Round 6 actions, Josh is back, polymorph info
Subject: Round 6 actions
I have been having him move at a run which is 120 feet. However, the stairs slow him down. He is actually at the top of the stairs and will be moving out from them next round.
From: Josh
Subject: Josh back
Hey Everyone, I'm back. Thanks again to Randy for piloting Kal. If you don't mind,could you handle this round as well? So I can get my bearings.
From: Randy
Subject: Round 6 actions
What the hell was going on here? Where were the dwarves? They couldn't be involved could they?
Ran concentrates and the bloody scene surrounding him takes all of his focus. He swings with grace and passion, his sword becoming an extension of his rage. (Full attack on E1, apply dodge bonus to E1).
From: Mark
Subject: Polymorph
I just wanted everyone to understand some of the limitations of polymorph.
First you are limited to the number of HD you can change into. You are limited by the HD of the caster or the person getting the spell cast on them, which ever is greater, up to 15HD. So with the normal polymorph spell Ally is never going to be changing Mund into an ancient red dragon.
Second, you do not have all the abilities of the new form.
For example, here is a passage from the SRD:
"It also gains all extraordinary special attacks possessed by the form but does not gain the extraordinary special qualities possessed by the new form or any supernatural or spell-like abilities." Here is a concrete example. All dragons have blinde sense. Blindsense (Ex): Using nonvisual senses, such as acute smell or hearing, a creature with blindsense notices things it cannot see. The creature usually does not need to make Spot or Listen checks to pinpoint the location of a creature within range of its blindsense ability, provided that it has line of effect to that creature. Any opponent the creature cannot see still has total concealment against the creature with blindsense, and the creature still has the normal miss chance when attacking foes that have concealment. Visibility still affects the movement of a creature with blindsense. A creature with blindsense is still denied its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class against attacks from creatures it cannot see.
This would seem to be great in the situation Mund now finds himself. But since Polymorph does not give him the Extraordinary special qualities, Mund does not have blindsense. He can still use his spot and listen skills, and I might give him a bonus due to the dragons above average vision abilities, but no blindsense.
I am not saying that changing Mund into a dragon was a bad idea. It was a good idea, especially as a means of getting some some place very quickly, but do not think of polymorph as a solve all problem. A 8HD dragon is 16-25 years old. Dragons do not become the terrors they are for a few more age categories.
From: Randy
Subject: Josh back
Um, I wasn't piloting Kal. I can't remember who was. Welcome back anyway.
From: Mark
Subject: Josh Back
Derek was. Welcome back. Hope you are all rested and eager to die. :)
From: Derek
Subject: Round 6 actions
Since Ran still has the fly spell, that means he can fight Hong Kong cinema wire-fu style, right?
From: Randy
Subject: Round 6 actions
Right, Ran will do his full attack from above the creature. (OOC: would that count as a 5-foot step?)
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6 actions
He can move but it would be more than a 5 foot step since these are large creatures. This would provoke AoO and reduce him to one attack. He can make a "5 foot step" up to start moving so that he would be above the creature. However, the thing still has a 10 foot reach up and Ran will not be flanking with the remainig legionaires or giving them a flanking bonus.
From: Derek
Subject: Round 6 actions
Allistair is a bit put off by the Lady de Blum's attitude, but at least she complies. She'll be safe in there for up to eight hours, which should be more than enough time to secure the area. There is a fear in the back of his mind that if this enemy wizard is powerful enough, he could locate and then rip open the Rope Trick. If he can do that though, there is little Allistair or the rest could do to stop him anyway, so there's little use in worrying about it. Looking up to see how Mund was doing against the mage, he realized the mage had disappeared again. Did he teleport away again? Or did he just become invisible like the Lady de Blum did? Allistair didn't know any spells to be able to see invisible people or objects, even though he himself was quite adept at making people invisible. Perhaps that is something he should research the next time they get a chance.
In the mean time, there is little he can do here and he can't even see the creatures on the battlements to attack them, so he makes his way to join his friends as fast as he can. "Surin, there's nothing more we can do here, and those things won't be throwing rocks at us since they are otherwise occupied. Let's get up there and help them out." Ally starts running as fast as he can. He'll go up the stairs on the right, since they are closer, and once he is up there his magic missles can hit the creatures on either side anyway.
From: Porter
Subject: Round 6 actions
"Maybe he tely-ported away again, maybe he just went invisible" Mund thinks. He flies up to where the wizard was keeping an eye and an ear out for the wizard, either nearby and invisible, or elsewhere, causing havoc.
From: Randy
Subject: Round 6 actions
That's true. Ran will stay on the ground to continue flanking.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 6 actions
Mark, how close will Harp be to Kal after he makes 1 normal move action? If he will be within 35 feet, he will get to that point, shout Kal a reminder of their distance limitations, and then cast the Shield Other spell.
