A disembodied voice like a shadowed whisper.
"You dare..."
Time seems to stand still momentarily. A chill wind suddenly howls and vanishes. The space around Ahaan's increasingly spectral body becomes imbued by shadow-stuff, elongated and phantasmal hands pulling him into a dark nexus as he tries to resist.
"Very well. The Lord of All Moments, Here and Hereafter hears your plea. Today I will claim all souls of your family forevermore, priest. Proceed on your way to oblivion's embrace..."
Shadowy exarchs of NERULL emerge from the dark portal. Yet...silver hands, those you instinctively know of your mother, emerge from the same portal and desperately attempt to fend the necrotic-imbued hands from your brother.
@Nephis
MECHANICS
*
UZMEHR BELOW:
Uzmehr
Medium natural humanoid
Level 8 Controller (Leader) XP 350
HP 88; Bloodied 44 Initiative +5
AC 22, Fortitude 20, Reflex 20, Will 20 Perception+5
Speed 6
Traits
Protected by Grace
Uzmehr gains a +2 bonus to all defenses while he is adjacent to an ally.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Quarterstaff of Grace (divine, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +13 vs. AC
Hit: 2d8 + 7 damage and the target is pulled 2 sqs toward Silvered Hands.
ᗕ Omthala's Rebuke (divine) ✦ Recharge 6
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); +11 vs. Will
Hit: The target cannot use a standard action during its next turn.
Appoint Champion ✦ At-Will
Effect: Close burst 10 (one ally in the burst); the target makes a basic attack as a free action and shifts 1 square before or after the attack.
Inspirational Authority ✦ Recharge 6
Effect: Close burst 10 (one ally in the burst); the target uses an at-will, encounter, or recharge attack power as a free action.
Skills Diplomacy +12, Dungeoneering +10, Religion +12
Str 15 (+6) Dex 12 (+5) Wis 12 (+5)
Con 12 (+5) Int 14 (+6) Cha 16 (+7)
Languages Common , Elven
Equipment: quarterstaff , cloth armor .
* AHAAN (blue square P8): All characters can move through or occupy this space.
*
BROTHER BOUND: Ahaan's increasingly spectral form is vanishing from this world, being pulled into Nerull's realm of the dead in fulfillment of their contract long ago. You have 5 rounds to resolve an of-level, complexity 1 SC to unbind Ahaan from his contract with Nerull and the eternal fate before him. Below are the actions and their particulars:
L
evel 8, Complexity 1 SC. 1 Secondary Skill (no range, Minor Action, DC 12). 4 Primary Skill (DC 16) Successes before 3 Failures or End of Round 5 (whichever comes first).
Primary Skills:
✦
Rebuke Nerull's Contract: History or Intimidate (standard action, range 5 from Ahaan).
✦
Physical Intercession (Encounter/Single-Use): Athletics or Endurance (move action, adjacent to Spectral Hands Hindering Terrain).
✦
Invoke Moon Maiden: Arcana, Nature, or Religion (standard action while standing in one of the altar's squares).
✦
Maternal Plea: Diplomacy (standard action, adjacent to Mother's Silvered Hands Terrain).
SUCCESS: Ahaan's soul is welcomed into Omthala's bosom. Arunny, Qamra, and Uzmehr gain Omthala's Grace; 10 THP, +2 Power Bonus to attack, and all attacks deal +1d6 radiant damage UtEotE.
FAILURE: Ahaan's soul is dragged forevermore into Nerull's Land of Timeless Death. Mother's Silvered Hands disappears and Arunny, Qamra, and Uzmehr gain Nerull's Scorn; -2 defenses UtEotE.
*
DEADLY FALL: Squares that are completely sky indicate a fall that will outright kill you with maximum fall damage. These squares are hindering terrain.
*
JAGGED ROCKS: Any creature without phasing who begins their turn in the Hindering Terrain of the Razor Rocks takes 5 damage. Taking a move action on these rocks requires a DC 16 Acrobatics/Athletics check or you fall prone.
*
DIFFICULT TERRAIN: Stairs are deeply pocked and with large, uneven risers.
*
ILLUMINATION: The yellow circle is fully illuminated by the light of the moon. Creatures outside of that have Partial Concealment unless you have lowlight vision or better. The squares under the trees fully block the light of the moon due to the density of their canopy. Those squares are Total Concealment unless you have lowlight vision or better. These trees are not climb-worthy, but they can provide Cover.
*
PHANTASMAL HANDS (Black Square): This Hindering Terrain is also Difficult Terrain for heroes. This terrain has no effect on Nerull's minions.
Effect: Whenever Arunny, Qamra or Uzmehr start their turn adjacent to or in a square of phantasmal hands, they take 5 necrotic damage and they're grabbed (escape DC 16).
*
MOTHER'S SILVERED HANDS (Yellow Square): This is Hindering Terrain for your enemies.
Effect: Whenever Nerull's minions start their turn adjacent to or in a square of mother's silvered hands, they take 5 radiant damage.
*
(N) Nerull's Phantasm x 1 (Elite Controller; large shadow, undead): 172 HP, AC 22, Fortitude 20, Reflex 21, Will 20
*
(R) Shadow Reavers x 3 (Standard Lurker; medium shadow, undead): 70 HP, AC 22, Fortitude 19, Reflex 22, Will 20
*
Place Arunny, Qamra, and your father Uzmehr in squares M-O/6 or on the stairs L7/8.
INITIATIVE
(R) Shadow Reavers: 21 (DELAYING UNTIL AFTER NERULL'S PHANTASM)
(N) Nerull's Phantasm: 18
(Q) Qamra: r(4) + 8 = 12
(A) Arunny: r(1) + 10 = 11
(U) Uzmehr: r(5) + 5 = 10
ROUND 1
Monster Knowledge (Religion by Uzmehr) check (No Action): Shadow Reavers: r(6) + 12 = 18. Passes Medium DC.
