Avenger and Twin Strike question

[DracoSuave]

Disadvantage of paragon multiclass versus paragon path:

No path 11 and 16 features that are often what people get the paths for more than the powers themselves.

Trade Off: Choosing the absolute best powers from a class you like up to a given level.

Some might claim that Sleep is better than every Paragon Path power ever for a controller....

 

[DarkLord Of DForce]

Actually when reading this post i believe the DM has made the right decision to not allow your retraining to half elf. And maybe even made the right decision in shuttiong off AV.
He has however not been doing the right thing in not giving aout new magic items, because he is the one who choses them so he can not give out overpowered or gamebreaking weapons.

Honestly, because of their past rulings, I did not expect to get half-elf either. I was disappointed (because they've always said, how does this change tie into the game, how can you explain it in the plot/storyline, etc. I did that, rather effectively I thought), but not surprised by the ruling.

Just to give another example about the restrictive game we're in right now, we just had an encounter with about 5 zombie "hulks" (DM created/equipped), along with about 6 zombies. We waded trhough them, slowly. The zombies had 80hp's as it turns out, and the "hulks" had rather more. Our party is level 9. As we got them about half way down, 5/6 more zombies appeared behind them, with a level 11 controller with 500+ HP behind them. This is on a narrow road, forest with diff. terrain on one side, a river on the other. I kept using my avenger powers to teleport and push foes into the river (they are undead so it didn't kill them, but they would be out of the turn order for a few rounds until they waded back in). When we finally beat them all (the danged controller had an aura that did -10 and immobilize and daze, in a burst 3 area!) we had 3 of 6 players down.

and the reward for this grand encounter? Well, we did get some magic items. Rope. Handy Haversack. Magic nails. Biscuits. From another foe, who was also at war with the controller we killed, we got 5pp apiece. Which sounds really nice, until you consider that they won't let us use the Adventurers vault OR any magic shops. So I'm sitting on about 11/12 pp right now and can not spend it anywhere. I'm a level 9 Holy avenger, currently multi-classed into Cleric, and can not get a radiant weapon.

Oh well. No one said D&D would be easy did they?

I'm gonna include my "tie-in" story I wrote - I'm just curious whether any of the DMs here would have been tempted to reward a player for this kind of effort. Keep in mind, the first part was written early in the game, when the DMs asked us to create a background. So the Elvish "connection" actually existed then. BUT, I think its my fault for not asking for the change then, instead of waiting till level 9.

Anyways, be kind...

RHOHN's HISTORY PART 1:
"Some believe that to fight evil, one must embrace its tools and methods. Such people reason that the end will justify the means, and no deed, no matter how heinous, is evil if performed in pursuit of the greater good. The Disciples of Vengeance believe this, and hold the ugly truths of the world close as they seek to stamp out wickedness and villainy wherever they can be found."

And I? I was one of them...at least then I was. Recruited at a young age, after showing great promise in various martial arts, I thought I had found my true vocation - seeking out the enemies of my God, and annihilating them honorably in single combat. I applied myself with true religious fervor to the disciplines they taught me. Through this single-minded application of my natural and learned abilities, I became known as one of the deadliest and most effective of the Disciples of Vengeances's Crusader Knights.

A zealous slayer, that's what they called me, and I wore that badge with justifiable pride. Until the day I watched the innocent die at our hands...

Summoned to a small woodlands community (whose name I shall not reveal, to
protect those involved), by the area Apostle, I was told to assassinate a local witch, one who had been practicing the foulest of the dark arts, yea, even the blackest of rituals. I tracked her down, through the misty woods which surround this area, and it took no little effort on my part to do so. This alone aroused suspicion, for she was reported not to be familiar with this area, but only having arrived recently with her dark, sorcerous arts, and a small coven of supporters. What I found though, was no coven,
no power mad priestess - but a Half-Elvish female, who though obviously having a carriage of great nobility, could none-the-less not have achieved womanhood too long before. As for the coven, they were no more than children; Human and Elvish mixed, mere waifs, none older than a handful of years. Hidden within the woods, I watched them in the glen they had apparently chosen as a place to live. A medium sized dwelling at the far end must have served as their home. The more I watched, the more I became convinced that something was surely amiss, for there was no evil here. Casting my doubts aside, I stepped into the glen, showing myself at last. My entrance caused no lack of consternation and concern among them, but then a Holy Avengers appearance often does this.

