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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: 6156961" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">KOTS Part 15: The Hobgoblin Guards.</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 3</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8712669468/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8712669468_19fbb34957_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The Hobgoblins attack]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1501_zpsd7d86e6c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1501_zpsd7d86e6c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy screams again, “NOW!”</p><p>And stepping down the stairs comes Sigur, “Bloody hell- keep your hair on!” The dwarf states as three ghostly white radiant hands fly out, and in to the guard chamber ahead. Jimmy grins at Sigur and spins out his vicious dagger.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Hobgoblin Grunt]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142730809/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8142730809_a887140431.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hobgoblin Grunt</p> <p style="text-align: center">Minion Level 3</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682043530/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8682043530_427b91a553.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Closing fast are a whole bunch of hobgoblins, Jimmy spots at least four grunts and a soldier.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Hobgoblin Soldier]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142761280/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8142761280_4866286f42.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hobgoblin Soldier</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@N08/8682043316/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8682043316_acd777671a.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Two of Sigur’s radiant appendages grasp and throttle the life out of a pair of the oncoming grunts- the last slaps, and radiant burns, an approaching hobgoblin soldier; at the same moment Jimmy’s dagger buries itself in the same goblinoid’s gut. The soldier staggers forward clutching at the spot and wincing terribly- Jimmy’s dagger reappears in his hand.</p><p></p><p>Tonka appears at Sigur’s side, longsword in hand and at the ready.</p><p></p><p>“Here we go again.” The dragonborn states, with a grin.</p><p></p><p>A hobgoblin grunt screams some devilish noise and rushes at Sigur; Tonka reacts and rushes forward to cut the creature off- the pair exchange blows, longsword versus longsword- the grunt gets the better of Tonka, the warlord is cut. The hobgoblin soldier arrives on the scene- Tonka slashes desperately to keep both attackers at bay.</p><p></p><p>“A little…” Tonka starts, his cry curtailed as Ramm arrives and smashes his battleaxe in to the hobgoblin soldier, the creature is almost down- it’s bleeding profusely and almost broken.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Hard Core hold the line]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1502_zps144a1dae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1502_zps144a1dae.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Yet another hobgoblin arrives at speed to join the fracas, a hobgoblin sentry- clad in chainmail and armed with a spear and shield; it stabs at Ramm, but the minotaur deflects the blow.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Hobgoblin Sentry]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8797902437/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8797902437_31d7655285.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hobgoblin Sentry </p> <p style="text-align: center">Minion Soldier Level 5 </p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682043426/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8682043426_dca103f90d.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>And yet another grunt gets in close- to Jimmy, the halfling goes to scream but then suddenly stops as a large shield bearing the platinum dragon’s emblem appears before the him, and deflects all but the jarring force of the hobgoblin’s blow.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy gives Tonka a thumbs up sign, the dragonborn is alas too busy to acknowledge the rogue.</p><p></p><p>Moving in to the chamber at the rear is yet another hobgoblin, an archer- clad in leathers, it makes ready to fire, picking out a favourable target.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Hobgoblin Archer]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8754198980/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/8754198980_e8d7eda90f.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hobgoblin Archer</p> <p style="text-align: center">Artillery Level 5</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680932375/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8680932375_f261be0f56.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>But before it can fire Gokan arrives- in style, the half-orc scampers down the stairs and then rushes headlong in to the fray, he dodges the soldier’s half-hearted swish of its flail and skewers the fellow; the hobgoblin flops down dead. Gokan’s hand axe arcs out and thunks in to the hobgoblin sentry’s face- it follows the soldier down, the half-orc wrenches his off-hand axe free, whirls and decapitates a grunt. He grins and then staggers as the archer burrows an arrow in to, and almost through, his chest.</p><p></p><p>The last grunt, not yet in the action, screams and charges in to the mix- Gokan is stabbed again, the half-orc grunts horribly and grimaces.