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

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

wisdom: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

trip7: 3d10 ⇒ (7, 8, 3) = 18

Frustration clouded Nyyms thoughts at the site of the fire before them.

GHAAAA, We DON'T have time for THIS!!!

Realizing now was not the time for anger, Nyym closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths in an effort to calm his frustration. Not being able to completely sate his frustration, Nyym looked back to his companions that accompanied him...

Kyt? Liesel-Marie? then to the cleric.. Nogusta is it? Any ideas?

Being Ruby's hidden protector for so long only to have her attacker within his reach only for her to get away.. The thought of it drove daggers into Nyyms soul as he struggled with the implications of what he was unable to do. His failure. As he asked his companions for aid in getting through the area. His thoughts turned completely to Ruby and those he knew would be at the Long house with her.

Hang on Ruby, helps on the way

With that thought, Nyym set his mind. Bax Dies. Either they would save Ruby, or they would damned well avenge her.

Wisdom check DC17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Am I the only person that sees magic lights and warpaint flying off of the drums during Mesa's performance?! Visual's been rocking since I read that!

This will not do! I refuse for anything to get in our way!

Wisdom Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Looking around at the blaze that lay before them she realizes that they are facing no ordinary fire.

By the gods do not breathe it in! I can see if I can put a dent in this fire, but we must survive the smoke first! It does no good if it takes us out before anything else does! I could use some assistance if anybody else here can aid in putting out unnatural fires?

She shouts as she pulls the sashes off from around her waist and legs. She then soaks them with the water she has in her waterskin and distributes the wet makeshift masks to her comrades and herself.

Understands if this is her action for the round.

Nogusta looks at the roiling, poisonous smoke in frustration.

survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

He thought about the spells at his disposal and nothing useful came to mind. Seeing what Kyt was doing, the Mwangi did the same, wetting a stole from his pack, wrapping it around his mouth and nose and hurrying through the area to minimize exposure.

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

I tried to do this earlier from work, but my phone resisted that effort with every fiber of its being. So, lets attempt this again...

Nogusta
GHAAAA, We DON'T have time for THIS!!!

Frustration clouded Nyym's thoughts at the sight of the fire before them.

Having been Ruby's hidden protector for so long, knowing that her attacker was within his reach only for them to get away.. The thought of it drove daggers into Nyym's soul as he struggled with the implications of what he was unable to do.

His failure.

Realizing now was not the time for anger, the half-drow closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths in an effort to calm himself. But he was unable to completely sate his feelings. Nyym looked back to the companions that accompanied him.

Kyt? Liesel-Marie? Then to the cleric, Nogusta, is it? Any ideas?

As he asked his companions for aid in getting through the area, his thoughts turned completely to Ruby and those he knew would be at the Longhouse with her.

Hang on, Ruby! Help is on the way.

And with that thought, Nyym set his mind toward another goal.

Bax dies.

For either they would save Ruby, or they would damned well avenge her.

Kyt's feelings seemed to mirror those of the half-drow.

This will not do! I refuse for anything to get in our way!

Looking around at the blaze that lay before them, she realized that they were facing no ordinary fire. And with that knowledge in mind, the elven monk went into action, shouting: By the gods, do not breathe it in!

She continued, even as she pulled the sashes off from around her waist and legs and began soaking them with the water she has in her waterskin. I'll see if I can put a dent in this fire, but we must survive the smoke first! It does no good if it takes us out before anything else does!

I could use some assistance if anybody else here can aid in putting out unnatural fires?

Nogusta eyed the roiling, poisonous smoke in frustration, thinking about the spells at his disposal and nothing useful came to mind. Seeing what Kyt was doing, the Mwangi did the same, wetting a stole from his pack, wrapping it around his mouth and nose to minimize exposure before attempting to hurry through the area.

Nogusta, make a DC 15 Fortitude check as you move through the smoke-filled area or be nauseated (unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention, with the only action that can be taken is a single move action per turn) for 1 round. He does get a +1 bonus to the roll, however, for having his face wrapped with a wet cloth.

Liesel-Marie, you're next up!

Liesel-Marie takes the direct approach, as is her wont. Sucking in a massive breath of air, she calls upon the fire that burns within her chest and she sprints through the smoke, eyes narrowed against the sting of the fumes.

Bloodrage and run action

Fortitude save: 1d20 ⇒ 2

I was going to look up her modified saves after the preview, but there’s no saving that roll...

Sadly, the rager times the breath poorly and inhaled the very fumes she sought to avoid. She continues her run even as her very body rebels against such exertion.

Run curtailed, she’s 40’ in.

fortitude save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

this dice roller hates me.

Dont feel bad - it is an equal-opportunity hater.

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)

Liesel-Marie

Liesel-Marie took the direct approach, as was her wont. Sucking in a massive breath of air, she called upon the fire that burned within her chest and she sprinted through the smoke, eyes narrowed against the sting of the fumes.

Sadly, the rager timed the breath poorly and inhaled the very fumes she sought to avoid. She continued to run, slowly, even as her very body rebelled against such exertion.

Through watery eyes, the Erutaki noticed the presence of a translucent tiger with bluish fur and dark gray stripes, its paws leaving smoking prints in its wake as it trotted along side her.

And then it was gone. But before Liesel-Marie could dwell on what she had just witnessed, she could make out the sound of coughing just ahead of her. Moving on, she soon came upon a confused Nogusta, his dark skin having taken on an ashy hue as, despite his best efforts earlier, he had still managed to inhale some of the chemical-laced smoke. The Erutaki passed him, hoping that he would notice and follow her out.

Both Liesel-Marie and Nogusta are nauseated (unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention, with the only action that can be taken is a single move action per turn) for 1 round. Next round you'll be given another opportunity at Fortitude checks, though the DC will be a 16 rather than a 15 for you two. Failing the check a second time will result in their taking 1d6 points of nonlethal damage. Holding their breath will gain them a +2 circumstance bonus on their Fortitude saves; covering their mouths with wet cloths or a similar material (as Nogusta has done) grants a +1 equipment bonus on the check. And yes, both actions can be taken to gain each bonus to the roll.

Rohan, you're next up!

Rohan plans for his next attack trying to outsmart the master of the orcs. This was going to be a uphill battle but he is not backing down. They need a leader more than ever right now and he was going to do everything in his power to provide that. He mustered up another strike that would hopefully lead to some additional damage like before, though still grazed it was going to be a bit of a overwhelming challenge. He gathered up his strength and provided a pivoting point on the ground and spun around with grace and sent forth a round of bullet sized stones firing at the leader once more.

onslaught attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 1 = 13 "-1 for the graze included"
damage: 3d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 26

The wall behind him was decorated in mini holes as all of the stones managed to be deflected away with ease.

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)

Rohan
Rohan planned for his next attack, trying to outsmart the master of the orcs. This was going to be a uphill battle but he was not backing down. They needed a leader more than ever right now and he was going to do everything in his power to provide that. He mustered up another strike that would hopefully lead to some additional damage like before, though still somewhat hurt, it was going to be a bit of a overwhelming challenge.

He gathered up his strength and provided a pivoting point on the ground as he spun around with grace. As Rohan prepared to send forth a round of bullet sized stones at the orc leader once more, a memory came unbidden to his mind:

Rodrick sized up the three that stood next to young Ruby. He nodded, as though satisfied, then turned to face the crowd.

Ruby, it seems, has chosen a giant, along with two capable and attractive young women to be a part of her team. But where is the fifth person? Where is Nyym?

The onlookers began to talk among themselves. In the time they had done this ceremony, this was the first where one selected for the tug-of-war had failed to appear.

