Manbearcat
Legend
XP
* SKILL CHALLENGE RESOLVED (2N to safety of your caravanserai of Chomrok) = 900/2 = 450. Go ahead and level up!
LOOT
* 140 Gold.
* Select 1 x Uncommon Magic Item of Level 6 or less.
The wyvern's fortitude renewed (effectively "trigger Second Wind" as in the Heal move), it beats its mighty wings one more time, banks hard left and spirals to the ground, slowing its landing to a full stop in a scrub grass meadow as wild goats scatter. The Second Nation and civilians of Chomrok scatter to the safety of the primary structure and outbuildings the moment you "deboard." The Wyvern stares at Pa'avu briefly, accepts whatever patting it gets on its big, meaty head, and immediately runs to take off back toward Bantouk (much less burdened!).
As they close, the fermenting thought in your mind is confirmed. This clan of feral raiders has a history with Pa'avu's old clan @Nephis !
You'll get an advantage from your success, realization, and time to plan for their assault (Pick 1):
* Enemies grant CA to all UtEo Round 1.
* +4 to Initiative.
* Automatic success at High DC Monster Knowledge vs all of the creatures.
* Pick a terrain element (Hindering Terrain or Blocking Terrain). You can put it wherever you want and if its HT, you get 1 x Encounter Power to be immune to its effect (and stay out of it, but not prone) or you get to pick a Stunt (Single-Use; Encounter Power equivalent) for the Blocking Terrain and gain auto-success on the Skill Check.
Also:
* Decide whether you want any of B-B or the MS with you.
* Pick your squares.
MECHANICS
* Fieldstone Walls squares are 8 ft high Challenging Terrain, scalable with DC 10 Athletics (at normal speed) or Climb Speed and traversable with DC 12 Acrobatics. They provide Cover vs or Superior Cover if adjacent (pending). They can be stunted.
* Pond in bottom left is 4 ft deep water & Challenging Terrain. Requires Athletics DC 10 to navigate at Swim Speed and any creature gives up CA and takes -2 to hit while in.
* G1/2/3. Gnoll Grenadiers (Standard Artillery) are on Pteryodactyls and maintain an altitude of 4 squares (20 ft). HP 44, AC 18, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 15
* B1/2. Gnoll Bloodcallers (Standard Soldier) HP 56, AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15
* PL. Gnoll Packlord (Standard Controller, Leader) HP 56, AC 18, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 16
* If any of B-B or the MS's go down in the course of a combat; DC15 Heal to Stabilize each at the end of this combat. Failure = send them off to the ever-after.
INITIATIVE
Bita-Bousseh & Bjorkus 22
Bloodcallers & Pack Lord 22
Chanvati, Minerion, Aesterion 17
Hazard 13
Grenadiers & Harriers 11
Pa'avu 10
ROUND 1
PA'AVU Monster Knowledge (against High DC) from background:
Bloodspear Grenadier * 3
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Artillery XP 175
HP 44; Bloodied 22 Initiative +6
AC 18, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 15 Perception+8
Speed 8 (4 flight - 4 sqs up) Low-light vision
Standard Actions
(⚔) Shortspear (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 1d6 + 9 damage.
(➶) Javelin (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +11 vs. AC
Hit: 1d6 + 9 damage.
✻ Fire Bomb (fire, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in the burst); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + 5 fire damage.
Triggered Actions
✻ Blazing Fury ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The grenadier drops to 0 hit points.
Effect (Free Action): Each creature adjacent to the grenadier takes 5 fire damage, and the grenadier uses fire bomb.
Caltrops ✦ Encounter
Trigger: An enemy ends its movement adjacent to the grenadier.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The grenadier shifts up to 2 squares and drops caltrops in a close blast 3, which must include the enemy's space. Until the end of the encounter, any creature that enters the blast's area or ends its turn there takes 5 damage and is slowed (save ends).
Break Fall ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The grenadier is dismounted or knocked prone while flying and falls 20 ft or less:
Effect: Take half damage from 1/2d10 fall. Activate Pterodactyl Harrier.
Pterodactyl Harrier
Medium natural reptile
Level 4 Minion Skirmisher XP 44
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 18, Fortitude 15, Reflex 17, Will 16 Perception+5
Speed 5, fly 6 Low-light vision
Standard Actions
(⚔) Fly-By✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 4 damage, or 6 when charging, and shift 2 squares.
Move Actions
Sly Takeoff ✦ At-Will
Effect: The PH shifts 1 square and then flies 5 squares.
Gnoll Pack Lord
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Controller (Leader) XP 175
HP 56; Bloodied 28 Initiative +4
AC 18, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 16 Perception+5
Speed 8 Low-light vision
Traits
Pack Attack
The gnoll's attacks deal 5 extra damage to any enemy that has two or more of the gnoll's allies adjacent to it.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Flail (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10 + 7 damage.
➶ Demonic Frenzy (charm) ✦ Recharge when an ally drops to 0 hit points
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +7 vs. Will
Hit: The target takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of its next turn. In addition, the target uses a free action to make one or two basic attacks against a target or targets of the gnoll's choice.
Effect: The target is dazed until the end of its next turn.
✻ Feed on the Weak ✦ Encounter (Recharge when Bloodied)
Attack: Close burst 5 (One ally in the burst);
Effect: One ally in the burst gains 15 temporary HP and can make a basic attack as a free action.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Pack Cackle ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Effect: Close burst 5 (allies in the burst). Each target can shift up to 2 squares as a free action
Gnoll Blood Caller * 2
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Soldier XP 175
HP 56; Bloodied 28 Initiative +6
AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception+4
Speed 8 Low-light vision
Traits
Pack Attack
The gnoll's attacks deal 5 extra damage to any enemy that has two or more of the gnoll's allies adjacent to it.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Claws ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 5 damage, or 2d6 + 7 while the gnoll is bloodied.
Effect: The gnoll marks the target until the end of the gnoll's next turn.
ᗕ Blood Call (charm, psychic) ✦ At-Will
Effect: The gnoll shifts up to 3 squares
Attack: Close burst 5 (each creature marked by the gnoll in the burst); +7 vs. Will
Hit: 1d10 + 7 psychic damage, and the gnoll pulls the target up to 3 squares.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Blood Frenzy ✦ At-Will 1/round
Requirement: The gnoll must be bloodied.
Effect: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst). Each target takes 5 damage and is marked by the gnoll until the end of the gnoll's next turn.
BITA-BOUSSEH has barely had a chance to take in the goliath's tactical suggestions, as she finds a (somewhat) sheltered spot from which to direct her stalwarts. "Aesterion, keep an eye out! I'll give you an opportunity if I can! Minerion, look to Chanvati: he'll do the same for you!" The tiefling attempts to dredge up all the frustrations of the day to direct a furious glare at one of the flying dactyleers, but her exhaution is real and she is unable to do so.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower: r(5) + 7 = 12 vs Will 15 Miss
AESTERION and MINERION each wait, axes poised for action, as they witness their brother-at-arms charging into melee downfield. Sadly, BJORKUS's axe slices harmlessly through the air next to the gnoll he is facing.
* Aesterion and Minerion both delay until after Chanvati goes.
* Bjorkus: Standard Action: Charge ATK (to V1) on B1: r(5) + 9 + 1 = 15 vs. 20 AC Miss
The BLOOD CALLERS explode with savagery and the sort of quickness that can only be seen by pack animals under a bloodlust. Bjorkus falls in the fray as the pair encircle Pa'avu.
The PACK LORD wades into the fray, barking and baying indecipherable commands as one of its Blood Callers answers with a shrieking howl and a flurry of claws, forcing Pa'avu to desperately defend the onslaught.
The stories of these bestial creatures were very...very true...
B1
* Standard Action: Claws vs SB AC: r(14) + 9 = 23. Hit. Bjorkus down.
* Move: Circle far right (for the gnolls) to P10 (no OA).
B2
* Standard Action: Charge to R8 and Claws vs P AC: r(17) + 9 + 2 (CA) + 1 (CH) = 28. Hit. r(1, 3) + 5 = 9 damage and B2 marks P until the end of the B2's next turn.
PL
* Move: From U8 to R9
* Standard Action: Feed on the Weak (CB5; 1 ally). B2 gains 15 Temp HPs and makes Basic Attack (Claws) vs P AC: r(11) + 9 + 2 (CA) = 22. Hit. r(6, 2) + 5 + 5 (3 allies adjacent) = 18 damage (B2 already marked P). P BLOODIED.
Observing the gnolls ravaging his sahtree, CHANVATI unleashes a powerful perturbation of space around her, ravaging the Pack Lord and one of the Blood Callers as they are hurled instantaneously through space. Then, Chanvati draws upon further reserves and unleashes a blast of psionic energy at the Pack Lord, causing the gruesome scavanger to reel under the assault.
Then the psion advances towards his foes, calmly shielding his presence under a veil of psychic distortion.
* Standard Action: AUG 2 Dimensional Scramble centered on Q9. Attack vs PL (Augmented by Adept's Insight), r(12) +8 +r(1)+1 = 22 vs 17 Fort. Hit. Attack vs B2, r(5) +8 = 13 vs 17 Fort. Miss. Attack vs. B1 r(18) +8 = 26 vs 17 Fort. Hit. Damage = r(6,4) +5 = 15 damage to PL and teleported to Q8 (flanked), 15 damage to B1 and teleported to O8.
* Free Action: (AP for Standard Action): Mind Thrust vs PL, r(13) +8 = 21 vs 16 Will. Hit for r(7) +5 = 12 psychic damage.
* Move Action: H7 to N6.
* Minor Action: Mind Shroud. Superior Cover and Slowed UEoMNT.
36/36 HPs, 5/7 Surges remaining, 0 APs remaining, 0 PPs remaining.
MINERION and AESTERION heed Bita-Bousseh's directive and see Chanvati maneuver one of the gnolls, bitter enemies of the plains-dwelling minotaurs, into their reach. They both charge, axes swinging with as much force as they can muster. Aesterion's feint opens the space for Minerion's blow to land soundly.
