The mighty spirit of the lake surges forth in a wave of awe-inspiring portions, slamming into the ancient tower, primal magic fully dispelling the Acamar-imbued protections.
The heroes already know there is little time to spare now that Acamar's denizens can physically flood into this world. Entering into the open stair which spirals to the nexus of power at the top, the heroes are greeted by a psychic onslaught from the structure itself, writhing tentacles coming from the walls, and a creature of impossible shape which reshapes itself constantly as it trundles down the steps toward them!
MECHANICS/LIGHT/ETC
*
ILLUMINATION: Full. Magically imbued lamps in recesses in the walls provide permanent light.
*
TOWER TRAVERSE:
1)
Clockwise travel = movement upstairs = difficult terrain. Counterclockwise travel = movement downstairs = normal movement.
2)
F11-15 = entry into the stair. The green line atop A15-E15 = top of stair and traverse to next stair (if from Stair 1 to Stair 2) or into final chamber atop tower if Stair 2.
3) This is an open stone stairwell, so
black area in middle is Hindering Terrain which falls away to the ground in increments of 10 feet starting with the north section of the map in Stair 1 > 20 east > 30 south > 40 west (and so forth as you traverse to Stair 2).
4)
Wave Encounter: At the beginning of every even round (2, 4, 6, etc), I will place 1 additional level worth of encounter budget (either 4 Minions or 1 Standard) in squares A-E/12-15 then A-D/10-13 (Stair 2).
5)
The Win Con of the conflict is
all characters traversing the green line of A13-D13 of Stair 2 Map. This will put us in the final encounter with Acamar's celestial bridge (like a White Hole!) from Far Realm to the material world.
* Far Realm Haunted Tower Level 9 Elite Hazard XP 800
The taint of the alien realm haunts the structure of the tower as whispers of madness seep from its walls.
Initiative +12
Immune attacks
Standard Actions
ᗕ Attack ✦ Recharge ⚃ ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Enemies within 3 squares of all walls; +12 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 psychic damage and the targets is dazed until the end of their next turn.
Miss: Half damage and the target is slowed until the end of their next turn.
Countermeasures
✦ Avert (At-Will): Perception DC 18 (minor action). Success: The character gains concealment against the Far Realm Haunted Tower but all enemies have concealment against the character UEoNT.
✦ Dodge (Encounter): Acrobatics DC 25 (immediate interrupt; the character is hit by the FRHT). Success: The character takes only half damage and isn't dazed.
✦ Adjure (At-Will): Dungeoneering DC 18 (standard action). Success: The FRHT suffers a -2 penalty to attacks until the end of your next turn. Sustain Standard.
*
Foulspawn Formless (medium, aberrant, magical beast, Controller, Standard) = HP 96, AC 23, Fortitude 19, Reflex 22, Will 20, Speed 6.
*
Tower Tentacle (medium, aberrant, magical beast, Controller, Minion) = HP 1, AC 23, Fortitude 21, Reflex 23, Will 19, Speed 3, Melee Reach 4.
*
Place Characters in Stair 1, columns F11 - F15, roll
Dungeoneering Monster Knowledge x 2, and
Initiative.
*
Initiative:
Vorn (V) 26
Rooter & Nimozaran (R) 25
Foulspawn Formless (F) 18
Tower Tentacles (M) 18
Lief (L) 17
Far Realm Haunted Tower 16
Starn (S) 11
ROUND 1
* (No Action) Starn Monster Knowledge vs Tower Tentacles: r(5)+9=14. Fails vs Medium DC. No new statblock information.
Tower Tentacle
Medium aberrant magical beast
Level 9 Minion Controller XP 100
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +9
AC 23, Fortitude 21, Reflex 23, Will 19
Speed 3, Teleport 4
Traits
Extension of the Tower
The tentacle can only occupy squares adjacent to the wall but is immune to the difficult terrain of moving clockwise (traveling up the stairs)
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Slam ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The tentacle must not have a creature grabbed.
Attack: Melee 4 (one creature); +12 vs. Reflex
Hit: 8 damage, and the tentacle grabs the target (escape DC 17).
⚔
Squeeze and Slide (Melee 4) ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The tentacle or another tentacle in melee range must have a creature grabbed.
Effect: If the same tentacle, it deals 5 damage to the grabbed creature and can pull the grabbed creature 2 squares. If a second tentacle, then the tentacle grabs the creature, increasing the escape DC by +2, deals 5 damage to the grabbed creature, and can pull the grabbed creature 2 squares.
Special: If the second tentacle pulls the grabbed creature out of melee range of the first tentacle, the +2 bonus to escape DC is lost.
* (No Action) Starn Monster Knowledge vs Foulspawn Formless Tentacles: r(8)+9=17. Fails vs Hard DC but achieves Medium DC.
Foulspawn Formless
Medium aberrant magical beast
Level 9 Controller XP 400
HP 96; Bloodied 48 Initiative +7
AC 23, Fortitude 19, Reflex 22, Will 20 Perception+8
Speed 6, teleport 3 Low-light vision
keywords: force, psychic
Traits
Primal Revulsion
The foulspawn formless suffers a -2 penalty to defenses until the end of its next turn when a power from the Primal source is used within 2 squares.
Force Harvest
The foulspawn formless gains 5 temporary hit points when an enemy uses a power with the force keyword within 2 squares.
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Repulsive Maw (force) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +12 vs. Fort
Hit: 2d6 + 6 force damage and the target is pushed 2 squares.
✻
Maddening Burst (psychic) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (enemies in the burst); +13 vs. Will
Hit: 2d6 + 6 psychic damage, and the target is dazed (save ends).
(➶)
Mind Harrier (psychic) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +12 vs. Will
Hit: 2d6 + 6 psychic damage. At the end of the target's next turn, if it is not adjacent to any of its allies, it takes 10 psychic damage and ongoing 10 psychic damage (save ends).
The HEROES execute their plans as they enter the Tower of Fastormel conflict explodes. Starn directs Rooter to protect Starn himself as he struggles to recall information regarding the alien creatures before him. Lief hurtles himself up the steep stairs as Vorn provides covering fire for Starn to shamble up a pair of steep steps!
STARN
* Free Action: Designate Rooter's Ward as Starn.
VORN
* No Action: Battlefront Shift; Starn shifts 1 sq (difficult terrain) to G13.
LIEF
* Free Action: Cipher Feature; Lief moves 3 sq (difficult terrain) to I12. Lief gains a +1 item bonus to AC and Reflex until the end of his next turn (BoFM).
