covaithe's E1: Death's Reach


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Massacre scrambles frantically down the stairs and leaps onto his wyvern, who snaps at him playfully a few times, then takes flight. Kalas is on his heels, quickly mounting Gilthanas. The others are not far behind, including the angel. Igor pulls the heavy doors open, and the tower's quiet moan becomes a roar as the howling wind whips past.

The angel is the first out the door. "Farewell," it calls, and something more, but it is lost in the wind. It quickly angles away, climbing high into the sky.

You file out the door, taking in the scene. Thick, ominous clouds cover the sky, adding a sickly greenish cast to the Shadowfell's normal gloom. Light rain pelts the area, stinging but not thick enough to block vision. The howling wind from the north will certainly make flight difficult. To the southeast, the enemies come. The goristro is in the front rank, a huge, red-eyed monstrosity of horn, fur, and muscle. Flanking it are three riders on shadowy beasts that move more like cats than horses. Two of the riders are clad head to toe in black plate armor, and carry shields which show a black dragon against a field of blood red. The middle rider rather resembles Massacre: burning red eyes and skeletal features in a gaunt eladrin frame covered in black robes. Above them flies a female cambion, leathery red wings spread wide as she fights her way through the wind.

[sblock=History or Streetwise DC 20]The black dragon on a red field is the blazon of the Ebon Riders, an elite mercenary company of heavy cavalry and shock infantry, supported by mages. They are led by a dwarf known as Mauglurien the Black Dragon, and fight for the highest bidder. They have been known to change sides in mid-battle, if the price was right.

[sblock=DC 25]The Ebon Riders boast a number of combat magic specialists, such as an eladrin named Ghovran Akti, and a cambion named Tannerli.

[sblock=DC 30]Rumor has it that many of the leaders of the Ebon Riders are undead, keeping the appearance of living beings by illusion, and privately serve the cause of evil gods.
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[sblock=Nature DC 25]The plate-clad riders show no signs of supernatural origin. They appear to be merely powerful human warriors. [/sblock]

[sblock=Religion DC 25]The middle rider is clearly undead, and like Massacre, of fey origin.

The mounts of all three riders, despite moving at a fast gallop, show no signs of heavy breathing. Given their shadowy forms, they are probably undead.

Cambions are the offspring of devils with unwitting -- or severely depraved -- mortals. They fly, obviously, though with less grace than their immortal forebears.

Goristro are elemental demons, sometimes called living siege engines for their habit of destroying everything in their path, including buildings, castles, and entire cities.

[sblock=DC 30]Most devils are born and spend their lives in eternal flame, and welcome its touch. From the way raindrops steam against this cambion, it likely shares that affinity. It is unarmed, but bears many tattoos and ritual scars, the signs of a mage devoted to necromantic arts.

ooc: resists fire, and most powers do fire and/or necrotic damage.

Goristro are known for charging fearlessly with devastating effect, and using their huge clawed hooves to stomp those with the courage to approach. They are even more dangerous when bloodied.

[sblock=DC 35]
The undead rider has a powerful necromantic aura, which will harm living creatures near him, and close wounds he takes that are not accompanied by holy light.

ooc: necrotic aura, enemies who get close take damage. Regen, that is disabled by radiant damage. Resists cold and necrotic.

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[sblock=Massacre]The undead rider's burning eyes seem to lock on yours, and you feel a burning hatred wash over you. You recognize what he is immediately: it is like looking in a dark mirror. Had you chosen a slightly different path, it could have been you out there leading this attack. Clearly, this eladrin is a lich, but one who, unlike you, has lost himself to Orcus in his unlife. [/sblock]

As Massacre and his guests pile out the door, the teleportation circle flares to life again. An enormous human warrior with long, thick black dreadlocks and massive muscles stands there, blinking in surprise at the commotion.