* Shadow Reaver x 3: Medium shadow (undead), Speed 6, darkvision, necrotic, healing, polymorph
Monster Knowledge (Religion by Uzmehr) check (No Action): Nerull's Phantasm: r(17) + 12 = 29. Passes Hard DC.
*
Nerull's Phantasm
Large shadow (undead)
Level 8 Elite Controller XP 700
HP 172; Bloodied 86 Initiative +9
AC 22, Fortitude 20, Reflex 21, Will 20 Perception+7
Speed 5 darkvision
Vulnerable 10 radiant; Resist 10 necrotic
Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1
Standard Actions
(⚔) Death Strand ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature); +11 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 3 necrotic damage, the phantasm slides the target 2 squares and the target is immobilized (SE).
⚔ Strand Flurry ✦ At-Will
Effect: The phantasm uses death strand twice.
⚔ Out of Space and Time (psychic) ✦ Recharge when the phantasm has no creature out of space and time
Attack: Close Burst 5 (one creature immobilized from time strand); +11 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 4d6 + 11 psychic damage and immobilized ends but the target is out of space and time (SE). While out of space and time, the target is removed from play, and it takes ongoing 10 psychic damage. When the effect ends or the phantasm drops to 0 hit points, the target appears in an unoccupied square of its choice adjacent to the phantasm.
Minor Actions
ᗕ Temporal Superposition ✦ At-Will (1/round)
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemy in the burst); +11 vs. Will
Hit: The phantasm slides the target up to 4 squares.
Athletics +8
SHADOW REAVERS DELAY UNTIL AFTER NERULL'S PHANTASM
The air grows supernaturally cold. Far colder than the windswept night at altitude that the Moon Maiden's altar typically has on terrestrial offer.
As an extension of its deific master, NERULL'S PHANTASM reaches out with time's many fated offerings and with black, snaking shadowstuff from the land of the dead. Qamra is pulled into the dark nexus of shadowy hands which grope at Ahaan while Arunny is grasped and yanked to the phantasm with choking death.
* Move Action: U6 to P5.
* Minor Action: Temporal Superposition (CBu5; enemy) vs Q's Will: r(16) +11 = 27. Hit. Q slides 4 sq into Hindering Terrain (Phantasmal Hands); Q7 (
player declines save for prone outside).
* Standard Action: Strand Flurry; Death Strand (M3) vs Q's and A's Reflex: r(8, 17) + 11 = 19, 28. Miss Q and Hit A.
TRIGGERS DIMENSIONAL VORTEX (IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT); QAMRA
Despite being assaulted by the phantasmic reflection of Nerull and subsequently held in the grasp of the Spectral Hands, QAMRA is somehow able to focus within her young but disciplined fighter's body and herself grasp the threatening Shadow.
Shivering slightly at the cold and greasy sensation her skin sends her mind, the Radiant Shamshar uses her Goddess-given power to pull the shadowy figure through one of Her vortices and reappear adjacent to one of his own allies to deliver the blow meant for Arunny onto this hapless soldier. Admittedly it seems to affect the shadow reaver with less force than would have been given to her mentor.
No matter: the young warrior opens herself up as a conduit for Her Radiant energies, thrusting them deeply into the Phantasm, causing a recoiling in the Shadow. A momentary interruption, to be sure, but she will take what she can get. This is sure to be another difficult struggle for them to endure.
* Triggered Action: Immediate Interrupt: Dimensional Vortex: Trigger: enemy hits ally with Melee attack; Effect: Qamra transports target (Nerull's Phantasm) 5 squares to O10. Target makes Melee attack against R3; NP ATK vs R3 = 28. Hits. r(6, 2) +3 = 11 necrotic - 10 (Resist 10 Necrotic) = 1 necrotic damage to R3, slides to Q8, immobilized (SE). Qamra’s ATK vs. N: ClBu10 (triggering enemy/N) vs. Will: r(16) + 11 = 27 vs. 20 Will/hit; Damage: r(5) + 9/Radiant + 10/Vulnerable = 24 HP & N is subject to Q's Divine Sanction UEoQNT.
LOCATION: O10
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Q in Phantasmal Hands HT after slide 4.
CURRENT HP: 148/172
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Subject to Q's Divine Sanction UEoQNT, in Silvered Hands at beginning of next turn (5 radiant +10 = 15 radiant damage).
Looking the part of a spectral humanoid with elongated features, no discernible mouth, and white slits as eyes the trio of SHADOW REAVERS are darkness incarnate, shadows turned substance. The dictates of their deathly overlord is instruction to lay low the small knight, the odd vanguard of the heroes. One of the ghastly creatures finds a way through Qamra's defenses, staggering her with an otherworldly touch that pierces flesh and seems to harvest her very soul...
After the assault, the shadows turned substance are substance no more, turning into spectral figures barely of this world.
R1
* Move Action: R4 to Q6.
* Standard Action: Lifedraw (M2) vs Q's Fort: r(11) +11 +2 (CA) = 24. Hit. r(6, 6) +8 = 20 necrotic damage and Q loses 1 healing surge and is weakened (SE). R1 deals +1d6 damage UtEoNT.
⚔
Lifedraw (healing, necrotic) ✦ Recharge when a creature adjacent to the reaver becomes bloodied
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature granting combat advantage to the reaver); +11 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d10 + 8 necrotic damage, and the target loses a healing surge and is weakened (save ends). The reaver deals +1d6 damage UtEoNT.
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
Insubstantial Transformation (polymorph) ✦ At-Will
Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious.
Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
R2
* Move Action: T8 to R7.
