Face the Fire (Dark Sun 4E)

Game Master FabesMinis

Monoc save:
1d20 ⇒ 17
Success.

Monoc smiles in thanks to Lemris and moves away from the Kruthik to get his breath back. The injured kruthik scurry down the tunnels that permeate the area.

Move - Shift. Second Wind - spend surge and +2 to defenses. Current HP: 8.

Young 1 shifts and moves down hole in B8, Y2 moves down hole in F4. Neither can be attacked.

Initiative

Taanak 21
Kruthik Adult 21
Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Ojal 13
Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Marked by Shamash, Bloodied, Hidden
2 Bloodied, Hidden

>>>>MAP<<<<

Taanak moves to his allies' side while summoning up the healing winds.

Taanak moves to F8, spirit companion to E7. Healing Spirit on Monoc. Monoc spends a surge, Shamash heals 1d6 ⇒ 6 from the spirit.

The elf then focuses his fury on the only target remaining: the adult kruthik. With a word of power, he invokes a blast of searing flame.

Wrath of the Burning Sky on the adult. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 to hit, dealing 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 fire damage. Teleport spirit to A6.

That was nice!

Monoc current hp: 15

Adult - Recharge:
1d6 ⇒ 5
Oh yeah... Attack vs Spirit with Claw:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 172d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 2) + 7 = 17
Hit - spirit is dismissed and Taanak takes 5 damage

The large kruthik lashes out in startlement at the spirit scorpion. Its claws shred the entity, and Taanak feels the wounds as if he himself had been slashed.

Initiative

Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Ojal 13
Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Marked by Shamash, Bloodied, Hidden
2 Bloodied, Hidden
Taanak 21
Kruthik Adult 21

>>>>MAP<<<<

I'd much rather take 5 than 17!

Ojal focuses his mind on the only visible Kruthik and tries to find a way into its insectoid brain. He thinks of hives and communal minds and the need to follow a scent and the tremors of the earth to hunt.

Mind Thrust (Will)
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The alien mind defeats him.

Hi everyone - drive by update and apology from Monoc. Made it to the UK and having a good time seeing friends and family (first time back home in 2 years). Having more trouble getting internet access than I expected. I'm going to have very limited access via this temp account until Monday next week when it all sorts itself out. Sorry to interrupt the flow, and thank you for DMPCing Monoc. And keeping him alive :).

Good to hear from you. Where in the UK are you?

Shamash places his arcane mark upon the adult kruthik, and then moves in for the kill.

Move to B6, place my Aegis of Assault upon the adult in B5, and then hit is with a Foesnare. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 to hit, 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 damage and the adult is immobilised on a hit.

T'klik moves closer to the only visible enemy, yet keeps his distance to attack by extending his reach through the whirling strikes. He coils his his claws, making him appear that much more like a mantis, and as he sways with the dance, he strikes out at the adult.

Move to D6, melee reach from stance, Dancing Cobra strike at the adult. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 vs REF. If hit damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7, +5 for flurry of blows.

Shamash and T'klik move to engage the adult, Shamash wounding it as it dodges T'klik's strikes.

Lemris tries to conjure forth an illusion within the creature's mind.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Hit: Adult is dazed and unable to charge until end of L next turn

>>>>MAP<<<<

Initiative

Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Bloodied, Hidden
2 Bloodied, Hidden
Taanak 21
Kruthik Adult 21 Marked by Shamash, Dazed and cannot charge (eoLnt)
Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Ojal 13
Lemris 10

So far have spent a few days in the Cotswalds, and now up in East Yorkshire with old university friends for a weekend. Quite strange now that people are starting to have kids!

Monoc advances and strikes the insect menace, giving voice to a howl of pain and rage.

Move to C6, attack with Howl of Fury: (Primal, Thunder, Weapon) One creature. +6 vs. AC. 1d12 + 6 damage. You then howl in a blast 3 that includes the target. Each enemy in the blast, other than the target, takes thunder damage equal to your Constitution modifier (+3). Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23, damage 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8. Blast is centered on D7, might take out any nearby hidden minions.

Seriously? Cool. Rev and I live in North Yorkshire :)

The half-giant joins his comrades, slashing and roaring. The younger kruthiks emerge from the tunnels and attack Lemris and Taanak.

Attack vs Lemris:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 102d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 = 15

Attack vs Taanak:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 152d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 = 17
17 damage to Taanak

The elf shaman feels the bite of the strange beasts.

>>>>MAP<<<<

Initiative

Taanak 21 Bloodied?
Kruthik Adult 21 Marked by Shamash, Dazed and cannot charge (eoLnt)
Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Ojal 13
Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Bloodied
2 Bloodied

Yes, I am very bloodied.

