Given how much we have enjoyed Caligula's City of the Spiderqueen Recap, our game group has decided that we would like to try our hand at the same.
Our campaign is 4th Edition Forgotten Realms, set in 1479 DR, and we are beginning with the Scepter Tower of Spellgard module (with a little bit of warmup, freelance adventure to set the stage).
I am one of the players in the game, our DM is GodwinXZ, who, I believe, will be doing his own DM Recap in another thread... He will, of course, also be free to interject in this thread as often as he would like.
I am the party's journal-keeper, thus, I will be primarily responsible for keeping the thread updated as best I am able. We play [almost] every Tuesday night, and I will try to have updates up no later than Friday of each week; as always, subject to the vagaries of life. :D
I will also try to get the rest of the party to contribute to the recap as much as they are able, but I will give as much information as I can...
I hope that everyone enjoys. Comments, questions, and feedback are always appreciated!
- Izzie
All I would ask is that, as this is the players' thread, please refrain from any spoilers in modules that are being run by the group. We are starting with Scepter Tower of Spellgard. Thank you!
(NOTE: As the party scribe, it took me about a month worth of playing to finally get to a point where I knew how I wanted to record our party's adventures. If you are a first time reader, welcome to the recap, we thank you for your time. The first 20 or so posts are from that first month of play and are not nearly as comprehensive as the records that follow. All I ask is that you please be willing to put in the time to get to at least post #24, where things start to get much more detailed and involved (and, we think, much better), and we all hope that you enjoy reading about our adventures (and mis-adventures) as much as we had experiencing them. Your comments, feedback, and questions are all welcomed! - The ImARock Tuesday Night Gaming Group)
Kalen Swordsworn
My name, though few are those that use it, is Kalen. If I possess a given surname, it lies buried in the same graves that house the fallen corpses of my parents; though I weep not for them, as their lives were snuffed out, whether by famine, plague, or worse, long ere I was old enough to know them or miss them. They perished even before my elder sister, dear, sweet Alyssa, had reached her fifth winter, and if she knew our surname, it too lies buried with her, in the simple grave that I dug for her, with my own two hands alongside the rough road that leads out of the south gate of Luskan.
Yes, that Luskan...that miserable, horrible, worthless excuse for a city that passes itself off as a seeming bastion of 'civilization' at the northern end of the Sea of Swords...the city where I spent my first eight winters. The city where I lived as a beggar on the streets, with my dear, elder sister...until the night that I failed her...and she left this life at the end of a monster's blade; that, however, is a tale that requires some context...
My sister, Alyssa, barely past her fifth winter, was thrust into the de facto role of being my 'parent' when whatever calamity befell my parents stole their lives from them. She never spoke of what happened to them...in fact, she rarely spoke at all, a trait which I acquired from her and still find difficult to shake. We wandered the fetid streets of Luskan, sleeping wherever we could, begging for a few copper coins that we might have a meager meal, or, failing at that, digging through the scraps that were tossed into the filthy streets after sundown by the tavernkeepers and shop owners of the town. It was all too common for us to go hungry for six or seven days out of every tenday and yet, we somehow managed to survive. It was the only life that I knew through my eighth winter, but all that would suddenly change in Flamerule of the Year of the Reborn Hero (1463 DR).
Alyssa, who by now had passed her twelfth or thirteenth winter (she, herself, was unsure), had sheltered and protected me as best she could, keeping us out of trouble as much as possible, avoiding the numerous street gangs and worse that, to this day, plague the byways of Luskan. She taught me what little of the Common tongue that she knew and I picked up a smattering further in my wanderings and begging on the harsh streets of the city. She also was the only person who ever called me by my name, as no one that I ever encountered (which typically only included those that permitted me to get close enough to beg a few coins from them) ever thought to ask my name. I was now old enough and beginning to be streetwise enough that my elder sister trusted me to be out on the harsh streets by myself, so we could cover more ground and, hopefully, earn a few more coppers to try and feed our rumbling bellies.
It was one such night, as I mentioned, in Flamerule of the Year of the Reborn Hero, that I sat out on a street of Luskan, in front of one of the innumerable *****houses that seemed to dot each street in the city like a terrible pox, afflicting the whole of the city's body. My sister and I had learned, however, that festhalls such as the Shined Spur were excellent places to make a few coins, as revelers both coming and going from the palaces of flesh were often in such a mood as to be more generous and forthcoming in parting with a few copper pieces for the poor, pathetic-looking children that begged outside these places. It had been a slow night, as some were wont to be, when I noticed a curious pair of men striding purposefully down the street. The first was a shifty-looking man of around thirty winters or so, clad in dark, leather armor with a pair of swords belted along his waist on either side of his body; normally, I would have made certain to avoid a man such as this, but it was his compatriot that truly drew my eyes. An elderly, human man, his wispy hair, whiter than new-fallen snow, made him look as though he had seen countless winters, perhaps as many as one hundred, and he leaned heavily on an ivory-topped cane as he walked; but for all his advanced age, there was an aura about him that practically swirled with power. I marveled at the man and the strength of his presence, watching quietly as he and his darker companion moved swiftly up the street. I shifted slightly to get a better glimpse of the curious pair when, suddenly, the elder man stopped and looked directly at me. I could not look away from the piercing gaze of the man and as I stared intently at him, he began to slowly make his way across the street towards me! It took what seemed to be an eternity for the old man to cross the street to stand on the broken cobblestones of the street in front of me, as all the while I stared into his steely eyes that seemed to sink to bottomless depths. Then, he was standing in front of me, quietly and calmly appraising me, his intense gaze seeming to burn down into the depths of my very soul; I sat and stared back, unable or unwilling to break my eyes' fixation upon the man.
It was then that I spoke, perhaps because I didn't know what else to do; perhaps it was simply to see what this man would do or say, "Spare a copper? Haven't eaten in days..." I said, my voice cracking slightly from lack of use as I held up the small, cracked wooden bowl that I carried with me to proffer to those from whom I begged.
The man seemed startled and a scowl set itself firmly on his lined, weathered face as he said, in a deep, baritone voice, "What did you say to me, boy?"
A wiser man would likely have held his tongue, looking into the smoldering fires of the man's scowling face, but I, being but the callow youth that I was, answered, "I'm hungry...Give me a copper that I might eat."
The man's scowl suddenly softened a bit and he even seemed to smile halfway as he seemed to look on me in a new light.
"Master? We must hurry!" called the old man's dark companion, an anxious look on his face.
"Stay and belt up, Drovesm," replied the old man to his companion. So now I knew that this man had earned the right to be referred to as 'Master' a title that I only vaguely recognized from passerby on the streets of the city as being directed at people who were to be offered some form of fealty, often including much bowing and scraping at their feet. I resolved that I would not give the man the satisfaction of seeing me bow and scrape before him, particularly if he was one of the foppish snobs that wandered the dirty streets of Luskan and never deigned to toss even a single copper to the innumerable beggars that waited on every street corner.
Turning back toward me, the old man surprised me yet again by asking, "Your name, lad?"
I could only think to stare back at him, as no one had ever asked me my name prior to this.
He waited a moment and, when I failed to respond, he asked again, "You DO have a name?"
I thought for a moment then answered truthfully, if somewhat hesitantly, "Kalen...But no one calls me that---no one but my sister..." Not knowing what else to say, I eyed the man warily, wondering what the curious, old man might ask or say next.
The man seemed to weigh my answer for a moment then he looked at me a bit closer before saying, "I am the paladin, Gedrin Dren, also called Shadowbane. Lord of the Eye of Justice---Chosen Knight of the Threefold God. Do you understand?"
I frowned, thinking a moment, remembering whispered tales from some of the other street urchins and beggars about the legendary paladin called Shadowbane that caused many headaches for any in and around Luskan that plied their trade in darkness. Beyond those tales, however, I knew nothing of what the man spoke; thus, I answered him honestly, "No...Your name, aye, but I've never heard of..."
When the man pulled a large sword, yet sheathed in a black scabbard, out from under his cloak, my words failed me. When the man, the legendary Shadowbane (if he spoke truly), drew a hand's breadth of the blade, my breath caught in my throat as I watched shadows flicker within the gray steel of the blade. I sat mesmerized, I know not how long for it seemed to be an eternity, as the elderly man reverently gazed at the blade, proffered in his hands before him. I looked on in awe as the man allowed the blade to fall from his fingertips, to clatter surprisingly softly on the broken cobblestones of the street in front of me.
"Never beg again," said the paladin with a sense of finality in his words.
I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant and, with a speed and deftness that belied his obvious age, his hand shot out and clouted me across the ear. Rage swiftly set my blood to a boil and I glared up at the old man and snapped out the words, "What was that for?"
Meeting my glare with a steel gaze that made the rage inside me wither to little more than a spark of irritation, the aged paladin responded, "So you remember...Accept it---don't try to run from it, as I did." Finishing his statement, he drew a ring from his hand---a silver ring with an image of an all-seeing eye in the palm of an upraised gauntlet---which he dropped into my bowl, where it landed with a loud clink. He then spoke again, words that would echo in my mind without comprehension for a time, until their meaning would become much clearer, "When you follow the threefold path, go to Westgate. Find my daughter, Levia, and show her this ring. She will know what has passed between us."
Gaping, now openly, at the sword which lay on the street in front of me, I said, "But---I don't understand!"
Without reply, the aged man suddenly spun around, sweeping his cloak wide, cutting off my view of his dark companion who was now rapidly approaching. "Master, what are you---?" asked the man, who the paladin had called Drovesm.
Cutting him off in mid-sentence, the aged man grabbed his companion by the arm and said, "Enough of this delay, I would have us be about our business, and soon."
The man called Drovesm seemed to be trying to again look past the old man to peer at me, but again the old paladin grabbed the younger man by the arm and steered him forcefully away from where I still sat, gaping at the sword that still lay on the ground in front of me. I stared at the rapidly retreating backs of the two men until they rounded the corner at the end of the street, then, not knowing what else to do and still having so many unanswered questions, I gathered up the sword and its black scabbard and raced down the street in pursuit of the two men, keeping to the shadows as I had learned to do, and following at a safe distance as the men made their way through the streets down toward the ruined docks area.