If he is too far away to do that, then he will make a double move action to get as close to Kal so Harp can cast it next turn.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6 actions
Harp's move ends up just about where Kal starts, since Kal spent a round or two running while Harp shot his bow.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 6 actions
Is that is Harp makes a double move or just one move?
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6 actions
Kal is at the top of the stairs at the start of his turn. Harp is at the bottom. A full round move by Harp will get him to the top.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 6 actions
So, 2 move actions gets me next to Kal before he moves but I cannot cast the spell.
Right???
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6 actions
Correct.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 6 actions
Is Kal able to sense or know when Harp casts the spell if Harp doesn'tor isn't able to let him know vocally?
From: Karl
Subject: Round 6 actions
Salix calls lightening again. Same target as before if it is not dead. The more damaged of the remaining two if the first is dead.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 6 actions
When Harp gets to the top of the stairs, in between breaths he says to Kal "Hold on just a second. Let me pray for the blessing we agreed to, and then we can finish this guy off. If he hits you with one of the clubs, your'e gonna know it."
Round 6 actions, round 6
Subject: Round 6 actions
You have to be in range of the spell, which at Harp's level is 35 feet. If you move out of that range the spell ends. You will be able to feel when the spell is in effect. You can role play it like feeling Harp's presence in the back of your mind or as part of your soul or something.
From: Mark
Subject: Kal
I am working on the turn now. I need to know if Kal is going to wait a round for Harp to cast the Shield other spell?
From: Josh
Subject: Round 6 actions
Can he just delay action until after Harp goes?
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6 actions
You have to be in range of the spell, which at Harp's level is 35 feet. If you move out of that range the spell ends. You will be able to feel when the spell is in effect. You can role play it like feeling Harp's presence in the back of your mind or as part of your soul or something.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 6 actions
If Kal is able to delay action so he can still attack this round afterHarp's spell he will. Otherwise he'll tell Harp that he's going inand will attack. Sorry if I'm not too clear. I'm just getting caught up and I don'thave a clear picture of what's going on. Kal wants to attack thisround whether he's protected or not. If he can wait for theprotection he will, but otherwise he'll attack. Unless attacking willcause the spell to get wasted, in which case he'll wait.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 6 actions
If Kal does not hold his action this turn (i.e. he moves forward to attack) then he will do so unprotected (not really a problem - he was planning on doing that anyway). Next turn, Harp can move with in range (since, for Kal to attack, he can take no more than 1 move action) and then cast the spell. So, Kal is on his own this turn, but next turn...
From: Josh
Subject: Round 6 actions
Sounds right. Kal would certainly appreciate the protection, but hewouldn't depend on it, or let it slow him down.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 6
Round 6
Init: Harp (25), Flying Guy (23), Surin (20), Maximus (18), Lady De Blum (15), Kal (14), Ranthir (12), Ally (12), Salix (7), Legionaries (7), Creatures (E1, E3) (7), Mund (5), Ragnar (5).
Harp looks at the steep stairs ahead of him. He had run the stairs at the Chapter house as punishment as a trainee. He would have to thank that sergeant, if he got out of this alive. Legs pumping, Harp takes the stairs two at a time. When he gets to the top the burn in his thighs is just starting. He catches up to Kal at that point "Kal, hold up a second. Remember that prayer I told you about?" Kal looks confused for a second. Harp grabs his hand and holds up the ring "This one? Those things out there are swinging clubs bigger than you. This might be a good time to try this out." He waits to hear Kal's reply.
As Mund flies around looking for the wizard he sees something out of the corner of his eye. As he turns towards it he sees that it is a glowing ember streaking through the sky. Mund tries to spin in mid air (REF save, DC18, 13+7=20, save, damage 30). He folds his wings in tight and turns his back to the blast. Heat flows over him and he lets out a guttural scream.
Surin continues his approach up the side of the pass.
Maximus's face is ashen. All of his fellow warriors have been beaten to bloody messes on the stone battlements. However, there were still some alive. He presses his attack (E2) (AC20, 5+13=18, miss). The creatures armor stops the first blow of the short sword. However the warrior ducks down and jabs up under the thick hide armor (AC20, 12+8=20, hit, damage 9). His sword slides into the things belly and it collapses at his feet, almost crushing him as it falls.
Kal looks at Harp in surprise "Wait? While brave men and women die? I think not." The elf then dashes out of the top of the stairs and to the left. As he turns the corner he sees only four warriors surrounding the large figure. The creatures great club is covered in blood and crushed forms litter the ground around it. Kal moves up towards the battle, keeping the stone cover to the staircase on his left. He moves closer to the creature, stopping just out side of its reach.
Ran shudder at the site of the mangled bodies of the legionaries. He strikes at the creature (E1) (AC20, 17+14=31, hit, damage 10) and cuts a deep wound across the things back. As the creature turns Ran strikes again (AC20, 12+9=21, hit, damage 8), his sword leaving another bloody cut on the things arm.