Noting the mood of the crowd was beginning to become hostile, Ruby hid behind Rohan.

He closed his eyes, trying to push away the remembrance, only to have another take its place.

Rohan turned his head and watched Ruby as she hid behind him, then revealed herself once the bardic poem began. A smile crossed his face as he watched Ruby's reaction, finding a bit of happiness that she found a giant of a man to provide safety for a tiny little girl.

His reverie was interrupted by the sound of voices screaming. Rohan opened his eyes to find that in that briefest of moments, his attack had hit several of the Twisted Heart orcs around Kelseph, the wall behind her decorated with mini-craters.

Nyym, you're next up!

I do apologize fir my delay in posting. Had to figure a couple things out before i could post.

As Nyym heard the words of Kyt, it relaxed him to know that so done would be able to do something about the fires. Much to her frustration though, he did not take the wet cloth she was offering as his attention was drawn to the Other 2 members as they made hasty preparations and dashed off into the smoke rather then wait to see what Our my have in mind. With his limited abilities at this stage, he would only be able to aid one of them at this point.

LM is by far faster then Nogusta and can teach the other side quicker. I could aid her, but with the Cleric being slower and being our healer, if she were to fall ill, he would be able to aid her once he reached the other side.

His choice made, he focused his thoughts and called forth his abilities in basic aroconisis to give aid to the Cleric. By this time he should be feeling a gentle breeze envelope him as Nyym focused his efforts.

forgive me LM, bust he is not as fast and we will need his healings on the other side over your strength.

Nyym held still as he kept his mind and site focused on where Nogusta
Had disappeared into the smoke.

Basic Aerokinesis Nym can create a light breeze that blows against a creature or object from a direction of
his choice that follows the target wherever it goes. The breeze grants the subject a +2 bonus on saves
against very hot conditions, severe heat, breath weapons, and cloud vapors and gases (such as cloudkill, stinking cloud, and inhaled poisons).

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)

As Nyym heard the words of Kyt, it relieved him to know that something would be done about the fires. Much to her frustration though, he did not take the wet cloth she was offering as his attention was drawn to the other two members as they made hasty preparations and dashed off into the smoke rather then wait to see what Kyt may have had in mind. With his limited abilities, he would only be able to aid one of them at this point.

Liesel-Marie is by far faster then Nogusta and can reach the other side quicker, he reasoned. I could aid her, but with the cleric being slower and our healer, if she were to fall ill, he would be able to aid her once he reached the other side.

His choice made, he focused his thoughts and called forth his abilities to aid the cleric.

Forgive me LM, but he is not as fast and we will need his healings on the other side over your strength.

Nyym held still as he kept his mind and sight focused on where Nogusta had disappeared into the smoke.

Nogusta will receive an additional +2 bonus to his next Fortitude check thanks to Nyym's use of aerokinesis.

Do keep in mind that those in the Quartet who still have both standard and move actions available to them (Kyt and Nyym) can hustle (move at twice their speed) or run (move at three times speed if in heavy armor or four times if in light, medium or no armor) through the smoke. Liesel-Marie and Nogusta, because of their current shared condition, can only move at their regular tactical speed until they can make a successful Fortitude check. As it stands, LM got 40 feet in and Nogusta only made it 20 feet (that breastplate of his is really slowing him down).

Kyt is next up. After her post, I will update the Quartet's map to account for positions based on their posts. Also, we will be taking into consideration the actions of NPCs as well as PCs when start to go down the initiative order once the monk is done.

With no time to waste she places one of her masks around her own mouth and nose then stuffing the others into a pouch to keep them wet should they be needed. Using her Wild Ki she aims it at as much of the fire that she can, placing all of her focus to putting out as much of it as possible. Should they need to make a hasty retreat it would do them no good to still have this burning in their way, or should help come to aid them it would be best if it wasn’t there blocking others from crossing. She and Nyym can join the others as quickly as they can after they deal with the cause and effect of this terrible hinderance.
Keep it up Nyym! We are of no use if we get there weak from this ridiculous nuisance!
She called out to him as she raised her hands up towards the fire.

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)

Kytynna
With no time to waste she placed one of her masks around her own mouth and nose, then stuffed the others into a pouch to keep them wet should they be needed. Using her Wild Ki, she aimed it at as much of the fire that she could, placing all of her focus into putting out as much of it as possible. Should they need to make a hasty retreat, she reasoned, it would do them no good to still have it burning in their way, or should help come to aid them it would be best if it weren’t there blocking others from crossing. She and Nyym could join the others as quickly as they could after they dealt with the cause and effect of this terrible hindrance.

She called out to him as she raised her hands up towards the fire, Keep it up, Nyym! We are of no use if we get there weak from this ridiculous nuisance!

Kyt then fell into the Moment, instinctively gathering the vital energy flow within her body and moving her arms in a sweeping motion in an effort to draw it out for the purpose of releasing it. As she did this, a light blue aura began to shine, manifesting as glittering wisps of energy. This was generally how she executed the Surging Fist technique, but unlike previous uses, this one was infused with a purpose beyong inflicting harm.

She cupped her hands and brought them forward, releasing a shimmering blue wave of energy at one of the burning trees.

Kyt has spent 2 points of ki to add quenching infusion to her surge fist in order to put out the fire on one of the trees, bringing her total down to 5. She needs to make a successful dispel check, which accomplished by rolling 1d20 and adding +4 (her "caster level") to the result. Kyt needs a total of at least 14 in order to extinguish the fire. If this is successful, the DC of any Fortitude checks will drop by 2 for anyone within or about to enter the smoke.

Dispel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
No! Why? I know I’m using something I haven’t before tried, am I not skilled enough?
She thought as she struggled with her task.
I know that this is no ordinary flame, but something about it seems down right evil!
I’m getting a really bad feeling from this flame!
She calls out to any that can hear.

Though Nyym was focused on his task, he could clearly hear Kyts words. While staying focused an allowing his own ability to flow though him. He could tell from the sound of her statement that she was focusing to much on the source of the fire and not allowing her abilities to flow.

Focus on what your trying to do and not what your end result should be. Let it flow, don't FORCE it. You can do this. I believe in you. You need to believe in yourself. Take a deep breath, calm yourself and try again. Let it flow like the waves of the water that you can control.

Nyym remained focused on trying to help Nogusta. He hopes that his words were of some help to Put as she worked to broaden her abilities. He knew she was trying something new and hoped he could push her to continue to push her abilities to their limits and excell at all she did. The unspoken part of the statement passed as a thought..

Lives depend on us making it and ready and able to fight once we arrive.

Nyym intentionally left that thought unspoken as Kyt already enough on her mind and did not wish to pressure her. He had no illutions about what happens when someone tries a new ability under pressure.

Mesa I don't know if we can hold this line we might have to go and help the others. Though I am not sure its a good idea to leave these men without a leader of some sort. What do you think we should do?

Rohan calls out just loud enough for mesa to hear. Keeping attention on the battlefield.

Mesa takes note of the yelling Rohan has to do in order to be heard over the din of battle and the drums.

" Rocky they have a Guard Sergeant, a Captain, and the militia head here.Plus a couple members of the council. They are not leaderless." Mesa snapped. "As for the others, i've got no fox in that hunt, but i figure you do."

My apologies for being late with my post. I took a nap before getting back on here, and that ended up lasting far longer than I would have liked. Apparently, I needed way more sleep than I originally thought. But, enough about that. Lets get this game back underway...

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)

Kyt
No! Why? I know I’m using something I haven’t before tried, am I not skilled enough?

