Like the rest of Bantouk, the scene at the palace gate is a calamity.
A large aberrant, bloated monstrosity looks like a giant crossed with a spider and the whole of the mess was melted into vile goo. Spores, poison, and acid float and fling from its every movement and it seems to continuously replicate...or spawn...disgusting, smaller versions of itself.
Townfolk stricken with fear as the mere touch of Caiphon's minions turns them into abominable thralls!
Recently turned thralls shamble grotesquely in vaguely humanoid forms, horrifically bloated from their transformation. Arms swing wildly with acidic ooze as Caiphon's call beckons from their elongated, mishapen mouths.
A pair of Bladeling Vanguards sprawl away from freshly vaulted pitch from the castle's bailey. They surely want to form up, but they are separated for now and surrounded on all sides.
Meanwhile, beholding the horror of Bantouk's from on-high, the very young Empress, likely in defiance of her advisors, stands atop the rampart over the portcullis with her guard and the palace's artillery.
TERRAIN/MECHANICS
*
Waves: Rounds 3 and 5 will see a Standard (500 xp) worth of Bladeling Legions (either 1 Standard or 4 x Minions) appear in A squares.
* Illumination: Fully.
* BESEECH THE EMPRESS TO OPEN THE PORTCULLIS AND SEND HER GUARD TO AID!
SKILL CHALLENGE LVL 10/COMPLEXITY 1 (4 Success/3 Failure/1 Secondary Skill as Minor Action/DCs 13 and 18)
ACTIONS:
✦ Rebuke the Guards' Mettle: Intimidate (standard action, range 10 to Z sq). Success = Artillery Volley (Ranged 20; one, two, or three creatures); +15 vs AC. 10 damage.
✦ Rally the Troops at the Gate: Athletics or Arcana (Immediate action - Trigger: you defeat an enemy within 10 sq of Z sq).
✦ Appeal to the Sovereign's Duty: Diplomacy, History (standard action, range 10 to Z sq).
✦ Show Them It Has a Weakness: Dungeoneering or Nature (standard action, w/in 3 sq of the Caiphon Bloater). Success = Attack +12 vs Will. Hit; Stunned (SE). Miss; Dazed (SE)
Effect:
The Empress calls for the gate to be raised and her guard to rally to the heroes' aid. The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield.
*
Caiphon and Vezzuvu's Legion of Bladelings are enemies, but they will prioritize attacking the heroes if they can.
The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend (Stunt) - At-will
Standard Action * Close Burst 5 (any Bladeling)
Prerequisite: The heroes have not attacked a member of the Bladeling Legions this Encounter.
Check: Diplomacy or Intimidate vs Medium DC (18)
Effect: All members of the Bladeling Legions treat all of the heroes as allies UtEoYNT. Sustain Minor while adjacent.
Special: Unavailable once all Caiphon enemies are defeated.
*
Anti-infantry Caltrops (black squares; Hindering Terrain): Any creature that begins their turn in the Hindering Terrain of the Caltrops takes 5 damage. Taking a (non-teleporting) move action on these caltrops requires a DC 18 Acrobatics/Athletics check or you are slowed UtEoYNT.
*
Water/Cliff (blue; Hindering Terrain): Any creature who falls in the water must Climb (Medium DC) 4 squares to reach the top (20 ft).
*
Evergreen Trees: Squares that are fully illustrated are difficult terrain and grant Partial Concealment due to light foliage. Partially illustrated squares are only color.
* Townfolk (T): Townfolk are stricken with terror throughout the map. Any Townfolk struck by an attack from one of Caiphon's forces is immediately corrupted and turns into a Caphionspawn or Bloatfiend; AC 22, F/R/W 21. Any hero who is adjacent to a Townfolk can spend a Minor Action to calm and inspire them, removing them from the scene and gaining a +2 Power Bonus to Attack UtEoYNT for their heroic effort.
*
Burning Pitch Hazard Level 10 Obstacle XP 500 (red square)
A pile of burning pitched launched from a catapault within the castle's bailey.
Hazard: Each square of burning pitch counts as difficult terrain.
Trigger
The burning pitch attacks when a creature enters or starts its turn within a square of burning pitch.
Attack * Fire
Opportunity Action Melee
Target: Creature in a square containing burning pitch
Attack:+13 vs. Ref
Hit:1d8 + 5 fire damage, and the target grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
Countermeasures
✦ A character with OG Fire from the hazard can spend a Minor Action to gain a +2 bonus to their end of turn saving throw.
✦ Evade (Immediate Interrupt - Encounter) A character who succeeds on a medium DC Acrobatics check (18) gains a +2 bonus to Ref vs the burning pitch's attack. If the hazard misses them with its attack, they can shift 1 sq as a free action.
*
CAIPHON FORCES
Caiphon Bloater (CB) (Large aberrant magical beast, solo, controller): HP 448, AC 24, Fortitude 25, Reflex 20, Will 22, Init +9
Bloatfiend (F) x 4 (Medium aberrant magical beast, controller, minion): 1 HP, AC 24, Fortitude 23, Reflex 22, Will 21, Init +10
Caiphonspawn (S) x 4 (Medium aberrant humanoid, brute, minion): 1 HP, AC 22, Fortitude 24, Reflex 22, Will 20, Init +8
*
BLADELING LEGIONS FORCES
Legion Vanguard (V) x 2 Medium elemental humanoid, soldier/leader, standard): HP 106, AC 26, Fortitude 24, Reflex 20, Will 22, Init +8
*
Place Bita-Bousseh (A9), Chanvati (A12), Hazard (A18), and Pa'avu (A15) in any A square.
INITIATIVE
Spawn Bloatfiend (Caiphon Bloater Free Action) = 30
Bloatfiend (F) = 26
Hazard (H) r17+7=24
Caiphon Bloater (CB) = 20
Pa'avu (P) r8+10=18
Chanvati (C) r5+11=16
Legion Vanguard (V) = 15
Caiphonspawn (S) = 14
Volcanic Arcanian (A) = 13
Bita-Bousseh (B) r4+7=11
ROUND 1
Chanvati's Monster Knowledge checks (Free Action):
*
Dungeoneering vs Caiphon Bloater, r15+10 + Free Action Adept's Insight Unaugmented for +1 to the skill check = 26 (This hits the
Hard DC; I will not have Adept's Insight available for the rest of this encounter).
Caiphon Bloater
Large aberrant magical beast
Level 10 Solo Controller (Leader) XP 2500
HP 448; Bloodied 224 Initiative +9
AC 24, Fortitude 25, Reflex 20, Will 22 Perception+12
Speed 6 Darkvision
Immune disease, poison; Resist 5 acid, psychic; Vulnerable 5 force, thunder
Saving Throws +5; Action Points 2
Traits
Action Recovery
Whenever the bloater ends its turn, any dazing, stunning, or dominating effect on it ends.
Instinctive Spawn
On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Spore Slam (poison) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +15 vs. AC
Hit: 2d10 + 7 damage, and ongoing 10 poison damage (save ends).
⚔ Appendage Mash ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one or two creatures); +13 vs. Fort. If the bloater targets only one creature, it can make this attack twice against that creature
Hit: 3d6 + 7 damage.
Effect: The bloater slides the target up to 2 squares.
ᗕ Caiphon Plume (acid, psychic) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +13 vs. Will
2d10 + 10 acid and psychic damage. The bloater pulls the target up to 4 squares, and the target is immobilized (save ends).
Effect: The blast creates a zone UtEoCBNT. Any creature that enters the zone or starts its turn there takes 5 acid damage.
Minor Actions
➶ Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning) ✦ At-Will (1/round)
Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square and slides the bloatfiend up to 3 squares. The bloatfiend acts on the bloatfiend initiative.
Triggered Actions
ᗕ Bloodied Plume ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The bloater is first bloodied.
Effect (Free Action): Caiphon Plume recharges, and the bloater uses it.
Athletics +15
*
Dungeoneering vs Bloatfiend, r20+10=30 (Exceeds
Hard DC).
Bloatfiend x4
Medium aberrant magical beast
Level 10 Minion (Controller) XP 125
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +10
AC 24, Fortitude 23, Reflex 22, Will 21 Perception+6
Speed 6
Immune acid, disease, poison
Traits
Pestilential Body (Aura 1)
Any creature that starts its turn in the aura takes 3 poison damage.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Grotesque Slam (acid) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +15 vs. AC
Hit: 7 acid damage and the target grants CA UtEoBFNT.
➶ Caiphon's Beckon (charm) ✦ Recharge if the power misses
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +13 vs. Will
Hit: The bloatfiend slides the target up to 3 squares. Then a bloatfiend or caiphonspawn that is adjacent to the target can make a melee basic attack against it as a free action.
Ath +8
*
Dungeoneering vs Caiphonspawn, r17+10=27 (Exceeds
Hard DC).
Caiphonspawn x4
Medium aberrant humanoid
Level 10 Minion Brute XP 125
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +8
AC 22, Fortitude 24, Reflex 22, Will 20 Perception+6
Speed 5 Low-light vision
Immune acid
Standard Actions
(⚔) Claw ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +15 vs. AC
Hit: 12 damage.
Triggered Actions
Whisper of Death (psychic) ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The spawn dies.
