Chaosforge Forum

General => Play-By-Forum => Topic started by: Malek Deneith on February 11, 2014, 08:51

Title: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 11, 2014, 08:51
Almost twelve days have passed since you left from Fallcrest responding to a call for help from settlement of Winterhaven, placed about 50 miles to northwest. There you spent a week figuring things out. Missing townspeople led to zombies wandering around. Zombies led to nearby ruins of an outpost remembering times of Nerath empire, ruins that were positively crawling with various undead. And ruins led to a half-open magical portal of some sort, placed deep inside of them. On that you managed to learn a story - how about ten years ago another adventuring party went down to the very ruins to stop some cultist or necromancer from using the magical aparatus for his own malicious goal. Neither the adventurers nor the necromancer ever came back, and people of Winterhaven went on believing the previous party stopped the evil at cost of their very own lives. A belief that turned out to be based on false premises considering the recent infestation. Regardless you cleared the undead in the area, then re-sealed the portal - hopefully for good this time - using a ritual that local sage managed to find in his tomes.

Just as you were about to spend some time on rest and celebration, ruler of Winterhaven - Lord Ernest Padraig - called you once more, this time with news on how during your absence the weather in Fallcrest and areas around it suddenly turned from middle of summer to winter, and how this unnatural winter is supposedly spreading. Padraig asked, paying in advance, that you travel back to Fallcrest and check those reports, ideally figuring out what is the cause, and communicate the information you learn back to him once you know what's happening. Weary as you might be after your recently finished task you set out back south and east. At first it seemed the news might be false, weather near Winterhaven seemingly as it should be. But about five miles down the road you noticed that the air got cooler and that plants around you are starting to wither prematurely. Ten more and you find yourself wading through snow, and as you got closer to Fallcrest things only got worse. Deep snow, frozen rivers, snowstorms. The few areas where people were brave enough to try and settle outside of strong walls of established settlements now delerict and devoid of life. The winter seems to have got better over even monsters and brigands, the only "threat" you encounter during your journey back being a single goblin trying to gather some firewood. Now, finally, you seem to be nearing your destination, the walls of Fallcrest looming on the horizon. Just ten, twenty maybe minutes of walk more and perhaps you'll learn something about what is happening around you...

Quote
Right, some room for you to talk before we start proper. Introduce/describe yourselves, chat a bit, you know the drill.

As a result of Padraig's payment each of you has now 100 gold pieces - no more, no less :P Hope that answers your question about having any change LuckyDee. Also anyone who didn't have Adventurer's Kit in their inventory now has one.

Oh and as for how long the party was formed - Fallcrest was pretty low on people with adventurer "gift" when the call from Winterhaven came, most other adventurers being busy with different threats around the world. You're the people they managed to put together on short notice ;)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 11, 2014, 12:16
It is known Mul's are bald. Which makes the glorious beard sprouting from Gosok's face all the more surprising. Though any attempts at questioning so far have been met with only a dry chuckle; his lips remaining sealed. Bearing the decorum and armaments of a land far away brings even more questions and laughter.

It was not long ago that he was lead by the wind to his current companions. Wind that carried him far far from his 'home' in the great deserts. The wind that has been a part of him since he began his journey. The wind that never seems to leave him alone. Truly the wind was his ally and his nemesis; constantly flowing within him.

Blowing the snow from his furs, Gosok turns to his companions. Scratching at the space in front of him, a few glowing runes appear in the air

╢╞╬ ├╠╗╢ ╛╞┼╖╣╔ ├╠╩╦ ╬╣ ╬╜╛│└

The Mul remains silent. His face - cracked by the cold - gives little in the way of expression. Clad in fur and hide, his stocky figure makes for an imposing shadow in the white fog of snow.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 11, 2014, 12:24
If what they say about the Kalashtar being strangers in a strange land is true, this goes doubly so for Isirius Thray. It's not merely the fact that he's on a personal quest, far from home, nor that he pursues this with a resolve that from time to time borders on obliviousness; it's mostly the way he looks and acts toward those he encounters that tends to leave people baffled. Generally dressed in sturdy traveller's gear that betrays his affinity with the shadows around him, the first instinct he tends to invoke in others is wariness. His athletic physique and striking good looks only serve to enhance this effect; especially his eyes, with their silver irises that seem to flow like mercury can really have the tendency to unnerve the meek.

Apart from the slight smile that can be found playing across his features even in his sleep, his appearance stands completely at odds with his demeanor: Isirius is honorable and hospitable, and never short on a friendly word or gesture. He always speaks in a warm, slightly high-pitched voice that never ceases to sound amused. And that's exactly what tends to baffle those around him: he speaks the words - Good to see you again with the same intonation as he would - I am sorry for your loss or - I'll be stringing you up by your own guts.

As he has pointed out to the rest of his current company, he has left his hometown of Valenor in search of a Dreamweaver Blade to aid his best friend's daughter. She is stuck in transit between the Material Plane and Dal Quor - and has been for several years - and the town's seer prophecised that only with the help of a Dreamweaver Blade and a Somnambulant Beacon she may safely be returned. Being immune to any malign side effect the Dreamweaver may have, Isirius set out to obtain the blade, while the girl's father rode out to locate the beacon.
Although he would hope to return home as soon as possible, his quest recently entered its fifth year, and the burning force that drove him to swift action has started to peter out. He has a promise to keep, though, and this promise will outweight many other considerations should he find the chance to fullfil it.

(http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq246/LuckyDee_pix/1333506316588.jpg)

Quote
Since I already had nearly everything contained in the Adventurer's Kit, I just added what I didn't yet have
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 11, 2014, 12:27
Isirius turns to Gosok and glances at the runes floating through the air. Perhaps due to his inherent affinity for the surreal, he was able to read them in full from the moment he first laid eyes on them.

- We must be getting close...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 11, 2014, 13:21
Quill shuffled along near the head of the group, but by no means at the very lead - not since the snow started laying on thick. Right now she looked mostly unassuming: essentially a pile of fur coats, the armor underneath them clanging as she moved, with a scarf-wrapped scaly snout sticking out from under the hood, a long, sleek scaly tail swishing around in an agitated manner behind her, and a heavy flail slung over one shoulder.

"Quill hopes city has fire going when we get there. Otherwise Quill will start a fire with the first flammable thing on hand," she muttered bitterly under her breath. The kobold, it seemed, did not care for the cold and snow in the slightest.

Her motives for venturing out here were rather uninspiring - she did it simply for the offered pay, rather than any great sense of duty or honor. She was surprisingly strong for her small stature, and it served her well in the mercenary trade, earning her, if not respect and acceptance, then at least a decent living. Of course, times like this, tromping through the horrid white cold stuff, she had to wonder if there might not be an easier way to make gold, or at least a warmer place to do it in.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 12, 2014, 06:40
Marek walks quietly behind Quill.  A Deva, Marek doesn't like to talk much, preferring to mull about the situation Pelor presents, dealing with whatever He may so command with the force of His will.  During a prayer session, Marek received a vision from Pelor, that a darkness and cold had befallen the land, threatening the brightness and lightness of day.  Following His words, Marek made his way out to seek the darkness, and to vanquish it with His power so that light may once again rule.  Where he begins and where he ends are lost in his vague memories; only the enforcement of Pelor's will over the encroaching darkness matters.

From his position behind Quill, Marek quietly observes the rest of the band that he has chosen to travel with based on His divine direction.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 12, 2014, 07:05
Berak was quiet and stoic as usual. Walking along with the others, Berak contemplated the nature of his companions. All the time he had spent with them, he had observed their behavior. He had decided long ago that he needed to improve his ability to extrapolate the future behavior of other creatures.

Hundreds of years ago, not that long after his birth, Berak had been part of a group of adventurers who made a living by exploring ancient dungeons. Tomb raiders, one might call them. That phase of his existence came to an unfortunate end when the rogue of the group betrayed them all and escaped with a particularly powerful artifact, locking them into a magically sealed room. They were trapped and all attempts at getting out failed. Whether the rogue intended it or not, he had locked them in for good.

At least, that was the case with others besides Berak. Not long after their provisions run out, they would expire. Berak, not needing sustenance, had no such fate waiting for him and was the target bursts of anger from a couple of others who found such a fate unjust. Berak, then more physically inclined, easily subdued them in their weakened states.

In the end, he was alone. Over the course of hundreds of years, he tried to get out. When physical means failed him, he started training the natural psionic abilities that shardminds possess. Over time he adapted to become a psion and lost his physical poweress. He probed the room and tried to reach beyond it with his senses.

In the end, he managed to make telepathic contact with Isirius Thray, who happened to be exploring the dungeon on his own quest. The door, while hidden and impossible to open from the inside, could be opened from the outside. When Berak had guided Isirius to the location of the door, Isirius managed find a way to open it after some effort.

It was natural then, that Berak would join up with Isirius, at least for a while. After all, he didn't have any better course of action and Isirius didn't seem to mind.

The world had changed, but for Berak, who had always been a bit apart from the rest of the world, it was mostly just a change of scenery. It was mostly because Berak himself had changed that this was distinctly a new episode of his existence. He would pay a lot more attention and try to avoid getting caught by suprise by actions he couldn't predict. Also, he felt that his psionic powers would take him a lot further than anything else he could do.

This journey so far was going well. As far as his companions were concerned, he felt they were a more reliable bunch than his previous group, although he mostly kept apart from them. He felt a certain affinity with Isirius and was a bit doubtful about the trustworthiness of Quill, but given the nature of their current quest, he did not forsee any problems regarding that.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 12, 2014, 09:34
As you continue to come closer and closer to Fallcrest you begin to notice something strange - the gates are open. More than that, the gates are open and apparently unguarded. As you start to walk faster a sudden gust of wind collapses parts of the "tunnel" in snow made by passing of others right on top of Quill, nearly burying her. You spend a moment to help your mercenary companion get out then hurry your step again.

As you reach the gate, what you believe to be two mounds of snow carried on by the wind, suddenly come to life and come at you with a resounding call:

- Halt, who goes there?

Pair of warforged, adorned with the insignia of Fallcrest guard blocks off your path and awaits the answer for the question they stated. Well at least now you know the gate wasn't *entirely* unguarded. That has to count for something, right?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 12, 2014, 09:39
Isirius gives both men his trademark smile while his left hand falls to his side, already making the shape to hold the handle of the flail he's bound to summon should things turn ugly.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 12, 2014, 09:56
Making his way to the front Gosok manifests more runes before the looming constructs.

╬╣ ╜╔╣ ╣┼═╞╨╩┐
╬╣ ╢╜═╣ ╗╞├╣ ╦╞ ╡┼═╣╩╦╡╖╜╦╣ ╦╢╡╩ ╠┼┼╜╦╠╔╜╛ ╬╡┼╦╣╔┐

Waiting for a response, he gives them a discerning stare.
Quote
Sense Motive Insight check (1d20+10=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4402471/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 12, 2014, 10:18
Berak tries to deduce something about the two warforged.
Quote
Insight to Sense Motive 1d20+7=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4402491/)

He looks through the gates looking for anything that might seem out of place.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 12, 2014, 10:37
Two warforged paused for a moment trying to decipher the runic script appearing before them

- Envoys? Envoys of whom exactly? And what's with the runes?!
- That reminds me, wasn't there a dwarf like that...
- Kind of big for a dwarf, ain't he?
- ...well yeah, but look at the beard. Anyway there was one that used runes like in the group that got sent to Winterhaven recently.
- You mean they're adventurers? By the Builder, they sure don't look the part.
- Oh you're the one to talk. You should know better consideri-
- Shut up! Anyway if they are adventurers then what, we let them through just like that?
- If they are adventurers, trying to stop them from coming would end up with a mess. If they aren't, then the rest of the guards in town should be able to handle them anyway. I say we write down their names, collect the entry fee and let them in.

Despite the bickering both 'forged manage to keep an eye on the lot of you. It's kind of hard to read the living constructs but as far as Gosok and Berak can sense they seem mostly focused on doing their job, that is guarding the entry to Fallcrest.

Peering through the gates it seems to Berak that the city is oddly empty. Might be the cold weather but nobody seems to be on the streets, and most of the home windows seem to be dark.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 12, 2014, 10:56
Reaching into a pouch Gosok procures a silver coin. Motioning with it in the air more runes appear

╕╣╣└
╢╞╬ ├╠╗╢└
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 12, 2014, 10:59
- Silver per head, in or out, same as always. For people anyway, but you don't seem to have any animals or wagons with you.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 12, 2014, 12:06
Isirius, realizing which way the wind is blowing, follows suit. He produces a silver coin from somewhere inside his clothes, ready to hand it over once the party decides to enter the city. In the meantime, he stares past the constructs at the empty habitat as if all is how it's meant to be and that pleases him.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 12, 2014, 14:04
The kobold, already annoyed by the highly distasteful environmental conditions in the area, did not seem all that eager to pay just to enter what looked like a ghost town from out here. So, she shuffled up to one of the guards and tapped his leg with with the non-spiky end of her flail to get his attention.

"Hey, metal man! Quill wants to know where all the people are. Quill isn't going to be paying to go in if there's no people to pay for more work. And Quill thinks the city looks pretty dead from out here," she demanded, in a rather squeaky voice. Not particularly intimidating when it's coming from a pile of furs less than 4 feet high.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 12, 2014, 21:51
- Eh, it's 'cause of the winter. Warden Markelhay called for a gathering, to discuss this sudden winter and how to deal with it. Damn near everyone came.
- Had to pull rest of the guard too, in case somebody starts trouble. Hmph.
- People started gathering only a bit before you lot appeared on the horizon so if you go to halfling tents by lower quays you probably won't miss much.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 13, 2014, 10:46
Grudgingly, and after much searching to find where in all those furs her moneypouch was, Quill handed over a single silver to the guards. Well, more like tossed it up to them, if they weren't in the mood to lean down, muttering something about the need for a size discount under her breath.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 13, 2014, 10:50
Seeing the fur-ball's anger abate, Gosok takes this as a sign to move on. He hands his silver piece to the guards he joins Quill in entering the city.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 13, 2014, 10:56
Berak hands the guards a silver piece and follows.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 13, 2014, 11:21
Giving the construct he hands his coin to a good look up and down, as if awestruck by his presence, Isirius glances around at Marek before stepping after Berak.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 13, 2014, 15:25
Marek sees the transactions that occur before him and does the same.  No point doing something out of the ordinary.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 13, 2014, 23:08
While walking after the rest of the party, Isirius gazes around in wonder at the desolate houses around him. The town's change from bustling with activity to appearing clinically dead doesn't seem to bother him in the least. In fact, he has not once given any impression of finding this unexpected winter anything short of wonderful.

That's not to say that he isn't paying attention to what he's looking at, as he scans for anything out of the ordinary or different from his last visit apart from the weather and the lack of people.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 14, 2014, 08:59
While the group is walking through the town, Berak scans his memory for past occurrences of localized weather anomalies and causes thereof.

Quote
History check: 1d20+13=26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4405354/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 14, 2014, 09:41
As you walk through Wizard's Gate and into the city your hopes for some warm food and fire to put the cold out of you are quickly dashed as the first thing you notice is that Silver Unicorn Inn is currently locked. You pass it as well as nearby trading house which - aside from also being empty - looks as if it was ransacked, tools and gear lying in the snow with no sign of crates that should store them. The mystery partially clears when you reach another trading place down the road, the tiefling run House Azaer, where you see a group of six humans and a dwarf dumping contents of any and all storage containers out into the snow and then hacking now empty containers into firewood. Single exception is made for food which is carefully gathered and loaded onto a cart guarded by members of the Fallcrest Guard. One of them notices you looking and silently nods down the road, urging you to move along.

Move along you do and along the way you witness more locked up houses and another local provisions store being guarded by yet more guards, apparently waiting for it's turn of firewood and food gathering. You turn and proceed to the lower docks, where you finally run into population of Fallcrest, gathered around tents set up by a clan of river travelling halflings, trying to rub themselves against the cold or get nearer to one of several bonefires set up in the area, all while continuing to listen. As you push through the crowd to get a clearer view you hear the end of a report by one of the halfling who, raised on shoulders of two guardsmen, describes their travel from the lands to the south. It seems Turnfin clan met the same unnatural winter on their way, and even had to break ice on the river to make it to Fallcrest itself.

- You heard it from Barro Turnfin people! - a balding man in fine furs shouts - The lands downriver are in the same state as we are. Rationing is the only way. We can outlast this, but we need to conserve and share what we have!
- Let each man take care of himself! - a cry comes from the crowd - First you chop up the trade goods, what's going to come afterwards? Our houses?
- You've got more than you need, Armos. If you don't want to share, maybe we should help ourselves! - counters some dwarf
- Armos is right! - a female tiefling whom you recognize as local operator of Hose Azaer says and points at the man in fine furs - You'll pay every copper for my property Lord Warden, or... or...
- Or you'll what tiefling? What will you do Lord Warden, what will you do to the man that is trying to feed my family? - says another person - You merchants worry about a few crates lost, few contracts broken and forget about the people who put food on your tables - us, farmers. We lost all our crops, now all we can do is try to keep our families alive, and Warden Markelhay has a plan how to do it.
- Pelor is god of summer and sunlight! We should all pray to Pelor! - calls the dwarven priest of the Sun God
- Nonsense! Erathis is our city's patron god! - responds a human priestess - We took the safety of our lands for granted, we must make sacrifices to Erathis!

Tempers start to run high, with groups of like-minded people starting to form in crowd, each shouting at another, with Lord Markelhay unsuccessfully trying to bring some order to the gathering. The guards start to look nervous, keeping their hands on the weapons while Turnfing halflings scurry through the crowd to their tents.

Quote
Berak - as far as you remember some oddities in weather do happen from time to time, but mostly they are either random and short lived or can be traced to changes in local environment. Nothing you can recall resembles the scale and oddity of current winter
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 14, 2014, 11:13
Berak thinks that perhaps he or the kalashtar could contact the warden telepathically and inquire about the situation.

If the warden doesn't have any better ideas, they could propose to the warden the following plan:
Quote
They go to the warden and pretend to tell him something. The warden could then declare to the crowd that your group has been investigating this phenomenon and has found the cause and has come to notify him of it. He would tell that your group will now go on to solve this problem. Quite possibly the warden would be pressed for more concrete information. If need be, it shouldn't be hard to spin some story together. For example about some portal having (re)opened and you going to close it.
Such a plan would possibly give people hope and concrete solutions to their problem. They would probably calm down if they thought that they didn't have to suffer for much longer. At least it would buy you some time to figure things out.