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Gokan is Hard Core]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1503_zps384d32f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1503_zps384d32f4.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The hobgoblin archer however has its eye in, it quickly reloads, and then lets another arrow fly.</p><p></p><p>THUNK</p><p></p><p>Gokan sinks to one knee- the half-orc is pale, he gulps and hisses, sucking in air through gritted teeth.</p><p></p><p>Sigur stays back but unleashes another trio of radiant hands- the last two grunts are throttled and burnt, sent to their graves. The archer is too quick alas, the hobgoblin dodges the ghostly limb -which quickly fades to nothing.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Hobgoblin Archer]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1504_zpsa7152ff2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1504_zpsa7152ff2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka quickly moves forward, the dragonborn rests a hand on Gokan’s shoulder, mutters a short but silent prayer and then lifts his longsword and shield as one. “For Sir Keegan!” he yells, and then charges in to the hobgoblin archer- slashing the creature at his second attempt.</p><p></p><p>Behind him Gokan stands, his wounds- and hurt, almost forgotten.</p><p></p><p>Ramm lumbers past Gokan; head down, the minotaur charges after Tonka, the archer is too quick alas, but is caught by Ramm’s shield- a flailing roundhouse.</p><p></p><p>CLONG!</p><p></p><p>The archer’s face impacts with the shield, the creature briefly takes to the air, lands five feet away on its backside and unimpressed.</p><p></p><p>Gokan screams, and races forward- “Revenge!” The half-orc screams and charges at the prone archer- the first blow opens a foot long cavity in the hobgoblin’s chest- the creature gawps at the bloody wreck of its body. But not for long.</p><p></p><p>Gokan’s second blow ends the hobgoblin.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Gokan’s initial Charge attack did 29 points of damage, scary.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Gokan in action (again)]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1505_zpsa4be3bf2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1505_zpsa4be3bf2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Stepping in to the chamber, very late to the party, comes a robed hobgoblin clutching a mighty looking stave.</p><p></p><p>“Oh.” The hobgoblin states, and then slightly louder, having taken in the enormity of the task ahead of it- “OH! SH…”</p><p></p><p>The warcaster’s staff flares and thrums with power, an only-just visible wall of force rushes out and smashes in to the hobgoblin archer’s killers. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Hobgoblin Warcaster]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8797905955/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8414/8797905955_77914e3a64.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hobgoblin Warcaster</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@N08/8680931047/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8680931047_5fdd2aee57.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka and Ramm are knocked aside- Gokan is flattened, the half-orc is left sprawled on the floor and gasping for air- badly winded.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Gokan is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The hobgoblin isn’t finished however, it makes a guttural noise and points again with its staff, straight at Ramm; the minotaur suddenly lurches hard right and slams in to the nearest wall- with incredible force. The minotaur staggers, for a second forlorn, Ramm seems to claw at the wall to stay upright, he shakes his head, once, twice… three times, and then bellows.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The Warcaster]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1506_zps834f813e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1506_zps834f813e.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 is bloodied, hit by the Warcaster’s Force Lure for 20 points of damage.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy scurries forward, dodges and ducks and gets beyond the hobgoblin warcaster, the halfling rogue stabs once, twice in quick succession- the hobgoblin screams and half-turns.</p><p></p><p>Mid-turn the goblinoid is suddenly bathed in silver leaves, each seemingly manufactured from some very shiny metal- the leaves adhere to the warcaster where they touch, and then proceed to burn and consume themselves in a radiant flame.</p><p></p><p>The hobgoblin screams and hops from foot to foot, trying to duck and dodge the scalding metal, in the background Tonka screams-</p><p></p><p>“Ramm, up and at’em soldier!”</p><p></p><p>Tonka’s inspiring words cause the minotaur to forget his wounds. Ramm lumbers forward and slashes hard, the hobgoblin dodges the blow but is left cornered, and ideally placed for Gokan to get in to the action.</p><p></p><p>The half-orc dodges in and slashes furiously, his axes whirl and slice; the warcaster is cut twice, the first opens up a huge wound on the goblinoid’s arm, the second slashes its right knee. It staggers, stumbles, and slowly- in stages, falls.</p><p> </p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>The Warcaster is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The warcaster grimaces.</p><p></p><p>“Damn YOU!” It screams, and is back on its feet surprisingly quickly, avoiding attacks as it rises.