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Story Hour
Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 6137591" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">KOTS Part 13: The Catacombs.</span></p><p></p><p>[sblock=Party Line Up]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 22px">The Hard Core Adventurers Level 2</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8489125293/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8489125293_6178a97e2d_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy heads in to the chamber, actually a short corridor which quickly comes to a t-junction, a wide passage running west to east, there are no lights here. He looks and listens; the place is quiet, although… the halfling’s senses are on a knife edge- danger. Both sides of the passage are measured with matching pairs of upright sarcophagi- Jimmy shakes his head- he thinks he can hear scratching sounds coming from the nearest one. Slightly unnerved Jimmy creeps back the way he came.</p><p></p><p>A minute or two later, and with weapons drawn, the adventurers creep in; the chamber is bathed in torchlight. They move forward to the intersection of the two passages. The sarcophagi are old, crumbling in places; the chamber opens out to the east.</p><p></p><p>“Creepy” Tonka states, and is quickly shushed in to silence.</p><p></p><p>The group move forward again- Ramm and Gokan taking the lead.</p><p></p><p>“Watch out for the…” Tonka starts up again.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The chamber]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703279094/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8703279094_5b8179ff1e_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>BAMMMMMM! </p><p></p><p>The lids of the sarcophagi explode outwards, all twelve of them, shrapnel and flying pieces of masonry fill the air- Ramm takes a chunk of rock to the side of his head, it almost tumbles the minotaur warrior.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>I decided to give the exploding sarcophagi a chance to hit the PCs- one attack roll for each PC +6 vs AC, the trap didn’t do much damage but it left the PCs hit unable to act for the surprise round that followed. It was somewhat disappointing that I only managed to hit Ramm however.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Skeletons leap in to the chamber, springing from the now open sarcophagi, there are nearly a dozen of them. A majority of the undead enemies are decrepit looking skeletons, wearing rags and the remnants of armour, wielding longswords- with longbows on their backs.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Decrepit Skeleton]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8693744348/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8693744348_97bef4e910_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Skeleton Decrepit</p> <p style="text-align: center">Minion Skirmisher Level 1</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039926/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8682039926_cbab0ec956_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The first pair are smashed down before they can complete their attacks, Gokan whirls and spins like a top.</p><p></p><p>Sigur, towards the rear of the adventurers, is alas not so quick to react- the dwarf is stabbed twice in the back, his armour flares and bursts, radiant energy courses along the second decrepit skeleton’s longsword- the creature explodes. Jimmy spins out his vicious dagger which thunks in to another of the undead minions shattering its skull- that’s four down in a matter of seconds.</p><p></p><p>A pair of smaller, thick-set skeletons with beards- dwarves clearly, charge in to Ramm. The pair wear ancient chainmail and are armed with longswords and light shields. They gut the minotaur fighter. Ramm is caught completely unaware, he roars and bellows his pain.</p><p></p><p>Another of the decrepit skeletons takes its opportunity and carves some more. Ramm staggers, almost falls.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Ramm takes a beating]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702157139/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8560/8702157139_37fa170b49_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Ramm suffers two critical hits for 14 points of damage each, along with the hit from the flying masonry, and a hit from a minion; the fighter is quickly down to six hit points in the surprise round.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Skeleton Warrior]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8693745202/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8693745202_44f16169b5_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Skeleton Warrior</p> <p style="text-align: center">Soldier Level 3</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039414/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8682039414_f9fefb8fc5_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Another decrepit skeleton slashes at Sigur; Tonka mutters and points and a hazy shield bearing the symbol of the platinum dragon appears before the surly dwarf and deflects the blow. Sigur grunts his thanks and then he too is muttering- dark words this time, which are accompanied by a dark red wave of power which settles over the skeletons closest- two of the fiends clutch at their skulls briefly, which implode, and then sink to the floor. Tonka helps out by cutting down the last of the skeletons menacing Sigur with his longsword.