* Standard Action: Deadly Flit (M2) vs Q's AC: r(6) +13 = 19. Miss.
(⚔)
Deadly Flit (necrotic) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +13 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 7 necrotic damage.
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
R3
* Standard Action: Lifedraw (M2) vs Q's Fort: r(2) +11 +2 (CA) = 15. Miss
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Immobilized; r(13). Succeeds.
LOCATION: R1 in Q6. R2 in R7. R3 in Q8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: Q takes 20 necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Q loses 1 HS and is weakened (SE)
CURRENT HP: R1 @ 70/70, R2 @ 70/70, R3 @ 69/70
CURRENT BUFFS: R1 gains +1d6 damage UtEoR3NT. Insubstantial Transformation all.
CURRENT DEBUFFS: R1 and R3 Lifedraw Exhaust (until adjacent creature bloodied).
Nausea from attack of the shadowy figure almost masks the sickly cold of the spectral arms grabbing and holding QAMRA, but the young warrior endures these nasty sensations and fights on to physically intercede with Nerull's efforts. She twists her body, pulling the arms even closer to her ... and away from her mentor's beloved brother.
Then, the Radiant Shamshar summons courage and strength from the cleaner glow of silver hands just beyond Ahaan's ghostly figure. Thus emboldened, she first calls out a Challenge to all of Nerull's surrogates present here, before unleasing her Lady's Radiant rebuke on those closest.
Spent by her efforts, she bends over to wretch.
* Begins turn in Spectral Hands: takes 5 Necrotic and is Grabbed (DC 16)
* Move Action: Physical Intercession: Qamra makes Endurance Skill check vs 16 DC: r(16) + 12 = 28/Success #1
* Minor Action: Call of Challenge: ClBu3 (enemies in burst); Effect: N, R1, R2, R3 all subject to Qamra’s Divine Sanction UEoQNT
* Standard Action: Radiant Burst: ClBu1 (creatures in burst): ATK vs. Reflex: vs R1: r(8) + 11 = Miss; vs R2: r(14) + 11 = 25 vs 22 Reflex/Hit; vs R3: r(6) + 11 = Miss; Damage to R2: (r(3) + 8 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable) ÷ 2 Weakened = 10 HP
The SHADOW REAVER hisses and flails as its substance returns...
TRIGGERS R2 Radiant Sensitivity
Whenever the reaver takes radiant damage, it loses insubstantial and cannot use insubstantial transformation until the end of its next turn.
* Save vs Weakened: r(4)/Fail
LOCATION: Q7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: R2: 10 Damage
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: N, R1, R2, & R3 all subject to Q's Divine Sanction UEoQNT
CURRENT HP: 48/73
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Adjacent to/in Spectral Hands/Grabbed; Weakened (SE), R2 loses insubstantial transformation UtEoINT.
SURGES: 10/12
As Omthala's Searing Voice analyzes the battleground, both within and without, she can sense a shift inside her psyche: she is not only the Queen on the board, but ARUNNY has become the Chessmaster's Surrogate as well. Pushing that realization to the background, the priestess focuses on the here and now ... while it exists. She also resolutely ignores the probable outcome for her twin - along with her understanding of why he is here in the now. Nerull thinks he knows, but he is very wrong.
Returning her attention to studying the board, Their Radiant Player grants succor to the wounded, her eyes darting back and forth, strategizing how best to punish Their Opponent's pieces. Seeing an opening, she throws a wave of Thundering cacophony at those pieces, hitting half, one critically. This gives her the opportunity to move several of Their own pieces into place.
With determination, Arunny moves herself into place, hoping her attack will encourage Their wounded Knight across from her. Their Opponent's Queen is distracted, but the poor Knight remains weakened.
* Minor Action: Healing Word (Enc): ClBu5 on Qamra: effect Q spends Surge/regains 18 + r(3) = 21 HP & +2 ATK UEoANT
* Standard Action: Tide of First Storm (Enc): ATK vs Reflex/Bu2 w/in 10 (focused on Ahaan's square/P8): vs. N: r(6) + 12 = Miss; vs. R1: r(20) + 12 = Crit. Hit; vs. R2: r(5) + 12 = Miss; vs. R3: r(15) + 12 = 27 vs. 22 Ref/Hit. Damage: R3: r(3) + 7 Thunder + 5 Fire (Omthala's Crucible power: 1st power A hits during Enc w/Holy Symbol = +5 Fire) = 15 & Slowed UEoANT: R1 (Crit): 18 + r(5,4) = 27 & Slowed
* Move Action: 4 squares (2 DT) to M9
* AP for Standard Action: Brand of the Sun vs. N: r(6) + 14 + 2CA = 22 vs. 22 AC/Hit; Damage: r(3) + 7 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable = 20; Effect: Qamra makes Saving Throw vs. Weakened: r(1)/Fail.
LOCATION M9; U = K9; Q=P9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: N: 20; R1: 27; R3: 15
UEoANT
CONDITIONS R1 & R3 = Slowed UEoANT
CURRENT HP: 59/59; Q +21 HP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Q +2 ATK/UEoANT (HW)
SURGES: 9/11
As UZMEHR feels himself gently ushered up the stairs, he turns back to observe the activity below. His anxiety is heightened as he witnesses shadowy figures threatening his children and their very youthful ally. Should he return and fight alongside them?
Then he sees the child wrench the shadowy tendrils from his son's specter, his daughter's powerful slam against the larger shadow. A silver hand points up the stairs, urgently gesturing.
Uzmehr breathes inspiration from the Maiden, whose Temple's steps he is now ascending, and - waving his staff in his daughter's direction - sends Her authority into Arunny, giving her an opening to both strike a Radiant blow and strengthen her young comrade.
Satisfied that he has done what he can for this moment, he takes one more step upward, seeking higher ground for his next act.