She thought as she struggled with her task. I know that this is no ordinary flame, but something about it seems down right evil! She called out to any that could hear her. I’m getting a really bad feeling from this flame!

Though the half-drow was focused on his task, he could clearly hear Kyt's words. He could tell from the sound of her statement that she was focusing to much on the source of the fire and not allowing her abilities to flow.

Focus on what your trying to do and not what your end result should be. Let it flow, don't FORCE it. You can do this. I believe in you. You need to believe in yourself. Take a deep breath, calm yourself and try again. Let it flow like the waves of the water that you can control.

Nyym remained focused on trying to help Nogusta. He hoped that his words were of some help to put Kyt at ease as she worked to broaden her abilities. He knew she was trying something new and hoped he could push her to continue to push her abilities to their limits and excel at all she did. The unspoken part of the statement passed as a thought..

Lives depend on us making it and being ready and able to fight once we arrive.

Nyym intentionally left that thought unspoken as Kyt already enough on her mind and did not wish to pressure her. He had no illusions about what happens when someone tries a new ability under pressure.

Yet even with the half-drow shouting his encouragement, despite Kyt's effort to produce a different result, the tree continued to burn.

And though the elf was somewhat at a loss to explain to fully explain it, in the moment that her Kyūzō ken, her Surging Fist, made contact with the fire, she could feel a malevolence within resisting her attempted quench. In her mind, Kyt could see the image of a tall man wearing a loose-fitting two-toned grey and black kimono-style shirt with billowing, overlong sleeves, tied by a thick purple belt, and a pair of black pants. His otherwise plain-looking face, framed by long blond locks, was covered in thousands of fine lines of ink and carefully incised scars on verdigris-hued skin.

But of this being's appearance, it was his eyes that gave her the most pause. For in them, Kyt could see a clarity of mad purpose that reminded her, in that moment, of the orc general Kelseph.

Meanwhile, back at the barricades Rohan was beginning to have doubts. He called out to the Minkai minstrel, his voice just loud enough to be heard over boyh the din of battle and the pounding drums.

Mesa, I don't know if we can hold this line! We might have to go and help the others. Though I am not sure its a good idea to leave these men without a leader of some sort. What do you think we should do?

After taking note of the big man’s yelling, the tiny woman snapped a response. Rocky, they have a Guard Sergeant, a Captain, and the militia head here. Plus a couple members of the council. They are not leaderless. Mesa then sighed. As for the others, well, I've got no fox in that hunt, but I figure you do.

This brings an end to the round. Rather than put up a giant wall of text, I decided to hold off on posting something larger than this, to give me the opportunity to better manage the incoming flow of information. With my next post, which should be inbound before 10 PM EST tonight, I will also be finally updating the map for The Quartet. In the meantime, continue with the role-play that's been developing with these last few posts.

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

Bax's Theme: Hollywood Undead - Undead (Instrumental)

Bax
Surveying the area around her, Bax was proud of her handiwork. Quite a few within the Longhouse had stepped up to the masked half-orc after she had violently gained entry to the place and despite their best efforts, all of them lay writhing in agony on the floor.

It didn't have to be this way, she called out in Taldane to no one in particular. I only came for the little one. All you had to do was just hand her over and we could have gone on our merry little way.

An auburn-haired half-orc woman stood across the expanse of the structure from Bax. In one hand she held a hopeknife attached to a heavy silver chain. Behind her hid Ruby.

And who are you that stands so bravely before me?

Brinya Kelver, mother-to-be and widow to the fallen Rodrick Grath.

That gave the masked half-orc pause, the only sign of hesitancy she had displayed. Seeing this, the weaver continued. If it’s the little one you’re after, then you’ll have to go through me to get her. At this, the black-haired girl behind her, clung desperately to the back of Brinya’s skirt.

Bax stood still, her hands opening and closing by her sides. As both a woman and a fellow orc, I have no wish to bring harm to you. But I will have that child. Even if it means I must go through you to do so.

Brinya blinked, and in that moment, her foe had crossed the distance between them. The thought of anyone moving that quickly startled Brinya, but she shook off that feeling and went to stab the masked woman with the hopeknife.

Brinya’s hopeknife attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
hopeknife damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

With exaggerated and contemptuous ease, Bax caught the weaver's weapon hand and attempted to pry the hopeknife from it.

Brinya's attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
unarmed damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Brinya slapped Bax with her free hand, but the mask deflected the brunt of the of the hit. Undaunted, Bax continued her task of attempting to relieve the weaver of her weapon.

Bax's disarm attempt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16; -4 due to being unarmed

Despite Brinya's effort in resisting, Bax managed to get the hopeknife out of her hand.

Next post I make will be Gorewillow's.

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

Gorewillow: Girei - Pain's Theme (Axhel Remix)

Gorewillow
The half-orc breathed in the heady stench of blood and smoke that hung thick in the air. In the darkness before him, the crackling of fires mingled with the war cries of orc raiders and the screams of townsfolk. The remains of the Hopespring beacon burned brightly, illuminating the pool at the bottom of the Hopespring’s waterfall, as well as a rough hole gouged into the side of Bloodmarch Hill.

The hole, which was now where he stood, had been the work of Ooruk, the giant that Gorewillow had requisitioned from General Kelseph.

His mother.

He sighed at the thought, then stared down at the surface of the Hope Pond, the shallow pool the Hopespring emptied into and served as the town reservoir. She had abandoned him, a male, and a frail one at that, to the human drudge pens of the Twisted Nail tribe where, through his own cunning, he had escaped the blades that had felled many other half-orcs to serve as a future shaman or battle priest for the tribe. That "honor" did little to keep Gorewillow from being abused or bullied by the orc children, but he endured it with calculated stoicism.

Gorewillow had figured out during his time in the drudge pens that he could never become the person he needed to be by playing at being an orc. He had to adapt, which meant shedding the aspects of his nature that were most like his full-blooded kin. Where orcs were impulsive and impatient, he would be deliberate, in both thought and deed. This, in turn, led him to discover his gift.

Even as a child, he was able to discreetly create dozens of toxic slurries, flesh-burning unguents, and paralytic tinctures out of only crushed bugs and scavenged flora, more than made up for any perceived lack of emotion that Gorewillow may have had, for he would eventually combine this improvised alchemy with the tribe's shamanistic rituals. A fact his tormenters would learn to their dismay, as poison became his favorite method of dealing with them.

His skills would eventually bring him to the attention of the Twisted Nail's hill giant chieftain Grenseldek, who appointed him as the tribe's witch doctor when Gorewillow was only 16 years of age.

His lips twisted into a sneer before turning his gaze to the southern side of the pond where Ooruk, the Crusher, stood with those that had been tasked with handling him. Or rather, what was left of them, as the none too bright giant had violently smashed two of his "little green play-things" in a fit of rage after the excavation process. Only the orcs controlling the chains on Ooruk's arms remained to keep him somewhat calm, but it would only be a matter of time before they too were broken by the giant, leaving all alone to stew in his anger.

Which was exactly what Gorewillow desired. The half-orc knew that eventually the ones that had been dogging his efforts would make it to where he was. Let Ooruk take his frustrations out on them. While they were dealing with him, Gorewillow would be free to secure that which Grenseldek desired from within the hill. And should they prove to victorious in defeating the giant, the group would be softened up enough for him to deal with.

A yelp behind him from within the improvised cave caught Gorewillow's attention. The half-orc turned away and began to make his way deeper inside.

My next post will be for Vegazi, after which Mesa will be the next one up. And yes, I am aware that I haven't updated the map for the Quartet. I'm having updating issues with my laptop, which serves as my interface for roll20 (my desktop being too ancient for the purpose) and as soon as those are dealt with, I will get to updating it.