I watched as the men arrived, seemingly, at their destination, a cavernous warehouse on the decrepit docks of the city. Though I could not, at the time, read the signs on the building’s exterior which identified it as Barthul’s Wares, I knew, from more than one run-in with his cronies, that this particular storehouse was owned by a particularly vicious criminal named Barthul, who ran a bevy of illicit and deadly trades in every corner of Luskan. With a final, almost wistful, glance around, the aged paladin led his companion into the building.
Again, a wiser man would have taken the strange occurrences of this eve and simply departed, content to have a strange story to share with his friends, but I found myself unable to leave without trying to, again, ask the old man what he meant by his strange words to me and the even stranger gift of the large sword that I had wrapped up in the moldering sackcloth that passed as my clothing.
I waited a few minutes, to ensure that the two men did not immediately reappear, then I swiftly and quietly made my way along the outside of the warehouse, seeking a window into which I might peer to catch a glimpse of the two men and whatever activity had brought them to this place. Creeping along, I spotted a window that was just short enough for me to see through and I started making my way toward it. It was then that I was startled by a brilliant flash of light that shined through the very window that I approached. My eyes opened in awe as yet another blaze of light poured forth from the window, then another. Unable to overcome my curiosity, I ran forward and peered in through the window, looking desperately to see what was causing the light.
Inside the warehouse, standing at the center of a pulsing, radiant storm, was the ancient paladin, Gedrin Shadowbane, eyes closed, lips moving slowly, as if praying to his unseen deity; all the while, bursts of blazing, holy light flared from his form. Around the rest of the room, most now collapsed into smoking heaps on the floor, were the charring bodies of numerous, now unrecognizable persons. I watch as the aged man’s dark companion, the man called Drovesm clawed at his smoking head as the light washed over him, and ultimately, he began slamming his head against the wall of the warehouse until he crumpled to the floor, his skull shattered.
As I stood gaping in shock, in the back of my mind, I realized that the light also washed through the window and played over my own skin. It made the hairs on my arms and on the back of my neck stand up and I could feel the tingle of it creeping deep inside, seemingly to my very soul. The feeling was unnerving, but not painful. My youthful mind, however, did not pay much heed to this until much later. I watched inside the room that was now a charnel house, filled with smoking bones and piles of ash where evidently, moments before, enemies of the aged paladin had stood in defiance of the old man. I watched, unable to move, speak, or even blink as the elderly man sank to a knee in the center of a vast circle of ashen death. I waited, holding my breath, as I watched the aged man breathe deeply, head bowed.
An urge came over me suddenly to get the attention of the aged paladin, but before I could tap on the glass to try and draw his eye, I looked on in horror as a shape congealed from the shadows of the room and moved to stand in front of the old man. The creature walked through the shadows as though they were a world all their own. I could see that the ancient paladin and the shadow man exchanged words as the shadow man approached where the elderly man knelt at the center of the ashen circle of death, though I could not hear what was said. I watched, unblinking, as the shadow man reached out a shadowy hand and grasped the throat of the old paladin, cutting him off as he spoke. The shadow man’s other hand, fingers wrapped in shadow, reached up to caress the old man’s nearly-bald scalp and I could see the shadow man speaking. Suddenly, the elderly paladin fixed me with his steel gaze, his eyes burning a swath through my emotions and laying bare my soul before him. I am certain that my face betrayed the horror that I felt at the circumstances currently befalling the paladin, but I saw the old paladin say a few, strained-looking words; and then, to my surprise, he smiled a knowing smile at me, then glared defiantly up at the shadow man.
With a sneer on his shadowy face, the shadow man drew forth a long, thin blade, composed of pure, black substance that look like captured midnight. The aged paladin continued to stare up at the shadow man, not speaking, simply staring defiantly. With a barely perceptible motion, the shadow man thrust the sword through the heart of the ancient paladin, who then crumpled to the floor. Tears streaming down my face, I did the only thing that came to mind and ran as fast as my young legs could carry me, as far from the docks and that warehouse as I could go.
I numbly walked through town, keeping the paladin’s sword clutched closely to my breast and still wrapped up in my meager coverings. I tried to wrap my young mind around the events of this evening, but I did not understand what had been said to me by the old paladin. I knew not what the ‘threefold path’ was; I had no idea where Westgate was; I did not recognize the markings on the ring that the old man had dropped into my bowl; in all, I had no idea what had truly happened to me this evening.
As though fate itself conspired against me, however, my night had not yet reached its nadir. As the night grew later and it became apparent that the shadow man was not pursuing me, as was my fear, I began making my way to where my sister and I were currently calling ‘home’ near the south gate of the city. As I neared the small alleyway, I could hear raised voices, one belonging to my sister, the other belonging to a boy that I did not immediately recognize. My pace quickened and I turned the corner to see my sister being held against the wall, her throat in the meaty grip of an older boy, who I recognized as Vasily, the leader of one of the local bands of street urchins that bullied many of the other street beggar children, such as my sister and me. I moved to run toward the pair, but my sister noticed me turning the corner and she froze me in place with a stare that pleaded for me to not make myself seen. I watched, horrified, as the older boy struck my sister in the face, while still holding her by the throat, until, as I saw Alyssa’s eyes flutter closed, he tossed her contemptuously to the ground, a wicked sneer on his face. He stepped towards her unconscious body, unbuckling the narrow belt that held his stained, leather breaches up and rage overcame me. Without conscious thought, I reached into the sackcloth covering that was wrapped around my small frame and pulled out the ancient paladin’s blade, clumsily drawing it out of its black scabbard.
So angry was I, that I could not even articulate a bellow of rage as I charged headlong down the alleyway toward the older boy, the paladin’s sword, shadows flickering along the blade, held awkwardly in front of me, too heavy for me to wield effectively. My young footfalls were so quiet that the older boy did not hear me until I was nearly upon him and though he turned toward me an instant before I reached him, it was too late for him to stop my heedless momentum as I drove the point of the blade home between two of his ribs. A momentary look of shock rapidly gave way to a look of pained anguish as the color drained away from the boy’s face. I let go of the handle of the sword and the boy dropped to the ground in front of me, still impaled on the now-deceased paladin’s blade. I watched impassively as the lifeblood flowed out of the older boy and onto the dirty, broken cobblestones of the alleyway, then fell to my knees sobbing as his eyes closed and his breathing stopped.
Crawling on hands and knees towards my sister’s fallen body, I could see that her clothes were ripped in several places and bruises and small cuts, all fresh, covered much of her torso. My weeping intensified and became uncontrollable when I realized that I could not rouse her. Whatever had been done to her, the damage was irreversible…my dear, sweet, loving sister…lay dead in my arms. I don’t know how long I lay in the alleyway, crying hopelessly, but at some point during the night, I fell asleep, utterly drained both physically and emotionally.
I awoke the following morning, praying that what I remembered of the night before was simply a horrific nightmare, but the blood on my clothing and staining the broken cobblestones of the alley, both from my sister and the older boy, told me that I had not, in fact, imagined the events. Not knowing what else to do, I pulled the sword from the cold, dead body of the older boy, wiping off the blood as best I could on the boy’s clothes. I then gathered up my sister’s body in my arms and dragged her out the south gate and onto the road that leads south from Luskan toward (unbeknownst to me) Waterdeep. Numb in body and mind, I did the first thing which came to mind, which was to start digging a shallow grave for my sister in the rocky soil. I had only my two hands with which to dig and by the time I had dug a small grave, big enough to fit the body of my sister, my hands were cracked and bleeding profusely, but I felt no pain; it was as though my body and my mind had become disjoined, unable to cope with the pain which I had suffered.
A firm, but gentle, hand on my shoulder seemed to shake me from my misery. I looked up from my digging into a pair of kind gray eyes that regarded me with a mixture of compassion and pity. The human man to whom those eyes belonged asked what had happened to the girl that I was burying. As best I was able, I explained to him the circumstances surrounding the death of my sister the previous night, leaving out certain details, such as where I had obtained the sword. Peering quizzically at the blade, now back in its black scabbard, I saw a flash of what might have been recognition cross his face, though I did not see it as such at the time. Turning to his two traveling companions who sat on horses back on the road, a beautiful elven woman and another human man, he asked that they bring water and some food.
While I sat and wolfed down the food that the man so generously offered, he introduced himself as Sir Eldred Dauntinghorn and claimed to be a minor noble from some place called Cormyr. When it was apparent that I had no idea to what he referred, the man smiled and said that it did not matter if I didn’t know from whence he hailed, he was just glad to have been able to stop by and help. He asked if I had any other family in Luskan, then, when I shook my head no, he asked what I intended to do after I finished burying my sister. Thinking back to what Gedrin Dran had said and hoping that, perhaps, this kind man could help, I told him that I needed to find someone named Levia in a place called Westgate. The smile that crossed the man’s face and his response brought some small hope back into the void where my wounded heart lie; he said that Westgate was in Cormyr, the country from which he and his companions hailed and after asking each of them if they had any objections, offered to take me along with them and that they would see to it that I safely reached Westgate so I could find this Levia person.
I was dumbfounded, as never before had anyone other than my sister deigned to show me such a level of kindness. I nodded my assent and the man again smiled then clapped me on the shoulder with his hand and told me that I would have to learn how to help take care of the horses and help set up camp at night as we traveled. Only too happy to have some direction in life, I again nodded my assent, with increasing enthusiasm. He and his compatriots helped me to finish burying my sister and the elven lady spent a few minutes speaking over the grave in a language that I didn’t recognize, though I believed that she was saying a prayer so I bowed my head and whispered to whatever gods were listening to please take care of my sister’s spirit.