Ally watches Mund get torched by a fireball. From the size of the explosion Ally realizes that this mage is more powerful then he is and that he is out in the open with no support and a foe that is invisible and still able to cast spells. This was the most powerful mage the party had ever encountered. The young mage turns and runs full speed towards the door ahead (move to L16). As he runs he calls to Surin "Surin, lets move it to the doors. They might offer some protection."
Salix breathes a small sigh of relief as Maximus fells one of the creatures. The druid turns his attention to the other and calls down another bolt of lightening (REF save, DC 17, 6+3=9, fail, damage 14). The creature stands transfixed for a few seconds as the bolt strikes dead center. Small tendrils of smoke come from its eyes and ears.
The legionaries fighting alongside Ran attack the creature (E1). One (L5) gets in a luck stab as the creature recovers from the lightening strike (AC20, 15+5=20, hit, damage 7). The other warrior misses terribly (AC20, 4+5=9,miss) his sword screeching as the hide armor deflects the blow.
On the other side two of the warriors step in to close with the creature, taking the empty spots where their comrades had just stood. One (L12) lands a solid blow (AC20, 16+5=21, hit, damage 6) while the other three all fail to penetrate the creatures armor.
The creature on the west side (E3) lashes out again with his club. Again bodies fly and blood splatters. One after another (AC14, 12+16=28, hit, damage 19, L17 dead, AC14, 16+16=32, hit, damage 13 to L12, AC14, 15+11=26, hit, damage 19, L12 dead, AC14, 7+11=18, hit, damage 18, L8 dead) the legionaries fall to the brutal club, their shattered bodies thrown across the stone battlements.
Ran's foe (E1) turns to face the new threat that has hurt him so much. The huge club swings around. Ran tries to get his shield up but is just a second too slow (AC26, 11+16=27, hit, damage 22). Ran feels like he has been hit by a sledge hammer. His chain mail shirt spreads out some of the blow but some damage has been done. Ran grasps for air and does not even see the second blow coming (AC26, 18+11=29, hit, damage 23). The ½ elf staggers from the blow, blood pouring from his mouth, his ears ringing. He looks up, trying to focus on the creature in front of him. At least the two legionaries were still alive.
Mund starts to fall, the pain almost too much for him. However he puts his wings out and pulls out into a painful glide. He circles around, trying to find where the mage had been. He flies in the direction of where the fireball had come from.
Ragnar continues his climb and pounds through the doors at the top. He turns to his right and around the stone building that is in the way. As he turns he sees that Maximus has killed one of the creatures. A prayer of thanks leaps to the dwarf's mouth as he sweeps his eyes over where Ran is. He just catches Ran get clubbed in the chest and then in the head. The cleric cries out as Ran almost stumbles to his knees, knowing that it would be certain death if the fighter does.
OODM: I need round 7 actions.
From: Karl
Subject: Round 7 actions
Salix will call lightening again at E1.
Round 7 actions
Subject: Round 7 actions
If its still alive, Ragnar charges E1. If its not, he'll move up to Ran so he can CCW him.
From: Derek
Subject: Round 7 actions
Allistair sees his brother get cooked by a fireball that appeared out of nowhere. Whoever this mage is, he's using my most powerful spell, while flying and tossing fireballs! I'm way out of my class here, but I have to help Mund.
Allistair shouts up to his brother, "Mund, come here! You're not going to be able to get him that way!
When Mund comes down next to Allistair, he tells his brother quietly, "Mund, this wizard is even more powerful than I am. I don't have anything that can get him directly while he's invisible like this. However, this more powerful variety of invisibility has one big weakness: it doesn't last long. If I make you invisible with the more normal variety, you will stay invisible much longer than he does as long as you don't attack. Just fly up invisible, wait for his invisibility spell to end, and then pounce on him."
Allistair will cast regular invisibility on Mund, and then will make his way towards the entrance to the battlements, staying behind cover while doing so.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 7 actions
Mark, where would Harp be? H8 or H9?
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From: Mark
Subject: Round 7 actions
E17. The "tunnel/stairs" opens to the back of the fortifications.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 7 actions
Oh, OK.
IC: Harp watches as Kal dashes off toward the creature. Damnit, didn't he listen to anything? If that thing got a good whack at Kal, he would be a bloody smear on the ground.
Running around the corner, Harp moves as far as he can to stay close to Kal (move to H18) and then chants the spell he had prayed for (cast Shield Other). He then says to Kal - remember, don't go running to far away. Let me know if you are gonna move."
OOC: Mark, Harp shoud be just out of the creature reach so there should be no AOO (I hope).
Kal should get a +1 deflection bonus to A/C, +1 to saves, and Harp will take 1/2 of any damage Kal takes.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 7 actions
OOC: Mark, does anyone recognize these creatures yet?
