Your preparations have been made, the trolls are closing in and they begin to fan out.  They are about 5 minutes out, a little over 1/2 mile away.  Those with the magic site see the king fly ahead of the army staying about 70' from the ground.  He flies to about 150 feet of you.  He is as you remember him, a large black troll dressed from head to toe in a black armour that seems to mold to his body.  At his waist are 2 large swords, one with a large ruby in it's pommel the other a large sapphire.
   With your magic sight the king is surrounded by a strong magic aura.  The swords, his armour as well as himself is imbued with powerful magics.  Rigel takes to the air and hovers above you, the troll king smiles his large white fangs protruding.  He looks toward you and speaks.

"I remember you my DEAR FRIENDS" said with an acidic tone.  "I remember you well.  But you will wish we never met, that you never dared to challenge me.  I also see you have some new friends and Tiny is here too."  as he points at Shorty.  "And of course you have a dragon.  How predictable, different color I see, very nice."  He reaches out his hand and there is a fist size orb in it.  Rigel begins to flap backwards but goes nowhere, seemingly held in place.  The a beam of white erupts form the orb and it seems as if Rigel get's sucked in.

"That takes care of that.  Leave this crater or I'll make it your graves.  At least you thought ahead to bring your own grave digger."  he motions at Joe.


Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 1):

Shorty looks up at the troll king and smiles.  "Fat King singin same song as last times.  You come in pertendin be scary.  Den youse runs away like little baby ogre.  Be all growlin an no fightin.  Youse say me goona be dead ogre las times an me still be here.  Las time you brings magic troll and dem all dead.  Shorty still be smiles and happy.  Me things youse just be wind bag.  Dis times you send silly magic trolls afore you and dem all dead cept fer troll dat runs jus likes youse does."

Shorty rises up about 10 feet off the ground.  "Hows come makin Shorty wait?  Youse gonna run way gin cause Shorty gonna spank gin?  I bets you nots want all trolls wid you see you be scairt.  How bouts me sing song fer youse."

Shorty raises his voice for all to hear.

You be da King
for youse I sing
all hear me says
youse be bery fraid
Youse talk to much too
but can'ts fights good as poo
Youse be such a scairt felly
Youse be so very smelly!"

Shorty raises his black marble sword and grins.  "Me Mudder tells me dat songs an eben her fights better den king."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 2):

Troll King: "Someone taught you how to speak, that's grand and there does seem to be magic in the area, what a nice surprise.  There is only leaving this battle dead or victorious.  I just come as an initial courtesy I will bring my army and my Son momentarily.  Any other final words?"  He makes a hand and arm motion in the air but it does not appear to be a spell.

--DM2

Shorty simply shakes his head and smiles.  He then raises his voice loud enough to be heard  by both armies.  "So little King need army to fights jus 1 tiny ogre?  Cants fights me by self?  Needs son to fights?  Bet dat be same little boy runs way wid face hiddin?  Lets Shorty kills mage so him ken gets away n hids in backs of daddy king?  Him be libin cause his run scairt likes king runs scairt."

 Shorty rises another 20 feet in the air and waves his swords in invitation for the king to come and play.

Morteft says, "Yeah, let's go."

He casts magic missile with the staff at the Troll King to see if he has spell turning. If it comes back at him, he will absorb it with the staff.

If it hits him or fizzles due to magic resistance, he will then cast disintegrate at him and then a fireball at the approaching troops.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 5):

OOC: I think I may have confused things.  The troll army is about 400 yards away at the moment.  The king just flew forward for his little monologue, so the army still needs to get there.  Also the troll army is currently in the no magic zone.

We can do the magic missile by Morteft and Shorty.

Troll king to Shorty: "Eager aren't we, armies are meant to fight so battle will begin when they clash."

Morteft and Shorty are in the air to greet the king - you both are about 100' away from him.  Morteft fires a Magic Missile which does fizzle as it reaches the king as he suspected.

"I see we are all very eager" the King says  "I shall speed up my troops, be back soon."  He moves off at high speed.

As Morteft prepares his next spell he sees the troll army begin to fan out and what he sees does not amuse him.  It appears there are well over 300 trolls out there, probably at least twice that number.  He also notices one little detail, a lone robed troll hovering over the army.  A mage with a black mist hovering around it.  You recognize this mage from the battle of Calator.  He was almost invulnerable as the mist would seem to act like a shield.

OOC: you can still do the Disintegration if you want.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 6):

Something is probably going to happen before he flies back so we'll assume he is still hovering nearby; but close to leaving.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 7):

Shorty lowers himself as the king moves away and looks to Warwick.  "How strong fuzz face?  Me gots idea fer army.  Dis place be funny.  Might makes big mess."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 8):

"As strong as a giant, lad, when I use me axes power.  What do ye have in mind?" asks Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 9):

Shorty reaches behind his back and pulls out a large maul that was hooked on his belt.  It fits Shorty's hand rather well but it is quite large.  "Dits be Blue Guy Hammer.  It do lotta neat trick when fightin.  If'n hit ground hard wid hammer.  It make ground shake lots so people falls down.  Maybe wid funny magics... it make big shake em ups.  Maybe maybe?"