Effect: Each enemy adjacent to the spawn takes 5 psychic damage.
Ath +8
*
Arcana vs Legion Vanguard, r3 TRIGGERS Philosopher's Crown Daily Power, Trigger: You make an Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Nature, or Religion check and dislike the result. Effect: You reroll the check and use either result. r14+16=30 (Exceeds
Hard DC).
Legion Vanguard
Medium elemental humanoid (fire), bladeling
Level 10 Soldier (Leader) XP 500
HP 106; Bloodied 53 Initiative +8
AC 26, Fortitude 24, Reflex 20, Will 22 Perception+8
Speed 6 Resist Fire 10
Traits
Phalanx Formation
Adjacent allies gain a +2 power bonus to AC and damage.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Cruel Flail (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +15 vs. AC. The vanguard has a +2 bonus to hit while bloodied.
Hit: 2d6 + 10 damage, and the target is marked until the end of the vanguard's next turn.
Minor Actions
⚔ Shield Bash (weapon) ✦ At-Will 1/round
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature marked by the vanguard); +15 vs. AC. The vanguard has a +2 bonus to hit while bloodied.
Hit: The target is dazed until the end of the vanguard's next turn.
Vanguard's Mark ✦ Recharge when first bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one enemy in the burst). The target is marked until the end of the vanguard's next turn. If the target doesn't end its next turn adjacent to the vanguard, the vanguard can immediately charge the target as a free action and doesn't provoke opportunity attacks for the charge's movement.
ᗕ Covering Fusilade of Barbs ✦ Encounter
Attack: Close blast 3 (enemies in the blast); +13 vs. Reflex. The vanguard has a +2 bonus to hit while bloodied.
Hit: 1d6 damage. Effect: Allies in the blast gain 5 THP and can shift 1 sq as a free action.
Ath +15
A disgusting, yet smaller, replica of the CAIPHON BLOATER emerges from the melty material of the original, hulking beast. The BLOATFIEND oozes and lurches toward the nearby, terrified townfolk.
*
Instinctive Spawn: On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
*
Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning). Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square (Q20) and slides the bloatfiend 2 squares to Q22. The bloatfiend acts on the bloatfiend initiative.
LOCATION: P19, new Bloatfiend in Q22
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 448/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The BLOATFIENDs increase their number as one of the TOWNSFOLK succumb to Caiphon's corruptive touch.
Having assimilated one to their alien collective, they swarm upon the members of Vezzuvu's Bladeling Legions, setting into motion the playing out of the historical loop for yet another age.
F (Q22)
* Standard: Grotesque Slam (M1) vs T (R23)'s AC: r(15) +15 = 30. Hit. T (R23) turns into a Bloatfiend (R23).
* Move: 6 sq (circling to avoid OA) to M16.
F (R23)
* Move: 6 sq to R17.
* Standard: Charge to O16 and Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V2's AC: r(19) +15 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 37. Hit. 7 acid damage and V2 grants CA UtEoFNT.
F (S16)
* Standard: Caiphon's Beckon (R5) vs V2's Will: r(19) +13 +2 (CA) = 34. Slides V2 3 sq to K15 and Caiphonspsawn (J22) makes an MBA vs V2. Slam (M1) vs V2's AC: r(6) +15 +2 (CA) = 23. Miss.
* Move: 4 sq to O15.
F (U16)
* Move: 4 sq to O16.
* Standard: Charge to L15 and Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V2's AC: r(9) +15 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 27. Hit. 7 acid damage and V2 grants CA UtEoFNT.
F (T9)
* Move: 1 sq to S9.
* Standard: Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V1's AC: r(4) +15 = 19. Miss.
F (O8)
* Standard: Charge to Q9 and Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V1's AC: r(11) +15 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 29. Hit. 7 acid damage and V1 grants CA UtEoFNT.
LOCATION: M16, O16, O15, L15, S9, Q9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 damage to V1. 14 damage to V2
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Changed Townfolk (R23) to Bloatfiend. V2 slid to K15. V1/V2 grants CA UtEoFNT. V2 is in Pestilential Body (Aura 1).
HAZARD's joy at being reunited with his Beloved is now tampered with the strangeness of the scene he witnesses in her company. The strange blade-creatures they fought before she is now telling him not to attack, while the weird almost creatures his instincts beg him to avoid are the ones he is told to fight. But she is all wise, and he will follow her directive.
But first, a happier assignment: he lopes over to the group of terrified people hiding under a tree and gambols around them, nudging and licking and whining and circling until they realize they have a protector. The man and his teenage son and daughter begin to scramble away, before the girl returns to grab her grandmother's hand to bring her along with them.
Then the hound summons his courage - to be as brave as his Beloved - and charges the mushroom cloud spider thing and slams into it, popping its outer membranes. Perhaps he will be more cautious next time, for at that instant of anhilating the thing, his head reverberates with the ultrasonic scream of pain and rage of the dying creature.
* Move: from A18 to F18, adjacent to T in G18.
* Minor: Calms and Inspires T to leave the scene, Hazard gains +2 Power Bonus to ATKs UEoHNT
* Standard: Charge S in F15: Move 2 squares from F18 to F16; ATK S F15: r20 +15 = 35/Autohit; S F15 Destroyed;
TRIGGERS (S): Whisper of Death: Hazard takes 5 Psychic Damage
LOCATION: F16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: S F15 Destroyed
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 78/83
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hazard +2 Power Bonus to ATK UEoHNT
SURGES: 11/11
The awful spector of the CAIPHON BLOATER replicates itself. The small version of the monstrosity besets a terrified nearby TOWNFOLK, intent on turning them into an abomination!
Noting the arrival of Caiphon's mortal enemies, the huge horror oozes, trundles, goops and crawls its way to the bestest boy who just delivered a Bantouk residence from their stricken state with his bestest boyisms! Its spore-laden body vomits something resembling an appendage at Hazard, causing our trusted canine to reel from the poisonous fumes!
* Minor: Spawn Bloatfiend (adjacent in Q17). Slide 3 squares to T14.
* Move: 6 sq to J19
* Standard: Charge to H17 and Spore Slam (M2) vs H's AC: r(11) +15 +1 (charge) = 27. Hit. r(5, 4) + 10 = 19 damage and
ongoing 10 poison damage (save ends).
LOCATION: H17, new Bloatfiend in T14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to H.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H takes ongoing 10 poison damage (save ends).
CURRENT HP: 448/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: NA. The Caiphon Bloater does not have Partial Concealment because only 1 of its 4 squares (H17) are obscured by the light foliage. The others are entirely unobscured to Hazard and the heroes.
CHANVATI, Merchant-Prince of House Audaseie, Psion Varipotent, Sojourner of the Chronotope, has been awaiting this meeting with his Empress for a very long time. Time to close the gap. All the gaps. He folds space between himself and his flanking comrades on the one hand and the far side of the battlefield on the other, and instantly the three reapparate closer to the palace walls.
With combatants everywhere, the Psion turns to a cluster of Bloatfiends near the burning pitch. Again, he manipulates the the Chronotope, and two of the Fiends are shunted into the pitch, screaming their baleful, alien deaths.
"Imperial guards!" he calls out. "See what succor is delivered to you on this day of battle! Chanvati Audaseie, Madnessbreaker, is here to safeguard the Empire, along with a host of potent allies! Witness my power of mind over space and time ... and tremble!
"Were you not raised on tales of the heroics of Genga, who fought with the Imperial Guard at the Death Giant siege of Bantouk during the Chychomneahantaek Dynasty? How her powerful psionics paralyzed the Death Giant King Snurre and how the Guard then routed his army? Such a victory will be ours if you show your mettle!
"And you, Imperial Majesty! I beseech Your Highness: do not fall victim to whatever prophesies reached you from the lips of The Oracle. My allies and I have sojourned across the Chronotope, undone deeds past and crafted new futures. Prophecy is but guesswork until bold action is taken to secure fate. Now is your moment, Empress. But you must act! Send in your Guard to seal our victory!"
* Move: Dimensional Shortcut on Q19; C teleports to S21 (partial concealment), BB teleports to R19, P teleports to O18
* Standard: Dimensional Scramble ABu1 on N15, ATK vs F M16, r11+13=24 vs 23 Fort. Hit. ATK vs F O16, r7+13=20 vs 23 Fort. Miss. ATK vs F O15, r13+13=26 vs 23 Fort. Hit.
F M16 and F O15 KILLED. TRIGGERS SC (Immediate Reaction): Rally the Troops at the Gate, Primary Skill Arcana check, r3+16=19 vs 18 DC.
Success.
1/4 Successes SC.
* Minor: Secondary Skill History check +16 vs 13 DC=Autosuccess for +2 bonus to Bita-Bousseh's subsequent Primary Skill check to
Rebuke the Guards' Mettle.
* AP: Primary Skill Diplomacy check to
Appeal to the Sovereign's Duty, r5+15=20 vs 18 DC.
Success.
2/4 Successes SC.
LOCATION: C in S21, BB in R19, P in O18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
F M16 and F O15 KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 60/60
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Partial Concealment
PP: 5/5
SURGES: 7/7
PA'AVU takes a moment to adjust to re-corporation. The Earth is solid under her feet, Air expansive in her lungs: she is present once again. And alert.... she thinks. The wordiness of her thoughts causes her to wonder if there are any lingering effects from her time in the Astral Sea tuned deeply into Chanvati's mind.