Berak discusses this idea with others of his group.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 14, 2014, 11:20
Isirius gives the warden a good look. Would he be the type to go bananas if someone else's voice suddenly spoke up within the confines of his own skull?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 14, 2014, 11:25
It's hard to judge a man by his looks, but from what you heard Lord Warden is a person of keen intellect... and has met in past with various adventurers passing through his city. Perhaps he wouldn't get surprised by voices in his head. Perhaps...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 14, 2014, 11:37
Isirius replies to Berak - telepathically if approached as such, otherwise out loud:

- The man looks like he'd survive such interference. I'd advise against your story, though; most folk only seem to enjoy those when they don't directly involve their own fate.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 14, 2014, 12:42
Berak replies to Isirius (telepathically, since the crowd is loud):

- Supposing the warden does not provide another solution, how would you go about defusing this situation? It would be rather distruptive to our efforts, were it to get out of hand.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 14, 2014, 12:54
Isirius turns to Berak, smiles and answers:

- We're here to find the cause of the problems, not to keep the current warden in charge. If we start telling tall tales, or someone does on our behalf, and we cannot live up to them... However, stating that we have been sent by Lord Padraig to aid might draw these peoples attentions back to their comfort zones while no false word is uttered.

Isirius ponders the political situation between Fallcrest and Winterhaven for a moment, to verify the validity of his statement.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 14, 2014, 13:03
Political situation between Fallcrest and Winterhaven is rather good. Both cities came to be in times of Nerath, and while with the fall of the empire and thus central authority they became separate entities in political terms they have retained good relationship between them. People and merchants travel between them freely - well as freely as the roving orc and kobold bands on the roads allow - and rulers of both cities tend to help each other if able. In fact, while you didn't meet the Warden yourselves it was on his men that sought you out in the city and then convinced you to take up the work you've done in Winterhaven earlier.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 14, 2014, 13:07
- And we have the fact that we've successfully solved the Winterhaven situation in the warden's name speaking in our favor, Isirius adds confidently.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 14, 2014, 13:38
Berak answers:

- Perhaps you are right.

and communicates Isirius's opinion to the others.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 14, 2014, 15:43
╜ ║╡╩╦╔╜╗╦╡╞┼ ╦╞ ╝╜│╢╣ ╦╢╣ ╦╣┼╩╡╞┼ ├╜╨ ╩╣╔═╣ ╬╣╛╛ ╢╣╔╣┐

Catching Isirius' attention he taps his head while gesturing to the Warden with a nod.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 14, 2014, 18:27
"Truth is worth more than falsehood, no matter how good the intention," Marek intoned.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 15, 2014, 00:30
At Gosok's request, Isirius nods and takes a moment to clear his mind. He then focuses his attention on the warden and starts to project a feeling of calm - not the complacent calm you get while floating in the river on a hot summer day, but the cornered kind from standing in the eye of the storm. After sustaining this for a couple of seconds, Isirius draws attention to himself and his party by putting up a beacon, the image of seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

What effect does this have on the warden?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 15, 2014, 06:00
As intended the telepathic contact helps to both focus Lord Markelhay and bring you to his attention. The Warden wince for a second out of surprise but collects himself before anyone can notice and speaks.
- People! People, calm down! In the heat of our debate we have overlooked newcomers in our midst! They look as a formidable lot and since they're new they might bring us further perspective to our problem...

Townsfolk quit bickering for a moment, turning their attention to you. A murmur rises through the gathering:
- Who are they?
- Why would anyone bother traveling here in this godforsaken winter?
- Didn't I see them somewhere recently?
- Maybe they come from somewhere that this cold didn't reach. Please, have you seen any warm lands on your way here?
- Bah, with our luck they're somehow responsible for all this.
- One of them wears the mark of the Sun God, the dwarven priest was right!

Lord Warden seems to start to speak up, probably wanting to ask you some questions but before he can begin he is interrupted by a sudden thunderclap, as a lightning bolt drops from the sky and fries random person in the crowd. Before the anguished cry of a dying man ends everyone looks up to notice a peculiar sight - a longboat sailing through the sky as if it was water. As if to confirm your suspicions on the origin of the attack another lightning bolt comes streaking from the figurehead at the prow of the longboat, followed by several warriors jumping down from it, landing among the crowd.

People scatter. Guards react and start to place themselves between townsfolk and the invaders, and more importantly around Markelhay. The boat makes a hard dive and crashes in the ice-covered river with more soldiers coming out of it as soon as it stabilizes. You shake off your confusion and react.

***

As you spring into action you smell the familiar stench and notice the rotting flesh on the assailants - those of them that have any flesh at all that is. Your observations are reinforced when two quickest reacting enemies both move on to tear a good, solid bite of the nearest civilians, forgoing the clubs they were wielding. Undead. Great. Must be a theme week.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
This is it boys and gurls, roll for initiative... oh wait, I did that for you already

Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
0+ - Guards and Lord Warden (who will make it like a tree and leave)
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 moves to M12 and kills the civilian on L13.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 moves to Q22 and kills the civilian on P23.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Note
As a reminder you'll have to draw your weapons/implements to be of any use. That's a minor action (see other notes below) unless you have something that overrides this. I'm going to houserule that Isirius can both draw his implement and summon his magical flail with one minor action. And Marek has the unique benefit of his holy symbol being usable without the need of any preparation so long as it is equipped which it is.
(I am sure we'll all swiftly forget about drawing weaponry, but for now let's keep the pretense up :P)

Other Notes
As a reminder for everyone who slept on Combat 101 you get ONE Standard Action, ONE Movement Action, and ONE Minor Action each of your turns. Action Points (AP) can be spent to gain ONE extra action of any kind but they don't recover after battle (we'll cover how they DO recover once we get to a right moment). Only one can be spent AP per battle per person. Map token legend as well as status icon legend got added to first post in combat. The three tokens that did not get covered should be pretty explanatory - civilians, guards and Lord Markelhay who will make it like a tree and leave. Green bars above your tokens are HP, orange ones are healing surges.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 15, 2014, 10:11
Marek mutters a small prayer to Pelor for His divine guidance and walks off to the tent as the others were still shock from seeing the deaths of the two bystanders.
Quote
Minor: Shield of Faith (Close burst 5, self and allies +2 power bonus to AC till end of encounter)
Move: Walk I20-->H17
Standard: Lance of Faith on I14 (1d20+8=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406563/) vs Reflex, 1d8+7=14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406564/) radiant damage, on hit Power of the Sun: Target gains 3 vulnerability to radiant till EoNT)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 15, 2014, 10:51
Marek's prayer spreads engulfing his companions as well as several bystanders in glowing light of protection. Sadly the accuracy of his sacred projectile leaves much to be desired as it overshoots the skeleton he was aiming at. The zombies continue their rampage killing several more people - civilians and guard alike, some despite the protection Marek tried to bestow on them.

Meanwhile Gosok seems to hesitate some more as if waiting for something to happen.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards and Lord Warden (who will make it like a tree and leave)
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Everyone in the party and several NPCs gain +2 power bonus to AC until end of encounter
- Lance of Faith misses
- Zombie Shambler 1 moves to J13 and kills the town guard on J14.
- Zombie Shambler 2 moves to M15 and kills the civilian on N16.
- Zombie Shambler 3 moves to M17 and kills the civilian on L16.
- Zombie Shambler 4 moves to P14 and kills the town guard on O15.
- Zombie Shambler 5 moves to O13.
- Gosok Skyborn delays his action.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Note
S.K. Ren left me with his move plan and it involves Delaying until after Quill. LuckyDee, you're up

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 15, 2014, 12:21
Trusting Quill to conquer the closest threat, Isirius directs his attention southwards, to where one of the towns guards is going to be in a lot of trouble really soon. He swiftly draws his Frost Dagger from its sheath business end down with his right hand while his Scourge of Exquisite Agony appears in his left. With a loud battle cry - not so much to shake his foes as to inspire his newfound allies - he charges past the guardsmen and into the flesh-crazed zombie on his other side.

Quote
Draw Frost Dagger and tap into its cold powers; summon Scourge.
Charge to P22.
Apply Flesh Rend to zombie in Q22: to hit 1d20+11=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406643/); damage 1d10+8=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406646/)
Zombie slides to R21 and suffers -2 to attack until my SoNT
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 15, 2014, 13:33
Berak, still deeply disturbed by this unexpected attack, wields his crystal orb and sends out his frustration as a of torrent negative thoughts towards a group of enemies. Seeing Isirius move behind a tent, Berak changes his position to be better able to support everybody.
Quote
Wield the Crystal Orb of Unfailing Concentration
Dishearten at L15 - Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/167128): 3#1d20+9 25 29 28 vs Will (L15, K14 - CRITICAL HIT, M15), Psychic damage (http://orokos.com/roll/167129): 1d6+9 10 for L15 and M15, Psychic damage (critical hit) (http://orokos.com/roll/167132): 1d8+15 20 for K14
Move to M25
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 15, 2014, 14:47
Isirius' scourge landed a solid hit on his target. While the blow didn't seem to do much damage it did manage to stagger the zombie, making it stumble backwards a bit. Meanwhile Berak reached out with his mind to a group of enemies - while there wasn't much in terms of a sentience to attack there he did manage to latch onto the magical force animating his enemies. The effects proved to be pretty spectacular as two of them outright stopped moving and fell and even the last, sturdier looking skeleton, seemed to be noticably weakened.

The undead did not relent their advance though - yet more townsfolk fell, Isirius found himself target of skeletal archers, while the weakened skeleton turned his empty eyesockets towards Marek and assaulted him, cutting a deep wound into pelorite's flesh.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards and Lord Warden (who will make it like a tree and leave)
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Isirius hits Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 for 9 cold damage and slides it to R21. Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 has -2 to attack rolls until start of Isirius' next turn.
- Berak deals 10 psychic damage to Decrepit Skeleton 3 and destroys it.
- Berak deals 20 psychic damage (CRITICAL HIT) to Skeleton 1. Skeleton 1 has -2 to attack rolls until end of Berak's next turn.
- Berak deals 10 psychic damage to Zombie Shambler 2 and destroys it.
- Decrepit Skeleton 1 misses kills the town guard on J9.
- Decrepit Skeleton 2 misses (AUTOMATIC MISS) the civilian on H15.
- Decrepit Skeleton 4 misses the civilian on M20.
- Decrepit Skeleton 5 shifts to P19 and hits Isirius for 3 damage (37 hp left).
- Decrepit Skeleton 6 shifts to Q18 and misses Isirius.
- Skeleton 1 moves to I16 and hits Marek for 13 damage (CRITICAL HIT, 28 hp left). Marek is marked until the end of Skeleton 2's next turn.
- Skeleton 2 moves to L15, charges the town guard at L19 and misses.
- Skeleton 3 moves to K17 and kills the civilian on J18.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Note
*sigh* It seems Invisible Castle is down at the moment. Please use http://orokos.com/roll/ as an alternative roller (does require registration to do anything sadly, otherwise should work similar to Invisible Castle)

New Mechanics Learned

Automatic Hit and Automatic Miss
A natural roll of 20 always hits. A natural roll of 1 always misses.

Critical Hits
On a natural roll of 20, and if the total attack roll is enough to beat targets defense the hit is also a critical hit. Critical hits deal maximum damage without need to roll. Some weapons (mostly magical) add additional dice on a critical hit - those must be rolled (example - Berak's critical hit was on a power that normally deals 1d6+9 damage. Instead it became 15 damage plus an additional 1d8 was rolled due to the magical orb he uses).

Marked
A creature that is Marked takes a -2 penalty on any attack roll that doesn't include the creature that applied this status. Note that creatures with marking capability often have means to apply additional punishment for ignoring the mark.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 15, 2014, 15:11
Quill had looked on at the gathering sullenly - her height hadn't allowed her to see much of anything, really, only adding to her overall frustration with this city and surrounding land. But when the attack came, well... here was a face to put to all the misery she'd had to put up with since coming here, and a perfect opportunity to bash said face in.

Gripping her flail firmly, the kobold leapt towards the nearest skeletons with an ear-piercing screech, the metal end of her flail lighting up with a fiery glow. She wasted no time swinging the flail in a wide arc to try and hit the nearest enemies.

Quote
Action rundown:
Minor: ready weapon.
Free: activate fire-damage property of weapon: all unmarked damage becomes fire damage
Move: M19
Standard: Cleave at L18 (http://orokos.com/roll/167138) - if it hits, extra 4 damage against N19; regardless of hit, warrior mark on L18.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 15, 2014, 16:12
Quote from: Actions for Gosok
Free: Ready the Kopesh (thanks to Battle Harness)
Move: Walk to M18 (path through M20 and N19 to avoid OA)
Attack: Word of Diminishment on L18 (Protection Rune) Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/167150): 1d20+10 12 vs AC (Actually 13, forgot the first round bonus but it doesn't help any), Damage: as if.

Quills flail hits one of skeleton, turning it into an explosion of burning shards and proceeds to smash into another, taking a good chunk out of it as well. Gosok finally joins the action, maneuvering past a civilian and a guard to stand at Quill's side but his blow gets easily parried by the damaged skeleton despite the runes the mul summoned to help. The few remaining civilians - along with Lord Warden - finally begin to evacuate while two remaining guards try their best against unnatural assailants. Two zombies that led this assault make themselves known again, one charging - but missing - Gosok, while other moves back up to kalashtar who hurt it and takes a big and painful bite out of him.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Quill deals 14 fire damage to Skeleton 2 and 4 fire damage to Decrepit Skeleton 4. Skeleton 2 is marked until end of Quill's next turn. Decrepit Skeleton 4 is destroyed.
- Gosok stops delaying.
- Gosok misses Skeleton 2.
- Gosok enters Runestate of Protection. Adjacent allies have resist all 2.
- A town guard moves to P20 and destroys Decerepit Skeleton 5.
- A town guard misses Skeleton 2.
- Lord Warden and his personal guard evacuate to a safer spot (removed from the map).
- A civilian flees.
- A civilian shifts to G12 and moves to A11.
- A civilian shifts to I18 and moves to I24.
- A civilian flees.
- A civilian shifts to G15 and moves to A15.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 charges to N17 and misses Gosok.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 moves to Q22 and hits Isirius for 12 damage (25 hp left). Isirius is dazed until end of Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2's next turn.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Note
Decided to use Stoneskin Icon for Runestate of Protection and Skull Icon for Runestate of Destruction.

New Mechanics Learned

Dazed
Dazed creatures get to use only ONE action per round - so only standard OR move OR minor, not all three. They still can make free actions though. In addition they can't take immediate or opportunity actions, can't flank and grant combat advantage.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 15, 2014, 18:11
Marek winces from the wound and teleports away.  He turns to Pelor for vengeance and strikes at his aggressor again.
Quote
Free: H17-->H19 (Escape Tattoo)
Standard: Lance of Faith on I16 (1d20+8=23 (http://orokos.com/roll/167186) vs Reflex,  1d8+7=12 (http://orokos.com/roll/167186) radiant damage, on hit Power of the Sun: Target gains 3 vulnerability to radiant till EoNT)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 16, 2014, 01:26
This time around Marek's solar beam hit where it was aimed and burned out a solid chunk of the skeleton making it start to crumble. For his trouble the cleric got smacked up the head by one of the zombies who finally shambled close enough to join the fun.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Marek deals 17 radiant damage (increased by 5 due to vulnerability) to Skeleton 1. Skeleton 1 is now bloodied. Note: Power of the Sun applied no vulnerability because the skeleton has a bigger one already.
- Zombie Shambler 1 moves to J16 and charges to I18 dealing 8 damage to Marek. Marke is now bloodied.
- Zombie Shambler 3 misses Gosok.
- Zombie Shambler 4 moves to O16 and charges to N19 missing Quill.
- Zombie Shambler 5 moves to O15 and charges to O19 killing the town guard on P20.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 no longer has a -2 penalty to attack rolls.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

New Mechanics Learned

Bloodied
Bloodied is a simple status effects. By itself it means just one thing - that the creature affected is at half or below of it's hit points. Of course, often things trigger when a creature gets bloodied. Have fun.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 16, 2014, 01:53
Isirius, surprised that his opponent didn't goes straight through the ice and slightly woozy, goes for broke and redoubles his efforts in taking him down.

Quote
Spirity Flay against zombie in Q22: attack 1d20+10=21 (http://orokos.com/roll/167238); damage 1d10+8=9 (http://orokos.com/roll/167239)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 16, 2014, 03:00
Seeing the cleric in trouble, Berak unleashes another psionic attack aimed at the undead near the deva.

Quote
Dishearten at J17:
   Attack 1d20+9: I16 -> 24, I18 -> 23, K17 -> 12  (http://orokos.com/roll/167241)
   Damage: 1d6+9=11 (http://orokos.com/roll/167243)
   On hit: -2 to attack rolls until the end of Berak's next turn
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 16, 2014, 03:37
Isirius trades another minor blow with his chosen opponent, summoning as a side-effect some shadows around himself. Meanwhile Berak lets loose another psionic assault. He manages to finish off the skeleton that has been harrying Marek but to his surprise the zombie that got caught in the area of attack stops itself from falling and straightens back up. Remaining skeletons move, mostly deciding to try to gang up on Marek.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards
0 - Meat... I mean civilians

Actions
- Isirius deals 9 cold damage to Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2. Flesh-Crazed Zombie is dazed until end of Isirius' next turn. Isirius gains concealment until end of his next turn.
- Berak deals 11 psychic damage to Skeleton 1 and Zombie Shambler 1, and misses Skeleton 3. Skeleton 1 is destroyed. Zombie Shambler 1 clings to life due to his Deathless Hunger. Marek is no longer marked.
- Decrepit Skeleton 1 moves to J16 and deals 3 damage to Marek (17 hp left).
- Decrepit Skeleton 2 moves to F20, then shifts to G19 and misses Marek.
- Decrepit Skeleton 6 misses Isirius.
- Skeleton 2 misses Quill.
- Skeleton 3 charges to I19 and misses Marek.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 16, 2014, 10:19
Quill quickly directed the runepriest to flank the already damaged skeleton, quickly moving in behind him right into the midst of the enemies... and from there, started swinging her flail at knee-level for the undead.

