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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Manbearcat" data-source="post: 9395273" data-attributes="member: 6696971">The flock of birds that entered the tower when Starn opened the double doors of the entrance suddenly explode into flight over his shoulder.  They ascend high into the core of the tower's chamber.  A corona of radiance imbues their beaks which work at a feverish pace to channel their strange might into powerful attacks that breach the ceiling's stone.  In a second instance of the omen that accompanied Starn's birth, divine providence manifests as the bird's fly free...away into the sky...Pelor's deific radiance illuminates the chamber, sending rays of his power to dapple the ground.The heroes' eyes are collectively drawn to the sight before them.  All manner of arcana adorn the chamber, but the most prominent lies in the center.  An arcane engine of metal serves as a housing for a massive glowing ball.  From that extends coils that spiral to six human-sized, glass tanks with iron platform and fittings.  All of the figures within are merely desiccated husks, merely remains.  Only one body persists in a living state.  In the middle of the bunch is a tank in which floats the still respirating body of one Nimozaran The Green.  Unlike the others, the coil connecting the tank to the arcane engine is aglow with lightning.The strange voice, as before; many-as-one, robotic, but a clarified sense of Nimozaran's own human voice in the foreground.<STARN, YOU FOOL!  YOU WERE TO HAVE WAITED IN PEACEFUL STASIS AT THE TOWER FOR YOUR TURN!  YOU WOULD HAVE ESCAPED THE FATE OF BEING TIME'S THRALL AND ACHIEVED ONENESS, APOTHEOSIS, PELOR BE PRAISED!  NOW, YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL PERISH HERE.  WHAT A WASTE!>The luminous ball of the arcane engine thrums powerfully to life, animating toward some kind of fell attack.[HR][/HR]* Encounter Budget Level (counting 3 PCs only) +3 = 6 Standards worth of budget.* 1 x Solo Controller (Vuln 5 Radiance), 1 x Standard Soldier, 4 x Minion Artillery.* Blocking Terrain x 4: Floor-to-ceiling pillars.* Hindering Terrain x 6:  Tanks w/ coils (including Nimozaran's) to the arcane engine (lightning damage).* Fantastic Terrain x 3:  A hero adjacent to or within a square of Pelor's rays of light can spend a minor action to spend a healing surge and imbue their attacks with radiant keyword UtEoNT.  This exhausts the square.* An arcane teleporter with gates to other locations of Nentir Vale.* Difficult terrain with tables, books, arcane paraphernalia, and alchemicals that can be stunted with for ClBl3.[HR][/HR]What is your primary goal here?Secondary goals (embedded Skill Challenges; you have 1 +1 Advantages remaining)?* Do you try to adjure Nimozaran from the collective within the arcane engine, shunting his soul back to his body, and then saving him from his tank?  Or is he beyond reach?* Do you attempt to activate the arcane teleporter to GTFO to elsewhere (Winterbole Forest to go after Sariel's brother) in case this conflict is beyond you?Something else?[HR][/HR]MECHANICS/TERRAIN/SKILL CHALLENGES/ETC* Illumination: Full* EXTRACT NIMOZARAN'S SOUL FROM THE ENGINE AND HIS BODY FROM THE TUBE* ACTIVATE AND USE THE TELEPORTATION CIRCLE* Tanks with Coils (blocking and hindering terrain, orange sq, N = Nimozaran's):  A creature that enters a sq adjacent to Tanks with Coils takes 3 lightning damage and a -1 penalty to defenses (save ends).  