What a week! Talk about your scorchers... Anyway, let's get things moving so that the PCs can make their posts, shall we?

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

Vegazi: Eluveitie - D'vêritû Agâge D'bitu (Re-recorded)

With wide eyes and an even wider grin, the red-haired half-orc Vegazi left a swath of death in her wake as she put her two short swords to work against her full-blooded kin. Though she seemed to be possessed of an unquenchable battle-lust, in truth, her antics were mostly for show, something she learned from time spent in the Varisian city of Urglin and its gladiatorial arena, The Bloodworks. The half-orc abhorred violence for its own sake, yet the skill and precision with which Vegazi fought were testament to the name she had earned through numerous bouts amidst blood and sand.

Devil-Sword.

She moved along, quick-stepping, her body in perfect balance as she vaulted over the falling corpse of one orc to reach the next. Not that Vegazi had far to go, for they were all around her.

short sword strike 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
short sword strike 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
short sword strike 2 confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5; +3 due to crit

The Twisted Heart orc managed get its falchion in line to block the swing of Vegazi's first blade, hoping to use its obvious power advantage to halt the half-orc's movement, only to be brought low as she continued on while thrusting the other blade into its belly.

On she continued, spinning and dancing her way through the orcs, her focus on one enemy in particular.

Ogash! Vegazi's voice rang out across the din of battle.

The Steel Maiden's helmeted head turned the half-orc's way at the call of her name. She sneered, then dropped her shortbow to retrieve a foot-long axe from where it rested on her mount's saddle.

Mesa, you're next up, and the Inner Quarter map has finally been updated for The Quartet.

Maintains song

Char sheet was deleted need to rewrite it so this may take a while

Maintains song

Char sheet was deleted need to rewrite it so this may take a while

In light of this circumstance, I'm going to be assisting the player with the recovery of his character information. In the meantime, Nogusta can go ahead and take his turn in the initiative order.

Nogusta's eyes watered, he coughed, and he choked as the unnatural smoke assaulted him.

fortitude save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 11

He concentrated his mind on thoughts of a child at the mercy of savage orcs and attempted to stagger forward.

You gotta be kidding me, Paizo! See if I buy any of your new crap! Psst! 5E is better.

Liesel-Marie redoubles her efforts, even trying to draw energy from the fires themselves, and keeps pressing forward, holding her breath, eyes squinted and stinging.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 BOOM! (It's been so long since I posted, the RNG forgot who I was!)

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)

Nogusta's eyes watered, he coughed, and he choked as the unnatural smoke assaulted him.

fortitude save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 11

He concentrated his mind on thoughts of a child at the mercy of savage orcs and attempted to stagger forward.

You gotta be kidding me, Paizo! See if I buy any of your new crap! Psst! 5E is better.

Yeah... because taunting the dice-roller always helps. SMH

Nonlethal Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Next round, the Fortitude check's DC increases to 17 for the cleric of Sarenrae.

Liesel-Marie redoubles her efforts, even trying to draw energy from the fires themselves, and keeps pressing forward, holding her breath, eyes squinted and stinging.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 BOOM! (It's been so long since I posted, the RNG forgot who I was!)

Liesel-Marie is no longer nauseated and is no longer limited to taking a single move action. She can hustle (move at twice her speed) or run (move at three times speed if in heavy armor or four times if in light, medium or no armor) through the smoke.

Next up is Silvermane, Ogash, and Kelseph before we get to the next player character Rohan. I should have a post up no later than 11:00 pm EST tonight (barring any unforeseen occurrences), so keep an eye out for that.

Are we still waiting on the map update? You indicated that you were waiting to make that available. Leisel-Marie will indeed take advantage of her speed to get through the smoke, but I'm not sure where to.

Are we still waiting on the map update? You indicated that you were waiting to make that available. Leisel-Marie will indeed take advantage of her speed to get through the smoke, but I'm not sure where to.

I did at the time. Don't forget that each square is 10 feet, not the usual 5 feet. Which is why it doesn't really seem like you've moved all that far on the map, especially when limited to single move actions. Hope that helps.

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)

Silvermane
Circling over the site where four members of Team Ruby were struggling to pass through was a familiar golden eyed bird. With a loud caw, the slender but massive raven winged its way toward the fiery tree that Kyt was trying to extinguish, diving down, then pulling up before getting too close to the smoke and flames. As it transitioned from the dive, the raven spread its wings, halting its momentum momentarily and in doing so, tiny spherical droplets of water were sent toward the conflagration. Those droplets began to multiply in number, becoming a torrential downpour that thoroughly quenched the fire of the burning tree with the loudest of hisses.

But in the aftermath, there was no sign of the ebon-plumed avian.

From his nearby hiding place, Silvermane opened his eyes and smiled, his hands lowering from the casting he had just performed in spite of the pain he was feeling. The aged elf couldn't provide the group with direct aid, but he would give them what he was able.

The fate of Trunau now lay in their hands, and he had to trust that they would be the saviors the town so desperately needed.

So, with the aid of Silvermane, one of the burning trees has been put out. I had to think long and hard about what that would mean for the Quartet, but I think I have a solution:

Those within the corridor of flame that haven't made a successful Fortitude check will have the DC reset back to 15. This mainly applies to Nogusta, as Liesel-Marie already has made the check. Anyone else that hasn't already attempted to pass through will get to make that Fortitude check at DC 10 (due mainly to the dense smoke still prevalent). On top of that, all of the bonuses from before still apply (Nogusta still receives that additional +2 bonus to his next Fortitude check thanks to Nyym's use of aerokinesis, holding one's breath nets a +2 circumstance bonus on the check; covering one's mouth with wet cloths or a similar material grants a +1 equipment bonus on the check, while taking both actions gains each bonus to the roll). I figured this would be better than just lowering the DC by 2.

Next up is Ogash, followed by Kelseph. I should have something for both of them posted Tuesday night before 11:00 pm EST.

Because I made the save, I intended to take two move actions. That should put me well ahead of Nogusta, so I assume the move doesn’t include that second action.

Because I made the save, I intended to take two move actions. That should put me well ahead of Nogusta, so I assume the move doesn’t include that second action.

I understand now. I thought you were talking about the map update from before, not a later one.

My apologies.

No, I haven't done one taking into account what transpired this round. And yes, your taking a double-move will put you well ahead of the cleric. In fact, without looking, it may even take Liesel-Marie out of the danger zone entirely, but I won't know for certain until I make that update (which should be later on tonight).

Understood, thanks.

So, figuring out the logistics for Ogash's post took much longer than I anticipated, especially given some of the die rolls involved and the site's die-roller. I will get to work on Kelseph's post and updating the Quartet's map, but for now, just sit back and enjoy the show...

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)

Ogash
Ogash! Vegazi's voice rang out across the din of battle.

The Steel Maiden's helmeted head turned the half-orc's way at the call of her name. She sneered, then dropped her shortbow to retrieve a foot-long axe from where it rested on her mount's saddle.

Do you honestly believe that you can defeat me, sister? Ogash pointed the head of her axe directly at the approaching Vegazi.

Absolutely, came the half-orc's confident response. You're going to die by my hand, this day. Even if it means my own death.

There seemed to be something about the way Vegazi spoke that troubled Ogash, as though they were weighed with more than mere conviction.

Attack! The Orcspeech command was given with a sardonic smirk by the Steel Maiden. Vegazi tensed, expecting the wolf that her foe sat astride to charge.

Instead, to her dismay, the attack Vegazi expected did not come from either Ogash or her wolf mount, but rather from the enormous monitor lizard that had been near the Steel Maiden.