Quote
Action rundown:
Move: Shifty Maneuver: Gosok shifts as free action to L17, Quill moves into the now-vacated M18, Guard stays in place for sweet flanking bonuses.
Standard: Sweeping Blow (http://orokos.com/roll/167282) against, in order, L18, M17, N17, N19, and marking anything left standing.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 16, 2014, 10:56
Stepping through an opening in the undead's ranks, Gosok wheels to deal a solid blow on the skeleton now surrounded by his own allies only to miss for a second time. Glancing about the field Gosok spies Isirius taking damage. If nothing else... Tracing several runes faintly in the air, Isirius begins to glow a fiery blue.
Quote
Attacking L18 with Rune of Diminishment vs AC (http://orokos.com/roll/167283): 1d20+12 18
Rune of Mending on Isirius; Spend a Healing Surge; Protection Runestate: me and everyone within Close Burst 5 gets +1 to all Defenses until the end of my next turn.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 16, 2014, 11:37
Quill turns into a whirlwind of fire and hurt, her almost 360-degree sweep felling two zombies, and damaging both other nearby enemies while somehow not knee-capping her nearby ally. Were it that Gosok fared as well as his strike yet again gets parried, and to add insult to injury mere seconds later he's shown how it's done by the lone remaining guard. The few live civilians finally manage to run away a safe distance while two club-wielding zombies try but fail to chew on nearest living beings.

Quill and Gosok are startled as the dragon figurehead at the prow of the longship suddenly shakes free of ice surrounding it and speaks, looking at them:
- Return the ice scepter to the grasp of the Winter King, or this shall be a forever winter, and the cold dead shall feast upon the warm and living.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards

Actions
- Quill deals 15 fire damage to Skeleton 2, Zombie Shambler 3, Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1, Zombie Shambler 4. Skeleton 2 is bloodied. Zombie Shambler 3 and 4 are destroyed. Skeleton 2 and Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 are marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Gosok misses Skeleton 2.
- Gosok heals Isirius for 10 hit points (35/40 hp remaining, 6/7 surges remaining). Marek, Isirius, Gosok and Quill get +1 to all defenses until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok remains in Runestate of Protection. Adjacent allies have resist all 2.
- Town Guard deals 5 damage to Skeleton 2.
- Remaining civilians flee.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 misses Quill.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 misses (AUTOMATIC MISS) Isirius. Isirius is no longer dazed.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 16, 2014, 14:36
Quill had just finished bashing down one of the downed zombies to make sure it did not entertain any thoughts of getting back up, when the boat figurehead decided to speak up. So, she did the most sensible thing that came to mind: she pointed her flail at it menacingly and screeched, "You shut up now! Boats don't get to talk!"
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 16, 2014, 18:00
Ice Scepter? Winter King?
Gosok pondered for a moment before returning his attention to the battle. The were more questions than answers but they would have to wait for the time being. Perhaps the Warden would know.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 16, 2014, 18:43
Marek saw that he was fast getting surrounded, and mutters another prayer to Pelor. 

The Undead must be destroyed!
Quote
Standard: Turn Undead (vs Will)
G19: (1d20+8=13, 1d10+7=13), G19-->C18
I18: (1d20+8=17, 1d10+7=15), I18-->L16
I19: (1d20+8=20, 1d10+7=11), I19-->L20 (http://orokos.com/roll/167390)
Move: Shift H19-->I20
Minor: Healing Word on self (HP + 10 + (1d6=4) (http://orokos.com/roll/167393))

Edit: Added some pushing positions (3+ Cha modifier (+3) = 6)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 17, 2014, 08:53
In response to Marek's prayer his holy symbol glows in a bright light which evaporates two of the undead nearby and sends the last one stumbling backwards, all while cleric's wounds close as if they never were there. In the meantime the only remaining "traditional" zombie shuffles around a tent and blindsides Isirius with a blow from behind.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marekx
15 - Zombie Shamblers
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeletons
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn
0+ - Guards

Actions
- Marek deals 18 radiant damage (increased by 5 due to vulnerability) to Decrepit Skeleton 2 and Skeleton 3 and 13 radiant damage to Zombie Shambler 1. Decrepit Skeleton 2 and Zombie Shambler 1 are destroyed. Skeleton 3 is immobilized until end of Marek's next turn.
- Marek heals himself for 14 hit points (31/41 hp remaining, 8/9 surges remaining). Marek is no longer bloodied.
- Zombie Shambler 5 moves to M22 and charges to O22 hitting Isirius for 8 damage (27/40 hp remaining).

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

New Mechanics Learned

Immobilized
Almost exactly what it says on the tin. Creatures under this effect can't move - with the exception of teleportation. They can be pushed, pulled or slid though.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 17, 2014, 11:43
Upon sensing something approaching from behind... moderately fast, Isirius braces himself, drawing upon the power of his armor.

Quote
Immediate Reaction: the charging Zombie Shambler triggers my Wall Armor for 1d6=4 (http://orokos.com/roll/167572) damage, and is subsequently knocked prone
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 17, 2014, 11:49
Thanks to Isirius' magical armor the zombie attacking him gets it's own blow reflected back at it and keels over.
Quote
Zombie Shambler 5 is dead. Mind you this happened as a reaction so you still took that 8 damage. Pardon me for not bothering to update the map just on account of that, and proceed with your turn proper when you're ready.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 17, 2014, 12:38
Having had enough of the limping monstrosity before him, and sensing someone getting ready to chip in at his rear, Isirius tries to free himself from its presence with another good wallop.

Quote
Zombie Shambler dying disintegrating triggers Convocation of Shadows; Isirius is Insubstantial and Phasing until EoNT.
Apply some more Flesh Rend to Flesh-Crazed Zombie: attack 1d20+10=12 (http://orokos.com/roll/167577). Right.
Move to J24.
Spend minor action cursing my luck

Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 17, 2014, 13:39
Berak, whose attention had been torn away from the action by the ship's figurehead and was probing it with a shard of his consciousness, trying to figure out whether it was sentient or was simply someone's mouthpiece, turned his attention quickly back to the battle when he noticed Isirius retreating from his confrontation with the zombie. Berak, wanting to get this battle over with, so that he could study the figurehead some more, attacked the zombie with a psychic assault as intense as he could muster.

Turning his attention back to the ship for a moment, he experimentally reached out to the figurehead using his telepathy, trying to say "Cease this assault and we will find you the ice scepter.".

Quote
Minor action: Conjure Shaped Consciousness at S15
Mind Thrust with Augment 2 at Q22:
   Berak uses Guidance of the Past to roll twice for attack and choose either result:
      2#1d20+8=20,28 (http://orokos.com/roll/167588)               Berak chooses the second result (critical hit)
   Damage: 1d8+29=30 (http://orokos.com/roll/167592) (psychic damage)
   On hit: -4 to all defences until EoNT
Move to O22
Move Shaped Consciousness to S13
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 18, 2014, 09:08
Berak's attack sent the undead creature reeling, but not quite dead. As fragment of his consciousness approached the ship the dragon figurehead raised yet again and looked at it:
- Do you carry the ice scepter of the Winter King?
Berak tried establishing a telepathic link but while he did sense some sort of consciousness in the figurehead it felt... limited. At any case it didn't seem to receive or at least acknowledge his message and after few moments of prolonged silence spoke yet again:
- Only those carrying the scepter may board.
Seconds later a bolt of lightning erupted from figurehead's mouth and barely missed the consciousness fragment.

***

Meanwhile one of remaining skeletons ends it's existence at hands of Quill after exposing itself by trying to attack Gosok.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeleton
8 - Skeletons
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn

Actions
- Zombie Shambler 5 takes 4 damage from Wall Armor and is destroyed. Isirius is insubstantial and phasing until end of his next turn.
- Isirius misses Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 is no longer dazed. Isirius is no longer insubstantial and phasing. Isirius no longer has concealment.
- Shaped Consciousness appears in square S15.
- Berak deals 30 psychic damage (CRITICAL HIT) to Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2. Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 is bloodied and has -4 penalty to all defenses until end of Berak's next turn.
- Shaped Consciousness is barely missed.
- Decrepit Skeleton 1 misses Marek.
- Decrepit Skeleton 6 misses Berak.
- Skeleton 2 attempts to attack Gosok but is interrupted by Quill who uses Combat Challenge (Combat Challenge (http://orokos.com/roll/167780): 1d20+11 27 1d10+6 13) to deal 13 fire damage. Skeleton 2 destroying it.
- Skeleton 3 kills last remaining town guard.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Notes
Yeah that insubstantial and phasing really *did* come on only to disappear right away. Having "until EoNT" effects happen off-turn kind of sucks that way.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 18, 2014, 09:22
Quill leapt away from the zombie to focus her attention on the skeleton that had just killed the guard, swinging her flail low with the intention to bust some bony kneecaps.

Quote
Move: Shift to L19
Standard: Steel Serpent Strike (http://orokos.com/roll/167790) on L20, mark target; if hit, target is slowed and cannot shift until EoNT

Two damage dice and still my weakest attack thus far, damnit.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 18, 2014, 12:14
A strong gale builds, lifting Gosok into the air. Without hesitation he follows Quill, swooping to flank the skeleton. This must end quickly. Striking fiercely, Gosok drives the skeleton back towards Quill before closing the gap. Taking this moment he ponders the meaning of this so called ice scepter.

Quote
Standard Action: Wind Fury Assault; Fly to L21, provoking skeleton if able.
Wind Fury Assault vs Skeleton (L20) : 1d20+12 19 (http://orokos.com/roll/167837) vs AC; 1d8r1+5 10 (http://orokos.com/roll/167838):  Lightning Damage
Move Action: Shift to L20
Religion Check (http://orokos.com/roll/167412): 1d20+7 16
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 18, 2014, 13:06
Yet another skeleton falls to combination of Quill's flail, Gosok's distraction and yet more of Quill's flail. The amount of burning bones around makes the spot decently warm for a moment... if poorly smelling. Two remaining zombies attacked yet again, one wildly charging at the cleric and clubbing him over the head, the other coming next to nearby psion and tasting a bit of his crystal body

***

The ice scepter has no religious significance whatsoever. In fact you're almost certain you never heard of it at all.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeleton
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn

Actions
- Quill deals 12 fire damage to Skeleton 3. Skeleton 3 is slowed and unable to shift until end of Quill's next turn. Skeleton 3 is marked until end of Quill's next turn. Skeleton 3 is bloodied. Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 is no longer marked.
- Gosok provokes an Opportunity Attack from Skeleton 3 which is in turn interrupted by Quill's Combat Challenge (Combat Challenge (http://orokos.com/roll/167842): 1d20+11 31 1d10+6 7, Critical Damage (http://orokos.com/roll/167843): 1d6 4, CRITICAL HIT) dealing 20 fire damage and destroying it.
- Gosok's attack is forfeit.
- Gosok, Isirius, Marek and Quill no longer have +1 bonus to all defenses.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 charges to J20 without provoking Opportunity Attacks and deals 19 damage to Marek (12/41 hp remaining). Marek is now bloodied.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 moves to P22 and deals 9 damage to Berak (29/38 hp remaining). Berak is dazed until end of Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2's next turn.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 18, 2014, 22:14
"Pelor avenge me!"  Marek shouts as he directs a Vengeful Flare at the Flesh-Crazed Zombie.
Quote
Move: Shift I20-->H21
Minor: Healing Word on H21 (HP +10 + 1d6=4 (http://orokos.com/roll/167964))
Standard: Vengeful Flare on J20 (vs Reflex)
    (1d20+8=15, 2d8+7=24 (http://orokos.com/roll/167965) fire damage, +3 radiant damage from healing word, on hit target -2 all defenses till EoNT),
    Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes on attack roll: 1d6+15=16 (http://orokos.com/roll/167966).

    Final attack statistics: (16 to hit, 24 fire damage, 3 radiant damage, on hit target -2 all defenses till EoNT)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 19, 2014, 01:01
Seeing both the Cleric and the Psion in trouble, Isirius judges the Marek's needs more urgent and gets ready to assist. He repositions himself, lets out a quick sigh and storms at the other flesh-crazed monstrosity, flail swinging and too determined to scream anymore.

Quote
Move to H24.
Charge to to J22, applying Flesh Rend and Inevitable Strike to Zombie in J20. Attack rolls 1d20+11=17 and 1d20+11=18 (http://orokos.com/roll/167990) vs AC, damage rolls 1d10+8=14 and 1d10+8=13 (http://orokos.com/roll/167991).
Shift Zombie to K21.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 19, 2014, 05:37
After the figurehead had attacked his consciousness fragment, Berak was taking another quick look at the ship, contemplating what the figurehead had said and the appearance of the ship and the figurehead, wandering whether it reminded him of something he knew.
Quote
Knowledge check
Just as he was preparing to retreat the shard of his consciousness away from the ship, he was assaulted by the zombie he had attacked just before. That's what you get when you don't pay enough attention to the battle.
Quote
Berak uses Intellect Fortress (Immediate Interrupt), Trigger: You are hit by an attack.
Effect: +4 bonus to AC until EoNT

Berak manages to narrowly deflect the zombie's attack with his psionic powers. Retreating from the zombie, he breaks apart into a swarm of shards and re-forms again at the other side of the tent. He pulls the shard of his consciousness back from the boat and uses it to attack the zombie with a psychic attack, trying to finish it off.
Quote
Shard Swarm (move action, teleportation) to O19
   Effect: Zombie at P22 grants Berak combat advantage until EoNT
Move Shaped Consciousness to S19
Mind Thrust with Augment 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/168014) at P22 (through the Shaped Consciousness)
   Attack: 1d20+8=25 (vs Will)
   Damage: 1d10+9=13 (psychic damage)
   On hit: -4 to Will Defence until EoNT
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 19, 2014, 09:21
Between Marek and Isirius one of the zombies is barely standing, while the other gets finished off by Berak, who gets shot by an arrow for his trouble. The figurehead sends another lightning bolt at Berak's shaped consciousnes but that one also goes wide.

***

The ship is a longboat, a type of ship that uses mostly people rowing to generate speed, but has a single sail to enhance their effects. Berak can recall some water-based barbarian tribes back in his times used those, though theirs obviously didn't fly or use lightning-shooting figureheads.

Encounter 1: Sky Raiders - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
26 - Flesh-Crazed Zombies
25 - Marek
11 - Isirius Thray
10 - Berak
9 - Decrepit Skeleton
5 - Quill
5 - Gosok Skyborn

Actions
- Marek heals himself for 14 hit points (26/41 hp remaining, 7/9 surges remaining).
- Marek deals 21 fire and 3 radiant damage* to Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1. Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1 is bloodied.
- Isirius deals 14 cold damage to Flesh-Crazed Zombie 1. Flesh-Crazed Zombie has -2 to attack rolls until end of Isirius' next turn.
- Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 grants combat advantage to Berak until end of his next turn.
- Berak deals 13 psychic damage to Flesh-Crazed Zombie 2 destroying it.
- Decrepit Skeleton 1 deals 3 damage to Berak.
- Decrepit Skeleton 6 misses Berak.
- Another lightning bolt misses the shaped consciousness.

Map Notes
- River is probably quite cold
- Ice is difficult terrain. It also looks tad slippery and thin.
- Campfires are burning bright.
- Boats are difficult terrain and provide cover.
- Tents provide cover but aren't much durable.
- Totem poles could be climbed if you wish to do so.

Important Notes
* Vengeful Flare is actually 2d8+7 fire damage not 2d8+10, so 21 fire damage there. Oh and also worth noting targets of your healing word get a +2 to next attack roll (but you'd hit even without it)

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 19, 2014, 09:36
Quill hopped up to the sole remaining zombie and swung her flail down, aiming to clock it square in the back, but apparently put a bit too much enthusiasm into the swing - it missed, and the flail smacked into the snow, sending up a cloud of steam.

Quote
Move: shift to K20
Standard: Crushing Surge on K21. Hit roll was a natural 1, but marking the bugger anyway.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 19, 2014, 12:21
Spinning around Gosok hews into the zombie.
Quote
Standard Action: Attacking K21 with Rune of Diminishment vs AC (http://orokos.com/roll/168107): 1d20+12 27
Rune of Diminishment Damage (http://orokos.com/roll/168116): 1d8r1+5 13 Lightning Damage
Rune of Destruction: Until EoNT, Target has Vuln 2 vs Everything or Vuln 5 vs OAs
Runestate of Destruction: Allies adjacent to me get +1 to their attack rolls.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 19, 2014, 12:24
Zed's dead baby, Zed's dead. Proceed with cleanup of skellies.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 20, 2014, 15:09
Marek takes aim at a nearby skeleton and fires away.
Quote
Move: Shift H21-->H20
Standard: Lance of Faith on J16 (1d20+8=22, 1d8+7=14 (http://orokos.com/roll/168589))
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 20, 2014, 23:16
Isirius decides to shield Marek from further harm by making sure the Skeleton's attention lies elsewhere.

Quote
Assuming my Reach will cover this as well, charge to I18 (otherwise to J18).
Flesh Rend on the skeleton in J16: attack 1d20+11=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406878/); damage 1d10+8=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4406881/)
(Shift to I18 if my charge there was off-limits)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 21, 2014, 03:54
Berak attacks the remaining skeleton and retreats his consciousness fragment even further away from the ship.

Quote
Mind Thrust at Q18 (http://orokos.com/roll/168709)
   Attack: 1d20+9=16 (vs Will)
   Damage: 1d10+9=19 (psychic)
Move to M22
Move Shaped Consciousness to P25
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 21, 2014, 12:24
Marek and Berak deal with the remaining two skeletons, with Isirius coming just a wee bit late to be of any help. Those were the last enemies "alive" on the battlefield, and with none of the zombies looking like they're going to get up and the ship's figurehead coming to rest as soon as Berak's conjuration faded out it seems you have won. You catch a breath and look at the bodies strewn around, both undead and those unlucky enough to get caught in the assault.

- Is it over? Is it safe to come out? - somewhere from safe distance someone must've noticed the area gone quiet.

Quote
Aaand the first combat is wrapped up. You get a short rest meaning you recover your encounter powers (or PP for Berak) and can spend as many healing surges as you want getting quarter of hp back for each spent.
No plot push forward today because frankly I don't have the will to construct a longer post. Feel free to chat, comment, or just list how many surges you spend and wait for a further post.

