Manbearcat
Legend
@zakael19 has decided to activate mode "Divine Assassin" here; "Low crawl up through the flowers and knee-high grass & get close enough to assassinate one of the figures holding the traveller." So order of operations to sneak up and "Minionize" one of the Dark Adepts (Standard, Controller, Leader) and then slay them.
* Stealth vs Passive Perception 17: r9+9 = 18. Whew.
* MBA vs AC 20: r5+15=20. Also whew.
Success. Dark Adept x 1 Minionized and SLAIN. That Standard will be turned into a level 6 Minion for xp post-encounter. Remaining encounter is 1 x Standard and 6 x Minions.
As Carys silences her brother, VALAK urges them to crouch down into cover with a gentle hand on her shoulder as he steps past them.
"Let me move forward and gain the advantage, once you see them engage, move forward to try and help that poor soul."
Creeping closer he slowly settles into a crawl, brushing through the vibrant flowers, creeping closer to the figures enacting some profane ritual. Soon he shall fall upon them with the God's vengeance...and NOW. Seeing all the figures distracted, Valak surges to his feet, toes barely touching the grass that seems to cushion his stride and spring him forth - sword now unsheathed.
The first any of the masked figures know of his presence is a sudden "Wh..huuauah" as one of the masked figures meanacing the kneeling traveler keels over from two feet of divine steel piercing through his chest.
ENEMIES, TERRAIN, WIN CON, ETC
* WIN CON: (a) Defeat the (remaining) Dark Adept and its Cultist (Minions) and, by the end of round 3, resolve one of (b) Compel the Mother Out of Her Grief to Flee (Minor Action, Melee 1, DC 15 Diplomacy or Intimidate) or (c) Save the Injured Boy (Standard Action; Melee 1, DC 15 Heal) or (d) reconsecrate the desecrated shrine (Minor Action, Melee 1, DC 23 Religion). The mother is the orange square, the boy is the blue square. Earn 1 Success in the SC.
If one of (b), (c), or (d) are not resolved by the end of round 3, then the LOSS CON is achieved. The shrine becomes permanently profane and the mother and boy perish (the mother due to collateral in the course of the fight and the boy succumbs to his injuries).
If all of (a), (b), (c) are completed by the end of round 3, your Minor Quest below becomes complete and earn relevant Rewards:
Minor quest: Obtain a holy implement or ritual to bind the rakshasa's power.
* Illumination (Full)
* Carys & Osian are each usable as per normal rules for Carys & Osian. At the beginning of combat, they are hidden offscreen in the equivalent of squares T8 and T9.
* Desecrated Shrine (Fantastic Terrain): Squares G/H 4/5. Squares G/H-4 are Challenging Terrain (DC 11 Acrobatics to enter as part of a move action or fall prone adjacent). Effect: The Dark Adept and its allies gain +1 bonus to hit/damage/defenses while within 5 sq of the Desecrated Shrine. If Valak, reconsecrates the shrine, this Effect transfers to Valak and his allies instead.
* Grass South of Road: Foliage provides Minor Concealment (-2 penalty to hit targets with melee/ranged attacks within). Can drop prone for Total Concealment.
* Dark Cultist (Medium, Natural, Humanoid, Minion) = HP 1, AC 22, Fortitude 20, Reflex 18, Will 18
* Cult Dark Adept (Medium, Natural, Humanoid, Controller, Leader) = HP 76, AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 19, Will 20
INITIATIVE
Carys& Osian (C/O) r7+9 = 16
Valak (V) r7+7 = 14
Dark Cult Adept (A) = 13
Osian = Readied Action
Dark Cultist (M) = 13
ROUND 1
VALAK's Monster Knowledge Nature (No Action):
Cult Dark Adept (pending combat update)
Medium natural humanoid, human
Level 6 Controller (Leader) XP 250
HP 76; Bloodied 38 Initiative +4
AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 19, Will 20 Perception+7
Speed 6
Standard Actions
(⚔) Dark Dagger (fire, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire and necrotic damage, and the target gains Vulnerable 3 All UtEotCDANT.
ᗕ Boiling Blood of the Abyss ✦ Encounter
Attack: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst); +10 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d8 + 5 fire damage, and the target takes 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
Minor Actions
Dark Imperative ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in the burst). The dark adept slides the target up to 3 squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points. Until the target has no temporary hit points, its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
===========
Dark Cultist
Medium natural humanoid human , human
Level 6 Minion XP 63
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +5
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 22; Fortitude 20, Reflex 18, Will 18
Speed 6
Trait
United in Dark Designs
A human cultist gains a +2 power bonus to all defenses while at least two other dark cultists are within 5 squares of it.
Standard Action
(⚔) Wicked Blade (standard, at-will) ✦ Weapon
+10 vs AC; 4 damage.
Athletics +11
Hearing the cries of battle break out, CARYS and OSIAN creep forward. Osian initially pulls his short sword out, but his older sister immediately stalls his hand on his hilt and shakes her head slowly. She signals "wait" silently. She then pulls her bolas from her hip and wades into the wildflower-laden grass, to draw as much attention away from her trailing little brother as possible.
Carys moves with confidence, her slaying of the monstrous hound still fresh in her head, and her bolas finds trueness in her throw.
Her little brother waits impatiently behind her, weight on his front foot, ready to charge any enemy that engages his sister.
________
CARYS
* Move: 5 sq to Q7 (Minor Concealment)
* Standard: Bolas (Encounter; R5) vs M's (L8) Ref: r(10) +13 = 23. Hit. M (L8) Immobilized (escape DC 16)
OSIAN
* Standard: Ready Action to Charge any M that gets in M1 and attacks Carys.