Sir Eldred then helped me onto the back of his horse, belting Gedrin Dren’s sword onto the saddlebags near to my dangling legs and we set off. The journey was long, many, many tendays, in fact, but as I had never journeyed more than a few miles from the gates of Luskan, I drank in the sights, sounds, and excitement of our trip with all the exuberance of youth, while Sir Eldred or one of his companions would point out landmarks and features of the land as we traveled. Our journey took us south, past the city of Neverwinter and along the southwestern edge of the Sword Mountains, finally leading us into the magnificent spectacle that is Waterdeep. We spent several days in the City of Splendors and I could not believe how big the city was compared to Luskan with a busy, vibrant city life that was so very different from the downtrodden and festering nature of my old home. I was somewhat sorry to leave, for I felt that there must be so much more to explore in the huge city and I vowed to return at some point in my life to see what else the city had to offer.
We continued south and east along the road edging the Sword Coast, the Trade Way, passing over the Grayflow River and into the small town of Daggerford. The Trade Way then turned away from the coast and passed through the Trollbark Forest from which we emerged along the southern border of the monster-ruled kingdom of Najara. Staying ever on our guard, we continued to the east, crossing over the Winding Water at the Boareskyr Bridge and passing into the paladin-ruled kingdom of Elturgard. We made our way through Elturgard to the City of Caravans, Scornubel, which sits at the junction of the Chionthar River and the River Reaching. From Scornubel, we traveled on the Chionthar River all the way to Iriaebor, where I took my first steps on Cormyrean soil. It was in Iriaebor that I also realized that Sir Eldred was somewhat more than a ‘minor’ noble as a veritable swarm of courtiers and attendants were on hand to greet our riverboat as it tied up at the docks of the town.
From Iriaebor, we journeyed along the Trade Road to the east, all the way to the city of Westgate, a trip of approximately four hundred miles. Finally, after a long and arduous journey, we had finally arrived in the city that the old paladin had spoken of prior to his passing. Thanks to Sir Eldred, who employed a number of his servants to search the city, we located the woman, Levia, living in a small manor in the city’s Noble Ward. Again thanks to Sir Eldred, who secured an audience with the woman, I was able to come face to face with the woman that Gedrin Dren had described as his daughter.
The woman that greeted me and Sir Eldred was most assuredly not the flesh and blood daughter of the ancient paladin, but I still felt that I had been directed to her for a reason. Though quite beautiful, I must confess that I was quite intimidated by the tiefling woman’s appearance when I first saw her. I could see a small flicker of amusement cross her face as she recognized that my knees were shaking in her presence as Sir Eldred explained to her the purpose of our visit (as I had, over the many days of our journey here, told him of the circumstances surrounding how I had come into possession of the sword and the ring of the aged paladin). After an anguished gasp, the woman took a moment to compose her emotions, then, once she had done so, she asked to see both the sword and the ring. I hesitantly proffered them up to her and she took them into her hands. Tears began to slowly trickle down her face as she gazed at the two items then she asked how I had come to possess them; this was the first time that I heard the blade's name, Vindicator.
I told my whole story, what little there was to tell, and she listened impassively the entire time. Once she realized how I had come to know Sir Eldred, she thanked him profusely for ensuring that I had made it to her presence safely and asked how she might thank him, explaining that she had an obligation to her ‘father’ to take care of me now. Politely refusing any recompense, Sir Eldred then turned to me and asked if I would be okay staying with Levia.
Without having any other possible plan or direction in life and still feeling as though I had been called or led here for a reason, I told him that I believed that I was supposed to be here.
Seeing that I was comfortable being left with Levia, he offered a warm thanks to the woman before turning to me and handing me two things. The first was a small leather pouch, inside which I could hear the jingle of coins; he told me that this was my payment for doing such a good job being a squire during our trip here. The second item was a small ring set with several gems in the shape of a family crest. He said that this was a signet ring of his family and should I ever have a dire need of a “friend with some authority” that I should not hesitate to call upon he or his family. I began to cry as I thanked him for his kindness, telling him that no one had ever been as kind to me as he had been. Pulling me into a warm embrace, all he said before taking his leave was that I should remember his kindness and be certain to pass such kindness along to all those that crossed my path. I swore that I would remember this and again thanked him profusely for what he had done. With a warm smile and a deep bow, the nobleman turned and exited the manor.
I was left standing before Levia, my knees no longer shaking, but my apprehension building somewhat without the comforting presence of Sir Eldred nearby to calm me. Apparently seeing or sensing my apprehension, Levia offered to get food and drink for us both so that we could speak of what was to come.
Over a small meal, Levia explained to me that Gedrin Dren, though he was not her flesh and blood father, had found her as a small child, abandoned, whether by accident or design she knew not, alongside the road in the King’s Forest, north of Suzail, the capital city of Cormyr. The paladin had adopted her and raised her like she was his own daughter. The old paladin had been training a small cadre of warriors, the Eye of Justice, and had been empowering them with an essence of divine strength to strike at enemies which lurked in the shadows and often outside the reach of traditional forces. She, herself, had been specially trained to be an instructor of these warriors also, but she had received specialized training for a single purpose, to train Shadowbane’s apprentice, the successor to his legacy. She went on to explain, to my surprise, that this apprentice would be the person to whom Gedrin Dren passed his legendary blade, Vindicator; the same blade that the paladin had given to me. She explained that Gedrin had carried the blade his whole life, he had seen it in a vision and then discovered it exactly as his vision had predicted; he realized that it was a divine gift from his god, Helm, the now-deceased god of guardians, whose holy symbol marked the silver ring that I had also been given by the ancient paladin.
With a shock, I realized that she meant that I was this chosen apprentice. The surprise evidently registered on my face, because Levia chuckled and told me that I shouldn’t worry as she didn’t plan to have me fighting evil and wielding the holy blade by the next tenday, but that the training would be long and arduous. She further asked if I understood and was willing to accept her offer of training, knowing that it would be difficult and more than slightly dangerous. I hesitated for an instant and, in that instant, I heard two things in my head, as clearly as if their speakers had been standing in front of me; the first was the voice of Gedrin Dren saying, “So you remember...Accept it---don't try to run from it, as I did.” The second was another voice, a deeper and more powerful voice that managed to be both terrifying and supremely comforting at the same time, this voice said, “Fear not…For thou art Chosen…the Eye sees all things, and thou shalt be guarded…”
Levia must have seen my demeanor change for she asked me what I had seen or heard. I answered her as honestly as I knew how and she smiled softly at me. “It seems that my father finally chose well…” she said, looking at me with what I recognized as a sense of respect, a sensation with which I was utterly unfamiliar.
I nodded dumbly, unable to find words for how I felt in that moment and Levia nodded back, her jaw setting into a firm look of determination. She then said that Westgate was not the proper place for the training that I required to become heir to Shadowbane’s legacy and that we should go to a quieter, more private place where we could train in peace. She said that we would make preparations to travel and depart within the next tenday.
We departed from the port at Westgate and sailed west on a chartered ship, passing through the Neck and into the Dragonmere. We sailed for several days to the northwest, finally arriving in the bustling capital city of Suzail. We spent only a day securing transport with a merchant caravan that was traveling north over the Way of the Dragon. We journeyed north with the caravan to Waymoot then made our way to the east to the town of Dhedluk. From Dhedluk we traveled deeper into the King’s Forest along the Starwater Road. Some twenty miles or so east of Dhedluk we turn off the main road to the north and east along a worn merchant’s path and journeyed another twenty-five or thirty miles until we reached our final destination, the village of Knightswood. This is where I have spent most of the past sixteen winters, with occasional trips to the north to visit the town of Arabel and, rarely, back south to Suzail or Marsember.
I will not bore you with the details of my training, suffice to say that Levia’s description of the training as ‘arduous, difficult, and dangerous’ didn’t quite do justice to the…abuse…that she put me through. The training was, however, meant to shape me into a weapon of divine vengeance and, although I had to wear down and be broken many times, it has done an admirable job of turning me into a capable combatant. My training has also given me a surname, something which I lacked due to my past, that derives from the connection that I have developed with Vindicator, the holy blade of Gedrin Dren (though Levia continues to insist that I look at the blade as my holy blade, I am his successor, after all). Levia told me that I should take on a surname that reflects my calling; thus, I have chosen the name Swordsworn…and I pray regularly that it will be a name that evildoers shall fear to utter, just as they feared the name of Shadowbane.
Not all of my life in Knightswood was consumed with my training, however, as Levia would not hear of it. She would force me to get out and mingle with the other youngsters of the village, often reminding me that I needed to learn to relate to people because even the greatest warrior can only accomplish a small fraction of what can be accomplished by a group of warriors, and although some of my small circle of childhood friends certainly had no aspirations to be great warriors, priests, or elsewise, there are several who aspire to such things. In fact, a small group of us (somewhat at the persistent prodding of Levia) are considering seeking an adventuring charter from the Crown and venturing out into the world at large. Levia says that there is little more that I can learn from her, future skill will have to come from experiencing the Realms on my own, accompanied by a close-knit group of friends, who, although they may not quite share my view of combating evil, are nonetheless just as capable instruments of good in a world that is threatening to be overrun by darkness.
It is now springtime in the Year of the Ageless One, and I and several of my closest friends have been summoned to see Lord Greycastle, the Lord of Knightswood (essentially, the mayor) and it is to that appointment which I must now go… I shall write more as I am able…
Yes, that Luskan...that miserable, horrible, worthless excuse for a city that passes itself off as a seeming bastion of 'civilization' at the northern end of the Sea of Swords...the city where I spent my first eight winters. The city where I lived as a beggar on the streets, with my dear, elder sister...until the night that I failed her...and she left this life at the end of a monster's blade; that, however, is a tale that requires some context...
My sister, Alyssa, barely past her fifth winter, was thrust into the de facto role of being my 'parent' when whatever calamity befell my parents stole their lives from them. She never spoke of what happened to them...in fact, she rarely spoke at all, a trait which I acquired from her and still find difficult to shake. We wandered the fetid streets of Luskan, sleeping wherever we could, begging for a few copper coins that we might have a meager meal, or, failing at that, digging through the scraps that were tossed into the filthy streets after sundown by the tavernkeepers and shop owners of the town. It was all too common for us to go hungry for six or seven days out of every tenday and yet, we somehow managed to survive. It was the only life that I knew through my eighth winter, but all that would suddenly change in Flamerule of the Year of the Reborn Hero (1463 DR).