240 experience points gained

Vital statistics post-battle
Berak - 35/38 hp, 8/8 surges, 1 ap
Gosok Skyborn - 42/42 hp, 10/10 surges, 1 ap
Isirius Thray - 27/40 hp, 6/7 surges, 1 ap
Marek - 26/41 hp, 7/9 surges, 1 ap
Quill - 49/49 hp, 12/12 surges, 1 ap

Oh and have yourself a bunch of useless stats. Made mostly because it amuses me, take them with a grain of salt.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 21, 2014, 12:52
Swinging his flail through a patch of air that contained a skeleton a mere second earlier, Isirius lets his shoulders slump and his head fall forward. In his native tongue he mutters a curse that sounds beautiful enough to make the average woman blush and swoon - provided she doesn't speak the same language.

Surveying the rest of the carnage, which seems to have been pretty well controlled, he lets out a deep sigh as his scourge evaporates. He turns to Marek sporting his trademark smile.

- You alright?

Quote
Spend another healing surge
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 21, 2014, 13:04
Putting his weapon away, Gosok looks around for the Warden and his guards. This blighted winter is bad enough but now between the undead, a talking boat, an ice scepter and a Winter King; things are getting out of hand.
╬╢╣╔╣ ╡╩ ╦╢╣ ╬╜╔║╣┼└
Gosok retraces the runes until his allies take notice.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 22, 2014, 01:16
Berak, looking contemplatively at the ship, notices Gosok's runes and turns to him.

- The warden fled to safety.

Looking back at the ship.

- We probably shouldn't try approaching the ship without the ice scepter.

Turning back to the others.

- I think the figurehead is controlling the ship. It does not seem very smart though.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 22, 2014, 03:07
"I'm fine now.  Thanks."  Marek replied Isirius.  "May Pelor grant me better guidance next time."

"We must find the Warden.  He must have some answers," Marek said.

Quote
Spend one heal surge
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 22, 2014, 04:16
- Ah, yes, his courage was an example to us all. If he's not cowering behind the corner of that house - Isirius points to a building off to the east - anymore, we can probably find him in the safety of the town's hall or one of its temples. And if Pelor has any guidance to spare, it seems I could use some myself.

(Isirius' stance on religion is somewhat unclear. He seems to believe in everything and nothing at once.)

He then walks towards the ship - close enough to get a good look at it at least - and wonders if anything he's seeing there strikes one of memory's chords.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 22, 2014, 07:02
Quill strolled around the battlefield, giving any undead remains she found a solid bash over the head with her flail for good measure. Much easier to do it when they're prone, with her height. That done, she extinguished the fiery enchantment on her flail and went to retrieve her furs.

"Quill thinks the talking boat would make good firewood," she suggested ever so helpfully.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 22, 2014, 08:17
Quill found her furs wet from melted snow they lain in and covered in black sludge from nearby re-dead corpse. Probably what passes for blood in zombies.

Isirius couldn't remember anything worthwhile. Aside from magical figurehead and the ability to fly the ship looked like any other in his eyes.

- Gods damn it! Why is it that when one disaster strikes, more always follow and why in my damn city?! - annoyed shout announces return of the Warden... with a fresh supply of guardsmen apparently collected from their warehouse-pillaging duty. Behind him trails a group of townsfolk either too curious or too dumb to stay and hide in their homes
- Guards, start collecting to bodies. Least we can do is give those poor people a proper burial. And properly burn the remains from those abominations that attacked. - Markelhay sighs then turns to you - Thank you for your help in stopping this attack. Without your timely intervention those undead would probably take even more lives before my guardsmen could rally enough to stop them.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 22, 2014, 12:08
Quill examined her furs with obvious distaste, and eventually just ended up tossing them on the bonfire. Wet she could work with, covered with the innards of undead... not so much.

When the townsfolk returned, with their leader in front, the kobold was quick to step up in front of them. Even if she stood less than 4 feet tall, she still had a flail in hand, and she did have an excellent suit of plate armor under those furs.

"Quill thinks you owe her new cold clothes, before Quill freezes her tail off in this weather," she said, glaring up at the Warden, "Quill also thinks you owe Quill's tribe an explanation of this whole sceptre thingy the talking boat was going on about."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 22, 2014, 12:59
- Well I don't think Lord Warden keeps any clothes your size on him. - a halfling, the same one who was telling of his clan journey back when you came to town meeting breaks out off group of people following Markelhay - But I feel as indebted for your help as he does, so let me help. I should be able to find something that fits you if you give me a moment.

With that he leaves to search through the tents, leaving Warden to answer Quill's other complaint - Pardon me but what do you mean exactly by "scepter thingy" and "talking boat"? We heard some talking but we were farther away and didn't hear what exactly was said over the sounds of battle. You're saying the boat talked? - Warden looks at the longboat with disbelief.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 22, 2014, 20:30
Giving Isirius a tap on the shoulder, Gosok gestures to the Warden
╨╞╠ ╦╜╛╣ ╦╞ ╢╡├┐
╡ ╬╡╛╛ ╦╜│╣ ╦╞╞ ╛╞╞╖┐
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 23, 2014, 00:15
Giving Gosok a short nod, Isirius turns to face the Warden. - Sir? As soon as he has the man's attention, he casts his recollection of boat's figurehead coming to life into the Warden's head.
- It would appear that it knows exactly what it's after, and exactly where to find it. It would also explain the sudden winter that set in, starting in your town - the scepter must be radiating this climate, possibly as a beacon. And more or less to himself, he adds If not, one would wonder what state this leaves the Winter King in... He gets himself together again and continues Either way, its bearer must have arrived here on the day the winter came, or shortly before that. Are those constructs we encountered ever off-duty?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 23, 2014, 08:28
- Sadly, reliable as they might be warforged do take time off. - Warden replies - But the idea itself isn't a bad one, we could question the guards that were on duty during the past week or so and maybe they remember something. What makes me wonder is that Winter King you mention...
- "A legend sire." - sneers a nearby guardswoman - "Winter King is only and old story people scare their kids with."
- Not, it is not! One of my cousins said he's seen his cairn when he got lost in Frostjaw Peaks once. - counters Barro Turnfin as he returns with a fresh set of clothing which he gives to Quill - He told me it was a great pillar of ice with skulls inside!
- "The halfling is correct." - dwarven priest from the meeting joins the discussion - "There aren't many records of him, but Winter King is the name given to a human warlord who united several barbarian tribes and toppled the Great Dwarven Empire. He is called that because his conquest all happened during single, unnaturally long winter. No one knows where he took the power to make said winter happen but it is said that his reign ended when Raven Queen took what he done as a slight to her domain, and twisted his ability so that he and everything he touched froze into solid ice. It is one of the few last if not the last known instance of gods directly changing our world."
The dwarf ponders for a moment then shrugs - "Can't say I heard of any scepter though, none of the legends on Winter King mention anything of this sort."
- "The so-called adventurers are known for grave robbing and looting whoever they kill. Perhaps it is they who took the scepter and now they're trying to cover it up." - says a man you recognize as the one who was complaining on rationing earlier
- Shut your mouth Armos or I'll have guards shut it for you! Those men saved your skin as much as everyone's else.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 23, 2014, 12:17
Isirius focuses his attention on Gosok to relay a message - Please have a word with these people. The visual aspect of the message clearly shows the Mul standing before the assembly, the air between them filled with enough runes to devise a short play from.

He then walks away from the bickering crowd, chasing the hunch that struck him so suddenly.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 23, 2014, 20:45
Gosok gives Isirius a dirty glare. This was what he wanted to avoid. A snort of resignation leaves him as he steps forward to the crowd. Meticulously he crafts a single enormous glyph in the air

╩╡╛╣┼╗╣┴

Quote
Depending on the response to this I'll add something tomorrow. Too tired atm
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 24, 2014, 02:53
Marek stands aside and furrows his brows.  Pelor mustn't have touched these people much for they don't seem to have seen the light.

To the man who complained about rationing, "Why in Pelor's name would you think that of us?"
Quote
Sense motive insight check on said bugger (1d20+13=29 (http://orokos.com/roll/169495))
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 24, 2014, 08:35
Gosok's gigantic glyph seems to serve it's purpose - it draws peoples attention even though most don't really understand it's meaning at first. The crowd silences and clams... well mostly. Seems *somebody* took the sudden magical sign and stillness of crowd that came with it - as well as probably Isirius' movement - as a warning and started to make his way through the crowd to the tune of "Hey", "Watch it" and "Why is that creep running".

Quote
@LuckyDee - to answer your questions your "hunch" is not yet separated from crowd but will probably be before you make it to him. He has roughly 40 feet of head start on you. And cover probably isn't an issue now, but there wouldn't be much in terms of it anyway, once you leave the assembly the streets are probably going to be pretty empty. Hope that helps.

***

- "Why would I think anything else of you? You adventurers disgust me. You have power but you keep it to yourselves so that you can play our lords and saviors."

Quote from: Insight
Marek senses nothing but hatred and malice from Armos - and perhaps some bitter jealousy. Pelor only knows where he got his ideas from but you feel he believes his inane ideas and probably wishes he could get some of adventurer's power... for himself.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 24, 2014, 09:39
While still among the crowd, Isirius tries to make up for the distance by moving as swiftly as the situation allows while making himself somewhat smaller so as to blend in better. If he reaches the end of the crowd before his target is out of sight - around a corner or some such - he will simply try to match his speed; if not he'll take a run towards the spot where he disappeared, taking care to remain unseen until he can have a better look from his new vantage point.

Since the quarry is obviously aware that it's being followed, Isirius tries to engage him telepathically, taking care to ease the thoughts upon him. He presents him with the chance to either explain himself to the warden and villagers, or to Isirius. Sending a mental picture of him standing between Markelhay - not looking amused - and his retinue - looking even less amused - on one side an Isirius with his handsome features and benign smile on the other should illustrate the difference between both options nicely.

Quote
Athletics check for giving chase: 1d20+2=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4410249/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 24, 2014, 09:47
Play? Gosok's face begins to twitch. Do they think this is a game?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 24, 2014, 10:06
The kobold had kept out of the debate up to this point, instead more focused on gratefully accepting more size-appropriate cold-weather gear and promptly putting it on, before the adrenalin high wore out and the cold started making itself known again.

"Quill thinks shouty man is being so noisy because he doesn't want to pay others for saving his hide and is trying to guilt Quill's tribe into doing work for free," she commented to the halfling, glaring briefly at Armos. "Quill does not think it will work."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 24, 2014, 12:19
Isirus' is off to a rocky start. Not only does he fail to push through the crowd quickly enough to his liking but he also almost stumbles at the start of his run. He does manage to shorten the distance to the running half-elf but not nearly enough to catch him, and his quarry starts lading him through various side alleys trying to shake pursuit off.

Quote
Streetwise check please

***

- "See, that's what I meant" - 'shouty man' points at Quill - "Money. It's all you adventurers care about, all you use your powers for. I'm sure this 'ice scepter' would fetch a nice price in that black market you run!"

Quote
Setting Lore: The "black market" Armos is referring to is the main (and often only) place where adventurers tend to spend their gains and buy gear from, known as "The Vault". Nobody really knows who or what runs the Vault but they are one of the few organizations out there capable of dealing and handling the amount of gold items found by adventurers tend to be worth. They deal in buying and selling magic items, as well as paid item storage (they seem to have some sort of extra-dimensional storage they keep closely under the wraps), and occasionally information borkering. They seem to have an outpost in most of established cities, though usually strangely small ones.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 24, 2014, 13:46
"Enough you wretched simpleton!" Gosok's voice booms like a peal of thunder. A strong gust forms around him kicking up flurry of snow and lifting him off the ground ever so slightly "I AM THE WIND! AND I WILL NOT BE MOCKED!" Seething, Gosok bears down on Armos, "WHAT NERVE; THAT YOU WHO FLEES SO READILY FEELS WORTHY TO JUDGE US WHO FACE SUCH PERILS. YOU SPEAK TO ALIIR, MESSENGER OF THE STORM AND YOU- YOU!!!
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 24, 2014, 13:53
The sound of the voice booming behind him causes Isirius to wince, albeit really briefly. His focus remains on man in front of him and puts his fate in his speed once he breaks free from the thronged people.

Quote
Streetwise: 1d20+6=26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4410340/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 25, 2014, 00:46
Berak observes Gosok's outburst with great interest.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 25, 2014, 03:17
Marek stays near Berak, waiting to see what happens before jumping in.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 25, 2014, 08:55
Quill leaned on her flail like it was a staff, looking up at the vocal merchant with a cold, toothy grin.

"Quill thinks shouty man made Quill's friend angry. Quill thinks shouty man should apologize. Quickly."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 25, 2014, 09:14
Isirius suddenly realizes he knows this particular area of the city. Deciding to take a gamble he darts into a slightly different alley than his quarry... then into another one... and through someones backyard... and finally over a small wall being the last part of the shortcut and bringing him back on trail of the half elf - only this time much, much closer than before. Capturing the running man now looks much more probable, assuming the kalashtar can keep up the pace.
2 success, 1 fail
Quote
Aaaand now for an Endurance check. Don't worry this is going somewhere >_>

***

Meanwhile at the gathering the winds generated by Gosok knock Armos from his feet. Mouthy landowner tries to keep up an illusion of composure, but the attempt is ruined by the way he tries to crawl back, away from Gosok. Several people decide to leg it, not willing to stay and risk wrath of... whatever that floating adventurer is. Even those remaining seem unsettled by sudden gust of wind and Gosok's booming voice. Only Markelhay keeps up a modicum of calm and tries to speak up:
- Mister Gosok?.. Aliir?.. or whatever you want to call yourself. Calm down, please. Armos might be an unrepentant asshole but he's not worth... this. Please, clam down, let me handle this...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 25, 2014, 10:48
Realizing it's going to be all or nothing on this one, Isirius lets his feet do their own thinking and peers past his target, focusing on the next corner he's going to come across. When they're almost there, he goes all-out and launches a sneak attack: when it became clear his telepathic reasoning wasn't going anywhere, he ceased in order to concentrate his energies on the chase. Now, at the last second, he flings the image of tall, burly man - someone he saw in the crowd earlier - stepping around the corner just as the half elf approaches it, hoping to cause him to think that they're going to collide just long enough for him to fall flat on his face.

Quote
Endurance: 1d20+3=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4411241/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 25, 2014, 11:35
Isirius finds himself panting and wheezing as he runs - that last fight must've took more out of him than he expected. The distance starts to grow again but the telepathic distraction staggers the half-elf enough to give a chance of catching up.

Quote
And yet one more Athletics check please, at a +2 bonus thanks to the telepathic thing.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 25, 2014, 11:39
Quote
Athletics failure:1d20+4=5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4411287/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 25, 2014, 17:15
Gosok's head snaps in the Warden's direction. He pauses a moment before descending back to ground. Pointing a menacing finger at Armos, he curls it into a shaking fist before turning around and walking off.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 26, 2014, 08:23
Seeing Gosok leave, Berak decides he should lower tenseness of the situation a bit and steps to the front.

- I apologise for that. We have not had a proper rest for a while now and this sudden attack has us all on edge. I don't suppose there is anywhere we could rest for a while? The Silver Unicorn Inn appeared to be closed.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 27, 2014, 10:24
As Isirius continues trying to catch up the man he's following after starts fumbling for something hidden in his clothing.
- "Here, take it - take it and leave me alone" - the half-elf cries and throws an item in kalashtar's general direction, tripping him in the process
- "And stay away from my head you freak"- is the last thing Isirius hears landing face-first in the snow, hitting the cobblestone below it and passing out.
By the time he comes to his quarry is long gone, his tracks being steadily covered by yet another snowfall - the half-elf seemed to know his way around the city, chances are by now he's found some place to lay low. Standing up to his feet Isirius notes the item that tripped him lying on the gounrd - a short rod that looks like it's made of solid ice, set with sapphires.

***

- Thank you. - Warden nods to Gosok then turns to Armos - And as for you... You're getting two weeks of time in the dungeon for stirring up trouble in the city!
- "Wha-? You can't be ser-?! YOU CANT DO THIS TO ME!" - the landowner protests
- I am the Warden of this city - I can and I will do it. And if you don't shut up now I'll fine your ass on top of it. Gods know you have money enough to live through that. Guards, take this wretch away!
Turning to Berak next he replies - Well I don't see Wisara in the crowd so I'm guessing she ran back to the Inn and probably opened it up again. OR you could try to cross to the west bank of the river and see if Nentir Inn is open. That being said I'd be glad if you'd stay here until we can do something about that ship - one way or another.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 27, 2014, 11:44
Running his left hand over the sore bits on his skull to check for cuts, Isirius squats beside the rod and takes a moment to study; first simply looking at it and then picking it up to try and feel its vibe.

Quote
Arcane Knowledge check to see what information can be gleaned: 1d20+8=11 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4413326/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 27, 2014, 11:56
Isirius stares at the rod for a good, long while but all it does is strain his eyes some. Resigned he picks it up. The rod itself is cold to touch but after a moment holding it the kalashtar notices something - namely that he no longer notices the cold around him, feeling comfortable and warm despite the rising snowstorm around him.

Further few minutes of handling the item convince Isirius that it is, indeed what they were searching for - the ice scepter that the ship called out for. It does seem a bit less impressive than the name would suggest, but then again his arcane knowledge tells him that some magic items only show their full power in the hands of those who made them.

Quote
So yeah for the record you don't actually need an Arcana check to figure out (most) magical items - just some time to handle them, like for example during short rest. As for the ice scepter itself it is an actual usable magical item - look for it under rods section to see what it does ;P
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 27, 2014, 12:11
He sticks the rod inside his clothes and starts making his way back to the quays, wondering how long he was out. Not wanting to risk the ship's figurehead sensing the item's approach, he chooses a position from where he can see Berak in the distance, and tries to get his attention via telepathy.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 27, 2014, 12:23
Berak thinks for a moment and then says to the warden:

- I don't think there is much we can do about the ship before we find the Ice Scepter. Without the help of a Magician of considerable ability, even approaching the ship would be suicidal.

Berak looks around for Isirius.

- Since one of our party seems to have wandered off, however, we could stick around to wait for him. We really should be looking for the scepter though. It probably has not left the city yet, since one would assume that the ship would follow it wherever it goes.

- Perhaps, if we locate it, you could send someone to take it out of the city to see whether the ship does indeed follow it. If it does, you could have the scepter taken into the mountains and buried. The ship and the scepter would do no harm there, assuming nobody finds them.