LOCATION: C in Q7 and O in T8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M (L8) Immobilized (escape DC 16)
BUFFS: C w/ Minor Concealment, O w/ Readied Action.
VALAK takes a half step back and lets the now dead cultist slide off his blade and slump to the ground before stepping forward beside the beaten boy on the ground and the kneeling women who shares his features. He stoops down with his clear hand and channels a fragment of divine energy into the prone figure, stabilizing his condition for now.
"Hstt, lady - quick, grab your son and get him away from this despoiled place. I shall ward you. By slaying them."
At his words and gesture, the women snaps out of her shock and gathers her son up, starting to tug him down the road where the children are creeping up.
___________________
* Move: Shift 1 sq to H6.
* Standard: Heal skill use on Boy: r6 + 9 = 15. SUCCESS
* Minor: Diplomacy skill use on Mother: r13 + 3 = 16. SUCCESS
LOCATION: H6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/70
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment, Resolved Boy and Mother.
SURGES: 9/9
DARK CULTISTS DELAY UNTIL AFTER CULT DARK ADEPT GOES
The CULT DARK ADEPT moves with the practiced malice of a murderer under its red robes. Words hiss through the terrible grin of the demon mask it wears.
"Slay the child for our lord," nodding to one of its cult lackeys. "You...fool," nodding to the bolas-ensnared-lackey "...to me...quench your blade in the blood in this nonbeliever." The ensnared lackey is born aloft, imbued with fell magic, and transported to the melee with Valak.
"DIE" the Adept howls as its disgusting blade, imbued of spoiled, burning blood thrusts again and again and at the deva priest. It is clear after the exchange that Valak may be in a fight for both his (present incarnated) life and his faith!
* Move: 2 sq to G5.
* Minor: Dark Imperative (CBu5; one ally). Slide M (L8) 3 sq to I7. M+ (I7) gains 10 THP and its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
Minor Actions
Dark Imperative (arcane, necrotic) ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in the burst). The dark adept slides the target up to 3 squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points. Until the target has no temporary hit points, its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r20. CRIT. 18 (+1 due to shrine) fire and necrotic damage to V, and V gains Vuln 3 All UtEotCDANT.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Dark Dagger (arcane, fire, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire and necrotic damage, and the target gains Vulnerable 3 All UtEotCDANT.
LOCATION: G6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 fire and necrotic damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V gains Vuln 3 All UtEotCDANT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 76/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Desecrated Shrine, Minor Concealment, Buffed M+ w/ 10 HP and slide 3.
The first DARK CULTIST does as instructed by its leader. It rushes headlong into Carys' position in the knee-high grass, engaging her with its wicked blade...but her little brother OSIAN comes out of nowhere and cuts the cultist down!
The others carefully circle or haphazardly charge Valak, bulwarked by their dark designs. The clash of steel rings out again...and again...and again...in the high meadow.
The wandering priest ends up surrounded by foes of a dark patron and a filthy altar imbuing them!
M (J8)
* Standard: Charge 6 sq to P7 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs C's AC: r(9) +10 -2 (Minor Concealment) = 17; Miss. TRIGGERS OSIAN CHARGE TO Q6 AND MBA (SHORT SWORD; M1) VS M's AC; r(13) +13 = 26; HIT. M SLAIN. C'S INITIATIVE IS NOW BEFORE DARK CULTISTS.
M+ (I7)
* Move: Escape vs Immobilized; r(2) Fail.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(18) +10 +1 (Shrine) +2 (CA) - 2 (Minor Concealment) = 29; Hit. 4 +1 (shrine) +3 necrotic (Dark Imperative) -3 (9 Resist Necrotic) +3 (Vuln all) = 8 damage to V.
M (J4)
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to I6 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(5) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 15; Miss.
M (E4)
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to G6 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(14) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) +2 (CA) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 24; Hit. V takes 4 +1 (shrine) +3 (Vuln All) = 8 damage. VALAK BLOODIED. TRIGGERS VALAK Immediate Interrupt on bloodied: Blade of Vengeance daily power vs M(E4). MBA with blade, r13 + 15 = 28. HIT and Killed
VALAK's blade flashes out as the cultist's unholy dagger sinks deep, taking advantage of the man's bloodlust to exploit an opening and slice through his neck.
M (D6)
* Move: 3 sq to G9.
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to H7 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(4) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 14; Miss.
M (G7)
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(10) +10 +1 (Shrine) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 19; Miss.
LOCATION: I7 (M+), I6, G6, H7, G7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 damage to V (BLOODIED). M (J8) SLAIN
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: M+ (I7) has +10 THP and +3 necrotic damage and is immobilized (DC 16), M (I6) has Minor Concealment, all w/ Desecrated Shrine, all w/ United in Dark Designs.
CULT DARK ADEPT 76/76
M+ 10 THP, +3 necrotic damage
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Pending
ROUND 2
Blood dripping through his robes, VALAK touches the wooden framing of the humble shrine beside him. The dark, profane magic that desecrates it courses against his Astral flesh. A whispered prayer to Avandra and a nimbus of radiance spreads across the roadside altar, cleansing it of its temporary taint and imbuing the priest and his allies with holy purpose.
The deva triumphantly raises his sword towards the sky.
"Cower before Her might. Let Freedom's Light expose your flaws!"
