taint and a formidable foe likely.
The beast is large and terrifying to be honest! As for the Altar I am surprised you didn't know yourself. Did you not pass the ghosts? We have not been within the Altar as stated, as whenever we try to get close the beast appears, but we also heard within the altar a low moan..of pain. It scares myself to be honest. Let's make a deal, we aid eachother in removing the gnoll as a treat and the altar is open for all?"

Zakuryu Mori
player, 66 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Sat 9 Jan 2021
at 05:37
  • msg #988

Re: The well of Demons!

Zakuryu looked to Dral, his expression brimming with respect as he took in the acknowledgment of his own capabilities  from a fellow warrior, and then his face fell as Dral warned him against hubris.  He looked down at the blades resting on the floor, and realized his arrogance to have made such a bold claim without any forewarning of his opposition.  Worse, he had done so under the assumption that Roland needed his intervention, without giving time for the cleric to prove himself.

Once the tieflings finished their explanation, Zakuryu turned towards Roland and bowed at the waist until his torso was nearly parallel to the stone floor.

"Forgive my haste.  I would still like to challenge this fiendish creature,  and I still think I am uniquely suited to do so... but my eagerness may be, as Dral summarizes, a case of my reach exceeding my grasp.  If you will let me I would gladly tie up this demon Gnoll in battle whilst everyone seeks this Altar, but I will defer to your wisdom.

It is your call, gentlemen,
" he said to both Dral and Roland, rising from his bow with hands clasped together in a martial salute.  "Together, or a duel?"
Roland Esperus
player, 548 posts
Cleric
Sat 9 Jan 2021
at 15:38
  • msg #989

Re: The well of Demons!

Roland scratches his chin. He looks at the tieflings. "Gentlemen, what were your names?"
Storyteller
GM, 1019 posts
Mon 11 Jan 2021
at 07:27
  • msg #990

Re: The well of Demons!

Not knowing fully where they stand the tieflings repeat with a slightly sighing tone.
"As stated, I am Azkelak and this is Katal, he is more silent but a capable soul and my brother."
They show little emotion aside.
Dral
player, 852 posts
Fighter, 31/57 10/12 (14)
AC 20 F 19 R 18 W 17
Mon 11 Jan 2021
at 23:45
  • msg #991

Re: The well of Demons!

In reply to Zakuryu Mori (msg # 988):

"I would not trust anything in these halls to fight fair. So, fight it one-on-one, if you wish, but the moment it decides to change the rules, or if I deem the fight going badly for you, I will step in."

To the tieflings, Dral says: "Forgive me but I find your presence here strange. You may join us, but you do so under scrutiny. We will share in whatever glory and reward there might be, in proportion to the risk you share, but we must insist o the having anything that will aid our business."
Zakuryu Mori
player, 67 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Tue 12 Jan 2021
at 00:30
  • msg #992

Re: The well of Demons!

"That is fair.  There is neither honor nor glory to be gained in arrogance; if I cannot acquit myself with the skill I claim to possess in battle, then I have none to blame but myself.  I trust you, most of all, to watch my back against such treachery. "

With that Zakuryu bent down to slide Azkelak and Ketal their weapons, picking up his own and re-tying it into his belt alongside his ceremonial blade.  The wayward samurai warrior nodded respectfully to Dral, and then to the others.

"I have heard all that I need.  When you are all ready, then."

OOC: When everyone is ready, Zakuryu will open the door and lead the way...
Storyteller
GM, 1021 posts
Tue 12 Jan 2021
at 07:35
  • msg #993

Re: The well of Demons!

Zaku opened the door carefully.
Inside sitting on a bed, next to a small table, a small chest and some food, sat a large gnoll, with piercing red eyes, gruesome teeth and skin like embers.
It turned and rose. With a gravelly voice it exclaimed.
"You are new..face me, or depart. This is my haven, and I do not like to be disturbed."

Elsewhere a low moan of anguish was heard from the altar.