In a strange reflection of time and space, she faces the location she once was. Between There and Here is her beloved and beleaguered Hound, beset by the Caiphon Bloater. His dilemma sets her body into motion, fulfilling the plan her gosb'tar proposed moments ago in his instantaneous assessment of the battleground.
As the goliath approaches the deformed unearthly aberration, she assesses it for any weaknesses and finds one: sonic reverberation. She howls to the heavens, and its ooze-like surface shivers and vibrates uncontrollably, stunned in its place.
The bladeling nearby witnesses this and narrows their eyes in considering assessment. Pa'avu too considers: perhaps with a little more "persuasion" she can convince the enemy of this common enemy to be their friend ... if only for a time. She draws a deep and howls again, even louder and more terrifying this time.
* Move: 6 squares from O18 to I17, Flank with Hazard
* Standard: Primary Skill Nature to
Show Them It Has a Weakness, r14+12=26 vs 18 DC.
Success. 3
/4 Successes SC. ATK: r20+12+2 CA =34 vs 18 DC, CB Stunned SE
* Minor: Rain of Hammers Ki Focus Daily Power: make at-will attack on enemy P already hit w/atk this turn: Howling Strike: r5+16+2 CA =23 vs 24 AC. Miss.
* AP: Stunt:
Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend CBU5 vs V2 (K15): Intimidate: r3+13+2 CA=18 vs 18 DC. Success; Effect: All members of the Bladeling Legions treat all of the heroes as allies UtEoYNT. Sustain Minor while adjacent.
LOCATION: I17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB Stunned SE; Bladelings = Allies UEoPNT, Sustain Minor
CURRENT HP: 85/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Sigil of Companionship
SURGES:11/11
The LEGION VANGUARDS have already assessed this situation in past practice. The physical and mental reps they've played out over the years coordinates both their thoughts and their efforts in perfect harmony. The pestilential aura of the Bloatfiends is like a fly to an elephant; irrelevant.
The goliath and her companions are capable and worthy allies against the Caiphon scourge. The vanguard will form up with them and beat back the alien menace…for now.
To that end, flails fly with perfect precision, shields defeat intended blows, footwork advances a future formation directive, and menace occupies their enemies' minds.
V1
* Starts Turn: In Bloatfiend Aura x 2; 6 poison damage.
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs F (Q9)'s AC: r(10) +15 = 25. Hit.
F (Q9) SLAIN.
* Move: 6 sq to L11
TRIGGER OA FROM F (S9). CRUEL SLAM (M1) VS V1's AC: r(5) +15 + 2 (CA) = 22. MISS.
V2
* Starts Turn: In Bloatfiend Aura x 1; 3 poison damage.
* Minor: Vanguard's Mark (Recharge when first bloodied) on CB. Effect: Close burst 5 (one enemy in the burst). The target is marked until the end of the vanguard's next turn. If the target doesn't end its next turn adjacent to the vanguard, the vanguard can immediately charge the target as a free action and doesn't provoke opportunity attacks for the charge's movement.
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs S (J15)'s AC: r(8) +15 = 23. Hit.
S (J15) SLAIN.
TRIGGER WHISPER OF DEATH; CAIPHONSPAWN SLAIN. Effect: V2 takes 5 psychic damage.
* Move: Shift 1 sq to L16.
LOCATION: V1 in L11. V2 in L16.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
F (Q9) SLAIN.
S (J15) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB under Vanguard Mark UtEoV2NT.
CURRENT HP: V1 93/106. V2 84/106
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: V1/2 Grants CA UtEoFNT
The CAIPHONSPAWN vomit toward their targets like mutated bile/food byproducts and slash at them with something resembling a "claw." Hazard is besieged while a terrified Townfolk is changed forevermore into an abomination. The newly changed Townfolk rushes a Legion Vanguard who defends against the ferocity but a clean hit finds its way in a crease in the bladeling's armor!
S (J10)
* Move: 6 sq to E15.
* Standard: Claw (M1) vs H's AC: r(14) +15 (no CA as BF is stunned) = 29. H takes 12 damage.
S (H4)
* Move: 1 sq to H3.
* Standard: Claw (M1) vs T's AC: r(6) +15 = 21. T turns into a Caiphonspawn.
(Former Townfolk) S (H2)
* Move: 6 sq to L8
* Standard: Charge to L10 and Claw (M1) vs V1's AC: r(18) +15 +2 (CA) +1 (charge) = 36. V1 takes 12 damage.
LOCATION: E15, H3, (new S from T) L10
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 damage to H. 12 damage to V1
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Changed Townfolk (H2) to Caiphonspawn.
"Warriors of the Imperial Guard! You know me by sight and reputation as once a member of Her Imperial Majesty Scheherezade's court, BITA-BOUSSEH, barrister of Bantouk's justice system and former Imperial advisor. Countless times in the past I witnessed your bravery. Subduing a rampaging monster-headed giant brought in for justice from the desert. Or slaying a creature summoned from the Abyss after a spell went wrong in the contests at the Congress of Savagery. Where is your mettle now? You are no greenhorns, quaking in your boots at the sight of challenge. You are Imperial Guards! Show us your bravery or be reviled by history as craven dogs, unworthy of their titles."
The barrister turns her back on the Palace walls and stalks towards the battle herself, alone. She breathes a secret sigh of relief when a volley of ballistae bolts launches from the crenellations, arcing high over her head and striking down two of the Bloatfiends. The Guard has heeded her cry!
"Pa'avu, strike that monstrosity again! Show them all how true bravery and loyalty look!"
The Halfgiant raises her great sword, Velmech'ti, and brings it down upon the disgusting creature before her, a resounding blow.
The mechanical sound of winches, wood, and iron as the gate raises is quickly followed by the thunderous clatter of hooves as the Empresses' Guard storms the battlefield to drive off the enemies of Bantouk!
* Standard:
Rebuke the Guard's Mettle, Primary Skill Intimidate check, r13+7+2 Chanvati Secondary Skill buff=22 vs 18 Moderate DC.
Success 4/4. SC COMPLETED. Effect: The Empress calls for the gate to be raised and her guard to rally to the heroes' aid. The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield. TRIGGERS: Artillery Volley R20 vs 1, 2, or 3 creatures: ATK vs F T14, r2+15=17 vs 24 AC. Miss. ATK vs F S9, r19+15=34 vs 24 AC. Hit. ATK vs F O16, r14+15=29 vs 24 AC. Hit.
Fs S9 & O16 KILLED.
* Move: 4 squares R19 to N21
* Minor: Bedevil the Fray, R5 on P, TRIGGERS P MBA vs CB, r19+16+2 CA=37 vs 24 AC. Hit. r8+9=17 damage
LOCATION: N21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
Fs S9 & O16 KILLED, 17 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES:
Skill Challenge BESEECH THE EMPRESS TO OPEN THE PORTCULLIS AND SEND HER GUARD TO AID! completed.
CURRENT HP: 69/69
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: see SC buffs.
SURGES: 8/8
V1
81/106 Currently allies to the heroes, grants CA UtEoFNT
V2
84/106 Currently allies to the heroes, grants CA UtEoFNT
CB
431/448 Stunned (SE), Vanguard Mark V2 UtEoV2NT
*
The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield.
ROUND 2
The terrible CAIPHON BLOATER staggers and gloops about, eventually shaking itself free from the grip of the primal spirits of nature which infuse the natural world.
* Stunned (SE) Ends instead of Spawn Bloatfiend.
Instinctive Spawn
On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
The BLOATFIENDs increase their number as one of the TOWNSFOLK succumb to Caiphon's corruptive touch.
Having assimilated one to their alien collective, they swarm upon Bita-Bousseh who struggles to defend herself against the alien onslaught and the dismay that she was unable to save one of her fellow citizens!
Meanwhile, a member of Vezuvvu's vanguard easily turns an awkward slam away with a well timed parry of its shield.
F (T14)
* Standard: Grotesque Slam (M1) vs T (U13)'s AC: r(20) +15 = CRIT. T (U13) turns into a Bloatfiend (U13).
* Move: 6 sq to Q20.
(JUST TURNED) F (U13)
* Move: 6 sq to O17.
* Standard: Charge to N20 and Grotesque Slam (M1) vs B's AC: r(14) +15 +1 (charge) = 30. Hit. 15 THP - 7 acid damage = 8 THP remaining for B and B grants CA UtEoFNT.
F (L15)
* Standard: Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V2's AC: r(4) +15 +2 (CA) = 21. Miss.
LOCATION: Q20, N20, L15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 15 THP - 7 damage = 8 THP remaining for B.
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: Changed Townfolk (U13) to Bloatfiend. B grants CA UtEoFNT. B and V2 are in Pestilential Body (Aura 1).
HAZARD desperately tries to hold onto his naturally good-natured and hopeful self while being bombarded by strange aberrant creatures. They remind him of the othertimes, before his Beloved rescued him from that cruel man.
Then he senses her bright and shining energy, just beyond the larger, more terrifying of the creatures, and the Hound knows he is no longer alone on the field. Not only that, he senses a hopefulness in the air, even beyond her presence, countering the strange spores he can see floating around him.