* Inspirational Authority (Recharge 6/ClBu10, one ally): Effect: target (Arunny) uses at-will, encounter, or recharge ATK power as Free Action: Arunny: Brand of Sun vs. N: r(18) + 14 + 2CA = 34 vs 22 AC/Hit; Damage: r(2) + 7 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable = 19 HP; Effect: Qamra makes Saving Throw vs. Weakened: r(19)/Success
* Move Action: 1 squares to K10
LOCATION: K10
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: (via Arunny): N: 19 Damage
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: n/a
CURRENT HP: 88/88
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Qamra no longer Weakened
NP 109/172 Subject to Q's Divine Sanction UEoQNT, in Silvered Hands at beginning of next turn (5 radiant +10 = 15 radiant damage).
R1 43/70 +1d6 damage UtEoR3NT, Lifedraw Exhaust, Slowed UEoANT, Insubstantial
R2 60/70 Insubstantial Transformation unavailable UtEoNT
R3 54/70 Lifedraw Exhaust, Insubstantial, Slowed UEoANT
BROTHER BOUND SC: 1 Success/0 Failures/Physical Intercession exhausted/4 rounds remaining
ROUND 2
Silvered Hands flay the dark form of Nerull's worldly embodiment. Arunny hammers it with her cudgel while Qamra's radiant rebuke staggers it.
Yet, at the end of the furious exchange, NERULL'S PHANTASM is surrounding the small knight of Omthala with its terrible allies while the radiant form of Arunny has vanished into a pocket realm!
* Beginning of Turn: Silvered Hands Hindering Terrain; 5 radiant +10 = 15 radiant damage.
* Standard Action: Strand Flurry; Death Strand (M3) vs Q's and A's Reflex: r(18, 9) + 11 -2 vs A (marked by Q) = 29, 18. Hit Q and Hit A (individual attacks so separate damage rolls).
MULTIPLE TRIGGERS:
1) Q'S DIVINE SANCTION FOR HITTING A - NO ACTION; 5 radiant + 10 Vuln = 15 radiant damage to NP.
2) A'S BATTLE AWARENESS FOR HITTING Q W/ A MELEE ATTACK - IMM INTERRUPT;
As soon as ARUNNY senses the Phantasm attack her young charge, Omthala's Searing Voice screams an eldritch cry and slams it with her Cudgel and slides it further into the grasping hands of monnlight silver.
* Triggered Action: Battle Awareness (Enc): Trigger: enemy adjacent to you shifts or makes attack that does not include you; Effect: make a MBA against target: Eldritch Strike as MBA (Enc): r(9) + 14 + 2CA = 25 vs. 22 AC/Hit; Damage: r(10) +7 = 17, and Slide N 1 square to O9. (NP BLOODIED)
NP Cont...vs Q; r(2,6) + 3 = 11 necrotic damage, the phantasm slides Q 2 squares in Hindering Terrain of Phantasmal Hands to Q7 and Q is immobilized (SE)...
TRIGGERS SAVE TO FALL PRONE IN CURRENT SQUARE VS SLIDE INTO HT; PLAYER DECLINES. vs A; r(2,1) +3 = 6 necrotic damage, the phantasm slides A 2 squares to L7 and A is immobilized (SE).
* Minor Action: Temporal Superposition (CBu5; enemy) vs A's Will: r(7) +11 = 18. Miss.
* Move Action: 4 squares (DT) to P6.
* No Action (Action Point for Standard Action): Out of Space & Time (CBu5; one creature immobilized by strand) vs A's Fort: r(15) +11 -2 (marked by Q) = 24. Hit. r(4,5,2,1) + 11 = 23 psychic damage and immobilized ends but A is out of space and time (SE). While out of space and time, A is removed from play, and it takes ongoing 10 psychic damage. When the effect ends or the phantasm drops to 0 hit points, the target appears in an unoccupied square of its choice adjacent to the phantasm.
LOCATION: P6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 necrotic to Q. 29 necrotic and psychic to A
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Q in Phantasmal Hands HT after slide 4. A out of play and OG 10 psychic (SE); blue square signifying.
CURRENT HP: 62/172
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Subject to Q's Divine Sanction UEoQNT. Action Point exhausted.
With the small, agile form of Qamra surrounded in the shadowy mass of life-drawing phantom-hands, the SHADOW REAVERS set to the task of extracting her soul from its husk for their terrible master! She defies them with grit, guile, faith, and raw quicks...but can it only be a matter of time when pressed on all sides by the forces of darkness?!
After the assault, two of the shadows turned substance are substance no more, turning into spectral figures barely of this world. The radiant affliction outlining the form of the third fades.
R1
* Standard Action: (TRIGGERS: Insubstantial Transformation ends) Deadly Flit (M2) vs Q's AC: r(20) +13 +2 (CA) = CRIT. r(6,6) + r(6) +7 = 25 necrotic damage. (
Q BLOODIED. LIFEDRAW REFRESHES R1 AND R3)
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
R2
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq R7 to R8.
* Standard Action: Lifedraw (M2) vs Q's Fort: r(3) +11 +2 (CA) = 16. Miss.
* End of Turn: Radiant Sensitivity ends.
R3
* Standard Action: (TRIGGERS: Insubstantial Transformation ends) Deadly Flit (M2) vs Q's AC: r(1) +13 +2 (CA) = Automiss.
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
LOCATION: R1 in Q6. R2 in R8. R3 in Q8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: Q takes 25 necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: R1 @ 43/70, R2 @ 60/70, R3 @ 54/70
CURRENT BUFFS: Insubstantial Transformation to R1/3.
CURRENT DEBUFFS: R2 Lifedraw Exhaust (until adjacent creature bloodied). R2's Radiant Sensitivity ends.
