The Storm in Isger

Game Master Sigil

Abbas loses his concentration and a slow blush climbs up his cheeks as Ellie finishes talking.

He keeps an eye on the newcomers that approach.

Narnel winks.

That can be arranged.

He calls out the approaching group/

Well, it appears we have rescued some folks, against your better judgment. Help us get them on the other side of the barrier, shall we?

Bryndyn continues to stand watch as Narnel requests help moving the children to the other side of the barrier. He eyes the Hellknight warily, fatigue probably getting the better of him right now.

Well it happened again... I keep refreshing the page and it turns out we are on to the next one... Sorry all.

The group continues their approach. Eyes in all directions, though the ghouls are still not showing themselves.

There is the wall, though the each step is a mile, each second an hour.

Narnel calls out to no response. Taciturn in their duty is best case here.

Tadric sees it first... His words chill. "The Hell Knight is dead".

And so he is. When he says it, it is plain to see. The lol of the head. The tears and holes in the armor. The long tongue of his companion.

They stand 50 feet off, with the wall some 30 feet more, for a total of 80 feet. The wall has holes for sure but no more than 2 could pass in a round assuming you run instead of fight. Top of the order. Combat order: Abbas, 'Neeki, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, Undead Hell Knight and companion and Bryndyn. Go ahead Abbas through Taedric.

Abbas charges the long tongued creature. Aiming to smash it to the ground at the quarterstaff lights the beast and its undead partner.

Quarterstaff of hope 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

If courage and luck were the same, Abbas would have lain low the long-tongued fiend. As it stands, his blow missed entirely.

'Neeki pauses and looks to Elinor. She says nothing.

The ghouls where 'ere they may be stay out of sight.

Combat order: Abbas, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, 'Neeki, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, Undead Hell Knight and companion and Bryndyn. Go ahead Narnel through Aidan.

"Run for it 'Neeki, I'll be right behind you with your brother!"

Elinor will single move diagonally to try to keep 35' away from the bad things but still get closer to the exit and begin her final round of Bard song to assist the other fighters. Possibly the first verse of Pat Bennettar's "Hit me with your best shot!"

Round 1, Point Blank, Sneak Attack on Flat-Footed (yet to act) Enemy

narnel runs also in a diagonal but getting within 20 feet of the enemy where he fires at the Hellknight.

Keep moving kiddos!

LB Att: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
LB Dam: 1d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (2) = 9

Has Abbas blocked Taedric's charge lane (remembering, of course, that lances are conveniently reach weapons...)

He should have left the Hellknight open for a charge. I think even he would do that, Sigil?

Earth protect us from this evil, Aidan murmurs, and may the air speed our feet.
Moves forward, casting resistance on himself.
Tkurzhan growls and hunkers low, waiting.
Moves forward, interposing himself, and readies against approach.

The eagles appear attacking their foes smiting them

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 171d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Confirm
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Looks pretty good Harley, but don't forget the +1 for the bard song on to hit and damage.

Ahhhh, I failed to include that as well. Make that 10 damage for my arrow, Sigil.

Alas, Narnel went before Ellie so you'll have to wait till next turn for the benefit.

Ahhhh, I see, just before you in initiative order, but just after you in the thread.

Alas, since Bryndyn moves after the Hellknight, I will await that action before making my move...

Yes, Abbas has left the Hell Knight open for Taedrics charge.

Narnels arrow hits, though the amount of damage is hard to determine. Elinor races to the exit with 'Neeki, warming her companions hearts and fixing their determination with her song. Elinor, there is no way to stay as wide as you wish without tucking into alleys, but the creatures seem sufficiently engaged with Abbas...

As 'Neeki approaches Abbas she looks vexed. Board still in hand she says to Elinor, He would not have left us... with some measure of indignation.

Harlynn which dead is your target?

Taedric repeats his earlier command, "Get them out of here.", and again spins Trumps around, bringing his new lance in line with the dead Hellknight. "Looks like we've been dealt another hand, my friend.", he says softly as he directs Trumps to attack. He then chuckles as he starts building momentum, "I guess heroes, even newly-minted ones, don't get to rest.", the grim joke playing on his sense of humour, even as he offers another silent prayer, Lady, another smile if you would? It seems that the dead simply refuse to cash out tonight...