Fear no longer ruling his canine brain, he backs out of the trap the smaller beast set. As he does so, he sees his target: what looks like a meaty giant spider's leg within the larger one's massive and squishy body.
With his sharp teeth and powerful jaws, Hazard the Hound bites and grabs the pseudo-pedipalp and - pulling it out of the strange mass of body parts and goo - flings it away. Then he prepares himself for any retaliation coming his way.
* Start Turn: OG 10 poison damage. 15 THP-10 = 5 THP.
* Move: Shift 1 square from F16 to F17
* Standard: Bite vs CB: ATK r16+15+2 CA (w/P) =33 vs 24 AC. Hit. Damage: r9+10+1 Sigil =20 Damage to CB
* Free: Furious Comeback (Encounter): Trigger: H's ATK damages enemy: spend Surge/regains HP (20)
* Minor: activate Savage Protector: gain +2 AC
* End Turn: Save vs OG poison; r(17); Succeeds.
LOCATION: F17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 20 to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 54/83 +0 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Savage Protector +2 AC; SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE
SURGES: 10/11
Replicating itself once again, the CAIPHON BLOATER flanks Pa'avu with a duplicate abomination and then proceeds to unleash a flurry of horrid appendage swings, hurtling both Pa'avu and Hazard toward the anti-infantry caltrops set up to protect Bantouk soldiers and citizenry!
No longer beset by the Goliath and her trusted canine friend, the huge alien creature wades into melee with the bladeling vanguard menacing it.
* Minor: Spawn Bloatfiend (adjacent in I16). Slide 1 sq to J17.
* Standard: Appendage Mash (M2; one or two creatures) vs H's and P's Fort: r(8) +13 -2 (Vanguard Mark V2) = 19. Miss H. Effect. Slides H 2 sq to H19. r(13) +13 +2 (CA) -2 (Vanguard Mark V2) = 26. Hit P. r(3, 2, 3) +7 = 15 - 15 THP = 0 damage. Effect: Slides P 2 sq to J19.
* AP for Standard: Appendage Mash (M2; one or two creatures) vs H's and P's Fort: r(14) +13 -2 (Vanguard Mark V2) = 25. Hit H. r(4, 2, 5) +7 = 18 - 5 THP = 13 damage. Effect: Slides H 2 sq to J21.
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR HINDERING TERRAIN OR PRONE IN I20. PLAYER OPTS TO SAVE FOR PRONE IN I20; r(9) FAILS. HAZARD IS IN HINDERING TERRAIN OF J21. r(20) +13 -2 (Vanguard Mark V2) = CRIT P. r(6, 6, 6) +7 = 25 damage. Effect: Slides P 2 sq to K21.
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR HINDERING TERRAIN OR PRONE IN J19. PLAYER OPTS OUT OF SAVE FOR PRONE. PA'AVU IS IN HINDERING TERRAIN OF J19.
* Move: 3 sq to K16
LOCATION: K16, new Bloatfiend in J17.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 damage to H. 25 damage to P.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H slides to Hindering Terrain of J21. P slides to Hindering Terrain of K21.
CURRENT HP: 411/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 1/2 AP remaining. Vanguard Mark V2 UtEoV2NT.
CHANVATI witnesses the ferocious attacks leveled upon the Caiphonian abomination by his bodyguard and her hound. "Impressive," he thinks. Then the Bloater returns their blows two-fold and trebled.
"What bravery! But they know not fully what they face."
And so he reaches out with the telekinetic power of his mind, freezing the Bloater immobile before launching it across the battlefield into the center of the burning pitch, completely annihilating one of the Bloatfiends in its path. The Bloater bubbles and blisters, emitting a horrendous squealing sound as the flames lick its form.
The Merchant-Prince smiles. That's when he notices the two Fiends closing on him and the smile inverts. Reaching out into the Chronotope, he bends and slows time and space, shrouding himself in a shimmering haze that hides him from his enemies' sight.
* Standard: Living Missile R10 on CB, r14+13+2 CA=29 vs 25 Fort. Hit. Immobilized (SE)
* Minor: Living Missile Attack R10 on CB, Slide CB 6 squares K16 to P13, ATK vs F L15, r16+13+2=31 vs 22 Reflex. Hit. r5,6+7=18 damage.
F L15 KILLED, 1/2 damage (9) to CB and CB falls Prone.
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATK vs CB, r14+13=27 vs 20 Reflex. Hit. (Evade Countermeasure would not avoid this.) r6+5=11 fire damage, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage to CB (SE)
* Move --> Minor: Mind Shroud, Superior Cover & Slowed UEoCNT
LOCATION: S21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
F L15 KILLED, 9 damage + 11 fire damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB Prone in Burning Pitch Hazard (will take OA at SoCBNT), Immobilized (SE), grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE)
CURRENT HP: 60/60 +15 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment, Superior Cover + Slowed UEoCNT, CA vs enemies UEoE
PP: 5/5
SURGES: 7/7
PA'AVU ignores the sharp bite of the caltrops as she makes a quick assessment of the battlefield and of her Hound. "Come with me to the horned lady, sweet boy. Protect each other."
The goliath presses close to the fiend threatening the tiefling, distracting its attention, so that her beloved Hazard has safe passage. Then she moves into place next to her temporary ally to fight by their side.
* Starts turn in caltrops: takes 5 damage
* No Action: Athletics check vs caltrops: r6+16=22 vs 18 DC. Success. Not Slowed
* Standard: Pressing Strike: Shift 2 squares from K21 to M19; ATK vs F N19: r5+16+2 CA =23 vs 24 AC. Miss.
* Move: Howl of the Alpha Wolf CBU 5: one ally in burst: Slide Hazard from J21 to L21, Pa’avu shifts up to 3 squares to M17 (adjacent to V2)
* Minor: sustain Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend
LOCATION: M17, H to L21
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Bladelings = Allies, Sustain Minor
CURRENT HP: 55/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA
SURGES: 11/11
Reunited (and it feels so good), the LEGION VANGUARDS deploy strategem after strategem, dominate the battlefield, leave no flank exposed, cover their allies, and vanquish their enemies.
V1
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs S (L10)'s AC: r(20) +15 = CRIT.
S (L10) SLAIN.
TRIGGER WHISPER OF DEATH; CAIPHONSPAWN SLAIN. Effect: V1 takes 5 psychic damage.
* Move: 4 sq to M15.
* Minor: Covering Fusilade (Encounter) CBl3 vs F (J17)'s Ref: r(19) +13 = 32.
F (J17) SLAIN. Effect. V2 gains 5 THP and can shift 1 SQ to M16.
V2
* Minor: Covering Fusilade (Encounter) CBl3 vs CB's Ref: r(6) +13 +2 (CA) = 21. Hit. r(3) damage. Effect. V1 gains 5 THP and can shift 1 SQ to N16.
* Standard: Charge to M19 and MBA Cruel Flail (M1) vs F (N20)'s AC: r(20) +15 = CRIT.
F (N20) SLAIN.
LOCATION: V1 in N16. V2 in M19.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
S (L10) SLAIN. F (J17) SLAIN. F (N20) SLAIN
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: V1 76/106 +5 THP. V2 84/106 +5 THP.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The CAIPHONSPAWN surge toward Pa'avu and the Bladeling Vanguard's defensive line. The pair work in concert to foil the abomination attacks with shield, angles, footwork, armored gauntlets, and weaponry.
S (H3)
* Move: 6 sq to I9.
* Standard: Charge to M15 and MBA Claw (M1) vs V1's AC: r(1) +15. CRIT MISS.
S (E15)
* Move: 5 sq to J16.
* Standard: Charge to L16 and MBA Claw (M1) vs P's AC: r(10) +15 = 25. Miss due to V1 Phalanx Formation (P has +2 AC and damage while adjacent).
LOCATION: M15, L16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: na
The Bloatfiends emit a noxious blight of acid that burns BITA-BOUSSEH's lungs, leaves her coughing, her eyes watering. She blinks the tears away in time to look up as one of the Bladeling Vanguards charges in her direction. But instead of striking her, it lashes out with its flail, catching the fiend on the side of its skull, which caves in. The fiend crumples. Bita-Bousseh meets the Vanguard's eyes. They nod at each other.
Then the Tiefling does her best to repay the debt, freezing with fear the alien hearts of one of the Caiphonspawn threatening the other Vanguardsman and Pa'avu and also the Bloatfiend preparing a charge upon her savior. The weird abominations die of the fright her glare produces.
The barrister sees a Bantoukian citizen cowering near the palace gates amid the flood of Imperial troops issuing forth. She cannot bear the idea of another citizen transformed into an alien monstrosity, and so takes off towards them at a slow trot.
* Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Bedevil the Fray, r4. Fails. (But at least I remembered to roll it?)
* Standard: Infernal Glower R10 (one or two creatures), ATK vs F Q20, r9+13+2 CA=24 vs 21 Will. Hit.
F (Q20) KILLED. ATK vs S L16, r18+13+2=33 vs 20 Will. Hit.
S (L16) KILLED.
TRIGGER WHISPER OF DEATH (psychic); THE SPAWN DIES. Effect: Each enemy adjacent to the spawn takes 5 psychic damage. P TAKES 5 PSYCHIC DAMAGE.