VORN begins to make his way up the stairs. He notes the formless beast before him, trying to discern some weakness. However, he realizes the more immediate concern are the tentacles that sprout from the tower walls. He draws and fires twice, killing the two closest tentacles.
Then he turns his attention back to the formless beast, ready to attack it!
* No Action: Hunter’s Privilege
* Minor Action: Designate Foulspawn Formless as Quarry
* Move: 3 squares to I11
* Standard: Twin Strike
Vs. Tower Tentacle AC 23 k-15
r(13) + 14 = 27, HIT.
SLAIN.
Vs. Tower Tentacle AC 23 m-15
r(10) + 14 = 24. HIT.
SLAIN.
LOCATION: I11
Damage:
Ms (K15, M15) SLAIN
Conditions to Enemies: F is Quarry
Current HP: 66/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry
AP: 1
NIMOZARAN fixes ROOTER's alchemical ice launcher upon one of the tower's wall-tentacles. The frosty salvo goes wide!
"Confound it! Starn, my boy...please take care of that vile appendage!"
Starn obliges with a bolt of arcane force and the wall-tentacle disintegrates into particles.
"ONWARD" shouts the old wizard as he holds onto his hat desperately when Rooter charges forward up the steep stair!
* Standard Action: Alchemical Ice Launcher (R10, cold) vs M (P15) Ref: r(3) +14 = 17. Miss.
* Minor Action Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage. Effect
: Starn uses Magic Missile on
M (P15); SLAIN.
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to J11.
LOCATION: J11
DAMAGE:
M (P15) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 98/98
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: -5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT, Ward (Starn), Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage on recharge. Starn is ward.
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS summons forth an impossible shape from the Far Realm's depths and displays its awfulness to the heroes. Rooter, Nimozaran, and Vorn reel from the assault on their mortal sensibilities.
The terrible creature from an alien realm then blinks out of existence and reappears further upstairs, beyond the physical reach of the Nentir Vale's defenders.
* Standard Action: Maddening Burst (ABu1 w/in 10, psychic) centered on I12 vs L, R, V Will: r(5, 17, 11) +13 = 18, 30, 24. Hit R and V. r(1, 5) +6 = 12 psychic damage, and R & V are dazed (save ends).
✻
Maddening Burst (psychic) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (enemies in the burst); +13 vs. Will
Hit: 2d6 + 6 psychic damage, and the target is dazed (save ends).
* Move Action: Teleport 3 sq to M9.
LOCATION: M9
DAMAGE: 12 psychic damage to R and V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R & V are dazed (save ends).
CURRENT HP: 96/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: V's Quarry, Maddening Burst on recharge.
The remaining TOWER TENTACLE blinks out of existence and reforms on the wall nearer the heroes. It gropes for Lief who easily evades the awkward appendage.
* Move Action: Teleport 4 sq to M9.
* Standard Action: Slam (M4) vs L's Ref: r(6) +12 = 18. Miss.
(⚔)
Slam ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The tentacle must not have a creature grabbed.
Attack: Melee 4 (one creature); +12 vs. Reflex
Hit: 8 damage, and the tentacle grabs the target (escape DC 17).
LOCATION: M9
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
LIEF lets out a strange yelp as his skin molts, a powdery residue trailing behind him while he thunders up the stairs, cracking some underfoot. He runs, and by time he drives a crane kick and flurry of blows into the roiling horror—trying to send it down the open stairwell shaft—the shifter's skin is jet-black stone, his eyes spiderwebs of silvered mineral veins.
The foulspawn pools on the stairs as the blows rain down, sprouting a bushel of cillia to clutch at the stonework and keep from toppling into the gap. It undulates and shudders, maybe laughing to itself.
* Minor: Activate Stone Juggernaut (Daily) until the end of the encounter, giving Lief a +2 power bonus to all defenses and he can save against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn. The form also lets him ignore difficult terrain and use a secondary attack power at will.
* Move: 5 sq to N10.
* Standard: Crane's Wings attack on F1. r(13)+12 = 15 vs. Fort 19. Success. r(9)+7 = 16 Damage and attempt to push F1 into Hindering terrain.
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR PRONE; F1 saves to go prone instead, r(16). Success. F1 is prone.
* Free: Centered Flurry of Blows deals 6 Damage to F1.
LOCATION: N10
DAMAGE: 22 to F1
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F1 prone
CURRENT HP: 66/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has +2 power bonus to all defenses, save against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
STARN decides to help pin this ugly beast down and drops a Storm Pillar where it will restrict the beast's mobility, and proceeds up the stairs as quickly as possible.
* Standard Action: Storm Pillar (R10, conjuration, lightning) at M8. Effect: This occupies M8 and enemies moving into any adjacent square take 1d6+8 lightning damage.
* Move Action: 3 sq to J12.
LOCATION: J12
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Storm Pillar in sq M8.
CURRENT HP: 58/58
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Rooter's Ward
AP: 1
<A new Foulspawn Formless emerges at the top of the spiraling stair!>
ROUND 2
VORN shakes his head, trying to shrug off the effects of the foulspawn’s attack. He steadies himself, not trying to move or do anything other than attack.
It takes all his focus to draw and fire at the creature, who has teleported to the stairway above. Luckily, he can still see it.
He fires and hits the creature, it makes a sound that seems half screech and half laugh.
Vorn fires and hits again, but the thing is not yet slain.
Still dazed, he feels the magic of his armor move through him, clearing his mind.
* Standard: Spikes of the Manticore
Vs. Foulspawn Formless F1, AC 23
r(13) + 14 = 27, HIT. Dmg: r(9 + 3) + r(3) + 8 + 3 = 26
Vs. Foulspawn Formless F1, AC 23
r(14) + 14 = 28. HIT. Dmg: r(6 + 5) + 8 = 19
* End Turn: Saving Throw: vs dazed; r(8) effect persists; No Action: use Delver’s Armor: get +2 to save you just failed, take new result-
effect ends
LOCATION: I11
Damage: 45 to F1
Conditions to Enemies: F is Quarry
Current HP: 54/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry
AP: 1
ROOTER spins momentarily, dazed by the foul spawn, NIMOZARAN however seems unaffected, he lobs an ice bomb at the foul spawn, nailing it. Rooter then shakes off his confusion.
* Start Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge; r(5). Fails.
* Standard: Alchemical ice launcher at F1, r(11)+14-2 vs Ref22=23, hit for 15 damage.
* End Turn: Rooter saves vs dazed, 18, success.
