Manbearcat
Legend
DEFENSE OF THE LAST DOLG IN THE NAME OF DELBAN; THE SHADOWED SUN (HEROIC TIER CLIMAX FOR IBHEA)
* Ibhea gains Milestone (Action Point) + The Blessed Two Companion Character + Defenders of Dolg Olsolis (DoDO) x 3 (all below). DoDOs have -2 all Defenses (SE) to begin combat due to Skill Challenge micro-failure.
* The Blessed Two Companion Characters (Defenders of Dolg Olsolis):
* Defenders of Dolg Olsolis (as summons; bloodied HP value, shared defenses/actions, and can move on their controlling character's turn when they move):
D1 (Blessed): HP 46; AC 23; Fortitude 18, Reflex 21, Will 20, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
D2 (Ibhea): HP 33; AC 23; Fortitude 17, Reflex 21, Will 22, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
D3 (Keldan): HP 46; AC 23; Fortitude 22, Reflex 21, Will 24, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
* Ibhea's Donkey PQ/11-12: HP 8; AC 17; Fortitude 17, Reflex 14, Will 14, Speed 8, Charger (while mounted by a friendly rider of 5th level or higher) ✦ Mount : The obsidian steed grants its rider a +5 bonus to damage rolls on charge attacks.
TERRAIN/MECHANICS
* Illumination: Fully.
* Pigmy Palms and Scrub (throughout): Obscuring Terrain (Concealment) and Difficult Terrain. However, any creature that ends its turn in a squaure of palms and scrub must make a saving throw. Failure and the creature is slowed UtEoINT.
* Date Palms (rows 23/24 and bottom left): Climb Medium DC 3 squares up for Heavily Obscuring Terrain (Heavy Concealment).
* Bloodvine (Hindering Terrain): Effect: Tanglevine is difficult terrain. A creature that enters a bloodvine square or starts its turn there gains Vulnerable 5 all damage (SE).
* Dug Well (Hindering Terrain): Effect: Any creature that enters a well square or starts its turn there is restrained (SE). Can be stunted with (which will have the Effect of expanding its size to Large).
* Thatched Roof Cottages: Blocking Terrain. Any fire attack that hits a square, sets it on fire. Those squares burn immediately and at the beginning of next round, all squares are ablaze. Any creature that enters an adjacent square to a burning cottage or is in an adjacent square at the start of its turn takes 5 fire damage.
* Tile Roof Cottages: Blocking Terrain.
* Cistern: Blocking Terrain (can be stunted with).
* Wheelbarrows: Difficult Terrain (can be stunted with).
* LoR Scorpion (Brute, Standard, Mount) x 2: 120 HP, AC 21, Fortitude 23, Reflex 19, Will 21, Init (as rider). Orange and Blue; each attuned to associated Flamehand.
* Vezzuvu Flamehand (Controller, Standard) x 2: HP 92, AC 23, Fortitude 19, Reflex 21, Will 21. * FYI for tactics. Flamehands can't use a move action to move around on the mount. The saddle is the top right square so they can't move around on top of the Scorpions. They can move to dismount (or whatever), but that is it. So their mounted square (for purposes of what constitutes adjacent for their enemies) is fixed.
* LoR Javelineers (Artillery, Minion): 1 HP, AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 23, Will 21.
* DEFENDER SQUARES: Pick 6 square for your 3 characters and your 3 DoDO in rows 6 through 12.
* INITIATIVE:
Javelineers (18)
Orange Scorpion and Flamehand (17)
Blessed (first go) & D1 (16)
I & D2 (15)
Blue Scorpion and Flamehand (14)
K & D3 (12)
Blessed (second go) & D3 (8)
ROUND 1
Ibhea Arcana Monster Knowledge check (no action) vs Flamehands, r(14)+13=27. HARD DC SUCCESS
Keldan Nature Monster Knowledge check (no action) vs Scorpions, r(11)+13=24. HARD DC SUCCESS
LoR Javelineers; AUTOMATIC.
* LORJ's delaying until after Orange Scorpion and Flamehand.
The wail of the horn and the call to charge is heard at the base of the mountain pass far below.
The Defenders of Dolg Olsolis are ready. The Legions pour into the Dolg, a SCORPION BEARING RIDER leading the way. It slams into the stalwart defenders.
The defense holds...
* Move Action: 5 sq to I16.
* Standard Action: Charge 4 sq (DT) to K14 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) D1 vs AC: r(7) +14 +1 (charge) - 2 (DoDO) = 20; Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in K14. Orange F in K14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 120/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Occupying DT so cannot shift.
A pyromancer astride the charging scorpion unleashes a vitality-sapping wave and choking pyroclasm that clouds the battlefield with suffocating ash. The nearby cottage becomes an instant inferno!
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND: "Your precious sanctum will be purged by primordial fire and ash if you will not surrender!"
* Standard Action: Choking Pyroclasm (ABu3 w/i 10; enemies) ✦ Encounter on P12 vs Fort D2, D3, Ibhea Mount, I, K: r(17, 11, 5, 5, 20) +13 = Hit D2, D3, K. D2, D3 take r(1, 5) +5 = 11 fire and necrotic damage. K takes (6, 6) +5 = 17 fire and necrotic damage.
Effect (red): The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy within the zone cannot regain hit points.
TRIGGER: THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGE squares S13/14 are ablaze. This will spread to T13/14 ASoVFNT. These squares are now Hindering Terrain as above under Mechanics.
* Minor Actions: Enervating Blast (CBl5; enemies) ✦ Encounter vs Will D1, D2, D3, K, B: r(20, 12, 1, 8, 9) + 13 = Hit D1, D2, B; all weakened UtEoFNT.
LOCATION: Orange F in K14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D2, D3 take 11 fire and necrotic damage. K takes 17 fire and necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D1, D2, B; all weakened UtEoFNT. Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 92/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Thatched-Roof Cottage S13/14 is ablaze (now Hindering Terrain) and will spread to T13/14 ASoVFNT. Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
The LEGION OF RUTH JAVELINEERs pick out covered positions on the battlefield and double-time it to them while heaving their wood and steel payload at the nearby defenders of the Dolg.
M (E21)
* Standard: Javelin (R10) vs D1's AC: r(18) +16 = 34. Hit. 9 damage to D1.
* Move: E21 to C15.
M (M23)
* Move: M23 to J18.
* Standard: Javelin (R10) vs D1's AC: r(16) +16 = 32. Hit. 9 damage to D1.
LOCATION: D15, J18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 damage to D1.
BUFFS: Cover or Superior or no LoS/E to most on battlefield.
Though their line holds against the initial charge of The Legion, the Defenders of Dolg Olsolis are battered, bruised, and charred by the assault. A sickening smoke and ash fill the agora. THE BLESSED TWO cough and rasp out an order to one to the Defenders before them, "Harry the scorpion's flank!" Since their affliction, a preternatural consciousness links them, and Yasmin and Ziwar move in unison through the ash to flank the mounted scorpion.
Yasmin slashes with her talwar, but the thick carapace is too much for her, weakened as she is by the choking ash.
* Move: D1 Shifts K12 to J12; B Moves K10 to L14, avoiding any threatened squares. D1 and B now Flank OS.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(1)+14= Automiss.
LOCATION: B in L14, D1 in J12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 94/94, D1 28/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B weakened UEoOFNT, cannot regain HP (in Pyroclasm Zone).
IBHEA witnesses the carnage around him--the battered defenders, the homes aflame, the agora defiled by Vezzuvu's pyroclasm--and blanches. What is he doing here, leading a ragtag army from atop his obsidian steed like some general? He is a priest, not a military commander! And his strategy for the Dolg's defense shows just how outmatched he is in this role!
Nevertheless, he proceeds. "Forward, to the attack!" he urges a defender. "Sunspot, ahead!" he commands, and the pitch black donkey takes several hesitant steps forward, rolling its equine eyes in terror at the nearby blaze.
"May Delban's black flames sear your soul from this realm," the whisky priest announces, without much conviction, at the giant scorpion ahead. Then, in Delban's name again, he conjures a sphere of writhing tentacles that crush the scorpion's rider, at least, in their icy grip.
* Move: I moves Q12 to Q16, triggers Shadow Walk. D2 moves O12 to P18.
* Free: Move Sunspot Q12 to Q16 (While mounted you can command the creature using free actions, though the mount is still limited to its normal allotment of actions.)
* Minor: Curse BS (nearest enemy), activates Armor of Dark Majesty vs BS
* Standard: Shadow Tentacles A Bu1 within 10 on Q22. Atk vs BS, r(1)+11= Automiss. Vs BF, r(17)+11=28 vs 21 Reflex. Hit, r(6)+6 +5 Vuln Area while mounted=17 cold damage and Slowed UEoINT.
* Ends turn: D2 saves vs -2 defenses, r(2). Fails.
LOCATION: I in Q16, Sunspot in Q16, D2 in P18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF Slowed UEoINT, BS Cursed
CURRENT HP: I 59/59, D2 22/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment (Shadow Walk), +2 to all defenses vs BS's attacks (Armor of Dark Majesty), D2 takes -2 Defenses (SE).
SURGES: 2/7
As the Defenders of Dolg Olsoris rise up to challenge the legions, the Flamehand takes the reigns and commands its SCORPION to charge headlong into the fray.
As on the other flank, the grim-faced defenders desperately fend off the impossibly large scorpion, a mass of humanity amongts its terrible mouth parts...but they hold their ground.
* Standard Action: Charge 2 sq to Q20 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) D2 vs AC: r(8) +14 +1 (charge) - 2 (DoDO) = 21; Hit. r(1, 5, 6) + 5 +2 (Trait) = 19 damage.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q20. Blue F in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to D2
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 120/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points his flame-tipped rod at Ibhea and commands "INFERNUM IGNIS."
The Shadowed Sun conceals his priest and the incantation's blaze finds nothing but suffocating air...
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on I vs Fort: r(5) +13 -2 (concealment) = 16; Miss.
LOCATION: Blue F in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 75/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
KELDAN can no longer stand by idly as the good defenders of Dolg Olsolis bear the brunt of the Bladeling onslaught. He brushes the ash and singed hair from his face and races to the side of Yasmin and Ziwar.
"You," Keldan shouts to an awestruck defender, "go protect Delban's Messenger. I have control of the situation here." And the defender trots off, spear before them at the ready.
"Hear me, creatures of the earth, sacred outgrowth of Omthala's life-giving light! Rise up and repel these invaders of Primordial origin, blasphemous against the very gods themselves in their existence!" And nature responds. Across a great swath of the battlefield, crawling and wriggling and flying insects emerge and descend and assemble to assault the Legion of Ruth with bites and stings. The Javelineer lurking behind a stone cottage collapses under the attack of scores of wasps. The scorpion and its rider, both, are forced back, reeling from a thousand bites and stings.
* Move: K moves N10 to L13, D3 moves O11 to R17
* Standard: Nature's Rebuff Cl Bl 5 G-K/14-18 (except blocking terrain), Atk vs OF, r(19)+12=31 vs 21 Will. Hit. Vs OS, r(14)+12=26 vs 21 Will. Hit. Vs M(J18), r(17)+12-5 Total Cover =24 vs 21 Will. Hit. Damage=r(4,4)+6=14 to M & OS, M KILLED, +5 Vulnerable Blast while mounted= 19 to OF. OS & OF Pushed 3 to I17 and cannot move closer to K willingly (SE).
* End of turn: D3 Save vs -2 defenses, r(7). Fails.