* Move: 5 squares, N21 to S17
LOCATION: S17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
F Q20 + S L16 KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 69/69 +8 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE
SURGES: 8/8
A Bladeling reinforcement (wave for rd 3) enters the scene astride the back of a giant scorpion. The VOLCANIC ARCANIAN hops from the saddle as the massive beast moves off to deal with Caiphonian scourge elsewhere. Holding its burning orb implement skyward, the Arcanian prepares to launch a volley of acid and flame!
Since you guys are presently allies, here is the Volcanic Arcanian
@darkbard and
@Nephis. Goes on
Init 13 (sq A13).
Volcanic Arcanian
Medium elemental humanoid (fire), bladeling
Level 10 Artillery XP 500
HP 84; Bloodied 42 Initiative +5
AC 24, Fortitude 21, Reflex 22, Will 23 Perception+8
Speed 6 Resist Fire 10
Standard Actions
(⚔) Magma Touch (fire) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +13 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d8+10 fire damage.
(➶) Burning Bolt (acid, fire, implement) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +13 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d10+5 acid and fire damage, and each enemy adjacent to the target takes 3 fire damage.
➶ Stream of Pyroclasm (acid, fire implement) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +13 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6+10 acid and fire damage, and the target takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
Triggered Actions
➶ Orb of Denial (implement) ✦ Encounter
Trigger: An enemy makes a successful saving throw.
Attack (Immediate Interrupt): Ranged 10 (one creature); +15 vs. Will
Hit: The target fails the saving throw.
Arcane Surge ✦ Encounter
Trigger: The arcanian hits an enemy with an implement attack.
Effect (Free Action): The attack deals maximum damage to the enemy.
Arcana +13, Athletics +7
V1
76/106 +5 THP, currently allies to the heroes, grants CA UtEoFNT
V2
84/106 +5 THP, currently allies to the heroes, grants CA UtEoFNT
A
84/84 Currently allies to the heroes
CB
388/448 Immobilized (SE), prone, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard.
*
The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield.
ROUND 3
A disgusting, yet smaller, replica of the CAIPHON BLOATER emerges from the melty material of the original, hulking beast. However, the opportunity for the newly minted BLOATFIEND to harangue the heroes or corrupt the terrified townfolk is quickly ended by the (ironically Vezzuvian) inferno of the burning pitch!
*
Instinctive Spawn: On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
*
Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning). Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square (Q12)
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATTACK (CREATURE ENTERS THE HAZARD) vs F (Q12)'s Ref; r(19) +13 = 32. Hit. F (Q12) SLAIN.
LOCATION: R12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 388/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized (SE), prone, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard.
NO CURRENT BLOATFIENDS
HAZARD gives a sharp bark of relief after having been swept out of the field of sharp ouchies. Then, seeing the shambling, oozing thing too close to his Beloved, he trots over to protect her.
Single-minded in his offensive attack, the Hound ignore his Beloved's outstretched hand trying to stop his impetuous move. A moment later, as the dying thing explodes in a noise that pierces through his mind, Hazard gives a whine in pained understanding.
* Move: 6 squares from L21 to K15
* Standard: Snap & Snarl vs. S M15: r17+15+2 CA =34 vs 22 AC. Hit.
S M15 DESTROYED; TRIGGER WHISPER OF DEATH (psychic); THE SPAWN DIES. Effect: H & V1 BOTH TAKE 5 PSYCHIC DAMAGE
LOCATION: K15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES ET AL: S M15 DESTROYED; 5 Damage to V1 & to H; 0 to both (0 THP remaining V1, 10 THP remaining H).
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 54/83 +10 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Savage Protector +2 AC; SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE
SURGES: 10/11
A caustic, mind-numbing plume of purple coo vomits forth from the CAIPHON BLOATER as it replicates itself. The small version of the monstrosity navigating the burning pitch, intent on besetting a terrified nearby TOWNFOLK and turning them into an abomination!
As it sizzles against, armor, fur, and flesh, the mind-altering substance compels the heroes and their allies into the burning pitch with the awful abomination!
Whether guided by the vision and poise of the primal spirits of earth or her physical prowess, Pa'avu desperately defends herself against an onslaught of lashes from Caiphon's twisted avatar. She finds her feet pulling free of the burning pitch, but her form careens wildly toward the anti-cavalry caltrops!
* Start of Turn: OG 5 Fire.
TRIGGER THE BURNING PITCH (CB starts its turn within a square of burning pitch): r(15) +13 +2 (CA) = 30. Hit. r(3) +5 = CB takes 8 fire damage and grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* Move: Stand from prone.
* Standard: Caiphon Plume (CBl5 origin sq P13) vs H/P/V1s' Will: r(15, 18, 9) +13 = Hit H/P/V1. r(5, 9) + 10 = 24 acid and psychic damage. H takes 14 damage (-10 THP; (
BLOODIED), P takes 9 damage (-15 THP), V1 takes 24 damage (
BLOODIED; TRIGGERS VANGUARD'S MARK REFRESH), and all are pulled up to 4 squares, and immobilized (save ends); H (N13), P (N14), V1 (O14).
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATTACK (CREATURE ENTERS THE HAZARD) vs H/P/V1's Ref; r(18, 1, 9) +13 = Hit H/V1 and Miss P. r(3, 5) +5 = 8 fire damage to H and 10 -10 (Resist Fire) = 0 fire damage to V1. H and V1 grant CA and take ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
Effect: The blast (purple outline) creates a zone UtEoCBNT. Any creature that enters the zone or starts its turn there takes 5 acid damage.
IMMOBILIZED ON P TRIGGERS (IMM REACTION; EFFECT A SAVE CAN END) SHRUG IT OFF (ENCOUNTER): Effect: You make a saving throw against the triggering effect. If you succeed, you shift 1 square as a free action. r(15). Save vs Immobilized successful. P shifts to O15.
PA'AVU sneers and recalls an epithet that the young githyanki spat out in the middle of their climactic battle in The Astral Sea. She gives voice to it with toothy menace; "Ukvitch-kuchk." Somewhere in The Spirit Realm, the primal spirits that imbue her with supernatural strength stifle their equivalent of "eff yeah(!)" as she casts off the shackles of Caiphon's vitality-stealing, psychic attack.
* AP for Standard: Appendage Mash (M2; one or two creatures) vs P's Fort x 2 (both attacks): r(3, 13) +13 = 16, 26. Hit P x 1. r(4, 5, 1) +7 = 17 damage (
BLOODIED). Effect: Slides P 1 sq to N14 back into Burning Pitch Hazard (can't trigger twice on same turn so no effect).
* Minor: Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning). Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square (Q12)
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATTACK (CREATURE ENTERS THE HAZARD) vs F (Q12)'s Ref; r(4) +13 = 17. Miss. Slide F (Q11) 3 sq to T8.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Immobilized; r(7) +5 = 12. Succeeds. Saving Throw vs CA and OG 5 Fire; r(1). Fails.
LOCATION: P13, new Bloatfiend in T8.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: H and P lose remainder of THP. H takes 22 damage, P takes 26 damage, V1 takes 24 damage.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H immobilized (SE), grants CA and takes OG 5 fire damage (SE), is in Burning Pitch Hazard and Caiphon Plume Zone of N13. P is in Burning Pitch Hazard and Caiphon Plume Zone of N14. V1 immobilized (SE), grants CA and takes OG 5 fire damage (SE), is in Burning Pitch Hazard and Caiphon Plume Zone of O14.
CURRENT HP: 375/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/2 APs. Caiphon Plume on cooldown. CB grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard.
Realizing that his protective vantage beneath the boughs of the cedar has outserved its purpose, CHANVATI steps forth toward the field of battle, wreathed still in the shimmering psionic haze that clouds his form from the sight of others.
"Sahtree, do not despair!" he calls out. "Your bravery wins us this day! You and the hound have bought me the time I need to hold the enemy fast. And then the moment is yours for retribution!" Though still licked by the flames of the burning pitch, Pa'avu feels her spirit roused by the balm of Chanvati's words, her reserves of energy unleashed to continue the fight.
The Psion manipulates the ki energy latent in all matter into a hand-like vise that grips the Caiphonian Bloater where it agonizes in the center of the burning pitch and squeezes.
* Move: 2 squares (Slowed), S21 to R19
* Minor: Rousing Words CBu5 on P: Target: You or one ally in the burst; Effect: The target can spend two healing surges. P spends 2 Surges (now 9/11) and regains 44 HP (now 23+44=67/85).
* Standard: Force Grasp AUG2 R10 (one or two creatures) vs CB, r18+13+2=33 vs 25 Fortitude. Hit. r8,3+7 +5 Vulnerable force=23 force damage & Immobilized UEoCNT
* Ends turn: Mind Shroud expires, Slowed & Superior Cover end
LOCATION: R19
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 23 force damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB Immobilized UEoCNT
CURRENT HP: 60/60 +15 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: CA UEoE
PP: 3/5
SURGES: 7/7
Drops of acid sizzle against her earthen brow as PA'AVU finds herself back in the pitch. She puts out one hand to catch the bladeling as it stumbles, trying desperately to catch its balance.