</p><p></p><p>The warcaster ducks and dodges, strikes out with its staff, no more than a prod in Ramm’s general direction.</p><p></p><p>KZZZPOW!</p><p></p><p>Lightning bursts from the warcaster’s staff, engulfs Ramm, the minotaur lets out a strangled, pain-fuelled, roar, and then staggers back covered in scorched marks and burnt and smoking flesh.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Ramm is back to bloodied, almost dead- the Warcaster’s Shock Staff attack does 20 points of Lightning damage, and leaves the Minotaur Dazed.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The Warcaster is a tough S.O.B.]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1507_zpsa929c66e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1507_zpsa929c66e.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“You pathetic fools- you cannot match my power!”</p><p></p><p>The warcaster rasps.</p><p></p><p>“D’ya think.” Jimmy whispers, the halfling dives forward, tumbles beneath the warcaster’s flapping swat and stabs the hobgoblin in the gut.</p><p></p><p>“Shut up you ugly bugger!” Sigur shouts over, the hobgoblin turns to see, straight in to an upper-right cut, delivered by a glowing radiant hand.</p><p></p><p>The warcaster staggers back, drops its staff and clutches at its radiant burnt face.</p><p></p><p>Tonka, alas cannot get in to the fight, the hobgoblin is already surrounded by his companions, the dragonborn drops his longsword and grabs a javelin from his back.</p><p></p><p>“DUCK!”</p><p></p><p>The javelin soars and sails, and…</p><p></p><p>THUNK!</p><p></p><p>…finds its home in, and through, the hobgoblin’s chest. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Warcaster takedown]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1508_zps06fcb779.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1508_zps06fcb779.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p> </p><p>The last enemy crashes to the floor- dead.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Encounter #15 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/Encounter15_zps10756d98.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/Encounter15_zps10756d98.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Encounter #15 The Hobgoblin Guards, starring-</span></p><p></p><p>Hobgoblin Grunt (Minion 3) x5</p><p>Hobgoblin Sentry (Minion Soldier 5) x1</p><p>Hobgoblin Soldier (Soldier 3) x1</p><p>Hobgoblin Archer (Artillery 5) x1</p><p>Hobgoblin Warcaster (Elite Controller 3) x1</p><p></p><p>890 XP Level 4 Encounter.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">PC XP</span></p><p></p><p>178 XP each for a total of 2536 XP in total (PCs Level 3).</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">DM Thoughts-</span></p><p></p><p>Level three for the PCs is a real step-up in power, foolishly I gave the hobgoblin warriors a chance to get in to the action before the archer and the warcaster, I figured I’d try and keep the PCs at bay- that didn’t work, what with five of the six soldier types being minions.</p><p></p><p>I got a few decent attacks in with the warcaster, who inflicted a big chunk of damage very quickly, but by the time he got in to the action… it was too little, too late.</p><p></p><p>The guys however have a new found, and healthy, respect for hobgoblins, particularly ones with staffs- they’ve already issued orders that warcasters need to be taken down first where, and when, possible. They don’t like them one bit.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</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: 6156961, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]KOTS Part 15: The Hobgoblin Guards.[/SIZE][/CENTER] [sblock=Party Line Up] [CENTER][SIZE="6"]The Hard Core Adventurers Level 3[/SIZE] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8712669468/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8712669468_19fbb34957_c.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Picture- The Hobgoblins attack] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1501_zpsd7d86e6c.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1501_zpsd7d86e6c.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy screams again, “NOW!” And stepping down the stairs comes Sigur, “Bloody hell- keep your hair on!” The dwarf states as three ghostly white radiant hands fly out, and in to the guard chamber ahead. Jimmy grins at Sigur and spins out his vicious dagger. [sblock=Hobgoblin Grunt] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142730809/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8142730809_a887140431.jpg[/img][/url] Hobgoblin Grunt Minion Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682043530/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8682043530_427b91a553.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Closing fast are a whole bunch of hobgoblins, Jimmy spots at least four grunts and a soldier. [sblock=Hobgoblin Soldier] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142761280/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8142761280_4866286f42.jpg[/img][/url] Hobgoblin Soldier Soldier Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682043316/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8682043316_acd777671a.