Scepter Tower of Spellgard - Rev's version

Game Master Rev Rosey

using his new at-will utility "fleeting ghost" Snaggle will sneak his way up and 'take a look around' before the noisy ones in metal armor stomp their way up. Stealth=d20+12=31! I love my green d20! Once he's in the room and looked around I will plan my next move.

Snaggletooth speaks up, "Okay, I go and see. Stay here unless I scream in Draconic." He looks at Mirth. "I will be right back."

DUN-dun-DUN!

Including the Healing Word I got I've spent two surges putting me at 55hp, 4 Surges left.

Snaggletooth's feet move as swiftly and silently as the shadows he stalks. The last chamber lies before him, a tribute to all the skills of the ancient builders of this place.

The room is dominated by a dais surrounded by eight low, rune-scribed plinths. Six of them are surmounted by the familiar familiar alabaster pillars which emanate an eerie glow, providing most of the light. The dais itself throbs gently as arcane power builds within it. At the centre, a focus of power is developing, spilling out in an aura around the dais.

Four black clad figures wait, poised. Three are instantly recognisable as shadar-kai, pale skinned, tattooed and pierced, flowing locks falling around exultant faces. Two carry spiked chains, while the third, even more assured than the first two, bears a greatsword and lounges easily, clearly a master of his art. This can only be Thoran himself. Also familiar, and oddly incongruous in this company is the unwelcome sight of Devlin, clearly restored and grinning in expectation.

MAP

Things to note. The room is in low-light, which means that those of you without low-light vision will be operating at -2 for attacks.

Roll init including the +2 for Commander Caine and tell me what you're doing. Snaggle will have to go back down the stairs to tell you all this. NO surprise round. They know you're coming.

Initiative: 1d20+4+2=21

Not sure what Mirth is doing yet - will likely end up delaying. :( Anyone have any tactical insights they'd like to propose?

Init so far

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth

Mirth has the right of it. A plan is very much advised.

Initiative 25. Geez. Mirth rolled 21 and goes 4th... these guys must have insane boni. Chainfighters may well have an area burst. Thoran will probably have something that smashes one opponent into the floor. Devlin, we know, is a warlord and thus their healer. It may well be worth trying to take him or Thoran out first. As a group we are generally not so great at concentrating fire. There have been 1 or 2 fights where we have mopped the floor but the others have been somewhat chaotic. I suggest Snaggle and Fairwind do what they need to and get up flanking Thoran and sneak attacking. Brujo and Leo need to use their aegis and divine challenge respectively on him, so that whatever happens, he ends up taking some form of penalty. If Mirth has area effects, those would be lovely on the hench-kai. Cronin and Caine, get ready with those band-aids :D

Fairwind quickly outlines a basic plan.

Rev

"There are four bad guys." Snaggle says to his companions while holding up four fingers. "One is talky guy from before. Two of others look like guards or really good fighter. They have chains for weapons. The last one is scary-looking guy with really big sword. He must be Thor-in guy naked men talk about. I not see anybody else. We out number them, but they look really tough. I not see any robed people, so I don't know if they cast spells. They here, here, here, and here." He draws a crude drawing in the dust on the floor to show the layout. see map

Initiative= d20+7, 12. Something about these guys scares Snaggle so he is not in a hurry to face them. He moves to the back of the formation.

tactics- Snaggle is going to use the distraction of the others engaging to sneak behind Devlin or Thorin and flank them for CA and thus Sneak Attack.

Fairwind - they have good boni, but not that spectacular. They just blew a series of good rolls on their init.

Snaggletooth - yes, it's odd but true. You have normal vision only. As a fellow kobold player, I also had to come to terms with this. No player race has anything better than low-light vision at the moment.

Init so far

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Snaggletooth

Cronin Init (1d20+5+2=14) Cronin does, in fact, have low-light. Thank you, were-german-shepherd heritage

Cronin does indeed have low-light, as do Leo, Brujo, Mirth and Fairwind. Caine and Snaggle are the odd ones out.

Init so far

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Cronin
Snaggletooth

I think there's a case for Snaggle to have low-light, but you're the DM.

For what it's worth, I would also propose that PC kobolds retain some semblance of environment-adapted vision. To me LL seems a good compromise, rather than DV.