[sblock=Atanatotatos]That's your cue. I realized that the original reason I was going to wait until mid-battle was that I had planned to start this encounter much earlier, and hadn't expected your character to be ready. Since you are ready, I've got no good reason to wait. Especially since you rolled low in initiative; that would just be cruel.[/sblock]

The warrior's sudden appearance is only distracting for a moment, though, because the undead rider spots the open door and spurs himself forward, quickly outstripping the other enemies. Then he disappears, teleporting off of his mount and appearing between Batin and Sarenax with a flash of necrotic energy. With deadly speed he turns toward Massacre and speaks a word of unholy power, catching Sarenax, Kylek, and Kalas in the blast as well. Lucifa screams as the necrotic energy washes over her as well. The undead glows with stolen health.
(ooc: moves from AI-33 to AB-25, then teleports to Z19 with deadwinter step. Batin and Sarenax take 10 cold and necrotic damage. AP for lifesapping hate, close blast 5. Hits Sarenax, Massacre, Kylek, Kalas, Lucifa, and Gilthanas. 26 necrotic damage, and 10 ongoing cold and necrotic (save ends). After resists, Massacre and Kalas take 11, Gilthanas takes 16, and everyone else takes full, I think. Undead rider gains 30 temp hp.)

[sblock=initiative and status]

enemy initiatives: rolls

37. Undead Rider unharmed, 30 temp hp
33. Massacre HP 91/102, surges 7/7, 10 ong. cold and necrotic (save ends) <== You're up
27. Batin HP 155/165 Surges 10/10
20. Cambion unharmed
19. Rider 2 unharmed
19. Rider 3 unharmed
19. Kalas HP 186/197 Surges 11/11, 10 ong. cold and necrotic (save ends)
16. Kylek HP 98/124 Surges 14/14, 10 ong. cold and necrotic (save ends)
16. Sarenax HP 106/142 Surges 9/9, 10 ong. cold and necrotic (save ends)
14. Anostor HP 180/180 Surges 13/13
11. Goristro unharmed

Mounts:
Lucifa HP 80/106 surges 1/1, 10 ong. cold and necrotic (save ends)
Gilthanas HP 122/138 surges 2/2

Resources used:
  • Undead rider: deadwinter step, lifesapping hate
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[sblock=map]
massacres_tower01.png

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[sblock=terrain notes]The gray fog around the tower is heavily obscuring, but only for enemies; PCs can see through it. The wind is dissipating it, and the magic of the tower is trying to restore it; it will change each round.

The wind is from the north. Flying northward (or NE or NW) counts as entering difficult terrain, costing 2 squares of movement, and you can't shift north when flying. Going southward is easier, and for each two squares of your original movement that you fly southward (or SW or SE), you get a bonus movement square for that move action. (so if you have fly 8, and you go straight S, you can go 12 squares. If you go 4xE, 4xSE, you have 2 squares of bonus movement left. You don't get extra movement for going S with your bonus movement squares. Clear as mud?) If you hover, i.e. are flying and make no movement during your turn, you will drift one square S at the start of your next turn. (doesn't provoke)
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Ghovran and his wicked mount enter Massacre's Shroud, crisping in the radiance, the well trained evil lich still utters words of destruction.

The necrotic energy of the spell simply washes over Massacre, with a tickling sensation. But the cold weaved through the spell leaves Orelal's bones feeling brittle. Lucifa however takes the full brunt of unholy essence. Baying loudly and snapping wildly.

Both Massacre and Lucifa feel the effect seep into their marrow, slowing their motion.
Ghovran! This is how you great a fellow Archlich?! Massacre stares hard into the mirror image of himself, Shirak! he states, and the cold drains from both him and Lucifa. You are weak, Ghovran Akti, your mother would be disappointed... Not only dealing with Orcus, but now the Ebon Riders? Shame and dishonor.

Massacre's purple robes flutter briefly as Lucifa launched up five feet, hovering above the ground to give her rider a better view of the field. Extending bony fingers toward the goristro, Massacre uttered a short summons. Black tentacles burst through the ground wrapping around the goristro, surging high into the sky and latching onto the cambions feet, and snaking about the riders accompanying the two.
With another motion, even more ebon bindings tangled the goristro's footing.
STAY! Good boy...


