Actions for Tranche #7:
Arthar, Pontus and Beldas move up, as indicated on the map.
Actions for Tranche #8 - the bloated zombies:
Both bloated zombies move forward 30 feet and hold position.
Actions for Tranche #9 - Marius, Belina, Tol, Tethys:
Marius casts magic stone without interruption;
Belina takes a standard action and begins a bardic performance: inspire courage. Everyone gets a +1 competence bonus to hit and damage that stacks with Duvall's bless.
Tol attacks scrawny zombie B:
attack:
damage:
His vicious slash cuts the zombie in two!
Tethys holds his action as he has no target.
End of round One!
Round Two, Tranche #1 - Hezar and Ariael - up next!
for
for
to confirm for
Hezar cannot get a clear bead on the cleric from his angle with all the bodies but he does fire at Bloated Zombie 1 per the plan.
Get that thing off Belina! Hezar cries out fear scything through him.
Okay, acting for Ariael:
Ariael takes aim at bloated Zombie #1, trying to finish it off:
attack:
damage:
His arrow strikes true! The bloated zombie seems to deflate, a horrid green ichor spilling out from it that smokes upon contact with the stone floor.
Tranche #2 - the skinny zombies - up next!
Actions for Tranche #2:
Scrawny Zombie A takes a full attack against Duvall:
attack #1:
damage #1:
attack #2:
damage #2:
Duvall is well-prepared this time, however, and defends himself against the attacks!
Scrawny Zombie D takes a full attack against Belgrin:
attack #1:
damage #1:
attack #2:
damage #2:
One of the Zombies fists do make it through, hitting Belgrin for 5 points of damage!
Tranche #3 - the pallid cleric - is up next!
The evil cleric laughs mockingly at Belina's pain, and directs her spiritual weapon to lash out at the young bard again!
attack:
damage:
The scythe cuts Belina across the back, eliciting a cry from her lips. To her credit, she quickly resumes her bardic song, so that everyone continues to get the benefit of the performance.
Tranche #4 - Belgrin and Landon - up next!
Landon will move 5ft to his left and swing at the zombie in front of him.
Belgrin attempts to finish off scrawny zombie D, in M-29.
Actions for Tranche #4:
Landon takes down scrawny zombie D with a vicious slash of his sword:
attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18damage: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Modifying Belgrin's action:
Belgrin takes a 5 foot step to M29 and lays into scrawny zombie A:
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
slashing damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Belgrin lays the undead monster low with a vicious slash from his maulaxe!
Tranche #5 - the Ogre zombies - up next!
At a signal from the evil cleric, both Ogre zombies begin to shamble forward! They each move forward 40 feet, new positions as reflected on the map.
Tranche #6 is up next - Janiries and Duvall. I'll be taking Duvall's actions for the time being.
Seeing no other enemies infront of her, Janiries moves up and gets ready to receive any charge from the enemy.
Actions for Tranche #6:
Duvall lifts his face to the heavens and requests aid from Helm. He channels positive energy to heal himself and his comrades:
Channel:
What feels like a warm breeze whistles past, salving your wounds and lifting your spirits. (HP status updated on the map)
Janiries moves up to N29 and readies an attack if approached.
Tranche #7 - Arthar, Pontus and Beldas - holds steady and watches your rear area. (That sounds cheeky!)
Tranche #8 - the bloated zombie...
The gross monstrosity waddles up to L33.
Tranche #8 - Tol, Belina, Marius and Tethys:
None have actions they can take this round. Belina sounds exasperated as the magical sycthe continues to menace her. Does anyone know how to destroy this thing?
Round two is done! Round three, Tranche #1 - Hezar and Ariael - are up next!
Just as a note, those two stone barriers at K30 and N30 are designed to provide cover for archers - both are around 3 feet tall. Those two undead Ogres that are approaching would have no trouble swinging over top of the barriers, or stepping over them, though that square would be considered difficult terrain for them.
Hezar sends arrows racing at the charging bloated Zombie, if the first attack drops it the second will go towards the closest ogre (this means a -1 to hit and -1 damage)
for
for
I don't know Belina! Hezar cries in frustration and fear Kill the caster, but I can't get a clean shot with the approaching undead! Hang in there! I am trying.
The elven magus moves to just behind Belgrin and casts his spell to make the mighty dwarf grow big
Actions for Tranche #1:
Both of Hezars arrows find their mark, but the bloated Zombie still appears able to stand and move.
Ariael casts enlarge person on Belgrin: Belgrins new size pushes Duvall and Landon into new squares. Belgrin is at -1 to hit, -2 AC, +1 to damage, and his maulaxe's axe-y side delivers 2d6 damage. Also, 10' reach.
Tranche #2 has been wiped out! Actions for tranche #3:
The pallid cleric continues to focus her energies on taking down Belina:
attack:
damage:
Belina is struck again by the magical green scythe; she murmurs something under her breath that sounds like "clucking witch" but may have been misheard :-)
Tranche #4 - Belgrin and Landon - up next!
Be strong Belina! Hezar calls to her, trying to lend her his strength.