LOCATION: J11
Damage: 15 to F1
Conditions to enemies: F1 is slowed and ongoing 5 cold (SE).
Current HP: 86/98
HS: 1
Current (de)buffs: Starn is ward.
AP:0
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS writhes oddly on the ground next to the Storm Pillar one moment and then vanishes, reappearing next to Lief in the next. A repulsive blast of force from its strange maw drives Lief to the edge of the spiraling stair and over!
Meanwhile, the second at the top of the spiral stairs sends a salvo of Far Realm echoes upon Vorn, who shakes them off, and then the creature rushes down the stairs to intercept the heroes.
F1
* Start Turn: 5 OG Cold, Maddening Burst Recharge; r(3). Fails to Recharge.
* Move Action: Teleport 2 sq to O10.
* Standard Action: Replusive Maw (M1, force) vs L's Fort; r(20). CRIT. 18 force damage and L is pushed 2 sq to L10 into Hindering Terrain of Fall.
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR PRONE IN M10 PENDING. PLAYER DECLINES SAVING THROW FOR PRONE. PUSHED OVER EDGE AND FALLS 10 FEET TO TOWER FLOOR; r(10) falling damage. TRIGGERS FREE ACTION ACROBATICS; Acrobatics check to reduce fall damage and determine if PC prone on floor or standing. Acrobatics r(15)+18 = 33. 33/2 = 16 damage reduction vs fall. No damage, Lief lands standing in L10.
LIEF rides the momentum from the horror’s attack, tumbling off the stairs to land on his feet in the center shaft.
(⚔)
Repulsive Maw (force) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +12 vs. Fort
Hit: 2d6 + 6 force damage and the target is pushed 2 squares.
* End Turn: Saving Throw vs 5 OG cold and slowed; r(2). Fails.
F2
* Begins Turn: 40 feet (8 sq) above ground level and about 35 feet (7 sq) above heroes in I and J sq.
* Standard Action: Maddening Burst (ABu1 w/in 10, psychic) centered on H12 (H column on ground level is 10 sq away) vs V's Will: r(5) +13 = 18. Miss.
* Move Action: Run (-2 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 8 sq to G5.
LOCATION: F1 in O10, F2 in G5
DAMAGE: 18 force damage to L.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Lief pushed over edge to floor in L10
CURRENT HP: F1 @ 9/96, F2 @ 96/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F1 Prone, V's Quarry, Maddening Burst on recharge. F2 Maddening Burst on recharge.
The remaining TOWER TENTACLE flings at Vorn and ensnares the Fallcrest folk hero in its vice-like grip!
* Standard Action: Slam (M4) vs V's Ref: r(11) +12 = 18. Hit. Vorn takes 8 damage and is grabbed (escape DC 17).
LOCATION: M9
DAMAGE: 8 damage to Vorn
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: is grabbed (escape DC 17).
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
LIEF rebounds fast, punching his stone-skinned fingers into the masonry to scramble back up and barrel into the foulspawn, sending it back to the outer realm with a punch to its strange core.
* Move: Athletics r(20)+12 = 32 vs DC 21. Move 4 climbing sq up to M10, then to N10.
* Standard: Stone Juggernaut attack on F1. r(14)+12 = 29 vs. Reflex 22. Success. r(4)+7 = 11 Damage.
F1 SLAIN.
LOCATION: N10
DAMAGE:
F1 SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 48/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has +2 power bonus to all defenses, save against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
STARN drops a Stinking Cloud down the stairs a ways, engulfing the second foulspawn in a reeking mass of toxic vapors!
* Standard Action: Cast Stinking Cloud (area burst 2) centered at square G4. Roll to hit Roll(9) + 13 = 22 vs FORT(19). hit, 1d10+8= 1+8=9 poison damage. A zone of dense fog (blocks LOS) is created covering the entire area within burst 2 of G4 (so F2 basically can't see anything that isn't next to it). Anything moving into or starting its turn within the zone will take 11 poison damage.
* Move Action: Move to square M11.
* End Turn: The Storm Pillar dissipates
LOCATION: M11
DAMAGE: 9 points of poison damage to F2
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Stinking Cloud zone centered on G4. Blocks LoS. Any creature moving into or starting its turn within the zone will take 11 poison damage.
CURRENT HP: 58/58
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT (DE)BUFFS: None
ROUND 3
VORN is being tugged and pulled by the tentacle. He waits for his moment, then draws and fires at the tentacle’s base near the wall. “Get off of me, filth!”
Its body writhes and thrashes as it dies. He shakes the remaining bit of tentacle loose and then moves up the stairs.
* Standard: Ranged Basic Attack Vs. Tentacle in M15, AC 23
r(15) + 14 = 29, HIT.
M (M15) SLAIN.
* Move: 3 squares to L11
LOCATION: L11
Damage:
M (M15) SLAIN
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry
AP: 1
NIMOZARAN throws his heels into the metalic flanks of ROOTER and shouts "forward my steel, porcine friend!"
Off they go, charging up the stairs to the border of Starn's caustic spell.
* Start Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge; r(3). Fails.
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq (DT) to M6.
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq (DT) to J5.
LOCATION: J5
Damage: na
Conditions to enemies: na
Current HP: 86/98
HS: 1
Current (de)buffs: -5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT, NAT on recharge. Starn is ward.
AP:0
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS sloughs and trundles and gloops and shambles through the poisonous vapors of Starn's spell. When it emerges through the opaque mist, it hones in on the nearby Rooter & Nimozaran, hexing the pair psychically with a Far Realm enchantment!
F2
* Begins Turn: 11 poison damage from Starn's Stinking Cloud zone, Maddening Burst on recharge r(1); fails.
* Move Action: 5 sq (circling to avoid OA) 8 sq to L4.
* Standard Action: Mind Harrier (R5, psychic) vs R's Will: r(13) +13 = 26. Hit. r(6, 2) + 6 = 14 psychic damage. At the end of N's next turn, if N is not adjacent to any of its allies, N takes 10 psychic damage and ongoing 10 psychic damage (save ends).
(➶)
Mind Harrier (psychic) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +12 vs. Will
Hit: 2d6 + 6 psychic damage. At the end of the target's next turn, if it is not adjacent to any of its allies, it takes 10 psychic damage and ongoing 10 psychic damage (save ends).
LOCATION: F2 in L4
DAMAGE: 14 psychic damage to N
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: At the end of N's next turn, if N is not adjacent to any of its allies, N takes 10 psychic damage and ongoing 10 psychic damage (save ends).
CURRENT HP: F2 @
76/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F2 Maddening Burst on recharge.
