[4e] The Wolfcrown, Chapter 1

[DistractingFlare]

"Yes, it's very wise to suggest another venue of interview. First, please show me the summons. I cannot go with you in good conscience without being sure of your agenda. Please understand, I don't mean this as a slight against your bravery or your intentions. This is a dangerous time, after all."

The queen edges toward you, eyeing you all carefully.

Looking at Doren, she says: "You are indeed a gracious guest. It was you who rescued Bounder, was it not?"

Looking at Torath, she says: "And you, sir knight. Your armor was forged in a distant land. You must have travelled quite far indeed to be here."

She then turns to Squeal: "To my knowledge, friend, you are only the second of your kind in this forest. Once, there was a brave warrior of your race named Jin who participated in battle against The Evil One. Perhaps one of our historians knows more of that story."

Behind Squeal, she notices Baern: "You, brave friend, also wear the garb of Blackmoor. Perhaps one day, you and I may discuss the tenants of our religions more thoroughly."

The Queen looks the other way at Thorn, and she pauses. After a moment, she says: "Please excuse my surprise, but I've never seen one such as yourself before. You must have a vast array of knowledge. I hope, dear friend, that you find an honorable way to implement it tonight."

Finally, she looks at Thomas, who seems to have grown weary from the journey here. "You seem ill, sir. If you like, you may retire."

"My friends, I beg of you. Show me Captain Scultone's summons, and then we can retreat to a more hidden position."

[sblock=ooc]Still need Squeal, Baern, and Thorn.[/sblock]

 

[industrygothica]

Baern bows his head slightly as Lady Springseer addresses him. When she's finished, he looks to Torath and slaps him hard on the shoulder. "Give her the durned summons then, and we'll be gettin' on with this!"

[sblock=OOC]According to post 200, Scultone handed the letter to Torath.[/sblock]

 

[Rathan]

"Twas not myself alone that saved him m'Lady Springseer, for Blackmoor holds my hands steady while I work to save the wounded." Doren responded as he looked back and forth from Torath and Baern... at this junction after the long trip and string of events he could not remember which had the summons.

Doren smiled and lowered his head in respect to the queen. "I see your manner of hesitation proud queen but I assure you I would place my life before yours and will vow not to allow harm to come to you while I am here. While I grace your awe inspiring city my service is yours to command. Doren spoke with pride and diplomatic flare.

 

[HolyMan]

"Huh? I thought..." Torath says but then reaches into the small pocket made into his tabard. Blushing slightly, "I forgot it was with me after passing it around for everyone to read," he says pulling the orders out and approaching the queen with them.

Bowing slightly Torath hands over the missive and then steps back to stand with the others.

 

[Shayuri]

Thorn eyes the Queen with wide eyes, clearly taken aback by how quickly she'd seen through her disguise. "My knowledge is focused on one particular area, which just happens to be of great use to this endeavor. Ask me of anything else, I'd be no more than a sheep farmer."

"As for honorable, getting the job done is all the honor I look for."

 

[DistractingFlare]

The Queen scans the letter, then smiles.

"Thank you, sir knight. Now I may entrust you with a valuable secret. Come with me, and I'll show you."

Thomas, still looking shaken and worn from the journey, bows to the Queen and then looks at you, interrupting the Queen as she begins to speak.

"I'm sorry, but I must go. Please, my friends, don't think ill of me."

Thomas leaves the grove. The Queen watches in disbelief as he goes - it's obvious she's not used to people leaving while she's trying to talk. She looks over at Thorn and Squeal.

"Are you ready to move, then?"

 

[Shayuri]

"More than ready," Thorn confirms. "We have a lot to go over."

 

[Phaezen]

Squeal, Warforged Barbarian

Squeal nods at the Queen, clearly uncertain of the protocol.

"This one will follow you. If there is a chance, this one would like to know more of the one who came before it"

Squeal looks towards the rest of the group and waits for the Queen to lead them onwards.

 

[DistractingFlare]

Springseer turns to leave, but she stops in her tracks and listens intently.

From the edge of the grove, you hear a rustling in the bushes. From out of nowhere, you hear a sudden snap, and a javelin hurtles through the air, straight for Queen Springseer. Heroically, Doren dives in front of it. The spear pierces directly through his shoulder, and the Queen lets out a terrified gasp.

You've been ambushed!

You see the Cloak assassin standing in the brush, smiling. It was he who threw the javelin. He laughs at you and shouts, "I really owe it to the wizard friend of yours! His intel was right on! Get 'er, boys!"

With that, two monstrous plant creatures lumber out from behind another tree. Their hollow eyes betray no emotions - only blind obedience to the assassin. They raise their willowy arms and unleash bursts of poison energy at the Queen. They burst instead on Doren and Squeal, and they begin to feel the sting of acid melting into their armor. Both are unable to see. Thorn dodges nimbly out of the way of both attacks.

Doren is nearly stricken unconscious by these attacks.

[sblock=Damage]Squeal has taken 13 damage.
Doren has taken 34 damage.
Squeal and Doren are Blind and taking Ongoing 5 acid damage. Note that these effects will NOT apply this round, and will take effect next round.[/sblock]

[sblock=Round 1 Actions]
Assassin moves to M8.
Assassin makes RBA against Doren. Crits for 21 damage.
Plant Creature 1 moves to J3.
Plant Creature 2 moves to L6.
Plant Creature 1 makes Burst 1 attack, centered on D8, hits Doren and Squeal for 9 damage each.
Plant Creature 2 makes Burst 1 attack, centered on D8, hits Doren and Squeal for 4 damage.
Doren is bloodied.
Doren and Squeal are both rendered Blind and will take Ongoing 5 acid damage (save ends)
[/sblock]

 

[industrygothica]

Baern sees the threat, and reacts by slamming his now magical rod onto the head of his hammer. A roll of thunder blasts towards the enemies of Lady Springseer.

[sblock=Actions]Move: None
Standard: Thunder of Judgment vs. 1,2,A; 1d20+8 hits FORT 11,15,11respectively for 16 damage

If any of those hit, the target is dazed and pushed 3 squares. If the assassin is hit, he is dazed but I opt not to push him.[/sblock]

[sblock=Baern Stoneheart stat block]Baern Stoneheart- Male Dwarf Invoker 3
Passive Perception: 15, Passive Insight: 20
AC:17, Fort:15, Reflex:12, Will:17 -- Speed:5
HP:34/34, Bloodied:17, Surge Value:8, Surges left:9/9
Initiative +1
Action Points: 1, Second Wind: not used
Powers: Avenging Light, Grasping Shards, Rebuke Undead, Armor of Wrath, Thunder of Judgement, Divine Call, Penance Compelled, Angelic Echelon
[/sblock]