"I told you, everyone is getting out of here." as he moves and casts cure light wounds on Belina
Belgrin flexes his newly enlarge muscles. "A dwarf could get used ta this! Janiries! Duvall! Switch out and heal! Ariael, Hezar, to me sides! Keep pokin' the corpses and stay outta reach! And somebody figure out how to stop that blasted ghost blade!" He then takes his stance in the hallway, and advances on the bloated mass coming his way. "Alright then, chubby, lets see what yer guts look like!"
Actions for Tranche #4:
Landon drops back and casts a spell to heal Belina. Many thanks, Sir Landon! she smiles as her wounds close, before continuing her inspiring song.
The newly embiggened Belgrin steps forward and eviscerates the bloated zombie. His newfound reach proves useful; anything adjascent to the bloated monstrosity would have been sprayed with acid upon the foul things demise!
Tranche #5 - the Ogre Zombies:
Ogre Zombie #1 steps forward, within reach of Belgrin, but is staggered and can take no further actions.
Ogre Zombie #2 also steps forward, but is staggered and can take no further actions.
Tranche #6 - Janiries and Duvall - are up next! I'll be acting in Duvall's place after Janiries has declared her action.
Janiries hops up onto the defensive barrier infront of her, before attempting to confuse the ogre zombie ahead as to her next action.
Sir Crane you have my eternal thanks!
Actions for Tranche #6:
Janiries sets up Ogre Zombie #1 for a feint. The undead Ogre, none to bright, turns his head sideways and vocalizes: Durrr? In response to the elven Rogue's actions.
Duvall pulls back to L28 (via a five foot step) and channels positive energy again to heal any allies with wounds:
positive channel:
healing noted on combat map
Duvall calls back to Hezar: Move up to the barricade for a better shot, my friend! I'll make sure everyone stays on their feet!
Tranche #7 - as a group - holds back and makes sure nothing untoward happens in your rear area.
Tranche #8 - the bloated zombie - have been wiped out!
Tranche #9:
Belina continues with her performance.
Marius moves up to L29 and begins casting summon nature's ally I. I'm going to put a flanking buddy behind this Ogre! he calls out.
Tol snarls something cheeky in dwarvish, dropping his axe and shield and pulling out his crossbow (as a move action).
Tethys snarls at the spiritual weapon and lashes out at it, to no effect!
Round three is done! Round four, Tranche #1 - Hezar and Ariael - are up next!
Hezar takes a step forward and unloads into Ogre Zombie 2, if he drops OZ #2 he shifts the second attack to the other one.
for
for
I am going to enjoy putting arrows in your eyes devil!
Actions for Tranche #1:
Hezar quickly plants 2 arrows into Ogre zombie #2, inflicting a total of 18 hp damage. The undead monstrosity still stands and is ready to fight!
(Acting for Ariael) Ariael takes aim at Ogre zombie #1 and fires an arrow:
attack:
damage:
Ariael's arrow strikes true, straight into the zombies' chest.
Tranche #2 has been wiped out...
Tranche #3 - the evil cleric:
The evil cleric directs the scythe to attack Belina once more:
attack: crit?
damage:
The scythe cuts deeply into Belina, who falls silently to the ground, bleeding heavily. The evil cleric cackles in victory!
Tranche #4 - Belgrin and Landon - are up next!
Hezar screams in rage.
Duvall! Save her! Please!
Belgrin aims for the more damaged ogre zombie #2, in K-33.
Landon will cast cure light wounds again then step over her prone form to protect her from the scythe. "Sadistic wretch why don't you try that on me?"
Actions for Tranche #4:
Belgrin lifts his giant maulaxe and brings it down in a blow that would fell an ox. Ogre Zombie #2 falls to the ground in a heap! The pallid cleric hisses in hatred at you.
Her anger is further aroused at seeing Belina healed. She is about to snarl some sort of insult, until she sees that it is Landon who stands forward to protect the fallen bard. Her lip quivers for a moment before she seems to steel herself. You! Not even YOUR presence will prevent my dark Gods' eventual victory! Enjoy your victory, I assure you it shall be brief!
Tranche #5 is up next - the remaining Ogre Zombie!
The Ogre Zombie lashes out with a mammoth fist as Belgrin:
attack:
damage:
The monsters blow hits Belgrin hard, right in the chest. Not nearly enough to fell the giant-sized, dwarven warrior!
Tranche #6 - Janiries and Duvall - are up next!
The Sun Elf rushes up to the large Ogre Zombie, using her previous distraction to try and confuse the monster, before slashing at the monster with her serpentine dagger.
@ Janiries - just a suggestion - Marius is currently casting a summon natures' ally spell which will generate a creature behind the Ogre Zombie, allowing you to take advantage of a flanking attack. And, as you've already feinted the Ogre zombie, you could just acrobatics up to N32 and attack with a sneak attack bonus. The choice is yours, of course, just wanted to make sure you had all the options.
Pah, forgot about the bless/bardic performances bonuses. Should be a 15 on my to hit roll and 14 damage.
Actions for Tranche #6:
Janiries darts forward and lays into the Ogre Zombie's gut, opening a vicious wound on the monsters vast belly. While it still stands, the unholy creature definitely looks the worse for wear.