[sblock=OOC]
The undead rider and shadow claw both entered Massacre’s Aura, and likely take 5 radiant or necrotic.

Lucy and Massacre take 10 damage from cold/necrotic ongoing

move Y22/23, Z22/23 (Altitude 1 square off the ground)

Standard Cast through Orb of Inescapable consequences. Evards Black Tentacles centered on AJ33 Enlarging the spell.
Attacking rider 2, rider 3, goristro, and cambion. Creates zone of difficult terrain TE of my NT.

40 to hit reflex on rider 2

42 to hit reflex on rider 3

37 to hit reflex on goristro

42 to hit reflex on cambion



for 16 damage (20 if 2 or more were hit)

First roll Roll Lookup
ERROR Roll Lookup
Correct Roll Roll Lookup

(if Goristro missed) Free action Orb of Inescapable consequences Goristro Immobilized

Free action Orb of Imposition Goristro takes -5 penalty to saving throw vs immobilized


Minor action Diplomacy with lich natural 1 Roll Lookup

Lucy and Massacre Save vs Ongoing damage 18 and 15 respectively http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2190496/




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There's a huge man on the portal platform. He's 8' tall, bound with muscles, and sorting thick black dreadlocks and a black beard. A huge axe is strapped to his back.
He looks rather unfazed at the situation, putting his hands on his sides, and raising his eyebrows, looks back and forth at the two parties. My, my... and here thought the Shadowfell was boring! he says, with a deep voice that comes with a playful tone not really in line with his menacing appearance. He puts an hand on his forehead and looks up as if there were sunlight in the Shadowfell: Hey, isn't that Lucifa?! Yo, Orelal, you up there? then he takes a better look in front of him: By Dios, isn't that you, Kylak, old bastard??!. He's roaring merrily with his arms wide open and a wide smile, expecting a response. In the middle of battle. Yeah, power does that too...

[sblock=who knows Anostor]We already established that Massacre does, even though Anostor certainly hasn't seen his lich form.
Since they're the only characters that aren't undead or anyway very creepy, and reading about his personality, I was thinking that Kylak and Anostor might have adventured in the past together, before the dragonborn was revered as a god maybe.
Anyone else?[/sblock]



[sblock=Knowledge checks]History/streetwise 14, Nature 22, Religion 30[/sblock]

[sblock=mini-stats]Anostos Duran- Human Barbarian 21
Initiative:+13 Passive perception:27 Passive Insight:21
AC:36 For:36 Ref:31 Will:28
HP:180/180 Bloodied:90 Surge value:45(50 bloodied) Surges/day:13/13
Speed:6 Languages:Common, Imperial(=elven)
AP:2 Second Wind:1 Item:3
Basic Attack: +27 vs AC, 2d12+20
Powers: Howling Strike, Pressing Strike, Recuperating Strike
Swift Charge, Tiger's Leap*, Curtain of Steel, Destined for Greatness*, Storm of Blades, Storm of Blades, Thunderfall
Combat Surge*,Oak Hammer Rage,Thunderfury Rage,Spur the Cycle*,Iron Hammer Rage,Bloodied Greatness, Rage Strike
Carcanet of Psychic schism, Citraine Solitaire, Ring of Freedom of Movement[/sblock]
 

*Was that, did I just hear* Anostor? The archlich turns in his sadle, Good to see you, How does your baby look? Massacre indicates Lucy with a flourish. It would be ever helpful if you dusted that other lich.
 


Kylek turned at the sound of a familiar voice behind him, one he had not heard in quite some time.

Anostor?

Catching sight of the huge frame the white dragonborn began to chuckle, a deep rumbling sound that grew into a powerful laugh.

Anostor! You always did arrive on a tide of trouble!

No sooner did the words escape his mouth when a wave a foul power washed over him. Distracted he had not seen the creature slip through space into their midst. Turning slowly he looked down at himself, and then back up at the undead. The loud rumbling laughter burst deep from within his chest again.

Is that it, you bag of bones?

[sblock=Ata]

May I ask you to change Anostor's speech colour? I've been using royal blue from the start of the thread for Kylek.