LOCATION: K in L13, D3 in R17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M(J18) KILLED, 14 to OS, 19 to OF.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OS & OF cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
CURRENT HP: K 75/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B & D1 in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves), Nature's Rebuff on cooldown until K bloodied. D3 takes -2 defenses (SE)
THE BLESSED TWO have a confidence and seriousness about them that belies their age. Not confounded by the futility of their previous attack against the scorpion, they leap into action, Yasmin calling over her shoulder to the Olsolisian defender, "Don't stand there, gaping! Protect yourself ... and the priest!" The man catches himself, shakes his head, and scuttles around the corner of the stone cottage. "We have prey to hunt down," Ziwar says under her breath, and the two smile slyly.
Yasmin and Ziwar round the corner of another stone building, catching the hiding Javelineer unawares and striking them down with a nasty blow from Ziwar's talwar.
* Move: D1 moves J12 to K15 (Cover), B moves L14 to F12, avoiding DT
* Standard: Charge F12 to C14, atk vs M(C15), r(14)+14+1=29 vs 23 AC. Hit. M(C15) KILLED
TRIGGERS BARBED REPRISAL, B takes 3 damage
* Ends turn: D1 saves vs -2 defenses, r(17). Succeeds.
LOCATION: B in C14, D1 in K15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M(C15) KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 28/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B & D1 Weakened UEoOFNT, D1 Cover and in Nature's Embrace aura
BLUE SCORPION: 120/120 Cursed
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 75/92 Slowed UEoINT,
ORANGE SCORPION: 106/120 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 73/92 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ROUND 2
Primal and Divine power hold the (orange) SCORPION at bay so it flails wildly with its tail at nearby Dolg defenders, forcing them away and onto their backs to avoid sure death at the pointy end of the perilous stinger! Try as they might to avoid its effects completely, dripping poison finds an open wound as pyroclasm suffocates them!
* Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D1 Fort: r(11) +12 = 22; Hit. r(2, 8, 4) + 5 = 19 poison damage is pushed to M13 and falls prone.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(6). Fails
LOCATION: Orange S in I17. Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 poison damage to D1.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D1 in M13 (pyroclasm zone) and prone.
CURRENT HP: OS @ 106/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Tail Sting and Slap on cooldown, cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points his flame-tipped rod at the Omthalan priest before him, invokes Vezzuvu, and primordial blaze takes Keldan.
"Foolish priest. The natural warmth of the sun is no match for the primordial, burning flow beneath our feet!"
As if on cue, the burning cottage suffers a roof cave-in as the thatch gives in fully to the fire.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on K vs Fort: r(15) +13 = 28; Hit. r(7, 4) +10 = 21 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends).
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
TRIGGERS (K's) RESCUE KELDAN ☆ Encounter, Effect (Free Action): Keldan's allies gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls against the triggering enemy until the end of the enemy's next turn.
As the pastoralist and priest is engulfed in flame, a cry and hue goes up among the Olsolisian defenders, "The priest is in peril! Rescue Keldan!"
Yasmin and Ziwar narrow their eyes in anger at the agent of Vezzuvu.
THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGE fire consumes the cottage fully. These squares are now Hindering Terrain as above under Mechanics.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(16). Succeeds.
LOCATION: Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: K takes 21 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K takes OG 5 fire (SE) and secondary effect spread if failed saving throw.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 73/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
From behind the cottage, Ziwar watches as their sister Faeezah helps cousin Irfan get back to his feet. The two children look with concern as Uncle Yusuf struggles to do likewise, while others remain lying prone among the strange cinders, moaning.
Yasmin, trying to ignore her own brothers' inability to get back up, gives a nudge to her partner, and THE BLESSED PAIR step quietly to the opposite corner of their hiding place.
Yasmin glances around the corner, and the two share a sense of relief. <They haven't seen us yet> they mentally concur. Ziwar pokes their head out and takes their shot at the Bladeling atop its Scorpion, before darting back around the corner.
The Blessed Pair cringe at their miss: at the last possible moment the Scorpion gave a cry of frustration, causing its rider to bend down to soothe it and the bolt to fly uselessly through the space where the rider's head had been.
* Move Action: B: 2 squares to C16, Stealth Check: r(12) + 7 = 19 vs. Passive Perceptions: 17 (Scorpions), 18 (Flamehands) = Success/Hidden; D1: Stand up from Prone
* Standard Action: Pinion Attack vs. Orange Flamehand (Recharge 5,6): ATK: r(3) + 12 + 2CA = 17 vs. 21 Reflex/Fail
LOCATION: B in C16, D1 in M13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D1 no longer Prone, in Nature's Embrace aura
As the giant scorpion ravages the defenders of the Dolg, IBHEA urges his mount forward to their defense, but Sunspot brays and does not budge. "This will not do," he frowns. The whisky priest intones, "Ha-yal!" and he is left standing on the smoky battlefield, his steed vanished, returned to figurine size.
"You there," he directs a group of defenders, still reeling from the scorpion's attack, "cover my advance" as he circles the beast.
Suddenly, a black flame appears above his brow as he utters a condemnation against his foes. The scorpion rears and lunges back, Bladeling rider desperately clinging for purchase. The two tumble into a wicked patch of bloodvine, the rider slamming its steed with the pommel of its shamshir as the scorpion bites at it.
Then, as his enemies do his work for him, Ibhea raises his holy symbol, which gleams with Omthala's brilliant radiance, searing and dazzling the pair.
* Minor: Dismiss Obsidian Steed
* Move: D2 Shift P18 to O18, I Q16 to R21, triggers Shadow Walk
* Standard: Decree of Khirad, Daily Cl Bl3 O-Q/19-21. Effect: Slide BF Q20 to O21 (dismount forces Prone), BS Q20 to O20, Save r(3) Fails (in Bloodvine, Vuln 5 all); Atk vs BF, r(12)+11=23 vs 21 Will. Hit. BF uses Shamshir vs BS, r(12)+13=25 vs 19 Ref. Hit, r(5,5)+10+5 Vuln=25 damage & forgo push. Atk vs BS, r(6)+11=17 TRIGGERS HEROIC EFFORT +4=21 vs 21 Will. Hit. BS uses Chelicerae Chomp vs BF, r(10)+14=24 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(6,2,8)+5=21 damage.
* AP for Standard: Shining Symbol Cl Bl3 O-Q/19-21, Atk vs BS, r(14)+11=25 vs 21 Will. Hit. Atk vs BF, r(4)+11=15 vs 21 Will. Miss. Damage=r(7)+6 +r(2) WC +r(3) MS + 5 Vuln all=23 damage to BS & -2 atk UEOINT
* Ends turn: D2 Saves vs -2 defenses, r(9). Fails.
LOCATION: I in R21, D2 in O18, BF in O21, BS in O20
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 48 to BS, 21 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS Cursed, in Bloodvine (Vuln 5 all (SE)), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D), BF prone
CURRENT HP: I 59/59, D2 3/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: I Concealment, +2 all def vs BS's atk; D2 -2 all defenses (SE)
With its Flamehand rider dismounted and ensnared in wounding razorvine, the SCORPION behaves on pure instinct, lashing, flailing, biting, and rushing its attacker!
It frees itself from the immediate threat of the razorvine, but the wounds to the chinks in its carapace are capitalized on by the Dolg defenders!
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs D2 AC: r(9) +14 - 2 (DoDO) -2 (Symbol) = 19. Miss.
* Move: To Q20. TRIGGERS OA MBA from D2; r(12) +15 = 27. Hit. 9 +5 (vuln) = 14 damage to Blue S (BLOODIED).
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Razorvine (3) Fails.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 58/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, Vuln 5 all (SE), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D)
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND scrambles for footing after being dismounted and unleashes a fury of pyroclasm and enervating magics from the heart of the burning mountain.
The air chokes with ash, soot and raw heat, but the Shadowed Sun protects his the bearer of his message, Ibhea, from the worst of the fiery offerings.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(2). Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Stand from prone.
* Standard Action: Choking Pyroclasm (ABu3 w/i 10; enemies) ✦ Encounter on Q19 vs Fort of D2, D3, I: r(2, 6, 16) +13 = Hit I. I takes r(2, 6) +5 = 13 fire and necrotic damage.
Effect (red): The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy within the zone cannot regain hit points.
* Minor Actions: Enervating Blast (CBl5; enemies) ✦ Encounter vs Will I and D3: r(3, 14) + 13 = Hit D3; weakened UtEoFNT.
LOCATION: Blue F in O21.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: I takes 13 fire and necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D3 weakened UtEoFNT, Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: BF @ 54/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
The flames of the burning mountain wash over KELDAN, engulfing the man in flames, his beard singed, his bāšloq aflame.
Coughing and holding his ground, he calls out to the group of defenders across the agora, "I'm fine! Stay with the Mesenger!" Then he calls upon Omthala's glory to demonstrate just how potent be the rays of her sun, and the Bladeling is left cringing, stupefied by the assault.
Then, calmly, Keldan extinguishes his burning vestments.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 moves R17 to P18
* Standard: Omthala's Wrath R5 vs OF, r(13)+12=25 vs 21 Reflex. Hit, r(6,8)+3=17 radiant damage and OF Dazed UEoKNT.
* Ends turn: K Saves vs OG fire, r(17). Succeeds. D3 Saves vs -2 defenses, r(17). Succeeds. D3 Saves vs Weakened, r(3). Fails.
LOCATION: L13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 radiant to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF dazed UEoKNT
CURRENT HP: K 49/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D3 Weakened, in Nature's Embrace aura, +2 attacks vs OF
Whatever the family may have said about Uncle Yusuf being lazy and hedonistic, they will not question his bravery now! The white-bearded elder gathers whatever hale defenders he can and leads them forward against the great scorpion.
Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, use the distraction to, once again, fire a bolt at the scorpion's rider from behind the corner of the thatched cottage. Alas, their shot is low and the bolt ricochets harmlessly off the scorpion's carapace.
* Starts turn: B Recharge Pinion, r(6), recharges.
* Move Action: D1 moves M13 to J15. B makes Stealth check to achieve hidden behind superior cover, r(6)+12=18 vs Passive Perception, OF (18) and OS (17). Succeeds. B hidden.
* Standard: Pinion (Recharge 5,6) R10 vs OF, r(3)+12+2 CA +2 Rescue Keldan!=19 vs 21 Reflex. Miss.
LOCATION: B in C16, D1 in J15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D1 in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves), B behind Superior Cover
BLUE SCORPION: 58/120 Cursed, in Bloodvine (Vuln 5 all (SE)), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D)
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 54/92
ORANGE SCORPION: 106/120 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 56/92
ROUND 3
ORANGE SCORPION DELAYS UNTIL AFTER ORANGE FLAMEHAND
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND sneers at Keldan.
You cannot escape the flame, mortal. It consumes all.
Keldan's cloak begins to smolder, then blaze...
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on K vs Fort: r(9) +13 = 22; Hit. r(3, 6) +10 = 19 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends). (BLOODIED)
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
TRIGGERS K's NATURE'S REBUFF RECHARGE (WHEN FIRST BLOODIED)
As the Primordial flames of Vezzuvu engulf Keldan once again, Omthala reaches out to her priest, renewing his connection with the natural world and his capacity to bring it to his defense against his enemies.
LOCATION: Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: K takes 19 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K takes OG 5 fire (SE) and secondary effect spread if failed saving throw.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 56/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
Sensing the SCORPION's magical forbiddance to engage Keldan, the Flamehand pulls the reins hard. Despite the Dolg's defenders unified spear assault, the large creature wheels and charges The Blessed Two after clawing at the ground for a moment!
The pair of Dolg Olsoris fighters are set to desperate defense to prevent becoming a meal!
* Start of Turn: Tail Sting & Slap Recharge 3/4/5/6; r(3). Recharges.
* Move Action: 5 sq to E20.