Cool. I'm happy for Snaggle to be a low-light visioner. It seems deeply odd that a creature designed to live in tunnels wouldn't have low-light vision. We can justify the loss of d-v by saying he's re-adjusted or something ...

Only Caine is the only one of you unable to see properly in low-light. Lucky him.

Initiative 1d20+4=12

"I say we focus the brunt of our assult on their leader. If we can take him out the chances of them wanting to continue on is slim. Plus we all have experience with Devlin. As soon as he sees things going south he'll likely run to save his tail."

"Agreed. Shadar-kai are a bold lot, but much less so if we," Cronin's voice shifts to a growl, "decapitate the group."

Fairwind looks around the group, and says, "Didn't I just say that? Ah, never mind... y'all're gonna rush in like headless cockatrices anyhow..." she adds.

Init so far

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo

Just need Leo. Unless you tell me otherwise, the marching order is as follows:-
Snaggletooth
Fairwind and Leo
Caine and Cronin
Mirth and Brujo.

Fairwind looks around the group, and says, "Didn't I just say that? Ah, never mind... y'all're gonna rush in like headless cockatrices anyhow..." she adds.

"Just agreeing with you"

Fairwind looks at Brujo, and says simply, "We're a team now, all of us." she adds pointedly.

"You all set, little buddy?" she asks Snaggletooth.

Fairwind looks at Brujo, and says simply, "We're a team now, all of us." she adds pointedly.

"You all set, little buddy?" she asks Snaggletooth.

"Fairwind's right, we need to double team the chain fighters and let Mirth area effect either the sword wielder or Devlin, I'd say me and Fairwind on one, Caine and Snaggletooth on the other, Cronin and Mirth can decide who they want to area effect whilst Brujo keeps an eye out for their safety and by that I mean you get to choose whoever you want to hit as long as you protect Mirth and Cronin okay?" Leo muses.

Initiative: Rolled 11+3+2 for a Total of 16

"And for the record I want you free since you can swap places with any of us should you need to and whilst you and Caine could swap places, I suspect this way we can sucker Devlin in and you can swap with me and I'll sort that loud mouth out unless of course one of you wants to call dibs?" Leo asks the others.

Init

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Leo
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo

Any last requests for position changes before I add you in and unleash trauma?

MAP

Nope good

Not sure we're all on the same page yet, strategy-wise, but let's roll anyways. :)

My brief two cents: Focus damage on Thoran. (Brujo, Snaggle, Fairwind if possible) Keep him marked and occupied, take him down quick. Best defense is an overwhelming offense square in the face, IMO.

Not sure we're all on the same page yet, strategy-wise, but let's roll anyways. :)

My brief two cents: Focus damage on Thoran. (Brujo, Snaggle, Fairwind if possible) Keep him marked and occupied, take him down quick. Best defense is an overwhelming offense square in the face, IMO.

If those chain fighters are wielding spiked chain they'll have reach along with Devlin, taking them down might make this fight easier but Mirth does have a point that Thoran is the real threat here, just that there are three shadar kai and that would be more of a threat to Leo

Monastery

Fairwind looks at Brujo, and says simply, "We're a team now, all of us." she adds pointedly.

"You all set, little buddy?" she asks Snaggletooth.

Snaggletooth smiles, and spits on the ground. "Yessssss. Pale ones not know what hit them." His face picks up in light of Fairwind's comraderie. "We shut up Mouthy Bad Guy for good, this time. I still owe him for my kobold brothers."

For what it's worth, I would also propose that PC kobolds retain some semblance of environment-adapted vision. To me LL seems a good compromise, rather than DV.

Many thanks, Mirth and Fairwind. It does seem pretty dumb that monster kobolds can see in the dark, but a PC kobold needs a torch. And thanks, Rev, for the ruling.

Init so far

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo

Just need Leo. Unless you tell me otherwise, the marching order is as follows:-
Snaggletooth
Fairwind and Leo
Caine and Cronin
Mirth and Brujo.

Um, since he is reacting so poorly Snaggletooth will behind Mirth and Brujo.

Um, since he is reacting so poorly Snaggletooth will behind Mirth and Brujo.

That makes sense - and is why I asked!