Berak suddenly turns his gaze to somewhere beyond the crowd.

- Ah, do excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back.

Berak nods to the Warden and starts to move towards the place he sensed Isirius reaching out to him.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 27, 2014, 12:35
As Berak starts approaching, Isirius sends out for him to bring the others, and Markelhay as well. He adds to that the image of himself holding the scepter, followed by that of the boat running amok when someone bearing the scepter approaches it.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on February 27, 2014, 12:59
Berak stops in his tracks and takes a moment to process the images Isirius sent him, his surprise not at all apparent on his face. He spends another moment to think how to best approach this situation, before turning around and going back to the warden.

- Sorry about that, it seems that our missing companion has turned up with quite a discovery. It is relevant to your interests and we would be pleased if you could accompany us when we go meet him. Sorry about the inconvenience. Just wait for a moment until I gather my companions.

Berak turns to face Quill and then Marek, nodding to them and telling them telepathically:

- Isirius found the scepter. Please, follow me to his location.

He then turns to Gosok, who is standing some distance away from the others and repeats the message.

Once his companions gather near him, Berak leads them and the Warden to where Isirius is standing.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 27, 2014, 13:36
Isirius waits patiently for his friends and the warden to approach. When they do, he shows them all his typical smile and says to the warden - Might I suggest that we continue our talk in a more... - his eyes dart around the gathered people for a short moment - comfortable location? I have reason to believe this might be beneficial in a number of ways...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 28, 2014, 09:54
- Normally I'd agree... - Warden replied and shoot a quick glance around - But at this time I get the feeling that trying to hide away might start a riot.

It looks like between the fight you fought earlier and Gosok's later outburst your group made an impression on remaining people. So much of it in fact that when you moved to meet with Isirius most of the group immediately followed and now are hovering at the edge of hearing, staring at the meeting between you and the Warden and even slowly encircling you. This whole situation is starting to feel like taking a swim in shark infested waters.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 28, 2014, 12:16
In a matter of seconds, a number of different scenarios dart through Isirius' thoughts, all of them potentially ending very badly. In the end, he simply decides to let truth light his way as it always does, and produces the scepter from inside his clothes.

- This was actually a lot easier to find than I expected.

After which he simply braces himself for the commotion to start, smiling as benignly as ever.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on February 28, 2014, 13:52
Noticing the Warden and his companions moving away, Gosok reigns himself in enough to follow. Seeing Isirius pull the scepter from his cloak, he gives him a sharp clap on the back of the head before gesturing wildly at him and the crowd. The repeated gestures seem to imply 'where in Baator did you find that'
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on February 28, 2014, 14:14
Encouraged by Gosok, Isirius continues - I ran into someone who acted like he knew more of the situation, but was afraid to speak up for fear of the consequences. It took some.... persuasion on my part, but in the end he gave the item up willingly enough.

He then proceeds to send a couple of images of the chase and his quarry to Gosok, paired with his deep regret at not being able to apprehend the half-elf.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 28, 2014, 15:32
"So we just give the ice stick to this king, and all this horrid white stuff goes away?" Quill asked, having kept rather quiet up at this point. The cold made the kobold feel a bit sluggish.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on February 28, 2014, 19:27
"By Pelor, it sounds a little too convenient," Marek says.  "I know He works in mysterious ways, but this is bordering on the ludicrous."

To the mingling crowd, Marek looks to them and begins.  "Pelor thanks you all for your support!  Let us pray to Him so that He will guide us out of the coldness and be back into the light!"
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 01, 2014, 06:10
- So it was in the city... - Markelhay mumbles in amusement - I agree with the cleric, this does sound too convenient. Moreso if this "Winter King" is indeed the conqueror from old legends. That being said we don't have much of a choice do we? The scepter should be delivered to him - if he does reign in the winter after recovering what is his all good and well. And should he prove to be a threat anyway... you saw how his minions slaughtered my people. We simply aren't up to task of dealing with this threat, and it'll only get worse as the winter continues. I don't want to lay this burden on your shoulders but you're the only ones on the spot with any chance of success - would you lend us your aid in dealing with this problem?

Voices start to arise from the coroud:
- Please help us!
- Have mercy good sirs...
- We'll all die if this winter continues.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 01, 2014, 06:34
As Isirius mulls this over, he turns his smile upon Quill and thinks at her the question whether she's up for some more days of winter.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 01, 2014, 08:02
The kobold, for her part, was weighing the options of just getting away from the cold, and putting an end to whatever is causing the cold.

"Quill's tribe will help. But you had better reward Quill's tribe well for this. Quill does not like going into cold places, not in the slightest," she said eventually.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 02, 2014, 03:00
Observing others' reactions, Berak guesses that they wish to present the Scepter to the ship and have it take them to wherever. He feels that it's a more dangerous way of doing things, but not without its merits.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 02, 2014, 04:31
- Of course, a payment will be arranged... - Warden starts but gets interrupted by more voices from the crowd, ones offering free food, drinks, boarding and whatever people can think off - ...and not just from me it seems.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 02, 2014, 04:43
Isirius turns to Gosok, as if the whole endeavor hinges on his approval.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 02, 2014, 06:35
As Marek makes his prayers to Pelor out loud, hoping to draw the attention of the stragglers, he keeps an eye out to Gosok to see what his reply was to the change of situation.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 03, 2014, 05:30
With an exasperated sigh Gosok nods in agreement and offers his hand to the Warden.
╡ ┼╣╣║ ╜ ║╔╡┼│┐
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 04, 2014, 08:20
"No time for drinking, no time," Quill interrupted, shaking her head. "We take ice stick to boat, we take boat to king, we give king ice stick back. Quill thinks if he wants it so badly, he should welcome us in."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 04, 2014, 09:44
And so you go, past the crowd, past the guards still gathering corpses, and near the boat that brought the invaders. As you come close to it, once again it asks for the scepter, as it did to Berak's construct last time. When you show the item to the figurehead it allows you to board the ship. Once you do it speaks one more time:
- Set to the oars, and I will pilot the course through the blizzard. The Winter King awaits.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 04, 2014, 19:07
Marek mutters a soft prayer to Pelor as he boards the boat.

"Wait, 'set to the oars'?  We're rowing?"
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 05, 2014, 12:14
After having presented the scepter to the figurehead, Isirius turns to Quill:

- Mylady, if the cold still bothers you, you might want to keep this on you...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 06, 2014, 08:14
The kobold didn't need to be asked twice - she grabbed the sceptre and tucked it behind her belt.

"Quill is grateful, but Quill thinks you should get to rowing before talking boat gets impatient. Quill would help, but Quill's arms are too short for the rowing. Not to worry, though - Quill will help you keep good pace."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 06, 2014, 08:49
Berak eyes the kobold, suspicious.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 07, 2014, 09:11
- Set to the oars and row... - the figurehead speaks up again - ...or die, and let others more willing to do the deed take your place. This is your last warning.

Those of you not made of sentient crystal can feel a tingle on your skins and your hair stand up as a charge begins to build in the air.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 07, 2014, 10:56
Grumbling Gosok sits down at an oar.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 07, 2014, 11:31
Berak doesn't expect that it will lead to anything pleasant, but since they already decided on it, he takes his place behind an oar and waits for the others to do the same.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 07, 2014, 11:50
With a sigh and a slight shudder, Isirius draws his collar up a little. - So much for stocking up on supplies, I guess.
He takes the nearest available seat and goes through the motions of rowing, as if trying to remember. Then, satisfied with his position, he says - Any idea what the odds of the King actually being pleased to see us are, ship?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 07, 2014, 18:27
Marek sits down quietly at his section of the boat and awaits for the coordination rowing to begin.  From a distant life he recalls being part of a galley, and this new set up suddenly evoked yet more vague memories that he had forgotten a long long time ago.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 08, 2014, 04:24
And so you set to oars and start rowing. As soon as you do the ship takes to the air and corrects its course to swim... well fly back where it came from. The experience would probably be quite wonderful if it wasn't for the strain of the rowing and the increase in cold all of you feel as the ship climbs up - all, except for the tricky kobold who managed to both weasel out of the work and get her hands on an artifact that keeps her warm.

The trip is quite uneventful and, surprisingly, fast. The speed at which your mode of transport travels is miraculous making you wonder just how much your rowing contributes to it, if it does at all. After a few hours the ship suddenly starts descending, swiftly going down to ground level where it hits a mountainside and grinds to a halt in a snow dune. Those of you that were rowing manage to hold on to the oars, keeping yourselves safe during the descent, Quill has less luck as the sudden impact sends her tumbling overboard and into the snow. Her possession of ice scepter saves her from experiencing the cold that comes with this but it doesn't help any against the bruises of the fall, nor against the fall that she finds herself buried in the white stuff... again.

The figurehead, which remained silent during the flight speaks up again - You have arrived at Winter's King Cairn. Bring the scepter before his throne and return it to him if you ever want to see the snow stop falling.

As you look around you notice a giant pillar of ice not far away from where you've landed. Most likely it's the Cairn that the ship speaks of.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 08, 2014, 13:05
Berak inspects the surroundings for any signs of danger. If he does not find any, he concentrates his attention on the cairn and its surroundings, looking for anything that might be of interest, even projecting his consciousness as close to the cairn as possible, if observing from a distance does not yield any results. He tries not to be distracted by the cussing kobold buried in snow.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 08, 2014, 17:46
Marek gives Quill a hand and tries to inspect the immediate surroundings as well, in case Berak misses anything.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 08, 2014, 21:12
Quill simply glared off into the distance for some time before crawling out of the snow drift.

"If king does not make horrid cold stuff go away in short order, Quill is going to ensure he spends the rest of time sitting on his stupid ice stick," she growled quietly, starting to dig her way through the drifts towards the cairn. She certainly looked ready to make good on that threat right now, too.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 08, 2014, 22:13
Gosok nods in agreement. The trip had allowed him to vent any lingering agitation. Suitably cooled, Gosok joins Berak in looking for any welcome parties.
Quote
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/172484): 1d20+7 11
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 09, 2014, 07:28
Inspection of your immediate surroundings shows no impending threats, other than another snowstorm in making. Falling snow makes it a bit hard to see the detail on the cairn forcing Berak to use his consciousness construct. Through that he manages to inspect it more closely - the cairn is a pillar of solid ice at least forty feet in height. Inside it Berak notices skulls, multitude of them from varying races - some that Berak recognizes, some he does not, and some that are pure oddities like a human skull that is gagged for some reason, or shattered heads of beings that lack skulls like warforged... or shardminds.

Perhaps of more interest might be the fact that near the base of the pillar there is a jagged-edged hole in the ground. By the looks of it, it's a beginning of a tunnel that was once covered by a thick sheet of ice that got broken. Considering the circumstances the "breaking" probably happened very recently even...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 09, 2014, 08:20
Turning to the others, Berak says

- There is a tunnel near the base of the cairn. I'll go and take a closer look.

He gets off the ship and starts moving towards the cairn until he is close enough that he can move his consciousness fragment over the hole and take a look inside.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 09, 2014, 08:32
As it seemed from further out the hole is an entry point of a tunnel. The walls of the tunnel are partly covered in ice, it looks like there was more of it but it has been slowly melting away. It seems like there might be some sort of chamber further in but it's too dark to tell for sure. What Berak can tell though is that somewhere in the middle of the tunnel he sees the wall turn from natural cave into some sort of man-made walls.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 09, 2014, 09:08
Berak moves carefully towards the tunnel entry, keeping an eye on the tunnel inside, ready to retreat if anything threatening should appear. Once he reaches the tunnel, he lets his consciousness fragment fade away. The orange gem embedded in his chest starts to glow with dim light. It gradually increases in brightness until the light it emits is bright enough that Berak can see farther into the tunnel.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 09, 2014, 09:16
The light confirms existance of a chamber further inside. Small one, probably once was once some sort of entry room. The way the walls are made looks familiar to Berak... somehow. In the middle of the chamber there seems to be short column, knee high tops. It looks rather unnatural, as if earth was made to rise through the floor to form it. Whatever it is it looks cracked now. Around the "column" Berak can make out some writing carved into the floor.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 09, 2014, 09:43
Berak takes a moment to consider the feeling he had about the walls of this place.
Quote
Dungeoneering check with Guidance of the Past: 2#1d20+7=25,10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4425368/). Use the higher result=25

He deems it too risky to venture into the tunnel alone. The gem on his chest turns dark and he goes back to the ship, passing Quill on the way, to tell the others what he saw.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 09, 2014, 09:50
Quote from: Dungeoneering
Berak recognizes that the feeling of familiarity regarding the walls comes from the fact that they look dwarven-made. Or to be precise made in the way dwarves used back during the times before his imprisonment.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 09, 2014, 12:29
With the others taking care of reconnaissance and digging up Quill Isirius, after having briefly surveyed the surroundings, walks to the front of the boat to confront it once more: - So tell me, ship, what of our journey back? Say we meet the King and return his property, will you be bringing us back to Fallcrest as well? Or is this decision not yours to make?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 09, 2014, 17:49
Marek silently stands near Quill, watching the exchange quietly, feeling a little miffed for being slightly slighted.

He too awaits the shiphead to give more orders.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 09, 2014, 18:50
Quill, meanwhile, takes the precaution of bashing in any skulls they find, in case they might be attached to skeletons that felt they needed to rise up and start being a nuisance.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 10, 2014, 07:41
- I travel on behest of the Winter King. Your fates are in his hand - is all Isirius hears in reply.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 10, 2014, 09:20
"May Pelor guide us," Marek mumbles as he makes his way carefully towards Berak.

"I believe Pelor wants us to enter the tunnel.  I seem to have heard some words from him," Marek says to Berak.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 10, 2014, 09:29
Gosok shrugs and begins moving to the tunnel. With nothing else to do he takes out one of his sunrods to light the way. The writing Berak mentioned had him curious.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 10, 2014, 11:10
Berak nods to Marek and follows Gosok to the tunnel. Once there, he carefully moves towards the the chamber, testing the air for signs of magic and looking for doors or openings that might lead beyond the chamber.
Quote
Detect magic: 1d20+13=29 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4426924/)

Once he believes there is no immediate danger to them, he takes his time to inspect the writing on the floor.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 10, 2014, 11:43
Isirius ambles in after the rest, observing the surroundings until his eyes fall on the column. He approaches it casually, trying to fathom its purpose.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 10, 2014, 12:52
Quill hurried to the front of the group - since there was less actual snow here, she didn't need anyone clearing her a path. And besides, she was the one carrying the sceptre.

As a precaution, though, she kept her weapon ready and the fire enchantments on it active. Anything that liked the cold this much could not be trusted.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 10, 2014, 15:13
Gosok takes his time looking at the writings and keeps an eye out for more.
Quote
Perception; Religion (1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4427118/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 11, 2014, 10:07
Gosok Skyborn
The mul finds that writings on the floor are forming two circles around the broken column, each circle written in a different language. The inner circle is written in runic language identical to the one he uses for his own purposes. While the formulas used within are much more complex than anything Gosok can muster the context of the writing is fairly clear: it's a spell to magnify and channel the power of the column... or more likely an object placed in the column to affect a specific nearby area. Well it was a spell anyway, now it seems inert.

The outer circle is more difficult, trying to understand those writings makes Gosok's eyes water and gives him a slight headache but finally he begins to understand what he's looking at. It's a set of symbols forming phrases in an advanced form of Primordial language. These words seem to be a combination of words of power, probably intended to supply the rune-spell made with inner writings; and symbols that should ward the area off for mortal beings. Alas parts of the outer writings, mostly of the wards are damaged - the floor they were scribed upon gave away under the hand of time.

Berak
The shardmind does find another way out of the room, a wide passage in the left wall (that couldn't be seen when looking into the room from a distance and most certainly not one I forgot to mention when first describing the room) that ends with a set of solid double doors. As for magic, there are traces of it in the chamber but it's just that... traces.

Isirius
On a closer look the "column" seems to have a hole drilled in the top of it, enabling one to place something in it. Like a torch or another object of similar shape.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 11, 2014, 10:46
Berak walks quietly to the double doors and examines them. He tries to detect any sound from the other side of the doors.
Quote
Perception check: 1d20+7=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4428249/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 11, 2014, 11:30
Berak does not detect any sounds on the other side of the doors.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 11, 2014, 11:36
- It seems the mystery of where the scepter is to be left has been solved, Isirius remarks equally casually. He then proceeds to examine the rest of the room, working his way from the writing outward.

Quote
If his knowledge of the Primordial language enables him to decipher part of the writings, that will naturally be the first thing to catch his attention.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 11, 2014, 13:14
Quote
I'm afraid you're not going to learn anything new there. Gosok also knows Primordial, the info about outer circle is what he managed to glean due to that knowledge. So essentially you can learn... what he did.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 11, 2014, 13:23
- So if we are to place the scepter upon that column, what do you expect will happen? Isirius asks Gosok. - At least the half elf I took it from seems to have been able to wander in here and pluck it off its altar without having been turned into an impressively sized icy stalagmite...

At that thought, Isirius inspects the room again, looking for people encased in ice.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 11, 2014, 19:51
Quill, meanwhile, retrieved the sceptre from her belt and was eyeing the thing suspiciously.

"Quill has doubts about this..."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 12, 2014, 10:45
╡╦ ╩╣╣├╩ ╗╛╣╜╔ ╬╢╜╦ ╬╣ ├╠╩╦ ║╞┬
╝╠╦ ╡ ╜├ ╬╞╔╔╡╣║ ╝╨ ╦╢╣ ╝╔╔│╣┼ ╞╠╦╣╔ ╗╡╔╗╛╣┐
Gosok signs, staring at the top of the pillar.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 12, 2014, 12:32
Berak, who has been watching the others examining the room, steps closer and says:

- It is highly unlikely that putting the Scepter into the column would have any effect. Any magic that would have made it possible is no longer active. Consider this: The column and the scepter most likely kept this place frozen. Why do you think the Winter King sent the ship to fetch the scepter? I doubt his intention is to get frozen again. He would not just give us such an obvious chance to make that happen. He most likely wants the scepter to end up in his own hands.

After a moment's thought, he continues.