TRIGGERS OA MBA FROM D1; r(11) +15 = 26. Hit. 9 damage to Orange Scorpion.
* Standard Action: Charge 2 sq to C18 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) B vs AC: r(17) +14 +1 (charge) = 32. Hit. r(3, 3, 7) +5 = 18 damage.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(13). Succeeds.
LOCATION: Orange S in C18. Orange F in C18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 damage to B.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 97/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
BLESSED AND DEFENDERS
Uncle Yusuf and his younger companion seem emboldened by their glancing blow off the scorpion's carapace. They advance upon it, waving their arms and shouting, which provides Ziwar and Yasmin the opportunity to shift into position and slash at the giant arachnid bearing down upon them, a solid enough blow that deflects a clicking pedipalp.
* Move: D1 moves J15 to D18, B shifts C16 to B16, Flanking OS.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(7)+14+2 CA=23 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(1)+5+r(5) Combat Advantage = 11 damage to OS.
LOCATION: D1 in D18, B in B16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 to OS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 73/94
DE/BUFFS: na
As the remnant smoke and cinders of the Bladeling Flamehand's pyroclasm waft across the agora, IBHEA calls out madly to the Dolg's defenders, "Do not back down now! Even if it's with our very last breaths, we shall see Delban's word--and black flames--delivered upon our enemies!"
A few of the defenders take a faltering step forward, sensing their doom. The whisky priest shifts towards the Bladeling and unleashes a fury of flame himself--black flames, the flames of Delban!
* Move: I shifts R21 to Q21, D2 shifts O18 to O19. Both flank BS.
* Standard: Flame Spiral Cl Bu2, Atk vs BS, r(9)+11+2 CA=22 vs 19 Reflex. Hit. Vs BF, r(16)+11=27 vs 21 Reflex. Hit. Damage: r(9)+6 = 15 fire (-9 Resist)=6 fire damage to BF, 15 +r(3) Curse +r(5) Scorn +5 Vuln all = 28 fire and psychic to BS.
LOCATION: I in Q21, D2 in O19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 6 fire to BF, 28 fire and psychic to BS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS will take 1d6+1+5 Vuln fire damage at start of next turn, -2 attacks & saves DoDO, BF will take 1d6+1 fire damage if enters square adjacent to I before SoINT
CURRENT HP: I 46/59, D2 3/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: I cannot regain HP, +2 defenses vs BS (Armor of DM)
SURGES: 2/7
As Delban's flame burns at its form, the SCORPION thrashes wildly at the Dolg Defenders with tail and claw and carapace leaving several sprawling for their lives...or perhaps even ending them...it will be impossible to tell until the dust settles.
* Start of Turn: Ibhea Flame Spiral; 1d6+1+5 Vuln fire damage. r(3) +1 +5 = 9 fire damage.
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to R19.
Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D2 and D3 Fort: r(13, 6) +12 -2 (DoDO) = 23, 16; Hit D2. MINIMUM DAMAGE REMOVES D2 FROM COMBAT.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Razorvine (14) Succeeds.
LOCATION: Blue S in R19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D2 OUT OF COMBAT
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND bears a face of simmering rage and odd delight as the choking pyroclasm is a backdrop to its vicious stare into the whiskey priest.
"You_do not_command the flame!"
An inferno erupts around Ibhea, but a hasty retreat reveals that perhaps Vezzuvu's Flamehand is less sure of things than furious words betray.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on I vs Fort: r(14) +13 = 27; Hit. r(4, 5) +10 = 19 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends). (BLOODIED)
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
* Move Action: 6 squares to J18.
LOCATION: Blue F in J18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: I takes 19 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: I takes 5 OG fire (SE) and secondary effect if failed save, Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: BF @ 48/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
What had begun in formal battle, regimented lines drawn, has now devolved to guerilla warfare. KELDAN can no longer see the defenders under his command, and so issues no orders. In the daze and shock, he does not seem to notice his smoldering woolen cloak.
He creeps to the corner of a tiled structure, hoping to catch any enemy unawares. But the Bladeling rider turns and spots him, just as Keldan invokes the buzzing, stinging creatures of the earth against them.
Staggering backwards, the Flamehand conjures Vezzuvu's flames around him, singeing the winged and crawling creatures away.
Keldan's cloak continues to burn.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: K Moves 2 squares L13 to K15 and makes Stealth check to achieve hidden behind Superior Cover, r(8)+6=14 vs 18 Passive Perception. Fails.
* Standard: Nature's Rebuff Cl Bl 5 F-J/16-20, Atk vs BF, r(8)+12=20 vs 21 Will. Miss. Half damage on Miss, r(6,5)+6=17/2=8 & push 2 squares J18 to J20. BF BLOODIED
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG fire, r(3), Fails.
LOCATION: K in K15, D3 in P18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF pushed to J20
CURRENT HP: 25/92
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 Fire, Nature's Rebuff exhausted
Uncle Yusuf and his companion continue to harry both scorpion and rider, and so Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, exploit the opportunity by shifting back, taking aim, and firing a sure shot this time, catching the Bladeling Flamehand in the shoulder. Blood soaks their riding leathers around the wound.
* Move: B shifts B16 to A15
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(14)+14+2 CA +2 Rescue Keldan!=32 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(6)+5+r(1) Combat Advantage =12 damage. OF BLOODIED
LOCATION: B in A15, D1 in D18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF & OS -2 attacks and saves DoDO
CURRENT HP: B 73/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 Rescue Keldan expires
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92
ORANGE SCORPION: 86/120
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 44/92
ROUND 4
FLAMEHAND DELAYS UNTIL AFTER SCORPION
The SCORPION probes the steel defenses of The Blessed Dolg defenders.
Though the fray is obscured from every position due to the size of the beast, its clear from the racket that the situation for the humans grow desperate..
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to B17.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(12) +14 = 26. Hit. r(2, 3, 7) +5 = 17 damage.
LOCATION: Orange S in B17. Orange F in B17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 damage to B.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 86/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points at The Blessed defenders with a crooked smile.
"There is no escape..."
But Omthala's divine protections from fire thwart Vezzuvu's for the moment as The Blessed do not succumb.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(2). Fails to recharg.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs B's Fort: r(6) +13 = 19; Miss.
LOCATION: Orange F in B17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OF @ 44/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted. Devouring Fire on cooldown.
THE BLESSED TWO
When the horse-sized scorpion clasps and tears at his niece with its mouthparts, Yusuf and his ally step forward to re-engage it and its rider, putting themselves in mortal danger.
"Uncle, no!" yells Yasmin. Then she steps back from the scorpion's grasping pedipalps and fires a shot at its rider. Alas, Vezzuvu's warrior laughs off her attack as it deflects off its armor.
* Starts turn: Pinion Recharge, r(3), Fails.
* Move: D1 shifts D18 to C17. B shifts A15 to B14.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(19)+14=33 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(3)+5=8 damage.
LOCATION: D1 in C17, B in C14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF & OS -2 attacks and saves (DoDO)
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
IBHEA holds out his hand, expecting a crackling sphere to hurl at his foe to materialize. It does not. Something is wrong! Has Delban forsaken him?
In frustration and doubt he calls out to the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders before him, "Save yourselves! If you can..." his voice trails off.
Then he crosses the battlefield, wreathed in shadow, in pursuit of Vezzuvu's flamehand, pulling up short but a mere swordslength from the mutant.
"May the black flames of Delban sear your soul from this realm!" he bellows, and the battlefield echoes with his curse.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs BS, r(10)+11=21 vs 23 Fortitude. Miss.
* Move: 6 squares Q21 to K21, activates Shadow Walk
* Minor: Curse BF. Activates Armor of Dark Majesty.
LOCATION: K21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF Cursed, BS Cursed
CURRENT HP: 46/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs Cursed enemies
SURGES: 2/7
The riderless, and rudderless, SCORPION engages the stalwart Dolg Defenders, but their mettle and fighting spirit hold.
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(1) fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs I's AC: r(10) +14 -2 (DolgD) = 22. Miss.
LOCATION: Blue S in R19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND rushes to his companion Flamehand's situation on the western end of the Dolg. His burning staff points at the Dolg defenders.
"The Burning Mountain claim thee..."
The air shimmers with suffocating heat to which the defenders succumb.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(2). Fails.
* Move Action: 5 squares to E18.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs D1's Will: r(12) +13 = 25; Hit. r(4, 6) +4 = 14 necrotic damage. D1 IS OUT OF COMBAT.
LOCATION: Blue F in E18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D1 IS OUT OF COMBAT.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 40/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
Across the battlefield, the Defenders of Dolg Olsolis successfully cover their retreat from the giant scorpion with spearthrusts and feints.
KELDAN, now, is acutely aware that he is aflame. He stumbles back into the side square, beating his hands frantically against his battle vestments but to no avail.
"If I am to return to the radiant embrace of Omthala, I shall take you with me!" he shouts through gritted teeth. But the pain is too much. He cannot strike the killing ray.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 4 squares P18 to O22. TRIGGERS OA FROM BS Chelicerae Chomp, r(1)=automiss. K moves 4 squares K15 to G17.
* Standard: Omthala's Wrath vs OF, r(3)+12=15 vs 21 Reflex. Miss.
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG 5 fire, r(5). Fails. (No allies within 3.)
LOCATION: D3 in O22, K in G17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: K 20/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 fire, Nature's Rebuff and Rescue Keldan! exhausted
As Yusuf and his companion are immolated, Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, shout out in tearful unison, "No! Uncle! NOOOOOO!"
Ziwar fires a bolt at the mounted scorpion rider, sticking it squarely in their chest. But the field point is too small to cause serious injury. Weeping, the pair retreats around the corner of the thatched cottage, hoping the alleyway, choked with bloodvine as it is, is too tight for their mounted foe to follow.
* Begins turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3). Fails to recharge.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(20)= CRIT, 11 damage.
* Move: 6 squares B14 to H12.
LOCATION: H12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, Recharge (5,6)
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 86/120
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 25/92 Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ROUND 5
"The priest" hisses the SCORPION's rider and so the mighty beast pursues.
Keldan's scythe flashes, enchantments hold and the defender remains after the clash.
* Move Action: 6 sq (circling to avoid OA) to H19.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(7) +14 = 21. Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in H19. Orange F in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 86/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND intones indecipherable words of magic that invokes its primordial patron and Keldan is stricken.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(4). Fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs K's Will: r(19) +13 = 32; Hit. r(4, 5) +4 = 13 necrotic damage, and K is immobilized (save ends).
LOCATION: Orange F in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 necrotic damage to K.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K is immobilized (save ends).
CURRENT HP: OF @ 25/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted. Devouring Fire on cooldown.
THE BLESSED TWO have had their lives completely transformed by the events of the past several months. Before, they were but ordinary, if unusual, village girls. Now, they are capable guerilla fighters defending their home against mutant fanatics!
And so Yasmin unleashes yet another bolt, catching the scorpion's rider square in the chest. They look down, puzzled, at the fletching and nock protruding from their torso.
Yasmin loads another bolt, and she and Ziwar stealthily advance along the thatched cottage's wall.
* Starts turn: Pinion Recharge (5,6), r(2). Fails to recharge.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(14)+14=28 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(5)+5=10 damage.
* Move: Stealth 2 squares H12 to H14, r(13)+7=20 vs BF's Passive Perception (18) (no line of sight). Succeeds. Hidden. From BF.
LOCATION: H14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 10 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown (Recharge 5,6), Hidden from BF.
IBHEA has been experiencing a crisis of faith. He has been unable to channel Delban's might to strike down his foes. Is it a sign of disfavor? Does the Sorcerer-King disapprove of his indulgence in araq? Is that it?