Can only take this damage once per turn.  This terrain is also blocking terrain and affords cover.* Pelor's Sunrays (fantastic terrain): A hero adjacent to or within a square of Pelor's Sunrays can use a minor action to spend a healing surge and imbue their attacks with radiant keyword UtEoNT.  Usage exhausts the sunray.* Tables, books, arcane paraphernalia, and alchemical agents:  Difficult terrain that can be stunted with for ClBl3.* The Tower's Core (Gargantuan natural animate, construct, solo controller): 120 HP, AC 15, Fortitude 13, Reflex 12, Will 14, Init +0, Speed 0.  The Tower Core is immobile, 15 feet tall, and serves as blocking terrain for cover.* Tower Defender (medium, construct, homonculus, soldier, minion): 30 HP, AC 17, Fortitude 13, Reflex 13, Will 13, Init +3.* Mobile Turrets x 4 (medium, construct, homonculus, artillery, minion): 1 HP, AC 13, Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 13, Init +2.* Hero Squares: Pick any squares rows 1 and 2 columns G through N.* Initiative:Lief (L): 24Rooter (or Frankenrunner) (R):  24Sariel (A): 20Starn (T):  19Tower Core (TC):  13Tower Defender (D): 11Mobile Turrets (M): 9Fallcrest Light Infantry (FLI):  7[ATTACH=full]370975[/ATTACH]ROUND 1[HR][/HR]* Sariel (No Action) Monster Knowledge (Tower Core) Arcana; r(14) +11 = 25.  Success vs Hard DC.* Sariel (No Action) Monster Knowledge (Defender) Arcana: r(5) +11 = 16.  Medium DC only.* Sariel (No Action) Monster Knowledge (Mobile Turrets) Arcana: r(6) +11 = 17.  Medium DC only.[HR][/HR]LEIF delays until after Sariel's turn.[HR][/HR]ROOTER delays until after Sariel's and Leif's turn.[HR][/HR]The noble-blooded Eladrin of the Winter Court moves with speed and precision in the mortal world as he circles right to flank The Tower Core.  In a twist of magical aperture, SARIEL steps through worlds, reappearing next to the The Tower Core, threatening it and ensorcelling it with attack-foiling arcana!* Move: 6 sq to P7.* Standard:  Fey Step 5 to L12.* Minor:  Aegis of Ensnarement on TC.LOCATION: L12DAMAGE: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Aegis of Ensnarement on TC.CURRENT HP: 31/31CURRENT DE/BUFFS: naSURGES: 11/11; AP: 1/1 available[HR][/HR]LIEF seems to stumble, falls into a roll, and spins toward the tower core, whirling along its face and lashing at it and the tower defender. Lief's whipping hands and feet send the defender reeling into a coil to judder and smoke.  The construct finds a way to sprawl, falling to the ground, but it avoids the worst of the coil.Leif settles into a defensive stance.* Standard: Spinning Leopard Maneuver.  Effect:  Shift to J7 and hit all adjacent enemies.  Attack on TC, r(6)+5+2 = 13 vs Reflex (12). Success. r(20)+5 = 25 Damage.  Then attack on TD, r(20)+5 = 25 vs Reflex (13). Success, +1d6 damage for crit w/ Ki Focus. r(17+2)+5 = 24 Damage.* Free: Centered Flurry of Blows deals 5 Damage to TD. Slide D 1 sq to I5.  TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR PRONE IN I6; r(10) SUCCEEDS.  PRONE IN I6.* Move:  Lion's Den +1 PB to all defenses USoNT.LOCATION: J7DAMAGE: 25 to TC, 29 to TD.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: TD prone.CURRENT HP: 25/26HEALING SURGES: 8/9CURRENT DE/BUFFS: _1 PB to all defenses USoNT.AP: 1[HR][/HR]ROOTER follows his master's command, joyfully encircling the prey and taking it down in a construct-dog-like pounce.  The metallic human-friend then carefully backs away from the dangerous Tower Core.* Move:  6 sq to G2.