NO TOWER TENTACLES CURRENTLY
LIEF pounds up the stairs two at a time, his stone juggernaut legs making him seem to glide upward. Feeling brave, foolish or both. He runs just past the formless horror, rolling and ducking under its snapping mouths, until he's next to Rooter and Nimo. Then he spins into a kick at the formless horror, sending it to lip of the open shaft, and flows into a battery of punches until it tips, boiling, over the edge.
He turns to Nimo and points up the stairs: "Run, damn it! I'll stay with you!"
* Move: Drunken Monkey (Encounter) movement—speed +2, power bonus to defenses against OAs equal to Wis modifier (4). Move 7 sq. to K5, triggering two MBAs from F2.
r(5)+12 = 17 vs. Fort (27). Miss.
r(2)+12 = 14 vs. Fort (27). Miss.
* Standard: Drunken Monkey (Encounter) attack on F2. r(12)+12 = 24 vs. Will 20. Success. r(4)+7 = 11 Damage to F1, which slides to L5.
* Free: Centered Flurry of Blows deals 6 Damage to F1, slides to K6.
TRIGGERS F2 saves to go prone instead. r(4), Fail. F2 falls 19.95 feet into open shaft at K6, taking 2d10 damage. r(3, 2) = 5 Damage and prone (NOT ACROBATICS TRAINED), or 11 total with CfoB.
LOCATION: K5
DAMAGE: 22 to F2.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F2 falls at L6 and is prone.
CURRENT HP: 48/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has +2 power bonus to all defenses, save against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
STARN concentrates on the Stinking Cloud just enough to sustain it, and aims a bolt of arcane energy down at the remaining foul spawn below, then after taking his shot pounds on up the stairs.
* Minor Action: Sustain Stinking Cloud.
* Standard Action: Magic Missile attack on F2. Automatic hit for 10 force damage (
BLOODIED).
* Move Action: 3 sq (DT) to M8.
LOCATION: M8
DAMAGE: 11 force to F2 (
BLOODIED).
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 58/58
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT (DE)BUFFS: none
<A new Foulspawn Formless emerges at the top of the spiraling stair!>
F2 44/96 Prone, Maddening Burst on recharge.
F3 96/96
ROUND 4
VORN turns the first corner. He's not used to having to catch up to others! "I need to learn me some tricks," he says to himself as he watches Lief above, knock the formless beast from the stairs to plummet to the ground below. He pauses long enough to put some arrows into the beast. Unfortunately, it continues to writhe after he puts two arrows into it.
He doesn't want to leave any enemies behind them. "Go on," he calls to the others. "I'll finish this on off!"
* Move: 3 squares (DT) to N8
* Minor: Make F2 my Quarry
* Standard: Twin Strike Vs. F2, AC 23
r(16) + 14 = 30, HIT. Dmg: r(8) + r(5) + 4 + 3= 20
r(10) + 14 = 24, HIT. dmg: r(7) + 4 = 11
LOCATION: N8
Damage: 31 to F2
Conditions to Enemies: F2 is now Quarry
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry
AP: 1
NIMOZARAN pats Lief on the shoulder as he aims ROOTER's ice launcher at the Formless creature at the bottom of the chamber. "<Comforted exhale> I'll stay next to your stalwart presence, my good man!"
The ice grenade explodes on the aberrant creature, rime covering it and nearly laying it low.
* Start Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge; r(6). Succeeds.
* Standard: Alchemical Ice Launcher (R10, cold) vs F2 Reflex: r(13) +14 -2 (Cover due to angle) = 25. Hit: r(2) + 7 =9 cold damage, and F2 is slowed and takes ongoing 5 cold damage (save ends both).
* Ends Turn: Adjacent to Lief so, negating 10 psychic damage and ongoing 10 psychic damage (save ends).
LOCATION: J5
DAMAGE: 9 cold damage to F2.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F2 is slowed and takes ongoing 5 cold damage (save ends both).
HP: 72/98
HS: 1
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Starn is ward.
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS at the bottom of the shaft succumbs to the freezing artillery blast, while the upstairs aberration calls for a psychic enchantment that waylays Starn's mind as he works his way up the tower's spiraling stair!
F2
* Begins Turn: 5 OG cold damage.
F2 SLAIN.
F3
* Move: Teleport 3 sq to D9
* Standard: Maddening Burst (ABu1 w/in 10, psychic) centered on M8 (8 sq horizontal, 2 vertical) vs S and V Will: r(20, 2) +13 = CRIT, 15. CRIT S, miss V. 18 psychic damage to S, and S is dazed (save ends).
LOCATION: F3 in D9
DAMAGE: 5 incoming OG cold damage to F2.
F2 SLAIN. 18 psychic damage to S.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: S is dazed (save ends).
CURRENT HP: F3 @
96/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F2 Maddening Burst on recharge.
NO TOWER TENTACLES CURRENTLY
LIEF Delays until trigger Stinking Cloud zone ends.
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
STARN abandons his focus on the Stinking Cloud and simply focuses on forcing his way up the spiraling stair.
* Starts Turn: Dazed.
* Move Action: Move to M5.
* Ends Turn: Saving Throw vs Dazed; r(14), success!
LOCATION: M5
DAMAGE: none
CURRENT HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Stinking Cloud zone ended without sustain action.
AP:1
LIEF runs through the dissipating poison cloud, toward the foulspawn above, then seems to slide up the stairs with a sudden burst of speed. He rises into a crane kick. The monster contorts and splays around the shifter's foot, untouched.
* Move: 6 sq to E6.
* Minor: Boots of the Fencing Master power (Encounter), shift 2 sq to C8. When Lief shifts, he gains a +1 item bonus to AC and Reflex defense until the end of his next turn.
* Standard: Crane's Wing kick on F3. r(4)+12 = 16 vs. Fort 19. Miss.
LOCATION: C8
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 48/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +1 item bonus to AC and Reflex defense UtEoLNT, and an ongoing +2 power bonus to all defenses, saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
ROUND 5
VORN whispers the word that activates his enchanted boots, and he gains a short-lived burst of speed. He stops next to the old wizard, hopefully comforting him from the creature's psychic assault. "Hang in there, Nimo," he says as he takes aim.
His arrow whistles through empty space as the beast shifts its shape. Luckily, his second shot catches it soundly, and it lets out a horrid shriek.
* Move: 3 squares to L5.
* Minor: Activate Boots of Eagerness for a move action- move 3 squares to I5.