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[sblock=ooc]

I forgot to include in my ministats, but Kylek has 15 cold and 15 necrotic resistance from dragonsoul and his armour respectively, so he should only take 11 damage as well.

Knowledge Checks: Streetwise(DC20), Nature(DC25), Religion(DC25) (1d20+18=24, 1d20+17=35, 1d20+10=17)

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[sblock=ministats]Kylek- Male Dragonborn Sorcerer/Blizzard Mage/Demigod 21
Initiative: +12, Passive Perception: 22, Passive Insight: 22
AC:36, Fort:34, Reflex:32, Will:36 -- Speed:6
Resist:15 cold, 15 necrotic
HP:113/124, Bloodied:62, Surge Value:32, Surges left:14/14
Action Points: 1
Powers -
Burning Spray
Dragon Frost

Rimestorm
Winter's Clutch
Downbeat of Wings
Stalking Frost
Spatial Trip
Sudden Scales
Narrow Escape
Draconic Majesty
Dragon Breath
Battle Awareness
Second Wind

Adamantine Echo
Lightning Daggers
Blackfire Serpent
Blizzard
Cloak of Freezing Wind
Circlet of Mental Onslaught
Cloak of Displacement
Counterstrike Guards
Exodus Knife
Pouch of Frozen Passage
Ring of Feather Fall
Ring of Tenacious Will


Conditions:
Ongoing 10 cold and necrotic

Full character sheet[/sblock]
 
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Sarenax changes his grip on his scythe, preparing to return the assault against the enemy lich. He examines their foes, trying to glean some information about them, but the lich presses him too soon for him to come to many conclusions.

"This Anostor is an ally?" the ebony dragonborn asks bluntly.
[sblock=OOC]Just wanted to post these rolls before I forget to.
History: 1d20+12=16
Nature: 1d20+15=26
Religion: 1d20+19=24

*sigh* apparently all I can tell is that the other riders are just humans ... I think Sarenax has gotten rusty and out of touch, sitting at home all these years ;)

As for Sarenax knowing Anostor ... he did do the usual adventuring bit back in the day, so it's possible. He is older than his body seems to say he is, though, so maybe not. I'll leave it up to you.[/sblock]
[sblock=Sarenax]Sarenax the Reaper- Male Dragonborn Cleric 21
Initiative: +13, Passive Perception: 25, Passive Insight: 30
AC:37, Fort:32, Reflex:31, Will:31 -- Speed:6 (8 when bloodied)
HP:106/142, Bloodied:71, Surge Value:37, Surges left:9/9
Action Points: 1
Powers -
Righteous Brand
Priest's Shield

Strengthen the Faithful
Astral Wave
Inspiring Strike/Promise of Victory
Blinding Light
Bastion of Health
Channel Divinity (Death Knell)
Healing Word [ ] [ ] [ ]
Dragon Breath
Student of the Sword
Second Wind

Divine Power
Wrath of the Faithful
Indomitable Spirit
Angel Ascendant
Bless
Mass Cure Light Wounds
Angelic Presence
Divine Armor


Cord of Divine Favor
Ruby Scabbard

Cloak of Displacement
Black Feather of the Raven Queen
Gloves of the Healer
Obsidian Steed


Conditions:
Ongoing 10 cold and necrotic

Full character sheet[/sblock]
 
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[sblock=corrections and intermediate results]Renau1g tells me by email that he wants to use mirrored caparison on the rider's area attack, so it doesn't hit Gilthanas, and the rider gets 5 less temp HP.

Kylek has necrotic resist which I forgot about. For the rest of you, please double check that any resists you have are included in your mini stat block; thanks!

The rider takes 5 radiant when entering Massacre's aura, as does his mount. The mount collapses into ash, but the rider's actions are unchanged.

Massacre's tentacles hit both riders, the goristro, and the cambion (slightly generous, since she's flying, but what the heck), but miss both mounts. Also, note that since you cast it through the Orb of Inescapable Consequences, it's at +23 to hit, not +26. Doesn't change any of these outcomes, though.

Batin is up.
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