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Two of Sigur’s radiant appendages grasp and throttle the life out of a pair of the oncoming grunts- the last slaps, and radiant burns, an approaching hobgoblin soldier; at the same moment Jimmy’s dagger buries itself in the same goblinoid’s gut. The soldier staggers forward clutching at the spot and wincing terribly- Jimmy’s dagger reappears in his hand. Tonka appears at Sigur’s side, longsword in hand and at the ready. “Here we go again.” The dragonborn states, with a grin. A hobgoblin grunt screams some devilish noise and rushes at Sigur; Tonka reacts and rushes forward to cut the creature off- the pair exchange blows, longsword versus longsword- the grunt gets the better of Tonka, the warlord is cut. The hobgoblin soldier arrives on the scene- Tonka slashes desperately to keep both attackers at bay. “A little…” Tonka starts, his cry curtailed as Ramm arrives and smashes his battleaxe in to the hobgoblin soldier, the creature is almost down- it’s bleeding profusely and almost broken. [sblock=Picture- Hard Core hold the line] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1502_zps144a1dae.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1502_zps144a1dae.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] Yet another hobgoblin arrives at speed to join the fracas, a hobgoblin sentry- clad in chainmail and armed with a spear and shield; it stabs at Ramm, but the minotaur deflects the blow. [sblock=Hobgoblin Sentry] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8797902437/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8797902437_31d7655285.jpg[/img][/url] Hobgoblin Sentry Minion Soldier Level 5 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682043426/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8682043426_dca103f90d.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] And yet another grunt gets in close- to Jimmy, the halfling goes to scream but then suddenly stops as a large shield bearing the platinum dragon’s emblem appears before the him, and deflects all but the jarring force of the hobgoblin’s blow. Jimmy gives Tonka a thumbs up sign, the dragonborn is alas too busy to acknowledge the rogue. Moving in to the chamber at the rear is yet another hobgoblin, an archer- clad in leathers, it makes ready to fire, picking out a favourable target. [sblock=Hobgoblin Archer] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8754198980/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/8754198980_e8d7eda90f.jpg[/img][/url] Hobgoblin Archer Artillery Level 5 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680932375/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8680932375_f261be0f56.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] But before it can fire Gokan arrives- in style, the half-orc scampers down the stairs and then rushes headlong in to the fray, he dodges the soldier’s half-hearted swish of its flail and skewers the fellow; the hobgoblin flops down dead. Gokan’s hand axe arcs out and thunks in to the hobgoblin sentry’s face- it follows the soldier down, the half-orc wrenches his off-hand axe free, whirls and decapitates a grunt. He grins and then staggers as the archer burrows an arrow in to, and almost through, his chest. The last grunt, not yet in the action, screams and charges in to the mix- Gokan is stabbed again, the half-orc grunts horribly and grimaces. [sblock=Picture- Gokan is Hard Core] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1503_zps384d32f4.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1503_zps384d32f4.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] The hobgoblin archer however has its eye in, it quickly reloads, and then lets another arrow fly. THUNK Gokan sinks to one knee- the half-orc is pale, he gulps and hisses, sucking in air through gritted teeth. Sigur stays back but unleashes another trio of radiant hands- the last two grunts are throttled and burnt, sent to their graves. The archer is too quick alas, the hobgoblin dodges the ghostly limb -which quickly fades to nothing. [sblock=Picture- Hobgoblin Archer] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1504_zpsa7152ff2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1504_zpsa7152ff2.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] Tonka quickly moves forward, the dragonborn rests a hand on Gokan’s shoulder, mutters a short but silent prayer and then lifts his longsword and shield as one. “For Sir Keegan!” he yells, and then charges in to the hobgoblin archer- slashing the creature at his second attempt. Behind him Gokan stands, his wounds- and hurt, almost forgotten. Ramm lumbers past Gokan; head down, the minotaur charges after Tonka, the archer is too quick alas, but is caught by Ramm’s shield- a flailing roundhouse. CLONG! The archer’s face impacts with the shield, the creature briefly takes to the air, lands five feet away on its backside and unimpressed. Gokan screams, and races forward- “Revenge!” The half-orc screams and charges at the prone archer- the first blow opens a foot long cavity in the hobgoblin’s chest- the creature gawps at the bloody wreck of its body. But not for long. Gokan’s second blow ends the hobgoblin. [sblock=Info] Gokan’s initial Charge attack did 29 points of damage, scary. [/sblock] [sblock=Picture- Gokan in action (again)] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1505_zpsa4be3bf2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1505_zpsa4be3bf2.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] Stepping in to the chamber, very late to the party, comes a robed hobgoblin clutching a mighty looking stave. “Oh.” The hobgoblin states, and then slightly louder, having taken in the enormity of the task ahead of it- “OH! SH…” The warcaster’s staff flares and thrums with power, an only-just visible wall of force rushes out and smashes in to the hobgoblin archer’s killers. [sblock=Hobgoblin Warcaster] [CENTER] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8797905955/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8414/8797905955_77914e3a64.jpg[/img][/url] Hobgoblin Warcaster Elite Controller Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680931047/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8680931047_5fdd2aee57.