- Also, we should not forget that part of our reason for being here is making sure of Winter King's intentions. Should he prove to be a threat to the lands, it would be advisable to not let him have the scepter.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 13, 2014, 23:53
"Well, nothing's going to happen if we just all stand here.  Quill, please put the sceptre into the pillar.  Pelor will protect us," Marek said, eying the Kobold.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 14, 2014, 08:56
Turning to face Marek.

- Wait, think about it a bit. What is it that you hope to gain by placing the scepter into the pillar? I think we should leave it be. At best, it would do nothing, at worst, it is a trap. Lets see what is behind these doors first. Perhaps later we will have a reason to try the pillar.

Turning to Quill.

- Perhaps it would be best you hide the scepter for now. Just in case.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 14, 2014, 11:07
"Quill trusts Bahamut more for protection. And Quill wants to know how we are going to get back. We should find the king and make sure he makes the horrible cold stuff go away. THEN he can have his ice stick back," she said, tucking the sceptre under her cloak for the time being, then heads over to open the door.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 14, 2014, 11:24
The door seems to be a bit stuck, but not stuck enough to withstand push made with all of Quill's superkobold strength. It creaks open and a wave of warm air bursts through, bringing with a scent of rich foods and wood smoke. Beyond the door you see the source of those scents - a table laden with plates of food and goblets of drink, standing in a room lit and warmed by burning braziers. Behind the table sits a bearded man dressed in furs, accompanied by demure young woman and a pair of hunting hounds lazily lying at their feet. The man turns his head towards the door and speaks to Quill:
- Come right in, along with your friends and rest after your journey. Just close the doors behind you before the cold from outside sets in.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 14, 2014, 11:37
For some reason, Isirius feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He lingers in the doorway for a moment, asking - And who, pray tell, do we have the privilege of being received by? His face does not at any moment give away his unease, of course, but he puts both the bearded man and his concubine under close scrutiny as he awaits the answer.

Quote
Sense motive: 1d20+3=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4432247/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 14, 2014, 11:41
- Why the very man you've come to meet my good friend. You've come here with something of mine to give back, did you not?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 14, 2014, 12:20
- For someone dubbed the Winter King, you don't seem to care much for the cold. Although your subjects didn't seem to mind.... Isirius pronounces the words so that they sound unfinished, nearly demanding a response.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 14, 2014, 13:03
Stepping into the room, Berak finds the sight somewhat unexpected. Listening to the exchange between the man and Isirius, he thinks that Isirius makes a good point. Staying slightly back, he tries to read the man's intentions.
Quote
Insight check: 1d20+8=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4432309/)

He also looks around the room, searching for indications that this might be a trap.
Quote
Perception check: 1d20+7=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4432310/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 14, 2014, 17:32
Marek follows quietly behind and tries to read the man's intentions as well as examining the room for anything that is... out of the ordinary.
Quote
Insight: 1d20+13=23 (http://orokos.com/roll/174345)
Perception: 1d20+6=8 (http://orokos.com/roll/174346)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 14, 2014, 21:04
Quill didn't say anything as she stepped into the chamber, eyeing the place warily, but you could clearly hear her stomach growl at the feast laid out. She was a bit busy fighting the urge to just pounce up onto the table and dig in.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 15, 2014, 06:09
- Well you wouldn't care much for cold either if you had experienced it as much as I did. As for my subjects, well, good ones do what their kings asks them to. Now about my belongings...

Quote
Skill results will be PM'd shortly
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 15, 2014, 07:26
To Berak, the man seems somewhat desperate to get the scepter. If they don't give it to him, there will be trouble. He assumes that Isirius has also noticed it, but still lets him know telepathically, just in case.

Something about the young woman caught Berak's eye. For a moment, it seemed as if she was not real. He considers the idea for a moment. The Winter King's subjects they met before were undead. Would he even have living subjects? For a second, Berak regrets not having a ritual to detect undead. He decides to rectify that as soon as he gets a chance.

He concentrates his attention towards the woman, eyeing her actions closely and probing her for magical effects.
Quote
Insight check: 1d20+8=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4433147/)
Arcana check to detect magic: 1d20+13=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4433146/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 15, 2014, 08:32
╦╢╣ ╟╡╛╛╜╔ ╞╠╦╩╡║╣┬
╬╢╜╦ ╡╩ ╡╦╩ ╟╠╔╟╞╩╣└
There was a hint of agitation in the man's responses. Impatience. Perhaps a little more prodding will make his facade collapse.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 15, 2014, 08:49
Isirius takes a moment to communicate his agreement to Berak before continuing his friendly banter with the King - Hah, some of us seem to care for the cold even less, and we could likely make nowhere near as grand a claim on experience as you could. But we have indeed come to return the scepter. I beg pardon, for my ignorance in matters like these, but you undboutedly know what defecit the Kalashtar suffer where rational thought is involved. I had never before heard of an inmate counting the key to his cell among his belongings.

The friendly smile never wavers - if anything, it seems to intensify.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 15, 2014, 11:44
- The column... No! I tire of this pointless ploy. If you won't give me the scepter I will take it of your cold corpses, along with the Kings favor. Get them!! - the last bit is spoken to the hunting hounds - only it turns out they're not hounds at all you learn, as two wolves the size of a pony lunge at Gosok and Marek.
- "Bortek, you blighted fool!" - the girl... no, a gnome woman dressed in magicians garb shouts in frustration but her companion listens not. Armed with a set of axes that you presume was hidden by the same illusion that hid other dangers, the man sprints around the table, tumbles under the wolf assaulting Marek and strikes at Isirius cutting the kalashtar deeply.
- Laugh at me will you? - Bortek's movements are amazingly swift - you're not given a moment to react as he attacks again, this time making a wide cut that misses Quill only due to her size. Thankfully the axe slows down a bit on Isirius body, giving Marek a moment he needs to duck under the attack as well.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
24 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18 - Isirius Thray
17 - Gnome Illusionist
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn

Actions
- Dire Wolf 1 moves to F0:O1 and then charges to G2:F3 and bites Gosok for 9 damage (33/42 hp left).
- Gosok gains 3 temporary hit points from Serene Blade.
- Dire Wolf 2 moves to G8:F9 and misses Marek.
- Bortek moves to F10 and charges to G7 hitting Isirius for 15 damage (22/40 hp remaining).
- Bortek spends an action point missing Quill and Marek but hitting Isirius 14 damage (8/40 hp remaining). Isirius is bloodied.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Important Notes
I'm going to put any movement/charging for creatures of size large and above in format of <bottom left corner of the token>:<top right corner of the token>. Hopefully that's clear enough but I'm open to suggestions if it's not.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 15, 2014, 20:01
Marek thanks Pelor for the missed attack and aims at Bortek while trying to heal Isirius a little.
Quote
Standard: Lance of Faith on G7, (1d20+8=15, 1d8+7=9 (http://orokos.com/roll/174600))
Minor: Healing Word on H6, (HP+1d6=5 (http://orokos.com/roll/174603))
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 15, 2014, 23:23
Seeing the barbarian charge at Isirius and hurt him badly, Berak grabs Bortek with his mind and hurls him into a corner, trying to hit a wolf on the way and hoping to give Isirius a chance to recover.
Quote
Minor: Equip the Orb
Standard: Living missile at the Barbarian
   Attack: 1d20+8=18 (http://orokos.com/roll/174608)
   Hit: Target is Immobilized (save ends)
   Miss: Target is slowed (save ends)
Minor: Living missile attack:
   Effect: Slide the barbarian to A13
   Secondary attack (http://orokos.com/roll/174611) (Secondary target: the wolf next to Marek)
      Attack: 1d20+8=9
      Damage: 2d6+4=11
      Miss: Primary target falls prone, secondary target takes half damage
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 16, 2014, 03:26
Quote
Spend healing surge triggered by Healing Word, spend another using Amulet of Life.
Delay until after Gosok's turn.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 16, 2014, 04:02
Yet again Marek starts the battle by entirely missing his target, and gets a strike with the hilt of the axe to the gut for his trouble. At least he helps a comrade by healing his wounds. Berak has more luck, his attack sends Bortek into the corner, although it only grazes the giant wolf that was in the way. Seconds later a burst of light explodes among the tightly packed group, searing and staggering Quill and Isirius.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
24 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
17 - Gnome Illusionist
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Marek tries to attack Bortek but gets interrupted by Bortek's opportunity attack dealing 19 damage (17/41 hp), and Dire Wolf 2's opportunity attack that barely misses. Marek is bloodied Marek continues his attack but misses Bortek.
- Marek heals Isirius for 15 hit points (23/40 hp remaining, 4/7 surges remaining). Isirius is no longer bloodied.
- Isirius activates Amulet of Life and heals himself for 10 hit points (33/40 hp remaining, 3/7 surges remaining).
- Berak hits Bortek. Bortek is immobilized (save ends).
- Berak slides Bortek to A13 missing Dire Wolf 2. Dire Wolf 2 takes 5 damage. Bortek falls prone
- Isirius is delaying until after Gosok.
- Gnome Illusionist hits Isirius and Quill for 9 damage (Isirius: 24/40 hp remaining, Quill: 40/49 hp remainin), misses Berak and Marek. Isirius and Quill grant combat advantage (save ends).

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

New Mechanics Learned

Opportunity Attacks
Using ranged or area attacks while near an enemy or trying to move away from them other than through shift and teleportation (or forced movement) will give them ability to perform an opportunity attack, as Marek learned this turn.

Prone
Prone creatures can only move by crawling, teleporting or being subject to force movement. They have a -2 penalty to attack rolls, and grant combat advantage to enemies attacking them in melee but have a +2 bonus to defenses against ranged attacks. This condition can be ended by spending a move action to stand up.

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 16, 2014, 07:27
"You made Quill hungry. You will not like Quill when she is hungry."

Quote
Move: E7
Standard: Crushing Surge on F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/174634) + critical damage (http://orokos.com/roll/174635)
Bonus: Takedown Strike on F8, it takes 4 extra damage and is knocked prone.
F8 is marked, and Quill receives 3 temporary hit points.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 16, 2014, 10:05
Slipping his Kopesh from beneath it's sheath, Gosok braces for combat. Blue runes surround Marek as Gosok prepares to smash the Wolf in the face.
Quote
Minor Action: Rune of Mending on Marek; He can spend a healing surge.

Rune of Destrution: You and Allies within the burst get +2 to damage rolls until EONT.

Standard Action:Attack: Executioners Call (1d20+10=21) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434405/) vs AC;
Damage (1d8+7=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434419/) Lightning Damage;
Allies get a +2 Power bonus to damage rolls against the target until EONT

Rune of Protection: Target takes a -2 to it's attack rolls until EONT
Runic Mastery: Adjacent Allies gain resist -/2
Serene Blade: I get +3 THPs the first time each round I am damaged by an enemy attack.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 16, 2014, 12:17
Having taken his time to get himself together again after managing to be caught by surprise on an attack he saw coming ever since he set foot in the room, Isirius gazes around the room, surveying the scene of battle, grinning. And as the calm of battle descends over him, he stomps forward, readying his weapons and preparing to unleash hell.

Quote
Minor: draw Frost Dagger and summon Scourge.
Move: Walk to D4.
Standard: Unleash Yan-C-Bin's Breath on the gnome (C4:A6)
 Attack roll: 1d20+8=19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434514/) vs Fortitude
 Damage roll: 2d6+10=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434517/) acid damage, ongoing 5 (save ends). Half damage on miss.
 C4:A6 is now difficult terrain and will cause 5 acid damage to anyone ending their turn there - does not apply to Isirius
Spend 1 AP.
Standard: Spirit Flay against left dire wolf and gnome, using Inevitable Strike against the dire wolf
 Attack roll against dire wolf: 1d20+10=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434519/) vs Reflex
 Second attack roll: 1d20+10=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434520/) vs Reflex
 Damage roll against dire wolf: 1d10+13=19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434524/)
 Additional damage: 1d8=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434525/)
 Attack roll against gnome: 1d20+10=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434590/) vs Reflex
 Damage roll against gnome: 1d10+11=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434591/)
Partially concealed until EONT.
Save against granting combat advantage: 1d20=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4434526/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 16, 2014, 14:02
Quill jumps on the table, between all those tasty, tasty foodstuffs and swings her flail at the wolf. The weapon loops around the wolf's throat giving the kobold a chance to yank and bring the creature down - somewhat strangled, but sadly not to death. Meanwhile Gosok swings at the other wolf, surprisingly enough hitting it. He is soon joined by Isirius who spends a moment to breathe a cloud of acid at the gnome on the other side of the table before swinging his scourge at wolf and yet again the gnome, hurting both deeply.

The wolves do not relent despite this, Gosok and Marek find themselves full of new holes. From the corner comes a cry:
- You. Will. Not. Hold. Me! - accompanied by a stomp as Bortek breaks Berak's hold on him and moves half a step forward.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
24 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
17 - Gnome Illusionist
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Quill deals 24 fire damage (CRITICAL HIT) to Dire Wolf 2. Dire Wolf 2 falls prone and is marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Quill gains 3 temporary hit points.
- Quill no longer grants combat advantage.
- Gosok heals Marek for 10 hit points (27/41 hp remaining, 5/9 surges remaining). Marek is no longer bloodied. Gosok and his allies have +2 bonus to damage rolls until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok deals 15 lightning damage to Dire Wolf 1. Gosok's allies get a +2 power bonus to damage rolls against Dire Wolf 1 until end of Gosok's next turn. Dire Wolf 1 has a -2 penalty to attack rolls until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok enters Runestate of Protection. Adjacent allies have resist all 2.
- Isirius deals 20 acid damage to Gnome Illusionist. Gnome illusionist now takes 5 ongoing acid damage (save ends). Area C4:A6 is now a dangerous zone.
- Isirius spends an action point dealing 23 necrotic and psychic damage to Dire Wolf 1 and 12 necrotic and psychic damage to Gnome Illusionist. Dire Wolf 1 and Gnome Illusionist are now bloodied. Dire Wolf 1 and Gnome Illusionist are dazed until end of Isirius' next turn.
- Isirius gains concelament until end of his next turn.
- Dire Wolf 1 hits Gosok for 14 damage (3 damage surpressed by thp, 22/42 hp remaing).
- Gosok gains 3 temporary hit points from Serene Blade.
- Dire Wolf 2 stands up and attempts to attack Marek but is interrupted by Quill who uses Combat Challenge (Combat Challenge (http://orokos.com/roll/174686): 1d20+11 13 1d10+6 15) but misses. Dire Wolf 2 continues its attack and hits Marek for 12 damage (15/41 hp remaining). Marek is bloodied.
- Bortek stands up. Bortek is no longer immobilized.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 17, 2014, 06:31
Marek staggers about bloodied and takes aim at the Dire Wolf.
Quote
Move: Shift H7 --> G6
Standard: Lance of Faith on G3 (1d20+8=19, 1d8+7=11 (http://orokos.com/roll/174844), Modified Attack=19+2=21 vs Ref)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 17, 2014, 08:14
Berak moves onto the table and fixes Bortek with his baleful gaze, stopping him from coming any closer. He then turns to the gnome and attacks her mind, attempting to knock her unconscious. Perhaps she could answer some questions later.

Quote
Move to D6
Minor: Evil Eye of the Vistani at Bortek
   Attack (vs Will): 1d20+10=30 (http://orokos.com/roll/174850) (Critical Hit)
   Hit: Until EoNT, target can not willingly move closer to Berak and grants Berak combat advantage.
Standard: Mind Thrust with Augment 2 using Guidance of the Past (http://orokos.com/roll/174860), trying to knock the Gnome Illusionist unconscious
   Attack (vs Will): 1d20+9=18,28 - choose the higher result=28
   Damage: 2d20+9+2=18 (psychic)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 17, 2014, 09:58
Marek's ray of light hits the wolf, burning him. Meanwhile Berak's mental assault staggers the gnome... but does not put her down. Sizzling from the acid around she looks at you defiantly:
- "So this is it?.. You won't see me begging for my life - For the Winter King!" - the gnome slams her staff into the ground and a wave of psionic force tears into Isirius and Berak. True to her word they don't see her begging. In fact for a second they don't see her at all, as if she was gone. When the effect ends all that is left is a pool of melting leftovers...

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
24 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
17 - Gnome Illusionist Whoops
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Marek deals 13 radiant damage to Dire Wolf 1. Nobody gets a to-hit bonus because no-one was specified. Dire Wolf 1 gains vulnerable 3 radiant until end of Marek's next turn.
- Bortek grants combat advantage to Berak and can't willingly move closer to Berak until end of Berak's next turn.
- Berak deals 18 psychic damage to Gnome Illusionist. Gnome Illusionist has -4 penalty to all defenses until end of Berak's next turn.
- Gnome Illusionist takes 5 ongoing acid damage from Isirius.
- Gnome Illusionist hits Isirius and Berak for 21 psychic damage (Isirius: 3/40 hp remaining, Berak: 5 damage resisted, 19/35 hp left). Isirius and Berak are bloodied. Isirius and Berak cannot see the Gnome Illusionist (save ends).
- Gnome Illusionist no longer takes ongoing 5 acid damage.
- Gnome Illusionist takes 5 acid damage from Isirius' zone and dies.
- Isirius and Berak can see the Gnome Illusionist('s corpse).

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 17, 2014, 10:22
Quill did her best not to think about all the perfectly good food they were stepping over and scattering around. She simply hoped there would be some left afterwards.

"No, bad dog! Down! Play dead!" she yelled, swinging her flail down at the wolf again.

Quote
Crushing Surge on F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/174898)
F8 continues to be marked until the end of my next turn.
THP don't stack, to the best of my knowledge, so...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 17, 2014, 22:14
More blue glyphs surround Isirius now, restoring some of his wounds. A chill wind blows through the hall as Gosok strikes the Dire Wolf before falling back to defend his allies.

Quote
Minor Action: Rune of Mending on Isirius
Rune of Protection: Self and Allies in the Burst gain +1 All Defenses until EONT

Free Action: Activate Lightning Weapon
Standard Action:Wind Fury Assault (1d20+10=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436449/) vs AC; Damage (1d8.minroll(1)+7=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436451/) Lightning Damage; Slide to G1:F2

Rune Mastery: Adjacent Allies gain resist all 2.

Move Action: Shift to F5

Lucky, see OOC before posting
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 17, 2014, 23:06
Isirius, now badly shaken, sees oppornity to launch one more attack before seeing himself forced to retreat to within the group - praying to whatever entity might be listening that the babarian doesn't suddenly decide to start launching fireballs.