Shorty extends the maul to Warwick.  "No breakem hammer."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 10):

Morteft says, "An earthquake could affect our people as well and may have unknown consequences in this crater. It might be a great option, though, since we are going to likely lose against such a force. Luckily we have pretty good artillery from the mages with the distribution of wands and such. I think we are going to need to use my homonuculus on the mages protection instead of the Troll King. Warwick, maybe you and I should try to take the mage. Can you have Aztar place him above the evil mage? He will come in invisible and hit him with the rod of cancellation once I identify what is causing the protection with my true sight."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 11):

On to the show.

The items have been distributed the troll army is converging.  The have spread out enough where the can make a pincer maneuver by flanking both your sides.  The king, the mage you remember from the Battle of Calator and the fighter you just met are flying out ahead of the army - about 70' up. The trolls are now within 100' feet of you and continue forward.  The mage troll hangs back about 60' front the crater center, the fighter and king continue.  You also see about 5 trolls dressed different than the rest and about 6 ranks behind the front line.  They are heavily arm in black plate and carry a large two-handed sword.  They look to be about 1' taller than any troll around them and are aligned in a kind of V as if they guard something behind them.

At 30' from the center the king yells out, "It seems you want to stay and die.  Anytime you're ready small one, time to put on a show."

Any actions before all He** breaks loose?

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 11):

Warwick relays the message to Aztar from Morteft.  "And lad, ye better see if ye can raise Calator.  The force here is bigger than we thought and they got some additional tricks.  We're going to need help."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 10):

Warwick takes the hammer and puts it on his belt.  "Aye, lad, I'll use it if need be.  Ye still going to go after the mage?"

In reply to Morteft (msg # 11):

"I thought that Shorty was going after the mage and I'm to distract the king as long as I can."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 12):

Shorty looks over at Warwick one more time and asks softly.  "Still wants me go gets Magic troll?  Me not knows ifn ken hits.  Me ken go 1 times."  Shorty begins to rise up towards the king and his son as he listens for Warwick's answer.

Shorty bellows at the King.  "Which one me kilts firstus or be so scairt take two to fights one little ogre?"

*I've witnessed the cloud before.  It acts like a sentient being.  I don't think the rod would affect it, but we can certainly try if you like.

I thought Calator had already been contacted and they'll come if they can.  I'll contact someone that may know though.*

In reply to Shorty (msg # 16):

"I don't know lad.  Whatever you go after, ye have to kill quickly."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 17):

"We got to try whatever we can.  We're facing more of a challenge than any of us expected.  And, if we're going to win, we need every advantage we can find."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 19):

Morteft says, "Maybe you should cause the earthquake. It could make a huge difference. Have Aztar warn our forces back...an organized retreat with the mages using all the firepower they can. Then we hit them with an earthquake. I think that seems like a decent plan."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 20):

Warwick glances at Morteft.  "Ye sure, lad?  Sounds a bit crazy to me.  But, I don't have any other ideas."

Warwick relays Morteft's plans to Aztar.  He then hangs his axe on his belt and grabs the hammer.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 21):

Morteft says, "A little crazy is all we have right now. I didn't think we would survive this with the numbers we had expected. Now, I think we have very little to lose. Let's do it."

He will fly toward the troll wizard and hope to see his protective shield come down once his homonoculus hits it.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 18):

Shorty sighs.  "Wish could jes snap neck ob magic troll.  Not tink work doh.  Sword not hit not tink ken break neck.  Only one me think ken kills quick be boy.  Dat maybe make kind mad nuf."

Shorty moves up into the air and positions himself in front of the army to block the king and his boy.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 23):

"Do what ye think is right, lad, but just make sure it isn't a one way trip."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 24):

Morteft flies toward the wizard. If the barrier comes down, he will hit him with disintegrate, polymorph other (hamster) and then a load of magic missiles if the others fail.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 25):

Shorty Keeps an eye on the magic duel

In reply to Shorty (msg # 26):

Warwick flies backwards towards the troops until he reaches their front lines.  "Morteft's telling me that ye should all retreat, now.  We'll try to delay them, but there's too many for the forces we got.  Leave behind what ye have to, but get all the troops moving, double time."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 27):

OOC: I'll send a couple of posts I think.

Warwick runs back to the first line of troops and tells them to get back.  They hesitate at first but as their captain nods the start marching back but keeping an eye on the advancing trolls.  As they go they tells others to do the same.  The main troll army seeing this doubles their pace and will soon cross into the magic area.  The 5 large trolls maintain their original pace and the others just rush around them.

The troll king says, loud enough to hear, "Krull, go fetch me that dwarf he may make some good post battle sport."  The troll next to him, Krull apparently, flies toward Warwick, sword drawn.

Almost at that same instant the troll king points and unleashes a large Fireball that almost doubles in size when it hits the magic zone of the crater.  Dozens of soldiers become engulfed in flame.  "I can do this all day" he exclaims looking at Shorty, Art and MegaVolt.

OOC: On to post 2.

--DM2

Aztar will opens portal as instructed to release the homunculus and at the same time cast a spell of Dualis's minions to start laying into the army from a safe distance above them hoping to lower their numbers some.