Monitor Lizard bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20; -1 due to Grazed threshold.
bite damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grab attempt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26; -1 due to Grazed threshold.

Vegazi managed to bring up her left arm in an attempt ward off the reptile, only for the lizard's maw to clamp down tightly on her forearm.

The Steel Maiden cracked up at the sight.

Coward!

That one word from Vegazi silenced Ogash's laughter long enough for her to reply, Naive fool! This is no arena with scripted outcomes for victory or loss. This is war, where all things are fair.

The Steel Maiden sharply nudged the wolf she rode with her knees, urging it to charge forward at the helpless half-orc.

Even though Ogash is bearing down on Vegazi, fully intent on trampling the half-orc, because the neither the Steel Maiden nor her mount possess Improved Overrun as a feat, Vegazi gets to make an attack of opportunity...

To the eyes of the Devil-Sword, Ogash's charge seemed to slow down. She half-turned and tightened the grip that she had upon her sword, hoping that by causing the muscle of her forearm to tighten so that when she relaxed her grip, it would cause the lizard that had her left arm, to re-adjust its mouth grip enough for Vegazi to slip out.

But before she can make that attack, Vegazi will attempt to use Acrobatics to escape from the monitor lizard's mouth grab. Her roll has to beat the lizard's CMD of 17.

Vegazi's Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
No luck there. However, the lizard, while possessing animal-level intelligence, is not going to just stand there and allow itself to be caught up in this trample. So, as far as the narrative is concerned...

Though her attempt to free herself failed, Vegazi's salvation came from an unlikely source, as the reptile was forced to use its primitive brain to make what it felt was the right choice for its own survival.

It released Vegazi from its maw. Freed from the lizard's grip, the half-orc turned her attention to Ogash.

Vegazi's short sword Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25; +2 to attack roll due to death vow.
short sword critical confirmation roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8; +2 due to death vow (roll is not enough to confirm).
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5; +2 to damage due to death vow.
stealth attack damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Note that because Ogash is a cavalier with the class ability cavalier's charge, the Steel Maiden doesn't suffer that pesky -2 to AC on a charge while she's still mounted on her wolf Ravage.

Vegazi pivoted on her back foot to minimize the impact of the charge, yet still be able to make an attack of her own against Ogash. She pierced the rider's meaty thigh with the short sword in her right hand.

Now, that Vegazi's attack of opportunity is resolved, let's now do the same with Ravage's charge.

Ravage's Overrun attempt: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21; +2 due to charge.

Ravage did overcome Vegazi's CMD of 20, but because it did not get a result of at least 25 (it needed to get 5 or more higher than the target CMD), Vegazi is not knocked prone.

However, Ogash does still get to make her attack on the Devil Sword.

The pain from Vegazi's sword did not prevent Ogash from attempting to the take the half-orc's life as she swung that axe at her foe.

Ogash's handaxe attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13; +4 due to charge, -1 due to Grazed wound threshold.
handaxe damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Remember that cavalier's charge ability from just a bit earlier in this post? It also has another effect that's coming into play now: Ogash receives a +4 bonus on attack rolls rather than the usual +2. However, because of the wound Vegazi inflicted on the Steel Maiden, she also receives a -1 to her attack roll.

The wolf continued on its way, passing through the space where Vegazi had been standing previously. The half-orc continued her pivot, turning it into a pirouette on the ball of her foot that brought Vegazi back around to face the Steel Maiden with a wide grin on her face.

The sight of Vegazi's smile filled Ogash with a fury she had never known before.

And that brings an end to Ogash's turn. Next up: General Kelseph, followed by Rohan. That was definitely more work than I figured it would be. But as promised earlier, I will get work immediately on the general's post and updating the map.

Due to work, I've been unable to work on Kelseph's post. However, I will get it done no later than Friday 13, 11:00 pm EST.

In the meantime, I did at least get the map for The Quartet under the Trunau Inner Quarter link updated to take into account both Nogusta and Liesel-Marie's movement. And as predicted, the Erutaki is now safely outside the area of the hazard. The cleric, however, still remains within the corridor of smoke and flame.

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)

Kelseph
Surrounded as she was by the orcs under her command, General Kelseph watched the events of the battle play out. Ogash had met the challenge issued by Vegazi, the so-called Devil Sword, though the general wasn't certain that the Steel Maiden would prevail, if the opening exchange of their duel was any indication.

But Ogash was a veteran of many battles, brutal and full of wiles. If anyone (other than herself, of course) could overcome Vegazi, the Steel Maiden was one.

And so Kelseph turned her attention away from that fight, just in time to see Patrol Leader Jagrin Grath take on some of her Twisted Heart orcs.

Jagrin Grath's longsword attack 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30; +1 due to Mesa's bardic performance, + 4 due to favored enemy.
Critical Confirmation of longsword attack 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18; +1 due to Mesa's bardic performance, + 4 due to favored enemy.
longsword damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11; + 4 due to favored enemy; +4 due to critical.
Jagrin Grath's longsword attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11; +1 due to Mesa's bardic performance, + 4 due to favored enemy.
longsword damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10; + 4 due to favored enemy.

Wherever the steely-eyed man swung his blade, he left dead orcs in its wake. There was no wasted motion, no hesitation. Had the Alliance delayed in pressing the attack, the elder Grath would have had ample opportunity to display his true skill. For the Patrol Leader was known throughout Belkzin as having no equal with the bow.

It was a claim that Kelseph would have been eager to test, but there was no time to make such a challenge. Having carried out her mission, the general was eager to take her leave and be done with this place.

And so, Kelseph made her way through the mass of orcs toward the gate.

Kelseph is holding her attack action as she leaves, in the event that someone thinks her vulnerable.

Next up is Rohan, followed by Nyym and that most fearsome of beasts, Boo.

Rohan looks around and calls out to Mesa one more time. Lets get to the others before it too late, they may need our help.

Rohan decides to make a few quick attacks in the aid of Vegazi hopefully to through them off their course and get a head of the swarming Orcs. There was nothing special about the way Rohan threw 3 pebbles at Vegazi attackers trying to weaken them down. Now while it seemed so small of an attack the impacts were as if there were fired from a gun, just so much power.

Onslaught bullets: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14
steel maden damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 4 = 9
lizard damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8
Wolf damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8

Immediately after sending off bullets that were made from stone. On the sweet smell of victory filled the air in his head.Knocks chip off shoulder Rohan spins around and bolts as fast as he can to catch up with the others heading towards Ruby. Though it might take him some time to get there it was where he needed to be. It looked like the others would be able to hold back the onslaught of orc.

"I hope that I make it to Ruby in time so I can aid them."

Nyym stays focused on Nogusta and the help he was giving him with his aerokinesis. As he was doing so, he also continued to speak to Kyt in an effort to keep her calm and focused. By doing so gave himself focus so as not to well on what maybe waiting for team Ruby at the Long house.

Close your eyes and visualise what your wanting to do. It's new to you, but you can do this. You are the master of yourself and your abilities. Believe in yourself as I believe in you.

Nyym will use aid another in an attempt to aid Kyt. Nyym needs a 10 per DMs instructions. If successful, Kyyt will receive a +2 to her roll.

aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Roll is a success. Nogusta also still receives the +2 from Nyym aerokinesis as well.

Well between the heat and work, I've been really tired. But I've got the day off, so lets see what we can get get done...

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)

Rohan
Rohan looked around and called out to Mesa one more time. Lets get to the others before it too late, they may need our help.