QAMRA stares, dumbfounded, at the space where her mentor had stood. It is completely empty of her radiant and powerful presence. Qamra is alone.
Gritting her teeth and fighting back tears of defeat, Their Radiant Shamshar feels an inner Warmth of fortitude. She murmurs, "Omthala holds me in Her Grasp and will not let me go."
Turning toward the shadowy reaver which seems to be sucking light out of the air, disappearing it within itself, the young warrior now roars a challenge to its Creator: "Even if you succeed, you do NOT succeed, you Dead and forgotten God!! She and her Children, Earthly and Divine, will burn you OUT!!"
With that, Arunny's Disciple readies herself for what may be her final act as conduit to her Goddess's Radiant Rebuke of shadows.
* Start of Turn: Grabbed by Spectral Hands and takes 5 Necrotic Damage
* Minor Action: Ensnaring Sanction on R2
* Move Action: escape from being Grabbed: r(4) + 13/Acrobatics = 17 vs. 16 DC/Success
* Standard Action: Radiant Burst vs. Reflex: vs. N: r(8) + 2(Healing Word) + 11 = 21 vs. 21 Ref/Hit; vs. R1: r(18) + 2HW + 11 = 31 vs. 22 Ref/Hit; vs. R2: r(4) + 2HW + 11 = 17/Miss; vs. R3: r(6) + 2HW + 11 = 19/Miss; Damage: r(7) + 8 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable = 25 HP to N and R1 (
R1 BLOODIED).
TRIGGER - RADIANT SENSITIVITY R1; LOSES INSUBSTANTIAL TRANSFORMATION.
* Triggered Action: Heroic Effort (Enc): Trigger: Q misses w/attack or fails saving throw; Effect (No Action): Q gains +4 racial bonus to roll: vs. R3: 19 + 4 = 23 vs. 22 Ref/Hit; R3 also takes 25 HP Damage (
R3 BLOODIED).
TRIGGER - RADIANT SENSITIVITY R3; LOSES INSUBSTANTIAL TRANSFORMATION.
* Save vs. Immobilized: r(10)/Success
LOCATION: Q7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: N,R1, & R3 all take 25 HP
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction
CURRENT HP: 28/73
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK from Healing Word UEoANT, no longer Immobilized, still in Spectral Hands squares
SURGES: 9/12
ARUNNY floats in the Elsewhere and Elsewhen she finds herself. Strangely, it feels almost ... familiar. A nagging sense of urgency cuts thin stripes of tonal lemon drops on her hands and brow, but the appearance of her own blood only puzzles her.
She tastes it, sticking a finger into her mouth, and it sounds like ripe peaches. <Is everything here edible?> her mind asks dreamily.
But no, the taste is not pleasant, like summer fare. Instead, it tastes like the cries of carrion birds. This puzzles the Seer, who looks around her floating self to understand the puzzle, to see her way through the labyrinth of sensation.
A thin, silver song of Moonlight catches her attention and has been trying to do so for quite some time. Will it call her back from delving into mazes of smoke and lullaby?
* Start of turn: Outside of Play and 10 OG Psychic (SE)
* Save vs. the above: r(9)/Fail
LOCATION: Elsewhere
DAMAGE/CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: n/a
CURRENT HP: 20/59 Bloodied
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Out of play and 10 OG Psychic
SURGES: 9/12
UZMEHR's attention is drawn by a slight <popping> sound from below. Turning, Arunny's father catches a glimpse of her disappearing from sight after delivering a punishing blow to the Phantasm.
As Uzmehr prepares to charge down to their aid, he pauses. While his desire is to put himself physically between those he loves - and those they love - and harm, in this case, his best action is to give this young one so beleaguered an action of her own.
Breathing in the Moonlit air and beseeching all Powers for aid, he once again sends inspiration into another, moving them forward to do battle. In doing this, he glimpses of the luminous Silvered Hands and receives a flash of memory:
A much younger Uzmehr sits with his beloved Dhriish'ta listening her shaman retelling the old stories of goddesses, demons, and the like.
The Moon shines her benevolent light protectively down upon the enraptured and oblivious audience. Beyond their Moonlit circle, Uzmehr can just make out several predators, watching, pacing, waiting for opportunity.... until they give up and slink away in the darkness, unable to find a gap in the protection.
In this present moment, a much older Uzmehr suddenly understands: the Moonlight! Her Moonlight is central! He calls out to those present and absent and almost both: "The Moonlight is the Key to it ALL!"
* Starts turn: makes recharge roll: r(6): recharges
* Move Action: 4 squares (2 DT) to M10
* Standard Action: Inspirational Authority ✦ Recharge 6; Effect: ClBu10 (one ally in the burst/Qamra); Qamra uses an
at-will, encounter, or recharge attack power as a free action:
Radiant Burst: ClBu1 vs. Reflex: vs N: r(14) + 11 = 25 vs. 21 Ref/Hit; vs R1: r(16) + 11 = 26 vs. 22 Ref/Hit; vs R2: r(2) + 11 = 13/Miss; vs R3: r(20) + 11 = 31/Crit Hit; Damage to N & R1: r(2) + 8 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable = 20 HP, R1 Killed; to R3: 8 + 8 + 10 = 26 HP.
* Minor Action: Secondary Skill check: Religion: +12/Autosuccess, +2 forward to next Primary Skill Check.
LOCATION: M10
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES (via Qamra): N: 20 HP, R1 Killed, R3: 26
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: N & R3 Bloodied
CURRENT HP: 88/88
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 forward to next Primary Skill Check
NP 17 /172
R2 60/70 Lifedraw exhaust, Ensnaring Sanction
R3 3/70 Radiant Sensitivity
BROTHER BOUND SC: 1 Success/0 Failures/Physical Intercession exhausted/3 rounds remaining.