The tip ignites with divine energy as the blade slashes down like a perfectly straight road with the inevitable end the cultist leader and radiant light billows out from Valak's form, illuminating the flaws of those around him leaving them open to attack. With a whirl and a step-thrust, he moves on to the next target, like the center of a grand ballet, leaving another cultist reeling backwards with an explosion of crimson blood gouting out from their chest.
* Move exchanged for Minor: Reconsecrate Shrine (M1; Religion DC 23); r(13)+12 = 25. Success. +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
* Standard: Menacing Presence (Daily) melee against A. r11+15 -2 (concealment) +1 (shrine) = 25vsAC 21 (+1 shrine)/HIT. Damage: 6d4 (20)+7 +1 (shrine) =28
* Minor: Sohei Flurry (Encounter) melee against M (I7). r12+15= 27 vs AC 23 (+2 UIDD)/HIT. Damage: 2d4 (8) + 2 +1 (shrine) =11 -10 THP = 1 damage. M (I7) SLAIN.
*Free Action (Action Point for Standard): Second Wind. + 17 hp, +2 all defense USoVNT.
LOCATION: H7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 28 damage to A, M(I7) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 53/70
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE, Menacing Presence (UTEoE), Vunl 3 All UtEotCDANT, Second Wind +2 all defenses USoVNT.
SURGES: 8/9
CARYS registers the peril that Valak is in and she instinctively hurls herself into the melee, short sword leading. Wide-eyed at having slain another human (if you can call these creatures that) and seeing her little brother do the same, her chest heaves when her enemies falls to her blade.
"The innocence of youth buys you no purchase in this world" her father once told her. Its true, she thinks.
* Move Q7 to M7.
*Standard: (Charge): Move to J6 and MBA (Short Sword) vs M(I6): r10+13+1 (charge)+2(Combat Advantage) +1 (shrine) = 27 vs AC 24 (+2 UiDD) = HIT & SLAIN
LOCATION: J6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M (I6) SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
"INSOLENT WRETCH" the CULT DARK ADEPT cries when Valak consecrates the shrine the cult so recently befouled.
"I will bleed you dry of your faith foolish priest." The Adept's cruel blade flashes, but Valak's repeatedly slips the attacks with instincts and speed borne of training and radiant blessings.
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoCDANT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to H5.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r9 +9 +2 (CA) = 20. Miss (due to SW and shrine).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 48/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoCDANT, minor Concealment.
OSIAN sees an opening as the priest occupies the aggression of the cultists and charges into the fray. Unfortunately, the cultist defends the young boy's gambit.
*Move: Q6 to K7.
*Standard: Charge to I7 and MBA vs M(H7). r7 + 13 + 1(charge) +1 (Shrine) = 22 vs AC 22 + 2 (UDD) = 24. MISS
LOCATION: I7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: None
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
The DARK CULTIST circle like a pack of wolves who sense the urgency of their prey slipping away from them. As terrible radiance now imbues both the shrine they only recently desecrated and the wicked priest that assails their dark designs, the cultists bring their blades to bear against the holy assassin with increasing desperation...the sense of the tide turning looming thick in the air...
M (H7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I6.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(9) +10 +2 (CA) = 21; Miss (Shrine, SW, BftP).
M (G6)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(10) +10 +2 (CA) = 22; Miss (Shrine, SW, BftP).
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G5.
M (G7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G6.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(13) +10 +2 (CA) = 25; HIT. 4 damage.
LOCATION: I6, G6, G5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 4 damage to V.
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT, Ms (I6, G5) have Minor Concealment, all w/ United in Dark Designs.
CULT DARK ADEPT 48/76
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Resolved
ROUND 3
Valak's face breaks out in a beatific smile. This, here, is why Avandra redeemed him. Purity expressed through the elimination of the unholy, the Vengeful sword of her will. Once he might have been a masked leader behind others urging wicked needs - now he eliminates those past sins one slash at a time. However, for such as these his is not redemption in life; he delivers them directly to the Mother of Ravens for judgement. His blessed sword dances out once more, leaving artful strings of blood arcing through the air.
A single word uttered in prayer to his goddess bulwarks the priest's mind, spirit, body for what is yet to come.
__________________________
* Start of Turn: Second Wind Defense buff ends.
* Minor: Oath of Enmity on A.
* Standard: Angelic Alacrity on A. r14+15+1 = 30 vs AC 18 (-2MP) HIT damage 12+7=19. BLOODIED. TRIGGERS DARK IMPERATIVE RECHARGE (CULT DARK ADEPT).
* Move converted to Minor: Deliverance of Faith; spend 1 healing surge to gain same number of THP (17)
LOCATION: H7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to A. BLOODIED.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent, Oath of Censure on A.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 46/70 (17 THP)
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence (UTEoE), VftP = +1 power bonuses to all defenses.
SURGES: 7/9
Gritting her teeth against the chattering of shock as she and her foes brandish blades with deadly intent, she steps forward to drive her father's blade into another foe. Divine radiance spills forth from Valak in waves which buffers her spirit amidst the tumult, but her weapon finds no purchase amidst the bodies of her enemies.
______
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I5
* Standard: At-Will (Shortsword) vs M (I6). r3+13+1 (shrine) +2 (CA) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 17 Valak Immediate Interrupt: Channel Divinity Divine Guidance, reroll the attack. r7 +13 +1 (shrine) +2 (CA) -2 (MC) = 21 vs AC 22 (-2 from MP offsets UiDD) MISS.
LOCATION: I5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE, +1 power bonuses to Valek defenses for BftP.