* Standard: Charge to H5 and MBA (Down the Prey, M1) vs D's AC: r(9) +6 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 18. Hit and shift 1 sq to G4. D DESTROYED.LOCATION: G4DAMAGE: D DESTROYED.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT DE/BUFFS: na[HR][/HR]STARN fires off a missile of force, sending the Mobile Turret near Sariel into a spray of spare parts.  He then moves near his old master's tube and shouts a prayer to Pelor to the partial open sky.  The rays that have penetrated the ceiling answer and the glass begins to fissure and then crack, threatening to burst!* Standard:  Magic Missile (R20, force) vs M (M12): Autohit and M (M12) DESTROYED.* Move:  2 sq to P3.* Free Action (AP for Standard):  Call Upon Pelor's Intervention (Standard, R5) DC 12 Religion: r(10) +10 = 20.  Success.LOCATION: P3DAMAGE: M (M12) DESTROYEDCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Success 1 in ENSftEaHBftT SC, Call Upon Pelor's Intervention exhausted.CURRENT HP: 24/24HEALING SURGES: 6/8CURRENT DE/BUFFS: naAP: 0/1[HR][/HR]The TOWER CORE's arcane engines and pulsating luminous orb flares to life with several voices of a collective and...something else...something deeper and more ominous serving as a foreground.  It hurls robotic invective at Sariel as it assaults him with all manner of arcana and physical force in the form of mechanical appendages.Sariel handles the barrage with grace and aplomb, but can he withstand an assault so sustained?* Standard:  Arcane Engine Coil (M3) vs A's AC: r(6) +6 = 12.  Miss.  Effect:  TC Slides A 1 sq to K13.* Free Action (AP for Standard):  Arcane Engine Coil (M3) vs A's AC: r(12) +6 = 18.  Hit.  r(6) +2 = 8 damage and A is grabbed (escape DC 13).  Effect:  TC Slides A 1 sq to J14.  TRIGGERS A SAVING THROW FOR PRONE IN K13.  r(11) = Succeeds.  A PRONE IN K13.* Minor Action:  Engine Nexus (M3, force, grabbed target) vs A's Fort:  r(1) = Automiss.* Minor Action:  Visions from Within (R10) vs A's Will:  r(15) +4 = 19.  Hit (despite +2 defense bonus against ranged from prone).  r(3) +5 = 8 psychic damage and A is immobilized and takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of its next turn.LOCATION: L11 (CAN'T MOVE OR BE MOVED).DAMAGE: 8 + 8 psychic = 16 damage A (BLOODIED).CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: A is prone in K13, immobilized and takes -2 penalty to attack rolls UEoANT.CURRENT HP: 95/120CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 1/2 APs.[HR][/HR]The MOBILE TURRETS move easily on tank treads and deploy missiles of force at their enemies.  Starn and Sariel do their best to fend off the blast, but poor Rooter is in pieces after the barrage!M (D11)* Standard:  Turret Missile (R15, force) vs R's AC: r(9) +7 = 16.  Hit.  ROOTER DESTROYED (can be put back together with Arcana vs Hard DC during Extended Rest).(➶) Turret Missile (force) ✦ At-WillAttack: Ranged 15 (one creature); +7 vs. ACHit: 3 force damage, or 5 force damage if the target has no cover.M (H12)* Standard:  Turret Missile (R15, force) vs A's AC: r(19) +7 = 26.  Hit.  5 force damage to A.* Move:  3 sq to H14 (Resist 5 Thunder).M (S11)* Standard:  Turret Missile (R15, force) vs T's AC: r(8) +7 = 15.  Hit.  5 force damage to T.* Move:  2 sq to Q11 (Resist 5 Thunder).LOCATION: D11, H14, Q11DAMAGE: R DESTROYED, 5 damage to A and T..CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT DE/BUFFS: na[HR][/HR]Captain Anvilheart leads his FALLCREST LIGHT INFANTRY through the electricity arcing from the coils, and charging into one the turret constructs to cover Starn's arcane workings.