ROUND 3
Ahaan's soul slowly slips inexorably into the grasp of the deity of time and death, so NERULL'S PHANTASM channels His satisfaction despite the radiant pummeling that the material form takes. As Uzmehr is pulled into the vile clutches of the phantasmal hands, an extra measure of sickening delight is registered in Nerrul's extraplanar domain.
* Minor Action: Temporal Superposition (CBu5; enemy) vs U's Will: r(13) +11 = 24. Hit. Slide 4 sq to Hindering Terrain of P7 (adjacent to PH triggers its effect).
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR PRONE OUTSIDE OF HINDERING TERRAIN; r(3) fails. U in P7.
* Standard Action: Strand Flurry; Death Strand (M3) vs Q's and U's Reflex: r(7, 19) + 11 +2 vs Q (CA) = 20, 30. Miss Q and Hit U. r(2,4) + 3 = 9 necrotic damage, the phantasm slides the target 2 sq to R7 and immobilized (SE)
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to Q6.
LOCATION: Q6
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 9 necrotic to U
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: U in Phantasmal Hands HT after slide 4 and slide 3, immobilized (SE)
CURRENT HP: 17/172
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The small knight gives as good as she gets from the circling SHADOW REAVERS that enfold her. But her Omthalan blessings and battle prowess dwindle perilously as the reavers do not let up their spectral onslaught.
R2
* Standard Action: Deadly Flit (M2) vs Q's AC: r(7) +13 + 2 (CA) = 22. Miss.
* Minor Action: Insubstantial Transformation. Effect: The reaver becomes insubstantial and gains fly 6 (hover) and phasing until it attacks or it becomes dazed, stunned, or unconscious. Insubstantial: The pale reaver takes half damage from all attacks, except those that deal force or radiant damage.
R3
* Standard Action: Lifedraw (M2) vs Q's Fort: r(13) +11 +2 (CA) = 26. Hit. r(1,10) + 8 = 19 necrotic damage, and Q loses 1 healing surge and is weakened (save ends). The reaver deals +1d6 damage UtEoNT.
LOCATION: R2 in R8. R3 in Q8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: Q takes 19 necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Q loses 1 HS and is weakened (SE)
CURRENT HP: R2 @ 60/70, R3 @ 3/70
CURRENT BUFFS: R3 gains +1d6 damage UtEoR3NT.
CURRENT DEBUFFS: R2 and R3 Lifedraw Exhaust (until adjacent creature bloodied). R3 Radiant Sensitivity ends.
Watching one of her assailants disintegrate gives QAMRA a slight boost despite the wretching pain of nausea besetting her. Deciding that Maba, Maiden of Fate, has given her yet another chance at survival, the young warrior bows her head in surrender for a moment.
Then, with what strength remains - and it is not much - Their exhausted Radiant Shamshar spreads her arms wide and allows the searing light to pass through her body.
* Starts turn in Spectral Hands: takes 5 OG & is grabbed
* Standard Action: Radiant Burst: ClBu1 vs. Ref: vs N: r(14) + 11 = 25 vs. 21 Ref/hit; vs R2: r(3) + 11 = 14/Miss; vs R3: r(5) + 11 = 16/Miss; Damage: (r(2) + 8 Radiant + 10 Vulnerable) ÷ 2 Weakened = 10 HP
* Save vs. Weakened: r(4)/Failed
LOCATION: Q7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: N: 10 HP
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 subject to Qamra’s Ensnaring Sanction
CURRENT HP: 4/73
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Spectral Hands (OG & Grabbed), Weakened
SURGES: 8/12
ARUNNY DELAYING UNTIL AFTER KELDAN. HOWEVER, START OF TURN TAKES PLACE HERE.
* Start of turn: Takes 10 OG Psychic damage while Out of Time and Place.
UZMEHR looks with disgust at the Spectral Hands grabbing and holding him and easily wrenches himself free. Recognizing that they will continue to grasp at him, the priest shifts a step out of their vicinity and takes stock of their dire situation.
Sensing that he must take care of the Phantasm before attempting to rescue his daughter, Uzmehr takes up his trusty quarterstaff, kisses it for luck, then swings - hard - at reflection of his son's tormentor.
His slam first hits substance, then nothing, as the Phantasm dissipates into vapor. Then, before him, shaking her head as if to clear it, stands his beloved Mehtapchichek.
* Starts turn in Spectral Hands: takes 5 OG and is grabbed
* Move Action: escape from being grabbed: Athletics check: r(18) + 6 = 24 vs. 16 Moderate DC/Success. Cannot shift 1 due to being Immobilized
* Standard Action: Quarterstaff of Grace: ATK vs. N: r(10) + 13 = 23 vs. 22 AC/Hit; r(2,6) + 7 = 15, N = Killed. Effect: When ... the phantasm drops to 0 hit points, Arunny appears in an unoccupied square of her choice adjacent to the phantasm (O4).
* Save vs. Immobilized: r(12)/Success
LOCATION: P7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: N = Killed
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: n/a
CURRENT HP: 74/88
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: No longer Immobilized; no longer Grabbed/Taking OG, but still adjacent to Spectral Hands
ARUNNY takes a moment to reestablish herself in the Here and Now. One moment she is valiantly attempting to follow a moonbeam through a labyrinth of glass shards, the next she is staring through a fog dissipating greasy mist at her father's worried eyes. Beyond pants Qamra, bent over in nausea and - like Uzmehr - surrounded by grasping, grabbing spectral hands.
Omthala's Searing Voice springs into action. She calls out the word "Come!" in a rich alto tone, and immediately she has whisked her Comrades to safety.
