DM Blayde MacRonan's Giantslayer... The Strange Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

With regard to Rohan's attempt to find structural weakness, because he beat the 20 DC required, he'll do half again as much damage (+50%) when he attacks the portcullis. He'll still have to deal with the hardness of 8, but he'll have to inflict over 90 points of damage to accomplish what he intends.

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Twisted Heart Shieldbreaker: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Battle Theme: Basil Poledouris - Anvil of Crom

Liesel-Marie
My axe does so much more damage, but the fire dagger... the fire dagger is what killed her brother once and for all.

With that thought, the Erutaki unleashes a battle cry that echoes from the walls as she drops to one knee beside the prone troll. As her weight comes down, a dagger of pure flame appears in her hand and she slams it into the face of the unconscious monster, trying to end her.

Your kinetic blade does 2d6 + 2 (+1 comes from half of her Constitution modifier, while the other +1 comes from Aodhán's inspiring performance ability), so she does 10 points of fire damage, plus an additional 6 from the critical (average of the die, per die), bringing the total fire damage inflicted to 16.

Let's see if Gharr will pass this DC 26 Fortitude save.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19; -3 due to being at the Critical wound threshold. As with Mesa's attack, she will need a natural 20 on the die to pass this check.

And as before, she doesn't... Gharr's rain regeneration is shut down for one round. Should she fail her next Constitution check, the troll will shuffle off the mortal coil.

Aodhán
The Chelish bouncer, perhaps sensing the momentum beginning to shift in their favor, turned his attention back to the last of the pair of shieldbreakers that had been attacking him.

Aodhán's caestūs attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25; +1 due to inspiring performance
caestūs damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7; +1 due to inspiring performance

Aodhán assumed a stance that was both lower and wider than any he had previously used before, centering his weight over his hips and feet. With his chin tucked, eyes firmly on the torso of the shieldbreaker, the Chelish bouncer began weaving his upper body and head in a figure-eight motion, shifting most of his weight in the process from right to left and back again. As he found his rhythm, Aodhán picked up the pace and began to unleash a hook at the end of each figure eight. The power of the hooks, driven primarily by the momentum of Aodhán's body weight moving through the weave as his hip, core and shoulder rotated, rather than by a simple pivot, as in an ordinary hook, proved to be more than the orc could handle as it fell to the bouncer's deadly onslaught of blows.

Using the Dempsey Roll, Aodhán took a free action to maintain his inspiring performance, as well as a standard action to attack the shieldbreaker orc.

Rohan, you're up!

Rohan saw that the damage that was needed would be more then he could dish out and decided that the best course of action would be to simply attack the new orcs coming up before they could get in close enough, however this required rohan to move into a better position for the next phase of combat. With a quick dash rohan made a move to go north 30ft, right behind kyt and the new healer man. With that in place he made sure to send 3 rocks flying in the direction of the orcs.

Onslaught Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 1 = 16
target 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
target 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
target 3: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Merely trying to hit any target that was within range, but aiming at the orcs in general.

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Twisted Heart Shieldbreaker: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Battle Theme: Basil Poledouris - Anvil of Crom

Rohan
Rohan saw that the damage that would be needed to bring down the structure of the portcullis was more then he could dish out and decided that the best course of action would be to simply attack the new orcs coming up before they could get in close enough. However, this required Rohan to move into a better position for the next phase of combat. With a quick dash, he went north positioning himself right behind Kyt and the new man, the healer. Once in place, the tall lanky human made sure to send 3 rocks flying in the direction of the orcs.

Rohan benefits from the +1 to attack and damage rolls due to Aodhán's inspiring performance. This gives him a 17 on his attack roll and a 9, 10, and 7 on damage respectively.

I bring this up because Kyt provides soft cover to the targets, increasing their AC against his attacks by +4. That +1 from Aodhán actually allowed him to hit.

The stones launched by Rohan streaked out, heading straight for the Steel Maiden. However, before Ogash could bring up her shield, the missiles went around her body and struck three of her fellow orcs that were charging in after. The members of the Twisted Heart alliance were blasted off their feet, only to be then trampled by the others of their kind.

Ogash, the Steel Maiden
Seeing the value in removing the threat posed by the giant-man, Ogash let both longspear and shield fall to the ground, drawing forth the shortbow that was strapped to her wolf's side.

Then, using both her knees and a series of clipped commands in Orcspeech, Ogash had her mount move while she lined up a shot at Rohan.

Ogash' bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
shortbow arrow damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The arrow flew toward her target and struck him fully, but to her amazement, the missile seemed to do no damage to him. With a angry snarl, Ogash drew forth yet another arrow in preparation for her next shot.

Omast Frum
Reinvigorated by Nogusta's healing, the patrol sergeant turned his attention to the last of the orc shieldbreakers and brought his weapon to bear against it.

Omast's greatsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18; -3 due to Power Attack and being in the Grazed threshold, +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 16.
greatsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14; +6 due to Power Attack, +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 21 points of damage.

Once again, Frum shifted his grip on the handle of the enormous sword as he brought the weapon up from the mid-guard to perform a full powered overhead swing that ended in the low guard position, blade pointing down in line with his lead foot.

As he slowly backed away to stand alongside the elven monk, the patrol sergeant took grim satisfaction that another orc had fallen before his blade.

We may be wantin' to consider backin' up toward the barricades the older man bellowed. If they manage to cut off our retreat, we'll be done fer, fer sure.

Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates
Having heard the familiar voice of the Steel Maiden, the two survivors of Kagak's squad ran to look down as Ogash entered the fray. The sight of her caused them to yell lustily in Orcspeech. Their enthusiasm was not dampened in the slightest when a wave of yellow energy washed over the top of the tower.

They would hold their position atop the tower until such time as they let the other orcs know that despite heavy losses, they had been successful in their duty.

Twisted Heart Orcs
Eager to lay waste to whatever enemies they could find, the members of the Twisted Heart alliance funneled through the portcullis and into the inner quarter.

And in the midst of the sea of orc bodies, General Kelseph strode with a grim smile on her face. Though it had taken longer than expected, the bandaged orc was finally gaining access to the heart of Trunau.

This brings an end to Round 11. The map has been updated. Round 12 begins now! Nyym, you're up!

Nyym smiled as the 2 orcs presented their backs to him. But he would not pounce. Not yet. Though he would love to snag more items off the downed Orc Bard. Nyym instead popped the top from the healing potion he snagged and drank it down as he eyed the 2 unsuspecting orcs still on the tower..

cmw: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14

Nyym let the healing potion course through him healing the damage done by the one orcs brutal attack. Feeling much better, Nyym opened his mind to Mesa and her music once again. With the Orcs not even looking his way, he no longer had to worry of them seeing any added displacement of the rain..

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
General Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Nyym
Nyym smiled as the two orcs presented their backs to him. But he would not pounce. Not yet. Though he would love to snag more items off the downed orc skald, Nyym instead popped the top from the healing potion drank it down as he eyed the 2 unsuspecting orcs still on the tower..

Nyym let the potion course through him, healing the damage done by the one orc's brutal attack. Feeling much better, the half-drow opened his mind to Mesa and her music once again. With the orcs not even looking his way, he no longer had to worry about them seeing any added displacement of the rain...

Nyym gets back 14 hit points, giving him a grand total of 27 hp. This puts him at the Healthy threshold, applying no special modifiers or condition in this state.

Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard
As Ogash carefully lined up her next bowshot, she glanced down at the lizard that had accompanied her and uttered a single word to it in Orcspeech:

Attack!

With seeming glee, the lizard darted toward the surprised patrol sergeant.

Monitor Lizard bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16; -1 due to Grazed condition.
bite damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Screaming a few choice curses, Omast brought his sword just in time to prevent the lizard from slipping in and biting him in the face, his eyes watering at the smell of its fetid breath.

General Kelseph
As she made her way through them, the orcs parted to allow their general a clear path to the front of the line. Her trusty hornbow in hand, Kelseph felt a familiar sensation, causing her sores to weep and ooze more than before. Grinning sadistically through the pain, the orc drew two arrows from her quiver, nocked them to her bow, and then fired both in rapid succession.

Kelseph bowshot 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Kelseph bowshot 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31; due to how she is written up, the general does not need to roll a confirmation roll against her particular target, doing so automatically.
horndow arrow 1 damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4) + 7 = 15
hornbow arrow 2 damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 = 12; +12 damage due to critical confirmation.

Guided as though by some mystical sense, the two arrows flew toward their target, passing between both Aodhán and Nogusta to slam into the kneeling Erutaki warrior.

The forceful impacts knocked the once conscious Liesel-Marie back into Mesa, the tiny woman nearly falling over under the sudden weight.

Liesel-Marie, I agonized over whether I should let these rolls stand, but in the end, I knew that if I didn't, she would make every effort to go after General Kelseph. So, with my deepest apologies, Team Ruby's Erutaki Warrior Princess (tm) takes 39 points of damage from both arrows. This puts her in the Critical threshold at -11 hp (–3 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level), rendering her disabled (may take a single move action or standard action each round [but not both, nor can she take full-round actions, but she can still take swift, immediate, and free actions]), and unconscious. As it stands, she is 4 rounds from dying. Liesel-Marie does get to make a DC 10 Constitution check (-3 penalty due to wound threshold) on her turn to stabilize and keep from bleeding out.

Kyt
The elf couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. The team's most formidable warrior had just been dropped by two arrows and from what she could see, the one that did it was preparing to fire again.

Kyt looked to the Mwangi cleric, her large eyes wide through a combination of fear and sorrow. Get to her, she pleaded. Do whatever you can for her, but make sure she gets out of here alive. I'll do what I can to give you the time you'll need.

The monk let out a deep breath before shouldering her temple sword and walking toward the incoming orcs.

Kyt's flurry - unarmed strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15; +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 16.
Kyt's flurry - temple sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23; +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 24.
unarmed strike damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8; +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 9.
temple sword damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7; +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 8.

As the first orc took notice of the elf, Kyt had already initiated a jumping roundhouse kick and was flowing into the next move, a diagonal two-handed slash with her temple sword. Both strikes proved more than enough to drop her foe, but the monk was focused on one goal, taking down as many of them as she could so that Liesel-Marie could be moved to safety.

Mesa, you're up!

No apology necessary. And I'm sure you double-checked my hit points, so I won't bother to do so. That's a nasty pair of shots, for sure.

Mesa swore in what might have been a language or it might have just been a series of angry growls, it was hard to tell as she was trying to do so though the back of a large barbarian that had fallen back on her.

So much for the ole one two on the troll. Her tails continued the music, though there wasn't much time left before the song was going to end. The kotodama in the area was getting thin with the surge of orcs downing out the proper rhythm in the world.

Still she had other things to worry about.

“It's time to fly my pretties” Mesa shouted. “Fall back, fighting withdraw! Captain stop feeding the lizard and cover the healer. I'll stabilize her and we fall back behind the barricades to regroup.”

Grumbling and wishing she had a bit more power behind her Mesa lowered the barbarian down and muttered to herself.

” Don't stop me now...”

cure light

1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

I'm working on an update for the map. It will probably be done after Nogusta's post goes live. So lets get this show going....

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
General Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Basil Poledouris - Battle of the Mounds/Day of Doom

Mesa
Mesa swore in what might have been a language or it might have just been a series of angry growls, it was hard to tell as she was trying to do so though the back of a large barbarian that had fallen back on her.

So much for the ole one two on the troll. Her tails continued the music, though there wasn't much time left before the song was going to end. The kotodama in the area was getting thin with the surge of orcs downing out the proper rhythm in the world.

Still she had other things to worry about.

It's time to fly my pretties, Mesa shouted. Fall back, fighting withdraw! Captain stop feeding the lizard and cover the healer. I'll stabilize her and we fall back behind the barricades to regroup.

Grumbling and wishing she had a bit more power behind her Mesa lowered the barbarian down and muttered to herself.

Don't stop me now...

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Liesel-Marie gets back an impressive 11 hit points back from the Minkai bard's healing spell. This stabilizes her (preventing any further loss of hit points) as well as putting the Erutaki at exactly 0 hit points. She is at the Critical threshold, as well as being conscious, staggered, and disabled (meaning Liesel-Marie may take a single move action or standard action each round [but not both, nor can she take full-round actions, but can still take swift, immediate, and free actions]; moves at half speed. Taking move actions doesn’t risk further injury, but performing any standard action [or any other action the DM deems strenuous, including some free actions such as casting a Quicken Spell spell] deals 1 point of damage after the completion of the act. Unless the action increased the disabled character’s hit points, she is in negative hit points and dying).

Nogusta, you're up!

As the wave of orcs crashed past the outer barricade, Nogusta heard the defenders talk about moving behind the inner barricade to strengthen their position. The cleric flew up and backwards towards the inner barricade and another wave of healing light pulsed out from him.

Channel Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 6) = 13

Should be able to catch that whole line of peeps and make progress towards the barricade, since the healing should bring LM back to being able to move normally.

The map has been updated to take into account what has transpired thus far...

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
General Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Basil Poledouris - Battle of the Mounds/Day of Doom

Nogusta
As the wave of orcs crashed past the outer barricade, Nogusta heard the defenders talk about moving behind the inner barricade to strengthen their position. The cleric flew up and backwards towards the inner barricade and another wave of healing light pulsed out from him.

Channel Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 6) = 13

All members of Team Ruby receive 13 points of healing (though you cannot have more than your total maximum hit points). This brings Liesel-Marie up to 13 hit points. She's still in the Critical threshold, but is no longer staggered or disabled.

Gharr
Gharr's Fortitude check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18; -3 due to being at the Critical wound threshold...
... and a 15 is not enough to pass. Gharr has shuffled off this mortal coil.

Without the benefit of her native regenerative ability, the injuries received by the flood troll proved to be more than she could handle as saliva and other fluids built up both in her throat and upper chest, forcing Gharr to breathe in short, quick bursts. This went on for a few moments until finally the troll expired with a wheezing exhalation of breath.

Liesel-Marie, you're up!

*Wipes away a tear* Sniff! I love you guys!

------------------------------------------------------

Liesel-Marie was so focused on ending the biggest threat before her, the accursed troll, she didn't even see the bandaged archer until some sixth sense caused her to look up, just as two ballista bolts hit her, one in the ribs, the other a handspan lower. The pain! Blessed oblivion took her almost immediately.

Lying there, partially pinning the unfortunate woman who had been just behind her, she could still hear the raging battle, the roar of victory from the bandaged orc, the bard's curse very close to the Erutaki's ear, Kyt's plea that someone bring aid, the patrol seargent's muffled curse, then the death rattle she knew must be her own. In her near-dreaming state, she feels it as the bard pushes Liesel-Marie off, the barbarian landing on her side with the arrows protruding from her chest.