The CULT DARK ADEPT now moves with less certainty. Fear creeps into the edges of its voice, steals the vitality from the hand wielding its blade.
"Do_not_fail me," it intones to a lackey who is, as before, born aloft, imbued with fell magic, and transported to circle Valak like a pack of wolves.
The profane gambit does not pay off as the deva and his faith stand resolute...unscathed.
* Minor: Dark Imperative (CBu5; one ally). Slide M (G5) 2 sq to H7. M+ (G5) gains 10 THP and its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r(10) + 9 +2 (CA) -2 (MC). 19. Miss (due to shrine and VftP).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 29/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment, Buffed M+ w/ 10 HP and slide 2.
OSIAN strikes out at the cultist menacing his sister's flank, eyes squinting shut against the radiance radiating out from both Valak and the shrine. Perhaps through divine will alone, his blade strikes true, and that figure slumps over with a sigh as the boy's shortsword pulls back dripping blood.
*Standard: Shortsword (at-will) on M(I6): r9 +13 +1 (shrine) +2 (CA) = 25 vs AC 24 (concealed, MP cancels UIDD). Hit and Killed.
*Move: Shift 1 sq to H8
LOCATION: H8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7/Kills M(I6)
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
Reduced in numbers to a dwindling few, the DARK CULTIST dark designs no longer unite them in unified purpose. Its now just a mad scramble of feral, animal will to survive. They desperately seek to lay low the terrible priest-assassin that has beset them with blade and divine radiance but his faith is a mighty shield that seems too much to overcome.
M (H7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I7.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(2) +10 -2 (MC) = 10; Miss.
M (G6)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G5.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(15) +10 +2 (CA) -2 (MC) = 25; Hit. 4 damage. 13 THP remaining.
LOCATION: I7, G5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 4 damage to V. 13 THP remaining for V.
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC, M (G5) has Minor Concealment
CULT DARK ADEPT 29/76 (Oath of Enmity), Menacing Presence
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Resolved
ROUND 4
"Come my flock, let us end this!"
With that cry, VALAK continues striking with focus at the target of his Enmity - figuring he's also the greatest threat. Maybe once the leader is down, he can extract some useful knowledge from a remaining follower before turning them over for justice...
____________________________
* Standard: Deadly Stride (encounter) on A. r18+15+1 = 34 vs AC 18 (-2MP) HIT damage 12+7+1=20 (that 1s&2s = 3s means really consistent damage)
* Move: Shift to I6
LOCATION: I6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 20 damage to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent, Oath of Censure on A.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 46/70 +12 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence (UTEoE), Vunl 3 All UtEotCDANT, 13 THP, +1 AC from BFTP if enemies adjacent to either orphan.
SURGES: 7/9
Her stabs growing wild, CARYS strikes out again and again at the side of this masked man.
_________________
*Standard: Shortsword (At Will): r19 + 13 + 1 = 32 vs AC 18. HIT damage 7+1 = 8.
LOCATION: I5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
The CULT DARK ADEPT reels from the onslaught of the priest and his charges. With arcane words manifesting a final plea to his dark master, he plays what he knows to be his final card.
His own blood wrenches from his pours and showers Valak in a fountain of boiling blood from the Abyss!
* Standard: Boiling Blood of the Abyss (Encounter; CBu1 enemies) vs V/C's Fort: r(11, 4) + 9 = 20 vs V, 13 vs C. Hit V. (8, 1, 6) +5 = 20 -12 THP = 8 fire damage and 5 OG fire (SE) to V.
ᗕ Boiling Blood of the Abyss ✦ Encounter
Attack: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst); +10 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d8 + 5 fire damage, and the target takes 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 fire damage to V (12 THP lost as well)
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 1/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment.
OSIAN registers the Adept's final gambit and sees it for what it is. Though just a boy of little life and experience, he can feel the call of Avandra well up within him. He backs away from the Cult lackey, defending carefully as he does.
He charges the Adept.
His blade strikes too.
The Adept falls.
The cultists attempt to scatter...
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G8.
*Standard: Charge to G6 and Shortsword (at-will) vs A's AC: r(14) +13 +1 (shrine) -2 (MC) = 26. Hit and A SLAIN.
LOCATION: G6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: A SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment. Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
Alright, that's a wrap for this conflict @zakael19 . There is no further real threat here and you've resolved the shrine, the Boy, the Mother. You've earned a success in your SC. You'll also earn your Minor Quest above. I'll get rewards up soon. Please do the following:
1) Make a Saving Throw for Valak's 5 OG fire damage (you might have to take multiple!) and subtract as much damage as you need from his total.
2) Take a Short Rest (including spending Healing Surges as you wish).
3) Compose a brief vignette for the resolution here that entails the following:
a) Whether you chase after the remaining cultists and what comes of that. Or, if you let them flee into the night (perhaps as a warning to the other cultists and their dark master) to prioritize tending to the boy and his mother.
b) Your interaction with the mother and the son. Include this; the cultists were investigating the boy's back just like Osian. When they didn't find a mark kindred to that which Osian bears, the boy at the shrine became expendable.
c) Your interaction with this newly consecrated shrine. What you find (the fiction) at the shrine that serves as your holy implement or ritual to bind the rakshasa's power (I'll mechanize it via system).
* Stealth vs Passive Perception 17: r9+9 = 18. Whew.
* MBA vs AC 20: r5+15=20. Also whew.
Success. Dark Adept x 1 Minionized and SLAIN. That Standard will be turned into a level 6 Minion for xp post-encounter. Remaining encounter is 1 x Standard and 6 x Minions.