Quote
Standard: Eldritch Bolt on left dire wolf
 Attack roll: 1d20+8=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436481/) vs Reflex
 Damage roll: 1d10+8=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436482/)
Move: Walk to G4
Save against granting combat advantage: 1d20=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436483/)
Acid area disappears
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 18, 2014, 09:03
Your concentrated efforts take down one of the wolves, and the other one has some trouble chewing through Quill's armor. Meanwhile Bortek seems to be bidding his time.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18.5 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Quill hits Dire Wolf 2 for 15 fire damage. Dire Wolf 2 is bloodied. Dire Wolf 2 is marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Gosok heals Isirius for 10 hit points (13/40 hp remaining, 2/7 surges remaining). Gosok and his allies have +1 bonus to all defenses until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok hits Dire Wolf 1 for 12 lightning damage and slides him.
- Dire Wolf 1 no longer has -2 penalty to attack rolls.
- Gosok and his allies no longer have +2 bonus to damage rolls.
- Isirius deals 10 force damage to Dire Wolf 1 killing it.
- Dire Wolf 2 misses Quill.
- Bortek delays until after Berak.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 19, 2014, 06:06
The death of Dire Wolf 1 triggers a Death Surge from Marek, who takes the opportunity to fire off another lazer at Dire Wolf 2.
Quote
Immediate Reaction from Dire Wolf 1's death:
  Death Surge (vs Fortitude)
    On F8: (1d20+8=11, 1d8+5=9 (http://orokos.com/roll/175317) Psychic dmg, attack adjustment from Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes 11+1d6=16 (http://orokos.com/roll/175318))
  Marek + Allies in Burst 3 (centred on G6) gains +2 to attack rolls until EoNT and gain 5 temporary HP

Move: Slide G6-->G5
Standard: Lance of Faith on F8 (vs Reflex)  (1d20+8=18, 1d8+7=11 (http://orokos.com/roll/175311)), attack adjustment 18+2=20)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 19, 2014, 06:25
Sensing that Bortek is getting ready to charge at them, Berak conjures a mote of roiling lightning in front of the barbarian, slowing him down.
Quote
Conjure a Static Mote at B12
   Effect: Any creature that starts its turn adjacent to the mote is slowed until the end of its turn. Berak can explode the mote at the start of his turn.
Move to E3
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 19, 2014, 08:28
Despite the attacks the wolf remains alive... if not well. The barbarian on the other hand finds himself contained yet again - he tries to throw an handaxe at the kobold but yet again Quill's short stature saves the day as the attack flies too high.
- Cowards!

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
27 - Dire Wolves
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18.5 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Marek misses Dire Wolf 2. Marek and all his allies gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls until Marek's next turn and have 5 temporary hit points.
- Marek hits Dire Wolf 2 for 11 radiant damage. Nobody gets a to-hit bonus because no-one was specified. Dire Wolf 2 gains vulnerable 3 radiant until end of Marek's next turn.
- A static mote appears in B12.
- Bortek no longer grants combat advantage to Berak.
- Bortek is slowed until end of his turn.
- Bortek moves to B11 and misses Quill.
- Bortek is no longer slowed.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

General Notes
Technically Death Surge wouldn't trigger because Gosok slid the wolf away from 3-square radius for the trigger before it died. But I'm going to let that slide in favor of moving the turn along and because it was easy to miss with wolf dying before map could reflect his new position. Oh and shift != slide :P

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 19, 2014, 08:39
Quill remains persistent in her efforts to bash the dire wolf into submission, smacking it over the head once again with her flail. At least the table gave her enough height to reach the head.

Quote
Same old Crushing Surge (http://orokos.com/roll/175335) on F8, same old mark until end of next turn.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 20, 2014, 09:47
As the first of the dire wolves drop, Gosok whirls about to face it's partner. With great celerity he dashes forward, slashing at the wolf as the winds in the hall increase dramatically creating a buffeting vortex around Gosok.
Quote
Standard Action: Charge to F7 on Dire Wolf MBA (http://orokos.com/roll/175578): 1d20+13 28 vs AC; Damage: 1d8r1+5 12 Lightning Damage
Runic Mastery: resist all 2 to adjacent allies.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 20, 2014, 12:05
Trying to catch his breath, Isirius decides not to take any chances. Remaining in Gosok's beneficial aura, he takes a moment to regain his composure. With a calculated look on his face, he puts his Frost Dagger away, causing the Scourge in his left hand to fade out of existence.

Quote
Move: walk to G6.
Standard: use Second Wind.
Minor: sheathe Frost Dagger.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 20, 2014, 23:38
Marek moves to the top of the table and meditates.

Quote
Move: Walk from G5->E4
Standard: Second Wind
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 20, 2014, 23:51
Berak lets the mote of lightning explode, catching the barbarian in the blast. He then lays down another mote, slowing Bortek once again, intending to give the others a chance to rest.

Quote
No Action: Static Mote Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/175741):
   Attack: 1d20+8=15 (vs Ref)
   Damage: 1d6+4=6 (lightning)
Standard: Conjure a Static Mote at A12
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 21, 2014, 08:33
Quill and Gosok finish off the last wolf, but the mul finds that his winds are not as quick to summon as he thought. This mistake almost costs him dearly as, despite Berak's best attempts, he soon finds himself face to face with an angry barbarian. The axe rises...

... and falls wide, chipping a bit off the table instead of Gosok.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18.5 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Quill hits Dire Wolf 2 for 10 fire damage. Dire Wolf 2 is marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Gosok hits Dire Wolf 2 for 12 lightning damage killing it.
- Rest of Gosok's move is invalid, see OOC for explanation.
- Gosok and his allies no longer have +1 bonus to all defenses.
- Isirius heals for 10 hit points (23/40 hp + 5 thp remaining, 1/7 surges remaining). Isirius is no longer bloodied. Isirius has +2 bonus to all defenses until start of his next turn.
- Isirius no longer grants combat advantage (Saving Throw (http://orokos.com/roll/175814): 1d20 12).
- Marek heals for 10 hit points (25/41 hp + 5 thp remaining, 4/9 surges remaining). Marek is no longer bloodied. Marek has +2 bonus to all defenses until start of his next turn.
- Marek and his allies no longer have +2 power bonus to attack rolls.
- Berak misses Bortek.
- A static mote appears in A12.
- Bortek is slowed until end of his turn.
- Bortek moves to D10, then charges to F8 and misses Gosok.
- Bortek is no longer slowed.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 22, 2014, 07:11
"Quick! Go around, hit him in the back!" Quill shouted, and rolled off the table to smash the barbarian in the kneecap with her flail.

Quote
Move: Shifty Maneuver: All allies within 2 squares can shift 1 square as a free action. Quill will shift into F7 as soon as Gosok vacates it.
Standard: Steel Serpent Strike (http://orokos.com/roll/175983) on F8, the target is slowed and cannot shift until the end of my next turn. Target is also marked, same duration.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 22, 2014, 22:23
Stepping to the side, Gosok hews into the barbarian now pinned between himself and an angry kobold. His weapon flares with entropic energies, siphoning off some of his essence.
Quote
Free action: Shift to G8
Move Action: Shift to whatever square grants CA.
Standard Action: Attacking Barb w/ rune of exchange (http://orokos.com/roll/176107): 1d20+12 29 vs AC; 1d8r1+5 7 Lightning Damage
Rune of Protection: Target suffers -2 to all defenses until EONT and the first ally to attack him gains +Wis(3) power bonus to their AC until EONT
Rune Mastery: Adjacent allies gain resist all 2
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 23, 2014, 03:30
With everyone able to focus their attention on the last remaining opponent, Isirius plans on unleashing a surprise attack - and not just of the physical kind. Feigning a move past the barbarian, he suddenly disappears and manifests on his other side, Scourge and rod at the ready. With all the might he can muster, he projects a single question into the barbarian's head - WHERE'S THE KING - before unleashing the Scourge to lend his... words some strength.

Quote
Free action: shift to G7
Move: Ethereal Stride to G10; +2 to all defenses until EONT
Minor: Draw Rod of Absorption, summon Scourge
Standard: Flesh Rend on Bortek
 Attack roll: 1d20+10=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4442607/) vs AC
 Damage roll: 1d10+9=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4442608/)
 Bortek suffers -2 penalty to attack rolls until my SONT
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 25, 2014, 04:16
Marek suddenly remembers the boon that Pelor provides and fires a blast of his Lance at the Barbarian.
Quote
Lance of Faith on F8 (vs Reflex): 1d20+8=19, 1d8+7=12 (http://orokos.com/roll/176669)
  Quill gains +2 power bonus on next attack roll against Bortek
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 25, 2014, 05:26
Berak thrusts into Bortek's consciousness, dismantling his mind.

Quote
Mind Thrust at Bortek (http://orokos.com/roll/176672)
   Attack: 1d20+9=28 (vs Will)
   Damage: 1d10+9=14 (psychic)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 25, 2014, 09:55
Blow after blow, after blow you send towards the barbarian, yet in the end he stands before you still.
- That's all you've got? - great axe cuts through the air again... and only air thankfully, it seems that you attacks at least got Bortek off balance enough not to hit you.
- %&#@!!

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18.5 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Gosok shifts to G8. Quill shifts to F7. Isirius shifts to G7.
- Quill hits Bortek for 19 fire damage. Bortek is slowed and cannot shift until end of Quill's next turn. Bortek is marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Gosok shifts to F9 and hits bortek for 7 lightning damage. Bortek has -2 penalty to all defenses until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Isirius no longer has +2 bonus to all defenses.
- Isirius teleports to G10. Isirius has +2 power bonus to all defenses until end of his next turn.
- Isirius hits Bortek for 18 damage. Bortek has -2 penalty to attack rolls until start of Isirius' next turn.
- Isirius gains +3 power bonus to AC until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Marek no longer has +2 bonus to all defenses.
- Marek hits Bortek for 12 radiant damage. Bortek gains vulnerable radiant 3 until end of Marek's next turn. Quill gains a +2 power bonus to next attack roll against Bortek.
- Berak deals 14 psychic damage to Bortek.
- Bortek misses Quill and Gosok.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

"Important" Notes
Well there went my good rolls streak >:|

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 25, 2014, 12:22
Quill was getting tired of the barbarian refusing to fall down and be bludgeoned to death. She did her best to help him along with that, swinging the flail into the man's gut.

She got hit back for her efforts, sure, but it'd be that much easier for her to follow up with another blow afterwards, she consoled herself as she picked herself up off the floor.

Quote
Standard: Villain's Menace (http://orokos.com/roll/176764) at F8. Target is marked until end of Quill's next turn. Quill has +2 to hit and +4 to damage against the target until the end of the encounter. Be afraid.
--action interrupted--
Move: Stand up.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 25, 2014, 12:35
Quill's attack seemed to finally leave a mark on Bortek. Then again so did the barbarian's blow leave a mark on Quill, sending the kobold backwards and crashing to the ground. Bortek, frothing from his mouth now continued the swing, aiming at Gosok. The mul parried and held his ground but even so the attack took some wind out of him.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Initiative
23 - Marek
19 - Berak
18.5 - Bortek, Human Barbarian
14 - Quill
12 - Gosok Skyborn
11.5 - Isirius Thray

Actions
- Quill hits Bortek for 20 fire damage. Quill has +2 power bonus to attack rolls and +4 power bonus to damage rolls against Bortek until end of encounter. Bortek is marked until end of Quill's next turn.
- Bortek is bloodied. Action interrupted! Bortek hits Quill for 20 damage (25/49 hp + 0 thp remaining), pushing her to F6 and knocking her prone. Berak misses Gosok but still deals 10 damage (17/42 hp +0 thp remaining) to him. Gosok is bloodied. Gosok gains 3 temporary hit points.
- Quill stands up and is no longer prone.
- Bortek is no longer slowed and can again shift.

Map Notes
- Both table and the beddings to the right are difficult terrain. Table also provides cover if you're attacking someone on opposite side of it
- Braziers burn with hot, hot fire

Map
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 27, 2014, 21:35
Swift as the wind Gosok lashes back with a strike of his own followed quickly by another. His blade flashes as it strikes the barbarian, priming him for death.
Quote
Standard Action: Attacking Barb w/ rune of exchange (http://orokos.com/roll/177441): 1d20+10 25 1d8r1+5 9 Lightning Damage
Rune of Protection: Target takes a -2 penalty to it's defenses until EONT. The first ally to attack the target gains +3 AC until EONT.

(Action Point) Standard Action: Attacking Barb w/ rune of diminishment (http://orokos.com/roll/177443): 1d20+10 27 vs AC; 1d8r1+5 12 Lightning Damage
Rune of Destruction: Target gains Vulnerability 2, Vulnerability 5 vs Opportunity Attacks

Rune Mastery: Allies gain +1 to attacks rolls against enemies adjacent to me.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 27, 2014, 23:11
The Scourge lashes out again as Isirius tries to keep the barbarian at bay - and himself out of harm's way.

Quote
Standard: Spirit Flay at Bortek
 Attack roll: 1d20+10+1=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4449072/) vs Reflex
 Damage roll: 1d10+9+2=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4449074/)

If Bortek is not hit (and thus not dazed):
Move: Shift to F11
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 29, 2014, 19:36
Marek fires a blast of his Lance at Bortek the Barbarian.
Quote
Lance of Faith on F8 (vs Reflex): 1d20+8=18, 1d8+7=12 (http://orokos.com/roll/177890)
  Quill gains +2 power bonus on next attack roll against Bortek
Move: Shift E4->D3

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 29, 2014, 21:59
Berak puts more effort into his attack, intending to break the barbarian completely. The gem embedded in Berak's chest suddenly shines brightly, dazzling the barbarian.

Quote
Standard: Mind Thrust (A2) at the barbarian
   Attack: 1d20+9+1=27 (http://orokos.com/roll/177915) (vs Will)
   Damage: 2d10+9+2=24 (http://orokos.com/roll/177916) (psychic)
   On hit: -4 to all target's defenses until EoNT
Free: Turn on light to full brightness
Minor: Stay Back
   Effect: Bortek gets -2 to attack rolls until EoNT
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 30, 2014, 06:50
You continue to rain blows at Bortek, hoping to not give him a chance to retaliate. Gosok's strikes open the barbarian up for Isirius' blow which connects to the skull with a sickening sound, leaving the enemy on receiving end dazed and defenseless against Marek's beam of holy light. Berak's psychic assault is the final straw, turning barbarian's already weakened mind into a mush. Bortek gurgles, staggers around for a moment then finally falls down.

You are battered and slightly tired. The smell of food of the table is annoyingly inviting. So are the comfortable looking beds located near eastern wall of the room. Cold is slowly seeping into the place through the doors you left open. There are three doors out from the room aside from the ones you came through - on the western wall, on the western side of northern wall and on the eastern side of the northern wall.

Encounter 2: A Warm Welcome - Initiative, Movement and General Commentary
Quote
Final Actions
- Gosok hits Bortek for 9 lightning damage. Bortek has -2 penalty to all defenses until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok spends an action point and hits Bortek for 12 lightning damage. Bortek gains Vulnerable all 2 (Vulnerable all 5 against opportunity attacks) until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Gosok enters Runestate of Destruction. Allies have +1 bonus to attack rolls against enemies adjacent to Gosok.
- Isirius no longer has +3 power bonus to AC.
- Bortek no longer has -2 penalty to attack rolls.
- Isirius hits Bortek for 12 necrotic and psychic damage (increased by 2 due to vulnerability). Bortek is dazed until end of Isirius' next turn. Isirius has partial concelament until end of his next turn.
- Isirius gains +3 power bonus to AC until end of Gosok's next turn.
- Isirius no longer has +2 power bonus to all defenses.
- Marek hits Bortek for 15 radiant damage (increased by 3 due to vulnerability). Bortek gains vulnerable radiant 3 until end of Marek's next turn. Quill gains a +2 power bonus to next attack roll against Bortek.
- Berak hits Bortek for 24 psychic damage (increased by 2 due to vulnerability) and kills him.

210 experience points for everyone
You have reached a milestone!
- Everyone gains 1 Action Point
- Berak recovers use of Living Missile
- Isirius recovers use of Yan-C-Bin's Breath
- Marek recovers use of Shield of Faith
- Quill recovers use of Villain's Menace
You have found loot!
- Bortek's gauntlets draw your attention for some reason. After some examination you reach the conclusion that they are Burning Gauntlets

Vital statistics post-battle
Berak - 19/38 hp, 8/8 surges, 2 ap
Gosok Skyborn - 17/42 hp, 10/10 surges, 1 ap
Isirius Thray - 23/40 hp, 1/7 surges, 1 ap
Marek - 25/41 hp, 4/9 surges, 1 ap
Quill - 25/49 hp, 12/12 surges, 2 ap

As per usual you can (and should) take a short rest aaaaand more useless stats 4 u

Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 30, 2014, 07:59
Berak examines the resulting scene. Taking note that Isirius is looking a bit exhausted, he proposes to the others that they transfer some of their vitality to him. Also noting how Quill is eyeing the food, he says:

- There is no reason to believe that this food is safe to eat.

Quote
Turn light off.
Berak uses 2 healing surges.

Proposes to use the Comrades' Succor ritual to transfer healing surges to Isirius.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 30, 2014, 09:19
As Bortek finally drops, Gosok takes a rest on the nearby table. Taking a moment to appreciate the lack of cold, it dawns on him that this seems too convenient. Walking to the opening in the hall, Gosok gazes out into the courtyard.

Quote
Spend 2 healing surges
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/177970): 1d20+7 12
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 30, 2014, 09:30
Gosok realizes that there is cold. In fact it is coming through the door they left open, the same one he's gazing out through right now. Only for now the cold is diminished due to the braziers that are burning in the room, and were burning when they first came in.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 30, 2014, 10:36
While the others mull over whether they want to rest or donate some of their vitality, Berak examines the three closed doors. He assumes that there is probably nobody near the other side of the doors, since they would have come to help the barbarian and the gnome. He tries to carefully open each of the doors and take a look at what lies behind them, closing them afterwards.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 30, 2014, 10:56
The western door opens up into a small chamber that reeks heavily of dog... well that or wolf most likely, considering the ones you just have encountered.
The nearby north-western one has a short, thirty feet or less long corridor that goes into a hall of some sort. Berak can notice a table in it, but doesn't seem to spot anyone in it, at least in the part he can see looking through the door - there is certainly more of it that can be seen from the doorway.
The final, north-eastern door leads into a long corridor, longer than he can see. There are doors through it, mostly on eastern side.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 30, 2014, 12:28
Isirius greets Berak's offer with a nod and a grin - I'll take anything right now. I feel like I've been trampled by an axe wielding maniac. Tucking away the rod and unsummoning the flail, he starts gathering his composure as he wanders through the room as were it a museum. Peering into the two smaller rooms, he mutters to himself - Definitely not a prison... but then what...