Suddenly, the drum beats of the Minkai bard changed, became something more, and Liesel-Marie could feel them tugging at the grievous wounds in her chest as Mesa shouted to fall back. The drum beats almost felt like they were pulling the arrows back out. Fall back! Yes, I wanted to fall back after the troll was dead. You should fall back, let me rest, but I'll kill the troll, just as soon as I can rest...

As she lays there, on the verge of consciousness from the bard's amazing powers of restoration, not knowing she yet lives, the barbaric young woman smells and feels a warm dry breeze washing over her from the cleric's Dawnflower-spawned gift, knitting her wounds even further and pushing the arrows the rest of the way back out of her body.

To Mesa's likely amazement, the bloodrager's eyes pop open. Seeing her greataxe before her on the ground, she grabs it with one hand. In one fluid motion, she pushes herself to her feet and grabs the bard around the waist as she heads to the barricades. "Fall back! Fighting retreat! Get behind the barricades!"

That is, of course, if grabbing my weapon is considered a free action so I have a move action to stand and another to move. If allowed with the wings, I would hustle directly toward the barricade and fly/jump directly over. If the weapon requires an action to retrieve, it will remain where she dropped it.

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
General Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Basil Poledouris - Battle of the Mounds/Day of Doom

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie was so focused on ending the biggest threat before her, the accursed troll, she didn't even see the bandaged archer until some sixth sense caused her to look up, just as two ballista bolts hit her, one in the ribs, the other a handspan lower. The pain! Blessed oblivion took her almost immediately.

Lying there, partially pinning the unfortunate woman who had been just behind her, she could still hear the raging battle, the roar of victory from the bandaged orc, the bard's curse very close to the Erutaki's ear, Kyt's plea that someone bring aid, the patrol seargent's muffled curse, then the death rattle she knew must be her own. In her near-dreaming state, she feels it as the bard pushes Liesel-Marie off, the barbarian landing on her side with the arrows protruding from her chest.

Suddenly, the drum beats of the Minkai bard changed, became something more, and Liesel-Marie could feel them tugging at the grievous wounds in her chest as Mesa shouted to fall back. The drum beats almost felt like they were pulling the arrows back out.

As she lays there, on the verge of consciousness from the bard's amazing powers of restoration, not knowing she yet lives, the barbaric young woman smells and feels a warm dry breeze washing over her from the cleric's Dawnflower-spawned gift, knitting her wounds even further and pushing the arrows the rest of the way back out of her body.

To Mesa's likely amazement, the bloodrager's eyes pop open. Seeing her greataxe before her on the ground, she grabs it with one hand. In one fluid motion, she pushes herself to her feet and grabs the bard around the waist as she heads to the barricades. Fall back! Fighting retreat! Get behind the barricades!

Liesel-Marie can retrieve her weapon as a move action. Getting to her feet is also a move action, though she can do this in place of her standard action. Since she hasn't actually moved any distance, our Erutaki Warrior Princess(tm) can take a 5-foot step after performing both of these actions.

Aodhán
At the sight of the bandaged woman raising her bow to sight down the length of an arrow, Aodhán had fallen back into a defensive stance, with the hope that his reflexes would be enough to evade the shot if indeed it was meant for him.

When the mysterious archer released the string that sent the arrow forth, the Chelish bouncer's heart fell as he noted the economy of motion as she nocked a second arrow and let it loose a heartbeat after the first. One he could possibly hope to evade, but a second was beyond his ability.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl for Aodhán as each arrow streaked his way, then past. A sense of relief came over him, but it was short-lived
as he heard the missiles slam into their intended target. He turned in time to see Liesel-Marie blasted from where she had been kneeling over the fallen troll and into the short woman next to her.

As the Erutaki lay unmoving on the ground, those thick arrows protruding from her chest, Aodhán was barely aware of what was going on around him, so complete was his shock. Then all at once, he heard a familiar voice.

Get to her. Do whatever you can for her, but make sure she gets out of here alive. I'll do what I can to give you the time you'll need.

The Chelish bouncer heard the monk let out a deep breath before she shouldered her weapon and strode calmly toward the incoming orcs. Seeing Kyt perform a jumping roundhouse kick that then flowed into a diagonal two-handed slash with her temple sword snapped Aodhán from his state of inaction. The elf was risking her life to ensure that their friend would be safe.

He could do no less than her.

Aodhán's caestūs attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14; +1 due to inspiring performance
caestūs damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5; +1 due to inspiring performance

Aodhán dashed forward, his right arm performing a short circular arc as his caestūs-covered fist was thrust upward at a surprise angle toward the chin of the orc closest to him. Though not enough power had been generated with the strike to drop his foe, the punch did leave the orc somewhat unsteady on its feet.

Aodhán took a free action to maintain his inspiring performance, a diagonal 5-foot step to move, as well as a standard action to attack the closest Twisted Heart orc.

Rohan, you're up!

Leisel-Marie will leave her axe, then, taking a move action to stand and another to carry Mesa toward the barricades. Over, if the wings allow it.

"Would like to clarify that I only have a DR of 3 so I would have taken 6 damage from the arrow if it had hit. I believe the graze affects AC too if I am correct giving me a AC of 18 not 19. So you were correct that I took the impact but no damage. Just making sure we both knew that.

Rohan knew that things were getting tight and with his eyes widening as he saw the upcoming orcs coming in like a flood of water rising to there defeat. It was time, we must fall back as we can not hold the wall anymore. A tear fell from his eyes as he felt defeat filling up his heart.

Rohan took an arrow right to the chest and his thickened armor protected him as he stood there and boosted his resilience and a matter of no show as if the arrow didn't phase him. For he was moving and he was a wall to most but that was only temporary; he knew the tide was creeping in quickly.

"GO!!! I will stand here till everyone are over the barricades, now run"

Rohan shouted out as if trying to give a command but he knew inside that there was little time. Though his attention quickly changed to Kelseph who had hit him and his comrade in the chest, overcoming the loss of his overprotectiveness in his weakness as Liesel rised to her feet. He decided that it was time to repay the assault against him and attempted to strike back.

One single pushing infusion attack launched forward like a thousand bullets firing all at once directly at Kelseph.

"You hurt my friends, now die"

Pushing Infusion Onslaught blast: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 1 + 1 = 29 "+1 included for the inspiration -1 for being Grazed, Pushing infusion if hits will push back only 5ft, hopefully into the wall"
Confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 1 + 1 = 17
Damage: 3d6 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) + 3 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 21 "I believe thats +9 damage on crits for x2 multiplier"

Kelseph took so many hits like a gatling gun was slamming every round into him leaving amass many wounds to heal upon. The force was so great that it knocked him into the wall behind him leaving behind a dint in the wall structure from such a major blow.

Ogash only hit an AC of 15, so she missed Rohan regardless, which was why I had him "no-sell" the attack.

Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Twisted Heart Monitor Lizard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
General Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Gharr: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ogash, the Steel Maiden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Omast Frum: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Kagak's Orc Squad-Mates: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Twisted Heart Orcs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Basil Poledouris - Battle of the Mounds/Day of Doom

Rohan
GO!!! I will stand here till everyone are over the barricades, now run, Rohan shouted, as if trying to give a command, but he knew inside that there was little time.