* Standard: Twin Strike Vs. F3, AC 23
r(7) + 14 = 21, MISS
r(13) + 14 = 27, HIT. dmg: r(6) + 4 = 10
LOCATION: I5
Damage: 10 to F3
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry
AP: 1
NIMOZARAN shouts to his protege "recall the arcane primer, my boy!"
Starn says a magic word and an arcane missle fires forth from the glowing runes of his tome slamming the remaining Foulspawn in the chest!
This time ROOTER takes on a life of his own, curiously. Overcoming his protocol to ward Starn at all costs, the pig-shaped construct charges up the steep stairs and clashes with the Foulspawn, occupying it with his porcine aggression!
* Minor: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge. Effect: Starn uses Magic Missile (R20, Force) to auto-hit F3 for 10 force damage.
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq (DT) to F5.
* Standard: Charge to D8 and MBA Rootin Around (M1) vs F3's AC; r(19) +14 -5 (run) +1 (charge) = 29. Hit. r(4, 7) +8 = 19 damage. Effect: F3 is marked until the end of the rooter's next turn.
LOCATION: D8
DAMAGE: 30 damage to F3.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F3 is marked until the end of the rooter's next turn.
HP: 72/98
HS: 1
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge on recharge, Starn is ward
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS upstairs aberration blinks out of existence further up and then charges down the stairs into Rooter, the alien creature's repulsive "mouth" (for lack of a better term) sending our favorite pig robot careening down the steps just as the Haunted Tower is about to enact some poltergeist terrors!
F3
* Start of turn: Maddening Burst recharge; (r3). Fails.
* Move: Teleport 1 sq to E12
* Standard: Charge to E9 and MBA Replusive Maw (M1, force) vs R's Fort; r(9) +12 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 24. Hit. r(2, 4) +6 = 12 force damage and N is pushed 2 sq to B6.
LOCATION: F3 in E9, R in B6.
DAMAGE: 12 force damage to R.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Pushed R 2 sq downstairs into proximity of Haunted Tower hazard.
CURRENT HP: F3 @
56/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F2 Maddening Burst on recharge, marked by R UEoRNT.
NO TOWER TENTACLES CURRENTLY
The walls of the FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER glow with indecipherable runes which then spill alien horror from an inscrutable dimension upon Lief and Rooter!
* Standard: Far Realm Haunted Terror Attack (Enemies within 3 squares of all walls, psychic) vs L's and R's Reflex: r(3, 15) +12 +2 vs R (CA) = 15, 29. Miss L, Hit R. r(3, 4) +5 = 12 psychic damage to R and R is dazed until the end of their next turn. L takes 6 psychic damage and is slowed until the end of their next turn.
DAMAGE: 12 psychic damage to R. 6 psychic damage to L.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R is dazed until the end of their next turn. L is slowed until the end of their next turn.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: FRHT Attack on recharge.
STARN advances as quickly as possible, flipping a quick Magic Missile off in response to a mental impulse from his master, and then launches an orb of colored force at the foulspawn ahead.
* Move Action: 3 sq to J5.
* Standard Action: Color Orb (R10, radiant) at F3. Int vs Will, roll 12 + 13 = 25 vs 20, hit for 15 radiant damage (
BLOODIED) and dazed UeoSNT.
LOCATION: J5
DAMAGE: 15 radiant to F3 (
BLOODIED)
Conditions to Enemies: F3 dazed UeoSNT
Current HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
CURRENT BUFFS: none
AP: 1
LIEF rolls his shoulders, letting the alien force wash over his stone skin. He steps toward the foulspawn into a jump kick, propelling its flailing mass into the open shaft.
* No action: Save to end slowed. r(18). Success.
* Move: 1 sq to D9.
* Standard: Crane's Wing kick on F3. r(8)+12 = 20 vs. Fort 19. Hit. r(5)+7 = 12 damage, pushing F3 into the shaft at F9. F3 saves to go prone instead, r(6). Fail. F9 falls to F3 and goes prone, takes 3d10 damage, r(14) = 14 damage.
LOCATION: D9
DAMAGE: 26 to F3
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F3 prone in F9.
CURRENT HP: 42/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +2 power bonus to all defenses, saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
<Four writhing Tower Tentacles emerge from the walls at the top of the spiraling stair!>
ROUND 6
VORN sees the tentacles sprouting from the walls near the top of this flight of stairs. He fires twice, rapidly and almost without aiming, killing two of them, and then dashes along the edge of the staircase. *
He sees that Lief is breathing a bit heavy from all the exertion, and shows some minor wounds from his battles with the formless beasts. "Keep it up, Lief!" he cries. "We'll make it to the top!" He hopes his encouraging words help the monk.
* Standard: Twin Strike Vs. Tentcles in A-12 and A-13, AC 23
r(19) + 14 = 33. HIT
M in A-12, SLAIN.
r(10) + 14 = 24. HIT
M in A-13, SLAIN.
* Move: Run, 4 Squares to E6
* Minor: Inspiring Word on Lief, gains HP equal to Healing Surge value + 8 (rolled 5 + 3)
LOCATION: E6
Damage:
Killed Tentacles in A-12 and A-13
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry; Run: grants Combat Advantage UBoNT
AP: 1
ROOTER & NIMOZARAN are still a bit dazed, they move forward, following Lief and regathering their wits.
* Starts Turn: Dazed, Recharge Arcane Tutelage; r(2), fails.
* Move Action: Move to D8.
* Ends Turn: Dazed Conditions ends.
LOCATION: D8
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 48/98
HS: 1/1
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Starn is ward, Arcane Tutelage is not recharged.
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS at the bottom of the shift lies writhing impossibly. In its throes, it injects the world near Starn with a final bout of madness, but the wizard, now more master than protege, trivially imposes a shield of knowledge to unravel the quandary; "your formulation simply cannot be, foul creature!"
F3
* Start of turn: Dazed, Maddening Burst recharge; (r5). Succeeds.
* Standard: Maddening Burst (ABu w/in 10 centered 6 sq up on J6, psychic) vs S's Will: r(4) +13 -2 (prone) = 15. Miss.
LOCATION: F3 in F9
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: F3 @
15/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F3 Maddening Burst on recharge, prone, dazed UEoSNT.
The writhing, gray TOWER TENTACLEs blink out of existence and reform on the wall nearer the heroes. The pair work in perfect concert to ensnare Rooter and Nimozaran, the latter uttering a simple "oh dear", and yank them toward the wall!
M (A15)
* Move Action: Teleport 4 sq to A11.