Thoran
Chain fighters
Devlin
Fairwind
Mirth
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo

Marching order is as follows:-
Fairwind and Leo
Caine and Cronin
Mirth and Brujo.
Snaggletooth

MAP

Caine and Cronin are on the step behind and can be in the doorway in one square.
Mirth and Brujo are two steps behind and can be in the doorwy in two squares.
Snaggletooth is three steps behind and can be in the doorway in three squares.

Tell me if this is right and I'll roll the baddies.

Looks good to me.

as the heroes of flight 93 said, "let's roll!"

As Fairwind and Leo appear in the doorway, Thoran vanishes from sight.

You'll need to roll Perception checks to identify where he is in order to hit him. DC28
Thoran Stealth check (1d20 8=28)

Fairwind rapidly discovers that invisible does not mean inadequate as an unseen weapon bites deep into her side. The shadowy power that envelops the warrior temporarily removes her sight.

Thoran v Fairwind (1d20 12=18, 1d10 5=10)
10hp damage to Fairwind.
Gloomstrike: If Thoran hits a target that can’t see him, the target is blinded until the end of Thoran’s next turn.

The chain fighters shake back tangled locks and attempt to lash at both Fairwind and Leo. CF1 steps a little closer and lets fly, catching the ranger off guard.
CF1 v Fairwind (1d20 10=28, 2d4 4=9). 9hp damage to Fairwind. 19hp damage total.

CF2 targets Leo, but the weapon falls short.
CF2 v Leo (1d20 10=14, 2d4 4=12)

Finally, Devlin strolls forward. "Meet the new gang. We were kind of wondering what delayed you."
Leo receives a friendly halberd in the ribcage.
Devlin v Leo (1d20 10=22, 1d10 8=9)
9hp damage to Leo

MAP

Fairwind is up - -5 to hit Thoran, blind to end Thoran's next turn.
Mirth
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo
Thoran
Chainfighters
Devlin

Minor - HQ Thoran. Shift to J3. Evasive Strike - 1d20+5 (inc blind). 22 vs AC. Please hit. Damage if it hits - 10 damage + 1d8 Quarry = 8 Total damage to Thoran (if hit) - 18 damage. As part of the power shift to L5.

Fairwind snarls "What is it with you bastards and blindness?!" and makes a decisive stab before rolling away in her trademark style.

Leo seems to not be in the order

Good point Cronin. I've rolled for him now :D

Lashing out instinctively as she rolls, Fairwind is confident her blades have found their target. Yes, that hit.

Devlin grins companionably at her as she pops up beside him. "Hey there, mouthy. Knew you couldn't resist me really."

MAP

Fairwind is up - -5 to hit Thoran, blind to end Thoran's next turn.
Mirth
Leo
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo
Thoran
Chainfighters
Devlin

Sorry forgot to mention, posting this now to avoid holding things up later

Leo shifts first to J-3 and then to K-4 I believe Leo has an action point he can use which he does to inflict Righteous Smite on Chain Fighter#2 rolling 1d20+9: 16+9 for Total of 25 to hit doing 2d8+4 damage: 3+8+4 for Total of 15 damage if it does hit. If this does not only does he and Fairwind gain 7 temporary hp along with everyone down those stairs as the effect has a range of 5 squares

Leo shifts into the room avoiding the congregating foes so he can cut loose on one of the chain fighters.

All fine and dandy Leo, will stitch in once Mirth is sorted. Mirth - mea culpa. I copy and pasted the init list and left Fairwind at the top by accident. You're up.

MAP

Mirth is up
Leo - already posted.
Cronin
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo
Thoran
Chainfighters
Devlin
Fairwind is up - -5 to hit Thoran, blind to end Thoran's next turn.

I'll concentrate on Thoran but it would be good if someone like Leo or Brujo could help me. Marking would be useful because then he will take a penalty if attacks me... which is good as I am quite squishy.

Sorry! Evidently wasn't paying much attention yesterday. :(

Mirth will delay until after Brujo. I'll aid Fairwind on Thoran, assuming I can find a spot to cast from that isn't next to someone sharp and pokey.

Sorry! Evidently wasn't paying much attention yesterday. :(

Mirth will delay until after Brujo. I'll aid Fairwind on Thoran, assuming I can find a spot to cast from that isn't next to someone sharp and pokey.