The female came forward, keeping the younger ones behind her. "Who are you
good sir, and what do you in these woods, our home?" she asked, in Common
speech. I bowed slightly, and replied in her native Elvish tongue, "I seek an evil witch, who reportedly is to be found here". A ghost of a smile seemed to cross her features as she replied, "I see I am conversing with one who is well-learned, but I know of no evil witch here". "You know of none who are performing forbidden, dark rituals then?", I asked. "None sir", she replied, "unless you count what small magicks I perform to ward evil away from our home". I smiled in reply, but dropped my hand to my Greatsword, ready to draw it instantly. Her eyes widened, but I shook my head and said, "Not you, there is someone or something in the woods".

"Indeed there is, my loyal servant!" said a voice from within the woods, and moments later, the local Apostle for the Disciples of Vengeance strode into the glen. "I see I've arrived just in time to hear this witch condemn herself out of her own mouth". "Well, you know your duty Avenger, perform it!". "Sir, I do not believe this Elvish girl to be the witch that I've been searching for", I replied. "Nonsense, you heard her confess yourself. Time is wasting, and we have other persecutions this day, so do your duty". "It
grieves me to not be able to comply, but in good conscience, I can not", I said, adamantly. "Can not...or will not?" he asked. I stood steady, letting my silence speak for me. "Very well, then I shall take things into my own hands", and clapped his hands twice. Immediately, the bushes parted, and two knights and three archers entered the glen. "Take them, kill them all, especially the traitor!", the Apostle screamed, and the archers began firing as the Knights attacked me. "I'm no traitor!", I shouted as I brought my Greatsword into play. I'd like to say that I easily handled them all but truth be known, I was sorely pressed until the Elvish girl began weaving magic of her own, setting up various wards and enchantments. I probably would have perished without her aid, but the cost was high. When the battle ended, she and I were the only survivors, and I was the only one standing. The
archers had done their work only too well, cutting down the children before turning on us. I rushed to her side, as she collapsed, a thick crossbolt shaft protruding from her chest. "Hold on!", I cried, but I could see it was not good, and my healing skills would not be sufficient for this task. "I can see it in your eyes", she gasped, "it's a mortal wound, isn't it?". I could not bring myself to answer. "My life's story isn't written yet, do not despair", she said, as she placed a pendant of obviously ancient origin in my hand. "Hold this high, and I shall use your life-force, channeled through this Pendant of Summoning, to seek aid", she explained. I did as she requested, and she began chanting in a lilting voice. It sounded like High Elvish to me, but of a dialect I was not familiar with. It was a call, a summoning, almost a yearning for a reply, to parties unknown to me. I felt the magic go through the forest, from tree to tree, bush to bush, spiraling out in concentric circles of power, seeking, always seeking a reply. "It is done" she said, as I once again kneeled by her side."Success?", I asked. "I believe so". I did what I could to ease her pain and make her comfortable, but I felt it was little enough.

