Adventure Thread (01-04)

[attriel]

'Lady Silval knew that this last effort was a one-way change. There is no "coming back to life", we gave our lives willingly. We cannot clear the lands, in the end we cannot leave the castle. And with what shall we repair the castle? We can't go out and work the quarries, we can't tend the land. And the orcs have not seen fit to tithe or tax since they took the land.

'The devil killed many before we determined that it was best to leave it the corner. It seems content to stay there. We know the orcs come and go, presumably they work for it now, but we cannot catch them all.

'A small white dragon it is. But large enough, at that.'

He motions to the pike wielders, who step back to the pit and poke at the bottom a few times. 'To make sure nothing is hiding in there, besides your ruse. We must continue our patrol, if you want to talk more, I suggest going to the Lady Silval directly.'

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Do you think we could get an audience with the Lady?" Fia asks. "Maybe we can do something about this dragon problem you have..."

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk always wanted to see a dragon. He lets Fia negotiate the meeting with the Lady in charge.

[attriel]

The officer motions for you to follow as the patrol returns to where you started. One of his men opens the door to the crypts, and you hear the scraping noise again. Only it is much louder, now that you are standing beside the stone door scraping on the rocks.

Entering, you see that the crypt area is much larger than you anticipated. The floor dips away, and the entire room seems to expand into the rocks around it. You hear the clang of a smith at work. Through the room, you see maybe 60 skeletons. Some sharpen weapons, and others stand at a table, discussing strategies perhaps?

You are led to an alcove in which you find a marginally shorter skeleton, playing a set of panpipes. The sound is perfect as only long years of practice can allow, but the music is haunted, as though otherworldly. Their eyes look as though someone has settled purple-shaded diamonds in the sockets of the skull.

'Lady, visitors from outside. They say they have been sent to eliminate the orcs and to claim the castle.'

Putting down the pipes, the skeleton rises to her full height (4'6") and looks at the party as a whole, before focusing on Fia. 'So. After two hundred years, some upstart lordling thinks he can send a handful of adventurers to "clean up the mess?" He thinks he can annex the Silval Lands, after abandoning us for so long?' The light in her eyes begins to darken, the edges turning to red.

[DinbinFanfoom]

'So. After two hundred years, some upstart lordling thinks he can send a handful of adventurers to "clean up the mess?" He thinks he can annex the Silval Lands, after abandoning us for so long?' The light in her eyes begins to darken, the edges turning to red."M'Lady..." Fia begins, "...we mean no offense. We undertook our mission with no knowledge of the history of this place; it was described to us as a ruin inhabited by foul orcs. We had no idea that there were vestiges of it's former owners still occupying it. However, while you defend this place quite ably, from what we've seen, is there any possible way you can return it to it's former glory while in undead form? Do you have the ability to return to the living realm and produce offspring here, for example? I apologize if that sounds harsh; my knowledge in the area of skeletal guardians is limited, but I am pretty sure your mission here cannot evolve beyond it's current scope without some sort of help. Am I wrong?"

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk will put on his most reverant expression. Letting Fia be the party's mouthpiece. Without letting on he will look around the room for anything looking out of place, back entrances/exits, etc. He is also pondering (with his inside voice) how a skeleton with no lungs plays the bagpipes...of course the skele is talking so....

(2? sigh, I guess Dirk forgot to open his eyes while looking around the room)

[attriel]

Fia, can you toss me a few diplo rolls?

[DinbinFanfoom]

Eine kleine diplorollen.

Resulten 1: 31
Resulten 2: 28

OOC: "How's about you be a dear and just give us the keys to this place right now? M'kay? Thanks! Ah-Buh-bye!" :D

[DinbinFanfoom]

OOC: Yoohoo?

[attriel]

"You speak truth, that I will never have children and the Silval line ends with me. But I am not dead, and as such the lands still by the rule of the land still belong to me. I will not just hand them over to be distributed like baubles to impress some jackanape.

"As long as I live, I will defend these lands and what people choose to call it home. It is true that we have slowly lost what numbers we had at start, and now we cannot even protect the entirety of the castle without help. But only the king may strip the lands and title from a noble house.

"We do need your help with the dragon, however. It moved in and we have lost that corner of the castle completely. We do not send patrols in that direction anymore, because they are simply wiped out by it. Will you eliminate it, and then perhaps you could take a message to the King, tell him that the Silval's still hold here, and we do our best, but we cannot stand alone forever. And tell him of your employer, who seeks our lands. Perhaps, if they join the battle, he will find some other lands for them."

Dirk, meanwhile, looks around and sees nothing out of the ordinary. There may be another exit in the back of the cavern, but the light is insufficient to see that far.