Then, as the vanguard regains its footing, Pa'avu turns to her beloved Hound, comforting him with a quick brush of her hand on his singed head and toothy grin. Hazard gives a hopeful bark in chorus with the HOWL his Beloved gives in her attack. She swings Velmech'ti flatly into the bloater with a thunderous slam that causes it to shudder violently.
Then, after stretching her arms apart, holding Velmech'ti in her left hand, she slams her hands together, very close to the entity, in a move she learned from Gae'al - a carefully orchestrated slam causing damage without pushing her enemy away. The gladiator had explained that she used this method of this attack when she sought not to give her opponent a way to sneak out of her reach. Pa'avu simply wants to keep the bloater cooking ... until it is burned to a crisp.
* Starts turn in Caiphon Plume Zone and Burning Pitch Hazard: takes 5 Acid Damage and OA from Pitch Hazard: TRIGGERS IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT: Evade Countermeasure (Enc): r10+7=17 vs. 18 Acrobatics DC. Fail. ATK: r15+13+2 CA = 30 vs. 22 Reflex. Hit. Damage: r3+5=8 Fire Damage to Pa'avu
* Minor: Sustain EoMEiMF (adjacent V1)
* Minor: Iron Resurgence on Hazard: Hazard loses 1 Surge & spends 2 Surges, receiving 40 HP + 10 THP
* Standard: Thundering Howl (enc) vs. CB: r9+16+2 CA =27 vs. 24 AC. Hit; Damage: r8+9+2 (Phalanx Formation) +5 Vul Thunder=22 Thunder Damage to CB; 2nd attack CBL 3 [O-Q, 11-13]: r5+4+2 (Phalanx Formation) +5 Vul Thunder=14 Thunder Damage to CB, forgo push; TOTAL: 36 THUNDER DAMAGE TO CB
* Save vs. Ongoing Fire Damage: r10. Succeeds
LOCATION: N14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES ET AL: 13 Fire Damage to P; 40 Thunder Damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES ET AL: Bladelings = Allies, Sustain Minor; Hazard regains 40 HP & 10 THP
CURRENT HP: 54/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA
SURGES: 9/11
Forming up and laughing amongst the (harmless to them) burning pitch, the LEGION VANGUARDS immerse themselves in the glorious and ironic circumstances. Praise be to Vezzuvu and shall their enemies be reduced to cinders in the fiery purge!
V1
* Start of Turn: In Caiphon Plume Zone (5 acid damage) and Burning Pitch Hazard 5 fire (OG) - 10 (Resist Fire) = 0 Fire damage. T
RIGGERS Burning Pitch Hazard; OA vs V1's Ref
TRIGGERS V1 IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT: Evade Countermeasure (Enc): r(1)+6 =7 vs. 18 Acrobatics DC. Fail. ATK: r(7)+13 +2 (CA) = 22. Hit. Damage: r5 +5 -10 (Resist Fire) =0 Fire Damage and V1 grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs CB's AC: r(9) +15 +2 (Bloodied) +2 (CA) = 28. Hit. r(1, 3) +10 = 14 damage, and CB is marked until the end of the vanguard's next turn.
* Minor: Shield Bash (A-W M1, 1/round; one creature marked by the vanguard) vs CB's AC. r(7) +15 +2 (Bloodied) +2 (CA) = 26. Hit. CB is dazed until the end of the vanguard's next turn.
* Ends Turn Saving Through vs grants CA and 5 (OG) fire damage; r(2). Fails
V2
* Move: 3 sq to P19.
* Standard: Charge to P14...
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD OA vs V2's Ref TRIGGERS V2 IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT: Evade Countermeasure (Enc): r(13)+6 =19 vs. 18 Acrobatics DC. Succeeds for +2 Ref def vs attack. ATK: r(7)+13 = 20. Miss.
...and MBA Cruel Flail (M1) vs F (N20)'s AC: r(11) +15 +2 (CA) = 28. Hit. r(3, 5) +10 +2 (Phalanx Formation) = 20 damage and forego marking to keep V1's mark.
LOCATION: V1 in O14. V2 in P14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 46 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB is marked by V1 and dazed UtEoVNT.
CURRENT HP: V1
47/106. V2
84/106 +5 THP.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Phalanx Formation (both V1/2), V1 Barbed Fusilade exhaust and grants CA + OG 5 fire (SE), V2 Barbed Fusilade exhaust and Vanguard Mark exhaust
A horn from the Vanguard blows loudly in a particular burst.
The Vezuvuu-imbued VOLCANIC ARCANIST registers the "ally" signifying-tone of the horn and disregards the defenders of Bantouk, focusing instead on their alien foe. Clad in red-robes with darkened fringe looking the part of cooling and encrusting lava, the wild-eyed figure holds its burning orb aloft and channels a gout of terrible pyroclasm at the Caiphon Bloater. While it might be impervious to the caustic acid, the burning fire scorches its revolting flesh.
A
* Move: 6 sq to G15.
* Standard: Stream of Pyroclasm (R10) vs CB's Ref: r(17) +13 +2 (CA) = 32. Hit. r(5, 3) +10 = 18 acid and fire damage and CB takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both; already has the latter)
➶ Stream of Pyroclasm (acid, fire implement) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +13 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6+10 acid and fire damage, and the target takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
LOCATION: G15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both; already has the latter)
CURRENT HP:
84/84
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Stream of Pyroclasm on cooldown.
BITA-BOUSSEH watches the others surrounding the abominable Caiphon Bloater. They do go work, but what of the citizenry? It is cliche to note that heroes mock barristers and dignitaries and accountants as paper-pushers who do no real work in the world. But here she is, barrister of the Bantouk Court rushing to the aid of the common citizen while the heroes play at their struggle of arms.
She crosses the field, avoiding the carefully strewn patches of caltrops. When she reaches the terrified civilian, a courtier of some kind from his rich garb, she soothes, "You are safe now, friend. This nightmare will soon be over, your life restored to its comfort <and boredom>" (this last under her breath). "Go now, to your family and friends."
Then the barrister once again invokes the supernatural fear of the Hells, catching first the Bloater and then its offspring in her Infernal Glower. The last succumbs instantly in its tracks, never more to trouble the citizens of her home.
* Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Bedevil the Fray, r4. Fails.
* Move: 6 squares S17 to X11
* Minor: Calm and Inspire (scene stunt) T Y11; +2 power bonus to ATK UEoBBNT
* Standard: Infernal Glower R10 (1 or 2 creatures), ATK vs CB, r13+13+2 CA +2 power bonus=30 vs 22 Will. r2+10=12 damage. ATK vs F T8, r20=CRIT.
F T8 KILLED.
LOCATION: X11
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 damage to CB,
F T8 KILLED
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 69/69 +15 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE, +2 power bonus ATK UEoBBNT
SURGES: 8/8
V1 47/106 Barbed Fusilade exhaust
V2 84/106 +5 THP, Barbed Fusilade exhaust, Vanguard Mark exhaust
A 84/84 Currently allies to the heroes, Stream of Pyroclasm cooldown
CB 236/448 Immobilized UtEoCNT, marked by V1 and dazed UtEoV1NT, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), -2 AC (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
*
The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield.
ROUND 4
A disgusting, yet smaller, replica of the CAIPHON BLOATER emerges from the melty material of the original, hulking beast. However, the opportunity for the newly minted BLOATFIEND to harangue the heroes or corrupt the terrified townfolk is quickly ended by the (ironically Vezzuvian) inferno of the burning pitch!
*
Instinctive Spawn: On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
*
Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning). Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square (Q12)
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATTACK (CREATURE ENTERS THE HAZARD) vs F (Q12)'s Ref; r(9) +13 = 22. Hit. F (Q12) SLAIN.
LOCATION: R12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H begins turn in Caiphon Plume and Burning Pitch Hazard.
CURRENT HP: 236/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized UtEoCNT, marked by V1 and dazed UtEoV1NT, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), -2 AC (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
NO CURRENT BLOATFIENDS
HAZARD tries to wrest his feet from the acidic mire holding him still in the blazing puddles, but the noise of the flames confuses him. Another blast of fire singes his coat at he whines in protest.
He decides that he needs to bite as much of that weird enormous if squishy purple creature: that's where all the trouble started! He tries to pounce, but his feet are still tangled in fiery branches and that acidic mire. No matter: he still pulls a good chunk out of it.
That's when it happens: at first only a small trickle of thick violet ooze seeps from the bite. Then, very suddenly, there is another explosion of a plume of acid hitting not only the hound, but his Beloved and their two new friends as well. Hazard yelps in pain and leans against her, looking for comfort and courage.
* Starts turn in burning pitch hazard & caiphon plume: takes 5 ongoing Fire Damage & grants CA SE + 5 Acid Damage & Immobilized SE = 10 Damage - 15 THP = 5 THP remaining.
TRIGGERS OA BURNING PITCH HAZARD: TRIGGERS: EVADE Countermeasure (Enc): Immed Interupt: Acrobatics Check: r3+7=10 vs 18 DC. Fail; ATK: r20+13+2 CA=35 vs. 21 Reflex. Crit. Damage: 8+5=13-5 THP =8 Damage
* Minor: deactivate Savage Protector
* Standard: Bite vs. CB: r15+15+2 CA=32 vs. 24-2=22 AC. Hit. Damage: r8,4+10+2 Phalanx = 24. CB
BLOODIED.