He continues to the hallway Berak is staring into and looks over the shardmind's shoulder. - The barbarian screamd something about 'the king's favor', right before he struck me, and about needing the scepter to acquire this. I wonder... could the ship have been their doing? A shot at retrieving the scepter without having to put any actual effort into it?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 30, 2014, 13:04
After closing the door to the hallway, Berak turns to face Isirius and says:

- The ship claimed that it was sent by the Winter King. I don't see a reason for it to lie and I don't think that these two were skilled enough to create such a construct. I have indeed wandered why the Winter King would use such a roundabout method of retrieving the scepter. The only explanation that I can think of and makes sense is that the Winter Kings powers are limited right now and he is unable to use a more direct approach, instead using his reputation and the power to change the weather to achieve his goals. I expect that the scepter would increase his power and enable him to do more.

Berak moves closer to the fire and starts preparing for the ritual, waiting for Quill's and Gosok's approval.

Quote
If Quill and Gosok agree, cast the ritual, with:
Gosok: -1 surge
Quill: -4 surges
Berak: -2 surges
Isirius: +6 surges
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on March 30, 2014, 13:38
- But then how did he expect to get the scepter past this little welcoming commitee? And what would have made them set up camp here? At least, it looks like they have either been here for a long time, or were planning to stay for a while... Isirius muses as he walks back to northwestern door to subject the room behind it to further investigation. He steps into the doorway and peers around the room.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 30, 2014, 14:03
While finishing the preparations, Berak continues his conversation with Isirius.

- These two appeared to be the Winter King's followers and were perhaps ordered by the Winter King to wait here. The plan seemed be to have us give them the scepter so that they could take it to the Winter King, but since we were not too eager to give it to them, the barbarian felt that killing us would be easier than continuing with illusions and games, which he was not too fond of anyway.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on March 31, 2014, 01:58
Shutting the main door, Gosok joins Berak by the fire.
Quote
sleepy, will update with more flavorful text tomorrow
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on March 31, 2014, 02:12
Marek quietly joins his place by the fire, glad of Pelor's presence among them.

He is at a loss of words, feeling as though he were being drawn away by his thoughts more than the attention he needs to pay to his fellow adventurers.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 31, 2014, 12:41
Quill had a hard time tearing her eyes away from the table and its contents.

"Quill thinks so much wonderful food shouldn't be allowed to go to waste," she said, and was supported in this matter by the loud growling of her stomach.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on March 31, 2014, 17:36
Berak patiently waits for the kobold to make up her mind about what to do.

Quote
If Quill does not agree, cast the ritual with Isirius and Gosok:
   Gosok: -3 surges
   Berak: -3 surges
   Isirius: +5 surges
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 01, 2014, 07:59
Isirius
Standing in the doorway doesn't really add much to what Berak saw. The hall behind the corridor seems to be large - the opposite wall seems to be at least fourty feet from where the corridor ends, you can't judge the width since you don't see the whole western side of the room. As Berak you see a large table, aside from that you think there might be another set of doors near the end of east wall, and you're almost positive there is some sort of corridor going out of northern wall of the hall.

Quote
For the record corridors seen thus far are ten feet wide. Also regarding the ritual - did SKRen give a green light for Gosok's participation should it happen?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 01, 2014, 08:35
Not one to be put off by the potential risks of a feast laid out in the place like this, Quill grabs up a piece of roast meat off the table and gets to eating, in between bandaging up her own wounds.

"Sho, how'sh thsh ritshual sh'poshd to work?" she asked, obviously not having picked up yet on the idea that you shouldn't talk while eating.

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I'm using two surges to heal up, should put me back at max health. Also willing to go along with the ritual.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 01, 2014, 09:01
As Quill eats and cares for her wounds she realizes something isn't right. She feels sluggish, and her wounds hurt more than they should. And the meat... it tastes foul! Taking a second look at the "roast" she picked up the kobold notices it's actually part of a human arm. Quick glance at the table reveals a similar disgusting picture - the delicious looking food and drinks suddenly are replaced by bits and pieces from various humanoidal races and cups filled with blood.

A voice booms through the air:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15336046/4e%20PBF/WKspeak-cooltextcom.png)

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Only one of the healing surges worked, the other got spent to no effect. Until next extended rest Quill can not heal hit points other than through Second Wind, does not recover spent encounter powers, and does not benefit from milestone daily power regain houserule.

Do note that this technically happened during short rest, and as such Quill is at 37/49 hp and without Steel Serpent Strike, Takedown Strike, Villain's Menace and one out of two uses of Shifty Maneuver
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 01, 2014, 09:10
For a few moments Quill looked like she might actually finish off the arm she had, but after some consideration threw it away.

"Quill is still hungry, but Quill has no appetite now. For that, Quill is going to find king and shove his ice stick where the sun doesn't shine so hard, he'll cough it up when Quill hits him," she promised.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 01, 2014, 09:49
With no obvious threats in sight, Isirius steps into the room and explores a bit further, walking past the table towards the possible corridor on the other end. Until the voice of the King resounds at least.

Is there anything to be seen on, next to or under the table?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 01, 2014, 10:01
Isirius
There seems to be nothing on, under or next to the table, other than another table that you didn't see from where you stood earlier. The chamber is about as wide as it is long, and you notice another corridor in the north-western corner of the hall. You also confirm a pair of doors on the far end of eastern wall, and notice that the northern corridor seems to lead down a few steps.

Perception
From what you presume another chamber at the end of the northern corridor you notice flickering lights and clattering sounds. Clattering as if someone was moving dishes.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 01, 2014, 10:03
Berak was thinking about to asking Quill and Isirius to start the ritual when the voice boomed and interrupted his line of thought. He was not too disturbed by the resulting scene, but it reinforced his suspicion that they were a lot less safe than it would seem. He decided to proceed with the ritual with haste.

- Come, wait by the fire, I'll go call Isirius and we will start with the ritual.
he told Quill and went after Isirius to bring him to the others and begin the ritual.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 01, 2014, 10:26
Upon hearing sounds coming from the other end of the room, Isirius sneaks towards the corridor's opening from the side, trying to have an unobtrusive look inside...

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Stealth check: 1d20+9=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4453856/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 01, 2014, 13:15
As Berak is walking through the corridor, he notices Isirius sneaking towards the entrance of another corridor. Slightly alarmed, he conjures his consciousness fragment near Isirius and tells him telepathically:

- You shouldn't take risks in your condition. We are ready to perform the ritual, come, the others are waiting.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 01, 2014, 13:34
Isirius' reply is short - We have company. Be quiet.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 01, 2014, 13:42
- In that case it is paramount that you retreat.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on April 01, 2014, 16:57
Marek stands on the ready near the group, in case of an ambush as he spends a healing surge to heal himself a little.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 02, 2014, 08:49
- "...I'm telling you I heard something" - while Isirius and Berak were telepathically arguing the "company" came to them instead. A thin human male, squeezing water out of his black robes and a trio of dwarves, their beards still sprinkled with crystals of ice went up halfway through the northern corridor/stairs before noticing Isirius and stopping.
- "Who are you?" - the human immediatly asks - "Were you frozen too?"

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If you want to spend that one healing surge you have Dee, this would be the time, since the "short rest" ends until this meeting is resolved one way or another. Also this is for you (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waa2ucfgVgQ) :P
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 02, 2014, 12:17
Isirius smiles at his own mistake of allowing himself to be surprised like that, telling Berak - Fall back. I'm bringing guests.

His mind starts racing as he quickly looks over the party approaching him - do they look like they belong here, walking around like they own the place?
They weren't on the move towards him while he was approaching - sounded more like they were doing chores - so they must have been in the room down the stairs all the while, meaning they couldn't not have heard the slaughter of other room's occupants. Does anything else give them away as allies or enemies of either Bortek or the King?
How 'ready for action' do they look?

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This is all a matter of less than seconds, of course. No rigorous investigation, just quick deduction from first impressions.
Spend a healing surge.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 02, 2014, 12:43
Seeing the dwarves and the human, Berak instantly starts to consider various, increasingly dire possibilities. His thoughts are quickly interrupted by Isirius telling him to fall back. After a moment's hesitation, he decides to trust Isirius to deal with the situation, saying
- I'll stay right behind the door.
and dematerializing, forming again in the room where the others are waiting, letting his consciousness fragment fade away.

He quickly gives the others telepathically a brief description of the situation, suggesting they wait and see how the situation develops and stay unnoticed for now. Berak is about go check on what is happening with Isirius, when he remembers something. He turns his attention to Quill and telepathically says:
- You should consider using the gauntlets that we found on Bortek. They seem to be something you could benefit from.

He then moves back to the door, trying to catch something about what is happening in the other room.

Quote
Shard Swarm (teleport) to A1.
Go a bit deeper into the room and communicate with the others (they are out of telepathy range).
Go back to A1.
Berak wields his orb (he unwielded it when preparing for the ritual).
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 03, 2014, 08:37
Isirius
"Owning" the place is debatable (even if the lead human looks a bit cocksure), but they certainly feel like they *know* the place. They look like they know the place, and what little hesitation there might be is probably result of the fact they most likely spent long time "on ice". As for their allegiances, even if Winter King's servants bear insignia to identify them you wouldn't know what they look like and thus are unable to tell. Even moreso the case for late Bortek.

In terms of readiness they don't exactly seem to be preparing for a fight yet, but the human holds a staff (he had it under his arm when he first came to view but quickly put it back in his hand when he noticed Isirius), and the various axes dwarves wear are in arms reach. Combining that with the fact that they move as if they've seen combat before you estimate that time to gear from zero to slaughter would be short.

Berak
Your actions and results of consciousness' disappearance - should it be noticed - will be processed after Isirius makes a "proper" reply. Essentially, until situation is defused or combat breaks out the actions are timed by ones that Isirius' makes. No pressure.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 03, 2014, 12:22
Thanking his lucky stars he chose not to walk around with his weapons drawn, Isirius tries to drop out of stealth mode as unobtrusively as possible and lets out something halfway between a bark and a sigh - Finally, someone who looks like they can talk some sense. That fool Boarhack wanted to gain the King's favor so badly he actually managed to get himself killed over it. And I still don't have a clue which way all of this is supposed to go. This way please, my party is waiting.

Isirius turns around and starts walking back towards the previous room in a purposeful stride. He never stops talking though, not giving the others a chance to get a word in, and acting like nothing's wrong whatsoever.

- You wouldn't happen to have any proper food lying around, if I may be so blunt? Not only was the welcome not quite what we expected, but then some bastard tried to poison us to boot! You'd think that being summoned ought to mean not having to go through all this hassle. He casts a smiling glance over his shoulder and rattles on - Say, whatever happened to you lot? Did you get summoned here as well, or is this place renowned for its indoor swimming facilities?

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And so on, until we reach the other room or they interrupt him blatantly enough
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 04, 2014, 09:31
Unfortunately for Isirius, Berak's exit didn't happen fast enough. The man in black catches a glimpse of the conjuration before it fades out. Just a glimpse, just for a split-second but it's enough to alert him. He takes two quick steps forward, points his staff at Isirius and barks demandingly:
- "Stop! There was something here with you moment ago before it disappeared. Who are you? What was that?.." - he pauses for a second to think then continues - "...and who else is here? You said party."
The dwarves start to slowly move forward also - their hands begin to gravitate towards their weaponry, but for the moment they still seem to more preoccupied with what is happening, particularly in getting a better look at Isirius.

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Isirius moved a square down before he got stopped, man in black is two squares down from the map posted in OOC, dwarves also move a square down.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 04, 2014, 12:01
Isirius stops and turns around, mustering his most benign smile - Of course I came with a party - you don't seem too keen on wandering around here by yourself either. And have you even seen the surrounding countryside lately? I can't even begin to guess how long you've been frozen in here... But now that we've managed to set you free, the least you could do is walk this way and fill us in on what happened here. The name's Isirius Thray, by the way, at your service. He accompanies the last sentence with an extending of his hand and a bold look straight into the black clad man's eyes.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 04, 2014, 13:20
- "Alright... Thray. Let's see that party of yours then" - the man relaxes a bit and follows Isirius with dwarves coming after him.
- "You can call me Ravide"

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Goddamn bluff checks >_< You got two rounds worth of time if the party in the main room wants to prepare something, anything. Afterwards Isirius and group will enter the room and you'll have to decide if you're initiating hostilities or not or whatever
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 05, 2014, 00:57
Again Isirius walks back to the previous room, keeping an eye out for the others, ready to send a few soothing thoughts at each of them at the earliest available opportunity.

- So tell me, he tries again, how did you end up in this situation?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 05, 2014, 06:59
Quill, meanwhile, took to trying on the gauntlets. They looked rather comically oversized on her hands, but the metal did seem to mould itself to fit better.

She also did her best to clean the blood off her armor. Mithral could be such a pain to clean once you let blood dry on it...
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 05, 2014, 07:01
- "I was living and doing my job one moment, then next I was frozen for who knows how long... considering you claim to have set us free I'd say you are likely to know more..." - the man suddenly stops again - "...and speaking of knowing I now remember you never answered my other question. What was in the room with you moments ago."

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Actually a correction - it looks like Berak made no effort to notify anyone else of potential coming enemies. So one round of combat prep and that's only assuming he adresses that issue now.
Actually pardon me, he did it was just rolled into action description text rather than talk like I expected. My bad.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 05, 2014, 07:34
- Well, I can't say for sure, since I didn't see anything myself, but as with you I'm going to assume that whatever does not attack us on sight is friendly. Then, glancing over his shoulder, beaming brightly as usual - It's probably a bit of recon on my party's part. And about you being frozen: if it occurred while you were working here, I'm assuming you're part of the King's retinue?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 05, 2014, 07:45
When Berak hears people coming towards the door, he immediately warns the others. He still lingers for a bit, trying to learn the intentions of Isirius and his company, ready to move away from the door when they get too close.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: S.K. Ren on April 06, 2014, 09:59
Gosok situates himself on one of the beds. And waits for Isirius' return.
Quote
blah post is blah
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: thelaptop on April 06, 2014, 18:07
Marek is on the alert, hanging out as close to the wall and as close to door as possible.
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 08, 2014, 10:53
- "If you assume things are friendly that easily you must have not seen much of the world or it changed hugely in the time we spent frozen..." - Ravide is clearly unconvinced but resumes following Isirius... for the moment - "As for your question yes, yes I am. Everyone here serves the King, and those that would not find themselves in a prison cell... if they're lucky."

Few steps later Isirius re-enters the entry hall followed by Ravide and his companions... who are treated to the sight of slain wolf bodies, pool of goop where the gnome was, blood seeping under table from Bortek and the grissly feast upon it.

- "Wh- What is the meaning of this?!"
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: slave on April 08, 2014, 13:19
Berak listens at the door, but does not hear much before having to retreat. What he does hear tells him that they are in trouble. Combat seems like a very real possibility, but the party is not in a formation that would be optimal for it. While retreating, he tells those in telepathy range:

- They follow the King, but don't seem to be hostile towards Isirius yet.

He goes to the table and pretends to examine the body parts lying on it. When the group enters, he looks towards the door and non-hurriedly turns to face them. He takes a good look at the King's followers, focusing on the dwarves.

Quote
Move to C5
History check: 1d20+13=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4465087/)
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 08, 2014, 21:41
Quill, who until then had been sitting quietly and trying to let the last meal settle, took the opportunity to speak up.

"They tried to poison us, by enchanting the mess on the table to look like a feast," she said, standing up and pointing at the puddle and what remained of Bortek with her flail. "But Quill is not so easily tricked. And now Quill has serious doubts about where their loyalties were. Probably safer this way. Who knows what else they might have tried."
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 09, 2014, 12:11
Answering Ravide's exclamation, Isirius nods - That's exactly what we want to know. We have been summoned here in your King's name, and were instead welcomed with this... this.. travesty. And they even had the audacity of impersonating him, trying to keep us out of his court. Isirius pauses a moment and lets out a sigh that, combined with his almost wistful smile, seems a little out of place. He then continues - We're ready for that audience now, though. Could you please announce our arrival?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 11, 2014, 09:05
- "And for what reason were you summoned then?" - asks Ravide
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 12, 2014, 14:58
- We have come to return that which was stolen, which coincidentally appears to be the cause of the recent change in temperature in here. Isirius pauses and glances around the room again. - We've even managed to keep it out of another set of greedy hands. Two sets, if you count that puddle of ooze over there. So could you please humor us a inform the appropriate people?
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 14, 2014, 08:48
- "So you claim to have been summoned to return a stolen thing - thing that you're trying very hard not to mention by name - yet at least one time you tried to claim responsibility for freeing us from our icy prison..." - Ravide half-smiles and continues - "...and Bortek might've been a hothead and a bit of an idiot but he was loyal to a fault. Mister Thray. I'm not an idiot, only a bit brain-chilled from what I've been through. I suspect there is much you're not telling me, and that Bortek had - or at least thought he had - a good reason to attack you. Putting this together I should probably try to subdue you and your friends now... but having just regained my life I don't feel like risking it just yet."
- "So I'll cut you a deal: let us pass and me and my companions will leave..." - dwarves start to protest but a stern glare from Ravide cuts them off - "...and don't interfere with whatever you might be trying to do here. Hell, if you can spare a hundred gold pieces I can even give you an interesting bit of information about this keep"
Title: Re: Chaosforge 4e PBF - IC
Post by: LuckyDee on April 18, 2014, 09:59
- Of course there's much I'm not telling you - if you were to receive the same welcome we did, you'd be cautious as well - but rest assured that every word I tell you is true, Isirius replies, seemingly not in the least bit offended by Ravide's distrust - although on the inside...
- As to your offer, can you please give me and my party a moment to discuss this? I couldn't accept on my own in any case, so I'll need their consent if we are to take any steps in such direction.