</p><p></p><p>A final skeleton, the leader of the pack, appears from a sarcophagi- the one furthest away from the adventurers; the undead fiend is swathed in robes and sports a wizard’s pointy hat.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Skeleton Mage]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8692627181/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8692627181_c67849e679_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Skeleton Mage</p> <p style="text-align: center">Elite Controller Level 3</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039590/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8682039590_458a6c99a0_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The foul mage points and an icy ray bathes Ramm who suddenly sprouts crackling blue-white ice, the cold numbs the fighter; although it inflicts no damage, Ramm is slowed.</p><p></p><p>“For the Platinum Dragon”, Tonka screams- the dragonborn attempts to spur the adventurers on. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The adventurers cut a swathe through their enemies]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702157441/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8702157441_21bd7aa31c_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan continues to whirl and rend, his axes to the fore, the half-orc smashes in to the first of the dwarven skeletons, his vicious battleaxe severing the warrior’s shield arm with his first hit; a second hit follows, then a third- the half-orc is in a frenzy. The first skeleton warrior is smashed to pieces in a matter of moments, for good measure a decrepit skeleton gets a little too close and is taken out in the maelstrom.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Gokan connects, and crits, with his Whirling Rend, follows up with Rampage, then Furious Assault and Takedown Strike, spends an Action Point and goes for a Howling Strike- the Skeleton Warrior takes 49 damage in total- not too shabby!</p><p></p><p>We tend to think, or else visualise, Gokan as Taz, the Tasmanian Devil of Bugs Bunny cartoon fame.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy’s vicious dagger arcs out and the second dwarf skeleton warrior is suddenly limping badly, now sans several important bones from its left leg, the halfling rogue scurries quickly out of sight. Ramm, bruised and battered sucks up the hurt and then smashes his shield in to the remaining skeleton warrior, which is left sprawled before him- the minotaur bellows at the prone undead figure, mostly anger but mixed with a fair amount of frustration.</p><p></p><p>Sigur backs away a little, chanting and grumbling, “Destroy, my beauties…” a fluttering array of grasping radiant hands head out to deliver death and destruction- not content with just three, the dwarven invoker conjures again- six of the appendages take to the air and whiz to their targets. Alas only the two remaining decrepit skeletons fall prey to Sigur’s holy missiles.</p><p></p><p>“Damnation!” Sigur snaps and stamps his foot.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The odds are shortening]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702200673/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8702200673_43c70d62d4_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The skeleton mage motions and conjures, working its foul magic, a fan of electric blue lightning bolts, like claws or terrible talons, scour the adventurers- Jimmy somehow manages to dodge a bolt that should have struck him in the middle of his chest. Remarkably only Gokan is struck by the myriad lightning talons, the half-orc staggers, and is left clutching at the wall- dazed and disorientated.</p><p></p><p>The mage sees its chance and conjures again- an icy dart zooms out at the lumbering half-orc, somehow Gokan manages to scurry aside at the last moment, although like Ramm he is iced- teeth chattering and shaking his movements are slowed. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Gokan is left frazzled]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702200367/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8702200367_b8cf3dfaaf_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka moves forward, the dragonborn seems to be in his element, he even has time for a short speech, much to Sigur’s chagrin.</p><p></p><p>“Onward chaps, onward- with stout hearts and furious blades, let us put paid to the foul undead menace…”</p><p>“Oh shut up!” Sigur finishes. </p><p></p><p>Tonka slices at the sprawling warrior skeleton Ramm knocked to the floor, the creature is almost spent- the dragonborn grins, the creature however is less than impressed; it leaps back to its feet and slashes back- Tonka gives ground, his grin is the only thing vanquished, for now.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Tonka!]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703322088/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/8703322088_7e95b27100_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan is still good for nothing; dazed, disorientated and stumbling- the half-orc grips tight to one of the shattered sarcophagi and gets his second wind, clearing his head and making ready to re-join the attack.