*I'm told we might have reinforcements but we need to hold on for awhile.*

In reply to Morteft (msg # 25):


Morteft begins to fly towards the misty mage in the background, taking care to circle around the troll king.  With his true sight he can't get any details on the mist, other than it is misty.  He thinks he sees an outline of a head but no body.  Aztar is able to release the invisible homonculus near the mage and Morteft can see it fly behind the mage.
   The homonculus swings the Rod at the mist and in the blink of an eye something like a misty hand forms and grabs the Rod of Cancellation and the Rods magic is cancelled!  The rod is pulled from the homonculus, is spun deftly and smacks down on top of the small creature which then plummets to the ground.  Morteft feels a twinge of pain but less then he would expect if the homonculus was dead; however it does lie motionless.  The troll mage smiles.

It seems Aztar is correct the mist is at least semi-sentient, a familiar perhaps.

OOC: I think that's it for everyone.

The troll army is at the crater center. You'll almost have a full round before they get to you, Shorty, Art and Megavolt that is.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Aztar (msg # 29):

"Ain't going to happen, lad.  We underestimated them and overestimated ourselves."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 31):

OOC:.  I need a GM response before going any further.  So don't plow to fast.  Shorty has to make a decision and his brain has a very old processor....

In reply to Warwick (msg # 31):

Artharlian: "Just remember all the traps we've laid once they get to our side.  Me and MegaVolt will make a large swath."  MegaVolt pulses as if in response."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 33):

"Aye, but we lost our dragon and we'd be hard pressed to take just the troll army and it's support troops without the king."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 34):

Warwick puts the hammer away and hefts his axe once more.  He looks at Krull closing the distance and flies up into the air to meet him.  Just before they join, Warwick activates his enhanced strength.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 35):

Shorty slowlty sheaths the troll slayer over his shoulder and moves the black blade to the hand without the gauntlet.  The blade tip moves to point at the mage.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 36):

OOC: We will wait on Morteft's reply then we'll go forward.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 37):

OOC: Sorry all...I some how missed the post about the mist and the rod. Not good.

Morteft will go ahead and hit the mist with the disintegrate to see if that will work against it. His target isn't the mage, but the mist creature.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 38):

OOC: I'll try to put all this in 1 post, paragraphs will separate individual battles

The troll army crosses the center and into the magic zone, which they don't necessarily notice as they rush forward and probably have no magic.  Once about 20' in,  about 3 ranks the trap spells go off.  Many spells of no more than medium power erupt as if they were several ranks higher, bits of troll go every where.  It doesn't significantly reduce their number but has injured dozens.  This mainly happened in the middle as the trolls are spread out a couple hundred feet end to end.  Your army stops retreating and launches arrows into the trolls and the mages launch Fireballs into the trolls with significant effect.  Artharlian and MegaVolt launch their own attacks, a Flame Strike from Art and a searing beam of energy from MV, removing some trolls from the front.

In the air Warwick intercepts Krull for a battle in the air.  "Prepare for pain." Krull growls.  Krull has a solid hit on Warwick for 19 points of damage.  Warwick in turn strikes Krull doing some damage.  Warwick can tell that Krull is a very strong opponent.

Morteft casts a spell and a dull green beam leaps from his finger towards the mist of the mage but the spell seems to dissipate when it strikes the mist.  The mage looks towards Morteft and casts his spell.  Crackling bolts a black energy shoot forth towards Morteft, save vs magic.

Shorty points his big black sword at the mage and then vanishes only to reappear behind the mage.  He makes a grab for the mage, blank gauntlet leading to grab the chin of the mage.  With the speed of lightning the mist intervenes itself between the two.  Shorty's glove enters the mist which seemingly rips it off Shorty's hand and let's it fall to the ground!  Shorty is momentarily shocked by these events, as one, the glove that couldn't come off is off and two, he is hit by a surge of electricity - 20 pts.

Aztar opens his portal to release something green behind the 5 tall warrior trolls.  There is some frantic movement with the last two trolls in the V and a few moments later all is normal again.  What Aztar sees is the green blob hit the intended target, the frantic exchange ends with the target kneeling, touching the ground and then his head and the results is the green blob turning to dark ash.  The individual then removes his helmet revealing a troll, probably a teenager in human terms.

As the troll army crossed into the magic side and the trap spells exploded, the noise of this momentarily caught the attention of Joe.  He stood up holding a nice size chunk of rock, roughly a 1 foot diameter ball.  "Hey here is a nice piece."  He looks up to see the trolls closing in on him.  The next sequence of events Aztar has seen before. Joe starts to yell at the trolls as he does so a faint green glow emanates around him.  He puts out his hand as if to say stop; which would have been a wise move for the trolls.
    From his hands and eyes green flares of energy spring out in a cone like pattern.  These strike the trolls ranks.  The first row of trolls, in a 20 foot width, almost evaporates, the lucky ones.  The flares continue on and widen striking the next three ranks of trolls.  The trolls are left in various states, burned to a crisp, literally falling apart, stumps of limbs, smoldering and all still alive seem blind.  Twelve trolls in all die with 15 more left incapacitated.  The troll surge on that side comes to a halt, too stunned to move.  The troll king saw this out of the corner of his eye and causes his Fireball to go wide, doing minimal damage.  "By all the Nine Hells."


Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 39):

Shorty responds instictively to actions beyond his mental capacity.  he reaches to his belt and flips the cap off of the ever smoking bottle and grabs to flask next to it.  He pops the cap off of it as well and yells fire <rolled a 20 save vs spell to remember activation word>.  The decanter fires off a 20 foot stream of water at the dark mist as Shorty sinks into the smoke to hide.

OOC:  Where is Warwick's fire elemental?  Nearby?  Or is it causing damage somewhere beyond their site?

Warwick laughs. "Speck, dwarves live a life of pain.  That's how we know we're alive!"  He hopes the ioun stone will heal some of his wounds.  He attacks once more.

OOC: Made my save.

Morteft sighs. "Ok, let's try something different."

He reads a scroll and flies up toward the mage.

OOC: the scroll with anti-magic shell on it. He is going to fly close enough that the trolls magics are cancelled out.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 41):

The Fire Elemental is below you, fighting with Art and MV.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 43):

Okay, thanks.  Can fire elementals fly?

In reply to Warwick (msg # 44):

No flying ability.  They are bound by local gravity.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 45):

Morteft says, "Shorty, follow my lead, but stay near the ground."

He flies toward the wizard.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 44):


The middle and right troll sections continue to move forward while the left flank still is unsure what to do about Joe.  Art, MegaVolt and the fire elemental are causing havoc but the trolls are not really stopping to engage; but going forward to try to engage the rest of the Calator force.  The Calator mages launch more Fireballs and lightning spells; but the trolls keep coming.  The archers launch their arrows causing some damage.  Then you see 3 more positrons appear near Art and Megavolt, not as large as MV but still about 3-4' in diameter.

Warwick and Krull continue to battle and it appears Krull may have the upper hand.  Krull swings his large bright blade, hitting twice, with the second strike he feels a jolt of electricity.  The two strikes cause 31 damage + 15 electrical for 46 points total. Warwick is able to respond with 1 hit doing some damage (he had 2 attacks).

The king ignores the Calator army for now, as he focuses on Joe.  He yells at his forces on that side.  "Fools, continue forward, it's just a puny human."  they move forward at a walking pace.  The king casts a Lightning Bolt at Joe.  The large lightning bolt strikes him and the energy sizzles and crackles around him; but he just stands there and a moment later the energy is gone.  The king yells 'WHAT in Gargaragoths name!' Again the trolls stop, the anger again flares up in Joe as he glows bright, still holding to the rock, green energy erupts from him again.  Trolls disappear in a flash, others are burned mortally as others are seriously injured.  A total of 10 die while another 12 are dying or wounded.  The trolls scramble away from Joe, none truly retreat, just make wide arcs around him.  The glowing around him subsides.

Morteft and Shorty are engaging the mage and mist.  Shorty release smoke and a powerful stream of water which pushes the mage and his mist about fifty feet away.  This causes Morteft to re-direct his path.  The mage seems unhurt but not very pleased.  Morteft continues toward the mage with a scroll in hand.  Shorty comes to of the smoke cloud flying below Morteft.  The troll mage recovers from the spray that Shorty gave him.  Morteft closes in and finishes the spell nearby as the mage prepares an attack.  Suddenly they both begin to fall, they are about 75' in the air.  After dropping about halfway, the mage and the mist stop - Morteft continues to fall while Shorty is nearby.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 47):

Warwick casts sanctuary, hoping that it'll work and give him a chance to recover.  If it doesn't, Warwick will attempt to fly closer to Joe.

Shorty rises back out of the cloud of smoke heading towards the mist creature.  This time he intends that nothing but blade enter the creature.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 48):

In reply to Shorty (msg # 49):

Morteft will cancel his anti-magic shell and try to fly upward in order to avoid hitting the ground or minimize his crash into it.

He broadcasts to Warwick, *Pass on to Aztar...we need to hit him with something he hasn't seen before. That cloud is adaptive so we have a very small window to actually affect him. I am thinking of exploding my staff. It would likely obliterate him since he wouldn't have a chance to adapt to the energy. However, you need to tell Shorty to back off. I will do that unless we can think of another way to take him out.*

In reply to Morteft (msg # 50):

Warwick relays the messages to Aztar and then Shorty.

Shorty changes his In reply to Warwick (msg # 51):

Shorty changes his direction of flight heading towards Warwick.  Shorty raises his voice to get the attention of Warwick's opponent.  "Shorty comin little boy.  Ready fer me to gives woppin?  Np running way dis time cause daddy king be watchin.  Me bets you so scairt rights now, but Shorty fix you good."  Shorty waves his blades and laughs.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 52):

OOC: This will almost be a transition round as no one is close enough to get to their opponent this round.


Morteft is able to cancel his spell and pull out of the fall mostly just in time, he hits the ground as if he fell 12'; but he is able to absorb some of that and takes 3pts of damage.  He then begins his ascent back towards the misty mage, approx 50' above him.

