Motteditor's Fire Over Blackcrag (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

OK, sounds like you're moving on...

The rest of the day passes uneventfully as you travel, and as afternoon tursn to evening you see the first of what must be the Demon's Teeth, a maze of needlelike stone spires stretching several miles ahead of you.

Scattered in niches at the base of the spines stand rough-carved statues resembling the stone heads found elsewhere on the island, only with complete bodies and smaller in scale. The stone statues range from 6 to 18 feet in height, the spires from 50 to 80 feet.

As you get closer, Alemarra suddenly notices six stone-like creatures -- gargoyles! -- in crevices 50 feet up on the pillars. She's about to call a warning, but before she gets a chance, three statues, each about 12 feet high, suddenly move slowly into motion, lurching toward the halfling, Lacsar and Tickdown!

One of the stone figure's fists slam not toward Alemarra, but toward Nightsong, the wolf's armor just catching it and deflecting the blow. Lacsar and Tickdown aren't as lucky -- the archer's able to roll slightly with the blow, suffering just a glancing blow 4 hp but the halfling takes a solid hit, rocking him back on his heels. 8 hp

Alemarra can take a surprise round action; then the gargoyles will go, then the party. Combat map should be updated if everything worked right (the number grid looks crappy; still trying to figure that out, I guess).

Big Al notices the gargoyles and points skyward, "Comrades, look up! There are--argh, get back!"

When an animated statue takes a swing at Nightsong, Big Al strikes back with mythic speed, poking the statue in the leg.

She the crouches low, ready to leap up at the first gargoyle to descend toward them.

__________________

Swift: Fleet Charge[mythic] for a bonus attack on the statue that attacked Nightsong
Full: Ready a leaping charge against the first Gargoyle to swoop down within range
Nightsong: Bite the statue

Lance: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack)
Damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 (+5 STR +4 power attack +4 risky strike +1 enhancement)

Nightsong's Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 (+4 BAB +6 STR -1 size) >> MISS

Note that since this is a Mythic bonus attack, it bypasses hardness/DR.
Assuming a gargoyle comes flying to within 30’ of the ground, they'll leap up attack:

Lance: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +1 morale +4 charge)
Damage: 6d6 + 30 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 4, 5, 3) + 30 = 55 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement >> x3 for charge, +3d6 from Aerial Assault[mythic])

EDITED damage based on answers in discussion thread.

Surprise round
Al slams her mace into the nearest statue, sending small fissures through the stone, though it remains upright and along with its allies continues its assault.

Lacsar again manages to barely avoid his foe's massive fists, but Nightsong is less lucky as one of them lands a solid blow. 8 hp; you can make your mounted combat checks yourself

Tickdown suffers another blow, this one just glancing off his small form. [/ooc]3 hp[/ooc]

Sixty feet above, three of the gargoyles seem to not move at all, looking as if they are in fact statues. The other three, however, suddenly spit streams of acid toward you!

One of the streams burns Nic and Tickdown 16 hp acid; Reflex DC 15 for half while another catches Lacsar and Dorian 20 hp; Reflex DC 15 for half. The third catches both Nightsong and Big Al 20 hp; Reflex DC 15 for half.

Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Nic gets an arm up just in time, grunting as the acid burns through his clothes and searing the flesh of his forearm… leaving the rest of him more or less untouched. His eyes dip to black once more, and once more Nic cocks his head to shift his perceptions to find the center of his group members' courage.

With an arcane shout, he dodges back a step and pushes on everyone's minds… flooding them with confidence. As he does so, a wave of black races over his skin, from feet to scalp. The features of his body stretch and shift, and—when the inky wave completes its upward rush—a night-skinned troglodyte stands in Nic's clothes... shouting out Nic's usual dark words.

Round 1
Free to 5' step to O.15
Defensively cast Good Hope
Concentration DC 21: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
Then spend a Mythic point to activate Many Forms to become a Troglodyte

Surprised that the gargoyles didn't descend, Big Al changes her plans. She guides Nightsong out of the way of the statue's swing and the spray of acid. She turns her own shoulder to the spray, avoiding part of it but still feeling its sting.

She feels her spirits soar as Nic chants in an arcane tongue. Emboldened, calls out, "I'll take care of these three on the ground, if you all want to start shooting down gargoyles -- or better yet attract them to us."

She takes a stab at the statue that just swung again at Nightsong, knocking it's head from it's shoulders. She then rides Nightsong around to a good charging position, and charges straight through the remaining two statues (weaving around her allies) and knocks them both to rubble with a satisfying thwack!