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy scurries forward, tumbles under the flashing blade of the remaining skeleton warrior and comes up behind the undead fighter, his vicious dagger is slammed and raked down the back of the skeleton. The effect is instantaneous; all of the life goes out of the creature- it collapses in to a pile of bones on the floor.</p><p></p><p>“That vanquished enuff for yer?” Jimmy grins at Tonka; the dragonborn offers a wry smile and a thumbs up.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Skeleton Warrior take down]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702228203/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8138/8702228203_cb39d2a4c8_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>There’s only one enemy left- the skeleton mage.</p><p></p><p>Ramm bellows again, lopes forward, the undead wizard does its best to get out of the way of the minotaur’s blade, it fails spectacularly. Ramm smashes his greataxe in to the skeleton, shards and splinters of bone go flying- but that’s not all. Ramm is suddenly engulfed in a gout of shadowy mist which freezes like ice crystals in the air, and in an instant dissipates- the minotaur is unmoved, unaffected by the necrotic burst.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Ramm strikes]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702227919/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8702227919_1207001fa2_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Ramm’s Weapon Master’s Strike is a critical hit for 29 hit points damage.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Sigur strides forward, brandishing his magical rod and muttering dark words-</p><p></p><p>“Get the feck away, yer dirty undead scumbag!”</p><p></p><p>The skeleton mage is lifted three feet in to the air- bathed in radiant light and then slammed in to the nearest wall, head down. The undead spell caster is left staggering, barely able to keep its balance.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly the creature looks up… meets Sigur’s eye.</p><p></p><p>“Ware… My master comes!”</p><p></p><p>An icy dart flies from its fingertips, leaves Ramm uninjured but again slowed and swathed in ice.</p><p></p><p>Tonka steps up and slashes hard at the skeleton mage, the creature staggers back, almost spent. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Undead rebuked]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702227729/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8702227729_c2f5738261_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan, having cleared his head, suddenly leaps in to the fray- hollering as he charges back down the wide passage; the half-orc slams his axe in to the remaining undead menace.</p><p></p><p>Alas Jimmy’s dagger is way off target and Ramm, limbs still locked in ice, is unable to catch up with his prey- the skeleton mage back-pedals furiously and finds some space to deliver its next attack. A bolt of ragged blue lightning slams in to Ramm’s chest, the minotaur warrior spins on the spot- left staggering and dazed, out of sync with reality.</p><p></p><p>The skeleton’s grin disappears as Tonka strides forward- a helping hand and a few inspiring words en route and Ramm is much steadier on his feet; the dragonborn warlord slashes hard at the skeleton mage- bones and splinters fly. The inky burst comes again- from the remaining enemy, Tonka is engulfed but emerges seconds later completely unharmed. He grins.</p><p></p><p>“Time to end this!” </p><p></p><p>Tonka spies something out of the corner of his eye; the altar to the left bears a bas-relief of his deity- Bahamut, the platinum dragon. The altar to the right- the same, what’s more neither has been defaced- Tonka feels a surge of power.</p><p></p><p>“Let your master come- we’re ready for him!”</p><p></p><p>He declares in a strong and proud voice.</p><p></p><p>“Sheesh!” Sigur grimaces.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Skeleton Mage is almost spent]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703366002/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8703366002_df4de82083_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“My master will destroy you where you stand; he will have his revenge- he will rip your still beating hearts from…” The skeleton mage straightens to deliver its final speech. “… your chests. He will…”</p><p></p><p>Alas the soliloquy is swiftly curtailed- Jimmy dodges out from behind Tonka and flings his vicious dagger, the blade shatters the skeleton mage’s skull.</p><p></p><p>The undead menace’s body follows suit and collapses.</p><p></p><p>“Shut up already.” Jimmy adds.</p><p></p><p>The fight is won.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Encounter #13 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703207766/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8703207766_4a25eb8c80_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>And that’s two undead encounters in a row.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Encounter #13 The Skeleton Legion, starring-</span></p><p></p><p>Skeleton Decrepit (Minion Skirmisher 1) x8</p><p>Skeleton Warrior (Soldier 3) x2</p><p>Skeleton Mage (Elite Controller 3) x1</p><p></p><p>800 XP Level 3 Encounter.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">PC XP</span></p><p></p><p>160 XP each for a total of 2183 XP in total (PCs Level 2), that’s just short of level 3- already.