"I say, what an ingenious wand. Who would have thought that the healing powers of the divine could be captured in an arcane implement!"

Stan stopped his academic prattling when he heard the voices from above. In a quieter voice he said,

"Do you think the urn is even here? These don't look like the kind to appreciate fine art."

Ilsa grunted and stood up to stretch her limbs. "We need to find place to make camp. Still too many noises here." She looked up.

"I'll check it out." Roth volunteers as he steps lightly towards the staircase and looks it over, carefully considering the best way up while ensuring his smaller, hand crossbow is loaded and ready.  After carefully hanging it on his belt he prepares for his ascent, puts a foot in the corner of the staircase to begin, and slips flat on his face.

13:50, Today: Roth Daos rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Climb.
GM Edit
Roth takes his time and takes 10.  Climb check result: 13
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Wed 18 Nov 2009.

The party watches as the elven librarian checks his gear and skillfully scales the inverted staircase.  His movements are graceful, just as one might come to expect from one of his race.  Within only a few moments, he disappears through the opening in the ceiling, into the dark level above.

The sound of a crossbow firing is heard from above.

A moment following the sound of the crossbow firing, a slight commotion can be heard...

"He is found, or will be soon. Be ready."

The crossbow sounds again, followed by the young elf's taunting voice, "Hey sewer-brains!  This way!"

Ilsa stood and readied her sword. "What is he doing up there?"

Porto looks pleased that the groups thankfulness for his healing. He hopes that it will build their trust in him. He hears Roth yelling and firing and he gets a bit nervous.

Stan wished that he had more spells to contribute. He made a note to himself to try preparing a few more than usual next time. He felt like his brain was ready for the added strain.

Suddenly, a guttural scream can be heard and Roth drops down from above and hits the ground on his toes.  He rolls away and comes up in a balanced standing position, a look of extreme excitement on his elvish features.  The scream didn’t come from the elf; but someone above.  Before he has time to explain, several dark figures congregate around the stairwell opening.
Their sudden appearance is all the warning you receive however, as four of them drop down after their elusive aggressor.  Roth’s landing was more graceful and fluid; whereas the group of burly men that followed simply fell as rocks to.  They land heavily on their wide feet, and appear more than ready for a battle!

Initiatives & Action(s)

Ilsa said a curse in orcish. If she hadn't spent so much energy in the last fight, she would have been more enthusiastic. As it was, however, she was less than confident. So she tried something different. "We killed your friend and his dogs. He have wizards. Yield, and you will live. Fight, and you will die."

10:18, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 11 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
10:24, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Intimidate.

Neya growled deeply, her fur and jaws still matted with blood, to punctuate Ilsa's words. Shirok made no sound, but was plainly ready to drive his spear into anyone that chose not to heed the threat.

Shirok acts at init 16. Readies a spear attack (atk 12, 8 dmg) against nearest guy if Ilsa's intimidate fails.

Neya acts at init 3. Readied a bite attack (atk 26, 10 dmg, 17 trip) against same guy.

14:24, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 16,3 using 1d20,1d20+2. Shirok/Neya init.
14:25, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 17 using 1d20+10. Neya trip.
14:25, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 26,10 using 1d20+9,1d8+6. Neya readied attack.
14:25, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 12,8 using 1d20+3,1d8. Shirok readied attack.

With a swift spin and the drawing of both his dagger and rapier, the young Roth swipes his fancy blade at his pursuers, denying them space to clear the stairwell.  However, rather than attacking, he spends most of his effort holding back a laugh at Ilsa's attempt to talk her way out of a fight.

Move: Draw Dagger and Masterwork Rapier
Standard: Total Defense
AC: 20, Touch 17, Flat 13

16:32, Today: Roth Daos rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Port watches as the men drop down. Scared into immediate action Porto does what he does best, well second best, He tries to talk his way out of this fight. Listen at me fellow humanoids. We need not fight. If everyone would just keep their weapons down we can all live through this. Please listen you cannot win this fight surely our elf friend and out superior numbers prove this.

19:13, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 23 using 1d20+3. init.
19:14, Today: Porto 'Chubbs' Brandybuck rolled 29 using 1d20+11. diplomacy.

Free Action: Talk

Stan was nowhere near as alert as his fellow adventurers. Since no one had made a move to attack yet, he concentrated on keeping himself protected.

Move: none
Standard: total defense

edit: 11:50, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Init.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:52, Fri 20 Nov 2009.

Rough Battle Map

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J
   +---+--Door-+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |   |Ils|SK1|Nya|   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |SK2|SK3|SK4|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |   |   |   |   |   |Por|   |Shr|Rth|   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |Stn|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
       +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
       +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 8         |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
           +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 9             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
               +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
10                 |   |   |   |   |   |   |
                   +---+---+---+---+---+---+

- Key -
Stairs - Column G through J, Rows 1 & 2
SK5 - Standing at I3 on the level above
SK3 - Prone

---

Seeing the four rough-looking men drop from the level above, Porto thinks quickly and diplomatically.  He steps a little closer to the Stone Keeper Barbarians and attempts to smooth over the situation.  Surely, his logic and diplomatic way would’ve won the attention of any lord or vassal of any reasonable kingdom; however each Stone Keeper looks at him, as if mentally unable to understand the syllables spilling from his mouth.