As Carys silences her brother, VALAK urges them to crouch down into cover with a gentle hand on her shoulder as he steps past them.
"Let me move forward and gain the advantage, once you see them engage, move forward to try and help that poor soul."
Creeping closer he slowly settles into a crawl, brushing through the vibrant flowers, creeping closer to the figures enacting some profane ritual. Soon he shall fall upon them with the God's vengeance...and NOW. Seeing all the figures distracted, Valak surges to his feet, toes barely touching the grass that seems to cushion his stride and spring him forth - sword now unsheathed.
The first any of the masked figures know of his presence is a sudden "Wh..huuauah" as one of the masked figures meanacing the kneeling traveler keels over from two feet of divine steel piercing through his chest.
ENEMIES, TERRAIN, WIN CON, ETC
* WIN CON: (a) Defeat the (remaining) Dark Adept and its Cultist (Minions) and, by the end of round 3, resolve one of (b) Compel the Mother Out of Her Grief to Flee (Minor Action, Melee 1, DC 15 Diplomacy or Intimidate) or (c) Save the Injured Boy (Standard Action; Melee 1, DC 15 Heal) or (d) reconsecrate the desecrated shrine (Minor Action, Melee 1, DC 23 Religion). The mother is the orange square, the boy is the blue square. Earn 1 Success in the SC.
If one of (b), (c), or (d) are not resolved by the end of round 3, then the LOSS CON is achieved. The shrine becomes permanently profane and the mother and boy perish (the mother due to collateral in the course of the fight and the boy succumbs to his injuries).
If all of (a), (b), (c) are completed by the end of round 3, your Minor Quest below becomes complete and earn relevant Rewards:
Minor quest: Obtain a holy implement or ritual to bind the rakshasa's power.
* Illumination (Full)
* Carys & Osian are each usable as per normal rules for Carys & Osian. At the beginning of combat, they are hidden offscreen in the equivalent of squares T8 and T9.
* Desecrated Shrine (Fantastic Terrain): Squares G/H 4/5. Squares G/H-4 are Challenging Terrain (DC 11 Acrobatics to enter as part of a move action or fall prone adjacent). Effect: The Dark Adept and its allies gain +1 bonus to hit/damage/defenses while within 5 sq of the Desecrated Shrine. If Valak, reconsecrates the shrine, this Effect transfers to Valak and his allies instead.
* Grass South of Road: Foliage provides Minor Concealment (-2 penalty to hit targets with melee/ranged attacks within). Can drop prone for Total Concealment.
* Dark Cultist (Medium, Natural, Humanoid, Minion) = HP 1, AC 22, Fortitude 20, Reflex 18, Will 18
* Cult Dark Adept (Medium, Natural, Humanoid, Controller, Leader) = HP 76, AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 19, Will 20
INITIATIVE
Carys
Valak (V) r7+7 = 14
Dark Cult Adept (A) = 13
Osian = Readied Action
Dark Cultist (M) = 13
ROUND 1
VALAK's Monster Knowledge Nature (No Action):
- vs Cult Dark Adept: r4+9 = 13. Fails Medium DC. No new information.
- vs Dark Cultists: r16 + 9 = 25. Succeeds High DC.
Cult Dark Adept (pending combat update)
Medium natural humanoid, human
Level 6 Controller (Leader) XP 250
HP 76; Bloodied 38 Initiative +4
AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 19, Will 20 Perception+7
Speed 6
Standard Actions
(⚔) Dark Dagger (fire, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire and necrotic damage, and the target gains Vulnerable 3 All UtEotCDANT.
ᗕ Boiling Blood of the Abyss ✦ Encounter
Attack: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst); +10 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d8 + 5 fire damage, and the target takes 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
Minor Actions
Dark Imperative ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in the burst). The dark adept slides the target up to 3 squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points. Until the target has no temporary hit points, its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
===========
Dark Cultist
Medium natural humanoid human , human
Level 6 Minion XP 63
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +5
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 22; Fortitude 20, Reflex 18, Will 18
Speed 6
Trait
United in Dark Designs
A human cultist gains a +2 power bonus to all defenses while at least two other dark cultists are within 5 squares of it.
Standard Action
(⚔) Wicked Blade (standard, at-will) ✦ Weapon
+10 vs AC; 4 damage.
Athletics +11
Hearing the cries of battle break out, CARYS and OSIAN creep forward. Osian initially pulls his short sword out, but his older sister immediately stalls his hand on his hilt and shakes her head slowly. She signals "wait" silently. She then pulls her bolas from her hip and wades into the wildflower-laden grass, to draw as much attention away from her trailing little brother as possible.
Carys moves with confidence, her slaying of the monstrous hound still fresh in her head, and her bolas finds trueness in her throw.
Her little brother waits impatiently behind her, weight on his front foot, ready to charge any enemy that engages his sister.
________
CARYS
* Move: 5 sq to Q7 (Minor Concealment)
* Standard: Bolas (Encounter; R5) vs M's (L8) Ref: r(10) +13 = 23. Hit. M (L8) Immobilized (escape DC 16)
OSIAN
* Standard: Ready Action to Charge any M that gets in M1 and attacks Carys.
LOCATION: C in Q7 and O in T8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M (L8) Immobilized (escape DC 16)
BUFFS: C w/ Minor Concealment, O w/ Readied Action.