* Standard Action: Slam (M4) vs R's Ref: r(12) +12 = 24. Hit. R takes 8 damage (
BLOODIED), and the tentacle grabs R (escape DC 17).
M (A14)
* Move Action: Teleport 4 sq to A10.
* Standard Action: Squeeze and Slide (M4) vs R. R is grabbed by the tentacle in A14, takes 5 damage, the escape DC increases by 2 (to 19), and R is pulled 2 sq to B7 (still in M4 range of first tentacle).
⚔
Squeeze and Slide (Melee 4) ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The tentacle or another tentacle in melee range must have a creature grabbed.
Effect: If the same tentacle, it deals 5 damage to the grabbed creature and can pull the grabbed creature 2 squares. If a second tentacle, then the tentacle grabs the creature, increasing the escape DC by +2, deals 5 damage to the grabbed creature, and can pull the grabbed creature 2 squares.
Special: If the second tentacle pulls the grabbed creature out of melee range of the first tentacle, the +2 bonus to escape DC is lost.
LOCATION: A11, A10. R in B7.
DAMAGE: 13 damage to R (
BLOODIED)
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R is grabbed (escape DC 19) and pulled 2 sq to B7.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The walls of the FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER glow with indecipherable runes which then spill alien horror from an inscrutable dimension upon Rooter and Nimozaran!
* Begins Turn: Recharge FRHTA; r(5). Succeeds.
* Standard: Far Realm Haunted Terror Attack (Enemies within 3 squares of all walls, psychic) vs R's Reflex: r(7) +12 = 19. Miss. r(5, 3) +5 = 13/2 = 6 psychic damage to R and R is slowed until the end of their next turn.
DAMAGE: 6 psychic damage to R.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R is slowed until the end of their next turn.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: FRHT Attack on recharge.
STARN is not in range to effectively support his master and construct. He keeps moving up the stairs and engages the foulspawn, which seems to simply ignore his attack.
* Move Action: Move to G5
* Standard Action: Beguiling Strands aimed down and northward to cover F3's position. INT vs WILL, roll 4 +13 +2 (dazed) =19 vs 20, miss.
LOCATION: G5
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
CURRENT BUFFS: none
AP: 1
LIEF sees Rooter wrapped in the tentacles, and acts quickly, forgetting that the construct is just a thing, parts that can be scooped up and reassembled. He certainly isn't worried about Nimozoran, haunted freak that he is.
Lief flies into both tentacles, tearing them to shreds in a blur of claws, then scoops up the construct and mad wizard and drags them upstairs.
* Standard: Wind Through the Willows (Encounter) attack, CB3 with lower right corner at C9, hitting both Ms.
r(12)+12 = 24 vs. Ref 23. Hit. M slain.
r(11)+12 = 23 vs. Ref 23. Hit. M slain.
Shift to C8 (adjacent to blast).
* Move: Stunt:
Drag Ally
Move Action
Requirement: You must be adjacent to the ally.
Check: Athletics check vs ally's Fortitude.
Success: You can move up to half your speed and pull your ally with you.
Athletics r(7)+12 = 19 vs. Fort 22. Fail. Using Lucky Charm Item Power (Daily) to add d6. r(3) = 22. Success. Move 3 sq. to D11, dragging R behind at D10
LOCATION: L in D11, R in D10.
DAMAGE: Both Ms SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
CURRENT HP: 65/66
HEALING SURGES: 8/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +1 item bonus to AC and Reflex defense UtEoLNT (because he shifted) and a +2 power bonus to all defenses, saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
ROUND 7
VORN sees Lief kill the remaining tentacles and carry Nimo and the construct off up the stairs. Without any enemies left in sight, he quickly turns back to Starn and yells "Run to the top, Starn! They'll keep coming!'
He bounds up the steep stairs as quickly as he can and nearly reaches the top!
* Standard: Run (-5 atk and grants CA UBoNT), 4 squares to E10
* Move: Run (-5 atk and grants CA UBoNT), 4 squares to E14
LOCATION: E14
Damage: None
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry; Run: (-5 atk and grants CA UBoNT)
AP: 1
After Lief's helpful assist, NIMOZARAN shouts "thank you my boy! Follow me, I know the way!"
The plucky ROOTER shakes himself of the last vestiges of disorientation and bounds up the stairs as best his robotic, cloven hooves can muster.
* Starts Turn: Recharge Arcane Tutelage; r(5), fails.
* Standard Action: Second Wind; +2 defenses UBoNT, +24 HP and HS spent.
* Move Action: Run (-5 atk and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to D14.
LOCATION: D14
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 72/98
HS: 0/1
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Starn is ward, Arcane Tutelage is not recharged, +2 defenses UBoNT, -5 atk and grants CA UBoNT
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS at the bottom of the shaft steadies its strange form succumbs to the freezing artillery blast, while the upstairs aberration calls for a psychic enchantment that waylays Starn's mind as he works his way up the tower's spiraling stair!
F3
* Begins Turn: Maddening Burst on recharge r(3); fails.
* Move: Stand up from prone
* Standard Action: Mind Harrier (R5, psychic) vs S's Will: r(8) +13 (-2 Cover due to angle and verticality) = 19. Miss
LOCATION: F9
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: F3 @
15/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: F2 Maddening Burst on recharge.
NO TOWER TENTACLES CURRENTLY
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
STARN also hurls himself up the stairs, full tilt!
* Standard Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) to E7
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) to E11
LOCATION: E11
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
BUFFS/DEBUFFS: -5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT
AP: 1
LIEF grips Starn by the arm, using the wizard's momentum to drag both of them up the stairs. He shoots Vorn a look as they run past.
* Move: Stunt:
Drag Ally
Athletics r(20)+12 = 32 vs. Starn's Fort 21. Success. Move 3 sq. to B14, dragging Starn to C14.
* Move: Sustain Drag Ally, dragging Starn, 2 sq to get
Lief and Starn off the Stair 1 map.
LOCATION:
LIEF AND STARN OFF STAIRS 1 MAP. WIN CON STAIR 1 PARTIALLY RESOLVED.
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
CURRENT HP: 66/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +2 power bonus to all defenses, saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
<A new Foulspawn Formless emerges at the top of the spiraling stair!>
ROUND 8
Both VORN and ROOTER disengage from the aberrant creature in a fighting withdraw, carefully backing lower onto the stairs and then making a mad dash around it!
BOTH V & R
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to C13 and D13.
* Move Action: Both V & R Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 3 square off map 1.
STAIR 1 MAP RESOLVED.