From: Jason
Subject: Round 7 actions
Ragnar recognized them as giants, but I think everyone realizes they're really big so I didn't say it :)
From: Mark
Subject: Round 7 actions
At the distance he is now Ragnar knows they are giants. He does not know what type of giant. He knows he is well qualified to fight these things.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 7 actions
Kal feels a warm tingle wash over his body. He recognizes the feelingand smiles. This creature has no chance now. He says a quiet thankyou to Harp and begins combat. "Go for the stairs! Today is not your day to die. I'll handle thisabomination." Kal yells to the final legionnaire. Kal is tempted to dance with the dumb brute, but he doesn't have thetime. Others are falling all around. This needs to end quickly. Hesteps forward and presses a full attack. OOC: Full attack against E3, applying his +1 from Dodge to E3, alongwith Harp's +1. I believe that puts his AC at 24.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 7 actions
OOC: Given how these guys have been rolling, a 24AC may not be enough. You may be glad the Harps gonna suck up some damage. Hope you get some criticals.
From: Randy
Subject: Round 7 actions
OOC: Well considering Ran's AC was at 26...
IC: Ran, reeling from the painful blows, hesitates a moment before flying straight into the air, out of the reach of the giant (remember mobility adds 4 to dodge, plus apply dodge point to E1). This was not the moment to press this attack. As he flies up, he pulls his wand out and speaks the word to activate it's healing powers on himself.
"Ragnar, take up the fight here, I'll rejoin when I can!"
From: Porter
Subject: Round 7 actions
Mund is impressed. His brother has obviously done more than just study dusty old spells since he left home.
He comes down to his brother, accepts the magicking, and then starts climbing so that he can look down at the battle.
Round 7 and round 8 actions
Subject: Turn
Ok everyone has a turn in. I will be writing somthing up tonight, after 9PM.
From: Josh
Subject: Turn
I'll have intermittent connection to the internet this weekend. I'llbe around, just might be a day before I respond.
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
Ok just got home. The oldest boy wants on the computer for a while so I will be writing the turn a bit later than I thought.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 7
Round 7
Init: Harp (25), Flying Guy (23), Surin (20), Maximus (18), Lady De Blum (15), Kal (14), Ranthir (12), Ally (12), Salix (7), Legionaries (7), Creatures ( E3) (7), Mund (5), Ragnar (5).
Harp curses Kal impatience. Hadn't the elf learned anything. The ½ orc hurries around the corner, trying to catch up with the elf. He's glad to see that the idiot had not charged head long into the thing. It had some long arms and with a club of that size Kal might have been bashed off the battlements before he even got close. As he approaches the elf he starts chanting the prayer that will connect the two rings. He makes a fist with his hand, feeling the touch of the metal on his finger. As he finishes the prayer he feels the power reach out and join the ring on Kal's hand.
From below Mund hears his brother shouting "Mund come here! Your not going to be able to get him that way!" Mund turns and dives towards his brother. Ally sees his brother turn in the air and dive towards him. From about 80 feet away and down the mage sees 5 glowing bolts of power streak from a spot in the sky and burn into Mund's dragon form (Damage 14). Mund roars in pain again but continues towards where his brother his is. He lands clumsily at his brothers side.
Surin stops trying to keep to the shadows and moves at full speed towards the doors.
Maximus takes a look around and charges at the last foe (E1) letting out a scream as he moves. His scream gets the things attention and as he closes it swings it's club at him (AC21, 1+16=17, auto miss). Maximus, running at full speed, ducks under the club and closes with the thing. His short sword lashes out and finds the gap in the belly plate of the hide armor (AC (AC20, 7+15=22, hit, damage 8). The sword slides in hilt deep. Maximus jabs the sword to the side, opening a large cut in the things guts. Entrails slide out as the thing falls to the ground, its eyes going wide.
Kal feels the same sense of calm as when Harp first showed him the prayer of joining and the elf whispers the words of command. His blade frosts over and flickers of static race along the edges. . Reassured, the elf dances forward, yelling at the remaining legionarie "Head for the stairs. Today is not your day to die. I'll handle this abomination." His rapier thrusting forward, Kal looks for a gap in the things armor. His first strike slides of the thick hide (AC20, 1+13=14, auto miss) as the creature turns at the last second. However, Kal takes advantage of this move and spins and thrusts again. This time the thin blade finds a gap in the chest plate and slides home (AC20, 15+8=23, hit, damage 15). As the blade slide into the things flesh the cold and the static course through the creatures body.
Ran almost falls over from the pain. He looks around and see Maximus standing there over the dead creatures body. He turns to the other two warriors "Are you two ok?"
When Mund lands besides him with a thump Ally gets a good look at what shape he is in. The dragons white skin is blotchy and blackened. Charred pieces of wing and skin are starting to flake off. Ally whispers to his brother as he prepares his spell ''Mund, this wizard is even more powerful than I am. I don't have anything that can get him directly while he's invisible like this. However, this more powerful variety of invisibility has one big weakness: it doesn't last long. If I make you invisible with the more normal variety, you will stay invisible much longer than he does as long as you don't attack. Just fly up invisible, wait for his invisibility spell to end, and then pounce on him.' The mage then chants his spell, touches the dragon form on the shoulder. The dragon disappears from site and Ally takes off towards the doors.