Alyssa, who by now had passed her twelfth or thirteenth winter (she, herself, was unsure), had sheltered and protected me as best she could, keeping us out of trouble as much as possible, avoiding the numerous street gangs and worse that, to this day, plague the byways of Luskan. She taught me what little of the Common tongue that she knew and I picked up a smattering further in my wanderings and begging on the harsh streets of the city. She also was the only person who ever called me by my name, as no one that I ever encountered (which typically only included those that permitted me to get close enough to beg a few coins from them) ever thought to ask my name. I was now old enough and beginning to be streetwise enough that my elder sister trusted me to be out on the harsh streets by myself, so we could cover more ground and, hopefully, earn a few more coppers to try and feed our rumbling bellies.
It was one such night, as I mentioned, in Flamerule of the Year of the Reborn Hero, that I sat out on a street of Luskan, in front of one of the innumerable *****houses that seemed to dot each street in the city like a terrible pox, afflicting the whole of the city's body. My sister and I had learned, however, that festhalls such as the Shined Spur were excellent places to make a few coins, as revelers both coming and going from the palaces of flesh were often in such a mood as to be more generous and forthcoming in parting with a few copper pieces for the poor, pathetic-looking children that begged outside these places. It had been a slow night, as some were wont to be, when I noticed a curious pair of men striding purposefully down the street. The first was a shifty-looking man of around thirty winters or so, clad in dark, leather armor with a pair of swords belted along his waist on either side of his body; normally, I would have made certain to avoid a man such as this, but it was his compatriot that truly drew my eyes. An elderly, human man, his wispy hair, whiter than new-fallen snow, made him look as though he had seen countless winters, perhaps as many as one hundred, and he leaned heavily on an ivory-topped cane as he walked; but for all his advanced age, there was an aura about him that practically swirled with power. I marveled at the man and the strength of his presence, watching quietly as he and his darker companion moved swiftly up the street. I shifted slightly to get a better glimpse of the curious pair when, suddenly, the elder man stopped and looked directly at me. I could not look away from the piercing gaze of the man and as I stared intently at him, he began to slowly make his way across the street towards me! It took what seemed to be an eternity for the old man to cross the street to stand on the broken cobblestones of the street in front of me, as all the while I stared into his steely eyes that seemed to sink to bottomless depths. Then, he was standing in front of me, quietly and calmly appraising me, his intense gaze seeming to burn down into the depths of my very soul; I sat and stared back, unable or unwilling to break my eyes' fixation upon the man.
It was then that I spoke, perhaps because I didn't know what else to do; perhaps it was simply to see what this man would do or say, "Spare a copper? Haven't eaten in days..." I said, my voice cracking slightly from lack of use as I held up the small, cracked wooden bowl that I carried with me to proffer to those from whom I begged.
The man seemed startled and a scowl set itself firmly on his lined, weathered face as he said, in a deep, baritone voice, "What did you say to me, boy?"
A wiser man would likely have held his tongue, looking into the smoldering fires of the man's scowling face, but I, being but the callow youth that I was, answered, "I'm hungry...Give me a copper that I might eat."
The man's scowl suddenly softened a bit and he even seemed to smile halfway as he seemed to look on me in a new light.
"Master? We must hurry!" called the old man's dark companion, an anxious look on his face.
"Stay and belt up, Drovesm," replied the old man to his companion. So now I knew that this man had earned the right to be referred to as 'Master' a title that I only vaguely recognized from passerby on the streets of the city as being directed at people who were to be offered some form of fealty, often including much bowing and scraping at their feet. I resolved that I would not give the man the satisfaction of seeing me bow and scrape before him, particularly if he was one of the foppish snobs that wandered the dirty streets of Luskan and never deigned to toss even a single copper to the innumerable beggars that waited on every street corner.
Turning back toward me, the old man surprised me yet again by asking, "Your name, lad?"
I could only think to stare back at him, as no one had ever asked me my name prior to this.
He waited a moment and, when I failed to respond, he asked again, "You DO have a name?"
I thought for a moment then answered truthfully, if somewhat hesitantly, "Kalen...But no one calls me that---no one but my sister..." Not knowing what else to say, I eyed the man warily, wondering what the curious, old man might ask or say next.
The man seemed to weigh my answer for a moment then he looked at me a bit closer before saying, "I am the paladin, Gedrin Dren, also called Shadowbane. Lord of the Eye of Justice---Chosen Knight of the Threefold God. Do you understand?"
I frowned, thinking a moment, remembering whispered tales from some of the other street urchins and beggars about the legendary paladin called Shadowbane that caused many headaches for any in and around Luskan that plied their trade in darkness. Beyond those tales, however, I knew nothing of what the man spoke; thus, I answered him honestly, "No...Your name, aye, but I've never heard of..."
When the man pulled a large sword, yet sheathed in a black scabbard, out from under his cloak, my words failed me. When the man, the legendary Shadowbane (if he spoke truly), drew a hand's breadth of the blade, my breath caught in my throat as I watched shadows flicker within the gray steel of the blade. I sat mesmerized, I know not how long for it seemed to be an eternity, as the elderly man reverently gazed at the blade, proffered in his hands before him. I looked on in awe as the man allowed the blade to fall from his fingertips, to clatter surprisingly softly on the broken cobblestones of the street in front of me.
"Never beg again," said the paladin with a sense of finality in his words.
I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant and, with a speed and deftness that belied his obvious age, his hand shot out and clouted me across the ear. Rage swiftly set my blood to a boil and I glared up at the old man and snapped out the words, "What was that for?"
Meeting my glare with a steel gaze that made the rage inside me wither to little more than a spark of irritation, the aged paladin responded, "So you remember...Accept it---don't try to run from it, as I did." Finishing his statement, he drew a ring from his hand---a silver ring with an image of an all-seeing eye in the palm of an upraised gauntlet---which he dropped into my bowl, where it landed with a loud clink. He then spoke again, words that would echo in my mind without comprehension for a time, until their meaning would become much clearer, "When you follow the threefold path, go to Westgate. Find my daughter, Levia, and show her this ring. She will know what has passed between us."
Gaping, now openly, at the sword which lay on the street in front of me, I said, "But---I don't understand!"
Without reply, the aged man suddenly spun around, sweeping his cloak wide, cutting off my view of his dark companion who was now rapidly approaching. "Master, what are you---?" asked the man, who the paladin had called Drovesm.
Cutting him off in mid-sentence, the aged man grabbed his companion by the arm and said, "Enough of this delay, I would have us be about our business, and soon."
The man called Drovesm seemed to be trying to again look past the old man to peer at me, but again the old paladin grabbed the younger man by the arm and steered him forcefully away from where I still sat, gaping at the sword that still lay on the ground in front of me. I stared at the rapidly retreating backs of the two men until they rounded the corner at the end of the street, then, not knowing what else to do and still having so many unanswered questions, I gathered up the sword and its black scabbard and raced down the street in pursuit of the two men, keeping to the shadows as I had learned to do, and following at a safe distance as the men made their way through the streets down toward the ruined docks area.
I watched as the men arrived, seemingly, at their destination, a cavernous warehouse on the decrepit docks of the city. Though I could not, at the time, read the signs on the building’s exterior which identified it as Barthul’s Wares, I knew, from more than one run-in with his cronies, that this particular storehouse was owned by a particularly vicious criminal named Barthul, who ran a bevy of illicit and deadly trades in every corner of Luskan. With a final, almost wistful, glance around, the aged paladin led his companion into the building.
Again, a wiser man would have taken the strange occurrences of this eve and simply departed, content to have a strange story to share with his friends, but I found myself unable to leave without trying to, again, ask the old man what he meant by his strange words to me and the even stranger gift of the large sword that I had wrapped up in the moldering sackcloth that passed as my clothing.
I waited a few minutes, to ensure that the two men did not immediately reappear, then I swiftly and quietly made my way along the outside of the warehouse, seeking a window into which I might peer to catch a glimpse of the two men and whatever activity had brought them to this place. Creeping along, I spotted a window that was just short enough for me to see through and I started making my way toward it. It was then that I was startled by a brilliant flash of light that shined through the very window that I approached. My eyes opened in awe as yet another blaze of light poured forth from the window, then another. Unable to overcome my curiosity, I ran forward and peered in through the window, looking desperately to see what was causing the light.
Inside the warehouse, standing at the center of a pulsing, radiant storm, was the ancient paladin, Gedrin Shadowbane, eyes closed, lips moving slowly, as if praying to his unseen deity; all the while, bursts of blazing, holy light flared from his form. Around the rest of the room, most now collapsed into smoking heaps on the floor, were the charring bodies of numerous, now unrecognizable persons. I watch as the aged man’s dark companion, the man called Drovesm clawed at his smoking head as the light washed over him, and ultimately, he began slamming his head against the wall of the warehouse until he crumpled to the floor, his skull shattered.
As I stood gaping in shock, in the back of my mind, I realized that the light also washed through the window and played over my own skin. It made the hairs on my arms and on the back of my neck stand up and I could feel the tingle of it creeping deep inside, seemingly to my very soul. The feeling was unnerving, but not painful. My youthful mind, however, did not pay much heed to this until much later. I watched inside the room that was now a charnel house, filled with smoking bones and piles of ash where evidently, moments before, enemies of the aged paladin had stood in defiance of the old man. I watched, unable to move, speak, or even blink as the elderly man sank to a knee in the center of a vast circle of ashen death. I waited, holding my breath, as I watched the aged man breathe deeply, head bowed.