Minerion:
* Move Action: G7 to L6.
* Standard Action: Charge L6 to P7 (to flank with Aesterion; see below), Axe Attack vs B1, r(17) +9 +1 +2 = 29 vs 20 AC. Hit for 6 damage and B1 is Marked by Minerion UEoYNT.
Aesterion:
* Standard Action: Charge I11 to N9. Axe Attack vs B1, R(1) = automiss.
At first startled by the creature that suddenly materializes in front of him, HAZARD gives a ferocious growl and attacks it savagely with his most vicious bite. Then he alertly surveys the field for more attacks to his Beloved.
* Standard Action: Bite ATK vs Pack Leader: r(20) = Crit vs 18 AC; Damage: 10 + 10 = 20. BLOODIED PACK LORD
* Minor Action (Enc): Savage Protector: + 2 AC Hazard: 68/68 HP; 8/11 Surges; AC 17 + 2 = 19
The GRENADIERS glide on their winged reptile mounts, lobbing fiery bombs into the fray. Hazard's reflexive yelps and growls reveal the trueness of their aim as Minerion succumbs stoically to the blasts.
The last of the trio launches a javelin at Bita-Bousseh from his perch, but the missile only caroms off the nearby fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: I2 to I6.
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (P6) on SM and H Ref; r(3) + 9 = 12. Miss SM. r(10) + 9 = 19. Hit H for r(5) + 5= 10 Fire damage.
G2
* Move Action: I14 to K10.
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (P6) on SM and H Ref; r(8) + 9 = 17. SM down. r(16) + 9 = 25. Hit H for r(6) + 5= 11 Fire damage.
G3
* Move Action: A5 to E7.
* Standard Action: Javelin vs B AC; r(5) + 11 = 16. Miss.
Despite the great amount of damage these boj’H’jna have just dealt her, PA'AVU is undaunted. She howls as she swings Velmech'ti at the leader of this foul pack, but he manages to duck at the last minute. Or perhaps he is swaying with blood loss, because when the goliath's miss enrages her and she howls still more shrilly, her swing this time holds true and severs his torso in half. She gives yet another great scream - in triumph this time - that visibly effects the bloodcaller who marked her earlier. Pa'avu gives him a grim but toothy smile: "you will soon share his fate."
* Minor Action (Enc): Iron Resurgence: lose 1 surge, spend two, gain temporary hit points (+24/6THP)
* Standard Action: Howling Strike vs. PL: r(5) + 10 - 2 (marked) + 2 (CA) = 15 vs. 17 AC Miss
* Minor Action (Enc): Screaming Armor vs. B2: - 2 ATK EoPNT
* Free Action (Spend AP for Standard Action/Daily): Tyrant's Rage vs PL: r(7) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 17 vs. 16 Will Hit; Damage: r(10, 9) + 5 + 2 (Bloodied) = 26 DEADED!!! (not dazed, sadly)
Pa'avu: 41/49 HP (6 THP), 3/11 surges remaining, 0 AP remaining
B1 35/56
B2 15 THP 56/56 -2 ATK UtEoPNT
PL DEAD
G1 44/44
G2 44/44
G3 44/44
ROUND 2
Boiling with anger, BITA-BOUSSEH rests one hand protectively against the giant fieldstone wall to her rear. Then she gestures at the avian mount holding aloft the gnoll dactyleer nearest her, overwhelming its primitive mind with fear, causing it to careen wildly and into the ground with a thud.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs Pterodactyl Harrier in K10, r(19) +7 vs 16 Will for 5 damage. Harrier dies and is slid 2 to K8.
TRIGGER - G2 FALLS
TRIGGER - BREAK FALL (ENCOUNTER) G2 TAKES 1/2 DAMAGE FROM FALL
* Grenadier falls 20 feet for r(7,1) = 8/2 (Break Fall) = 4 damage and prone in K8.
* Move Action: Over Challenging Terrain of Fieldstone Wall (will just treat as DT rather than attempt to climb) from H10 to H12 for Superior Cover from all enemies.
With their leader nothing more than a pool of blood and gore (as they have left their enemies so many times before), the BLOOD CALLERS violence seems momentarily surmountable, reinforced by Aesterion's foiling of a savage attack via slipping it deftly and parrying with a mailed gauntlet. Nonetheless, the gnolls do not let up and again the pair encircles Pa'avu and lays into her defenses howl-reinforced fury!
B1
* Standard Action: Claws vs SA AC: r(4) + 9 = 13. Miss.
* Move Action: Shift to P9
B2
* Move Action: Shift to R9
* Standard Action: Claws vs P AC: r(18) + 9 + 2 (CA) -2 (Screaming Armor) = 27: Hit. r(1, 4) + 5 = 10 - 6 THP = 4 damage and B2 marks P until the end of the B2's next turn.
CHANVATI sees the barrister pull the pterodactyl to its death and realizes she has the right idea of things: get these aerial foes grounded!
Still shielded from his foes' easy discernment, Chanvati folds space outward above the closest remaining rider. But these gnoll dactyleers are more skilled riders than he anticipated, and his foe dips below his space-bending assault before rising again to altitude. His concentration diverted, Chanvati's protective shroud dissipates.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble Area Burst 1 targeted 5 squares up I6 (1 square above G1), Attack vs G1, r(7) +8 = 15 vs 16 Fort. Miss. Attack vs PH, r(5) +8 = 13 vs 15 Fort. Miss.
* End of Turn: Mind Shroud ends.
AESTERION will not tolerate this pack attack against the Goliath, especially not by these cowardly scavengers, lacking in all honor. He feels rage building within him. The bull that is part of his heritage takes hold. He paws the sandy ground, takes a few steps back. Paws again, snorting and bellowing. Then, he charges the nearest gnoll flanking Pa'avu, swinging his axe with tremendous force. But his bellowing snort gives away his attack, and the gnoll evades the strike.
* Move Action: Shift N9 to M9
* Standard Action: Charge to O9 vs B1, Attack, r(3) +9 +1 +2 (CA from flanking)= 15 vs 20 AC. Miss.
HAZARD smells blood and an opportunity to take out one of these dog-men and shifts closer to his Giant. He hesitates momentarily in choosing which to attack and just misses his chosen victim with his snapping teeth, but he has gotten its attention.
* Move Action: Shift from Q7 to Q8.
* Standard Action: Snarl & Snap vs. B1: r(10) + 9 = 19 vs. 20 AC Miss; effect: B1 is marked UEoHNT.
Hazard: 47/68 HP; 8/11 Surges remaining
In full throes of a blood frenzy, the GRENADIERS lob a fiery payload right into the melee of both friend and foe as its flying reptile lets it off on the ground near Chanvati. The flying lizard then lashes out with its beak to no avail.
The Grenadier that Bita-Bousseh downed explodes from its prone position, spear in the air and howling as it launches itself into the orbit of the ever-growing melee, receiving the heavy butt of Aesterion's axe for his carelessness.
Meanwhile, the final one aims with great care and launches a javelin at Chanvati from above, sending him careening against the fieldstone wall in an effort to defend himself from the trueness of the missile. Whether it was a psionic shield or martial prowess or sheer luck, he narrowly escapes being skewered fully.
G1
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (Q9) on B1, B2, P, and H Ref; r(3) + 9 = 12; Miss B1. r(18) + 9 = 27. Hit; r(6) + 5 = 11 - 11 THP (4 THP remaining) fire damage to B2. r(6) + 9 = 15; Miss P. r(13) + 9 =22; Hit H for r(6) + 5= 11 Fire damage to H.
* Move Action: Flies down 4 sq and gets off Harrier (H1) into sq M6.
TRIGGER H1 IN SQUARE M7. ACTIVATES. STANDARD ACTION REMAINING.
H1
* Standard Action: Fly-be vs C AC; r(2) +11 = 13. Miss.
G2
* Move Action: Stand from Prone.
* Standard Action: Charge to P8 and attack (Short Spear) vs H AC.
TRIGGER OA ATTACK FROM SA. SA (Axe) + 11 on G2 AC; r(11) + 11 = 22. 6 damage and marked by SA UtEoG2NT.
r(7) +11 -2 (marked) +1 (charge)= 17. Miss.
G3
* Move Action: E7 to I7
* Standard Action: Javelin vs C AC; r(20) + 11 = Crit. 15 damage.
TRIGGER VENGEANCE IS MINE (CHAVATI)
As the last hovering dactyleer lets fly his javelin at CHANVATI, the psion not only escapes being skewered through sheer luck but manages to launch a psychic assault of his own in retaliation.
* Immediate Reaction (Trigger: An enemy hits you), Mind Thrust vs G3, r(19) +8 = 27 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(1) +5 = 6 psychic damage.
PA'AVU breathes in deeply through her snarling mouth and allows her l'pahb'gin to harden her skin. Then, using the rage pulsing through her veins, she pushes her opponents around the battlefield. Sliding into place next to her companion-at-arms and across from her hound, she attempts to channel that same energy into Velmech'ti's strike, to no avail.
* Minor Action (Enc.): Stone's Endurance: Resist 5 All UEoPNT
* Minor Action (while raging): Tyrant's Rage effect: push any adj enemies 1 sq: B2 to S9, G2 to Q7, B1 to O8
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. B1: shift to O7; ATK: r(4) + 10 + 2 (CA) - 2 (marked) = 14 vs. 20 AC Miss.
Pa'avu: 37/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining; Resist 5 All UEoPNT
B1 35/56 Marked by H
B2 4 THP 56/56
G1 38/44
H1
G2 34/44 Marked by SA
G3 44/44
ROUND 3
Safely ensconced behind the fieldstone wall--for the moment--BITA-BOUSSEH does what she can to provide succor to her surrounded allies, taking aim to drive the remaining mounted gnoll from the sky. In a replay of her earlier attack, the fear she strikes into the nervous system response of the pterodactyl causes it to veer hard into the ground to its death, its rider falling painfully en route.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs G3's mount, Attack, r(12) +7 = 19 vs 15 Will. Killed and slid to K5.