Wounded by the kruthik's bite, the elf steps back from his attacker and curls his lips into a primal snarl.

Shift to F8 (move action).

He casts a glance towards his allies near the largest of the kruthik and, with a whisper, summons his scorpion spirit into being once more.

Summon spirit companion in C5. As he is a spirit, allies can still occupy the same space as the spirit with no difficulty. Actually, if it is possible, I'd like to summon it BEHIND the kruthik... in the tunnel at A4, but I wasn't sure if I could.(minor action)

With a hiss, the shaman reaches out towards the nearby kruthik as spectral vipers lash out from his hands, sensing the blood of the wounded and honing in on it like a beacon.

Twin Panthers encounter power. Attack vs. Y2: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 vs. REF. 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 damage on hit. The second attack is directed at Y2 again or, if it is dead, Y1 instead: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25 vs. REF. 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage on hit.

Allies now gain combat advantage against any enemy adjacent to my spirit companion until the end of my next turn.

If Y2 is NOT dead after this attack:

Two feline spirits lash out at the kruthik severely wounding it.

Taanak- PCs can only spend 1 AP per encounter.

The largest kruthik hisses and attacks Shamash, sensing the arcane power constraining it.

Claw vs Shamash (AC)
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 92d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 6) + 7 = 20

Apologies to Monoc, and Shamash- I forgot to note the adult also has an aura. Please could you both take 2 damage. Sorry again.

>>>>MAP<<<<

Initiative

Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Ojal 13
Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Bloodied
2 Bloodied
Taanak 21 Bloodied?
Kruthik Adult 21 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage, Marked by Shamash, Dazed and cannot charge (eoLnt)

Ojal tries again, seeking once more to understand and weaken the insectoid brain.

Mind Thrust (Will) v Adult. Augment 2. On hit, target takes -3 to defenses to end Ojal's next turn
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
2d10 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12 - damage.

At last he feels an opening and takes it.

Flashing images of claws and fangs fill Ojal's mind, as he pictures ripping through the adult's small brain with his mental talons.

Initiative

Shamash 17
T'klik 19
Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Bloodied
2 Bloodied
Taanak 21 Bloodied?
Kruthik Adult 21 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage, Marked by Shamash, Dazed and cannot charge (eoLnt), -3 to defenses to eoOjalnt
Ojal 13

BUMP.

Sorry, got a bit distracted over the weekend.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Shamash attacks the kruthik adult again while its defences are down.

Quick Formation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 to hit v AC, 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage and (if I hit) all allies within 5 squares can shift 2.

With Shamash's direction T'klik moves closer to the young perilously close to Taanak. He then sways and strikes like a poised viper.

Use the free shift to move to F8, use Dancing Cobra on Y2. Attack vs Ref 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24, Damage 14, plus 5 for Flurry of Blows. 19 total to Y2

T'klik strikes true, his claws doing enough to equal the caustic bite of the cobra.

He then moves to assist Lemris with his harrier.

Move to E10. This our 1st or 2nd fight today? Was the other fight the day before, I don't remember if we slept, but I think we did?

Y2 dead. Taanak and Monoc can shift 2 Shamash takes 2 damage from aura

Shamash beckons his comrades into action. T'klik smashes into one of the smaller creatures and knocks it on its back.

You did not have an Extended Rest, thus this is your 2nd fight of the day.

Initiative

Lemris 10
Monoc 3
Kruthik Young 23 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage
1 Bloodied
Taanak 21 Bloodied?
Kruthik Adult 21 Aura 1 - enemy ending its turn in aura takes 2 damage, Marked by Shamash, Dazed and cannot charge (eoLnt), -3 to defenses to eoOjalnt
Ojal 13
Shamash 17
T'klik 19

>>>>MAP<<<<

Taanak will shift to H7.

Posting early, hopefully won't overlap with Lemris. If Lemris kills the adult I'll use the same roles charging the remaining young Kruthic.

Monoc nods in recognition to Shamash, but does not shift his position. He simply grits his teeth and growls in anger at the adult Kruthic, then attacks.  

Resurgent Strike: (Primal, Weapon) One creature. +6 vs AC. You either gain 3 + your Constitution (+3) modifier temporary hit points or end one dazing or weakening effect on yourself. The target then takes 2d12 +6 damage. 

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 192d12 + 6 ⇒ (2, 10) + 6 = 18

Monoc has 13 HP + 6THP. Bloodied.

Posting early, hopefully won't overlap with Lemris. If Lemris kills the adult I'll use the same roles charging the remaining young Kruthic.

Monoc nods in recognition to Shamash, but does not shift his position. He simply grits his teeth and growls in anger at the adult Kruthic, then attacks.  