Cavalier's Charge: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 4 + 1 = 25 {charge, inspire courage}
for 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

just target the closest.

The eagles move in deadly unison, and deliver many small wounds to the Hell Knight. He does not fall though. But Taedrics charge catches him full in the chest and thus skewered the dead dies again.

Elton picks grabs Sadie into his arms and says follow the woman! and he sets off on Elinor and 'Neekis heels, with Tanzi and Becca close on his.

Somewhere on the other side of the wall is shouting. Have you been seen?

Seneca follows them, but keeps his eyes focused on where they came from in the event that the ghouls are indeed not gone.

AIdan and Tkurzhan also move forward and without impediment.

The foul thing in the cloak opens its mouth impossibly wide and makes a "AHHHHH" noise as it lurches at Abbas. Its wicked claws and teeth are to much for the man to avoid. He is hit and gravely. One claw and the wicked fangs strike him and drop him to the ground.

At the top of the wall suddenly appear a dozen or more archers. Their faces are orange in the light of the fire on the tips of their arrows. They are drawing their bows but have not fired.

Abbas takes 12 points and needs to make a will save. Bryndyn is up.

Aidan takes those words as good council, hastening after the group towards the wall.

Bryndyn shouts as Abbas falls. ABBAS! he bellows as he charges the foul thing in the cloak with his mace. His intention is to put himself between the undead and his friend until both can retreat.

Attack 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Bryndyns charge for certain catches the attention of the foul robed thing, but his efforts to hit it were as effective as Abbas' earlier.

Jess had held back, not wanting to approach the dead, but now he is a 10 feet behind Bryndyn because he knows there are still dark things in the night. He is right to be nervous. The ghoul things, well 2 of them are peering around side of a building some 30 feet back. They watch but do not do anything more.

Combat order: Abbas, Ghouls, Narnel, Elinor, 'Neeki, Harlynn, Taedric, Elton, Seneca, Tkurzhan, Aidan, robed dead and Bryndyn. Go ahead Narnel through Harlynn please.

Round 2, Charge (AC:17), Flank, Sneak Attack

Narnel, upon seeing Abbas fall and Bryn's attack, draws his rapier and charges to a flanking position on the foul robed creature. He lunges forward attempting to impale the enemy.

Return to the grave!

Rapier Att: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 21
Rapier Dam: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (5) = 12

Will save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

DM Only

Abbas flops over his staff like a dead fish.

Seneca spins and fires his crossbow shouting, "The rest of you, get over the wall. We have to stop this last one and get Abbas out!"
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Attack 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 17
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 5

Sending the Eagles to aid Senaca

including a +2 for flanking, remove if it doesnt apply
1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 231d4 ⇒ 3
1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 141d4 ⇒ 2
1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 111d4 ⇒ 1

On holiday now for a week, half term, parents over and flying to Britain for next weekend. Posting will be very spotty until I get back. Cheers

This time, of course, Narnel does get the bard song bonus.

Elinor's song drifts off and she glares at 'Neeki.

"No. And I'm not going to leave him. You are. Now get going before I tan your a$$.

Elinor advances to the knot of creatures, bodies, companions and draugr. Her goal is to keep a route through the confusion for the various non-combatants to use, and to get close enough to Abbas that she can grab his feet and drag him away. If she can get to a suitable position and still attack the undead she will, otherwise she'll do a single move with a 'ready' to attack a gribbly if one makes itself available. (It sounds pretty busy up there with Bryn, three eagles, Narnel, Abbas, the thing, Taedric, trumps...where's the other furry fury right now?)

If there's an attack at any point:

While Abbas lays on the ground bleeding still, the others race and dart about. All the while the ghouls watch. For an opening? They keep themselves well defended.

Narnels blow is sure. Elinor warns 'Neeki and then charges in. Her hit is direct and powerful, yet the dead stands unwavering.

One of Harlynn's eagles tears at the thing.

Suddenly 'Neeki disobeys Elinor and races up beside her, board in hand and swings at the things middle. Surprisingly, she hits it, and more shocking is her blow collapses the thing to the ground. She drops the board and clutches her hands tightly, obviously the impact caused her pain and then suddenly realizes she might might not be in the clear she looks at Elinor with trepidation. I wanted to do what you said, but then... her voice trails off.