Sorry, been busy.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Defeat a dragon. Is that all?" Fia laughs. "What sort of dragon is it that troubles you? Very old? Very powerful?" She looks to her comrades. "Well, what do you think? Are we up for the challenge? I have to admit that finding an undead host at odds with a dragon was not the first thing I imagined we would encounter here!"

[attriel]

"Defeat a dragon. Is that all?" Fia laughs. "What sort of dragon is it that troubles you? Very old? Very powerful?" She looks to her comrades. "Well, what do you think? Are we up for the challenge? I have to admit that finding an undead host at odds with a dragon was not the first thing I imagined we would encounter here!"

'Sorry to say, I didn't pay that much attention to the biology of dragons, as a young girl. I was more interested in the battles. She can't be too old, but her breath of frost is not good for old bones. And we're all old bones in this camp.'

[Kiir]

Althaea looks at Fia and grins, "A dragon sounds like a real challenge, I am always up for a good challenge."

[DinbinFanfoom]

"This may sound strange..." Fia says, thinking. "...do you know if the dragon has a name?"

OOC: I'm not sure if this is Arcana (+11), History (+11) or Nature (+5). I'm guessing History, if it has a name, and Nature if it doesn't... generic stuff about "dragons that breathe ice".

[attriel]

"This may sound strange..." Fia says, thinking. "...do you know if the dragon has a name?"

OOC: I'm not sure if this is Arcana (+11), History (+11) or Nature (+5). I'm guessing History, if it has a name, and Nature if it doesn't... generic stuff about "dragons that breathe ice".

'Well, I can't say as I stopped to ask, when it was killing my men. Perhaps you do things differently.'

You know that it sounds like a white dragon, size suggests maybe adolescence. Cold breath weapon, flying, large and pointy. Bad juju.

Grr, work is hell lately.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Understood. Where would we go about finding this dragon? Can you draw us a map?"

OOC: What do we know about white dragons other than the obvious? Are they sentient? Always malicious?

[Kiir]

Althaea tries to remember what she can about white dragons (Arcana +13)

[attriel]

Evil. Strong. Resilient. Moderately intelligent. Wings and breath weapon.

'The southeast tower. Hard to miss. It's a castle tower. In the southwest corner. You can also take the southwest tunnel, although we no longer patrol the south corridors so there may be guards or traps.'

She turns away and begins to walk off.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Evil. Strong. Resilient. Moderately intelligent. Wings and breath weapon.

'The southeast tower. Hard to miss. It's a castle tower. In the southwest corner. You can also take the southwest tunnel, although we no longer patrol the south corridors so there may be guards or traps.'

She turns away and begins to walk off.

"Hrm..." Fia thinks. "The way I see it, comrades, we have two options... march cross open ground towards a dragon in a tower and hope she does not see us or go underground and rely on the perception of our trap-finder to keep us safe and out of sight."

[Kiir]

"I am voting for the underground path. It just seems safer even if there are a few traps along the way."

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk is certain the party will be surprised and amazed that he chooses the underground / stealthy plan.

Dirk bows and thanks the Lady for her time.

For when we are ready to go I will go ahead and roll a Perception roll for traps, secret doors and the like.

[attriel]

Sounds like you're taking the underground. So, how do you want to walk? I'm guessing leaving the meatshield in front isn't your first choice

Returning to the main chamber, the crypt doors are closed behind you. Looking down the South East tunnel, you see little, although it is clear that the guards have not patrolled it for a while, as you can see the dust on the floor here as nowhere else underground.

[DinbinFanfoom]

I'd say rogue would take the lead, looking for and disarming traps. Then meatshields, then squishies. Everyone will be on high alert (perception rolls as needed).

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk expects to be in the lead. I already rolled the perception for the first round. Dirk does keep to the shadows (as necessary) and near the walls as rogues are want to do.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Alright. Let us venture forth, folks."

Marching order should be Dirk, Belvar, Althaea, Fia, Marcus

[attriel]

About halfway down the corridor, Dirk halts the party. The roof is partially caved in, and Dirk can see a number of bones, human and orc, sticking out of the rubble.

There is also the skittering of some kind of carapaced beetle or a centipede with shoes, on the other side. A quick glance suggests that while the pile might not be the most stable climbing surface, it should be possible to climb over. But only one person at a time would be able to make the climb.

It might also be possible to shift the rocks enough to cause a controlled fall, opening more space and stability for climbing.

Two possible skill challenges.

Athletics to climb, each person would need two contiguous successful checks, and I'd need a defined climbing order before starting.

Or

Strength to move it, perception/insight to suggest how to shift it. One person making the Strength, one person Perceiving, and up to two people assisting the Strength check. One perception success per strength success, however.

I'm trying some revamped skill challenges. Aren't you lucky?

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia is willing to do the perception part (probably with Althaea) but will go with the group concensus on this one.