* Move: to Q5, taking 3 lightning damage and -1 to defenses (SE) from coils.* Standard: Charge to Q10, attacking Q11 minion. MBA r(6)+6+1 (Charge) = 13 vs. AC 13. Hit. DESTROYED.* End of Turn:  Saving throw vs coils: r(2) vs DC 10. Fail.LOCATION: Q10DAMAGE: 3 to Q11 minion (DESTROYED).CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:CURRENT HP: 24/27HEALING SURGES: 1/1CURRENT DE/BUFFS: -1 to defenses (SE)[HR][/HR]TC  95/120  Marked by S's Aegis of Ensnarement, 1/2 APENSftEaHBftT SC 1/4   Call Upon Pelor's Intervention exhausted[ATTACH=full]371108[/ATTACH]ROUND 2[HR][/HR]SARIEL breathes in a prayer to his gods and Correlon most of all, righting himself...steadying himself...trusted blade at the ready to defend against whatever this alien foe might bring against him.* Starts Turn Immobilized and -2 penalty to ATK rolls UEoT, prone.* Move: Stand up.* Standard: Second Wind; spend Healing Surge for 7 Hit Points and gain +2 bonus to all defenses USoNT..LOCATION: K13DAMAGE: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Aegis of Ensnarement on TC.CURRENT HP: 17/31CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 defenses USoNTSURGES: 10/11; AP: 1/1 available[HR][/HR]LIEF waits for the strange tower construct to power up its massive coil, then strikes it along a pressure-point-like runic circuit, sending the arc sparking toward a mobile turret.* Minor: Hunter's Quarry on TC. +1d6 damage to an attack.* Standard: Drunken Monkey attack on TC. r(12)+5 = 17 vs. Will 14. Success. r(4+6)+5 = 15 damage. TC attacks H14 minion with Lief's Will bonus, r(15)+3 = 18 vs AC 13. M (H14) SLAIN.* Free: Centered Flurry of Blows deals 5 Damage to TC.* Move: Lion's Den movement, shifting to K7, +1 power bonus to defenses.LOCATION: K7DAMAGE: 20 to TC, M (H14) SLAIN.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:CURRENT HP: 25/26HEALING SURGES: 8/9CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +1 power bonus to defenses USoNTAP: 1[HR][/HR]STARN focuses his arcane senses on the elementals powering the core. "Oh, you forces of pure magic! Don't you know? I am here to free you from this terrible work the gods have enslaved you into performing for them! Here are the three magic runes of unsummoning, destroy this unnatural construct and be free to return to your own domain."  His runes are potent, the elemental lightning spirits powering the Tower pod system begin to fight back.The act of spellcasting has become sufficiently rote that the Wizard Apprentice barely notices that, while he is adjuring the spirits of The Core, he calls forth an orb of radiance from his tome and directs it toward the arcane engine to great effect!* Move (Starn Advantage spent to step back Adjure the Malevolent Collective from Standard to Move):  Adjure the Malevolent Collective (R5): Arcana against Medium DC 12; r(19) +12 = 33. Success!* Standard:  Color Orb (R10, radiant) vs TC;s Will: r(17) + 7 = 24.  Hits.  r(4)+6 (+5 Vuln Radiant) = 15 Radiant damage to the TC (BLOODIED), and the target is dazed UEOYNT.EXTRACT NIMOZARAN'S SOUL FROM THE ENGINE AND HIS BODY FROM THE TUBESKILL CHALLENGE LVL 1/COMPLEXITY 1 (4 Success/3 Failure/1 Secondary Skill as Minor Action/DCs 8 and 12)2/4 Successes/0 of 3 failures/1 advantages remaining/Skill Training Used: Religion, ArcanaLOCATION: P3DAMAGE: 15 to TC (BLOODIED).CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: TC dazed UEOYNT.CURRENT HP: 23/28HEALING SURGES: 5/8CURRENT DE/BUFFS: noneAP: 0[HR][/HR]The TOWER CORE delays until after MOBILE TURRETS...