Then his attention quickly changed to Kelseph who had hit his comrade in the chest, overcoming the loss of his overprotectiveness in his weakness as Liesel-Marie rose to her feet. He decided that it was time to repay the assault and attempted to strike back.

One single attack launched forward like a thousand bullets firing all at once directly at Kelseph.

You hurt my friends. Now die!

Kelseph took each hit, every round slamming into and forcing the general to shield herself by covering up with her arms. So relentless was the assault that it seemed to slowly push the orc back toward the wall behind her.

Since Rohan didn't roll his CMB to see if the pushing worked, I'll do that for him.

Pushing Infusion CMB check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15; using Constitution modifier in place of Strength, -1 due to Grazed threshold, +1 due to inspiring performance.

A 15 does not overcome Kelseph's CMD, so...

All around the general, members of the Twisted Heart alliance issued gasps of shock and dismay as Kelseph was besieged by Rohan's attack. With each impact, with each hit, the orcs cringed, knowing that none of them could have hoped to come through it with their lives intact. Blood, mixed with the vile fluid from her tumors and sores, fell from the general to the ground.

But she did not fall. Instead, Kelseph planted her feet and refused to be budged from where she stood, seemingly drawing strength the pain of her wounds.

And when Rohan's attack was over, the general brought down her arms and stood tall, defiant in the wake of it all.

The sight brought forth a cheer from her fellow orcs, one that carried across the open expanse of the inner quarter. Their general had survived and that gave the members of the Twisted Heart alliance hope that they would yet prevail in this fight.

Ogash
The Steel Maiden did not take kindly to being ignored by the giant human, and decided to let her displeasure be known lining up another shot with her own bow.

Ogash's shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
shortbow arrow damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Rohan, taken somewhat aback that the target of his attack had neither gone down nor moved in the slightest, was nearly caught unaware by Ogash's renewed offense. Only his finely honed reflexes managed to keep the tall human from taking the full brunt of the shot, but the sudden expenditure of energy in avoiding that damage was beginning to take its toll upon his gangly frame. Fatigue was beginning to set in, and it would have an effect on any further attacks he would make.

Due to his DR, Rohan only takes 5 points of damage from Ogash's arrow shot. This brings his hit point total to 18, leaving him still in the Grazed threshold. Rohan takes a –1 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

Ogash followed up the bowshot by driving her knees into the shoulders of her wolf mount, a familiar action it understood all too well. The semi-mechanical lupine bounded off toward Rohan.

Ravage's bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24; +2 from charging
bite damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

With a fierce snarl, the wolf charged the tall human. It was on him in moments, and had clamped down on Rohan's left arm, teeth and fangs aided by the immense strength of the wolf's jaws to damage the stony exterior of his flesh. Then the mechanical hybrid set itself in an attempt to pull the tall man down.

Ravage's trip attempt: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

To Rohan's utter amazement, he found himself upended, thrown violently upon the ground by the feral strength of Ogash's steed. A creature that now loomed over him.

Rohan has taken another 5 points of damage from the wolf's bite (8 - 3 from his DR). This brings his hit point total down to 13, putting him in the Wounded threshold. Rohan takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level. In addition, the wolf succeeded on its trip attempt and Rohan is now lying on the ground prone. Should Rohan attempt to attack while prone, he takes a –4 penalty on melee attack rolls and cannot use a ranged weapon (except for a crossbow). Otherwise, he gains a +4 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attacks, but takes a –4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. Attempting to stand up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity.

Omast Frum
The patrol sergeant was not thrilled one bit about having the lizard in his face. And the situation hadn't been made better by the comments of the tiny singer from the bar. His face flushed with anger, Omast took his frustration out on the reptile.

Omast's greatsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20; -3 due to Power Attack and being in the Grazed threshold, +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 18.
greatsword damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9; +6 due to Power Attack, +1 due to Aodhán's inspiring performance ability for a total of 16 points of damage.

Frum's blade nearly cleaved the creature in half as it sheared through scale, flesh, and even bone. Only its pain-filled primitive brain kept the creature up and going, despite the fact that blood was pouring from it like a leaky faucet.

Kagak's Squad-Mates
The sight of the general withstanding the earthborn assault of Rohan caused the members of Kagak's squad to swell with pride. They looked to one another and nodded, as if sharing the same thought. The two made their way to door and began the descent down to participate in the fighting.

Leaving Nyym all alone at the top of the tower.

Twisted Heart Orcs
More orcs began to pour into the inner quarter, lusty cheers upon their lips as their ranks began to swell in size.

Eager to take vengeance for the attack upon their leader, some of them wasted no time in going after those members of Team Ruby (along with the patrol sergeant) that were buying time for the others to make the barricades.

At this point, it would be pointless to update the map. Mesa, Liesel-Marie, and Nogusta will make it back to the barricades without taking any further damage. This leaves Aodhán, Kytynna, and Patrol Sergeant Frum to bear the brunt of the incoming wave of Twisted Heart orcs. They will get (as in be on the receiving end of) two attacks. Rohan is being surrounded while he is down on the ground, but will otherwise not be attacked unless he attempts to get up.

Orcs Attacking Aodhán
falchion attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
falchion attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
falchion attack 1 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12
falchion attack 2 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Orcs Attacking Kyt
falchion attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
falchion attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
falchion attack 1 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
falchion attack 2 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8

Orcs Attacking Omast Frum
falchion attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
critical confirmation roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
falchion attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
falchion attack 1 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
falchion attack 2 damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

Kyt managed to keep an area around her clear, her deft use of sword and fist earning the elf a measure of respect from her enemies. As she looked about, the outcome of this night seemed no longer in doubt. First Aodhán, then Frum, began to take hits from the orcs. Rohan lay helpless on the ground. She took some comfort that not all of her friends would die, and that brought Kyt a measure of peace.

She raised her sword and prepared to take as many with her as she could when all at once a cry was heard on the battlefield:

Trunau forever!

From the southwest, Chief Defender Halgra, Patrol Leader Jagrin Grath, Sara Morninghawk, Agrit Staginsdar, Vegazi, and Kurst Grath, along with the remainder of Trunau's militia force had arrived at long last.

This brings an end to Round 12.

Well done!

For you all, combat is effectively over. The orcs that were attacking Aodhán, Kyt, and the patrol sergeant are being called back to form up new ranks to deal with the militia. Ogash is likewise doing the same, allowing Rohan to get up and make it back (along with the others) to the safety of the barricade. Frum, on the other hand, will join the Chief Defender.

I'm going to give you guys the opportunity to role play this turn of events. Afterward, I'll hand out experience points.

Nyym, seeing the Orcs leave the tower takes the opportunity to grab anything left of value on Kagak as he will not be needing it any longer.. looking at the drum..

Mesa would love to have this. And I can not forget a trophy for Liesel-Marie.

Taking a quick seeing with his Hope Knife, Nyym removes Kagaks head. Picking up the head and the drum. Nyym does a scan of the area looking for the location of the Giant.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

trip7: 3d10 ⇒ (4, 1, 7) = 12

With the weather making things hard to see, Nyym curses under his breath. Then with a flex of his wings, he leaps from the tower and passing over the battle to rejoin his friends making sure to get as close to the ground as quick as possible, both for the added weight and in case Mesa quit playing before he got to her..