TRIGGER - G3 FALLS
TRIGGER - BREAK FALL (ENCOUNTER) G2 TAKES 1/2 DAMAGE FROM FALL
* Grenadier falls 20 feet for r(9,4) = 13/2 (Break Fall) = 6 damage and prone in K5.
Undaunted by the barbarian's roaring rage, the BLOOD CALLERS wade back into combat, swinging wildly against Hazard's viscous canine posture and scrapping. His savage defenses hold.
B1
* Move Action: Shift O8 to P8
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC: r(4) + 9 = 13. Miss.
B2
* Move Action: Shift S9 to R8
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC: r(4) + 9 + 2 (CA) = 15. Miss. H is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
Pressed by the dactyleer and its CHANVATI steps back out of harm's way and attempts to bend space to his will once again. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. His blood runs cold.
"Hold on, " he urges himself. "You will not die in the sands outside this backwater village."
* Begins turn: 15 HP down from the grenadier's javelin. 21/36 HPs
* Move Action: Shift N6 to O6.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble ABu 1 centered on L6. Attack vs G3, r(7) +8 -2 (Cover) = 13 vs 16 Fort. Miss. Attack vs H1, r(3) +8 = 11 vs 15 Fort. Miss. Attack vs G1, r(6) +8 = 14 vs 16 Fort. Miss.
* Minor Action: Inspiring Word on self. Spend Surge and heal (9) + r(3) = 12 HPs.
* End of Turn: 33/36 HPs, 4/7 Surges remaining.
Bita-Bousseh calls out to the remaining Minotaur on its feet, "AESTERION, protect the psion!" The half-bull heeds his mistress's direction, steps back safely from the current scrum, snorts loudly, and charges the grounded pterodactyl. His axe connects with a satisfying crunch and split, and the avian raptor is but a crumpled mess in the sand.
* Move Action: Shift O9 to N10.
* Standard Action: Charge N10 to N8, Attack vs H1, r(17) +10 = 27 vs 18 AC. Hit. Dead.
Pa'avu temporarily benefits from Phalanx.
Snarling at both opponents, HAZARD carefully steps back into a more strategic position. Then he savagely attacks the dogman threatening his Giant with a snap of his powerful jaws.
* Move Action: Shift to Q9
* Standard Action: Snarl & Snap vs B1: r(14) + 9 + 2 (CA) - 2 (Marked by B2) = 23 vs 20 AC Hit!!! Damage: r(2) + 5 = 7 and B1 is Marked & Bloodied
Hazard: 36/68 HP; 8/11 Surges remaining; Marked by B2 UEoB2MT/Marking B1 UEoHNT
The GRENADIERS again lob their fiery payloads into the fray as one of them rushes Bita-Bouseh's (formerly) safe sniping position and another attacks poor Hazard with the business end of a shortspear!
G1
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (O7) on B1, P, C, SA Ref; r(19, 16, 16, 3) + 9 = HIT all but SA. 8 Fire damage all (P takes 3 due to 5 Resist).
* Move Action: M6 to I12.
G2
* Move Action: Shift Q7 to Q8.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(19) + 11 = 30. 1 + 9 = 10 damage.
G3
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (N7) on P, C, SA Ref; r(4, 7, 16) + 9 = MISS all but SA. AE down.
PA'AVU snarls, "away from my Hound, Boj’H’jna!" as she takes a few steps away for better momentum. The goliath murmurs loving words to Velmech'ti, causing the greatsword to glow brightly. When she lets her feet fly, her voice an unearthly wail, Pa'avu holds the greatsword aloft in her hands, so that its light can encourage those companions who remain on their feet. Her blow with Velmech'ti knocks the now-dead H'jna into his fellow soldiers as her triumphant warcry causes them to stumble backwards a step.
* Move Action: move 2 squares, ending in M6 <WOULD TRIGGER OPPORTUNITY ATTACK FROM B1 BUT DECLINING DUE TO HAZARD MARK + PA'AVU DR AND HAZARD HARRIER MARK ENFORCEMENT>
* Minor Action (Daily): Vanguard Weapon Power: +1 ATK all allies w/in 10 squares, USoPNT
* Standard Action: Howling Strike vs B!: charge to O7; ATK: r(12) + 10 + 1 (Charge) + 2 (CA) = 25 vs 20 AC Hit; Damage: r(8) + r(3) + 4 (Str) + 2 (GoB) + 1 (magic weapon) + r(8) (Vanguard) = 26 B1 DEAD
* Free Action (Enc): Warcry: push G2 to R8; push B2 to S8
End of Turn: 32/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining, Stone's Endurance Resist 5 All ends
B2 4 THP 56/56
G1 38/44
G2 34/44
G3 38/44
ROUND 4
BITA-BOUSSEH balefully eyes the grenadier threatening her as her Stalwarts lie unconscious on the field, too far for her to aid them. She steps back a pace, never taking her eyes away from her opponent. Yet she feels encouraged by the glowing light she perceives on the battlefield beyond and glowers at the gnoll with infernal power, sending him back a few paces.
* Move Action: shift 1 square to G13
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower at G1: ATK: r(8) + 7 + 1 (Vanguard) = 16 vs 15 Will; 5 Damage to G1, and G1 is slid two squares to J10.
With the Pack Lord slain, the remaining BLOOD CALLER is pack alpha. It barks (literally) orders at the Grenadiers who answer with deferential postures.
B2 - DELAY UNTIL AFTER GRENADIERS
Pa'avu Free Action: Does not possess Abyssal as a language but Nature vs Medium DC to infer the exchange of the Gnolls via posture/body language: r(12) + 7 = 19. SUCCESS.
Effectively: "G1 - get in melee and attack H with your spear!"
CHANVATI runs one hand across the top of his queue, checking for singed strands after the grenadier's detonation. He may not be a vain man [he is], but he is proudful of that long, silky braid!
The situation is desperate. He calls forth his ki power to scramble space once again, teleporting the new Gnoll alpha as far afield as he can. Then he pulls a small pyramidal smoky quartz figure from his belt pouch and lofts it at the bloodcaller's feet. That mad soothsayer claimed it had true power. Now was the time to find out!
It explodes in a pulse of smoky rings. Within, the bloodcaller's movements seem decelerated, as if moving through a viscous medium.
Chanvati skirts the wall towards one of the grenadiers, holding his crystal staff aloft menacingly--if not very convincingly.
* Start of turn: reduced to 25/36 HP from fire bomb; +1 attacks from Vanguard weapon
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble ABu 1 centered on S9. Attack vs G2, r(1) = automiss; Attack vs B2, r(17) +8 +1 = 26 vs 17 Fort. Hit for r(1) +5 = 6 -4 THP = 2 damage and teleported to U11.
* Minor Action: Throw Four-sided Caltrop to T10. ABu 1 creates Zone UeoEncounter. When a creature enters the zone or starts its turn there, the creature is slowed (SE). RED ZONE
* Move Action: O6 to L6.
Pa'avu calls out to HAZARD and points at her gosb'tar. The hound steps back to disengage with his present combatants and charges over at the one threatening Chanvati. He seems almost distracted by the one barking orders, but the hound persists and savagely snaps at his new combatant and makes his protective presence known.
* Move Action: shift to P8.
* Standard Action: charge ATK vs G3: move to K6; ATK: r(9) + 1 - 2 (marked by B2) + 1 (Vanguard) = 18 vs 18 AC Hit; Damage: r(4) +5 = 9, and G3 is Marked.
TRIGGER IMMEDIATE REACTION CALTROPS (BLUE ZONE)
Caltrops ✦ Encounter
Trigger: An enemy ends its movement adjacent to the grenadier.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The grenadier shifts up to 2 squares and drops caltrops in a close blast 3, which must include the enemy's space. Until the end of the encounter, any creature that enters the blast's area or ends its turn there takes 5 damage and is slowed (save ends).
* G3 Shifts to K4: TRIGGER IMMEDIATE REACTION HARRIER (HAZARD): An enemy that is marked by Hazard and is adjacent to it shifts or makes an attack that doesn't include it as a target. r(12) + 9 + 1 (Vanguard) -2 (Marked) = 20 vs 18 AC Hit; damage: r(2) + 5 = 7 damage (BLOODIED) and G3 is slid to K5.
The GNOLL GRENADIER attempts to escape HAZARD'S snapping jaws, but the dogged...dog...is having none of it. Hazard pounces on the gnoll and ensnares it before it can get away.
End of turn: 26/68 Bloodied; 8/11 Surges remaining.
[HR][/HR]
Two of the GRENADIERS do as they're instructed. But they have to change tactics mid-stride and assail the large barbarian instead. As they tangle with the barbarian, the BLOOD CALLER rushes in despite its hobbled state and the third Grenadier lobs a fiery grenade at Chanvati and Hazard while retreating behind the fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: J10 to N6.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs P AC; r(8) + 11 = 19. HIT. 2 + 9 = 11 damage.
G2
* Move Action: R8 to P7.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(4) + 11 = 15. Miss.
G3
* Move Action: Shift K5 to K4
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (K7) on H, C Ref; r(2, 20) + 9 = Hit C for 13 damage. BLOODIED.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE)
* Move Action: RUN U10 to R9 (-5 to hit and give up CA USoNT).
* Standard Action: Charge (P8) and Claws vs P AC; r(11) +9 +2 (CA) +1 (charge) -5 (Run) = 18. Miss. P is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 8. Fail.
PA'AVU hears her gosb'tar's voice and sees him point around the corner of the nearest stonewall: "sahtree, to my aid!" Deciding to avoid the sharp caltrops surrounding him, she sees a chance to use her strength in mimicking moves she has seen in the gladiator's ring. As she darts past the h'jina circling her, she feels zings travelling from her new badge and along her stoneskin to sting their grasping hands. She takes advantage of their inability to stop her charge to use the h'jina in front of her as a vault to propel herself up onto the top of the stone wall. Running along its edge, she sees the boj'h'jina threatening her Hound and drops down behind it with a sharp unnerving scream. "Velmech'ti smells blood and wants more," the goliath snarls as her greatsword cuts deeply into this new foe. It attempts to crawl desperately away, but Pa'avu hits the side of his neck with her elbow and she hears a satisfying crack.
* Vanguard Daily bonus to allies ends.
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as a charge: Charge: avoids OA due to Badge of Bezerker, includes Athletics Stunt over/onto the wall: DC10 autosuccess, with climb moves 7 spaces (movement 8 due to Rage Stance/Charge), "lands" in K3; ATK: r(18) + 10 + 1 (charge) - 2 (Marked) = 27 vs. AC 18 Hit; Damage: r(3) + r(5) + 5 + r(5) (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) = 20 damage.
* No Action (Enc.): trigger: hit w/an attack: Iron Soul Flurry of Blows: +5 Damage, and target cannot shift UEoPNT: DEAD!!
TRIGGER - BLAZING FURY (GRENADIER 0 HP): Effect (Free Action): P takes 5 fire damage, and the grenadier uses fire bomb (NA - out of Fire Bombs).
A fiery explosion greets Pa'avu when she vanquishes the GRENADIER!
Pa'avu: 16/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining
B2 54/56 SLOWED, CA given up and -5 to hit USoYNT
G1 33/44
G2 34/44
ROUND 5
BITA-BOUSSEH can bear the cowering in the wall's shadows no longer. She steps out into the wide, dusty road and bellows, "You have felled my Stalwarts and ravaged my allies. I will see your souls to the Nine Hells!" Palpable anger roils forth from her and the nearest grenadier gives a wounded yelp and scurries closer to his packmates.
* Move Action: G13 to L9
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs G1, ATK r(8) +7 = 15 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage and slid N6 to O8.
CHANVATI frantically pats out the flames on his smoking sleeves and thinks, absentmindedly, "Allies? I thought we were more than that, barrister...." Then he turns his potent mind to the Gnolls once more, distorting space around them and flinging them en masse against the fieldstone wall. He takes a few steps forward, out of the caltrop hazard splayed at his feet and assumes a guardian position in front of the Tiefling.
* Start of turn: reduced to 12/36 HPs from fire bomb.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble centered on P8. ATK vs G1, r(9) +8 = 17 vs 16 Fort. Hit. ATK vs G2, r(15) +8 = 23 vs 17 Fort. Hit. ATK vs B2, r(11) +8 +2 (CA) = 21 vs 17 Fort. Hit. r(6) +5 = 11 damage and G1 teleported to O6, G2 teleported to P6, and B2 teleported to Q6. G1 BLOODIED.
* Move Action: L6 to M9.
Watching his Beloved Giant, HAZARD has an idea and leaps away from the painful shiny things surrounding him and up onto the stone wall. He jogs along it and drops down, out of the sight of the others. His Beloved Giant is strong and inventive, and the hound remembers the hole she made, down in the tunnels. Maybe he can do something like that now! She will be so proud!
Bita-Bousseh, having done what she could for the moment, watches Chanvati's handywork. As the gnolls reemerge, somewhat shaken, the wall suddenly explodes outward and upon them. The two grenadiers manage to escape most of the flying stones, but their would-be leader is caught in the full spray and knocked prone.
* Move Action: Climb Wall: DC 10 autosuccess, total movement 6 sq, land in O4
* Standard Action: Terrain Stunt with Stone Wall: Athletics Check: r(8) + 10 = 18 vs 14 DC Success; ATK vs. Reflex: vs. G2: r(4) + 4 (level) + 3 = 11 vs 17 Reflex Miss; 1/2 damage: r(8) + 2 = 10: 5 HP dmg; vs. G1: r(8) + 7 = 15 vs 17 Reflex Miss: 5 HP dmg; vs. B2: r(11) + 7 = 18 Hit!!; 10 HP dmg and B2 is prone. G2 BLOODIED. DARK GREY ZONE IS DIFFICULT TERRAIN.
End of Turn: 26/68 HP, 8/11 Surges remaining
Two of the GRENADIERS do as they're instructed. But they have to change tactics mid-stride and assail the large barbarian instead. As they tangle with the barbarian, the BLOOD CALLER rushes in despite its hobbled state and the third Grenadier lobs a fiery grenade at Chanvati and Hazard while retreating behind the fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: O6 to O5.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(4) + 11 = 15. Miss.
G2
* Move Action: Circle left to avoid OA P6 to N3
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(5) + 11 = 16. Miss.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE)
* Move Action: 2 Speed/2 = 1 Speed. Crawl 1 square Q6 to P5 (only entering DT is extra sq...not leaving it).
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC; r(20) = CRIT. 17 +5 (Pack Tactics) = 22 damage and H is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 17. Pass.
Hearing the yelp of pain from her hound, PA'AVU repeats her earlier journey in reverse, landing in front of Hazard, allowing the momentum of her drop to add weight to Velmech'ti's swing into the torso of her opponent. "Not today, boj'h'ina, not THIS DAY!!" she howls as she savagely slices into its torso. The immense power of her raging cry pushes the exploding corpse away from poor Hazard and herself and shoves the two survivors back into the mess of broken stone, one still on his knees.
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as a charge: Charge: includes Athletics Stunt over/onto the wall: DC10 autosuccess, with climb moves 6 spaces, "lands" in N4; ATK vs. G2: r(19) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 30 vs. AC 18 Hit; Damage: r(4) + r(6) + 5 + r(5) (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) = 22 HP
* No Action (Enc): Iron Wolf Charge: + 4 damage (26 HP total); secondary attack vs. Will/close burst 2 all enemies: vs. G2: r(12) + 7 = 19 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and G2 is pushed to L1; vs. G1: r(16) + 7 = 23 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and G1 is pushed to P7; vs. B2 r(12) + 7 + 2 (CA) = 21 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and B2 is pushed to Q7. All three are -2 ATK UEoPNT.
TRIGGER - BLAZING FURY (GRENADIER 0 HP): Effect (Free Action): P takes 5 fire damage within 1 square (no one), and the grenadier uses fire bomb. G2 still has Fire Bombs, so FA Fire Bomb ABU1 on O4 vs P and H Ref; r(8, 7) +11 -2 (IWC) = Hit both. (r1) +5 = 6 fire damage.
TRIGGER - HAZARD UNCONSCIOUS AND PRONE
A fiery explosion from a lobbed bomb greets Pa'avu and Hazard when she vanquishes the GRENADIER!
B2 33/56 PRONE
G1 12/44
ROUND 6
BITA-BOUSSEH glares imperiously at Chanvati in his protective stance and whips her forked tail in mild annoyance. "This soft, if pretty, merchant intervenes his body on my behalf? Chivalrous, no doubt, but foolish." She strides past Chanvati, off the dusty road and into the savannah grasses. With a hurled invective--"The imps will dine on your roasting flesh, jackal!"--she glowers at the bloodcaller, causing it to stumble back in fear, once again within the pull of Chanvati's pulsing magic trinket.
* Move Action: L9 to P12.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs B2, ATK r(18) +7 = 25 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage (B2 now BLOODIED) and slides bloodcaller to S9, within the Four-sided Caltrop Zone. (When creature starts turn in Zone, Slowed (SE).)
CHANVATI realizes that the Gnolls are separated and in disadvantagous terrain. If they are brought down now, there is still a chance their group can survive these raiders! He touches two fingers to his temple and unleashes a blast of psionic force at the grendadier in the wall rubble. The Gnoll emits a high-pitched, pitiful yelp, staggers, nearly falls, and then regains its bearings.
* Standard Action: Mind Thrust on G1, ATK r(7) +8 = 15 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(6) +5 = 11 damage. G1 has 1 HP remaining
With the fight suddenly turned against them, the ferocity of the BLOODCALLER and GRENADIER only increases...but to no avail.
Chanvati evades a poorly thrown javelin like a pugilist slips a punch, but the grenadier stalks in, threatening him with its spear. Bita-Bouseh looks on with a fiendish smile as the beleaguered Bloodcaller hobbles forward in an errant attempt to eviscerate her...but the creature's claws come up a hair (and a horn!) short.
G3
* Standard Action: Javelin vs C AC; r(7) +11 -2 (IWC) = 16. Miss.
* Move Action: P7 to N9.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE) and Prone.
* Move Action: Stand from Prone.
* Standard Action: Charge (Q11) and Claws vs B AC; r(7) +9 +1 (charge) -2 (IWC) = 15. Miss.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 4. Fail.
Rage and anxiety flowing collectively through PA'AVU's blood fuels the goliath's leap over the field of broken stone, landing her perfectly positioned to strike a furious blow to the boj'H'jin threatening the tiefling. She sees the shocked relief on Bita-Bousseh's face as the body of their opponent falls separately to either side of them. They stare at each other for a moment, then the goliath growls out the words, "finish them!!"
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as Charge: Movement: Jump over DT area & move up to 8 squares total: Athletics Check: r(18, 18) + 12 = 30 [3 squares], ending in R10; ATK: r(20) + 11 + 2 (CA) = CRITICAL!!!: Damage: 10 + 6 + 5 + 8 (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) + r(8) (Vanguard on Crit) = 39 HP damage = DEADED!!
Pa'avu: 10/49 HP, 3/11 Surges remaining
G1 1/44
ROUND 7
BITA-BOUSSEH blinks several times at the bifurcated corpse tumbling in two different directions before her. Quickly, she regains her composure and redirects her glower to the remaining Gnoll beside Chanvati. Feeling the full force of her fearful infernal fulmination, the gnoll's heart stops as it staggers back and falls amid the rubble.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower on G1, ATK, r(17) +7 = 24 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage (DEAD) and slid to P7.
WHEW! ALL ENEMIES DEFEATED! (BARELY...)
* SKILL CHALLENGE RESOLVED (2N to safety of your caravanserai of Chomrok) = 900/2 = 450. Go ahead and level up!
LOOT
* 140 Gold.
* Select 1 x Uncommon Magic Item of Level 6 or less.
The wyvern's fortitude renewed (effectively "trigger Second Wind" as in the Heal move), it beats its mighty wings one more time, banks hard left and spirals to the ground, slowing its landing to a full stop in a scrub grass meadow as wild goats scatter. The Second Nation and civilians of Chomrok scatter to the safety of the primary structure and outbuildings the moment you "deboard." The Wyvern stares at Pa'avu briefly, accepts whatever patting it gets on its big, meaty head, and immediately runs to take off back toward Bantouk (much less burdened!).
As they close, the fermenting thought in your mind is confirmed. This clan of feral raiders has a history with Pa'avu's old clan @Nephis !
You'll get an advantage from your success, realization, and time to plan for their assault (Pick 1):
* Enemies grant CA to all UtEo Round 1.
* +4 to Initiative.
* Automatic success at High DC Monster Knowledge vs all of the creatures.
* Pick a terrain element (Hindering Terrain or Blocking Terrain). You can put it wherever you want and if its HT, you get 1 x Encounter Power to be immune to its effect (and stay out of it, but not prone) or you get to pick a Stunt (Single-Use; Encounter Power equivalent) for the Blocking Terrain and gain auto-success on the Skill Check.
Also:
* Decide whether you want any of B-B or the MS with you.
* Pick your squares.
MECHANICS
* Fieldstone Walls squares are 8 ft high Challenging Terrain, scalable with DC 10 Athletics (at normal speed) or Climb Speed and traversable with DC 12 Acrobatics. They provide Cover vs or Superior Cover if adjacent (pending). They can be stunted.
* Pond in bottom left is 4 ft deep water & Challenging Terrain. Requires Athletics DC 10 to navigate at Swim Speed and any creature gives up CA and takes -2 to hit while in.
* G1/2/3. Gnoll Grenadiers (Standard Artillery) are on Pteryodactyls and maintain an altitude of 4 squares (20 ft). HP 44, AC 18, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 15
* B1/2. Gnoll Bloodcallers (Standard Soldier) HP 56, AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15
* PL. Gnoll Packlord (Standard Controller, Leader) HP 56, AC 18, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 16
* If any of B-B or the MS's go down in the course of a combat; DC15 Heal to Stabilize each at the end of this combat. Failure = send them off to the ever-after.
INITIATIVE
Bita-Bousseh & Bjorkus 22
Bloodcallers & Pack Lord 22
Chanvati, Minerion, Aesterion 17
Hazard 13
Grenadiers & Harriers 11
Pa'avu 10
ROUND 1
PA'AVU Monster Knowledge (against High DC) from background:
Bloodspear Grenadier * 3
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Artillery XP 175
HP 44; Bloodied 22 Initiative +6
AC 18, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 15 Perception+8
Speed 8 (4 flight - 4 sqs up) Low-light vision
Standard Actions
(⚔) Shortspear (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 1d6 + 9 damage.
(➶) Javelin (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +11 vs. AC
Hit: 1d6 + 9 damage.
✻ Fire Bomb (fire, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in the burst); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + 5 fire damage.
Triggered Actions
✻ Blazing Fury ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The grenadier drops to 0 hit points.
Effect (Free Action): Each creature adjacent to the grenadier takes 5 fire damage, and the grenadier uses fire bomb.
Caltrops ✦ Encounter
Trigger: An enemy ends its movement adjacent to the grenadier.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The grenadier shifts up to 2 squares and drops caltrops in a close blast 3, which must include the enemy's space. Until the end of the encounter, any creature that enters the blast's area or ends its turn there takes 5 damage and is slowed (save ends).
Break Fall ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The grenadier is dismounted or knocked prone while flying and falls 20 ft or less:
Effect: Take half damage from 1/2d10 fall. Activate Pterodactyl Harrier.
Pterodactyl Harrier
Medium natural reptile
Level 4 Minion Skirmisher XP 44
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 18, Fortitude 15, Reflex 17, Will 16 Perception+5
Speed 5, fly 6 Low-light vision
Standard Actions
(⚔) Fly-By✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 4 damage, or 6 when charging, and shift 2 squares.
Move Actions
Sly Takeoff ✦ At-Will
Effect: The PH shifts 1 square and then flies 5 squares.
Gnoll Pack Lord
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Controller (Leader) XP 175
HP 56; Bloodied 28 Initiative +4
AC 18, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 16 Perception+5
Speed 8 Low-light vision
Traits
Pack Attack
The gnoll's attacks deal 5 extra damage to any enemy that has two or more of the gnoll's allies adjacent to it.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Flail (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10 + 7 damage.
➶ Demonic Frenzy (charm) ✦ Recharge when an ally drops to 0 hit points
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +7 vs. Will
Hit: The target takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of its next turn. In addition, the target uses a free action to make one or two basic attacks against a target or targets of the gnoll's choice.
Effect: The target is dazed until the end of its next turn.
✻ Feed on the Weak ✦ Encounter (Recharge when Bloodied)
Attack: Close burst 5 (One ally in the burst);
Effect: One ally in the burst gains 15 temporary HP and can make a basic attack as a free action.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Pack Cackle ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Effect: Close burst 5 (allies in the burst). Each target can shift up to 2 squares as a free action
Gnoll Blood Caller * 2
Medium natural humanoid (gnoll)
Level 4 Soldier XP 175
HP 56; Bloodied 28 Initiative +6
AC 20, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception+4
Speed 8 Low-light vision
Traits
Pack Attack
The gnoll's attacks deal 5 extra damage to any enemy that has two or more of the gnoll's allies adjacent to it.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Claws ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 5 damage, or 2d6 + 7 while the gnoll is bloodied.
Effect: The gnoll marks the target until the end of the gnoll's next turn.
ᗕ Blood Call (charm, psychic) ✦ At-Will
Effect: The gnoll shifts up to 3 squares
Attack: Close burst 5 (each creature marked by the gnoll in the burst); +7 vs. Will
Hit: 1d10 + 7 psychic damage, and the gnoll pulls the target up to 3 squares.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Blood Frenzy ✦ At-Will 1/round
Requirement: The gnoll must be bloodied.
Effect: Close burst 1 (enemies in the burst). Each target takes 5 damage and is marked by the gnoll until the end of the gnoll's next turn.
BITA-BOUSSEH has barely had a chance to take in the goliath's tactical suggestions, as she finds a (somewhat) sheltered spot from which to direct her stalwarts. "Aesterion, keep an eye out! I'll give you an opportunity if I can! Minerion, look to Chanvati: he'll do the same for you!" The tiefling attempts to dredge up all the frustrations of the day to direct a furious glare at one of the flying dactyleers, but her exhaution is real and she is unable to do so.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower: r(5) + 7 = 12 vs Will 15 Miss
AESTERION and MINERION each wait, axes poised for action, as they witness their brother-at-arms charging into melee downfield. Sadly, BJORKUS's axe slices harmlessly through the air next to the gnoll he is facing.
* Aesterion and Minerion both delay until after Chanvati goes.
* Bjorkus: Standard Action: Charge ATK (to V1) on B1: r(5) + 9 + 1 = 15 vs. 20 AC Miss
The BLOOD CALLERS explode with savagery and the sort of quickness that can only be seen by pack animals under a bloodlust. Bjorkus falls in the fray as the pair encircle Pa'avu.
The PACK LORD wades into the fray, barking and baying indecipherable commands as one of its Blood Callers answers with a shrieking howl and a flurry of claws, forcing Pa'avu to desperately defend the onslaught.
The stories of these bestial creatures were very...very true...
B1
* Standard Action: Claws vs SB AC: r(14) + 9 = 23. Hit. Bjorkus down.
* Move: Circle far right (for the gnolls) to P10 (no OA).
B2
* Standard Action: Charge to R8 and Claws vs P AC: r(17) + 9 + 2 (CA) + 1 (CH) = 28. Hit. r(1, 3) + 5 = 9 damage and B2 marks P until the end of the B2's next turn.
PL
* Move: From U8 to R9
* Standard Action: Feed on the Weak (CB5; 1 ally). B2 gains 15 Temp HPs and makes Basic Attack (Claws) vs P AC: r(11) + 9 + 2 (CA) = 22. Hit. r(6, 2) + 5 + 5 (3 allies adjacent) = 18 damage (B2 already marked P). P BLOODIED.
Observing the gnolls ravaging his sahtree, CHANVATI unleashes a powerful perturbation of space around her, ravaging the Pack Lord and one of the Blood Callers as they are hurled instantaneously through space. Then, Chanvati draws upon further reserves and unleashes a blast of psionic energy at the Pack Lord, causing the gruesome scavanger to reel under the assault.
Then the psion advances towards his foes, calmly shielding his presence under a veil of psychic distortion.
* Standard Action: AUG 2 Dimensional Scramble centered on Q9. Attack vs PL (Augmented by Adept's Insight), r(12) +8 +r(1)+1 = 22 vs 17 Fort. Hit. Attack vs B2, r(5) +8 = 13 vs 17 Fort. Miss. Attack vs. B1 r(18) +8 = 26 vs 17 Fort. Hit. Damage = r(6,4) +5 = 15 damage to PL and teleported to Q8 (flanked), 15 damage to B1 and teleported to O8.
* Free Action: (AP for Standard Action): Mind Thrust vs PL, r(13) +8 = 21 vs 16 Will. Hit for r(7) +5 = 12 psychic damage.
* Move Action: H7 to N6.
* Minor Action: Mind Shroud. Superior Cover and Slowed UEoMNT.
36/36 HPs, 5/7 Surges remaining, 0 APs remaining, 0 PPs remaining.
MINERION and AESTERION heed Bita-Bousseh's directive and see Chanvati maneuver one of the gnolls, bitter enemies of the plains-dwelling minotaurs, into their reach. They both charge, axes swinging with as much force as they can muster. Aesterion's feint opens the space for Minerion's blow to land soundly.
Minerion:
* Move Action: G7 to L6.
* Standard Action: Charge L6 to P7 (to flank with Aesterion; see below), Axe Attack vs B1, r(17) +9 +1 +2 = 29 vs 20 AC. Hit for 6 damage and B1 is Marked by Minerion UEoYNT.
Aesterion:
* Standard Action: Charge I11 to N9. Axe Attack vs B1, R(1) = automiss.
At first startled by the creature that suddenly materializes in front of him, HAZARD gives a ferocious growl and attacks it savagely with his most vicious bite. Then he alertly surveys the field for more attacks to his Beloved.
* Standard Action: Bite ATK vs Pack Leader: r(20) = Crit vs 18 AC; Damage: 10 + 10 = 20. BLOODIED PACK LORD
* Minor Action (Enc): Savage Protector: + 2 AC Hazard: 68/68 HP; 8/11 Surges; AC 17 + 2 = 19
The GRENADIERS glide on their winged reptile mounts, lobbing fiery bombs into the fray. Hazard's reflexive yelps and growls reveal the trueness of their aim as Minerion succumbs stoically to the blasts.
The last of the trio launches a javelin at Bita-Bousseh from his perch, but the missile only caroms off the nearby fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: I2 to I6.
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (P6) on SM and H Ref; r(3) + 9 = 12. Miss SM. r(10) + 9 = 19. Hit H for r(5) + 5= 10 Fire damage.
G2
* Move Action: I14 to K10.
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (P6) on SM and H Ref; r(8) + 9 = 17. SM down. r(16) + 9 = 25. Hit H for r(6) + 5= 11 Fire damage.
G3
* Move Action: A5 to E7.
* Standard Action: Javelin vs B AC; r(5) + 11 = 16. Miss.
Despite the great amount of damage these boj’H’jna have just dealt her, PA'AVU is undaunted. She howls as she swings Velmech'ti at the leader of this foul pack, but he manages to duck at the last minute. Or perhaps he is swaying with blood loss, because when the goliath's miss enrages her and she howls still more shrilly, her swing this time holds true and severs his torso in half. She gives yet another great scream - in triumph this time - that visibly effects the bloodcaller who marked her earlier. Pa'avu gives him a grim but toothy smile: "you will soon share his fate."
* Minor Action (Enc): Iron Resurgence: lose 1 surge, spend two, gain temporary hit points (+24/6THP)
* Standard Action: Howling Strike vs. PL: r(5) + 10 - 2 (marked) + 2 (CA) = 15 vs. 17 AC Miss
* Minor Action (Enc): Screaming Armor vs. B2: - 2 ATK EoPNT
* Free Action (Spend AP for Standard Action/Daily): Tyrant's Rage vs PL: r(7) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 17 vs. 16 Will Hit; Damage: r(10, 9) + 5 + 2 (Bloodied) = 26 DEADED!!! (not dazed, sadly)
Pa'avu: 41/49 HP (6 THP), 3/11 surges remaining, 0 AP remaining
B1 35/56
B2 15 THP 56/56 -2 ATK UtEoPNT
PL DEAD
G1 44/44
G2 44/44
G3 44/44
ROUND 2
Boiling with anger, BITA-BOUSSEH rests one hand protectively against the giant fieldstone wall to her rear. Then she gestures at the avian mount holding aloft the gnoll dactyleer nearest her, overwhelming its primitive mind with fear, causing it to careen wildly and into the ground with a thud.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs Pterodactyl Harrier in K10, r(19) +7 vs 16 Will for 5 damage. Harrier dies and is slid 2 to K8.
TRIGGER - G2 FALLS
TRIGGER - BREAK FALL (ENCOUNTER) G2 TAKES 1/2 DAMAGE FROM FALL
* Grenadier falls 20 feet for r(7,1) = 8/2 (Break Fall) = 4 damage and prone in K8.
* Move Action: Over Challenging Terrain of Fieldstone Wall (will just treat as DT rather than attempt to climb) from H10 to H12 for Superior Cover from all enemies.
With their leader nothing more than a pool of blood and gore (as they have left their enemies so many times before), the BLOOD CALLERS violence seems momentarily surmountable, reinforced by Aesterion's foiling of a savage attack via slipping it deftly and parrying with a mailed gauntlet. Nonetheless, the gnolls do not let up and again the pair encircles Pa'avu and lays into her defenses howl-reinforced fury!
B1
* Standard Action: Claws vs SA AC: r(4) + 9 = 13. Miss.
* Move Action: Shift to P9
B2
* Move Action: Shift to R9
* Standard Action: Claws vs P AC: r(18) + 9 + 2 (CA) -2 (Screaming Armor) = 27: Hit. r(1, 4) + 5 = 10 - 6 THP = 4 damage and B2 marks P until the end of the B2's next turn.
CHANVATI sees the barrister pull the pterodactyl to its death and realizes she has the right idea of things: get these aerial foes grounded!
Still shielded from his foes' easy discernment, Chanvati folds space outward above the closest remaining rider. But these gnoll dactyleers are more skilled riders than he anticipated, and his foe dips below his space-bending assault before rising again to altitude. His concentration diverted, Chanvati's protective shroud dissipates.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble Area Burst 1 targeted 5 squares up I6 (1 square above G1), Attack vs G1, r(7) +8 = 15 vs 16 Fort. Miss. Attack vs PH, r(5) +8 = 13 vs 15 Fort. Miss.
* End of Turn: Mind Shroud ends.
AESTERION will not tolerate this pack attack against the Goliath, especially not by these cowardly scavengers, lacking in all honor. He feels rage building within him. The bull that is part of his heritage takes hold. He paws the sandy ground, takes a few steps back. Paws again, snorting and bellowing. Then, he charges the nearest gnoll flanking Pa'avu, swinging his axe with tremendous force. But his bellowing snort gives away his attack, and the gnoll evades the strike.
* Move Action: Shift N9 to M9
* Standard Action: Charge to O9 vs B1, Attack, r(3) +9 +1 +2 (CA from flanking)= 15 vs 20 AC. Miss.
HAZARD smells blood and an opportunity to take out one of these dog-men and shifts closer to his Giant. He hesitates momentarily in choosing which to attack and just misses his chosen victim with his snapping teeth, but he has gotten its attention.
* Move Action: Shift from Q7 to Q8.
* Standard Action: Snarl & Snap vs. B1: r(10) + 9 = 19 vs. 20 AC Miss; effect: B1 is marked UEoHNT.
Hazard: 47/68 HP; 8/11 Surges remaining
In full throes of a blood frenzy, the GRENADIERS lob a fiery payload right into the melee of both friend and foe as its flying reptile lets it off on the ground near Chanvati. The flying lizard then lashes out with its beak to no avail.
The Grenadier that Bita-Bousseh downed explodes from its prone position, spear in the air and howling as it launches itself into the orbit of the ever-growing melee, receiving the heavy butt of Aesterion's axe for his carelessness.
Meanwhile, the final one aims with great care and launches a javelin at Chanvati from above, sending him careening against the fieldstone wall in an effort to defend himself from the trueness of the missile. Whether it was a psionic shield or martial prowess or sheer luck, he narrowly escapes being skewered fully.
G1
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (Q9) on B1, B2, P, and H Ref; r(3) + 9 = 12; Miss B1. r(18) + 9 = 27. Hit; r(6) + 5 = 11 - 11 THP (4 THP remaining) fire damage to B2. r(6) + 9 = 15; Miss P. r(13) + 9 =22; Hit H for r(6) + 5= 11 Fire damage to H.
* Move Action: Flies down 4 sq and gets off Harrier (H1) into sq M6.
TRIGGER H1 IN SQUARE M7. ACTIVATES. STANDARD ACTION REMAINING.
H1
* Standard Action: Fly-be vs C AC; r(2) +11 = 13. Miss.
G2
* Move Action: Stand from Prone.
* Standard Action: Charge to P8 and attack (Short Spear) vs H AC.
TRIGGER OA ATTACK FROM SA. SA (Axe) + 11 on G2 AC; r(11) + 11 = 22. 6 damage and marked by SA UtEoG2NT.
r(7) +11 -2 (marked) +1 (charge)= 17. Miss.
G3
* Move Action: E7 to I7
* Standard Action: Javelin vs C AC; r(20) + 11 = Crit. 15 damage.
TRIGGER VENGEANCE IS MINE (CHAVATI)
As the last hovering dactyleer lets fly his javelin at CHANVATI, the psion not only escapes being skewered through sheer luck but manages to launch a psychic assault of his own in retaliation.
* Immediate Reaction (Trigger: An enemy hits you), Mind Thrust vs G3, r(19) +8 = 27 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(1) +5 = 6 psychic damage.
PA'AVU breathes in deeply through her snarling mouth and allows her l'pahb'gin to harden her skin. Then, using the rage pulsing through her veins, she pushes her opponents around the battlefield. Sliding into place next to her companion-at-arms and across from her hound, she attempts to channel that same energy into Velmech'ti's strike, to no avail.
* Minor Action (Enc.): Stone's Endurance: Resist 5 All UEoPNT
* Minor Action (while raging): Tyrant's Rage effect: push any adj enemies 1 sq: B2 to S9, G2 to Q7, B1 to O8
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. B1: shift to O7; ATK: r(4) + 10 + 2 (CA) - 2 (marked) = 14 vs. 20 AC Miss.
Pa'avu: 37/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining; Resist 5 All UEoPNT
B1 35/56 Marked by H
B2 4 THP 56/56
G1 38/44
H1
G2 34/44 Marked by SA
G3 44/44
ROUND 3
Safely ensconced behind the fieldstone wall--for the moment--BITA-BOUSSEH does what she can to provide succor to her surrounded allies, taking aim to drive the remaining mounted gnoll from the sky. In a replay of her earlier attack, the fear she strikes into the nervous system response of the pterodactyl causes it to veer hard into the ground to its death, its rider falling painfully en route.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs G3's mount, Attack, r(12) +7 = 19 vs 15 Will. Killed and slid to K5.
TRIGGER - G3 FALLS
TRIGGER - BREAK FALL (ENCOUNTER) G2 TAKES 1/2 DAMAGE FROM FALL
* Grenadier falls 20 feet for r(9,4) = 13/2 (Break Fall) = 6 damage and prone in K5.
Undaunted by the barbarian's roaring rage, the BLOOD CALLERS wade back into combat, swinging wildly against Hazard's viscous canine posture and scrapping. His savage defenses hold.
B1
* Move Action: Shift O8 to P8
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC: r(4) + 9 = 13. Miss.
B2
* Move Action: Shift S9 to R8
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC: r(4) + 9 + 2 (CA) = 15. Miss. H is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
Pressed by the dactyleer and its CHANVATI steps back out of harm's way and attempts to bend space to his will once again. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. His blood runs cold.
"Hold on, " he urges himself. "You will not die in the sands outside this backwater village."
* Begins turn: 15 HP down from the grenadier's javelin. 21/36 HPs
* Move Action: Shift N6 to O6.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble ABu 1 centered on L6. Attack vs G3, r(7) +8 -2 (Cover) = 13 vs 16 Fort. Miss. Attack vs H1, r(3) +8 = 11 vs 15 Fort. Miss. Attack vs G1, r(6) +8 = 14 vs 16 Fort. Miss.
* Minor Action: Inspiring Word on self. Spend Surge and heal (9) + r(3) = 12 HPs.
* End of Turn: 33/36 HPs, 4/7 Surges remaining.
Bita-Bousseh calls out to the remaining Minotaur on its feet, "AESTERION, protect the psion!" The half-bull heeds his mistress's direction, steps back safely from the current scrum, snorts loudly, and charges the grounded pterodactyl. His axe connects with a satisfying crunch and split, and the avian raptor is but a crumpled mess in the sand.
* Move Action: Shift O9 to N10.
* Standard Action: Charge N10 to N8, Attack vs H1, r(17) +10 = 27 vs 18 AC. Hit. Dead.
Pa'avu temporarily benefits from Phalanx.
Snarling at both opponents, HAZARD carefully steps back into a more strategic position. Then he savagely attacks the dogman threatening his Giant with a snap of his powerful jaws.
* Move Action: Shift to Q9
* Standard Action: Snarl & Snap vs B1: r(14) + 9 + 2 (CA) - 2 (Marked by B2) = 23 vs 20 AC Hit!!! Damage: r(2) + 5 = 7 and B1 is Marked & Bloodied
Hazard: 36/68 HP; 8/11 Surges remaining; Marked by B2 UEoB2MT/Marking B1 UEoHNT
The GRENADIERS again lob their fiery payloads into the fray as one of them rushes Bita-Bouseh's (formerly) safe sniping position and another attacks poor Hazard with the business end of a shortspear!
G1
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (O7) on B1, P, C, SA Ref; r(19, 16, 16, 3) + 9 = HIT all but SA. 8 Fire damage all (P takes 3 due to 5 Resist).
* Move Action: M6 to I12.
G2
* Move Action: Shift Q7 to Q8.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(19) + 11 = 30. 1 + 9 = 10 damage.
G3
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (N7) on P, C, SA Ref; r(4, 7, 16) + 9 = MISS all but SA. AE down.
PA'AVU snarls, "away from my Hound, Boj’H’jna!" as she takes a few steps away for better momentum. The goliath murmurs loving words to Velmech'ti, causing the greatsword to glow brightly. When she lets her feet fly, her voice an unearthly wail, Pa'avu holds the greatsword aloft in her hands, so that its light can encourage those companions who remain on their feet. Her blow with Velmech'ti knocks the now-dead H'jna into his fellow soldiers as her triumphant warcry causes them to stumble backwards a step.
* Move Action: move 2 squares, ending in M6 <WOULD TRIGGER OPPORTUNITY ATTACK FROM B1 BUT DECLINING DUE TO HAZARD MARK + PA'AVU DR AND HAZARD HARRIER MARK ENFORCEMENT>
* Minor Action (Daily): Vanguard Weapon Power: +1 ATK all allies w/in 10 squares, USoPNT
* Standard Action: Howling Strike vs B!: charge to O7; ATK: r(12) + 10 + 1 (Charge) + 2 (CA) = 25 vs 20 AC Hit; Damage: r(8) + r(3) + 4 (Str) + 2 (GoB) + 1 (magic weapon) + r(8) (Vanguard) = 26 B1 DEAD
* Free Action (Enc): Warcry: push G2 to R8; push B2 to S8
End of Turn: 32/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining, Stone's Endurance Resist 5 All ends
B2 4 THP 56/56
G1 38/44
G2 34/44
G3 38/44
ROUND 4
BITA-BOUSSEH balefully eyes the grenadier threatening her as her Stalwarts lie unconscious on the field, too far for her to aid them. She steps back a pace, never taking her eyes away from her opponent. Yet she feels encouraged by the glowing light she perceives on the battlefield beyond and glowers at the gnoll with infernal power, sending him back a few paces.
* Move Action: shift 1 square to G13
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower at G1: ATK: r(8) + 7 + 1 (Vanguard) = 16 vs 15 Will; 5 Damage to G1, and G1 is slid two squares to J10.
With the Pack Lord slain, the remaining BLOOD CALLER is pack alpha. It barks (literally) orders at the Grenadiers who answer with deferential postures.
B2 - DELAY UNTIL AFTER GRENADIERS
Pa'avu Free Action: Does not possess Abyssal as a language but Nature vs Medium DC to infer the exchange of the Gnolls via posture/body language: r(12) + 7 = 19. SUCCESS.
Effectively: "G1 - get in melee and attack H with your spear!"
CHANVATI runs one hand across the top of his queue, checking for singed strands after the grenadier's detonation. He may not be a vain man [he is], but he is proudful of that long, silky braid!
The situation is desperate. He calls forth his ki power to scramble space once again, teleporting the new Gnoll alpha as far afield as he can. Then he pulls a small pyramidal smoky quartz figure from his belt pouch and lofts it at the bloodcaller's feet. That mad soothsayer claimed it had true power. Now was the time to find out!
It explodes in a pulse of smoky rings. Within, the bloodcaller's movements seem decelerated, as if moving through a viscous medium.
Chanvati skirts the wall towards one of the grenadiers, holding his crystal staff aloft menacingly--if not very convincingly.
* Start of turn: reduced to 25/36 HP from fire bomb; +1 attacks from Vanguard weapon
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble ABu 1 centered on S9. Attack vs G2, r(1) = automiss; Attack vs B2, r(17) +8 +1 = 26 vs 17 Fort. Hit for r(1) +5 = 6 -4 THP = 2 damage and teleported to U11.
* Minor Action: Throw Four-sided Caltrop to T10. ABu 1 creates Zone UeoEncounter. When a creature enters the zone or starts its turn there, the creature is slowed (SE). RED ZONE
* Move Action: O6 to L6.
Pa'avu calls out to HAZARD and points at her gosb'tar. The hound steps back to disengage with his present combatants and charges over at the one threatening Chanvati. He seems almost distracted by the one barking orders, but the hound persists and savagely snaps at his new combatant and makes his protective presence known.
* Move Action: shift to P8.
* Standard Action: charge ATK vs G3: move to K6; ATK: r(9) + 1 - 2 (marked by B2) + 1 (Vanguard) = 18 vs 18 AC Hit; Damage: r(4) +5 = 9, and G3 is Marked.
TRIGGER IMMEDIATE REACTION CALTROPS (BLUE ZONE)
Caltrops ✦ Encounter
Trigger: An enemy ends its movement adjacent to the grenadier.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The grenadier shifts up to 2 squares and drops caltrops in a close blast 3, which must include the enemy's space. Until the end of the encounter, any creature that enters the blast's area or ends its turn there takes 5 damage and is slowed (save ends).
* G3 Shifts to K4: TRIGGER IMMEDIATE REACTION HARRIER (HAZARD): An enemy that is marked by Hazard and is adjacent to it shifts or makes an attack that doesn't include it as a target. r(12) + 9 + 1 (Vanguard) -2 (Marked) = 20 vs 18 AC Hit; damage: r(2) + 5 = 7 damage (BLOODIED) and G3 is slid to K5.
The GNOLL GRENADIER attempts to escape HAZARD'S snapping jaws, but the dogged...dog...is having none of it. Hazard pounces on the gnoll and ensnares it before it can get away.
End of turn: 26/68 Bloodied; 8/11 Surges remaining.
[HR][/HR]
Two of the GRENADIERS do as they're instructed. But they have to change tactics mid-stride and assail the large barbarian instead. As they tangle with the barbarian, the BLOOD CALLER rushes in despite its hobbled state and the third Grenadier lobs a fiery grenade at Chanvati and Hazard while retreating behind the fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: J10 to N6.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs P AC; r(8) + 11 = 19. HIT. 2 + 9 = 11 damage.
G2
* Move Action: R8 to P7.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(4) + 11 = 15. Miss.
G3
* Move Action: Shift K5 to K4
* Standard Action: Fire Bomb ABU1 (K7) on H, C Ref; r(2, 20) + 9 = Hit C for 13 damage. BLOODIED.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE)
* Move Action: RUN U10 to R9 (-5 to hit and give up CA USoNT).
* Standard Action: Charge (P8) and Claws vs P AC; r(11) +9 +2 (CA) +1 (charge) -5 (Run) = 18. Miss. P is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 8. Fail.
PA'AVU hears her gosb'tar's voice and sees him point around the corner of the nearest stonewall: "sahtree, to my aid!" Deciding to avoid the sharp caltrops surrounding him, she sees a chance to use her strength in mimicking moves she has seen in the gladiator's ring. As she darts past the h'jina circling her, she feels zings travelling from her new badge and along her stoneskin to sting their grasping hands. She takes advantage of their inability to stop her charge to use the h'jina in front of her as a vault to propel herself up onto the top of the stone wall. Running along its edge, she sees the boj'h'jina threatening her Hound and drops down behind it with a sharp unnerving scream. "Velmech'ti smells blood and wants more," the goliath snarls as her greatsword cuts deeply into this new foe. It attempts to crawl desperately away, but Pa'avu hits the side of his neck with her elbow and she hears a satisfying crack.
* Vanguard Daily bonus to allies ends.
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as a charge: Charge: avoids OA due to Badge of Bezerker, includes Athletics Stunt over/onto the wall: DC10 autosuccess, with climb moves 7 spaces (movement 8 due to Rage Stance/Charge), "lands" in K3; ATK: r(18) + 10 + 1 (charge) - 2 (Marked) = 27 vs. AC 18 Hit; Damage: r(3) + r(5) + 5 + r(5) (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) = 20 damage.
* No Action (Enc.): trigger: hit w/an attack: Iron Soul Flurry of Blows: +5 Damage, and target cannot shift UEoPNT: DEAD!!
TRIGGER - BLAZING FURY (GRENADIER 0 HP): Effect (Free Action): P takes 5 fire damage, and the grenadier uses fire bomb (NA - out of Fire Bombs).
A fiery explosion greets Pa'avu when she vanquishes the GRENADIER!
Pa'avu: 16/49 HP; 3/11 Surges remaining
B2 54/56 SLOWED, CA given up and -5 to hit USoYNT
G1 33/44
G2 34/44
ROUND 5
BITA-BOUSSEH can bear the cowering in the wall's shadows no longer. She steps out into the wide, dusty road and bellows, "You have felled my Stalwarts and ravaged my allies. I will see your souls to the Nine Hells!" Palpable anger roils forth from her and the nearest grenadier gives a wounded yelp and scurries closer to his packmates.
* Move Action: G13 to L9
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs G1, ATK r(8) +7 = 15 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage and slid N6 to O8.
CHANVATI frantically pats out the flames on his smoking sleeves and thinks, absentmindedly, "Allies? I thought we were more than that, barrister...." Then he turns his potent mind to the Gnolls once more, distorting space around them and flinging them en masse against the fieldstone wall. He takes a few steps forward, out of the caltrop hazard splayed at his feet and assumes a guardian position in front of the Tiefling.
* Start of turn: reduced to 12/36 HPs from fire bomb.
* Standard Action: Dimensional Scramble centered on P8. ATK vs G1, r(9) +8 = 17 vs 16 Fort. Hit. ATK vs G2, r(15) +8 = 23 vs 17 Fort. Hit. ATK vs B2, r(11) +8 +2 (CA) = 21 vs 17 Fort. Hit. r(6) +5 = 11 damage and G1 teleported to O6, G2 teleported to P6, and B2 teleported to Q6. G1 BLOODIED.
* Move Action: L6 to M9.
Watching his Beloved Giant, HAZARD has an idea and leaps away from the painful shiny things surrounding him and up onto the stone wall. He jogs along it and drops down, out of the sight of the others. His Beloved Giant is strong and inventive, and the hound remembers the hole she made, down in the tunnels. Maybe he can do something like that now! She will be so proud!
Bita-Bousseh, having done what she could for the moment, watches Chanvati's handywork. As the gnolls reemerge, somewhat shaken, the wall suddenly explodes outward and upon them. The two grenadiers manage to escape most of the flying stones, but their would-be leader is caught in the full spray and knocked prone.
* Move Action: Climb Wall: DC 10 autosuccess, total movement 6 sq, land in O4
* Standard Action: Terrain Stunt with Stone Wall: Athletics Check: r(8) + 10 = 18 vs 14 DC Success; ATK vs. Reflex: vs. G2: r(4) + 4 (level) + 3 = 11 vs 17 Reflex Miss; 1/2 damage: r(8) + 2 = 10: 5 HP dmg; vs. G1: r(8) + 7 = 15 vs 17 Reflex Miss: 5 HP dmg; vs. B2: r(11) + 7 = 18 Hit!!; 10 HP dmg and B2 is prone. G2 BLOODIED. DARK GREY ZONE IS DIFFICULT TERRAIN.
End of Turn: 26/68 HP, 8/11 Surges remaining
Two of the GRENADIERS do as they're instructed. But they have to change tactics mid-stride and assail the large barbarian instead. As they tangle with the barbarian, the BLOOD CALLER rushes in despite its hobbled state and the third Grenadier lobs a fiery grenade at Chanvati and Hazard while retreating behind the fieldstone wall.
G1
* Move Action: O6 to O5.
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(4) + 11 = 15. Miss.
G2
* Move Action: Circle left to avoid OA P6 to N3
* Standard Action: Shortspear vs H AC; r(5) + 11 = 16. Miss.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE)
* Move Action: 2 Speed/2 = 1 Speed. Crawl 1 square Q6 to P5 (only entering DT is extra sq...not leaving it).
* Standard Action: Claws vs H AC; r(20) = CRIT. 17 +5 (Pack Tactics) = 22 damage and H is marked by B2 UtEoB2NT.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 17. Pass.
Hearing the yelp of pain from her hound, PA'AVU repeats her earlier journey in reverse, landing in front of Hazard, allowing the momentum of her drop to add weight to Velmech'ti's swing into the torso of her opponent. "Not today, boj'h'ina, not THIS DAY!!" she howls as she savagely slices into its torso. The immense power of her raging cry pushes the exploding corpse away from poor Hazard and herself and shoves the two survivors back into the mess of broken stone, one still on his knees.
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as a charge: Charge: includes Athletics Stunt over/onto the wall: DC10 autosuccess, with climb moves 6 spaces, "lands" in N4; ATK vs. G2: r(19) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 30 vs. AC 18 Hit; Damage: r(4) + r(6) + 5 + r(5) (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) = 22 HP
* No Action (Enc): Iron Wolf Charge: + 4 damage (26 HP total); secondary attack vs. Will/close burst 2 all enemies: vs. G2: r(12) + 7 = 19 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and G2 is pushed to L1; vs. G1: r(16) + 7 = 23 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and G1 is pushed to P7; vs. B2 r(12) + 7 + 2 (CA) = 21 vs. 15 Will: Hit, and B2 is pushed to Q7. All three are -2 ATK UEoPNT.
TRIGGER - BLAZING FURY (GRENADIER 0 HP): Effect (Free Action): P takes 5 fire damage within 1 square (no one), and the grenadier uses fire bomb. G2 still has Fire Bombs, so FA Fire Bomb ABU1 on O4 vs P and H Ref; r(8, 7) +11 -2 (IWC) = Hit both. (r1) +5 = 6 fire damage.
TRIGGER - HAZARD UNCONSCIOUS AND PRONE
A fiery explosion from a lobbed bomb greets Pa'avu and Hazard when she vanquishes the GRENADIER!
B2 33/56 PRONE
G1 12/44
ROUND 6
BITA-BOUSSEH glares imperiously at Chanvati in his protective stance and whips her forked tail in mild annoyance. "This soft, if pretty, merchant intervenes his body on my behalf? Chivalrous, no doubt, but foolish." She strides past Chanvati, off the dusty road and into the savannah grasses. With a hurled invective--"The imps will dine on your roasting flesh, jackal!"--she glowers at the bloodcaller, causing it to stumble back in fear, once again within the pull of Chanvati's pulsing magic trinket.
* Move Action: L9 to P12.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower vs B2, ATK r(18) +7 = 25 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage (B2 now BLOODIED) and slides bloodcaller to S9, within the Four-sided Caltrop Zone. (When creature starts turn in Zone, Slowed (SE).)
CHANVATI realizes that the Gnolls are separated and in disadvantagous terrain. If they are brought down now, there is still a chance their group can survive these raiders! He touches two fingers to his temple and unleashes a blast of psionic force at the grendadier in the wall rubble. The Gnoll emits a high-pitched, pitiful yelp, staggers, nearly falls, and then regains its bearings.
* Standard Action: Mind Thrust on G1, ATK r(7) +8 = 15 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(6) +5 = 11 damage. G1 has 1 HP remaining
With the fight suddenly turned against them, the ferocity of the BLOODCALLER and GRENADIER only increases...but to no avail.
Chanvati evades a poorly thrown javelin like a pugilist slips a punch, but the grenadier stalks in, threatening him with its spear. Bita-Bouseh looks on with a fiendish smile as the beleaguered Bloodcaller hobbles forward in an errant attempt to eviscerate her...but the creature's claws come up a hair (and a horn!) short.
G3
* Standard Action: Javelin vs C AC; r(7) +11 -2 (IWC) = 16. Miss.
* Move Action: P7 to N9.
B2
* Start of turn (Slowed SE) and Prone.
* Move Action: Stand from Prone.
* Standard Action: Charge (Q11) and Claws vs B AC; r(7) +9 +1 (charge) -2 (IWC) = 15. Miss.
* End of Turn; Save vs Slowed 4. Fail.
Rage and anxiety flowing collectively through PA'AVU's blood fuels the goliath's leap over the field of broken stone, landing her perfectly positioned to strike a furious blow to the boj'H'jin threatening the tiefling. She sees the shocked relief on Bita-Bousseh's face as the body of their opponent falls separately to either side of them. They stare at each other for a moment, then the goliath growls out the words, "finish them!!"
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as Charge: Movement: Jump over DT area & move up to 8 squares total: Athletics Check: r(18, 18) + 12 = 30 [3 squares], ending in R10; ATK: r(20) + 11 + 2 (CA) = CRITICAL!!!: Damage: 10 + 6 + 5 + 8 (Vanguard) + 2 (GoB) + r(8) (Vanguard on Crit) = 39 HP damage = DEADED!!
Pa'avu: 10/49 HP, 3/11 Surges remaining
G1 1/44
ROUND 7
BITA-BOUSSEH blinks several times at the bifurcated corpse tumbling in two different directions before her. Quickly, she regains her composure and redirects her glower to the remaining Gnoll beside Chanvati. Feeling the full force of her fearful infernal fulmination, the gnoll's heart stops as it staggers back and falls amid the rubble.
* Standard Action: Infernal Glower on G1, ATK, r(17) +7 = 24 vs 15 Will. Hit for 5 damage (DEAD) and slid to P7.
WHEW! ALL ENEMIES DEFEATED! (BARELY...)
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