Rohan decided to make a few quick attacks to aid Vegazi, hopefully to throw her opponents off their course and get ahead of the swarming orcs. There was nothing special about the way Rohan threw 3 pebbles at Vegazi's attackers, trying to weaken them down. And while it seemed such a small attack, the impact from each would be as if they were fired from an Alkenstar rifle.

The first of the pebbles ricocheted off of The Steel Maiden's helmet, the second doing likewise against the armor of her wolf Ravage. But the third stone blasted through the lizard, causing it to screech angrily and in obvious pain as it staggered from the attack.

Immediately after sending off bullets that were made from stone. On the sweet smell of victory filled the air in his head. Rohan spun around and bolted as fast as he could to catch up with the others heading towards Ruby. Though it might take him some time to get there it was where he needed to be. It looked like the others would be able to hold back the onslaught of orc.

I hope that I make it to Ruby in time so I can aid them.

Nyym
Nyym stays focused on Nogusta and the help he was giving him with his aerokinesis. As he was doing so, he also continued to speak to Kyt in an effort to keep her calm and focused. By doing so gave himself focus so as not to well on what maybe waiting for team Ruby at the Long house.

Close your eyes and visualize what you're wanting to do. It's new to you, but you can do this. You are the master of yourself and your abilities. Believe in yourself as I believe in you.

Even as he spoke to her, the half-drow was going through the very same steps with regard to his own use of the aerokinetic abilities. Because what he was doing for Nogusta in providing a moving encapsulating barrier of breathable air was a first for Nyym as well.

Boo
Standing before the corridor of smoke and flame, the large white cockerel was at a loss as to how to get around or through. After all, he had finally found someone that he could develop a bond with only to have that person disappear in a wave of strange fire.

And yet when Boo was struck by the same strange fire, he didn't disappear at all. But it did leave the cockerel with an eerie feeling inside. It was as though something within him became more... aware. Of himself and what was transpiring all around.

So when Boo felt that same feeling again moments later, he ran back out onto the street hoping to see his friend again. But of course, she was nowhere to be seen.

His comb drooping somewhat, Boo looked crestfallen. But then he felt it once more, this time stronger than before. The cockerel's eyes widened as a familiar looking person came running out of the fire and smoke. Was it...?

But no, it wasn't his friend. It was a friend of his friend.

Boo looked to the flame, then to Liesel-Marie, then back to the flame. This one had been with his friend. So if it came through, then perhaps Boo's friend would too!

But what if his friend couldn't make it through on her own? That thought made Boo feel even worse inside.

It's comb stood up as he made the decision to enter the fiery corridor to save his friend.

And so with a mighty clucking squawk, the white cockerel ran past the Erutaki and into the flames.

Boo's Fortitude check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Well, damn! Boo has successfully made his check and will move 120 feet (four times his move speed) through the corridor to find his friend.

Moving with a determination he had never felt before, the golden-headed cockerel dashed through the corridor as fast his legs carry him. He ran past another of the big folk that seemed to be having trouble making it through and in moments was on the other side where Boo saw two others that had been with his friend.

He was on the right track! Boo continued on, moving past both Nyym and Kyt in an effort to find his friend.

That will do it for this post. Because of the successful chicken run made by Boo, I'm giving Nogusta a one time +2 morale bonus to his Fortitude check. Next up will be Aodhán, followed by Ooruk. After that will be Kyt, who will end the round. I will update the Quartet's map just before I post for Aodhán and Ooruk.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Go Boo!

My apologies for being absent a week. Work took such a toll that on my one day off, I just chilled out at home, despite knowing that I needed to do two posts to get things moving again. Well, I'm off for the next couple of days (so that I can work 5 days straight...), so now I can turn my attention fully back to this game once again.

So, let's get right to it.

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)

Aodhán
The Chelaxian bouncer watched as Rohan launched his attack toward Ogash and her animals before taking off after the other members of Team Ruby. This left only himself and Mesa there at the edge of the sortie taking place between the Twisted Heart Alliance and the Trunauan militia.

Aodhán had never been one to mince words, so he got straight to the point.

Why are you still here? Your heart can't be so calloused as to put your own well-being ahead of a child's... can it?

He didn't wait for a response, but merely shrugged as the bouncer brought his caestus-clad hands before him as though prepared to fight. I'd much rather you left on your own, Aodhán began. But if you're too caught up on earning fame that you'd ignore the sacrifice of an innocent, then you're not the person I took you to be.

Having spoken his mind, Aodhán gave Mesa a look that was one of disappointment and profound pity before he also turned and ran off from the battlefield.

Ooruk
The cave giant known simply as Crusher, or Ooruk in Orcspeech, was bored. And angry. Under normal circumstances, having the giant in either state was not a good thing, as things (and people) tended to get smashed to bits.

But now Ooruk was both.

Skreed had promised the giant more play-people once they got to the water place, but only after helping to make a hole for the puny green one. Skreed had told Ooruk that others would come and that Ooruk could play with them as his new play-people. This made Ooruk very happy and he had gone quickly to work.

Now puny Skreed was gone and no new play-people had come.

And now, enraged by the fact Skreed had lied to him, the cave giant had taken his anger out on the remaining two little green play-people that had come with him, thinking that would make things better.

But it hadn't.

And so Ooruk was both bored and angry.

Ooruk's Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

So caught up in his own pouting was Ooruk that the cave giant failed to notice the arrival of two individuals. The first was sleek, lithe, and clad in a cowled longcoat. There was an unnatural grace to his movements. And with each step taken, a mass of white-furred bushy tails seemed to flick the air behind him.

It would seem the half-orc anticipated someone coming after him, said the newcomer. How quaintly clever! He then turned to his companion.

Be a dear and deal with this while I attend to matters inside.

The other arrival, who towered over the first, merely grunted. He had a wide yet compact physique that gave him a burly appearance and was dressed in a deep brown silk tunic that ran to the knees with a single long sleeve and reddish-brown pants.

The smaller one smiled, revealing teeth flecked with blood. Remember, we can't fully reveal our presence here. So don't go beyond the first stage unless its absolutely necessary.

Seemingly irritated, the larger one glanced down at his companion, but only for a moment. It's just a cave giant. Won't take more than that.

Then I shall let you get to it then. And with that, the smaller one ran around the edge of the pool at the bottom of the Hopespring’s waterfall toward the hole that had been gouged into the side of Bloodmarch Hill.

The larger one knelt down and scooped up a handful of dirt that he began to knead like dough until it had been formed into a ball. After taking careful aim, the man threw it at Ooruk, hitting it right in the giant's tusked face.

The act had the desired reaction. Ooruk whirled around looking to see what had happened. When his eyes came to rest on the man, Ooruk clapped gleefully, creating an awful din between his splashing in the pool and the rattling of the chains bound to his wrists. He moved as fast as his thick legs would carry him through the water until the cave giant stood before his newly arrived play-person.

The burly man looked up from Ooruk's navel to stare into the cave giant's face, a bit put off by the larger one's playful demeanor.

To give you a better idea of the height difference, Ooruk is a runt at 9 feet tall while his new "play-person" is 6-feet, 6-inches tall.

Things will pop-off between these two next round, so we will leave it here for the moment. Next up is Kyt. After that we'll start a new round.

What in the world?! Is that what I think it is?!
Kyt shouted out as the cockerel whooshed by them on its search. The other event and the now half outed flame still repeating over in her mind as well.
Sadly this isn’t the time for ‘if at first you don’t succeed’...
She thought she had been doing the right thing in the extinguishing of the fire for current companions as well as those who may be trailing up after them. Precious time was exactly that, precious. She only hoped that any who would hopefully follow them would have the ability to make it through the noxious (and still opinionated unnatural) smoke and flames like she prayed that she now would.
I’m so sorry Nyym, our energy and ability are best reserved for inside the battle. Even though I am still getting a horrible sickning feeling from this flame, it’s not worth risking the time to attempt it again.
She stated to him as she pulled her mask on tighter, took a deep breath in - holding it, and with her prayers plus Nyym’s aid she took the leap to get through the smoke.
please let me make it through this crap: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10 mask/breath/aid
If successful she plans on running at full speed towards the building.