Then, stepping forward, her gaze softens, and she can see the connectors ... everywhere. The Seer reaches her hand into her vision and yanks hard at two of them. One crumbles utterly, and a shadowy reaver suddenly explodes into tiny, moonlit specks of dust and sand.
The other connector does not crumble, but she ties it into a knot, and it vanishes from this realm. Looking up, Arunny sees that it worked: the remaining reaver floats in place, stunned and motionless.
As Arunny returns to her role as Chessmaster's Surrogate once more, the luminous waves of dust catch her eye, and she momentarily caught up in their dizzying dance in the wind.
Shaking her head to loosen the cobwebs within, she urges her companions to complete what they have started ... while they still have the chance.
* Appears in O4 after Nerull's Phantasm is killed
* Minor Action: Divine Call (Enc) Ranged 10: Pull Qamra 3 aquares to P4, Uzmehr to O6; Manifestation of Preservation: Slide U to N7
* Move Action: move 3 squares to O7
* Standard Action: Silent Malediction (Daily) ClBl3/all creatures in blast (R2 & R3): ATK vs Fortitude: vs. R2: r(9) + 12 = 21 vs 19 Fort/Hit; vs. R3: r(20) + 12 = 32/Crit Hit; Damage vs. R2: r(1,1) + 7 = 9 Thunder HP and Stunned (SE); vs. R3: 12 + 7 + r(2) Fire = 21 Fire & Thunder HP/Killed; Arunny Dazed UEoANT; Manifestation of Preservation: Slide U to N8.
LOCATION: A: O7; U: N8; Q: P4
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: R2: 9; R3: Killed
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 Stunned (SE)
CURRENT HP: 10/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Dazed UEoANT
SURGES: 9/12
R2 51/70 Lifedraw exhaust, Subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction, Stunned (SE)
BROTHER BOUND SC: 1 Success/0 Failures/Physical Intercession exhausted/2 rounds remaining.
ROUND 4
There are no allies in death and time, so the loss is not registered by the remaining SHADOW REAVER. Only Nerull's instruction:
"Harry my enemies as I claim their kin."
And to that end, the undead creature sets its will...but the temerity of Omthala persists in denying Nerull's designs.
R2
<STUNNED>
* End of Turn: Save vs Stunned: r(8) Fails.
LOCATION: R8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 51/70
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Lifedraw exhaust, Subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction, Stunned (SE)
At Arunny's urging her up the stairs to safer, higher ground, QAMRA turns to face her mentor and, beyond her, the spectral figure of her brother in his struggle.
She knows she should be the one to speak to Nerull in tones of authority and knowledge, but her voice is caught in her throat. Instead, breath hitching and hiccuping, she takes a moment to compose herself.
Afraid, slightly ashamed at her weakness, and quite simply overwhelmed, the young warrior - nay, child - rushes up the stairs, toward safety and light and away from phantoms lurking in the shadow.
* Standard Action: Second Wind: Qamra gains 18 HP, plus +2 to all defenses UEoQNT
* Move Action: move 5 squares (1 DT) to L8.
* Save vs. Weakness: r(17)/Success
LOCATION: L8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: n/a
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 subject to Qamra’s Ensnaring Sanction
CURRENT HP: 22/73
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: No longer Weakened, +2 all defenses USoQNT
SURGES: 7/12
Invigorated by the return of his daughter and his own release from the cold grasping hands, UZMEHR rushes carefully up the dangerous steps to stand before the altar of the Magnificent Maiden. There, he uses his earlier insight to implore Her to lend Her aid in saving his beloved Ahaan, twin to Arunny.
The priest holds his quarterstaff in both hands and lifts it high, allowing his head to drop back, facing up toward the Moon. Then he begins to intone in a deep baritone the ancient verse learned all those years before, filled with barely remembered words invoking Her magnificent beneficence.
As his voice carries throughout the Temple, the light seems to grow stronger.
* Move Action: 6 squares (2 DT) to J12.
* Standard Action: Invoke Moon Maiden: Primary Skill (Religion) Check: r(9) + 12 = 21 vs. 16 Moderate DC/2 Successes
LOCATION: J12
DAMAGE/CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: n/a
CURRENT HP: 74/88
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: n/a
ARUNNY closes her eyes before slipping both hands into the silvery stream of light of which her mother’s spectral ones are made.
In the stream moving across her flesh, dancing in and around her fingers, Dhriish'ta's daughter can feel the warmth of Elven melodies her mother once sang to her and the sharp tang of color in the nighttime stories wooing the little girl to sleep.
Sighing, the Seer holds an aching longing in her heart and feels it echo against the skin of her hands, a heartbeat of love, of hearts breaking, of forgiveness and hope, of sorrow and loss.
Opening her weeping eyes, Arunny looks into her mother's translucent eyes, momentarily visible. They share a bittersweet smile. "I miss you. Take care of him," they say to each other.
Then Dhriish'ta says, sharply, "GO!"
* At start of turn, make save vs. Dazed (Superior Will): r(10)/Success
* Standard Action: Maternal Plea: Primary Skill (Diplomacy) Check: r(12) + 6 = 18 vs. 16 Moderate DC/3 Successes
* Move Action: move 5 squares (2 DT) to L10
* Minor Action: Favor of the Gods (Enc) ClBu2: Qamra/target: effect: the next time Q misses w/attack roll, she can reroll that attack roll. Must use it; Manifestation of Preservation: Slide Qamra to K9
LOCATION: A: L10; Q: K9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: n/a
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 Stunned (SE) - hopefully!
CURRENT HP: 10/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Qamra (Favor of the Gods)
SURGES: 9/12
R2 51/70 Lifedraw exhaust, Subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction, Stunned (SE)
BROTHER BOUND SC: 3 Successes/0 Failures/Physical Intercession exhausted/1 round remaining.