The heroes move closer to the wall and then a voice yells, One step closer and let them have it. Hold the wall you motherless sons, hold the wall!

Taedric through Bryndyn please.

Hold the wall against the dead, you blind ape. Mayhap you should take off thine helmet, it seems to weigh heavy on that thick skull!
Tkurzhan roars. Puddles in the mud shake, and dust on the wall drifts, shaken away.
Now I'm coming up there, and so are these survivors. Make way!

Taedric smiles as the Hellknight crumples after he rides past, but then snarls as Abbas falls. He rubs his wolf's neck in silent support and then wheels in place, bringing the inherited lance up to face the thing that felled Abbas.

Three assumptions: (a) I can't ride-by because of all the others in melee. (b) Because everyone else is in melee, I should be able to end the charge with a flank (from Bryndyn), since I'm "coming back" after the ride-by? (c) Elinor's bard song ended - she said there was only 1 round left...

Cavalier's Charge: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 4 + 2 = 21 {flanking}
Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12

Trumps, as always, has a readied action to pull down the thing if it steps in, since he's only taken a move, technically.

I think all immediate enemy threats are down, Taedric, and we are negotiating the wall, now.

I think all immediate enemy threats are down, Taedric, and we are negotiating the wall, now.

Yup

Something killed the thing that dropped Abbas? I missed that... Apologies

Taedric races back to Abbas, looking at the fallen Hellknight corpse.
They'll likely want that back, and it seems a shame to leave it behind...

He looks up at the hole and snarls, "We return with the survivors, as promised. Let us through, as was the arrangement."

Bryndyn helps Taedric deal with Abbas, including carrying him if required over the wall.

Taedric and Aidan, can you make intimidate checks, please?

I'm much more of a diplomacy sort of person, just one that's in a bad mood. However, as requested:

Intimidate (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Just in case, though...
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

No, Aidan can't, but...
Tkurzhan Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 = 15

"You're in just as much trouble as you think you are young shield maiden! Now pick the bloody thing up again and get moving!"

Staying alert for enemy reinforcements Elinor continues the shepherding of non-comms and if necessary will assist with shifting of dead weight bodies. How close to death is Abbas - do we need to pause to prevent him bleeding out?

'Neeki puzzles for a moment and then lets it pass. A coy grin and then she helps the others gather the still bleeding Abbas.

The ghouls are no where to be seen.

At the wall there is a moment of muttered talk and then a voice yells, Up then, and be damned quick. Up! Up! Another voice says, Yes, 'cept the monster. I bets hes what started it to be in the first place. Then a loud cracking noise and a cry of pain and surprise.

Stop looking and get up her a'fore I change my mind. calls the first voice.

And so it is, and so it was that the heroes left damned city of Gillamoor with their souls still firmly tethered to their bodies. Abbas is stabilized quickly after you make it to the other side. You are offered "root tea" a drink that would be inedibely bitter except it is so watered down that it is merely extremely unpleasant. While the soldiers here (all militia not a Hell Knight in sight) keep social convention, but nothing past that, and if any of you choose to talk about what you have seen they indicate that they do not want to hear.

Well done! I was pretty sure there were a few not going to make it. As promised, no punches were pulled. Pat yourselves on the back you did well. What is next?

Jeez, I need a reset of our original task. It has been so long, I forget what we were were actually supposed to be doing. This was a side mission, was it not?

Well, I think we all want to rest, for one thing. :)

Yeah...I assumed that.

Rest? Lightweights! On, on! To Victory! (Via the nearest shield shop).

So you have a nice one to be carried out on? :P

I think this is the short version... Tasked to help Haugins Ear, 3 teams set out. You guys went to the devils hole and to the herbalist. Herbalist was dead and there was signs of massive forces used against her. The devils hole had the bodies of some missing local girls. Hero regroup in town and then go to retrieve the bodies. Apprehended by the lizard-folk for desecration they were taken to be tried and in the end it was determined that they were actually heroes and were given clan names. Leaving with the bodies and their prisoner Alam they decide to go to Gillamoor for information on what seems to be a spreading plague of the dead. There, they find few answers (a priest of Aroden? Daemons?) and copious undead. They rescue some living from the city and now are outside the walls.

Rest is needed. We are all not Ulfen blood Eli

Rest yes...I'm still hurt (down 10 hp) Also, Business trip this week. :(