Assuming Nyym completely stripped Kagak of his gear, he has the following (in addition to the war drums and head):

scrolls of cause fear (2)
scroll of charm person
scrolls of grease (2)
scroll of remove fear
scrolls of summon monster I (2)
wand of cure light wounds (24 charges)
thunderstone
mwk chainmail
mwk light steel shield
mwk battleaxe
throwing axes (5)
antitoxin

Nogusta turned back from the barricades as the defenders were getting overwhelmed by the orcs. The Mwangi looked up at the heavens for a moment.
Blessed Lady, if this be the day I walk by your side I welcome it.
Nogusta took a deep, calming breath and prepared to move back out to the courtyard and save as many of these brave souls as he could. Before he could act, however, the reinforcements arrived; battle-hardened militia who looked more than capable of finishing the fight.
With a heavy sigh of weary relief and a silent, smiling prayer to the Dawnflower, the cleric turned to the group as they made their way to the defensive position.

The circumstances did not allow a proper introduction when I arrived. I am Nogusta, a servant of the Blessed Dawnflower, Sarenrae. I was praying to my Lady to guide me in the way I could be most useful in her service, and found myself suddenly here. I can see that your group is brave and capable, and am proud to have stood beside you in defending this town...which is called...?

Nogusta's voice is deep and soothing. His words are accented, and every syllable seems to be pronounced carefully and formally, showing that he learned the language in a classroom or under tutelage. The cleric's speech begins with a broad smile and ends with a look of confusion as he realizes that he has no idea where he is. He leaves the final question hanging and causes yet another channeled pulse of warm sunlight to radiate from him.

channel: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) = 11

Nogusta can actually do that 6 more times before going into his spells. I don't know the exact amounts of healing everyone needs, but he would be willing to top everyone off with channeling in case we need to jump back into the fray and flank the orcs after our breather.

” Wha? GAAAH! The bard is not a proper replacement for your ax! She is not a melee weapon and certainly not a ranged one!” Mesa flailed before realizing she was being carried away from the fight not towards it. ” Oh well.... now I feel silly.... thanks...”

Some how she managed to keep playing as she settled in behind the barricade. She didn't see Nyym just yet so she kept up the playing a bit longer hoping he would land before the wings gave out.

She didn't have much longer for that however her fingers were weary and the kotodama of the place was barely there. Still she could give the dark elf a few more moments to get here.

Her tails faded out of sight as she sat there partially hunched over the Shamisen playing a slower pace than usual as she let the effects fall off those around her who were already there.

Music

Very funny, Mesa, love that remark.

Getting the bard across the barricades, a fatigued Liesel-Marie moves toward one of the cached polearms and drawing one of her javelins when she realizes how many friends remained in contact with the mob of orcs. She shouts angrily at those that had stayed behind, "Fall back! Defend the barricades!"

The feeling of sunshine warming her skin as her wounds healed further was welcome, indeed, but she only noted it in the back of her mind. She is still on the move, not staying here while there was still fighting out there, bone-weary tired or not.

Only the sound of the reinforcements' arrival kept her from leaving the relative safety of the barricades. The feeling of hope their appearance brought made her realize just how little hope she had held of seeing the next sunrise. With that realization, the fatigue one out and she went down on one knee, breathing heavily.

Unsure of how many rounds of rage were actually used today, but I doubt she has many left. That last round of healing from Nogusta (Thank you, sir, she will eventually acknowledge it out loud.) actually puts her exactly at 75%, so I believe she is not currently incurring a penalty from her injuries, but she is fatigued for a while. EDIT: Hmm, after falling unconscious, I guess she fell out her bloodrage automatically, so her fatigue occurred before her retreat. I will edit the post above accordingly.

The members of Team Ruby currently sit at 7,865 XP, while Nogusta (due to being a higher level) possesses 15,000 XP. I had calculated the XP reward previously without the cleric being a factor. Knowing that his addition would lower the total for everyone, I opted not to change it (you guys worked your butts off and deserve to receive more for that effort). Just know that going forward, any XP rewards the group receives after this will be taking Nogusta's presence into account.

After taking into account kills and story awards, the group receives a grand total of 2,820 XP. This puts Team Ruby at 10,685 and the second tier for 4th level while Nogusta is at 17,820 XP, putting him at the 2nd tier of 5th level. For roleplaying, I'm awarding another 300 XP, placing your totals at 10,985 and 18,120 respectively.

Since Nogusta's player may not be familiar with how staggered advancement works, a link has been provided for his benefit (as well as anyone else that needs the reminder).

Without a doubt, you guys have earned this Final Fantasy victory dance.

Unsure of how many rounds of rage were actually used today, but I doubt she has many left. That last round of healing from Nogusta (Thank you, sir, she will eventually acknowledge it out loud.) actually puts her exactly at 75%, so I believe she is not currently incurring a penalty from her injuries, but she is fatigued for a while. EDIT: Hmm, after falling unconscious, I guess she fell out her bloodrage automatically, so her fatigue occurred before her retreat. I will edit the post above accordingly.

My understanding is that Liesel-Marie has only been using her own rounds of bloodrage from the moment she activated her elemental defense, which was during round 9. Round 11 was when the character was knocked unconscious, so Liesel-Marie has only used 2 rounds of bloodrage. Up until then, she had been using the raging performance from Mesa's cloak.

I had forgotten about the cloak’s rage entirely, that makes sense.

Regarding leveling up, are we jumping from second tier of third to second tier of fourth? Or are my notes just completely wrong?

Nyym glides over the embattled Orcs and Trunau Militia setting down gently as he approached the barricades. Folding in his wings so as not to touch anyone as he entered his group of friends, he immediately notices the new comer and overheard him asking the name of this location..

Welcome to the battle for Trunau. Sorry you had to arrive at such a distressing time.

With a look around at his friends, Nyym can't help but notice how weary they look and understood all to well what they had been though. Nyym sets the drums down between himself and Mesa in hopes of heading off any rebuttals to his sudden appearance and extends his hand in warm greeting

But it would also seem that the timing of ur a rival was also fortuitous as well. You have my thanks for you aid to my friends. I am know as Nyym. Wish I could say it is a pleasure, but as you have already seen, these are not pleasant times of late.

Although Nyym wished to add a smile to the greeting. The gravity of their current situation would not allow for even as he greeted the newcomer, Nyym could not shrug off the devastation around the or his failed to stop Bax or locate the Giant he knew to be somewhere near. Taking out the Orc Bard was only of mild temperance.

I had forgotten about the cloak’s rage entirely, that makes sense.

Regarding leveling up, are we jumping from second tier of third to second tier of fourth? Or are my notes just completely wrong?

From second tier of 3rd to 2nd tier of 4th. You guys did quite a bit of work here, so you're receiving your just due.

Rohan appreciated the arrival of the town military coming to his aid, and with that he quickly tumbled out from underneath of the wolf and the others and made his escape behind the barricade. Hoping over the barricade as though he was nearly stepping over it with a quick glide as his tall 7'11 frame took him over the barricade easily. With a solid thud sound his slender body landed on the ground near the group.

"I'm Rohan, pleased to meet you new fellow of healing light. With out your aid we may have not lasted as long as we did.

Rohan voice was deep and sounded fairly harsh, though speaking sounded like he was yelling almost with such a bass voice.