Resurgent Strike: (Primal, Weapon) One creature. +6 vs AC. You either gain 3 + your Constitution (+3) modifier temporary hit points or end one dazing or weakening effect on yourself. The target then takes 2d12 +6 damage. 

1d20+6; 2d12+6

Monoc has 13 HP + 6THP. Bloodied.

Don't forget that my spirit companion is granting you combat advantage against the adult until the end of my next turn!

Ha thanks Taanak. That's 21 vs AC then.

Monoc continues his efficient butchery, as Lemris fires a busrt of gleaming light to dazzle the adult.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

It collapses to the ground, its senses overwhelmed. The remaining young kruthik keens and flees.

COMBAT OVER -171 XP each

"This seems like an opportune moment to check where the scout was standing. Discreetly, of course, so I'm not suggesting I go."

Ojal smiles beatifically at Taanak and T'klik.

"T'klik will check if cave safe for you for dra. Not good for all you be useless and not aware if any kruthik or runners come into cave." T'klik hunkers down and moves in to scout the cave the runner was guarding.

Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27, Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

The hunter instincts kick in as T'klik moves closer.

Milestone - you each gain 1 AP.

After that combat, I am completely out of healing surges (but am now back at full health).

Before you spend all your own surges, as a Shaman, sometimes you are better off using your heal on another, and then taking the no surge cost 1d6 your spirit grants. That way the warriors can get surge healing as they get mor HP from a surge, and let the low surges have the 1d6's which is often enough for them.

Before you spend all your own surges, as a Shaman, sometimes you are better off using your heal on another, and then taking the no surge cost 1d6 your spirit grants. That way the warriors can get surge healing as they get mor HP from a surge, and let the low surges have the 1d6's which is often enough for them.

I thought about that, but it seemed awfully metagamey outside of combat.

I have no problem with it. It makes a great deal of sense.

T'klik scuttles into the cave, and sees that it descends on a gentle slope (easy enough to walk down). It looks as though it has seen a fair bit of traffic over a period of time to judge by the bones and signs of passage.

Aware that where a silt runner has been posted as a guard, there may be other silt runners lurking, Ojal start to wriggle his way across the hot sand towards the fallen runner.

Once there, he will examine the body.

The former noble crawls on his belly to scavenge from the dead...

He finds a glassy black stone orb in the filthy rags the creature was wearing. He realises that this has great potential for psionic use, composed of obsidian as it is.

Orb of Life Conversion
Level 5 Uncommon
This black orb feeds on your life force instead of your psionic reserves to augment your powers.
Price: 1,000 gp
Implement (Orb)
Enhancement: +1 attack rolls and damage rolls
Critical: +1d8 necrotic damage
Power (Encounter): Free Action. Trigger: You use a psionic power through this orb. Effect: You lose a healing surge instead of spending power points to augment the power. The augmentation can cost no more than 2 power points.

Ojal's eyes widen slightly and he looks deep into the obsidian. Reflected back, he sees his own distorted image somehow overlaid with many other faces, none of which he knows.

This seems a natural fit for Ojal as he's the only one who uses power points.

Monoc advances to stand beside Ojal. "Shiny. Is weapon or toy?"

Burn 2 surges to get back to full HP

"For me, it is a weapon. I can use it to look deeper and seek weaknesses in our foes."

Ojal shows Monoc the lump of polished stone.

"Shall we find T'klik?"

He puts aside the ethics of robbing the dead to be considered at another time.

Ojal joins the thri-kreen and sees that the cave turns into tunnels that go deeper into the earth (large enough to walk down.)

Lemris brings up the rear, and mutters, "So, do we go further in, or what?"

"An inhabited cave system does seem interesting. I propose we explore it."

Ojal follows cautiously in T'klik's wake.

"Is dark inside, for you weak human eyes how good you can see if we go in? I work well for good time with light from opening, you not have Kreen eyes me know elf is good." T'klik so kindly reminds of the need for light for some of the others.

"I... Er.. Ahem, well that is to say... This is just a minor conjuration. Um... Little magic thing, yes?" Lemris adds to T'Klik. his dagger suddenly sheds bright light.

"Ah. Well. Yes. Can't have us all tripping over in the dark."

With the waterbags better able to see in the dark, T'klik tries to get out ahead of the light to meld back into the shadows before leading the group forward. Returning back to the mind of the hunter he crouches low and delves into the darkened depths.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22, Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23.

"Not be loud when follow. Lift your feet, step only on claws of your foot, not on spur. Keep abdomen bent." he passes on the knowledge of sneaking given him back before his first molt.

Ojal does a swift mental translation and tries to emulate.

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 10

He fails.

Stealth 1d20 ⇒ 2

But not as badly as Shamash, who whistles a merry tune.

His elven eyes attuned to lower light, Taanak joins T'klik at the front.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18