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">DM Thoughts-</span></p><p></p><p>An easy encounter for the guys but they really love making a mess of the undead, iconic enemies- I think swapping in the elite mage was an excellent move- easily worth the loss of a bunch more of decrepit one-hit minions.</p><p></p><p>I like encounters to have a leader, and in particular an ‘elite’ monster- someone that can do a bit of damage, or else be the focus of the PCs ire- preferable again if I can give the guy a speaking voice, just adds a bit more to the story here and there, or else as in this case provides a preamble to the next encounter.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045385824/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8045385824_b9d8e34957_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 6137591, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]KOTS Part 13: The Catacombs.[/SIZE][/CENTER] [sblock=Party Line Up] [CENTER][SIZE="6"]The Hard Core Adventurers Level 2[/SIZE] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8489125293/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8489125293_6178a97e2d_c.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy heads in to the chamber, actually a short corridor which quickly comes to a t-junction, a wide passage running west to east, there are no lights here. He looks and listens; the place is quiet, although… the halfling’s senses are on a knife edge- danger. Both sides of the passage are measured with matching pairs of upright sarcophagi- Jimmy shakes his head- he thinks he can hear scratching sounds coming from the nearest one. Slightly unnerved Jimmy creeps back the way he came. A minute or two later, and with weapons drawn, the adventurers creep in; the chamber is bathed in torchlight. They move forward to the intersection of the two passages. The sarcophagi are old, crumbling in places; the chamber opens out to the east. “Creepy” Tonka states, and is quickly shushed in to silence. The group move forward again- Ramm and Gokan taking the lead. “Watch out for the…” Tonka starts up again. [sblock=Picture- The chamber] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703279094/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8703279094_5b8179ff1e_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] BAMMMMMM! The lids of the sarcophagi explode outwards, all twelve of them, shrapnel and flying pieces of masonry fill the air- Ramm takes a chunk of rock to the side of his head, it almost tumbles the minotaur warrior. [sblock=Info] I decided to give the exploding sarcophagi a chance to hit the PCs- one attack roll for each PC +6 vs AC, the trap didn’t do much damage but it left the PCs hit unable to act for the surprise round that followed. It was somewhat disappointing that I only managed to hit Ramm however. [/sblock] Skeletons leap in to the chamber, springing from the now open sarcophagi, there are nearly a dozen of them. A majority of the undead enemies are decrepit looking skeletons, wearing rags and the remnants of armour, wielding longswords- with longbows on their backs. [sblock=Decrepit Skeleton] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8693744348/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8693744348_97bef4e910_o.png[/img][/url] Skeleton Decrepit Minion Skirmisher Level 1 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039926/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8682039926_cbab0ec956_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The first pair are smashed down before they can complete their attacks, Gokan whirls and spins like a top. Sigur, towards the rear of the adventurers, is alas not so quick to react- the dwarf is stabbed twice in the back, his armour flares and bursts, radiant energy courses along the second decrepit skeleton’s longsword- the creature explodes. Jimmy spins out his vicious dagger which thunks in to another of the undead minions shattering its skull- that’s four down in a matter of seconds. A pair of smaller, thick-set skeletons with beards- dwarves clearly, charge in to Ramm. The pair wear ancient chainmail and are armed with longswords and light shields. They gut the minotaur fighter. Ramm is caught completely unaware, he roars and bellows his pain. Another of the decrepit skeletons takes its opportunity and carves some more. Ramm staggers, almost falls. [sblock=Picture- Ramm takes a beating] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702157139/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8560/8702157139_37fa170b49_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Ramm suffers two critical hits for 14 points of damage each, along with the hit from the flying masonry, and a hit from a minion; the fighter is quickly down to six hit points in the surprise round. [/sblock] [sblock=Skeleton Warrior] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8693745202/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8693745202_44f16169b5_o.png[/img][/url] Skeleton Warrior Soldier Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039414/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8682039414_f9fefb8fc5_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Another decrepit skeleton slashes at Sigur; Tonka mutters and points and a hazy shield bearing the symbol of the platinum dragon appears before