The sweat could be seen falling down rohan face from all the exertion that was taking place although he stood there as though it wasn't phasing him at all. Walking forward his cloak found its final resting place at his side as he stopped in front of the group.

"Where should we be heading next as this post seems to be covered for now?

The question was all to close to rohan heart as he knew there was more to go and that this couldn't be the end with the battle raging on outside the town.

It takes less than a minute for the bloodrager's breathing to return to normal, but she's been focused on deep breaths when Rohan speaks up. Looking puzzled, she looks at the defenders and the array of orcs and back at her very tall ally. "Why would we go? There is battle to be won here."

Presuming that Nyym has not had time to share what he's learned yet.

Realizing her manners, she reaches toward the healer for a warrior's clasp, "As Rohan says, thank you. Your healing kept us alive. I am Liesel-Marie."

Nogusta clasps hands with Nym and with a smile and a look of appreciation replies...

Thank you. I go where Saerenrae sends me, quite literally, it seems. Trunau, you say? I'm not familiar with it, but I will help in whatever way I can.

Nogusta nods to Rohan in thanks and then clasps Liesel-Marie's arm in the warrior's clasp.
I appreciate the sentiment, and accept your thanks in the name of the Everlight. It is she who sent me here, and my spells are but humble requests for her intercession.

Seeing that the conversation may be leading towards further battle, Nogusta will pop another channel to try to better top off those who might still be a few off of max.

channel: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10

Thankful for the arrival of much needed backup, Kyt falls back to check on the rest of the party. She finds Nyym and gently places her hand on his upper arm, careful from not knowing the extent of his injuries. Looking up into his eyes, hers echoing exhaustion and much worry since the adrenaline rush started to leave her.
There are no words to express how thankful I am that you are alright.
Looking over the rest of the group, at all of their wonderful battered, bruised, but still beautifully breathing faces.
That goes for all of you. New ally included.
She bows to the best of her injured ability to the one that came to their aid when they needed it most. Seeing and listening to her group welcome him in shakes, clasps, and exchanges.
Nogusta is it? Kytynna, at your service. I apologize for the shortness of my greeting. If you will excuse me.
She bows again, realizing that if the first time was painful... well a second time wasn’t the best of ideas. Finding an open spot next to Liesel-Marie, she turns to her with tear filled eyes. Wiping at them with the back of her hand and smearing it with whatever dirt, sweat, and blood was already there.
You! Thank the stars that you are alright! If this is even a fraction of what a parent must feel like with worry over a child, I should never wish to have any out of fear of it breaking off a larger piece of my soul than worrying over you just did my friend!

A now-completely-healed bloodrager grins back. ”Oh, but a child must fall before they walk before they run! Don’t think about the falls, think of the running!”

Standing, the young human fold the weary and wounded elf into a careful bear hug. ”And you need to stop taking on the entire army of orcs single-handedly, mother. That’s my job. Master healer, can you help my mother elf? She yet hurts.”

Liesel-Marie supports the elf, forcing her to lean against her side until the wounds have been addressed. For her part, the young woman is dirty from the battlefield and cuts (and punctures) in her clothes and armor reveal fresh scars, but she is reinvigorated and ready to go once more.

Rohan stood there listening to the people talk and tried to glance back over the battle that was still in existence to see where they might be needed next.

"Your right we are still needed but the question is weather our services could be used more tactically then straight on battle."

Rohan finally stopped breathing heavy as the sounds of battle raged on behind him it was hardly noticeable.

"I'm just thankful that we all made it back ok."

As Nogusta and the members of Team Ruby collect themselves in the aftermath of their defense of the inner quarter, beyond the barricades, both the Trunau militia and the Twisted Heart alliance were marshaling their respective forces.

On one side, scores of orcs, all huge by the standards of their race (with some approaching if not exceeding seven feet and weighing in at nearly three hundred pounds of honed muscle and thick bone), lined the streets. Only the unspoken will of their leader, General Kelseph, kept them from charging en masse at the assembly across from them.

This unusual display of discipline unnerved many of the defenders of Trunau. Halgra of the Blackened Blades, Chief Defender and leader of the town could sense the mood shifting in favor of the orcs. She knew what needed to be done.

Stand firm, defenders of Trunau! Halgra called out. The fear that would grip your hearts has its cold fingers around mine as well. But this day, the courage of Trunau cannot falter. To do so is to forsake our friends and break the bonds of fellowship wrought here. In this place, few stood against many for our sake.

The old, seemingly frail-looking woman drew the twin fire-blackened swords that had adorned her hips. The countenance of weariness that had seemed to weigh upon her was gone in this moment. I call upon you to fulfill your oaths! I call upon you stand! Trunau Forever!

The defenders of Trunau took up the cry. Trunau forever!

That call did not cause the orcs to waver in the slightest. They were eager to crush the puny humans and reclaim the land that had been stolen from their people.

And yet only one stepped forward, bow in hand.

The bandaged-wrapped form of Kelseph.

Halgra! Know that you've FAILED this town... She raised the weapon, arrow nocked, string drawn back.

The Chief Defender allowed the rage within her to come to the surface, bolstering the frailness of her form with the strength that made her the fiercest warrior Trunau had ever seen.

...And your children!

The twang of the bowshot carried across the square.

General Kelseph bowshot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24; -1 due to Grazed condition.
orc hornbow arrow damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 6) + 7 = 18

The assembled men and women of Trunau's militia watched in horror as their leader staggered wide-eyed, having suddenly sprouted an arrow from her throat.

The general had already readied her second arrow to fire. Before you die, know that I will eat your heart. Your daughter will be put under the knife and your line will be wiped out forever.

And with those words, Kelspeh fired her second shot.

General Kelseph bowshot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31; -1 due to Grazed condition.
orc hornbow arrow damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 4) + 7 = 17; +12 damage due to critical confirmation (as with Liesel-Marie, due to how Kelseph is written up, the general does not need to roll a confirmation roll against her particular target, doing so automatically).
20% chance to bypass Halgra's guarded life rage power: 1d20 ⇒ 13; needed a 4 or less on the d20. Did not succeed.

The second arrow struck Halgra solidly in the chest, just above the heart. As the Chief Defender reeled, the newly embedded missile began to glow with a thick black radiance that seemed to drag flecks of bright red light out of the critically wounded Halgra.

Halgra's Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16; - 3 due to Critical condition.

The older woman glared defiantly at the general, but Kelseph seemed unmoved by what was transpiring. As Halgra watched, some of the orc's previously inflicted wounds were slowly beginning to mend. The pieces of red light began to flow out of the Chief Defender at a faster rate, and with it, the rage that had, up until now, been sustaining her.

For Desna's sake! screamed Patrol Leader Jagrin. Pull her back! Pull her back while we can still save her!

Those were the last words Halgra heard before darkness took her and she lost consciousness.

At the sight of the chaos that had settled upon the militia, Kelseph looked to Ogash and nodded, one that the Steel Maiden returned as she began howling loudly (which was echoed by her wolf mount) before leading the orc charge across the square toward the demoralized defenders.

What is Team Ruby going to do?

Nyym relaxed to Kyts touch only slightly, Turning to Liesel-Marie and holding up Kagaks head..

I know you like to take trophies so I bring you the head of the Orc Bard. I was also able to grab these scrolls and wand as well as this other equipment as well. I was only able to scout for a short time before I encountered Bax again. She is somewhere writhing the city as I was unable to track her. That's when I saw the Orcs on the tower and moved on them. Scatter it as you feel.