Salix is relieved that the two creatures on this side are dead, but from his perch up on the mountain side he can see that Kal is fighting the other creature all by himself. Shouting down to the others "The one on the other side is still alive. Kal and Harp are there by themselves." Salix concentrates and calls down another bolt. He curses to himself when he sees that the bolt strikes about 20 feet short of where the creature is.
The last legionarie on Kal's side backs away, holding her sword carefully in front of her.
The last creature turns and faces his new foe, Kal. The elf dodges and weaves as best he can as the massive club swings at his head. He miss times his dodge (AC24, 10+16=26, hit, damage 17, he takes 9 and Harp takes 8) and the club grazes his head. He feels part of his pain drain away. A few steps away Harp hisses as a small waive of pain passes through him. The second blow (AC24, 17+11=28, hit, damage 22, Kal takes 11, Harp takes 11) catches him off guard. Again the pain from the blow seems to flow out of him. Behind him Harp arm breaks.
Ragnar rushes towards Ran and chants the most powerful healing prayer he has (Cure Critical, heal 29). Maximus yells at Ran "The elf is getting killed. He needs help."
OODM: End round 7. I need round 8 actions.
From: Jason
Subject: Round 8 actions
Does Ragnar have any indication of the situation Mund and Allistair are in?
From: Mark
Subject: Round 8 actions
No not really.
From: Jason
Subject: Round 8 actions
Ragnar looks across the battlements and debates whether or not Ran could carry him over. Then he looks back at the men at his feet, and realizes that their needs are more urgent, if they're still alive. (If Ran doesn't fly over to help before Ragnar goes) He petitions another blessing on Ran's behalf (CSW) and then (or if Ran has already left) turns to see if any of the legionaries are still holding on to any scrap of life. The sight before him is sobering, and it is clear that most of the men are far beyond his aid. (If there are any alive though, he will CLW them.)
Opening Day and Round 8 actions
Subject: Round 8 actions
OOC - Did Salix miss because he's out of range, or did you write up his "falling short" because his roll missed? If the latter, he will call lightening again. If the former, he will try to move within range and call lightening again.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 8 actions
He was short range. Call lightening does not require an attack roll. However the range is 100 feet +10 feet/level or 180 feet and you are further away then that. They are on the other side of the pass and Salix is on the extreme east side.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 8 actions
Damn, that hurt. And I haven't even been able to hit that damn big thing. Well, lets change that. IF we let this thing live too much longer and it'll beat the both of us into a pulp.
Risking an attack from the giant creature, Harp steps to Kal's side and attacks the creature.
OOC: Mark, move to J20 (provoking the AOO when leaving I19) and Standard attacking E3.
From: Mark
Subject: Opening day
Most of you probably know this but today is the Grand Opening of Karl's Quiznos.
Good luck Karl.
From: Derek
Subject: Round 8 actions
As Allistair runs to the battlements he shouts up, "How's it going up there?"
From: Randy
Subject: Round 8 actions
Ran, feeling his health renewed, quickly thanks Ragnar as he takes flight once more. He flies as fast as he can, charging (if he can make it that far) to assist Kal with his foe (M19 is his intended position - I can't remember how far he can move right now)
From: Mark
Subject: Round 8 actions
Fying he can move 120 feet. He can charge, I think, but can not run.
From: Derek
Subject: Round 8 actions
With the fly spell Ran has, somehow it seems that everything he is doing would fit right into an anime fight sequence...
From: Mark
Subject: Round 8 actions
You can visualize him running on air, just like in a Crouching Tiger type movie.
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From: Derek
Subject: Round 8 actions
I prefer the 'your legs don't need to move when you're flying through the air' interpretation used more in anime and ninja movies over the 'movement of legs is necessary for all forward movement regardless of the medium you are moving through/on' interpretation more prevelant in kung-fu/wire-fu movies.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 8 actions
Kal takes a 5 foot step to flank the Giant and does a full round attack. OOC: 100 HP's is so much better than 50. Thanks Harp!
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 8 actions
OOC: Josh, since you are before Ran in the order, I don't think you are going to be able to get a flanking bonus this turn. Harp is coming up beside you (he can't get into a flanking position and still get in an attack). Your 5 ft step would get you to J or K 18 - adding nothing of benefit this turn. Next turn, it may be helpful, but I hope this thing is down this turn.
I mean, Kal can still move (he is known for dancing around) but it is not going to do him any good this turn.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 8 actions
Yea. He'll move either way, so the natural position Harp and/or Ranwould step into would create a flanking situation. I like how Kal gets a little bruised and Harp's arm breaks. :) Gonnabe fun trying to play that one off. "No really, I fell down the stairs. Don't blame Kal! He didn't do it."