TRIGGERS (FREE ACTION ON BLOODIED): CAIPHON PLUME : vs. P: r7+13 -2 (SoP) =18 vs 20 Will/Miss; vs V1: r8+13 -2 (SoP) =19 vs. 22 Will/Miss; vs V2: r14+13 -2 (SoP) =25 vs. 22 Will/Hit; vs H: r14+13 -2 (SoP) =25 vs. 20 Will/Hit; Damage: r7,10+10=27 Acid Damage: H = 27 damage, V2 27 -5 THP = 22 Acid damage.
* Minor: activate Savage Protector: +2 AC, etc
* Save vs Ongoing Fire & CA: r20. Success; Save vs Immobilized: r7. Fail
LOCATION: N13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES ET AL: 24 to CB; 27 Acid Damage - 5 THP = 25 V2 (via CB); 50 Acid & Fire Damage to H - 15 THP = 35
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 42/83
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized (SE), Savage Protector (+2 AC), Phalanx (+2 AC & Damage), SC Advantage
SURGES: 8/11
With the senses of the CAIPHON BLOATER discombobulated by the Vanguard's shield bash, the abomination just retches and vomits out a vile spew of acid on sheer instinct, covering the battlefield and its enemies in toxic sludge!
* Start of Turn: Dazed. Caiphon Plume recharge; r(5). Recharges. OG 5 Fire.
TRIGGER THE BURNING PITCH (CB starts its turn within a square of burning pitch): r(6) +13 +2 (CA) = 21. Hit. r(4) +5 = CB takes 9 fire damage and grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* Standard: Caiphon Plume (CBl5 origin sq P12) vs H/P/V1/V2s' Will: vs. P: r(18)+13 -2 (SoP) =29 vs 20 Will/Hit; vs V1: r(10)+13 -2 (SoP) =21 vs. 22 Will/Miss; vs V2: r(4)+13 -2 (SoP) =15 vs. 22 Will/Miss; vs H: r(11)+13 -2 (SoP) =22 vs. 20 Will/Hit; Damage: r(4, 7)+10=21 Acid Damage: P = 21- 15 THP = 6 damage. H = 21 damage
(BLOODIED).
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs CA and OG 5 Fire; r(8) +5 = 12. Succeeds. Saving Throw vs SoP; r(14) +5 = 19. Succeeds.
LOCATION: P13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: H takes 21 damage, P takes 6 damage and loses all THP.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H and P immobilized (SE). H, P, V1, V2 in Caiphon Plume Zone UtEoCBNT
CURRENT HP: 198/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/2 APs. Immobilized UtEoCNT, marked by V1 and dazed UtEoV1NT, in Burning Pitch Hazard, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
CHANVATI can no longer stand by and watch as his allies are showered by spewing acid. With a shout, he races towards the Bloater, drawing his dagger and entering the acidic miasma and burning pitch. His lungs fill with noxious fumes and smoke, but he fights past the debilitating discomfort, coughing, and thrusts his violet-hued dagger into the corpulent abomination's form.
His voice rises above the fray.
"Witness, allies all, as the Madnessbreaker brings ruin upon this incarnation of the Insanityclad!" And those who combat the abomination take great heart.
* Move: 6 sq (1 DT) R19 to Q14;
TRIGGERS:
5 acid damage (enters Plume) 15 THP-5=10 THP, OA from Burning Pitch Hazard TRIGGERS Evade Countermeasure (Immediate Interrupt) Acrobatics r10+10=20 vs 18 DC. Success. +2 Ref vs OA. ATK r17=13=30 vs 25 Ref. Hit. r3+5=8 fire damage & C grants CA and takes 5 OG fire damage (SE), 10 THP-8=2 THP
* Free: Battle Harness armor Property: Draws byeshk dagger
* Free: Bracers of Mental Might (Enc): use INT for next STR attack roll
* Standard: Stand the Fallen (Daily): ATK vs CB, r18+15+2 CA=35 vs 24 AC. Hit. r8,2,1+1+2 (Vanguard Phalanx) =14 damage. Effect: Each ally within 10 squares of you can spend a healing surge and regains additional hit points equal to your Charisma modifier (P, H, V1, V2 spend Surge + gain 3 additional HPs each, P +25 HP, H +23 HP, V1&2 +29 HP each).
* Free: Byeshk dagger Daily, Trigger: You hit with an attack using the weapon. Effect: A target of the attack is dazed until the end of your next turn. An aberrant creature is also restrained and cannot teleport until the end of your next turn.
* Ends turn: Saves vs Pitch, r7. Fails
LOCATION: Q14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES 14 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB dazed, restrained, cannot teleport UEoCNT
CURRENT HP: 60/60, 2 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: grants CA & 5 OG fire (SE), Evade exhausted
CURRENT PP: 3/5
SURGES: 7/7
After his inspiring charge and assault against the Caiphon Bloater, Chanvati looks up to observe its effect upon his allies. PA'AVU, despite the acid burning her lungs and the flames of the burning pitch at her feet, shakes off the worst of these effects, the debilitating immobilization caused by wracking coughs.
With a giant hand released momentarily from Velmech'ti, she reaches out and grasps one of the Bladeling Vanguards by its spiked shoulder. "Together, we defeat this beast!" she assures the mutant.
Then the Goliath turns her full attention back to the Bloater, bellowing a shout, vein pulsing in her forehead as she froths and strikes it a brutal blow with her blade.
"Well done, my friend," the Psion thinks.
* Starts turn: Immobilized, in Caiphon Plume Zone (takes 5 acid damage), in Burning Pitch Hazard TRIGGERS OA r9+13=22 vs 22 Reflex. Hit. r7+5=12 fire damage & grants CA, 5 OG fire damage (SE)
* Minor: Boots of Free Movement (Enc Power): Make a saving throw against a slow, immobilize, or restrain effect that a save can end. r14+2 Boots Property=16. Saves. Immobilized ends.
* Minor: Sustain EoMEIMF
* Standard: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane (Daily): CBu1 (each enemy in burst), ATK vs CB, r11+16+2 CA=29 vs 22 AC (debuffed). Hit. r10+7+2 Bloodied +2 Phalanx Formation=21 damage. Effect: Each target takes ongoing 5 damage (save ends). You enter the rage of the crimson hurricane. Until the rage ends, the first time you hit an enemy with a primal melee power each turn, each enemy adjacent to you after the attack is resolved takes damage equal to your Strength modifier (5).
* Ends turn: Save vs grants CA + 5 OG fire damage, r1. Miss.
LOCATION: N14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 21 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: 5 OG damage to CB (SE)
CURRENT HP: 56/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 5 Rage damage to adjacent enemies after hit with primal attack, grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE), Phalanx Formation, SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE
SURGES: 8/11
The LEGION VANGUARDS simultaneously sense victory at hand and an admixture of confusion and strength-of-heart as their strange bond with their new comrades-at-arms seems to be cementing in this crucible of deadly combat against a mutual, alien foe.
Bulwarked by the show of courage and prowess of the human that has formed up with them in the burning pitch, the Vanguard becomes emboldened and hammers at the Caiphon scourge with their flails.
V1
* Start of Turn: In Caiphon Plume Zone (5 acid damage) and Burning Pitch Hazard 5 fire (OG) - 10 (Resist Fire) = 0 Fire damage. T
RIGGERS Burning Pitch Hazard; OA vs V1's Ref. ATK: r(12)+13 +2 (CA) = 27. Hit. Damage: r(4) +5 -10 (Resist Fire) = 0 Fire Damage and V1 grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs CB's AC: r(20) +15 +2 (CA) +2 (CA) = CRIT = 22 damage, and CB is marked until the end of the vanguard's next turn.
* Minor: Shield Bash (A-W M1, 1/round; one creature marked by the vanguard) vs CB's AC. r(3) +15 +2 (CA) = 20. Miss.
* Ends Turn Saving Through vs grants CA and 5 (OG) fire damage; r(12). Succeeds
V2
* Start of Turn: In Caiphon Plume Zone (5 acid damage) and Burning Pitch Hazard.
TRIGGERS Burning Pitch Hazard; OA vs V1's Ref
TRIGGERS V1 IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT: Evade Countermeasure (Enc): r(5)+6 =12 vs. 18 Acrobatics DC. Fail. ATK: r(19)+13 = 32. Hit. Damage: r7 +5 = 12 -10 (Resist Fire) = 2 Fire Damage and V1 grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* Standard: Cruel Flail (M1) vs CB's AC: r(4) +15 +2 (CA) = 21. Miss.
* Ends Turn Saving Through vs grants CA and 5 (OG) fire damage; r(14). Succeeds
LOCATION: V1 in O14. V2 in P14.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 22 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB is marked by V1 UEoV1NT.
CURRENT HP: V1
71/106. V2
84/106.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Phalanx Formation (both V1/2), V1 Barbed Fusilade exhaust, V2 Barbed Fusilade exhaust, Vanguard Mark exhaust
Sensing the tide of battle crescendoing, the Vezuvuu-imbued VOLCANIC ARCANIST summons all of its arcane might. Red-robes flail out wide, buffeted by a powerful blowback from the volley of pyroclasm the mighty spellcaster launches against the Caiphon Bloater. The aberrant horror cannot hold out much longer!