Duvall moves up to M32, drawing an attack of opportunity from the Ogre Zombie:
attack:
damage:
Duvall's shield absorbs the blow and deflects it! His counterstrike...
attack:
damage:
... is vicious, his adamantine mace cracks open the beasts' skull, causing it to crumple to the ground!
Combat over!
The pallid cleric shrieks in outrage. I shall take your answer to my master, and I swear to you, Elur's torment shall be magnified a hundred times for your insolence! May the darkness of Lassathor haunt your dreams! With that, the evil cleric seems to turn into a fog, disappearing into the darkness of the night!
Well fought, everyone! You're clearly ready for more challenging encounters and tougher foes. Everyone gets 373 xp - that should put you each at 3428, and thus, third level! Please detail your character changes in the discussion thread, just as you did previously.
Hezar races to Belina's side, looking at Landon gratefully. He cradles her in his arms, tears streaming down his face.
Landon claps Hezar on his shoulder and then gives them some time alone while he checks on the survivors. "Janiries, Araiel, can you make a sweep. I feel that this was far too easy, more like a distraction than an attack. Brother Duvall, can you see to the injured?" Landon will then head to inspect te remains of our attackers, looking for clues to their origin and then make his own rounds with his lantern.
Belgrin roars at the sniveling cleric as she flees. "Go ahead and RUN, ye yellow-bellied ferret! Ye can tell Lassathor he'll have to ante up if he wants a piece of this! Ah seen training dummies hit harder than that, ye spineless pile of slime!"
Sheathing his weapons, Belgrin seems to shrink back to normal size. "Tha's always fun. Casualties? Wounded? Anyone spot any infiltrators while we fought?"
"I'll check the tower, you want to check outside Ariael?"
@ Hezar - Belina smiles and wipes away the tears from your face. I'm okay, Hezar! Please don't worry, I'm tougher than I look! She gives you a long hug, before groaning a little at the pain from her wounds. I could use the healing powers of our resident cleric, however! I've never been cut down like that before - that witch wields some powerful magic! She giggles a little as Tethys licks her cheek and headbutts her. She whispers conspiratorially to you:
Duvall asks all who were wounded to gather close before channeling positive healing energy for everyone's benefit:
Channeling positive energy:
Helm has blessed me with the ability to channel more of his power! Duvall smiles as your wounds rapidly close and heal.
Pontus runs up, a grim smile on his face. Ye fought well, friends. Nothin' to report from the rear area, save a bunch of scared villagers. Is nowhere safe from these devils?
Hezar manages to control his breathing, and he scruffs Tethys behind his ears, then slips out a piece of dried me and gives it to Tethys when Marius isn't looking.
How do you know he isn't using you to get to me?
Hezar helps her to her feet.
We should get that beacon lit now. They obviously know we are here.
@ Ariael - Hannah comes rushing out from one of the back rooms, a smile on her pretty face as she almost jumps into your arms. You were so brave and gallant! I suspect you could have held off the whole lot of those fiends yourself! With that she leans in a little closer and whispers:
Marius surveys the remains of the undead horde and shakes his head. I wonder what the purpose of this attack was? The tower gave us an excellent defensive position - that witch must have known her forces weren't of sufficient power to overwhelm us. What aim was she hoping to accomplish?
She certainly had little enough stomach for a fight once her undead were thinned out. Notes Duvall as he checks the corpses for further hint of life. We should burn these remains, just in case ... there's no telling what Lassathor and his minions might do with such leftovers. Duvall turns to Landon with half a smile on his lips. She certainly didn't seem to like your presence here, brother. An old flame, perhaps?
"I assure you she is not. I do not think I have ever seen that woman before. Brother."
"Well, ah can't say I'm a general where war tactics are concerned, but The man has a point. there was no way she was takin' us all down with that little scouting party. Makes me twice as worried that somethin' else was the real goal. We need to establish more lookouts from here on, to be watchin more directions at once, in case somethin' underhanded's goin on while we fight."
Still helping Belina gather herself Hezar speaks.
We need to get that Beacon lit.
After about twenty minutes, Janiries finishes up the sweep of the upper levels and back rooms in the tower, then returns to the group.
"Couldn't see anything up top. Reckon we should wake the rest of them just before sun-up, get them all moving the moment we've got any light."
@ Hezar: Should we light the beacon now? asks Belina. I have a light spell that should do the trick ... though I must admit to still being less than fond of heights.... She says this while looking up the nearly 200 foot ascent to the pinnacle of the watchtower.
There's about an hour and a half until dawn as she says this. The commoners are all awake and milling about, though they are less agitated now that the immediate threat has passed.
Whatever her goal was, we should keep our guard up. She did accomplish one thing - we're still short of the rest we need to memorize our spells, so we're greeting the coming day without the full use of the powers granted to us. Duvall motions to Marius as well as himself.
I would light it. Sir Crane, Sir Duvall, shall we light it now?
Then to Belina, helping her up.
Belina, I will carry you up this time, you can close your eyes and hold tight.