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Tonka and Ramm are knocked aside- Gokan is flattened, the half-orc is left sprawled on the floor and gasping for air- badly winded. [sblock=Info] Gokan is bloodied. [/sblock] The hobgoblin isn’t finished however, it makes a guttural noise and points again with its staff, straight at Ramm; the minotaur suddenly lurches hard right and slams in to the nearest wall- with incredible force. The minotaur staggers, for a second forlorn, Ramm seems to claw at the wall to stay upright, he shakes his head, once, twice… three times, and then bellows. [sblock=Picture- The Warcaster] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1506_zps834f813e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1506_zps834f813e.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Ramm is bloodied, hit by the Warcaster’s Force Lure for 20 points of damage. [/sblock] Jimmy scurries forward, dodges and ducks and gets beyond the hobgoblin warcaster, the halfling rogue stabs once, twice in quick succession- the hobgoblin screams and half-turns. Mid-turn the goblinoid is suddenly bathed in silver leaves, each seemingly manufactured from some very shiny metal- the leaves adhere to the warcaster where they touch, and then proceed to burn and consume themselves in a radiant flame. The hobgoblin screams and hops from foot to foot, trying to duck and dodge the scalding metal, in the background Tonka screams- “Ramm, up and at’em soldier!” Tonka’s inspiring words cause the minotaur to forget his wounds. Ramm lumbers forward and slashes hard, the hobgoblin dodges the blow but is left cornered, and ideally placed for Gokan to get in to the action. The half-orc dodges in and slashes furiously, his axes whirl and slice; the warcaster is cut twice, the first opens up a huge wound on the goblinoid’s arm, the second slashes its right knee. It staggers, stumbles, and slowly- in stages, falls. [sblock=Info] The Warcaster is bloodied. [/sblock] The warcaster grimaces. “Damn YOU!” It screams, and is back on its feet surprisingly quickly, avoiding attacks as it rises. The warcaster ducks and dodges, strikes out with its staff, no more than a prod in Ramm’s general direction. KZZZPOW! Lightning bursts from the warcaster’s staff, engulfs Ramm, the minotaur lets out a strangled, pain-fuelled, roar, and then staggers back covered in scorched marks and burnt and smoking flesh. [sblock=Info] Ramm is back to bloodied, almost dead- the Warcaster’s Shock Staff attack does 20 points of Lightning damage, and leaves the Minotaur Dazed. [/sblock] [sblock=Picture- The Warcaster is a tough S.O.B.] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1507_zpsa929c66e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1507_zpsa929c66e.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] “You pathetic fools- you cannot match my power!” The warcaster rasps. “D’ya think.” Jimmy whispers, the halfling dives forward, tumbles beneath the warcaster’s flapping swat and stabs the hobgoblin in the gut. “Shut up you ugly bugger!” Sigur shouts over, the hobgoblin turns to see, straight in to an upper-right cut, delivered by a glowing radiant hand. The warcaster staggers back, drops its staff and clutches at its radiant burnt face. Tonka, alas cannot get in to the fight, the hobgoblin is already surrounded by his companions, the dragonborn drops his longsword and grabs a javelin from his back. “DUCK!” The javelin soars and sails, and… THUNK! …finds its home in, and through, the hobgoblin’s chest. [sblock=Picture- Warcaster takedown] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1508_zps06fcb779.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/1508_zps06fcb779.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [/sblock] The last enemy crashes to the floor- dead. [sblock=Encounter #15 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts] [CENTER][URL=http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/goonalan/media/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/Encounter15_zps10756d98.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w529/goonalan/Hard%20Core/LP100%20KOTS%20Encounter%20Images/Encounter%20015/Encounter15_zps10756d98.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER] [SIZE="4"]Encounter #15 The Hobgoblin Guards, starring-[/SIZE] Hobgoblin Grunt (Minion 3) x5 Hobgoblin Sentry (Minion Soldier 5) x1 Hobgoblin Soldier (Soldier 3) x1 Hobgoblin Archer (Artillery 5) x1 Hobgoblin Warcaster (Elite Controller 3) x1 890 XP Level 4 Encounter. [SIZE="4"]PC XP[/SIZE] 178 XP each for a total of 2536 XP in total (PCs Level 3). [SIZE="4"]DM Thoughts-[/SIZE] Level three for the PCs is a real step-up in power, foolishly I gave the hobgoblin warriors a chance to get in to the action before the archer and the warcaster, I figured I’d try and keep the PCs at bay- that didn’t work, what with five of the six soldier types being minions. I got a few decent attacks in with the warcaster, who inflicted a big chunk of damage very quickly, but by the time he got in to the action… it was too little, too late. The guys however have a new found, and healthy, respect for hobgoblins, particularly ones with staffs- they’ve already issued orders that warcasters need to be taken down first where, and when, possible. They don’t like them one bit. [/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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Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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