From: Porter
Subject: Round 8 actions
Mund starts flying upward, trying to fly as quietly as he can (stupid wings!), looking for the magicker who don't know he's dead yet, or for any more spells coming out of him. If
From: Derek
Subject: Round 8 actions
Allistair doesn't seem to get any reply from the top of the fortifications. When he sees Ran streak across from the fort on the right to the one on the left, he assumes that is where help is needed, so he heads for the one on the left. How do I stop that flying mage? I think that last spell he hit Mund with was just a Magic Missle, so maybe he's running out of his more powerful spells. Even so, he will probably target me next now that Mund is invisible. If it's just Magic Missles though, at least I can do something about that.
Allistair will cast Shield on himself, and use the rest of his movement to go to the fortifications on the left.
Round 8
Subject: Round 8
Round 8
Init: Harp (25), Flying Guy (23), Surin (20), Maximus (18), Lady De Blum (15), Kal (14), Ranthir (12), Ally (12), Salix (7), Legionaries (7), Creatures ( E3) (7), Mund (5), Ragnar (5).
Harp realizes that Kal is outmatched. "Going to have to get close and bring that thing down" he thinks. Moving to Kal's side, he tries to avoid the greatclub as it moves to intercept him as he closes (AOO, AC20, 19+16=35, hit, damage 24) but fails miserably. The huge wooden bough crashes into him, crushing ribs. Barely able to breath Harp strikes out with his sword (AC20, 12+13=25, hit, damage 10). With all his might he thrusts his longsword through the things hide armor and into the creatures belly. Looking up he sees the things eyes go wide and then dim. He wrenches his sword free, the blade still crackling with static, and the creature falls to the ground.
Ally is thinking that it might be time to get into some cover. He had not been quite when he had called Mund and to any competent mage he would be obvious as a spell caster. He starts to run towards the doors ahead when 5 bolts streak out of the air ahead and above him and strike him in the chest (damage 25).
Mund, who has been flying around invisible, sees the bolts of force as they leave an area down and to the left of his position. He watches as they strike his brother and almost drive him to the ground. Mund turns and falls like a rock towards where he saw the bolts of force originate. He still can not see the mage and his anger boils up. He feels something build in his gullet and he tries to roar. He roars and frigid air bursts from his mouth. The moisture in the air in front of him turns to ice and he hears a shocked gasp somewhere out ahead of him (Breath weapon, (REF save, DC16, 5+?=?, fail, damage 11). He turns his head and sees his wings again.
Ally stumbles towards the door ahead, trying to get under cover. "That magic missile almost did me in" he thinks. I need to get my shield spell up." He stumbles through the open door, panting and feeling the burned skin on his chest through his robes.
OODM: The combat is over. The characters do not know it yet but the Mage is now flying away while still invisible. You can role play any looking around for him but since he is still invisible and still has the fly spell, there is almost no way you will be able to catch him. I will write up more tomorrow for Maximus and the remaining fighters. Any one on the battlements will find, after a bit of searching, the bodies of about half a dozen dwarf fighters. This is half a dozen on each side. There are also the remains of a giant on the west side.
From: Porter
Subject: Round 8
Crap! He can see me! Mund charges toward where he heard the gasp come from, trying to close the distance and grapple again before he can drop a fireball on him.
After a couple of minutes of circling around in a futile search for the magicker, Mund drops down to check on his brother. When he finds out that he'll stay a dragon for only a few more minutes, Mund flies up to get a better look at their surroundings, looking for other people that might cause problems.
When Mund lands and turns back into his hair ol' self, he asks "OK, somebody wanna explain this to me? What happened, and why?"
Help on the way
Subject: Round 8
Harpnearly collapses to the ground, his arm throbbing, his chest aching as he breathes. Gods, he hated giants. "Kal, check the legionaires - see if any of them live."
OOC: Harp will use Cure Minor to stabilize any legionaires that are still alive. Before Harp does any additional healing, he will wait to hear if they are going to stay in the watch towers for the night and rest. If so, he will sacrafice what prayers he has left to help those who might still live. If asked by Kal, Harp will just say that the giant got in a lucky swing.
After a while, Harp will try to get off by himself where he can use his wand to cure most of his injuries. He knows that if he sleeps the night he is going to heal a bit, so he will not heal all the way up.
Salix will check on the legionaires on his side, aiding any survivors as best he can.
From: Porter
Subject: Help on the way
Retcon a little bit:
While scanning the countryside, Mund sees about 50 dwarves headed their direction. They see him and immediately form a defensive wall and start shooting arrows at him. The arrows don't reach him, but he goes down anyway and tells his companions.
Still in dragon form, he says "We've got about 50 dwarves, maybe 20 minutes away from the fortifications. Maybe longer, depending on how afeared they are of the dragon they saw flyin' up there."