And then he sees the Blessed, two children, skirmishing like professional mercenaries, and he knows his faith is sound--whatever his own status, Delban's blessings abide.
When Yasmin fires a bolt into the Flamehand's chest, he seizes his opportunity. The whisky priest, wreathed in shadow still, crosses the square and spreads his fingers. This time, the familiar crackling sphere forms, and he hurls it at the Flamehand's back. The mutant freak is engulfed in black flames and topples from the scorpion.
Ibhea gives a satisfied nod across the square in the direction of the two girls and then curses the riderless beast, "May Delban's black flames sear your soul from this realm!"
* Move: 4 squares K21 to G21. Activates Shadow Walk.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs OF, r(9)+11+1 Prime Shot=21 vs 19 Fortitude. Hit, r(5)+6+r(5) Curse +r(2) Mindbite Scorn =18 necrotic and psychic damage. OF KILLED
* Minor: Curse OS.
LOCATION: G21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 to OF, OF KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OS, BS, BF Cursed.
CURRENT HP: 46/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs attacks from Cursed enemies (Armor of DM)
SUEGES: 2/7
The SCORPION, tail leading overhead, rushes the Dolg Defenders lashing pointedly with its stinger while slapping wildly with the flank of the bulbous mass. The Dolg Defenders are left sprawling back and to the ground, desperately trying to deflect a fatal sting with ther shields and weaponry.
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(4) Recharges.
* Move Action: Move to Q22.
* Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D3's Fort: r(13) +14 - 2 (DolgD) = 25. Hit. r(3, 1, 6) +5 = 15 poison damage, pushes D3 2 sq to M22 and knocks D3 prone.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q22.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 15 poison damage to D3
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D3 pushed 2 sq to M22 and knocked prone
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND bows his head grimly.
"You are at your end priest of an impotent sun goddess."
Flames annoint Keldan's form for a moment...until a radiant bulwark shunts them away like a flare of a solar coronal ejection.
The Flamehand, whether fear or good measure of the situation, retreats for the moment.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) vs K's Fort: r(7) +13 = 20; Miss.
* Move Action: 4 squares to C15.
LOCATION: Blue F in C15.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 40/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
Among the remaining defenders of Dolg Olsolis, there are excruciating screams of pain from the scorpion's poison stings mixed with cries of panic. Those still living scramble desperately to their feet.
Meanwhile, across the square, KELDAN digs deep into his inner reserves, finding the will--and endurance--to persevere and fight on ... for the moment.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 stands up from prone
* Standard: K uses Second Wind (spends Surge, regains 23 HP, +2 defenses USoKNT)
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG 5 fire, r(3). Fails. Saves vs Immobilized, r(3). Fails.
LOCATION: G17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 25/92
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized (SE), OG 5 fire, Nature's Rebuff & Save Keldan! exhausted
Perhaps they are divinely inspired by Delban. Or perhaps Ziwar's competing tactical move wins out. Regardless, THE BLESSED TWO do not chase the Bladeling Flamehand but instead weave past the scorpion's darting tail to flank the beast with the burning priest of Omthala. Ziwar strikes it with her talwar, but there is only so much force such a small body can muster; its carapace holds.
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion r(1). Fails.
* Move: 5 squares H14 to I19, avoiding threatened squares. Now Flanking OS with K.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(11)+14+2 CA=26 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(1)+5+r(1) CA=7 damage to OS.
LOCATION: I19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 to OS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and saves), Pinion (Recharge 5,6) on cooldown
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 79/120 Cursed by I
ROUND 6
The strange, hooklike chelicerae reach for The Blessed Two to draw them into the vast maw of the SCORPION.
A fight for their very lives is upon them.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(20) +14 = CRIT. 29 damage to B (BLOODIED).
LOCATION: Orange S in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 29 damage to B
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 79/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
THE BLESSED TWO are in desperate straits. After Ziwar's talwar strike, the scorpion ravaged her with its mouthpincers. She is a bloody mass of flesh and exposed soft tissue.
Yasmin pulls her cousin out from the chelicerae and notices another scorpion advancing from across the square, the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders in its path. She fires a bolt and pins the creature's chitonous form to the very earth of the agora.
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(5). Recharges.
* Move: Shifts I19 to I20.
* Standard: Pinion R10 vs BS, TRIGGERS OA FROM OF Chelicerae Chomp vs B, r(9)+14=23 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(2,3,8)+5=18 damage to B. Atk vs BS, r(16)+12=28 vs 19 Reflex. Hit, r(6,6)+7=19 damage & Restrained (DC 17).
LOCATION: I20
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to BS
DAMAGE TO ALLIES: 18 to B
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS Restrained (DC 17)
CURRENT HP: 9/94 BLOODIED
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and saves), Pinion (Recharge 5,6) on cooldown
Despite the adversity around him, IBHEA feels reassured that the Sorcerer-King is with him, guiding his hand. "Delban, Son of the Radiant Mother, I recommit myself to you, shameful of my momentary doubt," he cries. And he feels his prayer answered with an infusion of vigor. But is it Delban? Or the lingering effect of the araq?
With confidence once again, he rounds the thatched cottage in search of the Primordial infidel. He hurls a crackling sphere of black energy, and the Flamehand is wracked with agony. But it still clings to its miserable excuse of a life.
* Minor: Deliverance of Faith, Encounter. Spend Surge & gain Surge of THP (+16)
* Move: 5 squares G21 to B17, Activates Shadow Walk.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R 10 vs BF, r(14)+11+1 Prime Shot +2 Cunning Stalker =28 vs 19 Fortitude. Hit, r(4)+6 + NO ACTION Spend Fell Might +r(7) +r(6) Curse +r(4) Mindbite Scorn + FREE ACTION Gloves of Eldritch Admixture, Spend 2 Charges +r(5,5)=37 cold and necrotic and psychic damage.
LOCATION: B17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 37 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF, BS, OS Cursed
CURRENT HP: 46/59 +16 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs Cursed enemies, BF, BS, OS (Armor of DM)
SURGES: 1/7
The SCORPION claws at the ground and makes a strange, annoyed sound that almost seems like the perturbed chuffing of a bear or other animal. It pulls and yanks at the restraining bolt and anchor until it finally breaks free!
It barrels into the Dolg Defenders who plant their shields and feet in desperation to survive the deadly, awkward rush!
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(2) Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Escape vs DC 17; r(11) + 9 (Athletics) = 20. Escapes.
* Standard Action: Charge to O22 and MBA Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs D3's AC: r(19) +14 -2 (DolgD) = 31. Hit. r(3, 5, 6) +5 = 19 damage to D3.
LOCATION: Blue S in O22.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to D3
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 2/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND stares at Ibhea as the two of them share a moment of quiet, secluded standoff.
With sudden action interrupting the stillness, staff touches the earth where deep below The Burning Mountain draws its fuel. Withering Heat momentarily licks at Ibhea's form, but is immediately thwarted by The Shadowed Sun as an eclipse of Ibhea's form draws Vezzuvu's heat into an event horizon and swallows it!
Its face a visage of rage, the Flamehand raises its staff and rushes Ibhea to engage him in a melee clash for the final standoff!
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(1). Fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs I's Fort: r(5) +13 -2 (concealment) = 16; Miss.
* Move Action: 1 sq to B16.
LOCATION: Blue F in B16.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 3/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
KELDAN still is alight with the churning chaos that are the flames of The Burning Mountain. Nonetheless, he slashes at the giant scorpion before him with his shepherd's scythe, cracking its chitonous exoskeleton and causing the creature to reel sideways in pain.
The priest of Omthala burns still from the Flamehand's devouring fire, but his goddess must have intervened to lift the supernatural, and withering, heat that agonized her servant so much his very movement was impossible.
Across the square, the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders, bloodied, maimed, and near complete incapacitation from the scorpion's charge, make a small defensive retreat.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Standard: Sweeping Scythe vs OS, r(10)+14=24 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(7,4)+8= 19 damage & Slides 1 square H19 to I19. OS BLOODIED.
* Move: D3 Shifts 1 square M22 to L23
* Ends turn: Save vs OG 5 fire, r(5). Fails. Save vs Immobilized, r(11). Succeeds. Immobilized ends.
LOCATION: K G17, D3 L23, OS I19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 to OS. OS BLOODIED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Slides OS to I19
CURRENT HP: K 20/92, D3 1/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 fire (SE), Rescue Keldan! and Nature's Rebuff exhausted.
Yasmin cannot allow her kinsman to die here, her purpose to Delban unfulfilled. So she drags her reeling body further away from the scorpion, which seems to fill Ziwar with renewed hope and verve.
THE BLESSED TWO will live to see their destiny as messengers of The Shadowed Sun!
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3). Fails to recharge.
* Shift: 1 square I20 to H21
* Standard: Second Wind, spends Surge & regains 23 HP and +2 all defenses UtSoBNT
LOCATION: H21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 31/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, +2 all defenses UtSoBNT
BLUE SCORPION: 2/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 3/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 60/120 Cursed by I
ROUND 7
Sensing a potential flanking maneuver from the pair of predators on either side of it, the SCORPION repositions subtly to prevent the gambit while probing Keldan for a bite!
A fight for their very lives is upon them.
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to I18.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs K's AC: r(6) +14 = 20. Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in I18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 60/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
Ziwar looks her kinsman in the eye and nods once, a gruff appreciation. Then this one half of THE BLESSED TWO takes aim at the Flamehand stalking Delban's Messenger and lets loose a bolt that catches the Bladeling Pyromancer in the ear, penetrating their brain.
Ziwar turns back to her kinsman and Yasmin gives a brief nod in return. Then the two circle the giant scorpion before them, positioning themselves, or an ally, for a kill strike.
Ibhea turns from the crumpling form before him to The Blessed Two and back again.
"Who is the Master of Flame now, Bladeling?" he asks matter-of-factly of the corpse. "I AM!" he shouts. "I AM DELBAN'S BLACK FLAME!"
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3) Fails.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs BF, r(19)+14=33 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(3)+5=8 damage. BF KILLED. TRIGGERS IBHEA'S FELL MIGHT RECHARGE
* Move: 4 squares H21 to J19, avoiding threatened squares.
LOCATION: J19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to BF. BF KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 31/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves)
CALLING THE COMBAT. Blue Scorpion has 2 HPs and no real options. Other Scorpion is Bloodied. Its basically resolved.
@darkbard will vignette the climax of Ibhea's Heroic Tier in the next few days while leveling up Chanvati, Pa'avu, Bita-Bousseh, Hazard to level 10. Once done, I'll frame the next obstacle in that group's Heroic Tier climax conflict.
* Ibhea gains Milestone (Action Point) + The Blessed Two Companion Character + Defenders of Dolg Olsolis (DoDO) x 3 (all below). DoDOs have -2 all Defenses (SE) to begin combat due to Skill Challenge micro-failure.
* The Blessed Two Companion Characters (Defenders of Dolg Olsolis):
* Defenders of Dolg Olsolis (as summons; bloodied HP value, shared defenses/actions, and can move on their controlling character's turn when they move):
D1 (Blessed): HP 46; AC 23; Fortitude 18, Reflex 21, Will 20, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
D2 (Ibhea): HP 33; AC 23; Fortitude 17, Reflex 21, Will 22, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
D3 (Keldan): HP 46; AC 23; Fortitude 22, Reflex 21, Will 24, Speed 6, Defender Effect: Any adjacent enemy takes -2 penalty to attacks and saving throws, MBA (Spear); +15 vs AC; 9 damage.
* Ibhea's Donkey PQ/11-12: HP 8; AC 17; Fortitude 17, Reflex 14, Will 14, Speed 8, Charger (while mounted by a friendly rider of 5th level or higher) ✦ Mount : The obsidian steed grants its rider a +5 bonus to damage rolls on charge attacks.