VALAK takes a half step back and lets the now dead cultist slide off his blade and slump to the ground before stepping forward beside the beaten boy on the ground and the kneeling women who shares his features. He stoops down with his clear hand and channels a fragment of divine energy into the prone figure, stabilizing his condition for now.
"Hstt, lady - quick, grab your son and get him away from this despoiled place. I shall ward you. By slaying them."
At his words and gesture, the women snaps out of her shock and gathers her son up, starting to tug him down the road where the children are creeping up.
___________________
* Move: Shift 1 sq to H6.
* Standard: Heal skill use on Boy: r6 + 9 = 15. SUCCESS
* Minor: Diplomacy skill use on Mother: r13 + 3 = 16. SUCCESS
LOCATION: H6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/70
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment, Resolved Boy and Mother.
SURGES: 9/9
DARK CULTISTS DELAY UNTIL AFTER CULT DARK ADEPT GOES
The CULT DARK ADEPT moves with the practiced malice of a murderer under its red robes. Words hiss through the terrible grin of the demon mask it wears.
"Slay the child for our lord," nodding to one of its cult lackeys. "You...fool," nodding to the bolas-ensnared-lackey "...to me...quench your blade in the blood in this nonbeliever." The ensnared lackey is born aloft, imbued with fell magic, and transported to the melee with Valak.
"DIE" the Adept howls as its disgusting blade, imbued of spoiled, burning blood thrusts again and again and at the deva priest. It is clear after the exchange that Valak may be in a fight for both his (present incarnated) life and his faith!
* Move: 2 sq to G5.
* Minor: Dark Imperative (CBu5; one ally). Slide M (L8) 3 sq to I7. M+ (I7) gains 10 THP and its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
Minor Actions
Dark Imperative (arcane, necrotic) ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in the burst). The dark adept slides the target up to 3 squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points. Until the target has no temporary hit points, its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r20. CRIT. 18 (+1 due to shrine) fire and necrotic damage to V, and V gains Vuln 3 All UtEotCDANT.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Dark Dagger (arcane, fire, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire and necrotic damage, and the target gains Vulnerable 3 All UtEotCDANT.
LOCATION: G6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 fire and necrotic damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V gains Vuln 3 All UtEotCDANT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 76/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Desecrated Shrine, Minor Concealment, Buffed M+ w/ 10 HP and slide 3.
The first DARK CULTIST does as instructed by its leader. It rushes headlong into Carys' position in the knee-high grass, engaging her with its wicked blade...but her little brother OSIAN comes out of nowhere and cuts the cultist down!
The others carefully circle or haphazardly charge Valak, bulwarked by their dark designs. The clash of steel rings out again...and again...and again...in the high meadow.
The wandering priest ends up surrounded by foes of a dark patron and a filthy altar imbuing them!
M (J8)
* Standard: Charge 6 sq to P7 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs C's AC: r(9) +10 -2 (Minor Concealment) = 17; Miss. TRIGGERS OSIAN CHARGE TO Q6 AND MBA (SHORT SWORD; M1) VS M's AC; r(13) +13 = 26; HIT. M SLAIN. C'S INITIATIVE IS NOW BEFORE DARK CULTISTS.
M+ (I7)
* Move: Escape vs Immobilized; r(2) Fail.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(18) +10 +1 (Shrine) +2 (CA) - 2 (Minor Concealment) = 29; Hit. 4 +1 (shrine) +3 necrotic (Dark Imperative) -3 (9 Resist Necrotic) +3 (Vuln all) = 8 damage to V.
M (J4)
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to I6 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(5) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 15; Miss.
M (E4)
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to G6 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(14) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) +2 (CA) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 24; Hit. V takes 4 +1 (shrine) +3 (Vuln All) = 8 damage. VALAK BLOODIED. TRIGGERS VALAK Immediate Interrupt on bloodied: Blade of Vengeance daily power vs M(E4). MBA with blade, r13 + 15 = 28. HIT and Killed
VALAK's blade flashes out as the cultist's unholy dagger sinks deep, taking advantage of the man's bloodlust to exploit an opening and slice through his neck.
M (D6)
* Move: 3 sq to G9.
* Standard: Charge 2 sq to H7 and Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(4) +10 +1 (Shrine) +1 (Charge) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 14; Miss.
M (G7)
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(10) +10 +1 (Shrine) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 19; Miss.
LOCATION: I7 (M+), I6, G6, H7, G7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 damage to V (BLOODIED). M (J8) SLAIN
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: M+ (I7) has +10 THP and +3 necrotic damage and is immobilized (DC 16), M (I6) has Minor Concealment, all w/ Desecrated Shrine, all w/ United in Dark Designs.
CULT DARK ADEPT 76/76
M+ 10 THP, +3 necrotic damage
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Pending
ROUND 2
Blood dripping through his robes, VALAK touches the wooden framing of the humble shrine beside him. The dark, profane magic that desecrates it courses against his Astral flesh. A whispered prayer to Avandra and a nimbus of radiance spreads across the roadside altar, cleansing it of its temporary taint and imbuing the priest and his allies with holy purpose.
The deva triumphantly raises his sword towards the sky.
"Cower before Her might. Let Freedom's Light expose your flaws!"
The tip ignites with divine energy as the blade slashes down like a perfectly straight road with the inevitable end the cultist leader and radiant light billows out from Valak's form, illuminating the flaws of those around him leaving them open to attack. With a whirl and a step-thrust, he moves on to the next target, like the center of a grand ballet, leaving another cultist reeling backwards with an explosion of crimson blood gouting out from their chest.