Nyym, like Rohan was turning to view the confrontation as it was unfolding at the gate. Answering Rohans statement..

I as well am also glad we all came though our confrontation with t.....

Nyym was speaking as Halgra was, but still hanging on her every word as she pumped up the town Militia.. Suddenly aware that the General had started speaking, Nyym started readying himself for another fight. He froze as the General spoke and then put not one, but 2 arrows into the chief defender. But it was not the sight of what he has saw, but the words the General had spoken. The encounter with Bax on the wall came flooding back in a rush and suddenly it all made since..

BAX!!!

He spoke aloud as he though it.. With this sudden revelation, he suddenly turned with the horror of his conclusion on his face for all to see..

We have to get to the long house now!!.. Ruby is Bax's target. She's the one that will put Ruby to the blade.

Without waiting for a response, Nyym let the items he was handing out as well as Kagaks head fall where they may as he turned to make all haste to the Long house. Hoping against hope that they were not to late, but fearing they were as Nyym bolted for the Long house, he could only hope the others followed.

for this that wish to grab any of the items that Nyym just dropped, I am posting a lost in the discussions thread.

Kyt, not waiting a second longer, takes chase with Nyym towards the long house! Her statement before about worry for a child taking hold of her as she runs with full force beside him!
Not as long as I take breath! If so much as a hair is harmed on her I will kill them all!
Her mind rolling with the same phrase over and over again... We are Team Ruby! For the sake of all things we are Team Ruby! If we can’t protect her then who can?!
We have not even a half second to spare! If nothing else has yet, this will sign their total demise! I will gladly sign that contract of an oath with their blood!
We are Team Ruby! We must make it in time! No other way of course must happen! We just have to make it! Her weapons at the ready she urges the Half Drow on with her as she keeps pace with him.
Is that all you got?!
She calls to him as she speeds up her pace.
Their blood still wishes to flow! Bax dies! We will rest once we either succeed or take our last breath, whichever comes first!

Mesa glared at Rohan.
” Where do we go? I'd say bed, bed sounds good. That was freaking nuts! Mesa snapped.

Mesa grumbled blinking as she took note of the drums. She paused taking the drums up as she looked over the instrument curiously.

The shouting from the leader of the reinforcements drew her attention. It was a rather inspiring speech, all things considered.

Granted the effect of the woman falling was far more detrimental to the morale of the guard than the speech had been.

Disarray, chaos, the one death had brought this. The Guards might rally on their own, but how many would be lost before that happened and it might not even happen, the orcs could roll over them.

She glanced back noting Nyym had come to a conclusion and was shouting for every one to go to the long house.

Save one person and let the Guard be over run. Sure they were important but flagging moral repair was one of the bards specialties, running to the rescue was not.

” Do what you need to do, I can do more here...... by the stars that sounded like so much heroic nonsense, I hope this crap isn't catching.”

Mesa growled lightly setting up the new drums and rolling up her sleeves. She didn't have much left, but all these guys would need is a push.

Music

Using cloak, inspired rage. +1 melee +1 damage +2 will -1 AC +1hp per hit die. Those under the effect will not be fatigued at the end.

Mesa started to lay into the pair of drums her cloak billowing up behind her in a unseen wind as the Kotadama raged around her.

Before Rohan had a chance to speak anything more he watched as his friends darted off into the distance as they were heading to the long house to save Bax. Though he maybe right there was still a dire need for saving moral here and also saving the chief defender as she was important to the resistance the militia was giving to the orcs.

" I can't recall the reason for saving Bax, or exactly who he is; I don't remember him."

"We need to help get the chief defender, Halgra back to safety, she more important at this time in the front line of combat. I'll stay here and help Mesa"

Rohan was taken in by the quick fall of the leader after such a great speech, he called out behind mesa inspiration music.

"Warriors, followers take heed and let Halgra fall be your inspiration to stand firm and fight like you have never fought before. Don't let her fall go in vain, fight for your life fight for your town. WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP to these fowl orcs."

Rohan hopped that his words were as inspirational as the leader Halgra. Trying to make the difference in the battlefield he fired back at General Kelseph to attempt to drive him back or knock him down. The burn was deep in him as he had to sacrifice more health to attempt another push at General Kelseph at such a distance. Gathering up a large boulder appeared above rohan head and he launched it like a catapult, leaving behind a trail of dust as the speed was incredible.

Onslaught attack against General Kelseph: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 1 = 18 Pushing assault, caused 1 burn to push and extended range
Damage of impact: 3d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4, 5) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 22
Bull rush pushing assault attempt: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 4 = 15

hp: 33/33

The hit might not have hit General Kelseph but it was a great attempt at displaying some heroic feet to inspire the men to fight harder than ever before.

"Mark my words, you will fall this day ORC"

Rohan called out in a deep voice that should have carried well over the battlefield. Thankfully he was taller than the barricade to make the attack.

Before Rohan had a chance to speak anything more he watched as his friends darted off into the distance as they were heading to the long house to save Bax. Though he maybe right there was still a dire need for saving moral here and also saving the chief defender as she was important to the resistance the militia was giving to the orcs.

" I can't recall the reason for saving Bax, or exactly who he is; I don't remember him."

Two things...

1) The goal isn't to save Bax. The goal is to save Ruby, the youngest daughter of the Chief Defender and the group's namesake.

2) Bax is the masked woman that Liesel-Marie, Nyym, and Rohan met while exploring the Plague House that has eluded capture or death two times now.

While I'm here, let's resolve Rohan's attack on the general...

We need to help get the chief defender, Halgra back to safety, she more important at this time in the front line of combat. I'll stay here and help Mesa

Rohan was taken in by the quick fall of the leader after such a great speech, he called out behind mesa inspiration music.

Warriors, followers take heed and let Halgra fall be your inspiration to stand firm and fight like you have never fought before. Don't let her fall go in vain, fight for your life fight for your town. WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP to these fowl orcs.

Rohan hoped that his words were as inspirational as the leader Halgra. Trying to make the difference in the battlefield he fired back at General Kelseph to attempt to drive him back or knock him down. The burn was deep in him as he had to sacrifice more health to attempt another push at General Kelseph at such a distance. Gathering up a large boulder appeared above rohan head and he launched it like a catapult, leaving behind a trail of dust as the speed was incredible.

Mark my words, you will fall this day ORC.

The general didn't even deign to look Rohan's way. She merely lifted her bow and rapidly fired off two shots at the incoming boulder, each arrow striking with such power and precision as to cause it to shatter into fragments that rained down harmlessly over the Twisted Heart orcs.

I may fall, replied Kelseph with a sinister grin, but it will not be THIS day. And not because of you.

I assume that means my attack missed

Liesel-Marie winces as Halgra falls, having experienced that personally moments earlier, but she can't let the others take on that masked devil alone. "I will be back." Snatching up a pair of the throwing axes that Nyym had dropped in their midst - and regretting the loss of her greataxe just a little - the bloodrager takes off for the longhouse. She probably can catch or pass Nyym if they are using the same number of move actions, but I'm not sure what Kyt's base speed is, so I suspect I'm somewhere between the two.

As they run, she says, "If you have a plan that doesn't involve smashing down a door, you'd better let me know soon..."

I assume that means my attack missed

You assume correctly, good sir. Rohan did indeed miss.