TERRAIN/MECHANICS
* Illumination: Fully.
* Pigmy Palms and Scrub (throughout): Obscuring Terrain (Concealment) and Difficult Terrain. However, any creature that ends its turn in a squaure of palms and scrub must make a saving throw. Failure and the creature is slowed UtEoINT.
* Date Palms (rows 23/24 and bottom left): Climb Medium DC 3 squares up for Heavily Obscuring Terrain (Heavy Concealment).
* Bloodvine (Hindering Terrain): Effect: Tanglevine is difficult terrain. A creature that enters a bloodvine square or starts its turn there gains Vulnerable 5 all damage (SE).
* Dug Well (Hindering Terrain): Effect: Any creature that enters a well square or starts its turn there is restrained (SE). Can be stunted with (which will have the Effect of expanding its size to Large).
* Thatched Roof Cottages: Blocking Terrain. Any fire attack that hits a square, sets it on fire. Those squares burn immediately and at the beginning of next round, all squares are ablaze. Any creature that enters an adjacent square to a burning cottage or is in an adjacent square at the start of its turn takes 5 fire damage.
* Tile Roof Cottages: Blocking Terrain.
* Cistern: Blocking Terrain (can be stunted with).
* Wheelbarrows: Difficult Terrain (can be stunted with).
* LoR Scorpion (Brute, Standard, Mount) x 2: 120 HP, AC 21, Fortitude 23, Reflex 19, Will 21, Init (as rider). Orange and Blue; each attuned to associated Flamehand.
* Vezzuvu Flamehand (Controller, Standard) x 2: HP 92, AC 23, Fortitude 19, Reflex 21, Will 21. * FYI for tactics. Flamehands can't use a move action to move around on the mount. The saddle is the top right square so they can't move around on top of the Scorpions. They can move to dismount (or whatever), but that is it. So their mounted square (for purposes of what constitutes adjacent for their enemies) is fixed.
* LoR Javelineers (Artillery, Minion): 1 HP, AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 23, Will 21.
* DEFENDER SQUARES: Pick 6 square for your 3 characters and your 3 DoDO in rows 6 through 12.
* INITIATIVE:
Javelineers (18)
Orange Scorpion and Flamehand (17)
Blessed (first go) & D1 (16)
I & D2 (15)
Blue Scorpion and Flamehand (14)
K & D3 (12)
Blessed (second go) & D3 (8)
ROUND 1
Ibhea Arcana Monster Knowledge check (no action) vs Flamehands, r(14)+13=27. HARD DC SUCCESS
Keldan Nature Monster Knowledge check (no action) vs Scorpions, r(11)+13=24. HARD DC SUCCESS
LoR Javelineers; AUTOMATIC.
* LORJ's delaying until after Orange Scorpion and Flamehand.
The wail of the horn and the call to charge is heard at the base of the mountain pass far below.
The Defenders of Dolg Olsolis are ready. The Legions pour into the Dolg, a SCORPION BEARING RIDER leading the way. It slams into the stalwart defenders.
The defense holds...
* Move Action: 5 sq to I16.
* Standard Action: Charge 4 sq (DT) to K14 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) D1 vs AC: r(7) +14 +1 (charge) - 2 (DoDO) = 20; Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in K14. Orange F in K14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 120/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Occupying DT so cannot shift.
A pyromancer astride the charging scorpion unleashes a vitality-sapping wave and choking pyroclasm that clouds the battlefield with suffocating ash. The nearby cottage becomes an instant inferno!
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND: "Your precious sanctum will be purged by primordial fire and ash if you will not surrender!"
* Standard Action: Choking Pyroclasm (ABu3 w/i 10; enemies) ✦ Encounter on P12 vs Fort D2, D3, Ibhea Mount, I, K: r(17, 11, 5, 5, 20) +13 = Hit D2, D3, K. D2, D3 take r(1, 5) +5 = 11 fire and necrotic damage. K takes (6, 6) +5 = 17 fire and necrotic damage.
Effect (red): The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy within the zone cannot regain hit points.
TRIGGER: THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGE squares S13/14 are ablaze. This will spread to T13/14 ASoVFNT. These squares are now Hindering Terrain as above under Mechanics.
* Minor Actions: Enervating Blast (CBl5; enemies) ✦ Encounter vs Will D1, D2, D3, K, B: r(20, 12, 1, 8, 9) + 13 = Hit D1, D2, B; all weakened UtEoFNT.
LOCATION: Orange F in K14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D2, D3 take 11 fire and necrotic damage. K takes 17 fire and necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D1, D2, B; all weakened UtEoFNT. Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 92/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Thatched-Roof Cottage S13/14 is ablaze (now Hindering Terrain) and will spread to T13/14 ASoVFNT. Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
The LEGION OF RUTH JAVELINEERs pick out covered positions on the battlefield and double-time it to them while heaving their wood and steel payload at the nearby defenders of the Dolg.
M (E21)
* Standard: Javelin (R10) vs D1's AC: r(18) +16 = 34. Hit. 9 damage to D1.
* Move: E21 to C15.
M (M23)
* Move: M23 to J18.
* Standard: Javelin (R10) vs D1's AC: r(16) +16 = 32. Hit. 9 damage to D1.
LOCATION: D15, J18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 damage to D1.
BUFFS: Cover or Superior or no LoS/E to most on battlefield.
Though their line holds against the initial charge of The Legion, the Defenders of Dolg Olsolis are battered, bruised, and charred by the assault. A sickening smoke and ash fill the agora. THE BLESSED TWO cough and rasp out an order to one to the Defenders before them, "Harry the scorpion's flank!" Since their affliction, a preternatural consciousness links them, and Yasmin and Ziwar move in unison through the ash to flank the mounted scorpion.
Yasmin slashes with her talwar, but the thick carapace is too much for her, weakened as she is by the choking ash.
* Move: D1 Shifts K12 to J12; B Moves K10 to L14, avoiding any threatened squares. D1 and B now Flank OS.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(1)+14= Automiss.
LOCATION: B in L14, D1 in J12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 94/94, D1 28/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B weakened UEoOFNT, cannot regain HP (in Pyroclasm Zone).
IBHEA witnesses the carnage around him--the battered defenders, the homes aflame, the agora defiled by Vezzuvu's pyroclasm--and blanches. What is he doing here, leading a ragtag army from atop his obsidian steed like some general? He is a priest, not a military commander! And his strategy for the Dolg's defense shows just how outmatched he is in this role!
Nevertheless, he proceeds. "Forward, to the attack!" he urges a defender. "Sunspot, ahead!" he commands, and the pitch black donkey takes several hesitant steps forward, rolling its equine eyes in terror at the nearby blaze.
"May Delban's black flames sear your soul from this realm," the whisky priest announces, without much conviction, at the giant scorpion ahead. Then, in Delban's name again, he conjures a sphere of writhing tentacles that crush the scorpion's rider, at least, in their icy grip.
* Move: I moves Q12 to Q16, triggers Shadow Walk. D2 moves O12 to P18.
* Free: Move Sunspot Q12 to Q16 (While mounted you can command the creature using free actions, though the mount is still limited to its normal allotment of actions.)
* Minor: Curse BS (nearest enemy), activates Armor of Dark Majesty vs BS
* Standard: Shadow Tentacles A Bu1 within 10 on Q22. Atk vs BS, r(1)+11= Automiss. Vs BF, r(17)+11=28 vs 21 Reflex. Hit, r(6)+6 +5 Vuln Area while mounted=17 cold damage and Slowed UEoINT.
* Ends turn: D2 saves vs -2 defenses, r(2). Fails.
LOCATION: I in Q16, Sunspot in Q16, D2 in P18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF Slowed UEoINT, BS Cursed
CURRENT HP: I 59/59, D2 22/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment (Shadow Walk), +2 to all defenses vs BS's attacks (Armor of Dark Majesty), D2 takes -2 Defenses (SE).
SURGES: 2/7
As the Defenders of Dolg Olsoris rise up to challenge the legions, the Flamehand takes the reigns and commands its SCORPION to charge headlong into the fray.
As on the other flank, the grim-faced defenders desperately fend off the impossibly large scorpion, a mass of humanity amongts its terrible mouth parts...but they hold their ground.
* Standard Action: Charge 2 sq to Q20 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) D2 vs AC: r(8) +14 +1 (charge) - 2 (DoDO) = 21; Hit. r(1, 5, 6) + 5 +2 (Trait) = 19 damage.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q20. Blue F in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to D2
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 120/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points his flame-tipped rod at Ibhea and commands "INFERNUM IGNIS."
The Shadowed Sun conceals his priest and the incantation's blaze finds nothing but suffocating air...
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on I vs Fort: r(5) +13 -2 (concealment) = 16; Miss.
LOCATION: Blue F in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 75/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
KELDAN can no longer stand by idly as the good defenders of Dolg Olsolis bear the brunt of the Bladeling onslaught. He brushes the ash and singed hair from his face and races to the side of Yasmin and Ziwar.
"You," Keldan shouts to an awestruck defender, "go protect Delban's Messenger. I have control of the situation here." And the defender trots off, spear before them at the ready.
"Hear me, creatures of the earth, sacred outgrowth of Omthala's life-giving light! Rise up and repel these invaders of Primordial origin, blasphemous against the very gods themselves in their existence!" And nature responds. Across a great swath of the battlefield, crawling and wriggling and flying insects emerge and descend and assemble to assault the Legion of Ruth with bites and stings. The Javelineer lurking behind a stone cottage collapses under the attack of scores of wasps. The scorpion and its rider, both, are forced back, reeling from a thousand bites and stings.
* Move: K moves N10 to L13, D3 moves O11 to R17
* Standard: Nature's Rebuff Cl Bl 5 G-K/14-18 (except blocking terrain), Atk vs OF, r(19)+12=31 vs 21 Will. Hit. Vs OS, r(14)+12=26 vs 21 Will. Hit. Vs M(J18), r(17)+12-5 Total Cover =24 vs 21 Will. Hit. Damage=r(4,4)+6=14 to M & OS, M KILLED, +5 Vulnerable Blast while mounted= 19 to OF. OS & OF Pushed 3 to I17 and cannot move closer to K willingly (SE).
* End of turn: D3 Save vs -2 defenses, r(7). Fails.
LOCATION: K in L13, D3 in R17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M(J18) KILLED, 14 to OS, 19 to OF.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OS & OF cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
CURRENT HP: K 75/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B & D1 in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves), Nature's Rebuff on cooldown until K bloodied. D3 takes -2 defenses (SE)
THE BLESSED TWO have a confidence and seriousness about them that belies their age. Not confounded by the futility of their previous attack against the scorpion, they leap into action, Yasmin calling over her shoulder to the Olsolisian defender, "Don't stand there, gaping! Protect yourself ... and the priest!" The man catches himself, shakes his head, and scuttles around the corner of the stone cottage. "We have prey to hunt down," Ziwar says under her breath, and the two smile slyly.
Yasmin and Ziwar round the corner of another stone building, catching the hiding Javelineer unawares and striking them down with a nasty blow from Ziwar's talwar.
* Move: D1 moves J12 to K15 (Cover), B moves L14 to F12, avoiding DT
* Standard: Charge F12 to C14, atk vs M(C15), r(14)+14+1=29 vs 23 AC. Hit. M(C15) KILLED
TRIGGERS BARBED REPRISAL, B takes 3 damage
* Ends turn: D1 saves vs -2 defenses, r(17). Succeeds.