* Move exchanged for Minor: Reconsecrate Shrine (M1; Religion DC 23); r(13)+12 = 25. Success. +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
* Standard: Menacing Presence (Daily) melee against A. r11+15 -2 (concealment) +1 (shrine) = 25vsAC 21 (+1 shrine)/HIT. Damage: 6d4 (20)+7 +1 (shrine) =28
* Minor: Sohei Flurry (Encounter) melee against M (I7). r12+15= 27 vs AC 23 (+2 UIDD)/HIT. Damage: 2d4 (8) + 2 +1 (shrine) =11 -10 THP = 1 damage. M (I7) SLAIN.
*Free Action (Action Point for Standard): Second Wind. + 17 hp, +2 all defense USoVNT.
LOCATION: H7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 28 damage to A, M(I7) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 53/70
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE, Menacing Presence (UTEoE), Vunl 3 All UtEotCDANT, Second Wind +2 all defenses USoVNT.
SURGES: 8/9
CARYS registers the peril that Valak is in and she instinctively hurls herself into the melee, short sword leading. Wide-eyed at having slain another human (if you can call these creatures that) and seeing her little brother do the same, her chest heaves when her enemies falls to her blade.
"The innocence of youth buys you no purchase in this world" her father once told her. Its true, she thinks.
* Move Q7 to M7.
*Standard: (Charge): Move to J6 and MBA (Short Sword) vs M(I6): r10+13+1 (charge)+2(Combat Advantage) +1 (shrine) = 27 vs AC 24 (+2 UiDD) = HIT & SLAIN
LOCATION: J6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M (I6) SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
"INSOLENT WRETCH" the CULT DARK ADEPT cries when Valak consecrates the shrine the cult so recently befouled.
"I will bleed you dry of your faith foolish priest." The Adept's cruel blade flashes, but Valak's repeatedly slips the attacks with instincts and speed borne of training and radiant blessings.
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoCDANT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to H5.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r9 +9 +2 (CA) = 20. Miss (due to SW and shrine).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 48/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoCDANT, minor Concealment.
OSIAN sees an opening as the priest occupies the aggression of the cultists and charges into the fray. Unfortunately, the cultist defends the young boy's gambit.
*Move: Q6 to K7.
*Standard: Charge to I7 and MBA vs M(H7). r7 + 13 + 1(charge) +1 (Shrine) = 22 vs AC 22 + 2 (UDD) = 24. MISS
LOCATION: I7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: None
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
The DARK CULTIST circle like a pack of wolves who sense the urgency of their prey slipping away from them. As terrible radiance now imbues both the shrine they only recently desecrated and the wicked priest that assails their dark designs, the cultists bring their blades to bear against the holy assassin with increasing desperation...the sense of the tide turning looming thick in the air...
M (H7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I6.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(9) +10 +2 (CA) = 21; Miss (Shrine, SW, BftP).
M (G6)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(10) +10 +2 (CA) = 22; Miss (Shrine, SW, BftP).
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G5.
M (G7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G6.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(13) +10 +2 (CA) = 25; HIT. 4 damage.
LOCATION: I6, G6, G5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 4 damage to V.
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT, Ms (I6, G5) have Minor Concealment, all w/ United in Dark Designs.
CULT DARK ADEPT 48/76
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Resolved
ROUND 3
Valak's face breaks out in a beatific smile. This, here, is why Avandra redeemed him. Purity expressed through the elimination of the unholy, the Vengeful sword of her will. Once he might have been a masked leader behind others urging wicked needs - now he eliminates those past sins one slash at a time. However, for such as these his is not redemption in life; he delivers them directly to the Mother of Ravens for judgement. His blessed sword dances out once more, leaving artful strings of blood arcing through the air.
A single word uttered in prayer to his goddess bulwarks the priest's mind, spirit, body for what is yet to come.
__________________________
* Start of Turn: Second Wind Defense buff ends.
* Minor: Oath of Enmity on A.
* Standard: Angelic Alacrity on A. r14+15+1 = 30 vs AC 18 (-2MP) HIT damage 12+7=19. BLOODIED. TRIGGERS DARK IMPERATIVE RECHARGE (CULT DARK ADEPT).
* Move converted to Minor: Deliverance of Faith; spend 1 healing surge to gain same number of THP (17)
LOCATION: H7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to A. BLOODIED.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent, Oath of Censure on A.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 46/70 (17 THP)
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence (UTEoE), VftP = +1 power bonuses to all defenses.
SURGES: 7/9
Gritting her teeth against the chattering of shock as she and her foes brandish blades with deadly intent, she steps forward to drive her father's blade into another foe. Divine radiance spills forth from Valak in waves which buffers her spirit amidst the tumult, but her weapon finds no purchase amidst the bodies of her enemies.
______
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I5
* Standard: At-Will (Shortsword) vs M (I6). r3+13+1 (shrine) +2 (CA) -2 (Minor Concealment) = 17 Valak Immediate Interrupt: Channel Divinity Divine Guidance, reroll the attack. r7 +13 +1 (shrine) +2 (CA) -2 (MC) = 21 vs AC 22 (-2 from MP offsets UiDD) MISS.
LOCATION: I5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE, +1 power bonuses to Valek defenses for BftP.
The CULT DARK ADEPT now moves with less certainty. Fear creeps into the edges of its voice, steals the vitality from the hand wielding its blade.
"Do_not_fail me," it intones to a lackey who is, as before, born aloft, imbued with fell magic, and transported to circle Valak like a pack of wolves.