[Kiir]

Althaea is willing to do the Perception check as well. I think moving the pile is a better choice rather then ending up in combat one character at a time.

[drathos]

Belvar is good either way.. Strength and Athletics are both strong points for him.

[attriel]

We've got two votes for shifting it, one vote for either, one vote for climbing it (although I think dirk was ok with moving it too) and one silent party. Guess you're moving the pile!

Belvar & Dirk -- which of you is going to take primary on the heavy lifting?

Fia & Althaea -- I'll let you both roll, one perception, one insight. Only one success per STR success, however, because it IS a heavy lifting challenge. I'll balance htat with only one fail per STR success, as well. If you get a crit, it'll count without counting against. You have a brilliant notion that works out!


So, I guess we can do this round-by-round, or we can do four rolls from each person and see where that leaves us.

Marcus will stand guard.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia suggests that she do Insight (+12) and Althaea do Perception (+12). Four insight rolls inc.

Result 1: 16
Result 2: 17
Result 3: 31
Result 4: 19

[Kiir]

Perception rolls +12

11 + 12 = 23
11 + 12 = 23
3 + 12 =15
16 + 12 = 28

[drathos]

Might be better to have Dirk be primary. We have the same Str, but I've got an armor check penalty (-1) thanks to my chainmail.

Str +5 (6-1 armor penalty) rolls:
4 + 5 = 9
20 + 5 = 25
7 + 5 = 12
8 + 5 = 13

[DirkDarkBlade]

Sorry guys, my PC decided last night that it just can't reboot until I wipe the drive (sigh) so I've been setting up a temp PC all day. Here are Dirks 4 Strength rolls. I don't have access to my char sheet yet though so I don't know my bonus. I'll have to work on that.

His Strength is 18. I am not sure how that translates to bonus.

[Shiz]

Stat rolls take your base bonus (+4 in this case) and add 1/2 your level.

[drathos]

Dirk's bonus should be +6 (same as Belvar, but without the armor check penalty).

[attriel]

As Dirk and Belvar begin to shift things, the first stone unleashes a flurry of smaller rocks (Fail, -1 Surge all). After that, the pile seems to stabilize when Belvar powers one large rock out of the path. Fia and Althaea keep up a running commentary on what they need to watch for, keeping them from any other missteps.

7 Successes, 1 Failure; Lets go with another set of 4, should be more than enough, although we're going to be running slow for a bit. If I get on and we're just waiting on Dirk, we'll assume Belvar has taken over as primary for the STR, or I can roll Dirk's STR's, you guys decide

[Kiir]

perception rolls +12

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk continues to play with the rocks.

(Attriel: I"m fine with you or someone else rolling for Dirk while I'm out of pocket if it becomes necessary. I leave in 1hour 10 minutes and 12 seconds...but who's watching the clock?).

[drathos]

Belvar's STR +5 rolls

Good thing Dirk's primary...:rolleyes:

[attriel]

Rolling Fia's Insight (+12)

[DinbinFanfoom]

Oh! Sorry, I missed the update.

[attriel]

After some more pushing, lifting, and a couple false starts (-1 surge all), the group clears an opening through the rocks (13/2), in time to see that a mass of centipedes has been lairing there as they surge torwards the light the party bears.

Gotta make the map :o Go ahead and roll your initiatives. You knew they were there

[attriel]

The blue water squares are the walls of the tunnel. The dark rocky squares are the rocks you moved and shifted and the like, difficult terrain at this point, but not covering.

Right now, all the critters are in a writhing mass in the same square, marked by the blue slime.

BTW, Dinbin -- How do I add icons ? Because I've been noticing that none of my mobs look anything like the ones in the lists :o
InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used9Belvar51/600112(7)--7Fia36/38007(1)--7Marcus39/48019(6)--Spitting Cobra6Dirk42/46018(6)--2Althaea49/500111(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

[DirkDarkBlade]

Initiative.

[Kiir]

Init

[DinbinFanfoom]

Init +7 = 14

[attriel]

Well, I rolled Belvar's so we could advance to the first PC ... Except it turns out to BE belvar :o

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar51/600212(7)--26Centipede0????-?26Centipede0????-?22Centipede Swarm0????-?16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede0????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm0????-?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

[DinbinFanfoom]

PS: to upload icons, send them to me or provide an URL to them.

[drathos]

apologies.. missed that the thread had picked up again

With the centipedes all together like that, Belvar will shift forward to C2 and make a Sweeping Blow to attack them all (Marking).

Attacks (going down the init list of enemies, vs AC):
Attack 1 +12 + 13 = 25
Attack 2 +12 + 17 = 29
Attack 3 +12 + 2 = 14
Attack 4 +12 + 6 = 18
Attack 5 +12 + 9 = 21

Damage:
Damage 1 +6 + 7 = 13
Damage 2 +6 + 7 = 13
Damage 3 +6 + 4 = 10
Damage 4 +6 + 11 = 17
Damage 5 +6 + 6 = 12

[attriel]

Oi!