After picking up his fallen glove and putting back on, Shorty heads towards Krull, about 120' away.  Krull on the other hand is taking a small break and seems to allow Warwick to cast his spell uncontested.  He notices the ogre bullet coming towards him and smiles a large grin, he even extends a hand and urges him onward.  Warwick now waits about 20' feet away, still in the air.

The king believing that the biggest threat on the battlefield is some guy named Joe, pulls out both of his swords and then vanishes, to reappear about 10' in front and 20' above the Joe.  The mages would guess there is some wildness about this place when it comes to teleporting.  The king drops to be in front of Joe and he towers above the man.  The kings swords are obviously strengthened by this zone as their emanations of heat and cold enlarge.  Joe doesn't seem scared he just extends a hand toward the king.

Te main troll army and your army are almost fully engaged, the mages casting spells into the troll ranks, clerics trying to keep them safe and healed.  Art the fire elemental and the 4 positrons go to meet the forces that have made a strategic circumventing of Joe.

When Shorty crosses into the magic zone again, after crossing the midline of the crater he is met by a hail of, well , hail.  Take 37 points, save for 19 points at +2.
Morteft saw that the misty mage cast the spell.


OOC: Next, hell 2 breaks loose

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 53):

Morteft sighs and says, "I suppose there is no choice. Well, my companions. I wish you luck in the battle ahead and I hope I am doing the thing that will help you all."

He flies toward the wizard. He gets close and casts disintegrate...directing it into his staff and absorbing the power of the spell.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 54):

Warwick sends via the mindlink.  *Lad, don't do anything final.  By us some time for reinforcements to get here without ending yer life.*

Warwick, being allowed to withdraw casts a cure serious wounds spell on him, drinks the potion of regeneration and then evaluates his own health.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 55):

Morteft replies. *Occa and Teke both owe me favors. Let them know of this if you should ever meet them. Maybe they will bring me back if I don't make it.*

In reply to Morteft (msg # 56):

Warwick sighs over the mind link.  *Lad, I'll move heaven and earth if need be.*

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 53):

ooc  Shorty does not save even with the prayer and the bless unless it came from a wand or its a fourth level spell or less and then it is absorbed.


Shorty continues towards Krull but alters his angle so that Warwick is behind Krull's back.  Shorty comes in carefully prepared to dodge another spear like bolt from the sword.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 58):

Shorty appears very upset as he flies at Krull and makes his maneuver to put Krull in between himself and Warwick.  The two fighters collide in a whirling mass of blades.  Krull hits twice for 23 and 19 points, the second strike as Warwick felt was electrically charged for another 12 points of damage (54 total).

OOC: you can roll for Shorty, Larry.

Warwick casts his cure spell and gets back 15.  Regeneration starts next round.

The energy 5 (Art, & 4 positrons) are dealing heavy damage to the trolls near them.  Most still don't stop the engage them but continue toward the defenders.  The army is in full melee with the trolls and the mages continue to casts spells into their midst.  The spells enhanced power in this area are having great effect; but the enemy is numerous.

The King raises his swords to strike and just after he starts his down strokes he is hit square in the face by a green blast from Joe.  The swings go wild but one strikes Joe flat against his shoulder, making him drop the rock and knocking him to the ground.  The king is in obvious pain, he doesn't seem greatly injured but he covers his face with his arms.

Morteft flies back up to the misty mage and begins to cast a spell.  The mage appears to be starting a spell too, the mist moves to the forefront.  Morteft closes in and finishes his spell; but he casts it on his new staff!  The resulting explosion looks like a small sun.  Morteft and the mage are completely engulfed in the flames.  The sound of the blast causes almost everyone to pause and look.  The ball of flame continues to expand for a few seconds and the starts to dissipate.

More to come...

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 59):

First an OOC:  I forgot the new ring of protection.  Shorty did save vice the spell for 19 instead of 39


Shorty lets his anger seep into his swings.  <<OOC2:  Just reread haste.. double the attack rate.... Vegomatic move over here comes Shorty>>

The black sword comes in first <<17 hits AC -17 for 29 points>>
Troll Slayer next              <<14 hits AC -14 for 28 points>>
The black sword                <<12 hits AC -12 for 30 points>>
The black sword                <<15 hits AC -15 for 26 points>>
Troll Slayer next              << 3 hits AC -3 for 28 points>>
The black sword comes in Last  <<11 hits AC -11 for 27 points>>

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 59):

Warwick reaches out for Morteft's mind.  *Lad, did ye make it?*

In reply to Shorty (msg # 60):

To continue.

Shorty attacks and hits 5 times.  It looks like the strikes are doing good damage and then after the 4th hit Krull looks unharmed again and then the 5th strike hits home.  The troll continues to smile.

The fireball finally clears.  There is a very smoky troll as in fire smoky and his mist.  The troll doesn't move much but he is still in the air about 50ft.  The mist swirls about the mage.  It could very well be the mist is holding the mage in the air.

Morteft is no where to be seen.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 62):

OOC:  Any response over the mindlink?

In reply to Warwick (msg # 63):

None.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 64):

OOC: Not fair... the public message got a DM2 response but not the private ones.  Sigh.  Grin

In reply to Shorty (msg # 65):

I'm muli-tasking here.  I have several windows opened and a slow connection.  yours should be in the mail.