Alright... looks like Kyt made her Fortitude check. Since she's running at top speed, I'm choosing to believe that Kyt is going 4 times her speed. That is a total of 18 squares or 180 feet (her speed is 45). As with Liesel-Marie, that will put her on the other side of the smoke corridor, making it 2 players to have successfully done so.

This brings the round to a close. Both Aodhán and Rohan will appear in the this area on their respective turns next round. Boo will catch up to Mesa on his turn next round as well. Nyym has yet to attempt going through the smoke, and Nogusta is still stuck in the corridor.

Time to get the new round started.

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

Bax - Hollywood Undead - Undead (Instrumental)

And who are you that stands so bravely before me?

Brinya Kelver, mother-to-be and widow to the fallen Rodrick Grath.

That gave the masked half-orc pause, the only sign of hesitancy she had displayed. Seeing this, the weaver continued. If it’s the little one you’re after, then you’ll have to go through me to get her. At this, the black-haired girl behind her, clung desperately to the back of Brinya’s skirt.

Bax stood still, her hands opening and closing by her sides. As both a woman and a fellow orc, I have no wish to bring harm to you. But I will have that child. Even if it means I must go through you to do so.

Brinya blinked, and in that moment, her foe had crossed the distance between them. The thought of anyone moving that quickly startled Brinya, but she shook off that feeling and went to stab the masked woman with the hopeknife.

With exaggerated and contemptuous ease, Bax caught the weaver's weapon hand and attempted to pry the hopeknife from it.

Brinya slapped Bax with her free hand, but the mask deflected the brunt of the of the hit. Undaunted, Bax continued her task of attempting to relieve the weaver of her weapon.

Despite Brinya's effort in resisting, Bax managed to get the hopeknife out of her hand.

As the weapon hit the floor with a with a loud thunk, the weaver felt her chance of making out of this situation alive fall away as well.

Then she felt something cold and metallic being pressed into free hand by Ruby and, in that moment, Brinya acted, taking what she had been given by the young woman and lashing out with it.

Brinya's attack with Ruby's hopeknife: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10; due to the size difference between their respective hopeknives and the fact that she has the grappled condition, Brinya takes a -4 penalty on her attack roll.
Small hopeknife damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Bax, noting the sudden tension in the weaver's body, reacted by leaning away from the attack, an act that caused her to loose her grip on Brinya's arm. Though what Bax attempted last round was a disarm, the narrative was that she grabbed Brinya's weapon hand. So in this instance, I'm treating this as though she and her opponent are both grappled. As the initiating grappler, Bax chose to forgo her attempt to maintain the grapple and used a free action to release the half-orc weaver from her grip.

Clever girl, hissed Bax, though her tone was not complimentary, but rather one of annoyance.

Yep, came a voice from behind Ruby, followed by a loud click.

Brinya sighed in relief as she recognized the new speaker.

Cammy! Ruby called out happily.

Cham Larringfass, the halfling owner of Ramblehouse, popped off a quick nod, but kept her weapon, a crossbow with a darkwood stock, leveled on Bax. Reach for the ceiling!

Not wishing to test her luck against that of the halfling's, Bax complied and raised her arms.

Gorewillow - Girei - Pain's Theme (Axhel Remix)

A yelp behind him from within the improvised cave caught Gorewillow's attention. The half-orc turned away and began to make his way deeper inside the hill. Gossamer cobwebs hung from the ceiling of the rough tunnel, and the misty spray from the Hopespring’s waterfall outside glimmered faintly on strands of spider silk. Chunks of rubble lay scattered on the floor amid piles of dirt.

After sixty feet, the tunnel opened into a cavern. The air here was humid but cool, and a thin sheen of condensation coated its rocky walls. A narrow passage exited the cavern to the west. To the south, the floor dropped away into darkness, while a bridge of stone led to another cavern to the east. The sound of trickling water echoed all throughout the complex.

Gorewillow took in the sight before him with a look of amazement. That, however, changed as a wall of citrine mist rose up around him, tumbling through cavern complex like some jaundiced flash flood. From the silent swell of fog, emanated the soft murmur of indistinct voices and the sound of footsteps – slow, yet somehow keeping pace with the careening, hungry wave.

Gorewillow's Perception check: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1

The half-orc had a hard time making out what was being said. Indeed, he was utterly convinced that the noise was nothing more than an incoherent babble.

He put it out of his mind and began looking for his pets. Something had happened to them in this place, so that meant he had to move cautiously to find what he was looking for.

And all around him, the voices continued to sing their song:

And then – if we all won't cry, fer shore –
The Raggedy Man he'll come and "splore
The Castle-halls," and steal the "gold"—
And steal us, too, and grab and hold
And pack us off to his old "Cave"!—And
Haymow's the "cave" of The Raggedy Man!—
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

Vegazi - Eluveitie - D'vêritû Agâge D'bitu (Re-recorded)

Rohan decided to make a few quick attacks to aid Vegazi, hopefully to throw her opponents off their course and get ahead of the swarming orcs. There was nothing special about the way Rohan threw 3 pebbles at Vegazi's attackers, trying to weaken them down. And while it seemed such a small attack, the impact from each would be as if they were fired from an Alkenstar rifle.

The first of the pebbles ricocheted off of The Steel Maiden's helmet, the second doing likewise against the armor of her wolf Ravage. But the third stone blasted through the lizard, causing it to screech angrily and in obvious pain as it staggered from the attack.

The Devil Sword seized upon that moment and launched an attack on the lizard, slipping in to stab both of her swords into both sides of its neck.

short sword strike 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
short sword strike 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
short sword critical confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14; successful due to the lizard's Wounded wound threshold
short sword damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7; +3 due to crit

Vegazi slid the blades in, then around toward her, an act that nearly decapitated the reptile, before pulling them out again. The lizard crashed to ground at her feet, the light of life gone from its eyes.

The Devil Sword spoke not a word as she turned her narrowed gaze upon Ogash, her normally jovial demeanor replaced with fierceness that sent a shiver down the Steel Maiden's spine.

Next up is Mesa, followed by Nogusta and Liesel-Marie.

Mesa raised an eyebrow as Aodhán approached her. She maintained the beat though she was starting to wonder why every one wanted to try and talk with her when she was banging on the drums and could barely hear anything.

It was also of note that he was talking to one of her duplicates but Mesa let that slide.

She frowned as he spoke.

Child?

What child?

Mesa wracked her brain for a few moments trying to even think of a kid that might be more important than helping to stop an attack by orcs that would enslave or kill all of the children in the city if they could.

What was the cost of one compared to all of them?

Also what fame? She wasn't going to get famous from this, that was the point of a bard in battles to make everyone ELSE famous.

Seriously what was he on about?

Still.

The words did make her think a moment.

She did recall Ruby, though Mesa couldn't put a face to the name she did recall who she was supposed to be.

There were also other things to consider.

First and foremost was that she was getting really tired. This had been a long battle and she had been playing for nearly all of it.

The second this was her playing was having negligible effects on those here. Most of them seemed skilled enough to deal with the orcs on their own.

And the third most important thing, battles like this were a copper a dozen in bardic song. Smaller more personal conflicts, like a rescue of a young girl from an assassin though... Stuff like that would be heard of by a number of people, but the details? The details were left to those who could properly spin a tale.