Belvar steps forward and makes a vicious sweep, sending small bodies flying as the bigger ones writhe in pain (25, 29, 14, 18, 21 vs AC; H H H H H; 13, 13, 23, 13, 23 dmg; Both swarms are bloodied). AFAICR, burst you get multiple attack, one damage roll; So I used the first one. One mass of small centipedes quickly swarms out of the way (Immediate Reaction, Shift 3)

Two of the larger specimens scuttle forward, without leaving themselves open to attack(Shift 4). The first strikes Belvar (28 vs AC, 7 dmg, ongoing 5 poison SE), and the second fails to find it's mark as Belvar reels (11 vs AC).

The swarm by Belvar shifts and attacks him, missing feebly due to it's missing members (10 vs AC)

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar44/600212(7)-Ongoing 5 Poison (SE)26Centipede13????-?26Centipede13????-?22Centipede Swarm23????Bloodied; ?16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede13????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm23????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)


Dirk's Turn

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk will use riposte strike against Centipede 3. If it is facing belvar I get +2 for backstabbing and a bonus sneak attack. I am not certain who cent 3 is facing though.

I just realized I haven't reinstalled the DnD stuff since my drive failed so I'm doing the numbers from memory. Correct me if I've missed something.

[attriel]

Dirk quickly strikes the centipede nearest him, punishing it dearly for it's impudence in nearing him (26 vs AC, 11 dmg (you don't have CA unless you step up to flank vs Belvar)).

The third grown centipede attacks Belvar, and misses (16 vs AC).

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar44/600212(7)-Ongoing 5 Poison (SE)26Centipede13????-?26Centipede24????-?22Centipede Swarm23????Bloodied; ?16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede13????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm23????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

Fia and Marcus ; does anyone want to post for Marcus, or do I pick an action?

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia strikes!

Icy Rays (RNG 10, 1 or 2 targets, ATK +9 vs REF, DAM 1d10+6, Target immobilized until EONT)

ATK vs Cent 1: 20 vs REF, DAM: 11, Immobilized until EoNT Fia
ATK vs Cent 2: 15 vs REF, DAM: 11, Immobilized until EoNT Fia

[attriel]

Fia fires off two rays, striking one of her targets (20 vs ref Hit, 15 vs Ref, Miss; 11 dmg) and going a little high as the other sinks into a crease in the rocky floor.

Marcus shoots off two arrows, both flying wide of their marks as the uneven flooring leaves Marcus unsure of his footing.

The second swarm scuttles forward and attacks Dirk, but is unable to penetrate the rogue's defenses (16 vs AC)

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar44/600212(7)-Ongoing 5 Poison (SE)26Centipede 213????-?26Centipede 324????-?22Centipede Swarm 123????Bloodied; ?16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede 124????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm 223????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

Althaea's turn ;I'll update the map once ie can fiure out how to load a webpage, grrr :o

[Kiir]

Althaea will summon her spirit companion into square B2 (minor, allies adjacent to spirit gain +1 fort, ref, will, gain 4 additional hit points with my heal or second wind). She then casts haunting spirit at centipede 3 (standard, +9 vs will, 1d6+6 psychic damage until EoNT dirk gains combat advantage against cent 3, range 5).

[drathos]

Althaea's turn ;I'll update the map once ie can fiure out how to load a webpage, grrr :o

what the hell are you using ie for?

[attriel]

what the hell are you using ie for?

The map? can't update it in firefox or chrome. thanks for reminding me to move the swarm though.


Anyway, it's your turn :o

[drathos]

forgot about part of Combat Challenge when the centipedes dispersed after my Sweeping blow.. Oh well..

Belvar will Cleave Centipede 3 (Marking)
Attack vs AC: 18 + 10 = 28
Damage: 11 + 6 = 17
Extra: Swarm 1 takes 4 damage

Save to end poison: 13

[attriel]

Were you supposed to get a series of OA's? If so, go ahead and roll them, you're not going to have miraculously killed everything I'm fairly confident

[drathos]

I think it's just one per round.. When an enemy I mark shifts or makes an attack that doesn't include me, I get an immediate interrupt basic melee attack. Forgot about the shift part of that. I think that gives me a free attack on swarm 2 (that ran away).

Combat Challenge
Attack vs AC: 7 + 10 = 17
Damage: 2 + 6 = 8

[attriel]

Althaea is shocked by the appearance of the centipedes, finding herself unable to strike them, although she does manage to summon her spirit companion to boon the party (Natural 1; Belvar gains +1FRW, +4 on healing).