...If needed!

EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--106/10620211818Heavy flail. 


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP: 0, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819 AP: 0, Surges:9/12 
Zakuryu49/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 0, Surges:9/9, SV: 12

Zakuryu Mori
player, 68 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Tue 12 Jan 2021
at 08:42
  • msg #994

Re: The well of Demons!

Looking over his shoulder, the samurai nodded to his companions and silently mouthed the words...

"watch them..."

And then stepped forward into the chamber.   Zakuryu glared at the foul being within and felt no fear.  Only faith.

"On your feet then, fiend.  Zakuryu of Mori has come to end you, as I have so many of your fetid ilk.  Your haven is a den of filth, and I will cleanse it in a wash of your blood."

He planted one foot, dropping into a wide squat with one hand bracing the scabbard of his blade.  Zakuryu was poised to strike, curled like a cobra, just waiting for the beast to take its feet...

Waiting until the Gnoll scourge acknowledges his challenge and looks ready to fight...

00:38, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 28 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 14.  Initiative.

Roland Esperus
player, 550 posts
Cleric
Tue 12 Jan 2021
at 22:33
  • msg #995

Re: The well of Demons!

Roland blinks. "Well, that settled that..." he says half to himself...

And, on the opposite end of the initiative scale :-)
17:33, Today: Roland Esperus rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Storyteller
GM, 1023 posts
Wed 13 Jan 2021
at 08:06
  • msg #996

Re: The well of Demons!

The beast roars.
"A challenge! Haha! Good! I will sacrifice you to Yeenoghu and feast on your bones!"
In one fell motion it rose and charge ahead..With a wild swing, with blinding haste, it struck down right aside Zaku, the velocity of the blow causing the hair on his neck to rise a bit.
A warning of the power of the beast. Still, only close, no proper hits.

Rolls:
Initiative: 26
Strike vs AC: 18 = Miss



EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--106/10620211818Heavy flail. 


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP: 0, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819 AP: 0, Surges:9/12 
Zakuryu49/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 0, Surges:9/9, SV: 12


Zaku, you are up(along with others, whom are free to explore elsewhere).
Also The Tieflings will remain calm until asked to join to respect Zaku's wish.

Zakuryu Mori
player, 69 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Wed 13 Jan 2021
at 13:48
  • msg #997

Re: The well of Demons!

The Gnoll was fast.  Surprisingly fast.  An unnatural combination of speed and power, wrought by it's demonic form.

But Zakuryu was faster.

As the fiendish Gnoll committed to its swing, Zakuryu kicked off the ground and vanished from its sight.  Before the flail even hit the ground, the samurai's blade had lept from its sheath and carved a mercurial arc across the gnoll's ribs.  Once, twice... hot blood scattered out as wordlessly Zakuryu spiraled through the gnoll's blind spot.  Then came the resounding echo of the flail's head hitting the stone floor with enough force to fracture a small crater into it.

Zakuryu could feel the hairs on his neck prickle and fought down the instinct that told him what lethal damage that blow could do... but this was what he was trained for.  He was forged to be a champion for his master's honor, and to strike faster than even death itself.

"You can try..." he whispered from the side of the Gnoll, raising his blade towards the back wall.  "...but this Yeenoghu will find you wanting."

He unleashed a backswing, gouging the creature across the length of its slavering jaw and sending blood cascading down its chin while pulling a dagger from under his bracer...

ROUND 1
  • Free Action: Iaijutsu, shift 7 squares towards Gnoll and draw my sword.  Because I won initiative, +2 power bonus to first attack roll, Combat Advantage on Gnoll and all attacks crit on natural 18+.
  • Move Action: Tumbling Trick, shift another 5 squares if needed to get around his backside for dramatic purposes.
  • Standard Action: MBA, hits for 21 damage.
  • Action Point (since we hit a milestone) : another MBA + Backstab, Slaying Action refreshes sneak attack damage.  Hits for another 23 damage.