That last bit was almost enough to make Mesa drool. A new song that she could play with and spin however she liked.

Rocky would get a low billing of course, maybe a mention as another guy who was there unless he did something interesting or stupidly heroic, which was often the same thing.

Either way her course was clear.

The drum beat stopped as Mesa slung the drum over her shoulder with a grin.

”I'm so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight. And I would especially like to welcome all the representatives of the Guard community that have chosen to join us here in the main gate at this time. I certainly hope you all enjoyed the show. And remember, people, that no matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there're still some things that makes us all the same. You. Me. Them. Everybody. Everybody.” Mesa grinned. “We all hate dealing arse hats. Out of the doorway the bullets rip. To the sound of the beat.”

With the last words the spell, and a rude gesture, the spell was cast and Mesa turned to haul tail back towards the smoking city. She had no idea what she was doing or where she was going really, but that seemed rather exciting and interesting.

Magic Missile at Kelseph 2d4+1

magic Missile: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 1 = 9

Mesa

The drum beat stopped as Mesa slung the drum over her shoulder with a grin.

I'm so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight. And I would especially like to welcome all the representatives of the Guard community that have chosen to join us here in the main gate at this time. I certainly hope you all enjoyed the show. And remember, people, that no matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there're still some things that makes us all the same. You. Me. Them. Everybody. Everybody. Mesa grinned. We all hate dealing with arse hats. Out of the doorway the bullets rip. To the sound of the beat.

With the last words the spell, and a rude gesture, the spell was cast and Mesa turned to haul tail back towards the smoking city. She had no idea what she was doing or where she was going really, but that seemed rather exciting and interesting.

Magic Missile does 1d4+1 damage per missile, so Mesa should have done 2d4+2, with the total damage being 10 points instead of 9.

However, since Kelseph readied a standard action in the previous round to attack in the event of someone launched an attack at her while exiting the battlefield, she does get to go just before Mesa casts her spell, effectively making her initiative an 11 rather than the 8 it was originally.

So, how shall we make this work? How about we roll time back just a bit to this point in Mesa's post....

The drum beat stopped as Mesa slung the drum over her shoulder with a grin.

This caught Kelseph's attention enough for her to pause before the gate. She listened carefully to the bard's words, and though she couldn't exactly put her finger on it, something about them made the general suspicious.

Which was when she remembered that this one possessed abilities similar to those of the Rolling Thunder, Kagak. With a irritated snarl evident on her wrapped face, the general reached behind her to pluck an arrow from her quiver and nocked it to the bowstring. Using her thumb, Kelseph drew the string, with the fingers curling around the thumb to add support and released, her fingers opening out, with the thumb relaxed to allow the string to slide off it. The general quickly reached back for a second shaft and repeated the action.

General Kelseph's first shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13; -1 due to the Grazed condition, with an additional -2 due to Rapid Shot.
orc hornbow arrow damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13
General Kelseph's second shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20; -1 due to the Grazed condition, with an additional -2 due to Rapid Shot.
orc hornbow arrow damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 2) + 7 = 10

Three things of note here... First, I forgot to take into account the -2 penalty from Rapid Shot on more than one occasion with the general's bow attacks. Hopefully going forward, this won't happen again. Second, due to the amount of bodies between Mesa and Kelseph, I'm giving the bard the benefit of soft cover, which gives her an additional +4 bonus to her AC, boosting it up to 21. Third, there is wording in the mirror image spell that says if an attack misses the target by 5 or less, an image gets destroyed.

I certainly hope you all enjoyed the show. And remember, people, that no matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there're still some things that makes us all the same. The first arrow fired from the general's deadly hornbow had been lined up perfectly, only to be ruined by a militiaman that got in the way of her shot. The second arrow, however, which followed the path of the first, flew on unimpeded. You. Me. Them. Everybody. Everybody. Mesa grinned. We all hate dealing with arse hats. Out of the doorway the bullets rip. To the sound of the beat.

With the last words the spell, and a rude gesture, the spell was cast and Mesa turned to haul tail back towards the smoking city. She had no idea what she was doing or where she was going really, but that seemed rather exciting and interesting.

She also had no idea that one of Kelseph's arrows was streaking towards her, even after it caught one of the illusory images that hovered about the tiny Minkai bard, causing it to perform an overly dramatic death scene before disappearing from view.

Taken somewhat aback by what had transpired, Kelseph could only utter a single expletive in Orcspeech as the magical darts of energy weaved though the sea of bodies that separated them and struck her full in the chest. Grimacing both from pain and embarrassment, Kelseph moved on through the gate.

This brings Mesa's action for the round to an end. She'll appear on the Quartet Map on her next turn. Next up is Nogusta, followed by Liesel-Marie.

Nice exit, Mesa.

Nogusta, c'mon, man! I'm going to need aid after I run through the barrier before me! Door, wall, orc, I'm not particular.

Coughing and trying to hold the cloth in front of his nose and mouth, the Mwangi closed his eyes, whispered a prayer to Sarenrae, and stubbornly pushed forward through the smoke clouds.

Constitution Save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 29

After being delayed due to problems with the site, I can now get this post up! So, let's get on with it...

Nogusta

The sight of the golden-headed cockrel dashing past him brought to Nogusta's mind a missionary of Sarenrae called Chantecler that sang "The Hymn to The Sun" every morning as part of his thanks and praise to the goddess.

Note: I was very tempted to include the lyrics of "Sun Do Shine" from the movie "Rock-a-Doodle" at this point, but, in the end, decided not to. Fun Fact: The movie is based somewhat on the four act verse play "Chantecler" by Edmond Rostland, who also wrote Cyrano de Bergerac.

Spurred on by this memory, Nogusta found the strength of will to push through the smoke, where he nearly stumbled into Liesel-Marie, who had been waiting on the other side. After taking a moment to breathe in air not fully tainted by smoke, the priest surveyed the area about them.

But, with that roll, Nogusta is able to pick up his pace to get out of the smoke corridor. Assuming he's hustling through, the Mwangi cleric can move 60 feet (3x his move of 20 due to the breastplate being worn), or 6 squares. This will put him beside Liesel-Marie on the other side. And since this is the first time Nogusta has been in this part of town....

To his left were a cluster of homes abandoned in the wake of the orcs invasion, while to Nogusta's right was a unique structure with a canvas roof and a 1 foot gap between the walls and the ground. Laid out before them were the looted corpses of at least ten orcs.

Liesel-Marie would recognize this area as where she and the other members of Team Ruby rescued barkeep Rabus from being trapped within the bar known as The Killin' Ground as well as assisting the dwarf, Councilor Agrit Staginsdar, in keeping fellow councilor and wife Sara Morninghawk from burning to death within the Staginsdar household. It is also the area where the pitched battle with the orcs took place before the energy eruption of the woman in black sent them... elsewhere. Even now, her skin experiences a slight prickling sensation (as will the other members of Team Ruby except Nogusta that make it back to this point) that causes the hair on her arms to stand on end. The Longhouse is beyond this area, past the Inner Quarter beacon and southern barricade, through the gates separating the Inner Quarter from the Upper Quarter. The Flame of the Fallen, which is another beacon is near it.

Expect the Quartet map to be updated on later than 11:00 pm EST tonight. In the mean time, Liesel-Marie, you're next up!

Glad to see the site is back up. Just wanted to let everyone know that the map update will come after Liesel-Marie makes her post. Though work has begun to slow down, I'm also dealing with getting things ready for my son going back to school next week. So, carry on for now.