Then with a sudden realization she smiles, "Hey, Dorian, can you teach Nightsong how to fly?"
___________

Well, I lose my surprise action -- alas -- but I guess save a MP anyway.
Swft: Fleet Charge to attack L15 and to move to Q17 (slightly off the map) [-1MP]
Full: Charge through both remaining statues, ending in H17.

Mounted Combat: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 Mott, does a 17 beat what the statue rolled to hit?
Indomitable Mount: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 Saved vs Reflex, takes none due to Evasion
Big Al's Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Saved, takes 10 HP

Lance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
Damage: 1d6 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21 (+5 STR +4 power attack +4 risky strike +1 enhancement +2 morale)

Lance: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale +4 charge)
Damage: 3d6 + 48 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) + 48 = 55 (+5 STR +4 power attack +4 risky strike +1 enhancement +2 morale >> x3 for charge)

Lance: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale +4 charge)
Damage: 3d6 + 48 ⇒ (4, 2, 5) + 48 = 59 (+5 STR +4 power attack +4 risky strike +1 enhancement +2 morale >> x3 for charge)

Al, it rolled a 22 to hit.

In that case the statue connected with Nightsong. Stats updated

Knowledge check to identify the Gargoyles (focusing on their defences): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

You're not sure what they can do, Dorian. You've never heard of anything like these gargoyles.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Then with a sudden realization she smiles, "Hey, Dorian, can you teach Nightsong how to fly?"

"Of course, Miss Redthistle."

Dorian was only too happy to accommodate the request. He'd found Allemara to be a most satisfactory ally. Doing his best to ignore his newly acquired acid burns, he rushed over to Nightsong and gave her the power of flight.

Dorian moves adjacent to Nightsong and casts 'Fly' (via Wild Arcana) on her.

LACSAR'S ACTIONS
Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 SUCCESS!
Between the opening attack and the acid splash, he takes 14 damage (current HP: 43/57)

Lacsar reacts instantaneously, rolling under the statue's lumbering strike and allowing only a glancing blow. The momentum throws him under the stream of acid as well, and he comes up… bow in hand, arrow nocked, long cloak steaming from the acid.

Without waiting, he unleashes a rain of steel upon the nearest gargoyle, intent on taking down every last one of these rock-hided demons.

Round 1
Point-blank master means he can fire in melee without provoking, so he flurries with Deadly Aim. And as Lacsar goes after Nic, he gains Good Hope to his attacks.
Full Round to flurry. Initial target is the closest gargoyle, shifting to another if the initial one falls.

EDIT: made an adjustment to Lacsar's targets because i had misunderstood Big Al's attacks initially. Lacsar will target gargoyles.

Al destroys the statues in a pair of passes, as Dorian moves to her and casts fly on her canine mount.

Lacsar's bow seems nearly as effective, three arrows slamming into the closest gargoyle, which sways on its perch. Seconds later, it leaps off, charging toward the archer! Despite a surge of speed similar to what you've found yourself able to do since meeting with the oracle, the gargoyle can't connect, jaws snapping on nothing but air.

"Well, they don't seem like normal gargoyles, that's for sure, buckos," Tickdown says, seemingly as baffled as Dorian.

"Best stay out of the way, though, like this!" he finishes, tossing off a quick couple of backflips. Activating derring do: +2 morale bonus on Reflex saving throws and a +2 competence bonus on Dexterity-based skill checks to allies. Allies who move at least 10 feet during their turn gain a +2 dodge bonus to their Armor Class until the start of their next turn.

Four of the remaining gargoyles again spit acid toward you -- two of them catching Al, Nightsong and Dorian 18 and 28 points acid damage; DC 15 Reflex for half; one aiming for Lacsar 18 points acid damage; DC 15 Reflex for half and the last for Nic 23 points acid damage; DC 15 Reflex for half.

The fifth freezes in place, but suddenly another statue animates, moving toward the cavorting halfling!

Nic's Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 <-- 11 damage (41/60 remaining)
Lacsar's Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 <-- 9 damage (34/57 remaining)

So all of the gargoyles are still on their perches (60 ft up) except the one in Lacsar's face?

Big Al's grin grows almost off her face as she feels Nightsong start to float off the ground. "Wheee-HAW!" She shouts, and then she waves, "Thanks, Dorian. See you in a bit!"

Just as they take off, two gargoyles spit at them. Al easily keeps it off of Nightsong but a bit of the spray eats into her, sizzling her neck and arm. Undeterred she guides Nightsong to the gargoyles' turf, charging into it with her lance, while Nightsong snaps at it with her teeth.