While up in the air, Mund saw a lot of evidence of a battle that he had only been dimly aware of while it was happening, so focused was he on the magicker. "OK, somebody wanna explain this to me? What happened, and why?"
From: Jason
Subject: Help on the way
As he finishes healing Ran, he sees Kal and Harp finish off the giant on the other side as well. "Thank Heironeous" he thinks to himself. These cretins had done more than enough damage. He looks over the bodies scattered on the battlements, his heart sinking as he looks among them for anyone still clinging to life. (He'll still cast CLW on anyone that's left alive.)
***
With his concentration on finding any survivors (including among the dwarf fighters, which is not likely), Ragnar doesn't find out about the invisible mage until several minutes later when Mund is asking about the battle. "Wait, what mage?" After learning about the mage's attack on the Lady de Blum, he inquires about her condition. Finally he asks "Why didn't you shout a warning? I had prepared a petition that could have ended his invisibility prematurely." He bites his lip for a moment and then says "Well there's nothing to do about it now. He's probably long gone if he has any sense. We'll just have to be careful to prepare magical defenses this night. Hopefully the dwarves that Mund saw can shed some light on the situation here."
After seeing to his companions (he has a CSW prepared and will sacrifice remove curse to get another, for whoever is worst injured) Ragnar seeks out Maximus. "Centurion, your men fought bravely and I grieve for your losses. If there are any who need the blessing of Heironeous who have escaped our notice, I offer it freely." (OOC: I can't see if Maximus took any damage, but if he did Ragnar has a CMW for him. He'll want to save his Invisibility Purge and Dispel Magic until he's sure the mage is gone.)
Turn
Subject: Round 8
Allistair runs up the staircase, only to see that Kal and Harp have killed the last creature. A quick glance in the air tells him that Mund is visible, too. However the flying mage is not visible. Mund flies around for a few minutes, and then settles down before returning to human form as the spell dissipates. "What happened to the mage?" he asks Mund. When Mund tells him he blasted him with cold, Ally is impressed. Mund couldn't have been more than guessing at the mage's location from where the spell that hit Ally had originated. "Well, it's been long enough that his invisibility spell has certainly dissipated. Since we don't see him, I'm going to assume he's run away. We'll have to be careful from here on out, he was a formidable battle mage."
After conferring with the others that they were reasonably safe for the time being, Ally goes back down to retrieve the Lady de Blum. He goes back to where he cast the Rope Trick spell (or as close as he can remember) and calls out. "Milady, the skirmish is over. I believe it is safe to come out now. The creatures on the battlements have been killed, and the enemy mage has fled. There is a division of dwarves coming here that should provide additional security."
If the Lady de Blum doesn't answer, he will simply wait, since there is no good or easy way to get someone out of a rope trick that doesn't want to come out.
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
The wife is out on the road for the next couple of days so I am being Mr. Mom and running the kids all over the place. I am going to try and get something out tonight, but it will be after 10.
Waiting for the dwarves
Subject: Waiting for the dwarves
As the party realizes that the fighting is over they start checking on the wounded. Of the sixteen warriors that had assaulted the fortifications, fourteen were dead. Many of the bodies were almost unrecognizable. Harp had been able to save one on the east side and Ragnar another on the west side. When Ally realized that the other mage had run off, he and Mund had gone back to get the Lady De Blum from the rope trick. She seemed a bit shaken and quieter than usual.
Maximus was a different story. He flatly refused Ragnar's aid, though it was obvious the centurion was in serious pain. Without a word he started gathering the bodies of his fallen comrades, quietly telling the others that it was his responsibility and asking Ran to let those on the other side of the pass know this as well. The party watched in uncomfortable silence as the old veteran gathered up his fallen patrol and laid them out in formation.
Before Maximus was done with the east side Ran reports "The dwarf column is just down the way." He turns to Ragnar "How do you want to meet them?" Ragnar thinks for a moment and says "Ran, you and Harp are with me. The rest of you stay here." The fighter and the two clerics head down the stairs towards the pass. When they get there Ragnar leads the other two, whispering instructions "Let me do the talking. Harp, they may recognize that we wear the symbols of Heironious, but they will be suspicious. We will have to explain the dragon and what we are doing here. If you value your life do not pull a weapon." The other two nod and follow a few steps behind the dwarf.
They can see the dwarf column working its way up towards the pass. The dwarves are in a shield wall formation and moving slowly. When the formation sees the three it stops and a voice calls out "Who are you to stand in Backbiter pass and keep us from our places?"
OODM: I will let you guys role play this.
From: Kevin
Subject: Waiting for the dwarves
Harp will join Ragnar. He will respond to any direct questions with the approval of Ragnar and will not respond to any taunting he may receive. If anything out of line or inappropriate is said, he will let Ragnar respond.