The profane gambit does not pay off as the deva and his faith stand resolute...unscathed.
* Minor: Dark Imperative (CBu5; one ally). Slide M (G5) 2 sq to H7. M+ (G5) gains 10 THP and its melee attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
* Standard: Dark Dagger (M1) vs V's Ref: r(10) + 9 +2 (CA) -2 (MC). 19. Miss (due to shrine and VftP).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 29/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment, Buffed M+ w/ 10 HP and slide 2.
OSIAN strikes out at the cultist menacing his sister's flank, eyes squinting shut against the radiance radiating out from both Valak and the shrine. Perhaps through divine will alone, his blade strikes true, and that figure slumps over with a sigh as the boy's shortsword pulls back dripping blood.
*Standard: Shortsword (at-will) on M(I6): r9 +13 +1 (shrine) +2 (CA) = 25 vs AC 24 (concealed, MP cancels UIDD). Hit and Killed.
*Move: Shift 1 sq to H8
LOCATION: H8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7/Kills M(I6)
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
Reduced in numbers to a dwindling few, the DARK CULTIST dark designs no longer unite them in unified purpose. Its now just a mad scramble of feral, animal will to survive. They desperately seek to lay low the terrible priest-assassin that has beset them with blade and divine radiance but his faith is a mighty shield that seems too much to overcome.
M (H7)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to I7.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(2) +10 -2 (MC) = 10; Miss.
M (G6)
* Starts turn adjacent to Valak; Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC UEoDCNT.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G5.
* Standard: Wicked Blade (M1) vs V's AC: r(15) +10 +2 (CA) -2 (MC) = 25; Hit. 4 damage. 13 THP remaining.
LOCATION: I7, G5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 4 damage to V. 13 THP remaining for V.
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Menacing Presence = takes -2 penalty to AC, M (G5) has Minor Concealment
CULT DARK ADEPT 29/76 (Oath of Enmity), Menacing Presence
Mother Resolved
Son Resolved
Shrine Resolved
ROUND 4
"Come my flock, let us end this!"
With that cry, VALAK continues striking with focus at the target of his Enmity - figuring he's also the greatest threat. Maybe once the leader is down, he can extract some useful knowledge from a remaining follower before turning them over for justice...
____________________________
* Standard: Deadly Stride (encounter) on A. r18+15+1 = 34 vs AC 18 (-2MP) HIT damage 12+7+1=20 (that 1s&2s = 3s means really consistent damage)
* Move: Shift to I6
LOCATION: I6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 20 damage to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Menacing Presence to any who start their turn adjacent, Oath of Censure on A.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 46/70 +12 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Menacing Presence (UTEoE), Vunl 3 All UtEotCDANT, 13 THP, +1 AC from BFTP if enemies adjacent to either orphan.
SURGES: 7/9
Her stabs growing wild, CARYS strikes out again and again at the side of this masked man.
_________________
*Standard: Shortsword (At Will): r19 + 13 + 1 = 32 vs AC 18. HIT damage 7+1 = 8.
LOCATION: I5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
The CULT DARK ADEPT reels from the onslaught of the priest and his charges. With arcane words manifesting a final plea to his dark master, he plays what he knows to be his final card.
His own blood wrenches from his pours and showers Valak in a fountain of boiling blood from the Abyss!
* Standard: Boiling Blood of the Abyss (Encounter; CBu1 enemies) vs V/C's Fort: r(11, 4) + 9 = 20 vs V, 13 vs C. Hit V. (8, 1, 6) +5 = 20 -12 THP = 8 fire damage and 5 OG fire (SE) to V.
ᗕ Boiling Blood of the Abyss ✦ Encounter
Attack: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst); +10 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d8 + 5 fire damage, and the target takes 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
LOCATION: H5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 fire damage to V (12 THP lost as well)
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: 5 ongoing fire damage (save ends).
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 1/76
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment.
OSIAN registers the Adept's final gambit and sees it for what it is. Though just a boy of little life and experience, he can feel the call of Avandra well up within him. He backs away from the Cult lackey, defending carefully as he does.
He charges the Adept.
His blade strikes too.
The Adept falls.
The cultists attempt to scatter...
* Move: Shift 1 sq to G8.
*Standard: Charge to G6 and Shortsword (at-will) vs A's AC: r(14) +13 +1 (shrine) -2 (MC) = 26. Hit and A SLAIN.
LOCATION: G6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: A SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Minor Concealment. Shrine +1 hit/damage/defenses to Valak, Carys, Osian UEoE.
Alright, that's a wrap for this conflict @zakael19 . There is no further real threat here and you've resolved the shrine, the Boy, the Mother. You've earned a success in your SC. You'll also earn your Minor Quest above. I'll get rewards up soon. Please do the following:
1) Make a Saving Throw for Valak's 5 OG fire damage (you might have to take multiple!) and subtract as much damage as you need from his total.
2) Take a Short Rest (including spending Healing Surges as you wish).
3) Compose a brief vignette for the resolution here that entails the following:
a) Whether you chase after the remaining cultists and what comes of that. Or, if you let them flee into the night (perhaps as a warning to the other cultists and their dark master) to prioritize tending to the boy and his mother.
b) Your interaction with the mother and the son. Include this; the cultists were investigating the boy's back just like Osian. When they didn't find a mark kindred to that which Osian bears, the boy at the shrine became expendable.
c) Your interaction with this newly consecrated shrine. What you find (the fiction) at the shrine that serves as your holy implement or ritual to bind the rakshasa's power (I'll mechanize it via system).
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