I stood up, intent on securing the glen, only to realize it was now full of Woodland Elves. Fully armed Woodland Elves, obviously unsure of me. "Move carefully away from her", a commanding voice rang out. I complied, very deliberately. As archers kept arrows nocked and trained on me, others rushed to aid the Elvish girl. I was kept under armed guard for quite some time, until the eldest of the Woodland Elves approached me. "I have spoken with my niece, and she has told me you tried to defend her and the children. I thank you for that, Avenger. You have done a service to us this day, you'll find friends among the Woodland Elves. We must go now". With that, he and his party began to withdraw into the woods, carrying the Elvish girl, and the bodies of the children. Just as they entered the woods, they stopped, and one of the warriors beckoned to me. As I approached, the warrior spoke, "The Princess is still conscious and wishes to say something to you - but you must hurry". I leaned over her pale form. "I must know - why did you help us instead of obeying?". "My perception is good, I sensed no evil about you m'lady", I answered, "although I'm not sure what I'll do now". She smiled, that ghost of a smile again, "I have the gift Avenger, and I can tell you that your Life's book is far from finished either. I thank you, and I daresay our paths will cross again. Fare thee well". And with those words, they vanished, swiftly and silently into the depths of the forest.

I stood alone, disillusioned, among corpses, corpses of those I had once served with pride. How could I have been so wrong about the Disciples Of Vengeance, and for so long? Why was today any different than any other day I had served them, different than any other assignment I had under-taken? Was it just the girl and the children? Or had other events subconsciously begun to undermine my belief in them? Questions for another day perhaps, but for now, I tried my best to arrange the scene of the battle as if it had been an ambush by roving marauders. I dragged the bodies into the wood dwelling and set it ablaze. I stared into the flames for some moments, wondering if it was my future as well as the structures that I was seeing go up in smoke.

For the moment I too faded into the forest, like the Woodland Elves.

It has been some time now since those events. I do not know if my efforts at concealing what happened at the glen were successful or not. Either way, my absence from the Disciples Of Vengeance will not have gone unnoticed. I still serve my God, and I believe in my heart that I am a Champion of Good, of Lawful Order.

I have decided, I shall return home, home to the Silver Marches. I hear rumors of trouble there, and of a small company of adventurers who are answering a call, a call for Hero's to help the people.

I shall answer that call...