:)

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 64):

Warwick sends out to Shorty and Aztar.  *Morteft is gone.  Let's hope we can make use of his sacrifice.*

Warwick casts another cure serious wounds on himself and then flies to help out Shorty.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 67):

Shorty does his best to think back at Warwick but there is probably a lot of anger on the link.

"Glove broke.  Boy being pain.  Me gonna chop n chop.  Den me gonna find cloud ting and chop more.  No gets hurt fuzz face.  Already lost udder guy.  Not gettin nobodys else dead dis day."

OOC:  Waiting for DM message on Shorty's status.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 62):

Shorty attacks and hits 5 times.  It looks like the strikes are doing good damage and then after the 4th hit Krull looks unharmed again and then the 5th strike hits home.  The troll continues to smile.  The fireball finally clears.  There is a very smoky troll as in fire smoky and his mist.  The troll doesn't move much but he is still in the air about 50ft.  The mist swirls about the mage.  It could very well be the mist is holding the mage in the air.

Shorty also looks fully healed at this point and he has the beginnings of a very ugly look on his normally peaceful face.  "Ken make all better gin?  An gin ... and gin?  Shorty ken do.  Me bets you nots too muches.  Me gonna spank lotta more time.  Shorty ken dos alls day.  Boy not so smart as eben dumb Ogre.  Time be dead tiny boy.  Den me kills funny cloud... den me kills daddy king.  Den me kills lotta more troll."

Shorty raises his black sword for another round.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 68):

*Okay, lad.  Ye want any help, spells or axe?  Or should I try to help the miner?*

*Warwick.  Morteft is alive.  I can't lock onto him but I know he's not dead.  I'm trying to work past the interference.

'Also, I believe the young troll being protected by the formation of guards may be the troll king's son.  If we can hurt him and take out his guards, I think that might distract the king.'

In reply to Warwick (msg # 70):

Shorty struggles to keep his thoughts clear....  "Help kills boy now.  Den fights udder place.  Fuzz face stay way king.  King sword bad magic.  Youse use youse magic on King.  Not fights."

No longer seeing his friend floating near the mage or the mist, Shorty decides he has had enough and attacks with all of the speed he now possesses.  He begins chopping at the troll before him so he can go after the mist.

<<Black Sword  AC -17 for 27 points
  Troll Sword  AC -7  for 23 points
  Black Sword  AC -5  for 26  points
  Black Sword  AC -12 for 31  points
  Troll Sword  AC -13 for 25  points
  Black Sword  AC -15 for 25  points>>

If the young troll goes down, Shorty will head for the mist.

<<OOC:  The dice roller is rather stingy.  Like real dice better>

In reply to Shorty (msg # 72):

The first thing that happens this round is a very bright flash in Shorty's face as Krulls armour bursts with light.
Shorty save vs Petri at -2 or be stunned, no matter what Shorty will be blind for a time, -4 to hit.  Warwick a bit farther away just needs to save vs Petri or be blind.

Krull attacks Shorty hitting 3 times for 70 points plus an electric shock of 14 more for 84 total.

Warwick is able to heal himself again for 11 points and he readies his axe.

The king is starting to recover, looking around for Joe who has decided it's a good time to run.  Interestingly enough as he does so any troll he gets near gives him a large amount of space, even more so when the king launches a Fireball in his general direction.  It goes off wiping out trolls and humans alike, however it seems to have little affect on Joe.

Art and the 4 positrons have run out of opponents, mainly because most tried to avoid them and head towards the humans.  They begin to pick off those slower trolls that are engaging the human army.

The two armies continue to clash some trolls have made it to the mages and clerics.

The 5 special trolls and their ward have made it to the center mound of the crater.
=======

Saving throws and retaliatory strikes await.

More to come afterwards

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 74):

Warwick makes his save.  He then turns and casts flame strike on the 5 special trolls.

*not sure what they're doing, but need to have the positrons attack them.   Get rid of the guards and focus on the younger one*. Aztar sends to Warwick.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 76):

Warwick yells to his fire elemental and Megavolt and his friends.  "Attack the ones on the mound.  Destroy them!"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 77):

If you could really tell their front from back you would see the positrons and Fire Elemental turn to go back toward the center of the crater at their greatest speed.

--Dm2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 74):

OOC:  Shorty saves.  Also, one of his specializations is in blind fighting.  So he ACfor his roles are only reduced by two instead of 4.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 79):

Ok, you still get to attack this round.

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 79):

Shorty swings with Blind enthusiasm

Black Sword     14 for AC -12 for 29 points
   Troll Sword   6 for AC -4  for 34 points
   Black Sword  12 for AC -10 for 26  points
   Black Sword   8 for AC -6 for 27  points
   Troll Sword  13 for AC -11 for 24  points
   Black Sword  18 for AC -16 for 32  points>>

If the young troll goes down, Shorty will head for the mist.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 81):

Continuing on ...

Krull is still alive, Shorty hit 4 times, maybe not so well but alive.