An urge came over me suddenly to get the attention of the aged paladin, but before I could tap on the glass to try and draw his eye, I looked on in horror as a shape congealed from the shadows of the room and moved to stand in front of the old man. The creature walked through the shadows as though they were a world all their own. I could see that the ancient paladin and the shadow man exchanged words as the shadow man approached where the elderly man knelt at the center of the ashen circle of death, though I could not hear what was said. I watched, unblinking, as the shadow man reached out a shadowy hand and grasped the throat of the old paladin, cutting him off as he spoke. The shadow man’s other hand, fingers wrapped in shadow, reached up to caress the old man’s nearly-bald scalp and I could see the shadow man speaking. Suddenly, the elderly paladin fixed me with his steel gaze, his eyes burning a swath through my emotions and laying bare my soul before him. I am certain that my face betrayed the horror that I felt at the circumstances currently befalling the paladin, but I saw the old paladin say a few, strained-looking words; and then, to my surprise, he smiled a knowing smile at me, then glared defiantly up at the shadow man.
With a sneer on his shadowy face, the shadow man drew forth a long, thin blade, composed of pure, black substance that look like captured midnight. The aged paladin continued to stare up at the shadow man, not speaking, simply staring defiantly. With a barely perceptible motion, the shadow man thrust the sword through the heart of the ancient paladin, who then crumpled to the floor. Tears streaming down my face, I did the only thing that came to mind and ran as fast as my young legs could carry me, as far from the docks and that warehouse as I could go.
I numbly walked through town, keeping the paladin’s sword clutched closely to my breast and still wrapped up in my meager coverings. I tried to wrap my young mind around the events of this evening, but I did not understand what had been said to me by the old paladin. I knew not what the ‘threefold path’ was; I had no idea where Westgate was; I did not recognize the markings on the ring that the old man had dropped into my bowl; in all, I had no idea what had truly happened to me this evening.
As though fate itself conspired against me, however, my night had not yet reached its nadir. As the night grew later and it became apparent that the shadow man was not pursuing me, as was my fear, I began making my way to where my sister and I were currently calling ‘home’ near the south gate of the city. As I neared the small alleyway, I could hear raised voices, one belonging to my sister, the other belonging to a boy that I did not immediately recognize. My pace quickened and I turned the corner to see my sister being held against the wall, her throat in the meaty grip of an older boy, who I recognized as Vasily, the leader of one of the local bands of street urchins that bullied many of the other street beggar children, such as my sister and me. I moved to run toward the pair, but my sister noticed me turning the corner and she froze me in place with a stare that pleaded for me to not make myself seen. I watched, horrified, as the older boy struck my sister in the face, while still holding her by the throat, until, as I saw Alyssa’s eyes flutter closed, he tossed her contemptuously to the ground, a wicked sneer on his face. He stepped towards her unconscious body, unbuckling the narrow belt that held his stained, leather breaches up and rage overcame me. Without conscious thought, I reached into the sackcloth covering that was wrapped around my small frame and pulled out the ancient paladin’s blade, clumsily drawing it out of its black scabbard.
So angry was I, that I could not even articulate a bellow of rage as I charged headlong down the alleyway toward the older boy, the paladin’s sword, shadows flickering along the blade, held awkwardly in front of me, too heavy for me to wield effectively. My young footfalls were so quiet that the older boy did not hear me until I was nearly upon him and though he turned toward me an instant before I reached him, it was too late for him to stop my heedless momentum as I drove the point of the blade home between two of his ribs. A momentary look of shock rapidly gave way to a look of pained anguish as the color drained away from the boy’s face. I let go of the handle of the sword and the boy dropped to the ground in front of me, still impaled on the now-deceased paladin’s blade. I watched impassively as the lifeblood flowed out of the older boy and onto the dirty, broken cobblestones of the alleyway, then fell to my knees sobbing as his eyes closed and his breathing stopped.
Crawling on hands and knees towards my sister’s fallen body, I could see that her clothes were ripped in several places and bruises and small cuts, all fresh, covered much of her torso. My weeping intensified and became uncontrollable when I realized that I could not rouse her. Whatever had been done to her, the damage was irreversible…my dear, sweet, loving sister…lay dead in my arms. I don’t know how long I lay in the alleyway, crying hopelessly, but at some point during the night, I fell asleep, utterly drained both physically and emotionally.
I awoke the following morning, praying that what I remembered of the night before was simply a horrific nightmare, but the blood on my clothing and staining the broken cobblestones of the alley, both from my sister and the older boy, told me that I had not, in fact, imagined the events. Not knowing what else to do, I pulled the sword from the cold, dead body of the older boy, wiping off the blood as best I could on the boy’s clothes. I then gathered up my sister’s body in my arms and dragged her out the south gate and onto the road that leads south from Luskan toward (unbeknownst to me) Waterdeep. Numb in body and mind, I did the first thing which came to mind, which was to start digging a shallow grave for my sister in the rocky soil. I had only my two hands with which to dig and by the time I had dug a small grave, big enough to fit the body of my sister, my hands were cracked and bleeding profusely, but I felt no pain; it was as though my body and my mind had become disjoined, unable to cope with the pain which I had suffered.
A firm, but gentle, hand on my shoulder seemed to shake me from my misery. I looked up from my digging into a pair of kind gray eyes that regarded me with a mixture of compassion and pity. The human man to whom those eyes belonged asked what had happened to the girl that I was burying. As best I was able, I explained to him the circumstances surrounding the death of my sister the previous night, leaving out certain details, such as where I had obtained the sword. Peering quizzically at the blade, now back in its black scabbard, I saw a flash of what might have been recognition cross his face, though I did not see it as such at the time. Turning to his two traveling companions who sat on horses back on the road, a beautiful elven woman and another human man, he asked that they bring water and some food.
While I sat and wolfed down the food that the man so generously offered, he introduced himself as Sir Eldred Dauntinghorn and claimed to be a minor noble from some place called Cormyr. When it was apparent that I had no idea to what he referred, the man smiled and said that it did not matter if I didn’t know from whence he hailed, he was just glad to have been able to stop by and help. He asked if I had any other family in Luskan, then, when I shook my head no, he asked what I intended to do after I finished burying my sister. Thinking back to what Gedrin Dran had said and hoping that, perhaps, this kind man could help, I told him that I needed to find someone named Levia in a place called Westgate. The smile that crossed the man’s face and his response brought some small hope back into the void where my wounded heart lie; he said that Westgate was in Cormyr, the country from which he and his companions hailed and after asking each of them if they had any objections, offered to take me along with them and that they would see to it that I safely reached Westgate so I could find this Levia person.
I was dumbfounded, as never before had anyone other than my sister deigned to show me such a level of kindness. I nodded my assent and the man again smiled then clapped me on the shoulder with his hand and told me that I would have to learn how to help take care of the horses and help set up camp at night as we traveled. Only too happy to have some direction in life, I again nodded my assent, with increasing enthusiasm. He and his compatriots helped me to finish burying my sister and the elven lady spent a few minutes speaking over the grave in a language that I didn’t recognize, though I believed that she was saying a prayer so I bowed my head and whispered to whatever gods were listening to please take care of my sister’s spirit.
Sir Eldred then helped me onto the back of his horse, belting Gedrin Dren’s sword onto the saddlebags near to my dangling legs and we set off. The journey was long, many, many tendays, in fact, but as I had never journeyed more than a few miles from the gates of Luskan, I drank in the sights, sounds, and excitement of our trip with all the exuberance of youth, while Sir Eldred or one of his companions would point out landmarks and features of the land as we traveled. Our journey took us south, past the city of Neverwinter and along the southwestern edge of the Sword Mountains, finally leading us into the magnificent spectacle that is Waterdeep. We spent several days in the City of Splendors and I could not believe how big the city was compared to Luskan with a busy, vibrant city life that was so very different from the downtrodden and festering nature of my old home. I was somewhat sorry to leave, for I felt that there must be so much more to explore in the huge city and I vowed to return at some point in my life to see what else the city had to offer.
We continued south and east along the road edging the Sword Coast, the Trade Way, passing over the Grayflow River and into the small town of Daggerford. The Trade Way then turned away from the coast and passed through the Trollbark Forest from which we emerged along the southern border of the monster-ruled kingdom of Najara. Staying ever on our guard, we continued to the east, crossing over the Winding Water at the Boareskyr Bridge and passing into the paladin-ruled kingdom of Elturgard. We made our way through Elturgard to the City of Caravans, Scornubel, which sits at the junction of the Chionthar River and the River Reaching. From Scornubel, we traveled on the Chionthar River all the way to Iriaebor, where I took my first steps on Cormyrean soil. It was in Iriaebor that I also realized that Sir Eldred was somewhat more than a ‘minor’ noble as a veritable swarm of courtiers and attendants were on hand to greet our riverboat as it tied up at the docks of the town.
From Iriaebor, we journeyed along the Trade Road to the east, all the way to the city of Westgate, a trip of approximately four hundred miles. Finally, after a long and arduous journey, we had finally arrived in the city that the old paladin had spoken of prior to his passing. Thanks to Sir Eldred, who employed a number of his servants to search the city, we located the woman, Levia, living in a small manor in the city’s Noble Ward. Again thanks to Sir Eldred, who secured an audience with the woman, I was able to come face to face with the woman that Gedrin Dren had described as his daughter.
The woman that greeted me and Sir Eldred was most assuredly not the flesh and blood daughter of the ancient paladin, but I still felt that I had been directed to her for a reason. Though quite beautiful, I must confess that I was quite intimidated by the tiefling woman’s appearance when I first saw her. I could see a small flicker of amusement cross her face as she recognized that my knees were shaking in her presence as Sir Eldred explained to her the purpose of our visit (as I had, over the many days of our journey here, told him of the circumstances surrounding how I had come into possession of the sword and the ring of the aged paladin). After an anguished gasp, the woman took a moment to compose her emotions, then, once she had done so, she asked to see both the sword and the ring. I hesitantly proffered them up to her and she took them into her hands. Tears began to slowly trickle down her face as she gazed at the two items then she asked how I had come to possess them; this was the first time that I heard the blade's name, Vindicator.