Belvar, however, manages a clean strike at the creature that has run behind him towards his allies (28 vs AC, 17 DMG, Cleave 4/2), and shrugs off the poison quickly (Save after one)

The centipedes quickly strike at the fighter, but cannot breach his armor (18 vs AC, 11 vs AC). The smaller specimens of the swarm, however, writhe up his arm and bite as his face and neck (23 vs AC; 4 DMG; 5 ongoing poison SE)

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar35/600212(7)-+1FRW; +4 Healing; 5 Poison (SE)26Centipede 213????-?26Centipede 341????Bloodied; ?22Centipede Swarm 125????Bloodied; ?16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede 124????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm 227????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)


I added your attack vs Swarm 2 and your cleave to Swarm 1, Belvar;
Dirk's turn

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia targets Centipede 3 with Ray of Frost (RNG 10, ATK +9 vs FOR, DAM: 1d6+6, Target slowed).

ATK: 23 vs FOR
DAM: 9
Target slowed (half speed)

[DirkDarkBlade]

When it is Dirk's turn he will again use Riposte Strike against Cent 3.

[attriel]

Dirk buries his dagger into the centipede (9 dmg), causing it to rear in pain.

Centipede 1 attacks Belvar, burying pincers into him (23 vs AC, 4 dmg, weakened SE).

Fia takes her time and blasts the centipede by Dirk (9 dmg), and watches with revulsion as it explodes and leaves Dirk covered in bug guts.

Marcus fires two shafts at the furthest target, Centipede 2, causing it to slump (40 dmg'll do that)

Swarm 2 crawls over Dirk (21 vs AC, 4 dmg, 5 ongoing poison SE), piercing his skin in numerous places and leaving him with the feeling that he's had better days. Days when swarms of small bugs didn't crawl around inside his vest.

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar31/600212(7)-+1FRW; +4 Healing; 5 Poison (SE); Weakened (SE)22Centipede Swarm 125????Bloodied; ?16Dirk38/46028(6)-5 Poison (SE)15Centipede 124????-?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm 227????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)2- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

Althaea & Belvar

[DirkDarkBlade]

Ewwwwww bug guts...wait bugs in the vest is worse. ICK.

Dirk will use riposte strike against the Swarm2. and roll his saving throw. Since some of the swarm must be facing their backs to Dirk he'll use his CA against that portion of the swarm for his surprise attack.

(oops, damage was supposed to be 1d6...will roll that again).

[drathos]

Belvar will shift to D2 and cleave Swarm 2 (marking).

Attack vs AC: 19 + 10 = 29
Damage: 3 + 6 = 9
Extra: Swarm 1 takes 4

Save vs Poison: 4
Save vs Weakened: 16

[DinbinFanfoom]

I think we're waiting on Kiir.

[Kiir]

We are, the small ones have been demanding!

Althaea instructs her companion to attack the centipede with its protecting strike (+9 vs will, 1d8+6 damage, +4 temp hit points to anyone adjacent, standard). She also casts Healing Spirit on Marcus (minor, protector spirit gives him an addition 4 hit points, 1d6 to anyone adjacent to cs or with in 2 squares of target being healed so Dirk).

13 vs Will
10 damage if hit
4 hit points to Dirk
Healing Surge +4 to Belvar

[attriel]

Althaea's strike seems to land but has no effect (13 vs Will). As a backup strategy, she calls healing onto Belvar and Dirk. Belvar staggers (5 poison) and shifts to assist Dirk, laying into the two swarms with a mighty blow (29 vs AC, 9/2/2=2 Dmg Swarm 2, 4/2/2=1 Dmg Swarm 1 (Weakened: Half Damage Dealt; Swarm: Half Damage Received), before shaking off part of the effects of the bites (Save vs Weakness, not vs Poison)

Dirk quickly presses his advantage against Swarm 2 (16 vs AC, 7/2=3 damage) and shakes off the poison (12 vs Poison).

The swarm, having been lightly bothered by Belvar, waits before attacking (to clean up the init some), attacks back, but cannot find an opening in the warriors defenses this time (19 vs AC). The large centipede quickly scuttles forward and assaults Belvar, (31 vs AC, 4 Dmg, Weakened SE)

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar41/600212(6)-+1FRW; +4 Healing; 5 Poison (SE); Weakened (SE)16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede 124????-?15Centipede Swarm 126????Bloodied; ?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra14Centipede Swarm 232????Bloodied; ?7Althaea49/500211(7)1- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia will fire another Ray of Frost at swarm 2 (RNG 10, ATK +9 vs FOR, DAM: 1d6+6, Target slowed).

ATK: 18 vs FOR
DAM: 9
Target Slowed: Maybe

[DirkDarkBlade]

When it is Dirk's turn again he will shock the party by using his riposte strike on the swarm again.