”Friends, let’s try not to be clustered together, so they can’t burn two of us at once. Or better, does anyone have a means of protecting us from acid? Dorian, if you don't can you ask Nic?”

___________________

Full: Charge up at G16 (moving 1/2 speed do to upward flight), ending in the same square...but level with the gargoyles.

Al’s Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Indomitable Mount: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Lance: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale +4 charge)
Damage: 3d6 + 48 ⇒ (3, 6, 3) + 48 = 60 (+5 STR +4 power attack +4 risky strike +1 enhancement +2 morale >> x3 for charge)

Nightsong's Bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 (+4 BAB +6 STR -1 size +2 morale)
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Mott: Does this leave the gargoyle Al attacked still standing? If it does, she might use Fleet Charge as a swift action to strike it again. Also, for next round, now that I'm level with them could I charge past one and hit another (using Mythic ride-by)? Or does being in cubbies make that unfeasible?

That's correct, Nic. That'll kill the gargoyle, Al.

It's like you're reading my mind!

Troglodyte-Nic shields himself once more from the acid, barking out a phrase. Everyone's skin begins weeping a thick, dark liquid that soothes their acid burns.

Use Inspired Surge (-1 Mythic) to cast Communal Resist Energy: Acid. Everyone gains Acid Resistance 10 for 10 minutes.

LACSAR'S ACTIONS:
Current HP 34/57; conditions: Good Hope, Resist Energy: Acid

The proximity of the gargoyle brings no obvious change in the marksman's tactics. Lacsar picks up his rhythm, firing off a volley of even more arrows.

Swift for an extra attack.
Flurry with Deadly aim, beginning with the one adjacent to him, then moving on to M.13 if the adjacent one falls.

Magic bow for bypassing DR
Attack Ki: 21 for 19 damage
Attack #1: 31 for 22 damage
Attack #2: 29 for 20 damage
Attack #3: 24 for 17 damage

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Dorian winced as yet more acid poured down upon the group. Apparently these enemies wouldn't go down as quickly as their predecessors. Raising his hands, Dorian summoned a flash of electricity to briefly surround the Gargoyles. Its purpose wasn't to damage its targets; But rather to make them writhe in agony, and prevent them from counter-attacking.

Dorian casts 'Sheet Lightning' {Fort DC 20} on the highest number of Gargoyles which can be affected without also hitting an ally.

Crap; just realized I may've missed its DR on that last charge, Al. Is your weapon and/or Nightsong's bite epic (+6 total bonus)? If not, it's actually still standing... (you can go back and take that extra mythic action if you want, since I missed that).

Nic's spell washes over his allies, granting them protection from the gargoyle's attacks even as Lacsar's arrow catches the nearest gargoyle in the head, sending him falling to the ground in a heap.

The next three arrows catch the closest creature, causing it to sway on its perch, but it manages to maintain its grasp, holding on despite its injuries.

Tickdown continues to flip around, trying to inspire you to greater feats of derring-do continuing his performance.

Al and Nightsong race into the sky, her lance catching the closest foe and running through it like a knife through hot butter. The creature collapses, plummeting 60 feet to land on the ground with a dull thud.

Even as it falls, Dorian's sheet of lightning catches the remaining four creatures, dazing three of them. The fourth surges toward Al, its jaws closing on her with seemingly preternatural speed. 5 hp; plus I think you get an AoO

Can people put their current HP in their "Race" entry field on their profile? It will help me know when I need to drop a heal and when not to bother.
.
What's the HP count for Tickdown? And Big Al, is yours up-to-date? I thought you had taken some damage?

LACSAR'S ACTIONS
Current HP 34/57; conditions: Good Hope; Resist Energy: Acid, Derring-do

Lacsar continues his assault, trying to finish off Big Al's immediate opponent to free her up for another charge.

Flurry w/ deadly aim, beginning with the gargoyle adjacent to Big Al (G.16), then (if it falls) shifting to the gargoyle he targeted the second part of last round (hoping to finish it off as well).

Also, Mott, will you let me know if Lacsar's flurry took down the gargoyle next to Big Al (G.16)? That will likely determine Nic's actions as I'm trying to free Big Al up for more charges without sweating the gargoyle that charged her.

I'm back! I'd only amend Nic's proposed action for Lacsar in one way, I'd toss in a Ki point to get the extra attack.

As an after-thought, Lacsar quickly knocks and fires another arrow at the statue-like menaces.

Another 22 damage on some 'goyle.