The HEROES run higher and higher around the spiral stair, nearing the top and the lair of the dread Lord Mage and Acamar's bridge spanning the Far Realm to the material world!
Four writhing TOWER TENTACLES grope for them from the walls as they near the top!
HEIGHT OF STAIR SECTIONS NOW:
NORTH: 70
EAST: 80
SOUTH: 90
WEST: 100
* Place characters in squares E10 - E13 and proceed with initative as above:
ROUND 1
VORN sees the writhing tentacles at the corner of the staircase. He knows that speed is what he and his companions need here, and those tentacles will only slow them down. He focuses all his attention on trying to take them out. He draws and shoots at the two closest tentacles, killing each. They wither and slough away from the tower wall to rot on the floor. He dashes forward and fires at the two remaining. He curses as his final shot goes wide, shattering against the stone of the tower wall.
* Standard: Twin Strike Vs. Tentcles in H-13 and J-13, AC 23
r(14) + 14 = 28. HIT
M in H-13, SLAIN.
r(17) + 14 = 31. HIT
M in J-13, SLAIN.
* Action Point for Standard: Twin Strike Vs. Tentcles in L-13 and N-11, AC 23
r(16) + 14 = 30. HIT
M in L-13, SLAIN.
r(2) + 14 = 16. MISS M in N-11.
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 squares to I10
LOCATION: I10
Damage:
Ms in H-13, J-13, and L-13 SLAIN.
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 46/66
Healing Surges: 8/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry; Run: -5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT.
AP: 0
ROOTER races forward at top speed, with NIMOZARAN hanging on for dear life! One might almost swear his mechanical face is locked in a wild grin, but of course that cannot be...
* Start of Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage recharge; r(5). Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to I10.
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to K8.
LOCATION: K8
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 72/98
HS: 0/1
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Starn is ward, Arcane Tutelage is not recharged, +2 defenses UBoNT, -5 atk and grants CA UBoNT
The writhing, gray TOWER TENTACLE blinks out of existence and reform on the wall nearer the heroes. It coils and retracts, snapping around Vorn the Redfletch like a constrictor snake!
M (N11)
* Move Action: Teleport 2 sq to L13.
* Standard Action: Slam (M4) vs V's Ref: r(11) +12 = 23. Hit. V takes 8 damage, and the tentacle grabs V (escape DC 17).
TRIGGERS VORN VENGEANCE IS MINE (IMMEDIATE REACTION; YOU ARE HIT BY AN ATTACK); Ranged Basic Attack against Tentacle, AC 23R(3) + 14 - 5 (run) = 12, MISS. Grants Lief a free action to move at his full speed and make a MBA against the tentacle; Lief move his speed (6 sq) to K12 and MBA the Minion. r(10)+10 = 20 vs. AC 23. Miss.
Vorn is caught by the one tentacle that avoided his shots. He’s off balance and the tentacle is winding about his body, squeezing him, making any retaliation difficult.
“Lief, get this thing off me!” he calls to the shifter.He draws an arrow and shoots at the tentacle, farther off where it sprouts from the wall. Unfortunately, this shot also goes wide.
LIEF bursts up the stairs toward the tentacle, slashing at where Vorn is pointing. It undulates out of the way.
LOCATION: V (L13), L (K12)
DAMAGE: 8 damage to V
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V is grabbed (escape DC 17).
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The walls of the FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER glow with indecipherable runes which then spill alien horror from an inscrutable dimension upon Lief!
* Begins Turn: Recharge FRHTA; r(4). Succeeds.
* Standard: Far Realm Haunted Terror Attack (Enemies within 3 squares of all walls, psychic) vs L's Reflex: r(2) +12 = 14. Miss. r(6, 2) +5 = 13/2 = 6 psychic damage to L and L is slowed until the end of their next turn.
DAMAGE: 6 psychic damage to L.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: L is slowed until the end of their next turn.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: FRHT Attack on recharge.
STARN also hurls himself up the stairs, full tilt!
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) to I11
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) to K7
LOCATION: K7
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: -5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT.
AP: 1
LIEF shakes his head, letting the tower's psychic attack wash over his stone-wrapped skull, and attacks the tentacle again. His flying kick tears it from the wall, and he continues on, stomping up the staircase.
* No action: Save to end slowed. r(16). Success.
* Standard: Crane's Wing kick on M. r(9)+12 = 21 vs. Fort 21 Hit. M Slain.
* Move: 6 sq to K6.
LOCATION: K6
DAMAGE: M Slain
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F3 prone in F9.
CURRENT HP: 60/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +2 power bonus to all defenses, saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 1
<A new Foulspawn Formless emerges at the top of the spiraling stair!>
F5 96/96
ROUND 2
VORN thanks Lief for the assist, and then sprints up the stairs as fast as he can, leaping over the open air at the corners.
He notices another formless beast near the top of the stairs, and pulls a healing potion from his belt and swigs it down. He feels its restorative magic moving through his body, easing his pain and removing exhaustion.
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT) 4 spaces to L-7
* Standard: Run (-5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT) 4 spaces to I-4
* Minor: Drink Healing Potion for 10 HP at the cost of 1 Healing Surge
LOCATION: I4
Damage: None
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 48/66
Healing Surges: 7/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry; Run: -5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT
AP: 0
NIMOZARAN aims ROOTER's ice launcher at the Formless creature across the way and above and lets fly, striking true, as the quadrupedal construct scampers up the stair toward the aberration with haste!
* Start Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage Recharge; r(1). Fails.
* Standard: Alchemical Ice Launcher (R10, cold) vs F5 Reflex: r(14) +14 -2 (Cover due to angle) = 26. Hit: r(4) + 7 = 11 cold damage, and F5 is slowed and takes ongoing 5 cold damage (save ends both).
* Move: Run (-5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT) 4 sq to J4.
LOCATION: J4
DAMAGE: 11 cold damage to F5.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F5 is slowed and takes ongoing 5 cold damage (save ends both).
HP: 72/98
HS: 1
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Starn is ward, -5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT, Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage on Recharge.
The FOULSPAWN FORMLESS covered in the frozen payload of the artillery blast struggles down the stairs as it calls for a psychic enchantment to infiltrate the corridors of Lief''s mind as the stone-skinned shifter rushes up the tower's spiraling stair!
F5
* Starts Turn: OG 5 cold and slowed.
* Move: Teleport 2 sq to B8.
* Standard: Maddening Burst (ABu1 w/in 10, psychic) centered on K5 vs L and R Will: r(15, 2) +13 (+2 CA vs R) = 28, 17. Hit L, miss R. r(2, 5) +6 = 13 psychic damage to L
, and L is dazed (save ends).