the surly dwarf and deflects the blow. Sigur grunts his thanks and then he too is muttering- dark words this time, which are accompanied by a dark red wave of power which settles over the skeletons closest- two of the fiends clutch at their skulls briefly, which implode, and then sink to the floor. Tonka helps out by cutting down the last of the skeletons menacing Sigur with his longsword. A final skeleton, the leader of the pack, appears from a sarcophagi- the one furthest away from the adventurers; the undead fiend is swathed in robes and sports a wizard’s pointy hat. [sblock=Skeleton Mage] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8692627181/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8692627181_c67849e679_o.png[/img][/url] Skeleton Mage Elite Controller Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682039590/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8682039590_458a6c99a0_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The foul mage points and an icy ray bathes Ramm who suddenly sprouts crackling blue-white ice, the cold numbs the fighter; although it inflicts no damage, Ramm is slowed. “For the Platinum Dragon”, Tonka screams- the dragonborn attempts to spur the adventurers on. [sblock=Picture- The adventurers cut a swathe through their enemies] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702157441/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8702157441_21bd7aa31c_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan continues to whirl and rend, his axes to the fore, the half-orc smashes in to the first of the dwarven skeletons, his vicious battleaxe severing the warrior’s shield arm with his first hit; a second hit follows, then a third- the half-orc is in a frenzy. The first skeleton warrior is smashed to pieces in a matter of moments, for good measure a decrepit skeleton gets a little too close and is taken out in the maelstrom. [sblock=Info] Gokan connects, and crits, with his Whirling Rend, follows up with Rampage, then Furious Assault and Takedown Strike, spends an Action Point and goes for a Howling Strike- the Skeleton Warrior takes 49 damage in total- not too shabby! We tend to think, or else visualise, Gokan as Taz, the Tasmanian Devil of Bugs Bunny cartoon fame. [/sblock] Jimmy’s vicious dagger arcs out and the second dwarf skeleton warrior is suddenly limping badly, now sans several important bones from its left leg, the halfling rogue scurries quickly out of sight. Ramm, bruised and battered sucks up the hurt and then smashes his shield in to the remaining skeleton warrior, which is left sprawled before him- the minotaur bellows at the prone undead figure, mostly anger but mixed with a fair amount of frustration. Sigur backs away a little, chanting and grumbling, “Destroy, my beauties…” a fluttering array of grasping radiant hands head out to deliver death and destruction- not content with just three, the dwarven invoker conjures again- six of the appendages take to the air and whiz to their targets. Alas only the two remaining decrepit skeletons fall prey to Sigur’s holy missiles. “Damnation!” Sigur snaps and stamps his foot. [sblock=Picture- The odds are shortening] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702200673/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8702200673_43c70d62d4_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The skeleton mage motions and conjures, working its foul magic, a fan of electric blue lightning bolts, like claws or terrible talons, scour the adventurers- Jimmy somehow manages to dodge a bolt that should have struck him in the middle of his chest. Remarkably only Gokan is struck by the myriad lightning talons, the half-orc staggers, and is left clutching at the wall- dazed and disorientated. The mage sees its chance and conjures again- an icy dart zooms out at the lumbering half-orc, somehow Gokan manages to scurry aside at the last moment, although like Ramm he is iced- teeth chattering and shaking his movements are slowed. [sblock=Picture- Gokan is left frazzled] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702200367/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8702200367_b8cf3dfaaf_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Tonka moves forward, the dragonborn seems to be in his element, he even has time for a short speech, much to Sigur’s chagrin. “Onward chaps, onward- with stout hearts and furious blades, let us put paid to the foul undead menace…” “Oh shut up!” Sigur finishes. Tonka slices at the sprawling warrior skeleton Ramm knocked to the floor, the creature is almost spent- the dragonborn grins, the creature however is less than impressed; it leaps back to its feet and slashes back- Tonka gives ground, his grin is the only thing vanquished, for now. [sblock=Picture- Tonka!] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703322088/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/8703322088_7e95b27100_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan is still good for nothing; dazed, disorientated and stumbling- the half-orc grips tight to one of the shattered sarcophagi and gets his second wind, clearing his head and making ready to re-join the attack. Jimmy scurries forward, tumbles under the flashing blade of the remaining skeleton warrior and comes up behind the undead fighter, his vicious dagger is slammed and raked down the back of the skeleton. The effect is instantaneous; all of the life goes out of the creature- it collapses in to a pile of bones on the floor. “That vanquished enuff for yer?” Jimmy grins at Tonka; the dragonborn offers a wry smile and a thumbs up. [sblock=Picture- Skeleton Warrior take down] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702228203/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8138/8702228203_cb39d2a4c8_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] There’s only one enemy left- the skeleton mage. Ramm bellows again, lopes forward, the undead wizard does its best to get out of the way of the minotaur’s blade, it fails spectacularly. Ramm smashes his greataxe in to the skeleton, shards and splinters of bone go flying- but that’s not all. Ramm is suddenly engulfed in a gout of shadowy mist which freezes like ice crystals in the air, and in an instant dissipates- the minotaur is unmoved, unaffected by the necrotic burst. [sblock=Picture- Ramm strikes] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702227919/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8702227919_1207001fa2_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Ramm’s Weapon Master’s Strike is a critical hit for 29 hit points damage. [/sblock] Sigur strides forward, brandishing his magical rod and muttering dark words- “Get the feck away, yer dirty undead scumbag!” The skeleton mage is lifted three feet in to the air- bathed in radiant light and then slammed in to the nearest wall, head down. The undead spell caster is left staggering, barely able to keep its balance. Suddenly the creature looks up… meets Sigur’s eye. “Ware… My master comes!” An icy dart flies from its fingertips, leaves Ramm uninjured but again slowed and swathed in ice. Tonka steps up and slashes hard at the skeleton mage, the creature staggers back, almost spent. [sblock=Picture- Undead rebuked] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8702227729/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8702227729_c2f5738261_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan, having cleared his head, suddenly leaps in to the fray- hollering as he charges back down the wide passage; the half-orc slams his axe in to the remaining undead menace. Alas Jimmy’s dagger is way off target and Ramm, limbs still locked in ice, is unable to catch up with his prey- the skeleton mage back-pedals furiously and finds some space to deliver its next attack. A bolt of ragged blue lightning slams in to Ramm’s chest, the minotaur warrior spins on the spot- left staggering and dazed, out of sync with reality. The skeleton’s grin disappears as Tonka strides forward- a helping hand and a few inspiring words en route and Ramm is much steadier on his feet; the dragonborn warlord slashes hard at the skeleton mage- bones and splinters fly. The inky burst comes again- from the remaining enemy, Tonka is engulfed but emerges seconds later completely unharmed. He grins. “Time to end this!” Tonka spies something out of the corner of his eye; the altar to the left bears a bas-relief of his deity- Bahamut, the platinum dragon. The altar to the right- the same, what’s more neither has been defaced- Tonka feels a surge of power. “Let your master come- we’re ready for him!” He declares in a strong and proud voice. “Sheesh!” Sigur grimaces. [sblock=Picture- Skeleton Mage is almost spent] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703366002/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8703366002_df4de82083_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “My master will destroy you where you stand; he will have his revenge- he will rip your still beating hearts from…” The skeleton mage straightens to deliver its final speech. “… your chests. He will…” Alas the soliloquy is swiftly curtailed- Jimmy dodges out from behind Tonka and flings his vicious dagger, the blade shatters the skeleton mage’s skull. The undead menace’s body follows suit and collapses. “Shut up already.” Jimmy adds. The fight is won. [sblock=Encounter #13 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8703207766/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8703207766_4a25eb8c80_o.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] And that’s two undead encounters in a row. [SIZE="4"]Encounter #13 The Skeleton Legion, starring-[/SIZE] Skeleton Decrepit (Minion Skirmisher 1) x8 Skeleton Warrior (Soldier 3) x2 Skeleton Mage (Elite Controller 3) x1 800 XP Level 3 Encounter. [SIZE="4"]PC XP[/SIZE] 160 XP each for a total of 2183 XP in total (PCs Level 2), that’s just short of level 3- already. [SIZE="4"]DM Thoughts-[/SIZE] An easy encounter for the guys but they really love making a mess of the undead, iconic enemies- I think swapping in the elite mage was an excellent move- easily worth the loss of a bunch more of decrepit one-hit minions. I like encounters to have a leader, and in particular an ‘elite’ monster- someone that can do a bit of damage, or else be the focus of the PCs ire- preferable again if I can give the guy a speaking voice, just adds a bit more to the story here and there, or else as in this case provides a preamble to the next encounter. [/sblock] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045385824/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8045385824_b9d8e34957_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/QUOTE]
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