[HR][/HR]The MOBILE TURRET move initiates its primary protocol <PROTECT TOWER CORE>.  It fires a beam of force at Leif and teleports the dangerous monk-warrior away from the Core!M (D11)* Move:  4 sq to E7 (Resist 5 Thunder).* Standard:  Tower Defenses (R10, force, teleportation, one creature adjacent to TC) vs L's Fort: r(12) +6 = 18.  Hit.  L takes 3 force damage and is teleported 1 sq to J6.➶ Tower Defenses (force, teleportation) ✦ (Encounter)Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature adjacent to the Tower's Core); +6 vs. FortHit: 3 force damage and the target is teleported 1 sq.LOCATION: E7DAMAGE: 3 damage to L.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: L teleported to J6.CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Tower Defenses exhausted.[HR][/HR]The TOWER CORE's arcane engines and pulsating luminous orb buckle under the discombobulating weight of Starn's adjuring and radiant orb.  It focuses its limited attention on the dangerous Monk, showing Lief deranging visions from within itself and the collective of souls it hosts, only to be shifted through space briefly by Sariel's protective ward.  * Starts Turn:  Dazed UEoTNT.* Standard:  Visions from Within (R10) vs L's Will:  r(7) +4 -2 (marked) = 11.  Miss.  TRIGGERS AEGIS OF ENSNAREMENT.  TARGET CANNOT BE MOVED, BUT IS BRIEFLY TRANSLOCATED IN SPACE AND GRANTS CA UEoANT.* Free Action (AP for Standard):  Visions from Within (R10) vs L's Will:  r(16) +4 -2 (Mark) = 18.  Hit.  r(5) +5 = 10 psychic damage and L is immobilized and takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of its next turn.LOCATION: L11 (CAN'T MOVE OR BE MOVED).DAMAGE: 10 psychic damage L.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: L is immobilized and takes -2 penalty to attack rolls UEoLNT.CURRENT HP: 60/120CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/2 APs, dazed UEoTNT, marked by AoE, grants CA UEoANT[HR][/HR]The FALLCREST LIGHT INFANTRY disengages from the arcing coil, then Anvilheart lets out a battle cry as he leads his unit roaring toward the sparking tower core.* Move: to Q9.* Standard: Charge to N9 and attack TC, MBA r(16)+6+2+1 (Charge) = 25 vs. AC 15. Success. r(9)+8 = 17 Damage to TC.* End of Turn:  Saving throw vs coils: r(4) vs DC 10. Fail.LOCATION: N9DAMAGE: 17 to TC.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: TC in Swarm Attack aura; takes 4 damage at end of turn.CURRENT HP: 24/27HEALING SURGES: 1/1CURRENT DE/BUFFS: -1 to defenses (SE)[HR][/HR]TC 43/120    0/2 APs, dazed UEoTNT, marked by AoE, grants CA UEoANT, in FLI Swarm Attack aura; take 4 damage at end of turn.[ATTACH=full]371412[/ATTACH]ROUND 3[HR][/HR]With clenched teeth, SARIEL breaks free from the coils ensnaring him by the Tower Core.  Bathing in the sun's midday radiance and feeling Pelor's divine intercession, he breathes in deeply and gives thanks to this world's god of the sun and time.  His blade aglow, he tears into the arcane engine's devices, sundering it, and leaving the Tower Core on the brink!* Move:  Escape vs Grabbed DC 13: r(10) +7 = 17. Succeeds.  Can then shift 1 sq to L12.* Minor:  Use (fantastic terrain) Pelor's Sunray (exhausting it) to spend Healing Surge (+7 HP) and gain keyword radiant for attacks UEoNT.* Move:  SC move Disrupt the Arcane Engine (MBA in SC):  r(8) +7 +2 (CA) = 17.  Hits so Success and Sariel takes 3 thunder damage.* Free (Action Point for Standard):  Fox's Feint (with radiant keyword) vs TC's AC: r(7) +7 +2 (CA) = 16.  