LOCATION: B in C14, D1 in K15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: M(C15) KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 28/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: B & D1 Weakened UEoOFNT, D1 Cover and in Nature's Embrace aura
BLUE SCORPION: 120/120 Cursed
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 75/92 Slowed UEoINT,
ORANGE SCORPION: 106/120 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 73/92 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ROUND 2
Primal and Divine power hold the (orange) SCORPION at bay so it flails wildly with its tail at nearby Dolg defenders, forcing them away and onto their backs to avoid sure death at the pointy end of the perilous stinger! Try as they might to avoid its effects completely, dripping poison finds an open wound as pyroclasm suffocates them!
* Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D1 Fort: r(11) +12 = 22; Hit. r(2, 8, 4) + 5 = 19 poison damage is pushed to M13 and falls prone.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(6). Fails
LOCATION: Orange S in I17. Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 poison damage to D1.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D1 in M13 (pyroclasm zone) and prone.
CURRENT HP: OS @ 106/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Tail Sting and Slap on cooldown, cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points his flame-tipped rod at the Omthalan priest before him, invokes Vezzuvu, and primordial blaze takes Keldan.
"Foolish priest. The natural warmth of the sun is no match for the primordial, burning flow beneath our feet!"
As if on cue, the burning cottage suffers a roof cave-in as the thatch gives in fully to the fire.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on K vs Fort: r(15) +13 = 28; Hit. r(7, 4) +10 = 21 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends).
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
TRIGGERS (K's) RESCUE KELDAN ☆ Encounter, Effect (Free Action): Keldan's allies gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls against the triggering enemy until the end of the enemy's next turn.
As the pastoralist and priest is engulfed in flame, a cry and hue goes up among the Olsolisian defenders, "The priest is in peril! Rescue Keldan!"
Yasmin and Ziwar narrow their eyes in anger at the agent of Vezzuvu.
THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGE fire consumes the cottage fully. These squares are now Hindering Terrain as above under Mechanics.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(16). Succeeds.
LOCATION: Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: K takes 21 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K takes OG 5 fire (SE) and secondary effect spread if failed saving throw.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 73/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
From behind the cottage, Ziwar watches as their sister Faeezah helps cousin Irfan get back to his feet. The two children look with concern as Uncle Yusuf struggles to do likewise, while others remain lying prone among the strange cinders, moaning.
Yasmin, trying to ignore her own brothers' inability to get back up, gives a nudge to her partner, and THE BLESSED PAIR step quietly to the opposite corner of their hiding place.
Yasmin glances around the corner, and the two share a sense of relief. <They haven't seen us yet> they mentally concur. Ziwar pokes their head out and takes their shot at the Bladeling atop its Scorpion, before darting back around the corner.
The Blessed Pair cringe at their miss: at the last possible moment the Scorpion gave a cry of frustration, causing its rider to bend down to soothe it and the bolt to fly uselessly through the space where the rider's head had been.
* Move Action: B: 2 squares to C16, Stealth Check: r(12) + 7 = 19 vs. Passive Perceptions: 17 (Scorpions), 18 (Flamehands) = Success/Hidden; D1: Stand up from Prone
* Standard Action: Pinion Attack vs. Orange Flamehand (Recharge 5,6): ATK: r(3) + 12 + 2CA = 17 vs. 21 Reflex/Fail
LOCATION: B in C16, D1 in M13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D1 no longer Prone, in Nature's Embrace aura
As the giant scorpion ravages the defenders of the Dolg, IBHEA urges his mount forward to their defense, but Sunspot brays and does not budge. "This will not do," he frowns. The whisky priest intones, "Ha-yal!" and he is left standing on the smoky battlefield, his steed vanished, returned to figurine size.
"You there," he directs a group of defenders, still reeling from the scorpion's attack, "cover my advance" as he circles the beast.
Suddenly, a black flame appears above his brow as he utters a condemnation against his foes. The scorpion rears and lunges back, Bladeling rider desperately clinging for purchase. The two tumble into a wicked patch of bloodvine, the rider slamming its steed with the pommel of its shamshir as the scorpion bites at it.
Then, as his enemies do his work for him, Ibhea raises his holy symbol, which gleams with Omthala's brilliant radiance, searing and dazzling the pair.
* Minor: Dismiss Obsidian Steed
* Move: D2 Shift P18 to O18, I Q16 to R21, triggers Shadow Walk
* Standard: Decree of Khirad, Daily Cl Bl3 O-Q/19-21. Effect: Slide BF Q20 to O21 (dismount forces Prone), BS Q20 to O20, Save r(3) Fails (in Bloodvine, Vuln 5 all); Atk vs BF, r(12)+11=23 vs 21 Will. Hit. BF uses Shamshir vs BS, r(12)+13=25 vs 19 Ref. Hit, r(5,5)+10+5 Vuln=25 damage & forgo push. Atk vs BS, r(6)+11=17 TRIGGERS HEROIC EFFORT +4=21 vs 21 Will. Hit. BS uses Chelicerae Chomp vs BF, r(10)+14=24 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(6,2,8)+5=21 damage.
* AP for Standard: Shining Symbol Cl Bl3 O-Q/19-21, Atk vs BS, r(14)+11=25 vs 21 Will. Hit. Atk vs BF, r(4)+11=15 vs 21 Will. Miss. Damage=r(7)+6 +r(2) WC +r(3) MS + 5 Vuln all=23 damage to BS & -2 atk UEOINT
* Ends turn: D2 Saves vs -2 defenses, r(9). Fails.
LOCATION: I in R21, D2 in O18, BF in O21, BS in O20
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 48 to BS, 21 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS Cursed, in Bloodvine (Vuln 5 all (SE)), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D), BF prone
CURRENT HP: I 59/59, D2 3/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: I Concealment, +2 all def vs BS's atk; D2 -2 all defenses (SE)
With its Flamehand rider dismounted and ensnared in wounding razorvine, the SCORPION behaves on pure instinct, lashing, flailing, biting, and rushing its attacker!
It frees itself from the immediate threat of the razorvine, but the wounds to the chinks in its carapace are capitalized on by the Dolg defenders!
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs D2 AC: r(9) +14 - 2 (DoDO) -2 (Symbol) = 19. Miss.
* Move: To Q20. TRIGGERS OA MBA from D2; r(12) +15 = 27. Hit. 9 +5 (vuln) = 14 damage to Blue S (BLOODIED).
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Razorvine (3) Fails.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q20.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 58/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, Vuln 5 all (SE), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D)
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND scrambles for footing after being dismounted and unleashes a fury of pyroclasm and enervating magics from the heart of the burning mountain.
The air chokes with ash, soot and raw heat, but the Shadowed Sun protects his the bearer of his message, Ibhea, from the worst of the fiery offerings.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(2). Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Stand from prone.
* Standard Action: Choking Pyroclasm (ABu3 w/i 10; enemies) ✦ Encounter on Q19 vs Fort of D2, D3, I: r(2, 6, 16) +13 = Hit I. I takes r(2, 6) +5 = 13 fire and necrotic damage.
Effect (red): The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy within the zone cannot regain hit points.
* Minor Actions: Enervating Blast (CBl5; enemies) ✦ Encounter vs Will I and D3: r(3, 14) + 13 = Hit D3; weakened UtEoFNT.
LOCATION: Blue F in O21.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: I takes 13 fire and necrotic damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D3 weakened UtEoFNT, Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: BF @ 54/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
The flames of the burning mountain wash over KELDAN, engulfing the man in flames, his beard singed, his bāšloq aflame.
Coughing and holding his ground, he calls out to the group of defenders across the agora, "I'm fine! Stay with the Mesenger!" Then he calls upon Omthala's glory to demonstrate just how potent be the rays of her sun, and the Bladeling is left cringing, stupefied by the assault.
Then, calmly, Keldan extinguishes his burning vestments.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 moves R17 to P18
* Standard: Omthala's Wrath R5 vs OF, r(13)+12=25 vs 21 Reflex. Hit, r(6,8)+3=17 radiant damage and OF Dazed UEoKNT.
* Ends turn: K Saves vs OG fire, r(17). Succeeds. D3 Saves vs -2 defenses, r(17). Succeeds. D3 Saves vs Weakened, r(3). Fails.
LOCATION: L13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 radiant to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF dazed UEoKNT
CURRENT HP: K 49/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D3 Weakened, in Nature's Embrace aura, +2 attacks vs OF
Whatever the family may have said about Uncle Yusuf being lazy and hedonistic, they will not question his bravery now! The white-bearded elder gathers whatever hale defenders he can and leads them forward against the great scorpion.
Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, use the distraction to, once again, fire a bolt at the scorpion's rider from behind the corner of the thatched cottage. Alas, their shot is low and the bolt ricochets harmlessly off the scorpion's carapace.
* Starts turn: B Recharge Pinion, r(6), recharges.
* Move Action: D1 moves M13 to J15. B makes Stealth check to achieve hidden behind superior cover, r(6)+12=18 vs Passive Perception, OF (18) and OS (17). Succeeds. B hidden.
* Standard: Pinion (Recharge 5,6) R10 vs OF, r(3)+12+2 CA +2 Rescue Keldan!=19 vs 21 Reflex. Miss.
LOCATION: B in C16, D1 in J15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: B 91/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: D1 in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves), B behind Superior Cover
BLUE SCORPION: 58/120 Cursed, in Bloodvine (Vuln 5 all (SE)), -2 Atk UEoINT (stacks w D)
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 54/92
ORANGE SCORPION: 106/120 Cannot move closer to K willingly (SE)
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 56/92
ROUND 3
ORANGE SCORPION DELAYS UNTIL AFTER ORANGE FLAMEHAND
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND sneers at Keldan.
You cannot escape the flame, mortal. It consumes all.
Keldan's cloak begins to smolder, then blaze...
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on K vs Fort: r(9) +13 = 22; Hit. r(3, 6) +10 = 19 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends). (BLOODIED)
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
TRIGGERS K's NATURE'S REBUFF RECHARGE (WHEN FIRST BLOODIED)
As the Primordial flames of Vezzuvu engulf Keldan once again, Omthala reaches out to her priest, renewing his connection with the natural world and his capacity to bring it to his defense against his enemies.
LOCATION: Orange F in I17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: K takes 19 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K takes OG 5 fire (SE) and secondary effect spread if failed saving throw.
CURRENT HP: OF @ 56/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted.
Sensing the SCORPION's magical forbiddance to engage Keldan, the Flamehand pulls the reins hard. Despite the Dolg's defenders unified spear assault, the large creature wheels and charges The Blessed Two after clawing at the ground for a moment!
The pair of Dolg Olsoris fighters are set to desperate defense to prevent becoming a meal!
* Start of Turn: Tail Sting & Slap Recharge 3/4/5/6; r(3). Recharges.
* Move Action: 5 sq to E20.
TRIGGERS OA MBA FROM D1; r(11) +15 = 26. Hit. 9 damage to Orange Scorpion.
* Standard Action: Charge 2 sq to C18 and MBA (Chelicerae Chomp; M1) B vs AC: r(17) +14 +1 (charge) = 32. Hit. r(3, 3, 7) +5 = 18 damage.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Nature's Rebuff; r(13). Succeeds.
LOCATION: Orange S in C18. Orange F in C18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 damage to B.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 97/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
BLESSED AND DEFENDERS
Uncle Yusuf and his younger companion seem emboldened by their glancing blow off the scorpion's carapace. They advance upon it, waving their arms and shouting, which provides Ziwar and Yasmin the opportunity to shift into position and slash at the giant arachnid bearing down upon them, a solid enough blow that deflects a clicking pedipalp.
* Move: D1 moves J15 to D18, B shifts C16 to B16, Flanking OS.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(7)+14+2 CA=23 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(1)+5+r(5) Combat Advantage = 11 damage to OS.