I told my whole story, what little there was to tell, and she listened impassively the entire time. Once she realized how I had come to know Sir Eldred, she thanked him profusely for ensuring that I had made it to her presence safely and asked how she might thank him, explaining that she had an obligation to her ‘father’ to take care of me now. Politely refusing any recompense, Sir Eldred then turned to me and asked if I would be okay staying with Levia.
Without having any other possible plan or direction in life and still feeling as though I had been called or led here for a reason, I told him that I believed that I was supposed to be here.
Seeing that I was comfortable being left with Levia, he offered a warm thanks to the woman before turning to me and handing me two things. The first was a small leather pouch, inside which I could hear the jingle of coins; he told me that this was my payment for doing such a good job being a squire during our trip here. The second item was a small ring set with several gems in the shape of a family crest. He said that this was a signet ring of his family and should I ever have a dire need of a “friend with some authority” that I should not hesitate to call upon he or his family. I began to cry as I thanked him for his kindness, telling him that no one had ever been as kind to me as he had been. Pulling me into a warm embrace, all he said before taking his leave was that I should remember his kindness and be certain to pass such kindness along to all those that crossed my path. I swore that I would remember this and again thanked him profusely for what he had done. With a warm smile and a deep bow, the nobleman turned and exited the manor.
I was left standing before Levia, my knees no longer shaking, but my apprehension building somewhat without the comforting presence of Sir Eldred nearby to calm me. Apparently seeing or sensing my apprehension, Levia offered to get food and drink for us both so that we could speak of what was to come.
Over a small meal, Levia explained to me that Gedrin Dren, though he was not her flesh and blood father, had found her as a small child, abandoned, whether by accident or design she knew not, alongside the road in the King’s Forest, north of Suzail, the capital city of Cormyr. The paladin had adopted her and raised her like she was his own daughter. The old paladin had been training a small cadre of warriors, the Eye of Justice, and had been empowering them with an essence of divine strength to strike at enemies which lurked in the shadows and often outside the reach of traditional forces. She, herself, had been specially trained to be an instructor of these warriors also, but she had received specialized training for a single purpose, to train Shadowbane’s apprentice, the successor to his legacy. She went on to explain, to my surprise, that this apprentice would be the person to whom Gedrin Dren passed his legendary blade, Vindicator; the same blade that the paladin had given to me. She explained that Gedrin had carried the blade his whole life, he had seen it in a vision and then discovered it exactly as his vision had predicted; he realized that it was a divine gift from his god, Helm, the now-deceased god of guardians, whose holy symbol marked the silver ring that I had also been given by the ancient paladin.
With a shock, I realized that she meant that I was this chosen apprentice. The surprise evidently registered on my face, because Levia chuckled and told me that I shouldn’t worry as she didn’t plan to have me fighting evil and wielding the holy blade by the next tenday, but that the training would be long and arduous. She further asked if I understood and was willing to accept her offer of training, knowing that it would be difficult and more than slightly dangerous. I hesitated for an instant and, in that instant, I heard two things in my head, as clearly as if their speakers had been standing in front of me; the first was the voice of Gedrin Dren saying, “So you remember...Accept it---don't try to run from it, as I did.” The second was another voice, a deeper and more powerful voice that managed to be both terrifying and supremely comforting at the same time, this voice said, “Fear not…For thou art Chosen…the Eye sees all things, and thou shalt be guarded…”
Levia must have seen my demeanor change for she asked me what I had seen or heard. I answered her as honestly as I knew how and she smiled softly at me. “It seems that my father finally chose well…” she said, looking at me with what I recognized as a sense of respect, a sensation with which I was utterly unfamiliar.
I nodded dumbly, unable to find words for how I felt in that moment and Levia nodded back, her jaw setting into a firm look of determination. She then said that Westgate was not the proper place for the training that I required to become heir to Shadowbane’s legacy and that we should go to a quieter, more private place where we could train in peace. She said that we would make preparations to travel and depart within the next tenday.
We departed from the port at Westgate and sailed west on a chartered ship, passing through the Neck and into the Dragonmere. We sailed for several days to the northwest, finally arriving in the bustling capital city of Suzail. We spent only a day securing transport with a merchant caravan that was traveling north over the Way of the Dragon. We journeyed north with the caravan to Waymoot then made our way to the east to the town of Dhedluk. From Dhedluk we traveled deeper into the King’s Forest along the Starwater Road. Some twenty miles or so east of Dhedluk we turn off the main road to the north and east along a worn merchant’s path and journeyed another twenty-five or thirty miles until we reached our final destination, the village of Knightswood. This is where I have spent most of the past sixteen winters, with occasional trips to the north to visit the town of Arabel and, rarely, back south to Suzail or Marsember.
I will not bore you with the details of my training, suffice to say that Levia’s description of the training as ‘arduous, difficult, and dangerous’ didn’t quite do justice to the…abuse…that she put me through. The training was, however, meant to shape me into a weapon of divine vengeance and, although I had to wear down and be broken many times, it has done an admirable job of turning me into a capable combatant. My training has also given me a surname, something which I lacked due to my past, that derives from the connection that I have developed with Vindicator, the holy blade of Gedrin Dren (though Levia continues to insist that I look at the blade as my holy blade, I am his successor, after all). Levia told me that I should take on a surname that reflects my calling; thus, I have chosen the name Swordsworn…and I pray regularly that it will be a name that evildoers shall fear to utter, just as they feared the name of Shadowbane.
Not all of my life in Knightswood was consumed with my training, however, as Levia would not hear of it. She would force me to get out and mingle with the other youngsters of the village, often reminding me that I needed to learn to relate to people because even the greatest warrior can only accomplish a small fraction of what can be accomplished by a group of warriors, and although some of my small circle of childhood friends certainly had no aspirations to be great warriors, priests, or elsewise, there are several who aspire to such things. In fact, a small group of us (somewhat at the persistent prodding of Levia) are considering seeking an adventuring charter from the Crown and venturing out into the world at large. Levia says that there is little more that I can learn from her, future skill will have to come from experiencing the Realms on my own, accompanied by a close-knit group of friends, who, although they may not quite share my view of combating evil, are nonetheless just as capable instruments of good in a world that is threatening to be overrun by darkness.
It is now springtime in the Year of the Ageless One, and I and several of my closest friends have been summoned to see Lord Greycastle, the Lord of Knightswood (essentially, the mayor) and it is to that appointment which I must now go… I shall write more as I am able…
For Dearbhla, the party's Druidess...
Starting Info:
Human Druid (Primal Predator), Age: 17
5'9", 140 lbs.
Alignment: Good
Deity: Mielikki
Background: Dalelands
Languages: Common, Elven
Legacy Item: +1 Totem
STR - 10
CON - 15
DEX - 16
INT - 10
WIS- 18
CHA - 8
Trained Skills: Arcane, Heal, Insight, Nature, Perception
Feats: Quick Draw, Implement Expertise (totem)
At-Will Powers: Storm Spike, Pounce, Chill Wind, Savage Rend
Encounter Power: Darting Bite
Daily Power: Savage Frenzy
For Zoella Windrunner, Avenger of Kelemvor...
Elf Avenger (Censure of Pursuit); Age: 95
5'9", 125 lbs.
Alignment: Good
Deity: Kelemvor
Background: Impiltur
Languages: Common, Elven
Legacy Item: +1 Greatsword
STR - 10
CON - 12
DEX -17
INT - 8
WIS - 20
CHA - 10
Trained Skills: Acrobatics, Perception, Religion, Stealth
Feats: Elven Precision
At-Will Powers: Bond of Pursuit, Overwhelming Strike
Encounter Power: Shared Madness
Daily Power: Temple of Light (Take THAT, Wil Wheaton ;) )
For Maul, the party Warden...
Warforged Warden (Earthstrength); Age: 5
6'3", 285 lbs.
Alignment: Good
Deity: The Terminator...Oh, wait...just kidding...
Background: Dalelands
Languages: Common, Binary
Legacy Item: +1 Hide Armor
STR - 18
CON - 18
DEX - 14
INT - 10
WIS - 12
CHA - 8
Trained Skills: Athletics, Dungeoneering, Endurance, Nature
Feat: Weapon Expertise (Axe)
At-Will Powers: Strength of Stone, Thorn Strike
Encounter Power: Thunder Ram Assault
Daily Power: Form of the Fearsome Ram
For Retz, Warlord of the Red Knight...
Genasi (Water) Warlord (Tactical); Age: 23
5'10", 175 lbs.
Alignment: Good
Deity: The Red Knight
Background: Born Under a Bad Sign
Languages: Common, Primordial
Legacy Item: +1 Hide Armor
STR - 18
CON - 10
DEX - 14
INT - 18
WIS - 10
CHA - 10
Trained Skills: Athletics, Endurance, Heal, History
Feat: Tactical Assault
At-Will Powers: Commander's Strike, Wolf Pack Tactics
Encounter Power: Myrmidon Formation
Daily Power: Concentrated Attack
25-Point Buy
Each character starts with a +1 Weapon, Implement, or Armor that is their "Legacy" item. This item will stay with the character (hopefully) throughout their adventuring life. Once per level, the Transfer Enchantment ritual can be performed, without cost, by the item, allowing the party to transfer enchantments from items that we discover in our wanderings into our legacy items.
Backgrounds: Forgotten Realms, Scales of War, PHB2
Premise: The party all grew up in and around the village of Knightswood in Cormyr. We are all friends from the start and have, by and large, grown up with each other. We have talked extensively about leaving home and 'seeking adventure' in the Realms, starting by securing an adventuring company charter from the Crown in Cormyr, though we don't really have a concrete idea as to how we plan to accomplish this...
This is the intro that we were given by the DM as we began the process of character creation, as well as the opening scene of our campaign:
Spring had come to the village of Knightswood. A group of young friends with aspirations of being a chartered adventuring company has received a summons to the Lord's Manor of Knightswood. The friends arrive at the manor for their audience with Lord Alfred Greycastle. The friends are escorted in to Lord Greycastle's parlor.
"Welcome my young friends." says Lord Greycastle.
Lord Greycastle is a retired Purple Dragon Knight and close personal friend to Prince Irvel. He greets each member of the group and bids them to sit and partake of refreshments.