-Gnoll misses

ROUND 2
  • Move Action: Ambush Trick, gain CA against solitary enemies.
  • Standard action: MBA + Backstab, hits for another 27 damage, plus another 5 from Disciple of Destruction for a total of 32 damage.
  • Minor action: Ready a dagger in his off-hand.

If Gnoll Scourge attacks, use Cunning Escape Immediate Interrupt for +4 to all defenses and at the end of Gnoll's turn shift 6.

04:50, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 36 using 1d20+19 with rolls of 17.  MBA + CA + Iaijutsu.
04:51, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 21 using 3d6+10 with rolls of 5,2,4.  Damage + Sneak attack.
04:54, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 24 using 1d20+20 with rolls of 4.  Slaying Action MBA + CA + Backstab.
04:54, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 23 using 4d6+10 with rolls of 2,2,4,5.  Dagger damage + sneak attack + Backstab.
04:56, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 31 using 1d20+20 with rolls of 11.  Backstab MBA vs Gnoll Scourge.
04:56, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 27 using 4d6+10 with rolls of 6,3,2,6.



EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--30/10620211818Heavy flail.BLOODIED


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP:1, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819  AP: 1, Surges:9/12
Zakuryu49/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 1, Surges:9/9, SV: 12


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

Gnoll's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:04, Thu 14 Jan 2021.
Grock
player, 188 posts
HP 46/46 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Wed 13 Jan 2021
at 18:12
  • msg #998

Re: The well of Demons!

Grock watched all of the exchanges with interest. Now he would really get to see what their new compatriot could do in single combat. As the group entered the room, Grock kept an eye on the two tieflings for any signs of treachery. The half Orc was impressed with the speed and agility of the swordsman as it dealt several deep cuts into the Gnoll.

OOC: forgot to spend a surge during the small rest to bring Grock up to full hp.
Storyteller
GM, 1024 posts
Thu 14 Jan 2021
at 08:13
  • msg #999

Re: The well of Demons!

The foe was surprised by the instant flurry from Zaku, and barely withstood it.
It also became obvious to Zaku that this foe was lesser than promised, and hardly a challenge for him nor the tieflings. Estimated anyways. Perhaps a humble guard or similar left behind, with obvious demonic taint..but a servant no less. That spoke ill of what lay ahead...was this trickery.
A moments ponder and the flail of the large foe was swung wide, but again, pierced the wall and missed Zaku's adept maneuvering.


EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--30/10620211818Heavy flail.BLOODIED


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP:1, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819  AP: 1, Surges:9/12
Zakuryu49/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 1, Surges:9/9, SV: 12


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

Zakus turn.
Zakuryu Mori
player, 71 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Thu 14 Jan 2021
at 19:08
  • msg #1000

Re: The well of Demons!

Steel flickered in the dim chamber.  Zakuryu pressured his opponent, dancing circles around him, and stabbed it from the side.  The blade gouged through the gnoll's abdomen, ripping outward with only the tense muscles underneath keeping the cut from disembowling it.

"Not enough... not NEARLY enough to be my opponent, he growled with barely contained frustration.   Zakuryu  locked eyes with the Gnoll.  "Disappointing..."


Same as before: hits for another 18 damage.

05:42, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 18 using 3d6+10 with rolls of 2,2,4.  Damage.
05:42, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 24 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 7.  MBA + CA.



EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--12/10620211818Heavy flail.BLOODIED


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP:1, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819  AP: 1, Surges:9/12
Zakuryu49/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 1, Surges:9/9, SV: 12


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

Gnoll's turn.
Storyteller
GM, 1025 posts
Fri 15 Jan 2021
at 08:34
  • msg #1001

Re: The well of Demons!

Drenched in blood and anguished by lack of effort to show so far, topped off with the taunts from Zaku caused the gnoll to twist and in a curious and surprising thrust towards Zaku, dipping it shoulder and faking a move, before swinging upwards with the flail, hitting Zaku...hard.
It laughed, blood pouring down its body.