ROUND 5
With his soul harvesting of Ahaan hanging in the balance, Nerull's dark will can be denied no longer. The SHADOW REAVER's stasis fails and the liquid-like darkness begins flitting this way and that.
R2
<STUNNED>
* End of Turn: Save vs Stunned: r(13) Succeeds.
LOCATION: R8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 51/70
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Lifedraw exhaust, Subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction
Mid-flight, QAMRA stops. Somehow a portion of her mettle has returned to her.
Turning, she carefully makes her way past the Seer's outstretched hand, ending next to the silvery glow of the twins' mother’s protective hands to make her stand.
Face as stern as one barely on the brink of adolescence can be, the Radiant Shamshar opens her mouth to speak. Out comes ... nothing. Her young mind is filled with images of Arunny disppearing, cold greasy hands grabbing, attacks of shadowy phantoms chilling her with their touch. The child squeezes her eyes shut. Her courage got her this far and no further: it cannot give her voice.
However, as bitter tears of disappointment fill her eyes, Qamra does what she can do and prepares to fight.
* Move Action: 4 squares (2 DT) to J12.
* Standard Action: Rebuke Nerull's Contract: Primary Skill (Intimidate) Check: r(6) + 4 = 10/Fail
LOCATION: L8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: n/a
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R2 subject to Qamra’s Ensnaring Sanction
CURRENT HP: 22/73
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Favor of the Gods UEoANT; 3 Successes/1 Failure
SURGES: 7/12
The Moonlight seems to follow Arunny's father as UZMEHR walks forward to the top of Her Temple's steps.
"Relinquish your baseless hold on my son, one of Their chosen children, AT ONCE!! Your contract is null and void! Leave this place!"
Moonlight Surges down from the sky, through the man standing on the steps, and out into the Temple and beyond those steps. Each person encountered by Light breathes it in and stands a little straighter, taller, brighter.
Uzmehr comes back to himself and sees his daughter and her young companion: they are truly luminous.
* Move Action: 2 squares to L11
* Standard Action: Rebuke Nerull's Contract: Primary Skill (Intimidate) Check: r(16) + 7 = 23 vs 16 Moderate DC/Success
LOCATION: L11
DAMAGE/CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: n/a
CURRENT HP: 74/88 (10 THP)
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 4 Successes/1 Failure: Arunny, Qamra, and Uzmehr gain Omthala's Grace: 10 THP, +2 Power Bonus to attack, and all attacks deal +1d6 radiant damage UtEotE.
Almost in a trance, ARUNNY, glowing luminously in the Moonlight surrounding her, walks to the center of Her Temple and turns back to face their sole remaining combatant. As she raises her Cudgel in her outstretched hand, power surges into it, not only from the pendant around her neck but from the particles dancing in the Moonlight as well.
Omthala's Searing Voice slams her weapon to the floor of the Temple. Shockwaves and blasts of thunder echo through the battlefield, seeking and finding their singular target. The reaver is bombarded by cacophony and Radiance and it writhes in pain and torment.
* Move Action: 2 squares to J12
* Minor Action: activate Omthala's Crucible daily power: one weapon in A's square or square adjacent gains a +2 bonus to next damage roll UEoANT (Cudgel/J12)
* Standard Action: Thunder of Judgment (Enc) Ranged 10: target 1 creature (R2) = 2d6 + 7 damage: ATK vs Fortitude: r(6) + 12 + 2 (Omthala's Grace) = 20 vs 19 Fort/Hit; Damage: r(6,5) + 2 (OCP) + 7 + r(4) Radiant + 10/Vulnerable = 34 HP/R2 Dazed UEoANT &
R2 Bloodied and Radiant Sensitivity Triggered; Manifestation of Preservation: Slide Qamra to N9
LOCATION: A: J12; Q: N9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: R2: 34 HP &
R2 Bloodied
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Dazed UEoANT
CURRENT HP: 10/59 (10THP)
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Omthala's Grace: 10 THP, +2 Power Bonus to attack, and all attacks deal +1d6 radiant damage UtEotE. Radiant Sensitivity
SURGES: 9/12
R2 17/70 Lifedraw exhaust, Subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction
BROTHER BOUND COMPLETED
PHANTASMAL HANDS HINDERING TERRAIN ENDS
Omthala calls her child into her embrace for his sacrifice and his steadfast duties. Though his body was claimed by the desert, his soul will not be claimed by a corrupting master. Silver and gold radiance are all that remain where the phantasmal hands attempted to drag Ahaan into the dark depths of Nerull's domain, their dark presence shunted from this world.
AHAAN'S substance lingers long enough to give his loving farewell to his sister, his father, and their capable knight-companion.
ROUND 6
"YOU..." emanates from the lone SHADOW REAVER. But it is not the voice of the creature, whatever that might be. It no doubt is that of the Lord of Timeless Death himself; Nerull's. Fuming from another world, he sends his minion in not out of soul-claiming design...but out of sheer rage.
Unable to turn insubstantial and fly over the many impediments to Arunny in its way, it barrels into the small knight in the holy nimbus, fully aware that it will be consumed, but also fully captivated by single-minded vengeance.
Qamra stands smirking as the creature's futile attacks are fully rebuffed by Omthala's radiant shield.
R2
* Standard Action: Charge to O9 and Deadly Flit (M2) vs Q's AC: r(11) +13 + 1 (CA) = 25. Miss.
LOCATION: R2 in O9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: R2 @ 17/70
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Lifedraw Exhaust (until adjacent creature bloodied), subject to Q's Ensnaring Sanction, in Mother's Silvered Hands.
COMBAT RESOLVED (CAKE IS BASICALLY BAKED). END OF HEROIC TIER FOR ARUNNY ET AL.
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