The king seems to forget about Joe for the moment and looks toward the center of the of the crater and gets a big smile on his face.  He then looks up at Shorty and Krull, and in an instant is gone only to reappear between Krull and Shorty.  He says while not turning his gaze off Shorty  "Go make sure the guards can handle those Inner Planes flunkies."  Krull flies off toward the positrons and elemental.  King says to Shorty.  "Well small stuff, bring it.  I'll even give you first strike.  I'm feeling generous since the end is near for you all."  Shorty is still blinded so he knows the king is there by his voice.

The 5 trolls have moved in front of the one who stands at the craters center mound to meet the attackers.  Warwicks Flame Strike looks cut in half at the crater center but still hits the 6 trolls at the crater mound as the positrons and elemental arrive.  The spell does some damage but they seem protected against fire.  Nothing appears to have happened to the one at the center; but he is mostly on the non-magic side.  The five on five battle begins.

The two armies continue to battle, casualties on both sides.  Art flies just above the crowd and swings his large scimitar as he makes his way to help the mages and clerics. One of the mages appears to fall.  Joe stops to catch his breath.

Still a little battle left.

Shorty and Aztar can do something.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 82):Continuing on ...

Krull is still alive, Shorty hit 4 times, maybe not so well but alive.

King says to Shorty.  "Well small stuff, bring it.  I'll even give you first strike.  I'm feeling generous since the end is near for you all."  Shorty is still blinded so he knows the king is there by his voice.

Shorty yells before turning to the King.  "Poor little boy runs gin froms Shorty.  Fuzz face kills Boy now please."

Shorty then faces in the direction of the Kings voice.  "If'n times die.  Forest Lady takes care Shorty.  Maybe eben ride horse wid horn."  Shorty then grins.  "But least me sees youse gets beat by little man who dig rock.  Dat be bery funny lookin."  With that Shorty attacks.

 << Black Sword  17 for AC -15 for 31 points
    Troll Sword   5 for AC - 3 for 25 points
    Black Sword  17 for AC -15 for 30  points
    Black Sword   4 for AC - 2 for 29  points
    Troll Sword  18 for AC -16 for 27  points
    Black Sword  19 for AC -17 for 26  points>>

Aztar is unsure what to do, but seeing that the 5 guards are quickly getting distracted and the young troll is obviously up to something but still standing in the negative side, the alchemist tries his earlier attack a second time to see if he can't stop him from doing whatever it is he's trying to do.

With his telekinesis, he lobs a glass globe of green slime, smashing it over his now exposed head, hoping that the troll can't negate it again when his head is covered in the stuff.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 84):


Shorty attacks the king unfortunately every hit (4) bounces off his armour.  Whether it's the armour or a spell is unclear.  The king retaliates hitting 4 times for 92 points which includes extra cold and fire damage from the swords.  "Go ahead small stuff try again."

The troll mage begins to stir and looks around to try to get his bearings.

Joe has stopped to catch his breath.  A troll inadvertently steps on Joe.  Joe's anger flares again.  From his eyes 2 green beams burst forth incinerating the troll and a few of him comrades, unfortunately it also wipes out a couple of Calator defenders.  Joe first looks stunned and then falls to his knees.

The 5 on 5 with the special guards and the positrons/fire elemental continues.  Megavolt should win soon; but the Fire Elemental looks in trouble too.

Few see a green glass bottle appears just beyond the 5 on 5, over the lone troll in black armour.  The glass shatters and a green glob falls only to stop and hover a few inches above the trolls head.  The troll raises one hand with his other hand on the mound.  He twirls hand and the green blob matches the motion.  The blob is then launched back at Aztar's portal which he closes before the blob hits and it just harmlessly falls to the ground.

OOC: Warwick and Shorty can react to finish this round and start the next.

Other actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 85):

Shorty is not looking his best at the moment.  In fact, if he wasn't flying.... Shorty would probably not be on his feet.  Shorty pauses momentarily to pull a chain from beneath his tunic.  Shorty then mutters, "Me come soon Lady.  Been protect like Drud say do."  Shorty raises his swords again and adds "Bye Baby.  Fights good Fuzz face. Pleased Fix Shorty now Glove."  Shorty then begins his final attacks with the words. "King Cheat agin."

<<Assuming Shorty is still blinded
     Black Sword  10 for AC - 8 for 25 points
     Troll Slayer  3 for AC - 1 for 31 points
     Black Sword  17 for AC -15 for 28 points
     Black Sword  19 for AC -17 for 29  points
     Troll Slayer 20 for AC -18 for 25  points
     Black Sword  10 for AC - 8 for 28  points>>

In reply to Shorty (msg # 86):

Warwick looks from Shorty to the battle at the mound and heads to the mound at his best speed.

He sends a farewell message to Shorty.  *Lad, it's been good to know ye.  Ye are a true champion and when this is done, I'll do me best to get you back so that you can continue to take care of Baby.*

Once Warwick gets to the mound, he helps the fire elemental with his troll.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 87):

Shorty does manage to hit once and is rewarded.

OOC: I'm making the assumption that the roll you show is the base roll and I do critical hits on a natural 20.

Shorty is healed 23 points.

Warwick flies over to aid his elemental; but is a little late.  The elemental dissipates as he arrives.  Warwick is still able to land a blow which cuts the troll down.  Megavolt dispatches his troll and is able to help his kinsmen dispatch his troll too.  Now 2 special trolls are left, plus the one at the mound, who seems to be glowing slightly.