A
* Start Turn: Stream of Pyroclasm Recharge; r(6)
* Move: 5 sq to L15.
* Standard: Stream of Pyroclasm (R10) vs CB's Ref: r(11) +13 +2 (CA) = 26. Hit.
TRIGGERS ARCANE SURGE (ENC - FREE ACTION; HIT WITH IMPLEMENT ATTACK): THE ATTACK DEALS MAXIMUM DAMAGE. 22 acid and fire damage and CB takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both; already has the latter)
LOCATION: G15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 22 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB takes a -2 penalty to AC and ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both; already has the latter)
CURRENT HP:
84/84
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Arcane Surge exhausted, Stream of Pyroclasm on cooldown.
BITA-BOUSSEH races past caltrops, skirts the edge of the moat, and, breathlessly, reaches the last citizen endangered by the apocalypse brought to Bantouk.
"Get to safety, child!" she admonishes. "And where are your parents?" she wonders. Then remembers the Caiphonspawn and fumes.
Heart racing from her efforts--the courtrooms don't require endurance runs--she channels Hell for what she hopes is the last time this encounter. She feels the Bloater tremble under her gaze.
* Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Bedevil the Fray, r3. Fails.
* Move: Run 8 squares X11 to V5, avoiding caltrops & moat
* Minor: Calm and Inspire (scene stunt) T V4; +2 power bonus to ATK UEoBBNT
* Standard: Infernal Glower R10 (1 or 2 creatures), ATK vs CB, r18+13+2 CA +2 power bonus -5 Running=30 vs 22 Will. r9+10=19 damage, forgo slide.
LOCATION: V5
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 19 damage to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HP: 69/69 +15 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: grants CA & -5 ATK USoNT, SC Advantage: 15 THP each round, enemies grant CA EoE, +2 power bonus ATK UEoBBNT
SURGES: 8/8
V1 71/106 Barbed Fusilade exhaust
V2 84/106 Immobilized (SE), Barbed Fusilade exhaust, Vanguard Mark exhaust
A 84/84 Currently allies to the heroes, Stream of Pyroclasm cooldown
CB 100/448 Crimson Hurricane O5 5 (SE), marked by V1 and dazed UtEoCNT, -2 AC (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard, dazed and can't teleport UEoCNT, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
*
The heroes gain 15 THP at the beginning of each round and all attacks vs their enemies have combat advantage UtEotE as the guard floods the battlefield.
ROUND 5
A disgusting, yet smaller, replica of the CAIPHON BLOATER emerges from the melty material of the original, hulking beast. The BLOATFIEND evades the worst of the Burning Pitch to worm and lope its way to an optimal position to transmit its pestilence!
*
Instinctive Spawn: On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the bloater can use a free action to use spawn bloatfiend. If the bloater cannot use a free action to make this attack due to a dominating or stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the bloater using spawn bloatfiend.
*
Spawn Bloatfiend (summoning). Effect: The bloater spawns a bloatfiend in an adjacent square (Q13)
TRIGGERS BURNING PITCH HAZARD ATTACK (CREATURE ENTERS THE HAZARD) vs F (Q13)'s Ref; r(2) +13 = 15. Miss. Caiphon Bloater slides Bloatfiend 3 squares to P15.
LOCATION: R12, Bloatfiend in P15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: H begins turn in Caiphon Plume and Burning Pitch Hazard.
CURRENT HP:
100/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Crimson Hurricane O5 5 (SE), marked by V1 and dazed UtEoCNT, -2 AC (SE), in Burning Pitch Hazard, dazed and can't teleport UEoCNT, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
The BLOATFIENDs sloops and drips and waddles, shedding the pestiliential contents all the while, and assails a member of Vezuvvu's vanguard with its grotesque appendange. The armor-clad myrmidon easily turns the slam away with a well-timed parry of its shield.
F (P15)
* Standard: Grotesque Slam (M1) vs V2's AC: r(9) +15 +2 (CA) = 26. Miss (Phlananx buff).
LOCATION: P15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT BUFFS/DEBUFFS: C, V1, and V2 are in Pestilential Body (Aura 1).
HAZARD looks to his Beloved for direction against this foe that boggles his canine mind. As Pa'avu froths and swings her sword, she gives out a ferocious snarl, and the hound takes his cue thusly to tear at the creature with his jaws once again.
Then Pa'avu calls out, "Back, boy, back!" and sweeps one hand in commanding motion.
The dutiful hound lunges out of the pitch and scampers to safety, heeding his Beloved's desires.
* Starts turn: Immobilized (SE), Savage Protector, Phalanx Formation, SC Advantages; +15 THP, Takes 5 acid damage (Plume), TRIGGERS OA from Burning Pitch Hazard, r16+13=29 vs 21 Reflex. Hit. r2+5=7 fire damage & grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE both); 15-5-7=3 THP remaining.
* Standard: Snap & Snarl vs CB, r17+15+2 CA +2 Phalanx=36 vs 24 AC. Hit. r4+10+2 Phalanx=16 damage and Marked UEoHNT.
* Minor: Rabid Lunge (Enc): Effect: The reach of Hazard’s Melee powers increases to Melee 2 and he ignores the effects of the dazed, immobilized, and slowed conditions until the end of his next turn.
* Move: 6 squares (no OA from CB due to Dazed) N13 to P7.
* Ends turn: Save vs Immobilized, r3. Fails. Save vs grants CA + 5 OG fire, r20. Succeeds.
LOCATION: P7
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 to CB
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: CB Marked by H UEoHNT
CURRENT HP: 44/83 +2 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized negated UEoHNT (Rabid Lunge), Savage Protector (+2 AC), SC Advantage
SURGES: 7/11
Beset by flame, arms, and arcana, the CAIPHON BLOATER lashes out wildly at its enemies. Their phalanx and will to defeat their enemy renders impotent the alien display of rage.
* Start of Turn: Dazed. Caiphon Plume recharge; r(1). Fails. OG 5 Crimson Hurricane. OG 5 Fire.
TRIGGER THE BURNING PITCH (CB starts its turn within a square of burning pitch): r(13) +13 +2 (CA) = 28. Hit. r(5) +5 = CB takes 10 fire damage and grants CA and takes ongoing 5 fire damage (save ends both).
* AP for Standard: Appendage Mash (M2; one or two creatures) vs P's Fort x 2 (both attacks): r(8, 12) +13 -2 (marked) = 19, 23. Miss x 2.
* End of Turn: Saving Throw vs Crimson Hurricane; r(3) +5 = 8. Fails. Saving Throw vs CA and OG 5 Fire; r(13) +5 = 18. Succeeds. Saving Throw vs SoP; r(17) +5 = 22. Succeeds.
LOCATION: P13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na. Caiphone Plume Zone ends.
CURRENT HP:
64/448
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/2 APs. Crimson Hurricane O5 5 (SE), marked by H, in Burning Pitch Hazard, dazed and can't teleport UEoCNT, Caiphon Plume cooldown.
CHANVATI can no longer hold within the desire to speak aloud the turmoil that had been growing, even here with the flames of burning pitch licking at his vestments.
"Proud warriors of the Legion of Ruth! Do you not see what we accomplish together? Where before were enemies, now stands a far more potent force allied against an alien corruption that threatens us all! Let us continue together as allies, defeat this loathsome foe, and then confront the Empress and her advisors, bringing our combined force of arms against whatever alien threat remains.
Though he was once my bitter enemy, I spared the life of Bita-Bahlin because I saw the truth of his words, hidden under layers of deceit: a cleansing is necessary for Bantouk, for the Empire of Hageri. But let us do that with as little further bloodshed among us as we can. Too many have fallen already!"
The Psion slides out of the burning pitch, circling their Caiphonian foe, though flames still lick his clothing.
* Starts turn: +15 THP; Takes 5 OG fire damage (15-5=10 THP), TRIGGERS Burning Pitch Hazard OA r16+13=29+2 CA=31 vs 23 Reflex. Hit. r6+5=11 fire damage (10-10 THP & 1 point fire damage) & grants CA + 5 OG fire damage (SE both)
* Standard:
Cement the Alliance with the Legion of Ruth (Scene Stunt);
As a result of your shared combat against a common foe, you seize the opportunity to seal that alliance.; Prerequisite: You must have Healed one of their members before making the skill check; Standard Action: Diplomacy, History, or Intimidate vs Hard DC (26); Effect: Permanent alliance with the Legion of Ruth. Diplomacy check r17+15=32 vs 26 Hard DC.
Success.
* Move: 5 squares (outside DT) Q14 to R10 (doesn't trigger OA from CB, dazed)
* Ends turn: Save vs grants CA + OG 5 fire damage, r5. Fails.
LOCATION: R10
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: dazed, restrained, can't teleport on CB end
CURRENT HP: 59/60, 0 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: grants CA & 5 OG fire (SE), Evade exhausted
CURRENT PP: 3/5
SURGES: 7/7
CALLING COMBAT. Caiphon's forces have been defeated (CB has only 64 more HP and there isn't any more real threat here).
HEROIC TIER FINALE:
Players will vignette the climax and denoument here. We'll pick up "Season 2", their Paragon Tier of play, months or more down the line from the events vignetted below.