LOCATION: D1 in D18, B in B16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 to OS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 73/94
DE/BUFFS: na
As the remnant smoke and cinders of the Bladeling Flamehand's pyroclasm waft across the agora, IBHEA calls out madly to the Dolg's defenders, "Do not back down now! Even if it's with our very last breaths, we shall see Delban's word--and black flames--delivered upon our enemies!"
A few of the defenders take a faltering step forward, sensing their doom. The whisky priest shifts towards the Bladeling and unleashes a fury of flame himself--black flames, the flames of Delban!
* Move: I shifts R21 to Q21, D2 shifts O18 to O19. Both flank BS.
* Standard: Flame Spiral Cl Bu2, Atk vs BS, r(9)+11+2 CA=22 vs 19 Reflex. Hit. Vs BF, r(16)+11=27 vs 21 Reflex. Hit. Damage: r(9)+6 = 15 fire (-9 Resist)=6 fire damage to BF, 15 +r(3) Curse +r(5) Scorn +5 Vuln all = 28 fire and psychic to BS.
LOCATION: I in Q21, D2 in O19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 6 fire to BF, 28 fire and psychic to BS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS will take 1d6+1+5 Vuln fire damage at start of next turn, -2 attacks & saves DoDO, BF will take 1d6+1 fire damage if enters square adjacent to I before SoINT
CURRENT HP: I 46/59, D2 3/33
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: I cannot regain HP, +2 defenses vs BS (Armor of DM)
SURGES: 2/7
As Delban's flame burns at its form, the SCORPION thrashes wildly at the Dolg Defenders with tail and claw and carapace leaving several sprawling for their lives...or perhaps even ending them...it will be impossible to tell until the dust settles.
* Start of Turn: Ibhea Flame Spiral; 1d6+1+5 Vuln fire damage. r(3) +1 +5 = 9 fire damage.
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to R19.
Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D2 and D3 Fort: r(13, 6) +12 -2 (DoDO) = 23, 16; Hit D2. MINIMUM DAMAGE REMOVES D2 FROM COMBAT.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Razorvine (14) Succeeds.
LOCATION: Blue S in R19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D2 OUT OF COMBAT
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND bears a face of simmering rage and odd delight as the choking pyroclasm is a backdrop to its vicious stare into the whiskey priest.
"You_do not_command the flame!"
An inferno erupts around Ibhea, but a hasty retreat reveals that perhaps Vezzuvu's Flamehand is less sure of things than furious words betray.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) ✦ Recharge 5/6 on I vs Fort: r(14) +13 = 27; Hit. r(4, 5) +10 = 19 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends). (BLOODIED)
Each Failed Saving Throw: Each ally within 3 squares of the target takes 5 fire damage.
* Move Action: 6 squares to J18.
LOCATION: Blue F in J18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: I takes 19 fire damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: I takes 5 OG fire (SE) and secondary effect if failed save, Choking Pyroclasm centered on O12 UtEoE.
CURRENT HP: BF @ 48/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
What had begun in formal battle, regimented lines drawn, has now devolved to guerilla warfare. KELDAN can no longer see the defenders under his command, and so issues no orders. In the daze and shock, he does not seem to notice his smoldering woolen cloak.
He creeps to the corner of a tiled structure, hoping to catch any enemy unawares. But the Bladeling rider turns and spots him, just as Keldan invokes the buzzing, stinging creatures of the earth against them.
Staggering backwards, the Flamehand conjures Vezzuvu's flames around him, singeing the winged and crawling creatures away.
Keldan's cloak continues to burn.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: K Moves 2 squares L13 to K15 and makes Stealth check to achieve hidden behind Superior Cover, r(8)+6=14 vs 18 Passive Perception. Fails.
* Standard: Nature's Rebuff Cl Bl 5 F-J/16-20, Atk vs BF, r(8)+12=20 vs 21 Will. Miss. Half damage on Miss, r(6,5)+6=17/2=8 & push 2 squares J18 to J20. BF BLOODIED
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG fire, r(3), Fails.
LOCATION: K in K15, D3 in P18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF pushed to J20
CURRENT HP: 25/92
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 Fire, Nature's Rebuff exhausted
Uncle Yusuf and his companion continue to harry both scorpion and rider, and so Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, exploit the opportunity by shifting back, taking aim, and firing a sure shot this time, catching the Bladeling Flamehand in the shoulder. Blood soaks their riding leathers around the wound.
* Move: B shifts B16 to A15
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(14)+14+2 CA +2 Rescue Keldan!=32 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(6)+5+r(1) Combat Advantage =12 damage. OF BLOODIED
LOCATION: B in A15, D1 in D18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF & OS -2 attacks and saves DoDO
CURRENT HP: B 73/94, D1 9/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 Rescue Keldan expires
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92
ORANGE SCORPION: 86/120
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 44/92
ROUND 4
FLAMEHAND DELAYS UNTIL AFTER SCORPION
The SCORPION probes the steel defenses of The Blessed Dolg defenders.
Though the fray is obscured from every position due to the size of the beast, its clear from the racket that the situation for the humans grow desperate..
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to B17.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(12) +14 = 26. Hit. r(2, 3, 7) +5 = 17 damage.
LOCATION: Orange S in B17. Orange F in B17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 17 damage to B.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 86/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND points at The Blessed defenders with a crooked smile.
"There is no escape..."
But Omthala's divine protections from fire thwart Vezzuvu's for the moment as The Blessed do not succumb.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(2). Fails to recharg.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs B's Fort: r(6) +13 = 19; Miss.
LOCATION: Orange F in B17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OF @ 44/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted. Devouring Fire on cooldown.
THE BLESSED TWO
When the horse-sized scorpion clasps and tears at his niece with its mouthparts, Yusuf and his ally step forward to re-engage it and its rider, putting themselves in mortal danger.
"Uncle, no!" yells Yasmin. Then she steps back from the scorpion's grasping pedipalps and fires a shot at its rider. Alas, Vezzuvu's warrior laughs off her attack as it deflects off its armor.
* Starts turn: Pinion Recharge, r(3), Fails.
* Move: D1 shifts D18 to C17. B shifts A15 to B14.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(19)+14=33 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(3)+5=8 damage.
LOCATION: D1 in C17, B in C14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OF & OS -2 attacks and saves (DoDO)
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
IBHEA holds out his hand, expecting a crackling sphere to hurl at his foe to materialize. It does not. Something is wrong! Has Delban forsaken him?
In frustration and doubt he calls out to the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders before him, "Save yourselves! If you can..." his voice trails off.
Then he crosses the battlefield, wreathed in shadow, in pursuit of Vezzuvu's flamehand, pulling up short but a mere swordslength from the mutant.
"May the black flames of Delban sear your soul from this realm!" he bellows, and the battlefield echoes with his curse.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs BS, r(10)+11=21 vs 23 Fortitude. Miss.
* Move: 6 squares Q21 to K21, activates Shadow Walk
* Minor: Curse BF. Activates Armor of Dark Majesty.
LOCATION: K21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF Cursed, BS Cursed
CURRENT HP: 46/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs Cursed enemies
SURGES: 2/7
The riderless, and rudderless, SCORPION engages the stalwart Dolg Defenders, but their mettle and fighting spirit hold.
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(1) fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs I's AC: r(10) +14 -2 (DolgD) = 22. Miss.
LOCATION: Blue S in R19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND rushes to his companion Flamehand's situation on the western end of the Dolg. His burning staff points at the Dolg defenders.
"The Burning Mountain claim thee..."
The air shimmers with suffocating heat to which the defenders succumb.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(2). Fails.
* Move Action: 5 squares to E18.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs D1's Will: r(12) +13 = 25; Hit. r(4, 6) +4 = 14 necrotic damage. D1 IS OUT OF COMBAT.
LOCATION: Blue F in E18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: D1 IS OUT OF COMBAT.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 40/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
Across the battlefield, the Defenders of Dolg Olsolis successfully cover their retreat from the giant scorpion with spearthrusts and feints.
KELDAN, now, is acutely aware that he is aflame. He stumbles back into the side square, beating his hands frantically against his battle vestments but to no avail.
"If I am to return to the radiant embrace of Omthala, I shall take you with me!" he shouts through gritted teeth. But the pain is too much. He cannot strike the killing ray.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 4 squares P18 to O22. TRIGGERS OA FROM BS Chelicerae Chomp, r(1)=automiss. K moves 4 squares K15 to G17.
* Standard: Omthala's Wrath vs OF, r(3)+12=15 vs 21 Reflex. Miss.
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG 5 fire, r(5). Fails. (No allies within 3.)
LOCATION: D3 in O22, K in G17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: K 20/92, D3 35/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 fire, Nature's Rebuff and Rescue Keldan! exhausted
As Yusuf and his companion are immolated, Yasmin and Ziwar, THE BLESSED TWO, shout out in tearful unison, "No! Uncle! NOOOOOO!"
Ziwar fires a bolt at the mounted scorpion rider, sticking it squarely in their chest. But the field point is too small to cause serious injury. Weeping, the pair retreats around the corner of the thatched cottage, hoping the alleyway, choked with bloodvine as it is, is too tight for their mounted foe to follow.
* Begins turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3). Fails to recharge.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(20)= CRIT, 11 damage.
* Move: 6 squares B14 to H12.
LOCATION: H12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, Recharge (5,6)
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 86/120
ORANGE FLAMEHAND: 25/92 Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ROUND 5
"The priest" hisses the SCORPION's rider and so the mighty beast pursues.
Keldan's scythe flashes, enchantments hold and the defender remains after the clash.
* Move Action: 6 sq (circling to avoid OA) to H19.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(7) +14 = 21. Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in H19. Orange F in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 86/120
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND intones indecipherable words of magic that invokes its primordial patron and Keldan is stricken.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire recharge 5/6; r(4). Fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs K's Will: r(19) +13 = 32; Hit. r(4, 5) +4 = 13 necrotic damage, and K is immobilized (save ends).
LOCATION: Orange F in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 necrotic damage to K.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: K is immobilized (save ends).
CURRENT HP: OF @ 25/92
CURRENT BUFFS: Expert Rider
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted. Devouring Fire on cooldown.
THE BLESSED TWO have had their lives completely transformed by the events of the past several months. Before, they were but ordinary, if unusual, village girls. Now, they are capable guerilla fighters defending their home against mutant fanatics!
And so Yasmin unleashes yet another bolt, catching the scorpion's rider square in the chest. They look down, puzzled, at the fletching and nock protruding from their torso.
Yasmin loads another bolt, and she and Ziwar stealthily advance along the thatched cottage's wall.
* Starts turn: Pinion Recharge (5,6), r(2). Fails to recharge.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs OF, r(14)+14=28 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(5)+5=10 damage.
* Move: Stealth 2 squares H12 to H14, r(13)+7=20 vs BF's Passive Perception (18) (no line of sight). Succeeds. Hidden. From BF.
LOCATION: H14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 10 to OF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown (Recharge 5,6), Hidden from BF.
IBHEA has been experiencing a crisis of faith. He has been unable to channel Delban's might to strike down his foes. Is it a sign of disfavor? Does the Sorcerer-King disapprove of his indulgence in araq? Is that it?
And then he sees the Blessed, two children, skirmishing like professional mercenaries, and he knows his faith is sound--whatever his own status, Delban's blessings abide.
When Yasmin fires a bolt into the Flamehand's chest, he seizes his opportunity. The whisky priest, wreathed in shadow still, crosses the square and spreads his fingers. This time, the familiar crackling sphere forms, and he hurls it at the Flamehand's back. The mutant freak is engulfed in black flames and topples from the scorpion.