[attriel]

Sorry guys, my boss was out with a sick kid half the week, which left me running the shop and kinda short on time

[attriel]

Fia's icy touch digs through the swarm, freezing a few of the critters (18 vs Fort, 9/2=4 Dmg, Slowed).

Marcus again fires off two arrows, following Fia's lead to take down the swarm (24 vs AC, 19/2=9 Dmg, Dead; 15 vs AC, 19/2=9 Dmg Swarm 1)

Althaea (verbally communicated) has her companion move to C3 and strike at the large centiped again (20 vs Will, 13 Dmg, Bloodied; 4THP Belvar)

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar41/604212(6)-+1FRW; +4 Healing; 5 Poison (SE); Weakened (SE)16Dirk42/46028(6)--15Centipede 137????Bloodied; ?15Centipede Swarm 135????Bloodied; ?14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra7Althaea49/500211(7)1- Map (http://www.primeaxiom.com/rpgt/scene.asp?ID=p7m52pry2q2dfdbmq7les7c8ddks5vlzwqsk3 1nra75jevcmpi14gr5cdntnsizv)

Belvar's turn, Dirk -- your target is dead, did you just want to mov up to the other swarm?

[DirkDarkBlade]

Can I tumble to B2 so I'm on the back side of Centipede 1 and gain CA? Or does it make more sense to go after Swarm 1?

Either way yes, I'll use the same attack. I will use a free action to change my sword damage to Lightening damage (forgot I could do that). If it hits (daily power) then all critters within 2 squares will take 1d6 lightening damage.

[drathos]

Belvar will Cleave Centipede 1 (marking)

Attack vs AC: 5 + 10 = 15 (guessing that's a miss, but just in case..)
Damage: 12 + 8 = 20
Extra: Swarm takes 4 damage

I will go ahead and spend an Action Point, reversing my swing and Cleaving the swarm (marking)

Attack vs AC: 6 + 10 = 16
Damage: 2 + 8 = 10
Extra: Centipede takes 4 damage

[attriel]

I'm going to insert a delay for Belvar to coordinate with Dirk ... Because that flank gives you a veritable hit, sir

Wincing as the poison racks his body again (5 Poison), Belvar waits while Dirk sidles into position. Once there, Belvar quickly slices at the larger of the beasts (17 vs AC, 20/2=10 DMG, 4/2 Dmg Swarm). He then brings his blade back around and gouges at the swarm (16 vs AC, 16/2/2 = 4 Dmg, 4 Dmg Cent)

Dirk then brings his blade down on the Centipede (23 vs AC; 7+sneak, dead; 2 dmg Scuttler, dead; 2 dmg Belvar)

Wizards isn't lettign me in to look at the critters, so it's a good thing you killed them or I would've had to delay posting longer

InitCombatantDmgTHPA/PSurgesHealsEffectsDailies Used26Belvar39/604212(6)-+1FRW; +4 Healing16Dirk42/46028(6)--14Fia36/38017(1)--14Marcus39/48029(6)--Spitting Cobra7Althaea49/500211(7)1-

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk really doesn't like bugs and is glad these are dead. I must remember to carry my can of Off +18 bug repelling potion next adventure!

Dirk quietly investigates the area looking for traps, doors, or hidden loot.

OOC: Sigh, 2. I guess the DM phrase "you didn't find it" applies here.

[attriel]

Clambering through what was obviously their nest area, Dirk finds where the rockfall on the other side actually has a pathway through it. It's a bit cramped, perhaps, but no digging required at least.

I presume Belvar will want to pop a surge before continuing, or I suppose Fia might want to rest so she has surges again; I will tell you that you are almost done with this

[DinbinFanfoom]

How many surges DOES Fia have? 1? 6? 7? I'm not sure what the column means. I thought I ended the skelly combat with 3...
...and then we used one clearing the rocks... So don't I have 2?
...ah no wait, I see the second surge in the rocks too... must have missed them. NM.

[attriel]

How many surges DOES Fia have? 1? 6? 7? I'm not sure what the column means. I thought I ended the skelly combat with 3...
...and then we used one clearing the rocks... So don't I have 2?
...ah no wait, I see the second surge in the rocks too... must have missed them. NM.

Yeah, I haven't foudn a good way of demarking that. I'm thinking of updating the spreadsheet some so that I can keep total in column A, Current in column B, and onl display B; otherwise I have to look up all the sheets at naptimes :/

Of cousre, I'm also thinking of adding the saves, so I have all my data on one sheet ...

[DinbinFanfoom]

Can we guess what time of day it is?

[attriel]

Sure!

With all the searching, assuming you came in early in the morning (I don't believe we ever established the time then either) ... It's probaly getting pretty late, 6 or 7 in the evening. Come to think of it, you are getting a little tired ...