Effects:
21 damage to Zaku



EnemyLocationHPACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Gnoll Scourge--12/10620211818Heavy flail.BLOODIED


PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Roland39/48A921161622  AP:1, Surges:7/7
Dral45/57E820191819  AP: 1, Surges:9/12
Zakuryu28/49G821182316 -AP: 0, Surges:6/7
Grock35/46G922171816  AP: 1, Surges:9/9, SV: 12


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

Players turn.
Zakuryu Mori
player, 72 posts
AC21/F18/R23/W16
HP:49/49||HS:6/7||AP:0
Fri 15 Jan 2021
at 09:51
  • msg #1002

Re: The well of Demons!

Zakuryu could have slipped the rising blow, and let it roll off him.  Instead, he took the strike full force into his chest.  The momentum of the impact launched him airborne, backflipping through the air as the creature laughed at its success.

For Zakuryu, time seemed to slow down.  Mid-air the image of his foe passed his vision... once... twice... and on the third flip there was a flick of motion, and a hum like that of tuning fork filled the tiny chamber.  The swordsman of Mori tumbled to the ground, rolling backwards into the hallway with his sword audibly vibrating in his hand as he crouched before his companions.  He gave a single wry chuckle, nodding to his cackling opponent in a final acknowledgment of their prowess, and then lined up the humming tip of his blade to its sheath.

"Goodbye," he said, slamming the blade into the lacquered wood sheath and cutting short the sound of both the chime and the gnoll's laughter.  A spray of blood arced across the room as the mid-air cut across its throat finally split, followed by a thud as the body hit the ground.

Standing but breathing heavily, Zakuryu turned to the others waiting for him and bowed with one fist in the opposing palm.  "Thank you for your indulgence, my friends.  I am ready to move on, now."



Actions:
  • Standard Action: MBA, no combat advantage, hits for exactly  12 damage, bringing the Gnoll Scourge to 0HP.
  • Move: Tumbling Trick, shift 5 into hallway.
  • Minor: Sheath Quicksilver Blade for dramatic effect.

Presumably, that ends it with the Scourge.

01:11, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 12 using 1d6+9 with rolls of 3.  Damage.
01:10, Today: Zakuryu Mori rolled 30 using 1d20+15 with rolls of 15.  MBA.

Grock
player, 189 posts
HP 46/46 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Fri 15 Jan 2021
at 16:03
  • msg #1003

Re: The well of Demons!

Grock claps slowly. “Not bad not bad. Hopefully that little scratch won’t slow you down.”He then turns to the two tieflings. “If you’re saying you can’t handle one little gnoll like that, then you should head on home because it only gets worse from here on.”
Roland Esperus
player, 551 posts
Cleric
Sat 16 Jan 2021
at 01:57
  • msg #1004

Re: The well of Demons!

Roland moves into the room, examining the altar. "Let's be careful. I don't think this evil place is quite done with us yet."

He moves into the room, utters a quick prayer and Zaku's wounds disappear. He then starts searching the place.

Move, Bastion of Health on Zaku--15+surge value healing.

20:53, Today: Roland Esperus rolled 15 using 1d6+10.  Bastion of Health.

Storyteller
GM, 1026 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2021
at 07:41
  • msg #1005

Re: The well of Demons!

Moving out of the small room, the resting area for the gnoll, to the room just south of it, you pass through two double doors.
The tieflings appear dour faced, but even so, seem restrained. They merely nodded with a coy smile at Grock.

You come inside a dimly lit room.
At the end you see two tall candleholders stand on either side of the shrine’s entrance, each with a black candle set in it.
The altar is made of humanoid bones stacked to form a four-legged table. The bones are joined with wire. A small book, bound in black leather, sits on the altar.

The room is silent, and calm. Eerily so. To the side of the altar, you notice a chest.
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