Apparently, Porto’s words fall on deaf ears.  One of the barbarians (SK3) lets loose a great roar, a terror-inspiring display which chips at each of your’ inner resolves.  Immediately following the exhibit of muscle and primal fury, the man swings his terrible homemade hammer in a flat arch, directly in line with Roth’s head! The nimble elf ducks and allows the heavy weapon to sail right over.

Roth quickly drew his weapons and stood ready, anticipating future attacks.

Having received a crystal clear response from the Stone Keepers, Shirok thrust his spear at the barbarian whom just attempted to crack Roth’s skull.  His attack makes contact with the intended target; but the tip is turned as it catches in the man’s thick clothing.

Another barbarian (SK4) howls in rage as the situation becomes more and more intense!  He rushes forward (from I1 to J2) to meet the party, all the while swinging his hammer wildly.  His attack is much more forceful than the one from the other barbarian, and it breaks through Roth’s defenses.  With a sickening thud the hammer slams into the elf’s side.

Ilsa attempts to intimidate the Stone Keepers, however it is obvious by their actions they are either uninterested in parlay or unable to understand Common words.  Abandoning the more diplomatic course, Ilsa lashes out with deadly accuracy!  The tip of her blade slices a deep wound across her target’s chest (SK1).

Following suit with the others, another Stone Keeper (SK2) screams and begins to attack in frenzy!  He target’s Shirok, attempting to pay the half-orc back for attacking his ally.  However his rage filled attack lacks enough finesse to overcome the druid’s defenses.

From up above, the figure (SK5) standing at the edge disappears.

Through gritted teeth, the last Stone Keeper snarls with contempt and retaliates against Ilsa for the vicious attack she had just dealt.  Despite the damage dealt, the man is able to smash his hammer across Ilsa’s hip!  The collateral damage would have broken a normal man to bits—but not Ilsa Redeye!

Unsure of how to most effectively participate in this new encounter, Stan takes another defensive stance.

Neya slips through the wall of Stone Keeper barbarians (from G2 to H1) and lunges at the man engaged with Shirok, catching the human’s thigh!  The large wolf then sets its jaw and begins to shake wildly, attempting to trip up the raging barbarian attacking her companion.  Neya’s tact proves too much for the man, and he looses his footing.  He falls to the ground as Neya closes in for the kill...

Round 2 Deadline Monday 08:00 AM (CST)

---

Note-
Sorry for the delay in posting this post today—there was a lot of stuff to do!  I took some liberties in lieu of many of you taking no combative actions this round in an attempt to seek a diplomatic solution.  I felt, as noble as that is, it would become obvious by your characters initiative turn that that wasn’t going to happen; and so, instead of losing a round, I figured you’d jump right in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Mon 23 Nov 2009.

Porto takes a few steps back and breaks into song. Seeing that this danger is even greater than the ones before he brings out his favorite song. Sadly he did not have his lute but it was good enough even without his wicked lute solos.

Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight buggy going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Hobitton
He took the midnight buggy going anywhere

A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers, waiting, up and down the dirt rode
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlamps people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the play never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Don't stop believing
Hold on to that feeling
Streetlamps people-oooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Move Action: Move from (f3) to (g5)
Standard Action: Inspire Courage +1

OOC: I assume Porto kept his spear out. But if you don't think so then proceed and I will accept whatever you say.

Stan attempted to replicate the lute solo A capella, though his voice wasn't exactly in the right range. Inspired by the music, he waded into the melee.

When the music reached the "facemelter", Stan lunged out at the nearest barbarian with the butt of his staff, attempting to strike the man on the chin.


Move: Move G4 to J3
Standard: Quarterstaff attack

11:39, Today: Stan Fetchin rolled 14,3 using d20+3,1d6. Quarterstaff attack.
 (Sorry, this should have been 13 to hit @ d20+2. My bad.)

This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Sat 21 Nov 2009.

"I'll kill you soon enough," Ilsa spit at the one who had hit her. She instead focused on the one she had already injured and was no pinned between her and Neya. The thrust barely missed the man's throat and instead simply sliced the side of his neck.

20:17, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 25 using 1d20+7. Attack on G1, Flank, Power Attack -3.
20:17, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 12 using 2d6+9. Damage. (My damage dice have been stellar. :/

OOC: You did the right thing, GM. Figuring out what Ilsa would do isn't that difficult. :)

Roth gasps in pain as the club knocks him hard in the ribs.  He was hoping drawing them down the stairs and crowding them on the adverse stairwell would lend them a great advantage, but already that plan had fallen to shambles as he came down the stairs a little two quickly and given them too much room to flood in. But it was still no time to panic, and seeing an openning in one of their defenses, Roth hops to the side and thrusts the shiny rapier at the creature.