No problem. This is potentially quite tricky. I can well understand you all wanting to be precise in your actions.

Leo sizes up the situation, shifts, shifts again and unleashes a powerful blow on C2. The chainfighter's eyes light up and he glances at Devlin.

"You did not mislead. Worthy foes indeed."

Devlin shrugs. "What can I say? I'm the best at what I do."

MAP

Cronin is up
Caine
Snaggletooth
Brujo
Thoran
Chainfighters
Devlin
Fairwind - -5 to hit Thoran, blind to end Thoran's next turn.
Leo

Cronin and Caine are one step away from the doorway.
Brujo and Mirth are two steps away.
Snaggletooth is three steps away.

Cronin steps up to J2 and, not seeing Thoran, redirects his planned attack to Devlin (presumably drawing an OA from Thoran). "Selune, guide me!" A silver dagger appears in Thoran's space and attacks him. Even though it misses, it provides a distraction.

Spiritual Weapon vs AC (1d20+7=21, 1d10+6=9)

All allies have CA against the dagger's target as long as I sustain it.

Cronin steps up to J2 and, not seeing Thoran, redirects his planned attack to Devlin (presumably drawing an OA from Thoran). "Selune, guide me!" A silver dagger appears in Thoran's space and attacks him. Even though it misses, it provides a distraction.

Spiritual Weapon vs AC (1d20+7=21, 1d10+6=9)
All allies have CA against the dagger's target as long as I sustain it.

Have posted a query for you in the discussion thread if you could take a look please

Leo
Got it and have posted. Re-posted here for ease of reference as well.

All - re Thoran and his invisibility

Cronin

EDIT - Please note that I am amending Thoran's colour coding to indicate his invisibility. Yellow text means he's invisible. Hopefully this will help.

D'oh! That's what I get for posting while drowsy. Thanks, Leo. Entirely fresh post.

A blast of light emanates from Cronin's holy symbol, catching the entrance to the room, causing the enemies to flinch and the allies to be inspired.

Same movement -- Divine Glow -- I3:K5 -- Divine Glow v Thoran, Devlin, CF1, CF2 Ref (1d20+7-5=5, 1d20+7=17, 1d20+7=26, 1d20+7=23, 1d8+5=12) probably hit the CFs, for 12 radiant; Leo and Fairwind get +2 to attacks TEOMNT

Divine power infuses Fairwind and Leo, and hurts both Chainfighters. Devlin just shrugs and waits.

A man enraged, Caine barges his way into the room, circling to flank CF2.

"You're playing with professionals now," he snarls.

As he passes, a sword swings accurately into his side, followed almost immediately by a halberd jab from Devlin.

"Nothing but truth there, corporal."

Thoran OA v Caine (1d20 14=20, 1d10 5=13)
Devlin OA v Caine (1d20 10=22, 1d10 8=12)
CF 2 OA v Caine (1d20 12=28, 2d4 4=9)

Ahem. Apologies Rad, but it seems like the kind of thing Caine would do. He takes 3 OAs, but makes his own attack with CA. 34hp damage to Caine, who is bloodied.

Completely ignoring his wounds, the Commander shows all the leadership qualities he was trained for, savagely hacking into CF2 and bloodying the shadar-kai while strengthening all his allies.

Bastion of Defence v CF2 (1d20 12=26, 3d10 4=24)

To the end of the encounter, all allies within 5 squares of Caine take a +2 to defenses. Additionally, all allies gain 7 temp hp.

Your warlord is on 13hp and can't heal himself.

MAP

Snaggletooth is up - +2 to defenses
Brujo - +2 to defenses
Thoran (Invisible: -5 to hit him assuming you can beat the current DC28 to identify where he is)
Chainfighters
Devlin
Fairwind - -5 to hit Thoran, blind to end Thoran's next turn, +2 to attacks to end Cronin's next turn, +2 to defenses
Leo - +2 to attacks to end Cronin's next turn, +2 to defenses
Cronin - +2 to defenses
Caine - bloodied

Brujo and Mirth are two steps away from the doorway.
Snaggletooth is three steps away.

Rev

Brujo

Brujo** spoiler omitted **

Rev