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia needs her beauty rest. Is there a suitable campsite nearby?

[Kiir]

What about heading back and bedding down with the skeletons, as weird as it sounds it is probably a fairly safe campsite, if they allow us to.

[attriel]

Fia needs her beauty rest. Is there a suitable campsite nearby?

Well, give me a dungeoneering roll, and we'll see. You ARE in the middle of a castle with a dragon, a host of undead, and a legion of orcs outside the thoroughly broken down gates ... You can also discuss amongst yourselves and come up with ideas to propose

[drathos]

Belvar will use a surge (up to 54 hp) in case we run into anything else before we make camp.

[attriel]

Not posting yet because:

We have Althaea suggesting the party sleep in the crypt with the dead people
We have Fia and Dirk suggesting moving forward, but at least moving somewhere
And Belvar healing up, but ambivalent on forward, backward, or sleep

I figured I'd wait for more of a consensus.

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk will scout on down the tunnel looking for any hidden passages(door)/traps and for a good place to camp. Once we know what lies ahead. Then if the group camps he'll take first watch.

[Kiir]

Althaea, looks at the group and notes they are thinking about going forward to camp she decides it is probably a good idea to speak. "Uh guys, the skeletons told us the dragon was up ahead this passage, it might not be the best choice of camping venues. I still think we should go back a bit to camp."

[attriel]

Dirk, are you doing anything to be particularly quiet? Or just watching for traps? If you are, I'll need a stealth check

[DirkDarkBlade]

Oh yeah being stealthy of course.

[attriel]

Dirk moves cautiously ahead of the group, and finds that the tunnel ends in a large cavern. He can see the ceiling above, but large portions of it have been torn apart and there seems to be a wooden floor above rather than stone as elsewhere.

Looking down, he notes that the floor slopes steeply away from where he stopped at the entrance. The walls look like they were dug out more from convenience than any orc mining party. In the darkness below, he can just make out a glimmer of ... silver? Gold? PLATINUM???

Dirk, give me a will save; if you beat a 15, let me know what you're doing at this juncture. If you don't, then you find yourself drawn to investigate the treasure before going back :)

Is everyone else waiting back with the dead centipedes? Or are you following him?

[DirkDarkBlade]

I assume the party is letting the rogue scout on ahead without following him. Now that he knows what lies ahead he (assuming I make the save) wants to return to the party and let them know what is on this end.

By the way, who is this Will person I'm saving against anyway .... (insert drum riff here).

[Kiir]

Althaea is staying as far back as possible she really wants to group to rest before finding the dragon that is supose to be ahead!

Althaea will still suggest going back to rest rather then going forward into the dragon's lair, she really doesn't think it is a good spot to spend the night before they kill the dragon.

[attriel]

15+whatever will make the save

Dirk sees the shine of unattended coin, but decides that he has a job to do and heads back to the party to report.

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk returns to the party and reports what he has seen. A large cavernous area that has obviously been expanded. There is not a large stack of coin of every imaginable type (including platinum!) at the bottom of the room. Nope not a bit. And does anyone have a bag I can borrow? Seriously he tells the party what lies ahead, but he does want some credit for resisting the urge to run down and wallow in the treasure.

Dirk would suggest backing up a bit from our current location before making camp.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"It is probably the hoard of the dragon..." Fia says. "So we should retreat to camp."

[attriel]

The party returns to the crypt and is granted a sleeping area. Watches go uneventfully, although the general noise in the cavern makes it a little hard to fall asleep. Apparently the undead don't need to sleep.

In the morning, the leader of the group talks to you once again. "I understand, had to see for yourself before you could believe there was a dragon here. Well, now you know I wasn't lying, what's your plan? Are you going to kill it in epic battle, or run back to your master and tell him that the castle is lost?"

There's some laughter and snickering from those who have gathered nearby the group.

So, what's the plan? Back down the corridor and tally ho? Above ground to the tower over the dragon? Return to town and kick back for a drink or two thinking about the poor sots who're gonna have to deal with the dragon?

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk will keep his mouth shut and let the more diplomatic members of the group handle the skele's questions. Though drinking to the health of those poor sots has some merit...

[DinbinFanfoom]

Onward the way we went originally. I don't think any chatting is necessary, except to thank our skelly hosts for the stay.

[attriel]

The group leaves the sanctuary of the crypt once more, after perfunctorily thanking the skeletons for the space.

Upon reaching the centipede's lair, the group stops to determine it's tactics.

Do you send Dirk forward to scout the big empty room again, or do you all traipse forward this time? Remember, he didn't really see anything other than what's probably some coin on the ground.

[DinbinFanfoom]

It should definitely be scouted by the sneaky one.

[Kiir]

Let's move up a bit with him though, so we can hear him if a dragon decides to eat him or something.