Welcome back; thinking about it, I'm not going to worry about the DR for the two that are dead already. Just too much of a pain. That said, they have DR 10/magic and epic so please let me know whether your attacks meet those conditions. If you can let me know, Lacsar, when you get a chance, I'd appreciate it. Pending that determination, I can let you know whether that gargoyle's still flapping or not.

Lacsar's shots beat DR/Magic and any DR for outsiders. But, as I understand it, Epic is only beaten by magic items with a +6 or better (including their special abilities)... so I'm outta luck there.

Tickdown's HP is current as of the dragon turtle. I'm good with continuing performance.

OK, thanks. The gargoyle is still standing, then.

Troglo-Nic turns and hisses at the gargoyle threatening Big Al, hustling in a hunch-backed run over next to Dorian. As he jogs, he conjures black shadows onto his fist that drip nearly frozen drops of shadow. Sliding to a stop, he jabs his scaled fist at the gargoyle.

The shadows launch from his fist, trailing a tail of cold darkness as it rockets towards the gargoyle.

Move to H.19 (which boosts AC by 2).
Cast Frigid Touch (as a ranged touch attack, thanks to Faith's Reach), targetting gargoyle G.16 (taking a penalty for firing into melee with a friendly).
.
Ranged Touch Attack 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19
---> Cold Damage 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 6) = 21; and target is Staggered for 1 rd.

Big Al whirls as the gargoyle rushes toward her, impaling it solidly while it deals her a minor blow. She sees Troglo-Nic freeze it, and decides to keep up the momentum. In a burst of speed, she thrusts at it again….

____________

Free: AoO
Swft: Fleet Charge
Full: TBD...
Wowzers, how’s THAT for Halfling luck. Two natural 20s in a row! I think I need a few notes/questions before completing this post:
1. Mott, what does it take to hit/confirm a crit on these guys? I’m guessing the AoO confirms but that the swift attack may not. I’ve added a surge just in case, but if it’s still falling short...
2. Tickdown (or anyone) can you give me some timely inspiration to turn that into a crit confirmation?
3. Mott, is this one still alive? Can I see how badly hurt it is? The answer will determine the rest of my round’s action. Thanks!

Lance AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
confirm crit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
Damage: 3d6 + 36 - 10 ⇒ (3, 4, 5) + 36 - 10 = 38 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement +2 morale ...already reduced -10 due to its DR)

Lance fleet charge: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
confirm crit: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 14 + (3) = 21 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
Damage: 3d6 + 36 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) + 36 = 46 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement +2 morale) ...this Mythic ability bypasses DR.

Dorian continued to inflict maladies on any Gargoyles which remained, in order to buy time for his comrades to finish them off.

Dorian delays his turn until all allies have acted. If the remaining Gargoyles can all be caught in a 'Glitterdust', he'll cast that on them; Otherwise, he'll use 'Sheet Lightning' again.

I added in the gargoyles' stats to the campaign page. Decided that'd be a bit easier.

It's AC 18, so both crits confirm. It will not be alive any longer, Al.

Big Al whirls as the gargoyle rushes toward her, impaling it solidly while it deals her a minor blow. She sees Troglo-Nic freeze it, and decides to keep up the momentum. In a burst of speed, she thrusts at it again…

...knocking it's frozen head from it's stone shoulders and sending both tumbling to the earth. Without missing a beat she wheels around, lines herself up, and charges through two of the remaining gargoyles. She miscalculates the first strike as her lance misses entirely and clatters against the stone tower. This throws her second strike off as well...but with a surge of mythic determination she manages to connect with it.

Free: AoO
Swft: Fleet Charge, finishing off G16 and then ending up at K16
Full: Ride-by charge L13 (miss) and M10 (hit, due to Surge)
Ends at O8.
Note: The gargoyles she attacked may get AoO on Big Al, unless their current condition prevents it.
Nic, yeah HP in title are out of date, they're correct in my stats/post. I'll correct the title ones too.

Lance L13: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale +4 charge) >> Natural 1: MISS

Lance M10: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 13 + (2) = 17 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale +4 charge)
Damage: 3d6 + 36 - 10 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) + 36 - 10 = 42 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement +2 morale -10 DR)

Tickdown had taken 8 hp damage, I believe.

Nic's spell catches the gargoyle, coating it in ice, nearly shattering it after Alemarra's punishing blow when it swept in. Moments later, Lacsar's arrow catches it and it does fall, even as the archer switches targets to the next closest and knocking that one from its perch as well.