Ibhea gives a satisfied nod across the square in the direction of the two girls and then curses the riderless beast, "May Delban's black flames sear your soul from this realm!"
* Move: 4 squares K21 to G21. Activates Shadow Walk.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs OF, r(9)+11+1 Prime Shot=21 vs 19 Fortitude. Hit, r(5)+6+r(5) Curse +r(2) Mindbite Scorn =18 necrotic and psychic damage. OF KILLED
* Minor: Curse OS.
LOCATION: G21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 to OF, OF KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: OS, BS, BF Cursed.
CURRENT HP: 46/59
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs attacks from Cursed enemies (Armor of DM)
SUEGES: 2/7
The SCORPION, tail leading overhead, rushes the Dolg Defenders lashing pointedly with its stinger while slapping wildly with the flank of the bulbous mass. The Dolg Defenders are left sprawling back and to the ground, desperately trying to deflect a fatal sting with ther shields and weaponry.
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(4) Recharges.
* Move Action: Move to Q22.
* Standard Action: Tail Sting & Slap (CBl2; enemies) vs D3's Fort: r(13) +14 - 2 (DolgD) = 25. Hit. r(3, 1, 6) +5 = 15 poison damage, pushes D3 2 sq to M22 and knocks D3 prone.
LOCATION: Blue S in Q22.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 15 poison damage to D3
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: D3 pushed 2 sq to M22 and knocked prone
CURRENT HP: BS @ 21/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND bows his head grimly.
"You are at your end priest of an impotent sun goddess."
Flames annoint Keldan's form for a moment...until a radiant bulwark shunts them away like a flare of a solar coronal ejection.
The Flamehand, whether fear or good measure of the situation, retreats for the moment.
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(5). Recharges.
* Standard Action: Devouring Fire (R5) vs K's Fort: r(7) +13 = 20; Miss.
* Move Action: 4 squares to C15.
LOCATION: Blue F in C15.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 40/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
Among the remaining defenders of Dolg Olsolis, there are excruciating screams of pain from the scorpion's poison stings mixed with cries of panic. Those still living scramble desperately to their feet.
Meanwhile, across the square, KELDAN digs deep into his inner reserves, finding the will--and endurance--to persevere and fight on ... for the moment.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Move: D3 stands up from prone
* Standard: K uses Second Wind (spends Surge, regains 23 HP, +2 defenses USoKNT)
* Ends turn: Saves vs OG 5 fire, r(3). Fails. Saves vs Immobilized, r(3). Fails.
LOCATION: G17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 25/92
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized (SE), OG 5 fire, Nature's Rebuff & Save Keldan! exhausted
Perhaps they are divinely inspired by Delban. Or perhaps Ziwar's competing tactical move wins out. Regardless, THE BLESSED TWO do not chase the Bladeling Flamehand but instead weave past the scorpion's darting tail to flank the beast with the burning priest of Omthala. Ziwar strikes it with her talwar, but there is only so much force such a small body can muster; its carapace holds.
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion r(1). Fails.
* Move: 5 squares H14 to I19, avoiding threatened squares. Now Flanking OS with K.
* Standard: Talwar vs OS, r(11)+14+2 CA=26 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(1)+5+r(1) CA=7 damage to OS.
LOCATION: I19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 to OS
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 56/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and saves), Pinion (Recharge 5,6) on cooldown
BLUE SCORPION: 21/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 40/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 79/120 Cursed by I
ROUND 6
The strange, hooklike chelicerae reach for The Blessed Two to draw them into the vast maw of the SCORPION.
A fight for their very lives is upon them.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs B's AC: r(20) +14 = CRIT. 29 damage to B (BLOODIED).
LOCATION: Orange S in H19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 29 damage to B
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 79/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
THE BLESSED TWO are in desperate straits. After Ziwar's talwar strike, the scorpion ravaged her with its mouthpincers. She is a bloody mass of flesh and exposed soft tissue.
Yasmin pulls her cousin out from the chelicerae and notices another scorpion advancing from across the square, the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders in its path. She fires a bolt and pins the creature's chitonous form to the very earth of the agora.
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(5). Recharges.
* Move: Shifts I19 to I20.
* Standard: Pinion R10 vs BS, TRIGGERS OA FROM OF Chelicerae Chomp vs B, r(9)+14=23 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(2,3,8)+5=18 damage to B. Atk vs BS, r(16)+12=28 vs 19 Reflex. Hit, r(6,6)+7=19 damage & Restrained (DC 17).
LOCATION: I20
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to BS
DAMAGE TO ALLIES: 18 to B
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BS Restrained (DC 17)
CURRENT HP: 9/94 BLOODIED
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: In Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and saves), Pinion (Recharge 5,6) on cooldown
Despite the adversity around him, IBHEA feels reassured that the Sorcerer-King is with him, guiding his hand. "Delban, Son of the Radiant Mother, I recommit myself to you, shameful of my momentary doubt," he cries. And he feels his prayer answered with an infusion of vigor. But is it Delban? Or the lingering effect of the araq?
With confidence once again, he rounds the thatched cottage in search of the Primordial infidel. He hurls a crackling sphere of black energy, and the Flamehand is wracked with agony. But it still clings to its miserable excuse of a life.
* Minor: Deliverance of Faith, Encounter. Spend Surge & gain Surge of THP (+16)
* Move: 5 squares G21 to B17, Activates Shadow Walk.
* Standard: Hand of Blight R 10 vs BF, r(14)+11+1 Prime Shot +2 Cunning Stalker =28 vs 19 Fortitude. Hit, r(4)+6 + NO ACTION Spend Fell Might +r(7) +r(6) Curse +r(4) Mindbite Scorn + FREE ACTION Gloves of Eldritch Admixture, Spend 2 Charges +r(5,5)=37 cold and necrotic and psychic damage.
LOCATION: B17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 37 to BF
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: BF, BS, OS Cursed
CURRENT HP: 46/59 +16 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, +2 defenses vs Cursed enemies, BF, BS, OS (Armor of DM)
SURGES: 1/7
The SCORPION claws at the ground and makes a strange, annoyed sound that almost seems like the perturbed chuffing of a bear or other animal. It pulls and yanks at the restraining bolt and anchor until it finally breaks free!
It barrels into the Dolg Defenders who plant their shields and feet in desperation to survive the deadly, awkward rush!
* Start of Turn: TS&S on cooldown; r(2) Fails to recharge.
* Move Action: Escape vs DC 17; r(11) + 9 (Athletics) = 20. Escapes.
* Standard Action: Charge to O22 and MBA Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs D3's AC: r(19) +14 -2 (DolgD) = 31. Hit. r(3, 5, 6) +5 = 19 damage to D3.
LOCATION: Blue S in O22.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to D3
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BS @ 2/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed, TS&S on cooldown.
VEZUVVU'S FLAMEHAND stares at Ibhea as the two of them share a moment of quiet, secluded standoff.
With sudden action interrupting the stillness, staff touches the earth where deep below The Burning Mountain draws its fuel. Withering Heat momentarily licks at Ibhea's form, but is immediately thwarted by The Shadowed Sun as an eclipse of Ibhea's form draws Vezzuvu's heat into an event horizon and swallows it!
Its face a visage of rage, the Flamehand raises its staff and rushes Ibhea to engage him in a melee clash for the final standoff!
* Start of Turn: Devouring Fire Recharge; r(1). Fails to recharge.
* Standard Action: Withering Heat (R5) vs I's Fort: r(5) +13 -2 (concealment) = 16; Miss.
* Move Action: 1 sq to B16.
LOCATION: Blue F in B16.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: BF @ 3/92
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
KELDAN still is alight with the churning chaos that are the flames of The Burning Mountain. Nonetheless, he slashes at the giant scorpion before him with his shepherd's scythe, cracking its chitonous exoskeleton and causing the creature to reel sideways in pain.
The priest of Omthala burns still from the Flamehand's devouring fire, but his goddess must have intervened to lift the supernatural, and withering, heat that agonized her servant so much his very movement was impossible.
Across the square, the last of Dolg Olsolis's defenders, bloodied, maimed, and near complete incapacitation from the scorpion's charge, make a small defensive retreat.
* Starts turn: Takes 5 OG fire damage
* Standard: Sweeping Scythe vs OS, r(10)+14=24 vs 21 AC. Hit, r(7,4)+8= 19 damage & Slides 1 square H19 to I19. OS BLOODIED.
* Move: D3 Shifts 1 square M22 to L23
* Ends turn: Save vs OG 5 fire, r(5). Fails. Save vs Immobilized, r(11). Succeeds. Immobilized ends.
LOCATION: K G17, D3 L23, OS I19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 to OS. OS BLOODIED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Slides OS to I19
CURRENT HP: K 20/92, D3 1/46
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: K OG 5 fire (SE), Rescue Keldan! and Nature's Rebuff exhausted.
Yasmin cannot allow her kinsman to die here, her purpose to Delban unfulfilled. So she drags her reeling body further away from the scorpion, which seems to fill Ziwar with renewed hope and verve.
THE BLESSED TWO will live to see their destiny as messengers of The Shadowed Sun!
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3). Fails to recharge.
* Shift: 1 square I20 to H21
* Standard: Second Wind, spends Surge & regains 23 HP and +2 all defenses UtSoBNT
LOCATION: H21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 31/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, +2 all defenses UtSoBNT
BLUE SCORPION: 2/120 Cursed by I, TS&S cooldown; Recharge 3/4/5/6
BLUE FLAMEHAND: 3/92 Cursed by I, Choking Pyroclasm and Enervating Blast exhausted, Devouring Fire cooldown; Recharge 5/6.
ORANGE SCORPION: 60/120 Cursed by I
ROUND 7
Sensing a potential flanking maneuver from the pair of predators on either side of it, the SCORPION repositions subtly to prevent the gambit while probing Keldan for a bite!
A fight for their very lives is upon them.
* Move Action: Shift 1 sq to I18.
* Standard Action: Chelicerae Chomp (M1) vs K's AC: r(6) +14 = 20. Miss.
LOCATION: Orange S in I18.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: OS @ 60/120
CURRENT BUFFS: na
CURRENT DEBUFFS: na
Ziwar looks her kinsman in the eye and nods once, a gruff appreciation. Then this one half of THE BLESSED TWO takes aim at the Flamehand stalking Delban's Messenger and lets loose a bolt that catches the Bladeling Pyromancer in the ear, penetrating their brain.
Ziwar turns back to her kinsman and Yasmin gives a brief nod in return. Then the two circle the giant scorpion before them, positioning themselves, or an ally, for a kill strike.
Ibhea turns from the crumpling form before him to The Blessed Two and back again.
"Who is the Master of Flame now, Bladeling?" he asks matter-of-factly of the corpse. "I AM!" he shouts. "I AM DELBAN'S BLACK FLAME!"
* Starts turn: Recharge Pinion (5,6), r(3) Fails.
* Standard: Hand Crossbow R10/20 vs BF, r(19)+14=33 vs 23 AC. Hit, r(3)+5=8 damage. BF KILLED. TRIGGERS IBHEA'S FELL MIGHT RECHARGE
* Move: 4 squares H21 to J19, avoiding threatened squares.
LOCATION: J19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 to BF. BF KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 31/94
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Pinion on cooldown, in Nature's Embrace aura (+2 Will and Saves)
CALLING THE COMBAT. Blue Scorpion has 2 HPs and no real options. Other Scorpion is Bloodied. Its basically resolved.
@darkbard will vignette the climax of Ibhea's Heroic Tier in the next few days while leveling up Chanvati, Pa'avu, Bita-Bousseh, Hazard to level 10. Once done, I'll frame the next obstacle in that group's Heroic Tier climax conflict.
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