From: Jason
Subject: Waiting for the dwarves
Ragnar calls out "I am Ragnar, son of Glim and servant of Heironeous. We travel to the World Spines on a diplomatic mission for the temple at Gorn, and have no desire to keep you from your place.
You should know, however, that on our arrival we were ambushed by giants and a human mage. The giants are slain and the mage fled, but we found the bodies of a dozen warriors on the battlements.
In addition to the three of us, we travel with five other companions, as well as a emissary from Bhyo and the three surviving members of the escort."
With that, Ragnar waits to gauge the dwarves' reaction to the news.
From: Derek
Subject: The dead dwarves
Can Ally make a spellcraft check to try and determine if Sleep, Hold, or some other spell was used to incapacitate them?
Also, what about the one giant that was dead before we got there? Did the dwarves kill him or something else?
From: Derek
Subject: The dead dwarves
Allistair is with the others who aren't down meeting with the dwarves. Some of the others remark that many of the dwarves appear to have been burnt or crushed without a struggle. Around the lifeless dwarves, he notices something strange, a few rose petals.
"These are interesting," Ally says to the group. "Rose petals are used as a material component in sleep spells. By the number of dwarves here that appear to have been killed without a struggle, I would guess our enemy wizard used a powerful sleep spell on most of the dwarves here. Most of them then were killed by these giants and perhaps a fireball from the wizard. The ones that weren't put to sleep were able to kill one of the giants (he points over to the giant that was dead when they got there surrounded by dead dwarves) before they were overwhelmed themselves. Then the remaining three giants and the wizard set the ambush for us."
"Whoever that wizard was, he's long gone now. If only we had some way to track or find him..." Allistair trails off, lost in thought for a second. "Mund! Ran! Both of you skirmished with the enemy wizard. Do you have anything from him on you? A bit of hair, a piece of cloth, or a spot of blood? I think I might be able to find him!"
From: Porter
Subject: The dead dwarves
"I dunno. I tussled with him but then I went flying all over tarnation. I don't see nothin' from him."
Force Leader Daral
Subject: Waiting for the dwarves
Mark, how do the dwarves respond???
From: Mark
Subject: Waiting for the dwarves
I will try and get a reply out this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject: Force Leader Daral
A loud grumbling comes from the dwarves at the news of the dead. The leader's voice barks out a command and it is quiet again. His voice rings out again "You know I almost believe you. You, a dwarf, stand there with an orc, both of you wearing the colors of a human god. A real spy would not be so stupid. However, you have not explained the dragon and I would understand that before we let you go. I am Daral, Force Leader of this patrol, the third of the fifth of the second of the third of the first." He stops for a second, seeming to confer with his men. "A contingent from Bhyo you say? Send them down. We know some of the men of Bhyo."
Up on the east wide battlements the rest of the party listens. Maximus is still in a deep depression over the loss of his warriors. When Daral calls for the men from Bhyo to come down the Lady De Blum stands and straightens her outfit as best she can. In an imperious voice she says "Centurion, you must accompany me to meet the dwarves." The fighter looks up, his face blotchy, anger flashing. The Lady's response is immediate "Your men did their duty. Will you dishonor them by letting the dwarves see your sorrow? Your place is at my side." The man raises slowly, a burning look in his eye. "Lady, at sometime in the future, we will have a reckoning." However, he wipes the blood off of his sword and motions for her to follow him down the stairs.
OODM: Does any one want to do or say anything before I have the Lady meet Daral.
From: Jason
Subject: Force Leader Daral
OOC: I'm just glad that they could overhear (I didn't realize they could.) I wasn't entirely sure whether Maximus would come down if Ragnar asked him to. I assume that Ragnar can also overhear them, as the Lady seems to be speaking clearly and forcefully. Does Ragnar have any idea what the third of the etc. means?
IC: Ragnar replies "We have come openly, proclaiming our allegiance and with no attempt to conceal our natures. The Order of the Silver Sword has long had cordial and open relations with the dwarves, and in the past has been priviledged to host your king. I dislike the implication that we could be spies. The servants of the god of valor do not spy on their friends."
After a momentary pause, he continues, "As for the dragon, one of our companions is a wizard in the employ of our temple. He cast a spell transforming our comrade into the dragon you saw so that he might combat the mage I spoke of. The effect lasts only minutes, and has already ended. If you still doubt any of my words, by all means ask the Centurion when he arrives."
From: Mark
Subject: Force Leader Daral
The dwarves are still 50-75 feet away. Shouting is needed. The walls of the pass also help concentrate the sound.
Ragnar has no idea what the numbers mean.
From: Mark
Subject: Force Leader Daral
Ragnar can not hear the Lady. She is speaking forcefully but not loudly. Those up on the battlements can hear her quite easily, as she is not trying to hide what she is saying, but she is not yelling.
From: Jason
Subject: Force Leader Daral
In that case, at the end of his words Ragnar will ask Ran to ask Maximus to come join us.