She probably can catch or pass Nyym if they are using the same number of move actions, but I'm not sure what Kyt's base speed is, so I suspect I'm somewhere between the two.

Kyt has the long-limbed elven racial trait, which increases her base movement speed by 5 feet to 35 feet. She's also a 4th-level unchained monk, which further boosts her movement by another 10 feet, giving her a final total of 45 feet. Liesel-Marie comes in a close second with 40 feet, with Nyym being the slow-poke of the trio at 30 feet. But as Kyt specifically said that she was keeping pace with Nyym, she's only moving at 30 feet per round. Catching the two of them shouldn't be a problem for the Erutaki at all.

Then she shall and she will pass them. If I may retcon, she will also scoop up the masterwork battleaxe as she launches from the barricades in pursuit of Bax.

Am I correct in thinking that I have a non-proficiency penalty (-4) when using the blocking greataxe at this time? Somehow I have failed to accurately portray that on my character sheet.

Then she shall and she will pass them. If I may retcon, she will also scoop up the masterwork battleaxe as she launches from the barricades in pursuit of Bax.

That's fine. Retcon approved

Am I correct in thinking that I have a non-proficiency penalty (-4) when using the blocking greataxe at this time? Somehow I have failed to accurately portray that on my character sheet.

Officially, yes. However, I'm inclined to lower that non-proficiency penalty to a -2 in this instance. After all, it is still a greataxe; just one with a haft that is thicker and heavier than normal for the purposes of being able to block with it. This penalty would be further reduced by the fact that it is a masterwork weapon, so Liesel-Marie would have only a -1 penalty to hit with it. And with the +1 weapon attunement, that would then become no penalty to hit (masterwork is not an enhancement bonus in my games, but rather an equipment bonus that can stack with the enhancement bonuses provided by weapon attunement). I hope that clarifies things somewhat for you.

Nogusta was not sure of what was happening, but one thing seemed to be clear; a child was being threatened, possibly sacrificed (under the knife) in some dark ritual to some depraved power that would enjoy such a thing. The Mwangi would not allow that to happen.

You move much faster than me, but take with you the strength of Sarenrae until I catch up.

Nousta's hand glows and he touches Liesel-Marie, the mighty warrior who was standing next to him.

An intense, but sudden and painless heat transfers from his hand and the warrior woman is infused with a surge of strength.

+4 enhancement bonus to strength for the next 5 minutes from Bull's Strength

After casting his spell, the cleric scoops up the dropped shield and hurries to follow as best he can.

Oh, I'm going to like having this guy around! Taking anyone to the dance on Friday, handsome? *bats eyelashes*

I wasn't sure what I would need to do to make my attunement apply to the blocking greataxe. I figured that would have to wait until after the current situation had been resolved.

Aodhán watched as the quartet of Kyt, Liesel-Marie, Nogusta, and Nyym took off toward the Longhouse. Though he longed to go with them, the Chelish bouncer knew that his place was with the militia. He looked to those that remained. Of the two, he was more familiar with Mesa than Rohan. Which was why her presence here puzzled him. In the time that he had worked at the Killing Ground, Aodhán had pegged the tiny Minkai woman as somewhat shallow emotionally, interested in making a quick profit and only looking out for herself.

To see her here filled the man with suspicion, but he tried to put all of that aside. From what he could tell, Mesa had been in the thick of the fighting to hold the square long enough for the militia to arrive. That alone spoke more to her character in his eyes than anything else. If the others could trust her, he could do no less himself.

So, he began. How do you think we should approach this? I'm open to any suggestions.

With Nogusta's post, I have a pretty good idea on how to handle things. So with that said, lets go ahead and get the initiatives out of the way. For the purpose of these scenes, I'm not concerned with the Twisted Heart orcs place in the order. They'll be considered hazards that'll pop up every so often to impede Aodhán, Mesa, Rohan, and Vegazi from carrying out their objectives. Nor am I concerned with the militia's place in the order. They'll be treated as hazards with regard to the likes of Kelseph and Ogash.

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Taiko Set - Powerful Shaolin Kung Fu Music (mixed by He Tian Heng)

Some of you may notice a few names in the order that haven't been seen or heard from in a while. Good eyes! Those individuals may pop up through out the course of these scenes, some to assist, others to hinder (there are, after all, other scenarios playing out in addition what is going on with you guys and I have to be mindful of them while keeping the focus on the PCs).

In keeping with having the focus be on the PCs (for the moment, at least), Mesa gets to kick things off until combat actually does start (hence why her name is bolded). I will be working on getting new maps ready for posting in the mean time while keeping on the thread between dealing with my work schedule.

I wasn't sure what I would need to do to make my attunement apply to the blocking greataxe. I figured that would have to wait until after the current situation had been resolved.

Liesel-Marie can attune herself to any one weapon in her possession, and can change that attunement once per day. Nothing special, just a declaration of intent (and perhaps a bit of RP to show what is happening). The same applies with the armor attunement. This goes for everyone else as well.

At 6th level, the attunement bonuses can actually be split between two weapons or a suit of armor and a shield before getting the +2 bonus at 7th (at which point you can decide to either maintain the split bonus or go all in with the +2).

” Well a good start would be to keep all this pre-dirt nap fertilizer away from me so I can keep this beat going.” Mesa suggested still going at the drums with a vengeance. ” Beyond that, head of the snake and all that. In any case better do it quick because I cannot keep this up forever.”[ /B]

[b]”To avoid complications, she never kept the same address....” Mesa sang out.

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Suddenly there were three Mesas standing there all playing their own drums cranking the volume up even higher.

Mirror image. Mirror image also duplicates the sound . While the effect is not increased, by the stars is she rocking a drum solo right now.

Rohan couldn't move quite yet as things were coming together on the battlefield. He called out to Aodhan. "We need to keep targeting the Orc leader because as soon as he falls so does there moral and he holding up a strong defense there." Likely his words would be found emptyless but that was Rohan main goal was to keep the pressure on the boss because as long as he was targeting the boss he would draw his attention away from other bystanders.

The maps for both the Barricade Battle (where the trio are located) and Trunau Inner Quarter (where the quartet are) have been updated. The squares of the Inner Quarter Map represent 10 feet instead of the usual 5.

Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gorewillow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Vegazi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ogash: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Kelseph: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Boo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ooruk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Taiko Set - Powerful Shaolin Kung Fu Music (mixed by He Tian Heng)

The Quartet
As Liesel-Marie, Kyt, Nyym and Nogusta began making their way to the Longhouse, they soon came upon an area where three hardy trees that flanked the road had been set ablaze with green alchemical fire. The air reeked of sulfur and ash as thick plumes of of pea-green smoke billowed into the air.

Hazard: The noxious fumes of the alchemical smoke make travel through this area dangerous, if not outright lethal. The smoke obscures vision within the area marked on the map, granting concealment to creatures inside the cloud. The smoke is also laden with alchemical irritants, and all creatures within the cloud take a –5 penalty on sight-based Perception checks.

Kyt, Liesel-Marie, and Nyym were previously on the other side of this hazard fighting orcs, but due to the work of strange forces, circumvented having to pass through it. I will give the four of you an opportunity to attempt a DC 15 Survival check (or a DC 17 Wisdom check for those lacking training in the Survival skill specialty) to be able to assess the situation at hand.

Nogusta is next up in the initiative order. Others can post as well, provided that it is only RP or rolling any checks that may be required of them.