The last two arrows catch a third gargoyle, which Al promptly charges. A couple blows from her lance finish it off, leaving just one more. Al, your fleet charge didn't kill it. I assumed you'd use your full attack to take care of it, since it was all but dead.

The remaining gargoyle is caught in Dorian's spell, but the dust seems to not hamper it, and it leaps toward Al, teeth clacking off the halfling's armor.

The archer takes a small step to clear the stone-pillar obscuring his view of the final gargoyle. His bowstring makes a steady hum as four arrows flash between stones, followed by thuds as all four hit their target.

FREE: 5' to L16
FULL: FOB

Total DAM: 76... assuming DR10, puts it at 36 DAM.

Seeing that there's just the one Gargoyle left, she and Nightsong maintain position in front of it, with Al knocking it twice with her lance and Nightsong biting at it's calf. All three strikes ring true, though make less of a dent than she'd hoped, due to the gargoyle's stone hide.

Lance AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
Damage: 1d6 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 10 = 8 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement +2 morale -10 DR)

Lance AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 (+7 BAB +5 STR +1 size +1 enhancement -2 power attack +2 morale)
Damage: 1d6 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 10 = 5 (+5 STR +4 power attack +1 enhancement +2 morale -10 DR)

Nightsong's Bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 (+4 BAB +6 STR -1 size +2 morale)
Damage: 1d8 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 10 = 7

Troglo-Nic merely cocks his head at the remaining gargoyle, seemingly curious to see what it does in its precious few seconds of life.

Delay

Breathing hard, Tickdown winds his performance down, "Whew...it's...gettin' tough to stay standin'!"

He takes out his crossbow and sights along it and with a deep breath he pulls the trigger.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Tickdown would have taken 8 damage from full health, right? We rested after the Dragon Turtle fight.

Correct, Nic. The creature is still standing after Lacsar and Al hit it.

I'm continuing to delay. I don't wanna waste a spell slot when it's likely Lacsar and Big Al will take it down this next round. Which just leaves Dorian up, right?

Ahh didn't realize we had rested. In that case he just says "Smile you son of a...

Dorian didn't bother to cast a fourth spell. The Gargoyles had only been a threat because of their numbers. Now that only one remained, Dorian's support was no longer needed.

Lacsar and Al again maul the gargoyle, though Tickdown's bolt seems to simply bounce off it.

Despite its wounds, it continues to fight, clawing and goring at Alemarra. Its furious attempts are no match for the halfling's armor, though, and she quickly finishes it off seconds later as it extends to far and leaves an opening. No point in rolling out the next round, as you're almost certain to kill it barring a series of 1s -- though looking at that array I just got, that might not be out of the realm of possibility.

The towers continue to beckon you onward.

Wand of CLW 3 charges: 41 + 3d8 + 3 ⇒ 41 + (5, 4, 6) + 3 = 59
Nic's at 59/61

"So," the troglodyte says as it pulls out a wand and begins healing its own wounds, "that was interesting."

He holds the wand out for anyone interested.
If you need healing, go ahead and use the charges, and I'll deduct them from the wand.

The archer soothes his acid burns with the wand.

CLW: 34 + 3d8 + 3 ⇒ 34 + (6, 8, 8) + 3 = 59 Knock off another 3 charges, please.

CLW: 17d8 + 17 ⇒ (1, 5, 8, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 4, 7, 7, 8, 5, 2, 8, 2, 7) + 17 = 108

Six charges used.

Dorian gratefully accepted the healing. Now that Nic was doing proper 'Cleric work', the Wizard's hostility toward him evaporated. He kneeled down to examine the newly made corpses.

"First it was steam breath; And now it's acid spit. Perhaps I should research a spell that seals mouths shut."

"Now now Mr. Dorian...Sealin' my mouth shut would verily drive all my adorin' fans away! Then I'd be destitute!"

CLW: 7d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 5, 1, 2, 2) + 7 = 32 Seven charges brings Big Al to 76/82 HP

"Ouch! Those were more of a bruising than we've met so far. Anything else we should do to prepare first, or shall we go have a closer look at the tower? One of you could probably join me on Nightsong's back, to get us up there."

EDIT: And two charges brings Nightsong to 61/63 HP
CLW: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6

Troglo-Nic responds in the midst of reverting to normal Nic (well, as normal as Nic gets). "I'll come. Though I don't think I'll need to burden Nightsong."

He cocks his head to the side and begins nodding to the air beside him. "Yes. Yes. No. Yes." He looks back at Big Al, "It's a fair point... if I go, you should bring Lacsar to translate should things get hairy."