Free: 5-foot step to J3
Full: Attack SK3

12:23, Today: Roth Daos rolled 7,5 using 1d6+1,2d6. Damage / Sneak Attack.
12:22, Today: Roth Daos rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Attack w/ Flank.

Neya snapped at the back of the foul-smelling human fighting Ilsa, forcing him to divide his attentions, but her main focus was upon the helpless one lying on the ground before her, her jaws seeking to close upon the man's throat as Shirok thrust his spear down towards the man's heart.

Shirok attacks SK2 (atk 16, 8 dmg) (Edit - wrong dmg)

Neya attacks SK2 (atk 17, 10 dmg, trip 28) Alternate target if SK2 dies is SK3.

12:37, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 17,10,28 using 1d20+11,1d8+6,1d20+10. Neya Atk/dmg/trip.
12:36, Today: Shirok Rezkala rolled 16,8 using 1d20+5,1d8. Shirok Atk/dmg.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Sat 21 Nov 2009.

Porto’s eyes swell as he watches the exchanges taking place in front of him!  Knowing that the heat of the actions isn’t anywhere near where he wants to be, he shuffles further away.  Once situated a safe distance away, he begins to sing.  Although he feels his performance would be more complete with his lute, he makes due without, and those around him feel just as inspired even without his musical instrument.

Lying on the cold flagstone, the Stone Keeper currently tripped up by Neya attempts to stand.  His eyes are bloodshot with rage, and it is obvious the man isn’t thinking as clearly as he should.  One of a calmer frame of mind wouldn’t have attempted such a maneuver; however this man feels he is made of tougher stuff than most.
Those around him take the opportunity to smash, thrash, and bash at him while he attempts to regain his footing.  The only ones able to harm him are Roth and Neya!  Again, the wolf attempts to keep the human down and exposed; but his strength is considerable—even in this state!  He breaks her hold and stands, and then brings his hammer down onto her back.  She barks loudly as the blunt hammer smacks against her!  Her back is now a bit more tender, but her temper is about peaked…

With the Stone Keeper’s attention on Neya, Roth takes advantage of his position once, and once again slips his blade deep into the raging barbarian’s side.  With a weak gasp, the man falls to the floor once again and lies still.

Seeing the raging barbarian fall, suffer terrible wounds, and rise just to be ran-through by Roth, Shirok focuses on another; and subtly directs Neya to do the same.  Together they direct their attention to the second Stone Keeper.  The druid sticks him hard in the arm with his spear, attempting to hold him in place; the man cries out in pain.

The fourth Stone Keeper swings at Roth once more, as if he were playing a friendly game of stick-ball.  The nimble elf jumps back, clear of the dangerous warhammer’s path.

Ilsa presses her attack, and buries her blade deep into her target!  Without as much as a final exhale, the man slumps to the floor in death’s embrace.

The second Stone Keeper retaliates against Shirok, shouting loudly as he swings his hammer.  The arm wound slows his attack, and Shirok easily avoids it.

A low and labored grunting can be heard from above…

Hearing Porto’s inspirational song of tormented lovers, and taking it to heart, Stan stands a little taller than the rest—almost regal.  Seeing a potential opening, and feeling as if he was fighting for something—or perhaps someone—the wizard charges the fourth barbarian currently engaged with Roth.  With great effort, he twirls his quarterstaff, as if hoping to catch the barbarian under the chin.
His heart sinks a little as the end of the staff completes the twirl completely unhindered, a sign his attack missed.  Porto watches on in horror, thinking himself responsible for inspiring the young man to rush off into a realm of physical pain, which seemed to be forthcoming.

Neya complies with her druidic companion and leaps at the third Stone Keeper’s back!  With a blood-curdling bark, the large wolf snaps at the man’s legs and effortlessly brings him to the floor!

Sorry guys I messed up a bit!  It was SK3 who was tripped by Neya the previous turn, not SK2.  I have corrected this.
Round 3 Deadline Tuesday 12:30 PM (CST)

---

Rough Battle Map

     A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J
   +---+--Door-+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 1 |   |   |   |   |   |Ils|   |Nya|   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 2 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |SK2|   |SK4|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 3 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |Shr|Rth|Stn|
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 4 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 5 |   |   |   |   |   |   |Por|   |   |   |
   +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 6     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
       +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 7     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
       +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 8         |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
           +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
 9             |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
               +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
10                 |   |   |   |   |   |   |
                   +---+---+---+---+---+---+

- Key -
Stairs - Column G through J, Rows 1 & 2
SK2 - Prone (for real this time :p)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Mon 23 Nov 2009.

"I warned you. Even the Rat Eaters were smart enough not to attack us." Ilsa spit on the prone barbarian. As much as she would like to crush in his head, there were more above them. She sheathed her sword and attempted to jump up and get a handhold on the stairs above.

12:35, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Jump.
12:35, Today: Ilsa Redeye rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Climb.