Hits.  r(7) +5 +5 (vuln radiant) = 17 radiant damage and CA effects grant +4 UEoNT instead of +2.LOCATION: L12DAMAGE: 17 radiant damage to TCCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Aegis of Ensnarement on TC, Combat Advantage effect vs TC grants +4 UEoNT.CURRENT HP: 21/31CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Disrupt the Arcane Engine sucess; 3/4 Success in SC, attacks have radiant keyword UEoNT.SURGES: 9/11; AP: 0/1 available[HR][/HR]His body quaking with electricity, LIEF curses in primordial until his words devolve into inchoate hissing, as he pulls out his sling and launches desperate shots at the tower core.* Minor: Draw sling.* Standard: Sling attack on TC w/CA and ATK penalty. r(9)+6+2-2 = 15 vs. AC 15. Success. r(1+5)+1 = 7 damage.* Move: Lion's Den movement, not moving, +1 power bonus to defenses.LOCATION: J6DAMAGE: 7 to TC.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT HP: 12/26 (Bloodied)HEALING SURGES: 8/9CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +1 AC and Reflex (Razorclaw Shifting), +1 power bonus to defenses.AP: 1[HR][/HR]STARN, once he sees Sariel disrupt the core will rush up to the pod, grimacing as the tubes on its outer surface burn him with lightning slightly, and say the opening command word. As the lid of the pod begins to rise, he tosses a Magic Missile at the Tower Core for good measure, and then grasps the limp body of Nimozaran, his spirit astride it, and lifts him from the interior of the pod. Various strange runes and devices seem to have been attached to the old wizard, but they all fall away as he's hauled free.* Move: to P4.* Minor:  Retrieve Nimozaran from pod to complete SC;  take 3 force damage.* Standard:  Magic Missile (R20, autohit) for 7 force damage to Tower Core.LOCATION: P4DAMAGE: 7 to TCHIT POINTS: 20/28HS: 5/8AP: 0[HR][/HR]The MOBILE TURRET continues to register Leif as the most dangerous threat and peppers him with force missiles!M (D11)* Standard: Turret Missile (R15, force) vs L's AC: r(16) +7 = 23.  Hit.  5 force damage to L.* Move:  1 sq to E6 (Resist 5 Thunder).LOCATION: E6DAMAGE: 5 damage to L.CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: naCURRENT DE/BUFFS: Tower Defenses exhausted.[HR][/HR]As things turn wildly against it and Nimozaran's spirit is shunted from the collective, back into his body which Starn secures, the TOWER CORE's arcane goes into incoherent gobbledeegook mode:<THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE.  REJECT.  REJECT.  REJECT>Engines whirr and orbs pulsate.  Coils flail.  All to no avail.  In the end, the Core has to accept the reality before it.<TEMPORAL REALITY CONFIRMED.  END NIGH...> * Standard:  Arcane Engine Coil (M3) vs L's AC: r(9) +6 -2 (mark) = 13.  TRIGGERS A's AOE; GRANTS CA UEoNT.  Miss.  Effect:  TC Slides L 1 sq to I5.  TRIGGERS L SAVING THROW FOR PRONE IN J6.  r(14) = Succeeds.  L PRONE IN J6.* Minor Action:  Visions from Within (R10) vs L's Will:  r(11) +4 -2 (mark) = 13.  Miss.* End of Turn:  Takes 4 damage from LFI Swarm Attack auraLOCATION: L11 (CAN'T MOVE OR BE MOVED).DAMAGE: naCONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: L prone in J6.CURRENT HP: 8/120CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/2 APs, marked by AoE, grants CA UEoANT, in LFI Swarm Attack aura.[HR][/HR]CONFLICT IS EFFECTIVELY OVER.  CALLING IT HERE.  PLAYER'S WILL VIGNETTE THE WRAP-UP AND I'LL GET AN XP/LOOT/BOOKKEEPING POST UP.</blockquote>

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