[DirkDarkBlade]

I get another shot at the pile of coin? Cool! I mean at the non existant pile of mostly worthless coins from an age gone by...no problem I'll sweep up before y'all get down there. Dirk prepares to sneak quietly down to the opening to see what he can see.

I will roll for sneaky, and just in case its needed the save (Do I need to save again since I already saved once before?) Edit: Gosh I really hope the save roll isn't needed 8)

[attriel]

Well, I was going to ask for a perception check to take another look around, but I'll use your save for now.

Looking into the dark room, Dirk notices that there's light coming through the rather oversized trapdoor at the top of the room. Other than that, however, he doesn't see much more than he did the last time. There are still coins scattered about the bottom, and what looks like a large pile of something dark in the far corner.

Can I get stealth for Fia and Althaea? And an extra d20 apiece, to make rolls for Belvar and Marcus.

Dirk -- You can move down the slope into the room to look around some more, if you'd like. Or you can go back and report.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Stealth +3=12

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk will continue down all stealthy staying towards the edge of the room as possible. I'm curious about the "mound." Especially curious if the mound is breathing. For now I will forgo picking up any stray coins but I will be looking for any secret doors or traps.

[Kiir]

Stealth +2

And extra 2 rolls for Belvar and Marcus.

(Umm what a complete waste of good rolls, when I can't hit the dragon remember these rolls)

[attriel]

As Dirk maneuvers down the slope, he hears Fia stumble over a rock. He winces and holds his breath as it skitters for a moment, but nothing seems to happen.

Edging across the floor, now, his eyes get a better view. The coins were strays from the edges of what looks to be a sizable heap. Not a proper hoard, perhaps, but definitely the start of one. Unfortunately, laying atop the heap is a white dragon ...

Unless someone has dark visionHaving reached the edge of hte sloped room that Dirk had described, the party stops and waits for his report. They can't make out much, their torch light not providing nearly enough illumination for the large room

Dirk, you can return to the party (two stealth checks), or you choose another course of action. If you make one stealth check, I'll say you can signal the party to "come ahead" or "go back" in some way that wouldn't endanger the situation.

Everyone else, it's two stealth checks to Dirk's current location, if you choose to forge ahead without waiting for him

[attriel]

Clarification: The one check for Dirk would be to reach a point where he could communicate. Likewise, one check per person to get that close to him. There's a two-check difference in locations. Not normally an issue, except it's dark and there appears to be a dragon that you may or may not want to wake up just yet.

[attriel]

Fia Stealth 1: 15
Fia Stealth 2: 12

Marcus Stealth 1: 21
Marcus Stealth 2: 15

Belvar Stealth 1: 17
Belvar Stealth 2: 4

Althaea Stealth 1: 22
Althaea Stealth 2: 15

[attriel]

The group scrambles down the slope into the room without making much noise.

Unfortunately, while Fia stumbles again, the group knows the jig is up when Belvar accidentally kicks an errant coin clattering along the floor, where the sound echoes and the dragon stirs suddenly.

I'll let Dirk have a surprise round, since he's next to it. Then initiatives all around!

[drathos]

Well.. Seeing as how I was beaten to my stealth rolls..

INIT!
20

[Kiir]

Init + 2

Init 19

[attriel]

Well.. Seeing as how I was beaten to my stealth rolls..

INIT!
20

Well, I decided I'd just move it forward to the fight. If you want to make your own rolls, you can. Especially since yours WAS the worst roll.

[drathos]

Well, I decided I'd just move it forward to the fight. If you want to make your own rolls, you can. Especially since yours WAS the worst roll.

Okiedoke..

faux-stealthiness rolls:
5 and 5..

Oh, yeah.. That was great.. :rolleyes:

[attriel]

Okiedoke..

faux-stealthiness rolls:
5 and 5..

Oh, yeah.. That was great.. :rolleyes:

lol. It skitters not quite as loudly as you thought. But only because your ears are ringing from coming down the slope and going CLANG CLAnG CLANG :o

[DinbinFanfoom]

Fia init + 7 = 11

[DirkDarkBlade]

Dirk's surprise round: Dirk realizes that the Dragon is aware of the parties presense now. Taking advantage of the surprise round Dirk will use his Daily Power Deep Cut (Dex vs Fort - Hit 2(W) + Dex (4) and ongoing damage (+9) (Save ends the ongoing damage). Miss is Half Damage and no ongoing. Also seeing as Dirk has CA he'll use sneak attack too. I'm not certain of the layout but if needed Dirk will use his Tumble skill to shift so the dragon is between him and the party (so the dragon has to decide to turn its back on the party to attack Dirk, or face the party and let Dirk attack from behind). I can shift up to 1/2 my movement speed (which I think means 3).

[DirkDarkBlade]

For the upcocming rounds I'll roll my initiative.