"I have watched you all grow in our peaceful village for all your lives, but I have seen a fire in each of your eyes. I know each of you wishes to see the Realms and aid Cormyr. Perhaps I can help you all get the charter you seek, but first, I need to see if you are ready. As I'm sure you have heard, I am playing host to a young flower of the Wyvernspur family. She has been sent to me so that I may educate her in the ways of world, since her parents have been unsuccessful in teaching this girl anything of humility. Though she has been here for the last two tenday, she remains a spoiled, selfish child that refuses to be taught anything by some old soldier that was "gifted" his title by the King. That's where you, my friends, come in. This evening some of my men will dress as bandits and "kidnap" the young Lady. They will take her into the forest where you all will be camping and, after hearing her scream, you shall rush to her aid. My men will have her blind-folded so that she will not be able to see, but I will need you all to engage my men in combat to "save" the young Lady. My men are under orders to defend themselves but not to slay, as you shall do as well. Consider this your first taste of battle but without threat of death. You are to take the girl on a trek through the forest for two days. I will leave the details up to you in telling her why you are taking the long way back. She will be most unbearable the first day but I'm sure, as the first night in the forest comes to a close, some humility will be taught to that young she-dragon. Do not worry for I have run this plan by the young Lady's parents and the King himself and they both approve of my judgment in this matter. So, I suggest you begin packing for your camping trip tonight. Set up your camp about an hour north of the village, along the river’s edge. May Tymora grant you luck on your journey."
As the party turns away to leave the parlor, Lord Greycastle speaks up.
"One more thing, my young friends: be sure that young Lady Wyvernspur's honor remains intact. I'm sure you catch my meaning."
Tarsakh 1, Year of the Ageless One (1479 DR)
Summoned to visit Lord Greycastle…assigned to “rescue” Lady Wyvernspur from “bandits”… we discover the group of “bandits” a short distance from where we set up our camp along the Starwater, Lady Wyvernspur could be seen, blindfolded and trussed up in the center of the “bandits’ encampment. With a knowing look, the leader of the “bandits” cried out and he and his compatriots leapt to “attack” us…
Enemies: ('Kill' the 'Bad' Guys...Or...Something Like That...)Elven Archer, 2 x Human Guards, 1 x "Big Man", 4 x Human Thugs
After the battle, having forced the “bandits” to flee, we release Lady Wyvernspur from her bonds and quickly lead her into the forest, explaining that we need to flee before more “bandits” descend upon us… The young lady complains a great deal as we none-too-gently escort her on a thoroughly random path through the forest until we are quite convinced that she has no idea where we are.
Made camp on the evening of Tarsakh 1 N of Knightswood, camped along the banks of a small stream…
As the sun began to set, Lady Wyvernspur was soaking her feet in a small pool…when she suddenly was attacked by a lurking Blue Slime that lived in the pond… After defeating the vile creature…we discovered at the bottom of the small pond, several articles that evidently belonged to a previous, less fortunate passerby, evidently a victim of the same blue slime: 1 x +1 Blackiron Plate (Given to the Paladin), +1 Longsword (Given to the Warlord), 5 x Potions of Healing (One for each...)
(Ewww, That Is SO Gross): 1 x Blue Slime
We then returned to our camp and took the evening to sleep.
(Initiation or Humiliation?): 2 x Zhent Soldiers, 4 x Human Thugs, 1 x Zhent Mage, 1 x Elf Archer
NOTE: I have started ascribing names to our engagements...Some of the names hint at the circumstances surrounding the battle, some are a little bit of creativity unleashed, some are downright Hi-larious...
After defeating the enemy handily, we permitted the mage to live. I bound him in rope and questioned the man…he claimed to be a Zhent trainee from Darkhold…they were to gain ‘entry’ into the Black Network by raiding throughout Cormyr. We took him prisoner, to be escorted back to Knightswood and turned over to the proper authorities (though Lady Wyvernspur strongly suggested that we simply take the bandit’s life, as she deemed him to already be guilty). Lady Zoella was able to persuade Lady Wyvernspur that we should take the bandit to the authorities…she told him that if the prisoner escaped, it would be on her [Zoella’s] head. We took a short rest to recover our wind then set out along the path again… Near highsun, we suddenly hear the sounds of battle coming ahead of us on the road. Several (now-dead) Cormyrean soldiers and a Purple Dragon Knight are being accosted by bandits in the forest ahead of us, thus, we leap to aid them…
(To the Aid of Others!): 2 x Zhentarim Soldiers, 1 x Orc Berserker, 1 x Tiefling Darkblade, 1 x Elf Archer, 1 x Cleric of Cyric
After dispatching our foes with some effort, we are introduced to the Purple Dragon Knight who, as it turns out, is none other than Crown Prince Irvel Obarskyr, heir to the throne of Cormyr. We humbly bow before the Prince and offer our protection to him as we would return to Knightswood. At the Prince’s request, we bury his fallen bodyguards and I offer up a short prayer for their departed spirits. On the bodies of our fallen foes we find and keep (at the Prince’s behest) 50 gold lions, and a +1 Holy Symbol of Divine Reach (Cyric) (Given to the Avenger). The Prince accepts our offer of protection and we escort him the remainder of the way to Knightswood. We arrive in Knightswood approximately one hour later. As an aside, Lady Wyvernspur’s demeanor became quite submissive upon the appearance of the Crown Prince.
Upon our return to Knightswood, Lady Wyvernspur thanks us for our “timely rescue” and takes her leave. The Crown Prince invites us to be guests at the manor of Lord Greycastle and informs us that we are to be the guests of honor at a banquet the following evening, where we are to be rewarded for rescuing the Crown Prince from a certain doom…
I have to check with the party to figure out what everyone chose as their 4th-level item...I can only think of mine at the moment...
Paladin: Upgraded weapon to +1 Sunblade Bastard Sword (going with the idea that it's a holy weapon that was handed down to me by Gedrin Shadowbane)
Company of the Steel Fang founded in Knightswood, Cormyr; in the presence and with the blessing of Crown Prince Irvel Obarskyr.
Founding Members:
Kalen Swordsworn, Human Paladin
Dearbhla, Human Druid
Zoella Windrunner, Elf Avenger
Maul, Warforged Warden
Retz, (Water) Genasi Warlord
NOTE: When we were trying to decide on a name for our newly-founded adventuring company, the choice came down to two options: Blades of the Dragonmere, and the Company of the Steel Fang...ultimately, we decided to go with the Steel Fang, because we felt that it best reflected our party's strong representation of melee combatants, while still injecting the 'Primal' nature of 40% of the group... (Also, our druid is a Predator build that shifts into a wolf form...so, it worked on a lot of levels...
)Tarsakh 7 – Mid-Afternoon, we come upon an excavation site in the general vicinity of where we are attempting to search for the missing dwarves; the site is occupied by a group of kobolds.
In the excavation site, we notice a rope ladder thrown down into a pit that is at the base of the excavation site. After dispatching the kobolds rather swiftly, we descend into the excavation site, hoping to find the missing dwarves.
Descending into the excavation, we enter a large room containing a statue of a dwarf warrior in mid-charge; the statue appears to be heavily defaced and somewhat unstable. Utilizing this inherent instability, Maul went running into the room and body-slammed the statue over, depriving the kobolds of their trap; sadly, he failed to hit any of the kobolds with the falling statue. With considerable effort, we were able to slay all of the kobolds, but not before they were able to yell down a corridor at the end of the room. Seeing as none of the party speaks Draconic (the language of the kobolds), we are unsure what they said…but we can guess… The kobolds in this room had a total of 40 gold lions between them, which we removed from their fallen bodies…
Taking a few minutes to recover our strength, we take a careful inventory of ourselves and see that we are yet fit to press further on into this excavation. Moving through another corridor of worked stone, we come to a wooden door, through which, we suspect, are the villains that the kobolds were notifying with their shouts. Entering the room, we discover a substantial number of kobolds and their apparent master, a white dragon wyrmling. The dragon and its minions moved to attack us, so, we responded with overwhelming force and defeated the entire enemy force, although it took considerable effort. Searching the room, we discover on the bodies of our fallen foes: 100 gold lions, a +1 Brooch of Shielding (taken by the Avenger), and 200 silver falcons. In addition, one of the kobold slyblades had a key in its pocket that, we assume, goes to the large iron doors in the south end of the room. We also discover an ornate bearskin rug that we determine to be mildly enchanted. Despite its inherent magical nature, our druidess requests that we bury the rug, with the proper rites, to release the spirit of the rug back into the Primal Spirit of the world. The rest of the group agrees to honor Dearbhla’s wishes and we perform the ritual; after doing so, the spirit of the bear appears to us and grants us a primal boon for our consideration and we all feel the bear’s spirit lending us additional vitality (We gain the Durable feat as a bonus feat). After returning to the surface and setting up our camp, we spend a quiet evening recuperating our strength.
(Battle Above the Pit): 8 x Kobold Minions, 3 x Kobold Slingers - Maul pushed one of the kobolds to its death in the opening to the excavation when he used his Thunder Ram Assault power, which caused a good deal of taunting and laughter from our party to the few surviving kobolds...
(Battle of the Falling Statue): 3 x Kobold Dragonshields, 1 x Kobold Skirmisher, 1 x Kobold Wyrmpriest - Well, the use of the statue 'trap' against the kobolds failed to cause any damage, but it looked cool and robbed the little critters of one of their best surprises!
(Saving the Bearskin): 1 x White Dragon Wyrmling, 2 x Kobold Slyblades, 8 x Kobold Cleavers
LEVEL UP!
NOTE: The enchantment on the rug was most beneficial to dwarves, a race which is utterly lacking in the party, which is why we didn't have any argument with our druid's request to return the spirit of the rug to the land...gaining the bonus feat was just a very nice bonus!