RHOHN's HISTORY PART2:
Perception. Perception is everything. Perception is a
one-eyed King in the valley of the blind. She is at my doorway.It seems
only moments ago that our battle in the courtyard ended. I arise, awaiting
the knock on the door, and wondering what could bring her here so soon. It
comes, and I bid her enter. She is startled to see me standing ready,
alert. "You were expecting me?", she asks in surprise. Not particularly, I
reply, but my active and passive perceptions run high. It is a part of who
I am. Lady Starblade nods, then steps aside as she asks, "and were you
expecting this? You have a rather insistent visitor.". She seems satisfied
at the surprised look on my face as I recognize the insistent visitor. I
bow, "My Lady, last I saw you, you were being carried away by your
kinfolks, bearing a mortal wound!". "Greetings Rhohn." She smiles slightly,
"Elvish magic is nothing if not particularly effective". "I am pleased to
see you are well, but what brings you to this place, at such an hour?" I
ask. "We Wood Elves are particularly fond of Moonland, but a sizeable
contingent of my people are on the march, even as we speak. Dire events
have been set into motion, and my Father's people seek to rectify a
situation before it worsens...and you" she declares, leveling a look at me.
"I come with a gift from my Father, and I bear what may be, for you at
least, a startling message." "I am at your leisure M'lady" I declared.
"Very well, firstly, the gift." She pulls a runesack, heretofore hidden
mysteriously in the folds of her dress, out into view. Reaching in she
pulls out what appears to be a highly polished quartz stone, oddly shaped.
As she cups it in the palm of her hand, it begins to glow with a soft
blue-ish white light. "Radiant energy!" I exclaim. "Yes, I'm glad you know
what it is", she says, nodding. She returns it to the runesack, and hands
it to me. "Take this Stone, embued with Radiant power, and touch it to any
weapon you have, and that weapon will gain the Radiant quality. Take care
with your choice though Rhohn, as it will only impart the Radiance twice.
After that, its' energy will be dissipated." "I am at a loss for words for
such a gift, but I give you my heartfelt thanks...please pass my
appreciation on to your Father...and now, the message?", I ask. "Do you
remember when I lay dying in the clearing, and I used a ritual to summon
aid from my kinfolk? A ritual that I drew on your lifeforce to perform?"
she asked. "Of course, the events of that day will remain in my memory
always", I replied. "Let me be perfectly clear about this, I could have
never have drawn that energy from a Human." she stated. "I'm not sure what
you are saying." I replied, somewhat confused. "Are you saying I'm not
Human? How could that be?". "Oh we think you are Human...at least some
portion is." she replied. "But the rest..." she shrugs. "Take the Radiant
stone from the runesack.". I do as she directs and remove the stone. I hold
it cupped in the palm of one hand. Slowly at first, but with increasing
power, it brightens. Not as bright as when she was holding it, but bright
nonetheless. "There!" she stated with ill-concealed satisfaction. "Proof
positive, with no room for argument". "The stone will only activate for
someone of the Elvish race". "You, Rhohn, the self styled DarkLord of
Dforce, have Elvish blood running through your veins!". I was stunned, yet
the proof was before my eyes, and quite literally in my hands. "I never
knew my parents. At best, I only have vague recollections of them from my
early childhood. I was raised at an institution. I suppose what you say is
possible". "We are way beyond possible, Rhohn". "I know this is a stunning
revelation, and I wish I could discuss it further with you now, but time is
short and I have to return to my people. My Father will be expecting me
soon. There is one more thing I need to warn you about. Your former
employers are suspicious of what happened at that glenn. I fear they will
actively seek out all that were involved. So you must take care. May the
tranquil peace of the woods find you always. Until our next meeting..." "A
moment more please, if you don't mind." Lady Starblade, who had been
listening this whole time interjected into the converation. "These dire
events. Are they connected to what we are encountering in this area?" The
Princess examined her cooly. "I've heard many good things about you, Lady
Starblade. All I can say is, it is...possible, and that is all I'm at
liberty to say.", and she quickly turned to the door. "Wait!", I exclaimed,
"If I may be so bold my Lady, I do not even know your name!". She smiled,
stepped close, and whispered into my ear, "I am Alana AutumnBright, a royal
Princess of the Moonland Elves, and I am your friend!". "Fare thee well
Rhohn, and Gods speed!", and she was gone, a shadow wrapping the darkness
of the night about her. I could feel Lady Starblades eyes boring into my
back. I turned to face her. "Who are your former employers?" she asked. "I
suppose it makes no difference now. At one point in time, I was with the
Disciples Of Vengeance." I replied. "The Disciples Of Vengeance!" she
exclaimed. "Don't you think that's something that I should have known?".
"Well, I honestly hoped it was the kind of thing that would never come up
over casual dinner conversation." I replied with a straight face. She
almost smiled. "You do realize this could be a problem if they come looking
for you?". "If you wish M'Lady, I'll leave now, if you feel I am
endangering our cause" I said. "We need every able and motivated warrior we
can find. You have proven somewhat useful. As long as your loyalty is not
in question, you may stay.". She looked at me hard as she whispered softly,
a whisper with steel in it, the sound a sword makes when it is unsheathed,
"your loyalty is not in question, is it Rhohn?" "I am with you and our
group M'Lady, until the end". This was a woman who I would not want for an
enemy! Satisfied, she nodded her head. "Very well, get some rest. I fear
all of us will need it in the coming days". Shaking her head, she said,
almost to herself, as she went out the door, "An Elvish Princess, The
Disciples of Vengeance, an hitherto unknown Elvish ancestry...you certainly
are a puzzling man Rhohn. An enigma surrounded by mystery", and she was
gone as well. I attempted to rest, for I knew she was right and I would
need my strength, but the events of the day haunted my thoughts. Elvish
blood! What did it mean for me and my future? I suppose only time will
tell.