TRIGGERS LIEF'S COIF OF MINDIRON IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT (Encounter): When u would be dazed by an attack that targets your Will defense. You are not dazed.
LIEF's coif clamps onto his scalp, studs pressing like teeth. The pain drives the psychic fog away.
* Ends Turn: save vs OG cold and slowed; r(4). Fails
LOCATION: F5 in B8
DAMAGE: 5 incoming OG cold damage to F5. 13 psychic damage to L.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
L is dazed (save ends).
CURRENT HP: F3 @
80/96
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: OG cold and slowed (SE), Maddening Burst on recharge.
NO TOWER TENTACLES CURRENTLY
FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER HAS NO TARGETS W/IN 3 SQ OF WALLS.
* Starts Turn: Attack recharge; r(3). Fails to recharge.
STARN moves forward, allowing Rooter's body to come between him and the enemy. As soon as Nimozaran lobs an ice bomb at the new threat, Starn follows it up with Shock Beetles. The weird electric discharges begin to envelope the half-frozen aberration, but the beast is tough, and the crackling electric discharges have little effect._
* Move Action: move to square K4.
* Standard Action: Shock Beetle Swarm. Roll(7)+13=20 vs FORT(21) missed. No effect on a miss.
LOCATION: K4
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 40/58
HS: 9/9
CURRENT BUFFS: Ward is in effect.
AP: 1
LIEF's coif clamps onto his scalp, studs pressing like teeth. The pain drives the psychic fog away, and the shifter bounds fast into the foulspawn. There, he slides under the horror and drives both feed under it, launching it towards the open shaft. The thing slaps and deforms to hang onto the masonry, before tipping over the edge.
* Move: Blending Armor Encounter power. Lief gains a +2 power bonus to all defenses until the end of this turn, and he shifts 3 sq to I3.
* Move: Strike the Avalanche movement technique, move Speed + 2. Move 7 sq to C7.
* 1 AP for Standard: Strike the Avalanche attack on F5. r(20)+12 = 32 vs. Reflex 22. Critical Hit. Max damage (27) + (3) for ki focus =30. Slide F5 (up to Lief's Wisdom modifier) to E8, into the shaft.
TRIGGERS F5 saves to go prone instead of moving into hindering terrain. r(5), Fail. F5 falls at E8 and goes prone, takes 10d10 from the fall. r(44) = 44 damage. F5 IS BARELY ALIVE, BUT OUT OF THE SCENE.
LOCATION: C7
DAMAGE: 74 to F5.
F5 IS BARELY ALIVE, BUT OUT OF THE SCENE.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: F5 prone in E8
CURRENT HP: 47/66
HEALING SURGES: 9/9
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Lief has a +2 power bonus to all defenses UEoE, in addition to a +1 to AC and Reflex (from Boots of the Fencing Master, because he shifted) UtEoLNT. Lief saves against slowing, immobilizing, or restraining effects at the start and end of his turn, and ignores difficult terrain.
AP: 0
F5 OUT OF SCENE
ROUND 3
VORN watches the foulspawn fall into the open air, shrieking as it falls. Its cries come to an abrupt end when it hits the floor below. Vorn continues running up the stairs as fast as he can.
* Move: Run 4 spaces to E-4
* Standard: Run 4 spaces to D-8
LOCATION: D8
Damage: None
Conditions to Enemies: None
Current HP: 48/66
Healing Surges: 7/8
Current De/Buffs: Hunter’s Privilege: ongoing +3 to damage dealt by Hunter’s Quarry; Run: -5 ATK and grants Combat Advantage UBoNT
AP: 0
ROOTER races forward at top speed, with NIMOZARAN hanging on for dear life, the top of the tower stair in sight!
* Start of Turn: Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage recharge; r(1). Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to F4.
* Move Action: Run (-5 ATK and grants CA UBoNT) 4 sq to D7.
LOCATION: D7
DAMAGE: none
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: none
CURRENT HP: 72/98
HS: 0/1
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Starn is ward, Arcane Tutelage is not recharged, -5 atk and grants CA UBoNT
NO CURRENT FOULSPAWN FORMLESS
NO CURRENT TOWER TENTACLE
Perhaps the threat to Acamar's machinations at the top of the tower have forced the FAR REALM HAUNTED TOWER into retreat?
* Begins Turn: Recharge FRHTA; r(3). Fails.
DAMAGE: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: FRHT Attack on recharge.
UPDATE
* Starn's player has elected to
use Dimension Door (Daily, Move Action, Teleport 10) on their next turn. This will get them out of the scene.
* All other characters will be able to use Run Actions to be able to get out of the scene at the top of the following turn before new Wave monsters activate.
*
Conflict over w/ Starn exhausting Dimension Door. The heroes evade their endless pursuit to the top of the spiral stair and cross the threshold into The Vault of the Lord Mage and the Far Realm Bridge.
* PCs earn a Short Rest. No Milestone earned yet so no Action Points. Defeating Skill Challenge intracombat will trigger a mid-combat Milestone and AP gain.
REWARDS
* Not counting xp. After this coming conflict (if it doesn't end in defeat!), the PCs will level to 10 for the final conflicts of Heroic Tier involving Lief's former clan.
*
VORN: During the rush up the spiral stairs, finds that the Far Realm teleporting creatures left behind translocation magic infused fletchings. Gains 5 x Translocation Arrows for his quiver:
Translocation Arrows
Ammunition: Arrow
Property
When you hit or miss a creature using this ammunition, teleport them 3 squares.
This would let Vorn to both (a) use it to Force Move an enemy or (b) shoot it at an ally's feet and teleport them 3 squares. 5 of them.
*
LEIF: Before entering the lair of the Lord Mage and the Far Realm one-way gate, The Watcher (the totemic ally who is a primal elder spirit of watching and portents) joins with Lief to rid the terrestrial world of this celestial menace. Until the end of the encounter, gain the following:
+1 to Will defense.
Otherworldly Sight
Your view of the natural world and its future is imbued by the powerful primal elder.
Encounter ✦ Primal
Free Action Personal
Trigger: You spend a standard action to make an Arcana, Dungeoneering, or Religion check
Effect: You spend a move action instead of a standard action and can roll a Perception check instead of Arcana, Dungeoneering, or Religion.
*
STARN: The apprentice has become the master. Until the End of the Encounter, lose Nimozaran's Arcane Tutelage, but Starn gains:
