Manbearcat
Legend
3 Successes (1 Hard DC Available)/2 Failures/1 Secondary Skills Available/2 Advantages Available)
The descending path into the bowels of The Spirit Realm leads Pa'avu and Hazard to a lair of smoke, cinder, cooling stone, and endless magma.
The swirling mists clear fully as the goliath calls out the primordial in attempt to banish its perversion of this realm to which it does not belong. Vezzuzu obliges her command...but not in the way she intended.
A pair of burning forms hulk before them; one a tornado of ash and cinder, the other a large pile of magma with massive appendages like arms...
A voice as old as the grinding crust of the world: "Put these foolish ambitions to rest. This realm will hide you no longer. I cast you out...back to where you belong...where all things of creation return to the fires of destruction...and so shall you now, mortal."
Aspects of Vezzuvu accept her challenge...only she and her trusty dog will be the ones banished from this place...not the mighty Primordial!
MECHANICS
Hard DC/Advantages - This is a Nested Combat for 1 Success at the Hard DC. You can wager an Advantage for 2 Successes, but state that at the outset. That would leave you with 1 Advantage remaining. You can spend 1 Advantage to take the make the following Stunt:
Spirit Realm Rebuke (Encounter)
Standard Action - CBU10 (enemies)
Requirement: Nature vs Medium DC 15 (failure = give up CA UtEoYNT)
Atk: +8 vs Will
Effect: The target is dazed and gains Vulnerable 5 all damage (save ends)
Miss: The target takes -2 to hit and Vulnerable 3 all damage UtEoYNT
H reduced to 0 HP - H is shunted from the Spirit Realm back to the material world at Bloodied whereby he could no longer aid P (should P then succeed in the combat and earn 1 Success).
P & H both reduced to 0 HP - P is shunted from the Spirit Realm back to the material world at Bloodied and triggers the final Failure of the SC. This would then trigger (a) a collapse of the ancient ritual chamber and a massive upheaval on the mountain itself that you guys would have to escape which (b) would be a new Skill Challenge. (c) Vezzuvu becomes an antagonist and (d) you'll now have to figure out a new way to commune with Stoneroot as the Spiritual Sojourn ritual chamber would be ruined.
Difficult Terrain - Black squares are large, uneven rocks.
Hindering Terrain - Orange squares is knee-deep magma. It is difficult terrain and if P or H start their turn in a square of magma, they take 10 ongoing fire damage and are slowed (save ends both).
A1: Vezzuvu Aspect Magma (Elite Brute) - HP 156; Bloodied 78, AC 17, Fortitude 18, Reflex 18, Will 15
A2: Vezzuvu Aspect Ash (Elite Controller) - HP 116; Bloodied 58, AC 19, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 18
INITIATIVE
Pa-avu 15
A2 13
A1 9
Hazard 8
ROUND 1
PA'AVU MONSTER KNOWLEDGE (NO ACTION)
@darkbard and @Nephis are wagering an Advantage against his Hard DC nested combat encounter for 2 Successes in the SC.
PA'AVU's communion with the earth alerts her to the two hulking predators threatening their passage. As she moves further into this cavernous chamber of magma and smoke, her growing battle senses quickly analyzes their strange new foes and recognizes as the one full of wind as being somewhat akin to her gosb'tar: one who controls the battleground from afar. She will take her fight to it! She focuses the power of her screaming armor on it and - giving her own howl - leaps forward onto the controlling wind's rocky outcropping and begins her assault.
Velmech'ti slices this way and that, trying to find purchase through the ash and cinder, and Pa'avu attempts to push the strange being off of the outcropping and into the magma (recognizes that it may not do much harm, but distance would be good). Her failure to accomplish this infuriates the goliath, who bellows her rage to all who have ears to hear.
Her rage is fueled by the connection she still feels with earth's coolness beyond the limits of this chamber. This connection allows her to retain her focus when she fails to land another solid blow.
* Move Action: move to I7
* Minor Action (Enc.): Screaming Armor vs. Ash: - 2 ATK UEoPNT
* Standard Action: Howling Wolf as (leaping) charge vs. Ash: Athletics check to Jump: r(18) + 12 = 30 = clear 3 squares to land in E5; ATK (Vanguard): r(16) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 27 vs 19 Hit; Damage: r(3) + r(5) + 5 + r(7) (VW) = 20 HP
TRIGGER (ASH ASPECT) - BURNING REBUKE (FIRE) IMMEDIATE REACTION VS P FORT; r(15) +8 -2 (SA) = 21. Hit. r(5) +4 fire damage = 9 fire damage and slowed (save ends).
Triggered Actions
ᗕ Burning Rebuke (fire) ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Trigger: An enemy's melee attack deals damage to the aspect.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d8 + 4 fire damage, and the target is slowed (save ends).
* No Action (Enc): trigger: hit w/Charge ATK: Iron Wolf Charge: r(3) extra damage; 2nd ATK (Ki focus) vs. Ash: r(4) + 8 = 12 vs. 18 Will. Miss
* Free Action (to use AP for add'l Standard Action (Daily)): Tyrant's Rage vs. Ash: ATK (Ki focus): r(4) + 11 = 15 vs. 18 Will. Miss; 1/2 Damage: r(9) + r (6) + 6 = 21/2 = 10 HP, & Ash Dazed UEoPNT
Pa'avu: 55/55 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining; 0 AP remaining
Ash Aspect: -2 ATK UEoPNT & Dazed UEoPNT
TRIGGER (ASH ASPECT) - ASHEN VORTEX AURA; ASH ASPECT SLIDES P TO E6.
Traits
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF ASH registers the turbulence to its vortices wrought by the primal fury of the barbarian. It brings the combined force of burning cinders and blighting ash to bear against its foe, but to no avail as the barbarian's feet barely budge under the torrent of its tornadic assault.
* Standard Action: Double Attack on P. Ashblight vs AC; r(3) +10 - 2 = 11. Miss. Cinderlash vs Fort; r(12) +8 -2 (SA) = 18. Miss.
⚔ Double Attack ✦ At-Will
Effect: The aspect uses ashblight and cinderlash or uses cinderlash twice.
(⚔) Ashblight (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +10 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 3 fire damage, and the target is dazed until the end of the aspect's next turn.
(➶) Cinderlash (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +8 vs Fort
Hit: 2d6 +6 fire damage, and the aspect slides the target 2 squares.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA slides forwad across the protesting earth, leaving molten rock in its wake. Carrying out the bidding of the Primordial that commands its sentience as a mere pawn, the elemental force batters the trusted hound with a blazing aura of heat, caustic vapors, and fists of molten rock.
* Standard Action: Charge to O6 and Slam vs H AC; r(9) +10 +1 (charge) = 20. Hit. r(2, 6) + 7 = 15 fire damage.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Slam (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +10 vs. AC
Hit: 2d8 + 7 fire damage.
* Action Point (Free Action for Standard Action): Slam vs H AC; r(6) +10 = 16. Miss.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(11) +8 = 19. Hit. r(2, 3) +2 = 7 poison damage.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Sulfuric Breath (poison) ✦ At-Will 1/round
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d6 + 2 poison damage.
* Hazard is in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2
Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
Yelping at the seering pain, HAZARD eagerly follows his Friend across the small river of liquid heat, ducking under a blow from the strange fire beast attacking him. Whether it is fear of the beast behind, strength of purpose in aiding his Beloved, or some other circumstance in this strange world, the Hound sails over the lava and slams into the smoky wind beast.
* Start of turn: 78/78 HP - 22 HP = 56/78
* Move Action: Move to K5.
TRIGGER - OPPORTUNITY ATTACK A1 (SLAM) VS H'S AC; r(3) +10 = 13; Miss.
* Standard Action: (leaping) charge at A2: Athletics check to jump over lava: r(14) + 11 = 25, clear 2 squares to finish charge in E4; ATK: r(20) + 10 + 1 (charge) + 2 (CA) = Critical, Damage: 10 + 11 = 21 HP
* End of turn: 56/78 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining
TRIGGER - END OF TURN IN ASHEN VORTEX. A2 SLIDES H 1 SQ TO E3; HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA. HAZARD SAVING THROW 6; FAILED. SLIDES TO E3, 10 OG FIRE AND SLOWED (SAVE ENDS BOTH)
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
A1 156/156
A2 62/116 dazed, -2 to hit (SA)
ROUND 2 (ON INITIATIVE 12, ASPECTS BECOME DISEMPOWERED; -2 TO HIT AND VULN 5 UTENT)
Still cloaking herself in her righteous fury, PA'AVU feels first the relief of having a Beloved fellow warrior as her H'z'lahto arrives at her side, teeth biting at their smoky foe and bringing with him the odor of burnt fur. Then a wave of cool fresh air seems to dance around them, lifting her spirits and strengthening her furious resolve. Is this proof that Chanvati and the tiefling yet live?
The goliath carefully steps out of the broken rocks for more sure footing with which to wield Velmech'ti against this strange column of wind. Then she unleashes her own vengeance on the unnatural thing, feeling her power against it somehow grow even stronger. They will prevail!
* Start of turn: Blessings of Stoneroot: +2 Power bonus to all defenses & attacks; 5 THP; +5 Power bonus to Damage UEoBBNT: Pa'avu: 46/55 HP, Slowed (SE)
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A2: Shift 2 squares (= 1 square of Difficult Terrain): E5; ATK (Ki focus): r(4) + 11 + 2 (CA) + 2 (BSR) = 19 vs 19 AC Hit; Damage r(7) + r(4) + 6 + r(5) (raging) + 5 (BSR) = 27 HP (A2 = Bloodied), and A2 is pushed 1 square to C7
* Move Action: Shift to D5
* Minor Action (Daily): Rain of Hammers power: MBA vs A2: ATK (Ki Focus): r(5) + 11 + 2 (CA) + 2 (BSR) = 20 vs. 19 AC Hit; Damage: r(1) + 6 + 2 (GoB) + 5 (BSR) = 14 HP
* Save vs Slowed: r(18) Success
* End of turn: 46/55 HP (5 THP), 10/11 Surges remaining, Blessing of Stoneroot UEoBBNT; A2: Dazed & -2 ATK expire
TRIGGER - END OF TURN IN ASHEN VORTEX. A2 SLIDES P 1 SQ TO D6 (ADJACENT TO HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA)
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
Primal energy permeates the barrier between the material world and the Spirit Realm. Stoneroot's Blessing bulwarks Pa'avu and Hazard and the thwarting of Vezzuvu's minions enervates the Aspects' elemental energy. Despite the severing of its prowess, the VEZZUVU ASPECT OF ASH is possessed of single-mindedness. Choking ashen vortices and cinders like a whip lash out in all directions, assailing the goliath and her hound, threatening to topple them into the knee-deep magma all around them!
* Standard Action: Double Attack on P. Ashblight vs AC; r(17) +10 -2 (Disempower) = 25. Hit; r(5, 4) +3 Fire damage - 5 THP = 7 fire damage and P is dazed UtEoYNT. Cinderlash vs Fort; r(3) +8 -2 (Disempower) = 9. Miss.
* Minor Action: Emberstorm; Ashen Vortex expands to aura 3
Minor Actions
ᗕ Emberstorm (fire) ✦ Recharge at the start of any turn when ashen vortex is aura 1
Effect: The ashen vortex expands to aura 3. At the start of the aspect's next turn, the ashen vortex expands to aura 5. At the start of its following turn, the aspect makes the following attack.
Attack (No Action): Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire damage, and the target is slowed and blinded (save ends both).
Effect: The ashen vortex aura reverts to its original state and size (aura 1).
* Move Action: Shift to C6
* Free Action (Action Point for Standard Action): Double Attack.. Ashblight vs H's AC; r(14) +10 -2 (Disempower) +2/+0 (possible CA from prone if ST is successful) = 22/24. Hit; r(6, 2) +3 Fire damage -5 THP = 6 fire damage and H is dazed UtEoYNT. Cinderlash vs P's Fort; r(14) +8 -2 (Disempower) +2 (CA) = 22. Hit; r(3, 4) +6 = 12 fire damage and P slides 2 squares into D7 and then D8 and Magma Hindering Terrain.
TRIGGER - A2 SLIDES P 2 SQ TO D7 THEN D8; HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA. PA'AVU SAVING THROW 3; FAILED. SLIDES TO D7, 10 OG FIRE AND SLOWED (SAVE ENDS BOTH). 2ND SAVING THROW 20. PRONE, ADJACENT TO A2, IN D7 HINDERING TERRAIN.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA glides across the cooled rock, scarring it, to bear down upon poor Hazard as he attempts to extricate himself from the sticky, molten magma pool that he finds himself harried by. Ancient runes from the Elder Spirit of the Mountain flare on spiritual fur, protecting our canine hero from the wrath of the Primordial's servitor!
* Move Action: O6 to I5
* Standard Action: Charge to G4 and Slam vs H AC; r(7) +10 +1 (Charge) +2 (CA) -2 (Disempower) = 18. Miss (due to Stoneroot's Blessing)
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(10) +8 +2 (CA) -2 (Disempower) = 18. 18. Miss (due to Stoneroot's Blessing)
* Hazard is in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2
Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
HAZARD feels a gentle breeze ruffle his fur and brush aside the blows he sees coming. This gives him courage to stand firm against this foe, trusting his Beloved will be all right and soon join him. The Hound sees a moment of vulnerability and leaps forward to bite.
* Start of turn: 33 BLOODIED/78 HP (7 + 10(OG)), Slowed & 10 OG (SE), Dazed UEoA2NT
* Standard Action: Bite vs. A1: r(8) + 10 + 2 (BSR) = 20 vs. 17 AC Hit!; Damage: r(9) + 6 + 5 (BSR) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 25 HP
* Save vs OG 10 & Slowed: 19 Success
* 33/78 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining, Dazed UEoA2NT
A1 131/156 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
A2 18/116 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
ROUND 3
PA'AVU - head spinning, skin burning - gazes balefully at the tower of wind and cinder beside her. Then her breath catches as she sees her moment and spears Velmech'ti into it. Her victory at overcoming this one of their pair of unnatural combatants surges through her and clears her mind. She stands and prepares to continue their battle, as her l'pahb'gin hardens her outerskin to protect her from this heat.
* Start of turn: Slowed & 10 OG fire (SE), Dazed UEoA2NT. 27/55 HP - 10 OG = 17/55 HP.
* Standard Action (Enc.): Resurgent Strike vs. A2: r(18) + 11 - 2 (prone) = 26 vs. 19 AC Hit!; no longer Dazed; Damage: r(6) + r(3) + 6 + 2 (GoB) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 22 HP = A2 DEADED!!
* Move Action: Stand up from Prone
* Minor Action (Enc.): Stone's Endurance: Resist All 5 UEoPNT
* Save vs Slowed/OG 10: 4 Failed
* End of Turn: 17/55 HP; 10/11 Surges remaining; Stone's Endurance UEoPNT; Slowed & 10 OG (SE), no longer Dazed
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA explodes in a huge conflagration and spews sulfuric breath at Hazard. Whether by deliverance of Stoneroot, sheer will, or martial prowess, the goliath and the dog emerge unscathed!
* Move Action: Shift to G5 (both P and H are now in Magma Aura)
* Standard Action: Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CLBU3); r(5) +8 +2 (CA) - 2 (Disemp) = 13. Miss P. r(7) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 13. Miss H.
ᗕ Fiery Eruption (fire) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Close burst 3 (creatures in the burst); +8 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 2 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends).
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(9) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 15. Miss.
* Hazard and Pa'avu are both in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2 Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
HAZARD delays until Pa'avu's turn next round.
However, he takes his 10 OG fire and the 7 fire damage from Magma Aura on his original initiative.
A1 131/156 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
ROUND 4
PA'AVU pulls herself out of the fiery liquid, pants with frustration, calls out to her Hound that she is on her way, and moves to threaten their opponent - more slowly than she'd like. There is another breath of fresh air dancing around her as she steps, and her opponent seems to be easily damaged. After Velmech'ti has done her damage, the goliath shoves the thing away from her.
* Start of turn: takes 10 OG - 5 Resist All = 5; 12/55 HP; Slowed & OG 10
* Move Action: move "2 squares" out of Hindering Terrain to D6
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A1: shift 2 squares to E5; ATK: r(10) + 11 = 21 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(1) + r(6) + r(2) (raging) + 6 + 5 (vulnerable) = 20 HP, and push A1 to H5
* Minor Action (Enc): Iron Resurgence: lose 1 Surge, spend 2 Surges: 26 HP, plus gain 6 THP
* Save versus Slowed & OG: 5 Fail
* End of turn: Aura 2: 7 damage - 5 Resist All - 2 THP = 0 damage; 38/55 HP and 4 THP; 7/11 surges remaining; Stone's Endurance ends
At his Friend's call, HAZARD waits until she has distracted the strange liquid-fire-beast before struggling out of the fiery mire he has been pushed into. The Hound tries shaking some of the fire out of his fire, then, feeling the same cooling fresh wind, feels ready to take the thing on once more. Limping from the burns on his paws, he resolutely charges at it, against all instinct to avoid fire, and bites at it again.
* Start of turn: Took 10 (OG) damage on Initiative 8; 16/78 HP; Slowed & 10 OG (SE)
* Move Action: "2 squares" out of Hindering Terrain into E2
* Standard Action: Charge ATK vs A1: move to F4; ATK: r(7) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 18 vs. 17 AC; Damage: r(6) + 10 (P w/in 2) + 5 (vulnerable) = 21 HP
* Save vs OG/Slowed: 16 Success
* End of turn: Took 7 Fire damage on Initiative 8 due to Aura. 16/78 HP; 10/11 Surges remaining
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA again explodes in a huge conflagration and spews sulfuric breath at the pair of spiritual sojourners. Their companions disempowering their foes in the material world leaves them a shred of an opening as this spiritual battle hangs in the balance!
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 6. RECHARGE
* Standard Action: Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CBU3); r(15) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 21. Hit P; (2, 5) +2 - 4 THP = 5 fire damage. r(8) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 14. Miss H.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath (CBL3) vs P and H Fort: r(12) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 18. Miss P. r(2) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 8. Miss H.
* Hazard and Pa'avu are both in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2 Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
A1 90/156
ROUND 5
PA'AVU, HAZARD, AND CHANVATI ARE NOW ALL IN THE SPIRIT REALM AND ACTING ON INITIATIVE 15 SIMULTANEOUSLY (SEE BELOW)
PA'AVU, sweat pouring down her face, stone lithoderms so hot they burn, especially on the soles of her feet, gingerly places herself where she can rescue her Hound. She lifts Velmech'ti to slice against their foe of Magma, finally doing visible damage and howls in thunderous triumph. Face grim with murderous rage, she shoves the creature from them, then leaps away, calling Hazard to follow. As she soars through the air, she finally feels the heat besieging her body - at least for now.
* Start of turn: Takes 10 OG; 33/55 HP; Slowed & OG
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A1: shift 2 squares to F5; ATK: r(15) + 11 = 26 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(9) + 6 + r(5) (Raging) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 25 Damage A1 BLOODIED; push A1 0 squares
TRIGGER: VOLCANIC FURY UPON BEING BLOODIED; IMMEDIATE REACTION. A1 RECHARGES FIERY ERUPTION AND USES IT IMMEDIATELY
* Immediate Reaction: A1 Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CBU3); r(15) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 21. Hit P. (2, 6) +2 = 10 fire damage. r(3) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 9. Miss H.
Triggered Actions
Volcanic Fury (fire) ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The aspect is bloodied.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The aspect recharges fiery eruption and uses it.
* No Action (trigger: Bloody an enemy): Thunderborn Wrath: 3 + 5 (Vul) = 8 Damage
* No Action (trigger: Hit an enemy this round) (Enc): 5 + 5 (Vuln) = 10 Damage
* Minor Action (Tyrant's Rage): push 1 square: A1 to I4
* Move Action (Enc.): Crane's Wings: Athletics (Jump): r(8,15) + 12 + 5 = 32 = clears 6 squares: end in K11 (avoiding OAs)
* Save vs. OG & Slow: 11 = Success!! Finally!!!!!!!!
* End of turn: 23/55 HP; 7/11 Surges remaining; 0 APs remaining
HAZARD, bewildered at this strange place, hunkers down for a moment to regain his bearings. Then, seeing the space his Giant has given him, he scrambles and leaps after her onto the large piece of "land" in this strange, strange world. Feeling a little stronger, he prepares to defend and fight alongside his Beloved Friend. Perhaps the end is at last in sight.
* Start of turn: 16/78 HP
* Standard Action: Second Wind: spend 1 Surge/gain 19 HP
* Move Action: Athletics Check to make a (running) Jump: r(14) + 11 = 25 = 2 squares: Move 6 squares (including 2 jump sq) to J10 (avoiding OAs)
* Minor Action (Enc.): Savage Protector engaged
* End of turn: 35 HP; 9/11 Surges remaining; AC 20 (SP)
As their battle against the servants of Vezzuvu draws to a close, CHANVATI and Bita-Bousseh survey the landscape in an instant. No more foes arise. The magma ceases to flow. Power tangibly ripples across the material plane; the two can sense, somehow, its reverberations in the Spirit Realm.
"Quickly, now, Beets, I must re-establish connection with Pa'avu! Does she yet live?!?" The Merchant Prince seems to lack his usual poise, returns his attention to the sacred "mud-bath" beside him, in which the Goliath's body, and that of her hound, are immersed.
Bita-Bousseh raises an eyebrow. Is it at the pet name? Or his devotion to a slave? Who can say?
"You're going to need to hold down the fort, so to speak, barrister. I will be ... gone from this place for a time, though my body remains."
The Psion holds out his palms above the submerged head and reaches out with his mind, collapsing the space between his neuronal network and that of his slave's. Never has he pushed his psionic reserves to this extent!
<<A cascade of light, a power tapestry, a kaleidoscope of dendrites intertwining like the root systems of a vast forest. Mists swirl. A giant gate like a harp. A hissing serpent, furious, outraged. Lingering malice.>>
And then a semi-physical place of rocky outcroppings and magma flows like rivers. The forms of Pa'avu, Hazard, and the improbable Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu itself looming, terrible, a wreath of flame emanating outward in shimmering waves from its dreadful form.
With uncanny reflexes, Chanvati orients himself and binds the Aspect of Magma to his will, hurling it dozens of paces away, struggling, futilely, against the strength of his mind.
* Start of turn (sort of; see below): Appear in N4.
* Move Action: Stunt to transit to Spirit Realm.
Arcana check vs Hard DC. Success = sustain Bloodied HP damage but spirit transported to battlefield in Spirit Realm. Failure = suffer 1 HS damage and locked out of Spirit Realm. Adept's Insight AUG 1 r(3) +1 = +4 bonus to Arcana check, r(20) +11 +4 = 35 vs 22 Hard DC. Success!
Effect: The enmity of the Spirit Serpent as a lingering cost! Sustain Bloodied HP damage, roll initiative, r(11) +4 = act on initiative 15 in Round 5.
* Standard Action: Living Missile Daily Attack vs A1, r(12) +8 = 20 vs 18 Fort. Hit. A1 Immobilized (SE).
* Minor Action (Living Missile): Slide A1 I4 to -Y14 (2 squares off map).
* End of turn: 1/40 HP, 6/7, 1 PP remaining.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA finds itself helpless, flung far and wide and immobilized by Psionics.
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 3. FAILS TO RECHARGE
NO ACTIONS (NO RANGED ATTACKS. READYING FOR MELEE 2 WOULD NEGATE ABILITY TO SAVE VS IMMOBILIZED AND JUST LET CHANVATI RANGED DAMAGE A1 DOWN TO 0 HP SO OPTING OUT TO ROLL SAVING THROW VS IMMOBILIZED).
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Immobilized; r(13) +2 = 15. Success. No longer Immobilized.
A1 47/156 DISEMPOWER IS ENDED
ROUND 6
After PA'AVU finishes her flying leap from the smaller land mass, she takes a moment to catch both her breath and her bearings. She feels a shift in the air, and turns to catch a glimpse of streak of flying molten magma. The directness with which it moves sharply reminds her of actions she has witnessed before, and she turns again, sharply, to the spot she and her H'z'lahto entered this strange realm, not too long ago. She cannot believe her eyes, but surely that is her gosb'tar standing there, looking somehow both triumphant and infinitely exhausted.
Immediately she rushes over to him, to defend him from the inevitable return of their foe, calling out to her Hound to do the same, protecting their gosb'tar's flank. She gives Chanvati a rare smile before turning back to face their foe, Velmech'ti in hand.
* Standard Action: Second Wind: 13 HP, +2 all defenses
* Move Action: move 6 squares, ending in L5.
LOCATION: L5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 36/55
CURRENT BUFFS: +2 all defenses (SW) UtSoPNT
HEALING SURGES: 6/11
HAZARD THE HOUND feels his spirits lift as his Beloved Giant points to their newly arrived Companion and calls out instructions to guard him. This feels much more the way things ought to be! Emulating the leap he saw his Giant perform over the channel of liquid fire, the Hound leaps over this smaller puddle of similar fire, landing near the Man. Turning, he snarls and snaps, giving warning to anything that dare threaten them now.
* Start of turn: +2 AC (SW) ends; Savage Protector mode active
* Move Action: move 6 squares (including running jump): Move 2 squares to K8, Athletics Check to jump: r(18) + 11 = 29 = clears up to 5 squares, landing in O6
* Standard Action: Ready an Action: Charge attack versus A1 when A1 is within 3 squares of any one member of the party (Hazard included)
LOCATION: O6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 35/78
CURRENT BUFFS: Readied action (see above); Savage Protector (+2AC)
HEALING SURGES: 9/11
CHANVATI knows he has bought them some time. But he also knows this battle against the Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu is far from over. His Goliath and her hound look exhausted, beaten upon, and burnt. And his own transcendence into the Spirit Realm has taken its toll upon him. As his protectors take up a defensive stance before him, it is all he can do to muster up whatever reserves of strength and psionic energy he has within him to continue to bring the fight to their enemy.
* Standard Action: Second Wind: +10 HP, +2 all defenses USoNT
LOCATION: N4
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0, A1 Saved vs Immobilized last turn
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 11/40
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
HEALING SURGES: 5/7 POWER POINTS: 1/3
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA moves across magma and cooled stone alike, drawing a bead on the Goliath warrior...until her trusty dogger rushes in to intercept the avatar of the Primordial, snapping and snarling fiercely, stopping it in its tracks and drawing the monster's attention. It unleashes a wave of caustic volcanic breath, but to little effect.
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 3. FAILURE.
* Move Action: 6 squares to E8.
* Standard Action: Charge to K5 and Slam (fire) vs P AC
TRIGGER AT I6: IMMEDIATE REACTION: HAZARD CHARGES VAoM
* H Charge to J6 and Snap & Snarl vs VAoM AC: r(17) +10 +1 (charge) = 28. Hit; r(7) + 6 = 13 damage and VAoM is marked by Hazard UtEoNT.
* Standard Action Charge: VAoM Charge (switch targets after H Immediate Reaction) to I6 and Slam (fire) vs H AC: r(7) +10 +1 (charge) = 18. Miss.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath (CBL3) vs H and P Fort: r(13) +8 = Hit H. r(10) +10 = Miss P (due to 2nd W). r(2, 4) +2 = 8 acid damage to H.
* H ends turn in Magma Aura; 7 fire damage to H.
LOCATION: I6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 +7 = 15 to H. Took 13 from H's Charge.
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0. Marked by H UtENT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 34/156
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
A1 34/156 Marked by H UtENT
ROUND 7
Still energized by the unexpected rescue by her gosb'tar and seeing the chance given her by her beloved H'z'lahto, PA'AVU leaps forward at the entity with a wolf's howl and her Velmech'ti at the ready. Then, after slicing through the magma several times, she shoves it away from her and takes a step back, out of its aura of flames.
* Start of turn: +2 buff from second wind ends
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as charge attack vs. VAoM (Vanguard Weapon): Move to J5; ATK: r(15) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 26 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(10) + r(2) + 5 + r(8) (VW) + 2 (GoB) = 27 damage
* Minor Action (Tyrant's Rage): push VAoM 1 square to H6
* Move Action: shift 1 square to K5
LOCATION: K5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 27 damage to VAoM
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: VAoM pushed 1 square (Tyrant's Rage) to H6
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 36/55
CURRENT BUFFS: not in Aura 2 of VAoM; Raging
HEALING SURGES: 6/11
Though Hazard ravages the creature of magma in an attack of snapping, snarling teeth as it approaches and Pa'avu cuts through its molten form, shoving it out of harm's way, it comes down to CHANVATI delivering the final blow, as he knew it would. As befitting his station.
The Psion touches two fingers to his temple, drawing upon the latent psionic energy in his glowing crystal staff clutched in the other hand, and unleashes a torrent of psychic force to assault the animating mind of the Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu. Instantaneously, when the psionic energy short-circuits the creature's neuronal pathways as the influx of external energy overloads its mind, it crumples into a steaming pile of slowly liquefying magma.
* Standard Action: Mind Thrust vs A1, ATK r(9) + 8 = 17 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(8) +5 = 13 psychic damage. A1 destroyed.
LOCATION: N4
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 psychic damage to A1
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 11/40
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
HEALING SURGES: 5/7
CURRENT PPS: 1/3
COMBAT RESOLVED
The descending path into the bowels of The Spirit Realm leads Pa'avu and Hazard to a lair of smoke, cinder, cooling stone, and endless magma.
The swirling mists clear fully as the goliath calls out the primordial in attempt to banish its perversion of this realm to which it does not belong. Vezzuzu obliges her command...but not in the way she intended.
A pair of burning forms hulk before them; one a tornado of ash and cinder, the other a large pile of magma with massive appendages like arms...
A voice as old as the grinding crust of the world: "Put these foolish ambitions to rest. This realm will hide you no longer. I cast you out...back to where you belong...where all things of creation return to the fires of destruction...and so shall you now, mortal."
Aspects of Vezzuvu accept her challenge...only she and her trusty dog will be the ones banished from this place...not the mighty Primordial!
MECHANICS
Hard DC/Advantages - This is a Nested Combat for 1 Success at the Hard DC. You can wager an Advantage for 2 Successes, but state that at the outset. That would leave you with 1 Advantage remaining. You can spend 1 Advantage to take the make the following Stunt:
Spirit Realm Rebuke (Encounter)
Standard Action - CBU10 (enemies)
Requirement: Nature vs Medium DC 15 (failure = give up CA UtEoYNT)
Atk: +8 vs Will
Effect: The target is dazed and gains Vulnerable 5 all damage (save ends)
Miss: The target takes -2 to hit and Vulnerable 3 all damage UtEoYNT
H reduced to 0 HP - H is shunted from the Spirit Realm back to the material world at Bloodied whereby he could no longer aid P (should P then succeed in the combat and earn 1 Success).
P & H both reduced to 0 HP - P is shunted from the Spirit Realm back to the material world at Bloodied and triggers the final Failure of the SC. This would then trigger (a) a collapse of the ancient ritual chamber and a massive upheaval on the mountain itself that you guys would have to escape which (b) would be a new Skill Challenge. (c) Vezzuvu becomes an antagonist and (d) you'll now have to figure out a new way to commune with Stoneroot as the Spiritual Sojourn ritual chamber would be ruined.
Difficult Terrain - Black squares are large, uneven rocks.
Hindering Terrain - Orange squares is knee-deep magma. It is difficult terrain and if P or H start their turn in a square of magma, they take 10 ongoing fire damage and are slowed (save ends both).
A1: Vezzuvu Aspect Magma (Elite Brute) - HP 156; Bloodied 78, AC 17, Fortitude 18, Reflex 18, Will 15
A2: Vezzuvu Aspect Ash (Elite Controller) - HP 116; Bloodied 58, AC 19, Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 18
INITIATIVE
Pa-avu 15
A2 13
A1 9
Hazard 8
ROUND 1
PA'AVU MONSTER KNOWLEDGE (NO ACTION)
@darkbard and @Nephis are wagering an Advantage against his Hard DC nested combat encounter for 2 Successes in the SC.
PA'AVU's communion with the earth alerts her to the two hulking predators threatening their passage. As she moves further into this cavernous chamber of magma and smoke, her growing battle senses quickly analyzes their strange new foes and recognizes as the one full of wind as being somewhat akin to her gosb'tar: one who controls the battleground from afar. She will take her fight to it! She focuses the power of her screaming armor on it and - giving her own howl - leaps forward onto the controlling wind's rocky outcropping and begins her assault.
Velmech'ti slices this way and that, trying to find purchase through the ash and cinder, and Pa'avu attempts to push the strange being off of the outcropping and into the magma (recognizes that it may not do much harm, but distance would be good). Her failure to accomplish this infuriates the goliath, who bellows her rage to all who have ears to hear.
Her rage is fueled by the connection she still feels with earth's coolness beyond the limits of this chamber. This connection allows her to retain her focus when she fails to land another solid blow.
* Move Action: move to I7
* Minor Action (Enc.): Screaming Armor vs. Ash: - 2 ATK UEoPNT
* Standard Action: Howling Wolf as (leaping) charge vs. Ash: Athletics check to Jump: r(18) + 12 = 30 = clear 3 squares to land in E5; ATK (Vanguard): r(16) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 27 vs 19 Hit; Damage: r(3) + r(5) + 5 + r(7) (VW) = 20 HP
TRIGGER (ASH ASPECT) - BURNING REBUKE (FIRE) IMMEDIATE REACTION VS P FORT; r(15) +8 -2 (SA) = 21. Hit. r(5) +4 fire damage = 9 fire damage and slowed (save ends).
Triggered Actions
ᗕ Burning Rebuke (fire) ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Trigger: An enemy's melee attack deals damage to the aspect.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d8 + 4 fire damage, and the target is slowed (save ends).
* No Action (Enc): trigger: hit w/Charge ATK: Iron Wolf Charge: r(3) extra damage; 2nd ATK (Ki focus) vs. Ash: r(4) + 8 = 12 vs. 18 Will. Miss
* Free Action (to use AP for add'l Standard Action (Daily)): Tyrant's Rage vs. Ash: ATK (Ki focus): r(4) + 11 = 15 vs. 18 Will. Miss; 1/2 Damage: r(9) + r (6) + 6 = 21/2 = 10 HP, & Ash Dazed UEoPNT
Pa'avu: 55/55 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining; 0 AP remaining
Ash Aspect: -2 ATK UEoPNT & Dazed UEoPNT
TRIGGER (ASH ASPECT) - ASHEN VORTEX AURA; ASH ASPECT SLIDES P TO E6.
Traits
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF ASH registers the turbulence to its vortices wrought by the primal fury of the barbarian. It brings the combined force of burning cinders and blighting ash to bear against its foe, but to no avail as the barbarian's feet barely budge under the torrent of its tornadic assault.
* Standard Action: Double Attack on P. Ashblight vs AC; r(3) +10 - 2 = 11. Miss. Cinderlash vs Fort; r(12) +8 -2 (SA) = 18. Miss.
⚔ Double Attack ✦ At-Will
Effect: The aspect uses ashblight and cinderlash or uses cinderlash twice.
(⚔) Ashblight (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +10 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 3 fire damage, and the target is dazed until the end of the aspect's next turn.
(➶) Cinderlash (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +8 vs Fort
Hit: 2d6 +6 fire damage, and the aspect slides the target 2 squares.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA slides forwad across the protesting earth, leaving molten rock in its wake. Carrying out the bidding of the Primordial that commands its sentience as a mere pawn, the elemental force batters the trusted hound with a blazing aura of heat, caustic vapors, and fists of molten rock.
* Standard Action: Charge to O6 and Slam vs H AC; r(9) +10 +1 (charge) = 20. Hit. r(2, 6) + 7 = 15 fire damage.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Slam (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +10 vs. AC
Hit: 2d8 + 7 fire damage.
* Action Point (Free Action for Standard Action): Slam vs H AC; r(6) +10 = 16. Miss.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(11) +8 = 19. Hit. r(2, 3) +2 = 7 poison damage.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Sulfuric Breath (poison) ✦ At-Will 1/round
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d6 + 2 poison damage.
* Hazard is in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2
Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
Yelping at the seering pain, HAZARD eagerly follows his Friend across the small river of liquid heat, ducking under a blow from the strange fire beast attacking him. Whether it is fear of the beast behind, strength of purpose in aiding his Beloved, or some other circumstance in this strange world, the Hound sails over the lava and slams into the smoky wind beast.
* Start of turn: 78/78 HP - 22 HP = 56/78
* Move Action: Move to K5.
TRIGGER - OPPORTUNITY ATTACK A1 (SLAM) VS H'S AC; r(3) +10 = 13; Miss.
* Standard Action: (leaping) charge at A2: Athletics check to jump over lava: r(14) + 11 = 25, clear 2 squares to finish charge in E4; ATK: r(20) + 10 + 1 (charge) + 2 (CA) = Critical, Damage: 10 + 11 = 21 HP
* End of turn: 56/78 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining
TRIGGER - END OF TURN IN ASHEN VORTEX. A2 SLIDES H 1 SQ TO E3; HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA. HAZARD SAVING THROW 6; FAILED. SLIDES TO E3, 10 OG FIRE AND SLOWED (SAVE ENDS BOTH)
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
A1 156/156
A2 62/116 dazed, -2 to hit (SA)
ROUND 2 (ON INITIATIVE 12, ASPECTS BECOME DISEMPOWERED; -2 TO HIT AND VULN 5 UTENT)
Still cloaking herself in her righteous fury, PA'AVU feels first the relief of having a Beloved fellow warrior as her H'z'lahto arrives at her side, teeth biting at their smoky foe and bringing with him the odor of burnt fur. Then a wave of cool fresh air seems to dance around them, lifting her spirits and strengthening her furious resolve. Is this proof that Chanvati and the tiefling yet live?
The goliath carefully steps out of the broken rocks for more sure footing with which to wield Velmech'ti against this strange column of wind. Then she unleashes her own vengeance on the unnatural thing, feeling her power against it somehow grow even stronger. They will prevail!
* Start of turn: Blessings of Stoneroot: +2 Power bonus to all defenses & attacks; 5 THP; +5 Power bonus to Damage UEoBBNT: Pa'avu: 46/55 HP, Slowed (SE)
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A2: Shift 2 squares (= 1 square of Difficult Terrain): E5; ATK (Ki focus): r(4) + 11 + 2 (CA) + 2 (BSR) = 19 vs 19 AC Hit; Damage r(7) + r(4) + 6 + r(5) (raging) + 5 (BSR) = 27 HP (A2 = Bloodied), and A2 is pushed 1 square to C7
* Move Action: Shift to D5
* Minor Action (Daily): Rain of Hammers power: MBA vs A2: ATK (Ki Focus): r(5) + 11 + 2 (CA) + 2 (BSR) = 20 vs. 19 AC Hit; Damage: r(1) + 6 + 2 (GoB) + 5 (BSR) = 14 HP
* Save vs Slowed: r(18) Success
* End of turn: 46/55 HP (5 THP), 10/11 Surges remaining, Blessing of Stoneroot UEoBBNT; A2: Dazed & -2 ATK expire
TRIGGER - END OF TURN IN ASHEN VORTEX. A2 SLIDES P 1 SQ TO D6 (ADJACENT TO HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA)
☼ Ashen Vortex ✦ Aura 1
The Aspect slides any enemy that ends its turn in the aura 1 square.
Primal energy permeates the barrier between the material world and the Spirit Realm. Stoneroot's Blessing bulwarks Pa'avu and Hazard and the thwarting of Vezzuvu's minions enervates the Aspects' elemental energy. Despite the severing of its prowess, the VEZZUVU ASPECT OF ASH is possessed of single-mindedness. Choking ashen vortices and cinders like a whip lash out in all directions, assailing the goliath and her hound, threatening to topple them into the knee-deep magma all around them!
* Standard Action: Double Attack on P. Ashblight vs AC; r(17) +10 -2 (Disempower) = 25. Hit; r(5, 4) +3 Fire damage - 5 THP = 7 fire damage and P is dazed UtEoYNT. Cinderlash vs Fort; r(3) +8 -2 (Disempower) = 9. Miss.
* Minor Action: Emberstorm; Ashen Vortex expands to aura 3
Minor Actions
ᗕ Emberstorm (fire) ✦ Recharge at the start of any turn when ashen vortex is aura 1
Effect: The ashen vortex expands to aura 3. At the start of the aspect's next turn, the ashen vortex expands to aura 5. At the start of its following turn, the aspect makes the following attack.
Attack (No Action): Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); +8 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire damage, and the target is slowed and blinded (save ends both).
Effect: The ashen vortex aura reverts to its original state and size (aura 1).
* Move Action: Shift to C6
* Free Action (Action Point for Standard Action): Double Attack.. Ashblight vs H's AC; r(14) +10 -2 (Disempower) +2/+0 (possible CA from prone if ST is successful) = 22/24. Hit; r(6, 2) +3 Fire damage -5 THP = 6 fire damage and H is dazed UtEoYNT. Cinderlash vs P's Fort; r(14) +8 -2 (Disempower) +2 (CA) = 22. Hit; r(3, 4) +6 = 12 fire damage and P slides 2 squares into D7 and then D8 and Magma Hindering Terrain.
TRIGGER - A2 SLIDES P 2 SQ TO D7 THEN D8; HINDERING TERRAIN OF MAGMA. PA'AVU SAVING THROW 3; FAILED. SLIDES TO D7, 10 OG FIRE AND SLOWED (SAVE ENDS BOTH). 2ND SAVING THROW 20. PRONE, ADJACENT TO A2, IN D7 HINDERING TERRAIN.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA glides across the cooled rock, scarring it, to bear down upon poor Hazard as he attempts to extricate himself from the sticky, molten magma pool that he finds himself harried by. Ancient runes from the Elder Spirit of the Mountain flare on spiritual fur, protecting our canine hero from the wrath of the Primordial's servitor!
* Move Action: O6 to I5
* Standard Action: Charge to G4 and Slam vs H AC; r(7) +10 +1 (Charge) +2 (CA) -2 (Disempower) = 18. Miss (due to Stoneroot's Blessing)
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(10) +8 +2 (CA) -2 (Disempower) = 18. 18. Miss (due to Stoneroot's Blessing)
* Hazard is in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2
Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
HAZARD feels a gentle breeze ruffle his fur and brush aside the blows he sees coming. This gives him courage to stand firm against this foe, trusting his Beloved will be all right and soon join him. The Hound sees a moment of vulnerability and leaps forward to bite.
* Start of turn: 33 BLOODIED/78 HP (7 + 10(OG)), Slowed & 10 OG (SE), Dazed UEoA2NT
* Standard Action: Bite vs. A1: r(8) + 10 + 2 (BSR) = 20 vs. 17 AC Hit!; Damage: r(9) + 6 + 5 (BSR) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 25 HP
* Save vs OG 10 & Slowed: 19 Success
* 33/78 HP, 10/11 Surges remaining, Dazed UEoA2NT
A1 131/156 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
A2 18/116 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
ROUND 3
PA'AVU - head spinning, skin burning - gazes balefully at the tower of wind and cinder beside her. Then her breath catches as she sees her moment and spears Velmech'ti into it. Her victory at overcoming this one of their pair of unnatural combatants surges through her and clears her mind. She stands and prepares to continue their battle, as her l'pahb'gin hardens her outerskin to protect her from this heat.
* Start of turn: Slowed & 10 OG fire (SE), Dazed UEoA2NT. 27/55 HP - 10 OG = 17/55 HP.
* Standard Action (Enc.): Resurgent Strike vs. A2: r(18) + 11 - 2 (prone) = 26 vs. 19 AC Hit!; no longer Dazed; Damage: r(6) + r(3) + 6 + 2 (GoB) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 22 HP = A2 DEADED!!
* Move Action: Stand up from Prone
* Minor Action (Enc.): Stone's Endurance: Resist All 5 UEoPNT
* Save vs Slowed/OG 10: 4 Failed
* End of Turn: 17/55 HP; 10/11 Surges remaining; Stone's Endurance UEoPNT; Slowed & 10 OG (SE), no longer Dazed
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA explodes in a huge conflagration and spews sulfuric breath at Hazard. Whether by deliverance of Stoneroot, sheer will, or martial prowess, the goliath and the dog emerge unscathed!
* Move Action: Shift to G5 (both P and H are now in Magma Aura)
* Standard Action: Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CLBU3); r(5) +8 +2 (CA) - 2 (Disemp) = 13. Miss P. r(7) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 13. Miss H.
ᗕ Fiery Eruption (fire) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Close burst 3 (creatures in the burst); +8 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 2 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends).
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath vs H Fort: r(9) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 15. Miss.
* Hazard and Pa'avu are both in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2 Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
HAZARD delays until Pa'avu's turn next round.
However, he takes his 10 OG fire and the 7 fire damage from Magma Aura on his original initiative.
A1 131/156 Disempowered until End of Chanvati's Turn (Init 12); -2 to hit and Vuln 5.
ROUND 4
PA'AVU pulls herself out of the fiery liquid, pants with frustration, calls out to her Hound that she is on her way, and moves to threaten their opponent - more slowly than she'd like. There is another breath of fresh air dancing around her as she steps, and her opponent seems to be easily damaged. After Velmech'ti has done her damage, the goliath shoves the thing away from her.
* Start of turn: takes 10 OG - 5 Resist All = 5; 12/55 HP; Slowed & OG 10
* Move Action: move "2 squares" out of Hindering Terrain to D6
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A1: shift 2 squares to E5; ATK: r(10) + 11 = 21 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(1) + r(6) + r(2) (raging) + 6 + 5 (vulnerable) = 20 HP, and push A1 to H5
* Minor Action (Enc): Iron Resurgence: lose 1 Surge, spend 2 Surges: 26 HP, plus gain 6 THP
* Save versus Slowed & OG: 5 Fail
* End of turn: Aura 2: 7 damage - 5 Resist All - 2 THP = 0 damage; 38/55 HP and 4 THP; 7/11 surges remaining; Stone's Endurance ends
At his Friend's call, HAZARD waits until she has distracted the strange liquid-fire-beast before struggling out of the fiery mire he has been pushed into. The Hound tries shaking some of the fire out of his fire, then, feeling the same cooling fresh wind, feels ready to take the thing on once more. Limping from the burns on his paws, he resolutely charges at it, against all instinct to avoid fire, and bites at it again.
* Start of turn: Took 10 (OG) damage on Initiative 8; 16/78 HP; Slowed & 10 OG (SE)
* Move Action: "2 squares" out of Hindering Terrain into E2
* Standard Action: Charge ATK vs A1: move to F4; ATK: r(7) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 18 vs. 17 AC; Damage: r(6) + 10 (P w/in 2) + 5 (vulnerable) = 21 HP
* Save vs OG/Slowed: 16 Success
* End of turn: Took 7 Fire damage on Initiative 8 due to Aura. 16/78 HP; 10/11 Surges remaining
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA again explodes in a huge conflagration and spews sulfuric breath at the pair of spiritual sojourners. Their companions disempowering their foes in the material world leaves them a shred of an opening as this spiritual battle hangs in the balance!
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 6. RECHARGE
* Standard Action: Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CBU3); r(15) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 21. Hit P; (2, 5) +2 - 4 THP = 5 fire damage. r(8) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 14. Miss H.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath (CBL3) vs P and H Fort: r(12) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 18. Miss P. r(2) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 8. Miss H.
* Hazard and Pa'avu are both in Aspect Magma's Magma Aura:
☼ Magma Aura (fire) ✦ Aura 2 Any creature that ends its turn in the aura takes 7 fire damage.
A1 90/156
ROUND 5
PA'AVU, HAZARD, AND CHANVATI ARE NOW ALL IN THE SPIRIT REALM AND ACTING ON INITIATIVE 15 SIMULTANEOUSLY (SEE BELOW)
PA'AVU, sweat pouring down her face, stone lithoderms so hot they burn, especially on the soles of her feet, gingerly places herself where she can rescue her Hound. She lifts Velmech'ti to slice against their foe of Magma, finally doing visible damage and howls in thunderous triumph. Face grim with murderous rage, she shoves the creature from them, then leaps away, calling Hazard to follow. As she soars through the air, she finally feels the heat besieging her body - at least for now.
* Start of turn: Takes 10 OG; 33/55 HP; Slowed & OG
* Standard Action: Pressing Strike vs. A1: shift 2 squares to F5; ATK: r(15) + 11 = 26 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(9) + 6 + r(5) (Raging) + 5 (Vulnerable) = 25 Damage A1 BLOODIED; push A1 0 squares
TRIGGER: VOLCANIC FURY UPON BEING BLOODIED; IMMEDIATE REACTION. A1 RECHARGES FIERY ERUPTION AND USES IT IMMEDIATELY
* Immediate Reaction: A1 Fiery Eruption (fire) vs P and H Ref (CBU3); r(15) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 21. Hit P. (2, 6) +2 = 10 fire damage. r(3) +8 -2 (Disemp) = 9. Miss H.
Triggered Actions
Volcanic Fury (fire) ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The aspect is bloodied.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The aspect recharges fiery eruption and uses it.
* No Action (trigger: Bloody an enemy): Thunderborn Wrath: 3 + 5 (Vul) = 8 Damage
* No Action (trigger: Hit an enemy this round) (Enc): 5 + 5 (Vuln) = 10 Damage
* Minor Action (Tyrant's Rage): push 1 square: A1 to I4
* Move Action (Enc.): Crane's Wings: Athletics (Jump): r(8,15) + 12 + 5 = 32 = clears 6 squares: end in K11 (avoiding OAs)
* Save vs. OG & Slow: 11 = Success!! Finally!!!!!!!!
* End of turn: 23/55 HP; 7/11 Surges remaining; 0 APs remaining
HAZARD, bewildered at this strange place, hunkers down for a moment to regain his bearings. Then, seeing the space his Giant has given him, he scrambles and leaps after her onto the large piece of "land" in this strange, strange world. Feeling a little stronger, he prepares to defend and fight alongside his Beloved Friend. Perhaps the end is at last in sight.
* Start of turn: 16/78 HP
* Standard Action: Second Wind: spend 1 Surge/gain 19 HP
* Move Action: Athletics Check to make a (running) Jump: r(14) + 11 = 25 = 2 squares: Move 6 squares (including 2 jump sq) to J10 (avoiding OAs)
* Minor Action (Enc.): Savage Protector engaged
* End of turn: 35 HP; 9/11 Surges remaining; AC 20 (SP)
As their battle against the servants of Vezzuvu draws to a close, CHANVATI and Bita-Bousseh survey the landscape in an instant. No more foes arise. The magma ceases to flow. Power tangibly ripples across the material plane; the two can sense, somehow, its reverberations in the Spirit Realm.
"Quickly, now, Beets, I must re-establish connection with Pa'avu! Does she yet live?!?" The Merchant Prince seems to lack his usual poise, returns his attention to the sacred "mud-bath" beside him, in which the Goliath's body, and that of her hound, are immersed.
Bita-Bousseh raises an eyebrow. Is it at the pet name? Or his devotion to a slave? Who can say?
"You're going to need to hold down the fort, so to speak, barrister. I will be ... gone from this place for a time, though my body remains."
The Psion holds out his palms above the submerged head and reaches out with his mind, collapsing the space between his neuronal network and that of his slave's. Never has he pushed his psionic reserves to this extent!
<<A cascade of light, a power tapestry, a kaleidoscope of dendrites intertwining like the root systems of a vast forest. Mists swirl. A giant gate like a harp. A hissing serpent, furious, outraged. Lingering malice.>>
And then a semi-physical place of rocky outcroppings and magma flows like rivers. The forms of Pa'avu, Hazard, and the improbable Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu itself looming, terrible, a wreath of flame emanating outward in shimmering waves from its dreadful form.
With uncanny reflexes, Chanvati orients himself and binds the Aspect of Magma to his will, hurling it dozens of paces away, struggling, futilely, against the strength of his mind.
* Start of turn (sort of; see below): Appear in N4.
* Move Action: Stunt to transit to Spirit Realm.
Arcana check vs Hard DC. Success = sustain Bloodied HP damage but spirit transported to battlefield in Spirit Realm. Failure = suffer 1 HS damage and locked out of Spirit Realm. Adept's Insight AUG 1 r(3) +1 = +4 bonus to Arcana check, r(20) +11 +4 = 35 vs 22 Hard DC. Success!
Effect: The enmity of the Spirit Serpent as a lingering cost! Sustain Bloodied HP damage, roll initiative, r(11) +4 = act on initiative 15 in Round 5.
* Standard Action: Living Missile Daily Attack vs A1, r(12) +8 = 20 vs 18 Fort. Hit. A1 Immobilized (SE).
* Minor Action (Living Missile): Slide A1 I4 to -Y14 (2 squares off map).
* End of turn: 1/40 HP, 6/7, 1 PP remaining.
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA finds itself helpless, flung far and wide and immobilized by Psionics.
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 3. FAILS TO RECHARGE
NO ACTIONS (NO RANGED ATTACKS. READYING FOR MELEE 2 WOULD NEGATE ABILITY TO SAVE VS IMMOBILIZED AND JUST LET CHANVATI RANGED DAMAGE A1 DOWN TO 0 HP SO OPTING OUT TO ROLL SAVING THROW VS IMMOBILIZED).
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Immobilized; r(13) +2 = 15. Success. No longer Immobilized.
A1 47/156 DISEMPOWER IS ENDED
ROUND 6
After PA'AVU finishes her flying leap from the smaller land mass, she takes a moment to catch both her breath and her bearings. She feels a shift in the air, and turns to catch a glimpse of streak of flying molten magma. The directness with which it moves sharply reminds her of actions she has witnessed before, and she turns again, sharply, to the spot she and her H'z'lahto entered this strange realm, not too long ago. She cannot believe her eyes, but surely that is her gosb'tar standing there, looking somehow both triumphant and infinitely exhausted.
Immediately she rushes over to him, to defend him from the inevitable return of their foe, calling out to her Hound to do the same, protecting their gosb'tar's flank. She gives Chanvati a rare smile before turning back to face their foe, Velmech'ti in hand.
* Standard Action: Second Wind: 13 HP, +2 all defenses
* Move Action: move 6 squares, ending in L5.
LOCATION: L5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 36/55
CURRENT BUFFS: +2 all defenses (SW) UtSoPNT
HEALING SURGES: 6/11
HAZARD THE HOUND feels his spirits lift as his Beloved Giant points to their newly arrived Companion and calls out instructions to guard him. This feels much more the way things ought to be! Emulating the leap he saw his Giant perform over the channel of liquid fire, the Hound leaps over this smaller puddle of similar fire, landing near the Man. Turning, he snarls and snaps, giving warning to anything that dare threaten them now.
* Start of turn: +2 AC (SW) ends; Savage Protector mode active
* Move Action: move 6 squares (including running jump): Move 2 squares to K8, Athletics Check to jump: r(18) + 11 = 29 = clears up to 5 squares, landing in O6
* Standard Action: Ready an Action: Charge attack versus A1 when A1 is within 3 squares of any one member of the party (Hazard included)
LOCATION: O6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 35/78
CURRENT BUFFS: Readied action (see above); Savage Protector (+2AC)
HEALING SURGES: 9/11
CHANVATI knows he has bought them some time. But he also knows this battle against the Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu is far from over. His Goliath and her hound look exhausted, beaten upon, and burnt. And his own transcendence into the Spirit Realm has taken its toll upon him. As his protectors take up a defensive stance before him, it is all he can do to muster up whatever reserves of strength and psionic energy he has within him to continue to bring the fight to their enemy.
* Standard Action: Second Wind: +10 HP, +2 all defenses USoNT
LOCATION: N4
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 0
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0, A1 Saved vs Immobilized last turn
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 11/40
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
HEALING SURGES: 5/7 POWER POINTS: 1/3
The VEZZUVU ASPECT OF MAGMA moves across magma and cooled stone alike, drawing a bead on the Goliath warrior...until her trusty dogger rushes in to intercept the avatar of the Primordial, snapping and snarling fiercely, stopping it in its tracks and drawing the monster's attention. It unleashes a wave of caustic volcanic breath, but to little effect.
* Recharge Fiery Eruption; 3. FAILURE.
* Move Action: 6 squares to E8.
TRIGGER AT I6: IMMEDIATE REACTION: HAZARD CHARGES VAoM
* H Charge to J6 and Snap & Snarl vs VAoM AC: r(17) +10 +1 (charge) = 28. Hit; r(7) + 6 = 13 damage and VAoM is marked by Hazard UtEoNT.
* Standard Action Charge: VAoM Charge (switch targets after H Immediate Reaction) to I6 and Slam (fire) vs H AC: r(7) +10 +1 (charge) = 18. Miss.
* Minor Action: Sulfuric Breath (CBL3) vs H and P Fort: r(13) +8 = Hit H. r(10) +10 = Miss P (due to 2nd W). r(2, 4) +2 = 8 acid damage to H.
* H ends turn in Magma Aura; 7 fire damage to H.
LOCATION: I6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 +7 = 15 to H. Took 13 from H's Charge.
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0. Marked by H UtENT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 34/156
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
A1 34/156 Marked by H UtENT
ROUND 7
Still energized by the unexpected rescue by her gosb'tar and seeing the chance given her by her beloved H'z'lahto, PA'AVU leaps forward at the entity with a wolf's howl and her Velmech'ti at the ready. Then, after slicing through the magma several times, she shoves it away from her and takes a step back, out of its aura of flames.
* Start of turn: +2 buff from second wind ends
* Standard Action: Howling Strike as charge attack vs. VAoM (Vanguard Weapon): Move to J5; ATK: r(15) + 10 + 1 (charge) = 26 vs. 17 AC Hit; Damage: r(10) + r(2) + 5 + r(8) (VW) + 2 (GoB) = 27 damage
* Minor Action (Tyrant's Rage): push VAoM 1 square to H6
* Move Action: shift 1 square to K5
LOCATION: K5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 27 damage to VAoM
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: VAoM pushed 1 square (Tyrant's Rage) to H6
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 36/55
CURRENT BUFFS: not in Aura 2 of VAoM; Raging
HEALING SURGES: 6/11
Though Hazard ravages the creature of magma in an attack of snapping, snarling teeth as it approaches and Pa'avu cuts through its molten form, shoving it out of harm's way, it comes down to CHANVATI delivering the final blow, as he knew it would. As befitting his station.
The Psion touches two fingers to his temple, drawing upon the latent psionic energy in his glowing crystal staff clutched in the other hand, and unleashes a torrent of psychic force to assault the animating mind of the Magma Aspect of Vezzuvu. Instantaneously, when the psionic energy short-circuits the creature's neuronal pathways as the influx of external energy overloads its mind, it crumples into a steaming pile of slowly liquefying magma.
* Standard Action: Mind Thrust vs A1, ATK r(9) + 8 = 17 vs 15 Will. Hit for r(8) +5 = 13 psychic damage. A1 destroyed.
LOCATION: N4
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 psychic damage to A1
CONDITION TO ENEMIES: 0
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 11/40
CURRENT BUFFS: 0
HEALING SURGES: 5/7
CURRENT PPS: 1/3
COMBAT RESOLVED
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