Art continues to help protect the mages and clerics who continue to fire spells at the trolls.  The armies continue to battle, the trolls having an edge given their healing ability; but their numbers are less than half what they were although still greater than those of Calator.   Joe just kneels there.

The king starts his attacks, his first strike with the flame sword hits and does 22 points including 4 points fire damage.  Shorty then feels the end coming, a blow strikes, not as hard as he was expecting and he goes limp.

The rest of you notice the following:  Most of you were in midst of battle with trolls, then suddenly as if some shift in time or space, most of the trolls are gone.  The king who was about to split Shorty in two is gone, disappears.  The troll army that was once hundreds is now maybe 50, dispersed or in small clumps around the Calator army.  The special trolls are gone, the one troll at the mound is just a spectral image.  He begins the yell in fury "NNOOOO!!" and then is gone.  Finally the troll mage, who was preparing a spell is also gone.  Only the mist remains.

The battle seems to momentarily freeze in time, some trolls continue to battle, oblivious to what goes on around them; others stand stunned a second or two.

Aztar sees all this happen from his perch, dumbfounded at the meaning.

More to come; but need to do some individual things.  Feel free to react.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 88):

Warwick looks around, confused, but then flies back to Shorty, trying to make sure he continues to live.

Once he arrives, he will cast cure light wound spells on him.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 88):

OOC:  It was a natural 20.  The RPOL die roller was nice for a change.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Tue 30 Oct 2012.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 89):

Warwick gets to Shorty and checks him out, he is alive but barely.  It will take more than a cure light.

--DM2

A portal opens and Aztar steps out and the portal closes behind him.  He moves around helping the wounded with a few smaller potions and draws his sword to help out if a troll gets too near.

As he circles back with the group, he explains what little he knows,'Trinny said that someone interceded on our behalf and that someone will be here soon to explain.'

'The really interesting part is that the trolls equipment has been collected in a cave, implying that the trolls are actually gone and. Ot simply sent away.  However, I can't get a portal to open to it and something shut down my scrying.'

'Is there anything I can do to help?' 

He casts a glance over to joe and if no one needs anything, makes his way over to the prospector, standing a safe distance away, calls out to see if he's okay.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 91):

Warwick pulls out some the healing potions that Aztar gave him and feeds them to Shorty.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 92):

"Hmm..  We'll have to check out the cave later.  Right now, we need to get our wounded and dead attended to.  Lad, do ye know where Morteft is?"

"He's alive and appeared conscious when I was able to pierce the static that was interferring my scrying attempt, but I couldn't get a solid enough lock to open the portal and pull him back.  I'm not even sure what plane he's on, but he's definitely alive."

In reply to Aztar (msg # 95):

Warwick again attempts to contact Morteft via the mindlink.  *Lad, where are ye?*

In reply to Warwick (msg # 94):

Aztar has reappeared; but other things are going on as well.  Most of the trolls have realized that their king is gone and have started a hasty retreat, the others that stay are mowed down quickly, and burned.  At the moment you can't get an idea of how bad things may have been.  You look around watching the trolls retreat and make sure they continue to do so and as you watch them you notice the mist is floating to the ground.
  It comes down about 100' from you and just hovers for a moment.  It stays there as if watching you and then slowly begins to morph, becoming more tall than wide.  You stare at it in fascination.  You begin to make out a head and shoulders, then legs start to take shape.  The head starts to elongate and 2 horns or long ears form and you also see arms.  Finally the shape seems to solidify in to a large biped, about 6 and half feet tall.  It has the head of a jackal but the body of a man and it is jet black.  It wears only a short golden like skirt and a gold arm band.  Finally it's eyes are red and glow like coals.  It just stands there for about 10 seconds and looks at you all.  You think it lasted more than a minute and then he is gone.

You are brought out of your wondering by Shorty stirring.

Actions and more to come?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 97):

Shorty utters something about getting hit on the head, golden birds not being smart, and babies.

In reply to Aztar (msg # 92):

Joe is still kneeling there as if stunned.  You think that this is probably the first human life he's taken in any fashion.  Aztar calls out to him but he only stirs.  Everyone gives him a wide berth.  Some of the army has chased the troll remnant but not for long.  Otherwise, the wounded are attended to.

Warwick is not able to contact Morteft, just gets silence.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 99):

"Aztar, lad, stay with Shorty.  I'll go check on our miner friend."

Warwick flies over to Joe.  "Ye okay, Joe?"

In reply to Warwick (msg # 100):

He doesn't look at Warwick, just at his hands and the ground.  "What am I?"


--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 101):

"I don't lad, I don't know.  But, if ye want to find out, I think we can find the answers with some of me friends."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 98):

Shorty slowly sits up and groans.  "Birdy be right.  Not deads yet."  Shorty looks at his glove sadly and then digs out his white marble to toss above his head.  Then he looks at everyone around him and asks.  "What happens to troll when me falls sleep?  Dem gone now? Me member King kills me den me on hill of grass."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 103):

The air stirs slightly and a new thread is born.

See new thread. The Beginning

--DM2