We make our way to the room where we fought the wyrmling and moved to examine the next room that was through a pair of large, iron doors, which, incidentally, were opened by the key that was found in the pocket of one of the kobold slyblades the previous evening. Inside this room we find a man dressed in a dark robe, driving a dagger deep into the chest of, presumably, one of the dwarves that we were sent to find. The dwarf’s life force flowed up over the altar and into a pair of portals that were opened behind the mage. He declares that they can bring Thoran’s army through the portals now that they have “the witch” under control. We are unsure what this means, but we must fight the mage and his followers, a band of hobgoblins, before we can investigate more. The mage flees as we finish the battle, saying that we have not seen the last of “Vorthos…and Thoran shall hear of this!”…
After the battle, we discover that the dagger the mage used to slay the dwarf was a +1 Vicious dagger (which was Transfer Enchanted into the Avenger's greatsword), and the Sightless (Bouncing) Reaper was wearing a +1 Cloak of the Walking Wounded (taken by the Paladin). The hobgoblin warcaster was wearing a +1 Autumn Harvest Totem (taken by the Druid).
After some debate and examination of the portals, we decide that we should inform the Crown Prince of what we’ve found and ask for instructions. Using the power of nature, our druid entices a small raven to carry a message to the Royal Magician in Suzail, asking for guidance. The message reads as follows: “To Prince Irvel, From Steel Fang. Found many enemies, no dwarves. Found Portal. Wizard Vorthos claimed ‘Thoran will hear of this’ when fleeing. Awaiting instructions.”
Within the next twelve hours or so, the Mage Royal appears to us, in response to our communication and queries us about our message. After hearing about what was happening, he instructed us to pursue and, if practical, apprehend both Vorthos and Thoran. We decide to rest until the following morning, while we await a response from the Crown Prince…
(Battle of the Bouncing Reaper): 1 x Emperor Black Mage, 1 x Hobgoblin Warcaster, 1 x Sightless Reaper, 6 x Kobold Minions - This battle has a few amusing anecdotes, first, the "Emperor" Black Mage earned that name because our DM used the Emperor mini from Star Wars (specially-ordered for this character) to represent him, blue lightning and all, as well as having powers like Lightning and Force Push (hahaha!)...second, is the now-infamous "Bouncing" Reaper...as was mentioned in the account, there were two, large, open portals in the rear of the room where the battle was fought, with the stone altar nearby. The Black Mage and the Reaper were standing next to the altar at the start of the battle, so, when our Avenger (who had rolled VERY well for initiative) took the first turn and went racing away to try to lock the Black Mage down, it only made sense for the Reaper to engage the Avenger as well...Maul, our Warden, went to aid Zoella, while the rest of the party dealt with the minions and the hobgoblin warcaster...Well, as has been mentioned previously, Maul has several powers that have Push effects as riders, and each round for three consecutive rounds, Maul would hit the reaper with one of those powers and Push the Reaper into the closest portal, causing it to 'bounce' through the portal and out of sight (as the portals were opaque)...when the Reaper's initiative would come up, it would 'bounce' back through the portal to re-engage Maul, only to be 'bounced' back through portal on Maul's following turn...needless to say, comparisons to bad pennies, warts, etc. were bandied around the table with reckless abandon!
We emerge in what appears to be a desert region which, with the aid of our druidess, is recognized to be near the western end of the Anauroch Desert. We arrive in what appear to be the ruins of an old fortress, though there is a newer-looking building that appears to be some sort of monastery a short distance from where we exit the portal. We take stock of our surroundings and decide to approach the building that appears to be a monastery.
As we approach the building we encounter a human man sitting outside, he identifies himself as Devlin, the leader of the Free Company of the Crescent. He asks if we are here to ask a question of the Lady who gives prophecies to those that seek her. He tells us that this place is called Spellgard. We ask if he has seen or knows of Vorthos, the wizard. He replies that he does not recognize the name. We ask if we may seek shelter at the monastery while we search for our quarry. He directs us to persons named Sister Cherra or Brother Turnagall. We thank him for his time and aid then enter the monastery.
The monks offer both room and board, the rooms being free and meals cost a single gold piece for a full day of food. We also learn that the monastery has its own distillery and its own unique whiskey, which, incidentally, is quite good.
While we sit in the common room, a human man who names himself Allendi, approaches us and greets us. After we tell him that we are only recently arrived and explain what we little we know about this place and who we have questioned concerning the area, he advises us that Captain Devlin is not to be trusted. He informs us that while he hasn’t seen Vorthos, there are places in the ruins where many could hide. He also explains a bit more about Lady Saharel, the oracle that answers the questions of those that seek her. After explaining our investigation and pursuit, Allendi tells us that if “the witch” that is supposedly being controlled is, in fact, Lady Saharel, such a group that could control her would prove nearly invincible, having the gift of foresight concerning all events.
After hearing these suppositions, we surmise that we should search the ruins in the interest of determining whether or not Vorthos and Thoran are, in fact, attempting to control Lady Saharel. When we ask about where we might look to find our way into the ruins, he tells us of a group of odd Halflings (twitching noses and such) that pass through the ruins often, named the Darano family… Allendi gives us directions on how to locate this group and suggests that we ask them about a possible way into the ruins. We thank Allendi for his information and take our leave. We go to secure rooms for our stay in this area, then head outside to take a look around while we wait for the Halflings of the Darano family to appear.
In the middle of the afternoon, a pair of curious Halflings enters the monastery, they meet the description of the Darano family. We notice that they are even more curious than initially believed… we observe that they pay for their food with a gold lion, but refuse to take silver coins in return, demanding only copper thumbs for change. This reinforces a growing suspicion amongst several of our group that these may, in fact, not be Halflings at all… they are, perhaps, were-creatures of some kind.
As the sun begins to set, the two Halflings leave and Zoella takes it upon herself to pursue the ‘halflings’ and try to determine where they are hiding.
NOTE: It was posited, somewhat jokingly, by one member of the party (I forget who, offhand) when the halflings were initially described to us by Allendi, that they were "probably were-badgers"...eliciting more than one snicker from around the table...it seems, however, that he may have been more accurate than initially believed...we shall have to see!
NOTE: Remember that the five founding members all gained Durable as a bonus feat from releasing the spirit of the bear rug, found in the Delzoun ruins.
LEVEL 2:
Kalen Swordsworn:
Feat: Initiate of the Faith
Utility: Astral Speech
Dearbhla:
Feat: Ferocious Tiger Form
Utility: Fleet Pursuit
Zoella Windrunner:
Feat: Armor Proficiency (Leather)
Utility: Resonant Escape
Maul:
Feat: Quick Draw
Utility: Triumphant Vigor
Retz:
Feat: Saving Inspiration
Utility: Aid the Injured
Kalen Swordsworn:
+1 Sunblade Bastard Sword
Dearbhla:
+1 Pouncing Beast Hide Armor
Zoella Windrunner:
+1 Stanching Leather Armor
Maul:
+1 Warsoul Battleaxe
Retz:
+1 Brooch of No Regrets
My choices at second level were as much for flavor reasons as they were for mechanical reasons. Choosing Initiate of the Faith fits the direction that my backstory reflects, as the heir to an as-yet shadowed legacy. I know not what the future might hold, or even fully why I was chosen as the inheritor of this legacy, but I feel responsible to bear this burden to the fullest. From a mechanical standpoint, it gives me an additional dose of healing, most importantly, at range, to further enhance my secondary role as a leader. In addition, it sets me up for the multi-class feats later, to cover some of the paladin class' current shortcomings, in regard to STR-based paladins.
Astral Speech was a relatively easy choice, as the party face (indeed, the only person in the party with a CHA over 10), it will likely prove very useful in social situations/skill challenges. I considered Sacred Ground for quite awhile, but, ultimately, couldn't justify a daily that cost a standard action for a +1 to AC. (If it were a +1 to attacks...or, preferably both attacks and AC, it would have been much more attractive...oh, well...waiting for Divine Power to see what happens...
)First off I'd like to thank Izzie for all his hard work in beginning this post. Let me introduce myself, I am Godwin. My players have known of me since our early days in 3.5 when we began the City of the Spiderqueen. We have had many interesting moments and thus decided to create our own website (see sig), but that wasn't enough. We feel that our antics maybe worthy of these boards so through mild prodding by me, Izzie, has taken it upon himself to create this post. Please feel free to ask, in the post, any questions and if the question would spoil anything for my players please PM me and I will be more than happy to answer them. Now to the adventure. The players are about to begin The Scepter Tower of Spellgard module. This will be the second published module for 4th ed. our gaming group has attempted and we hope the first we finish.
Caligula
)/ Tarsakh 9, 1479 DRRECAP: As we finished last session, we had just arrived in Spellgard and were trying to get our bearings. Our first lead was given to us by Allendi in the Monastery of the Precipice, who directed us to seek out the curious halflings of the Darano family. In the afternoon on Tarsakh 9, two of those halflings arrive at the monastery and we decided to send Zoella, our Avenger, to follow them and attempt to determine where they were searching and or living. We ended with Zoella having followed them to a still-standing portion of what had been the northern ramparts of Spellgard.
JOURNAL: As the sun begins to set, the two Halflings leave and Zoella takes it upon herself to pursue the ‘halflings’ and try to determine where they are hiding. She follows the Halflings to the northern ramparts of the ruins, where the Halflings went into the interior of the ramparts. She then returns to us and informs us of where the Halflings went and we decide to investigate the ramparts.
We arrive in front of the northern ramparts and see nothing of particular interest, so, seeing a doorway into the crumbling ruins, we decide to enter. As we opened the door, we knocked a small pile of boxes over that had, evidently, been rigged as a sort of warning device behind the door into the ramparts. We stepped into a small room with a spiral staircase in the center, leading up and down, along with a small table and chair. Crouching behind the small table, short sword and dagger in his hands, was a male halfling (which Zoella identified as one of the pair that she had followed to this building).
“You’re not kobolds...said the halfling, sounding a little surprised.
After quickly explaining that we didn’t (at this point) mean him any harm, the halfling introduced himself as Malcolm Darano then proceeded to explain to us that he and his family had taken up residence in this part of the ruins. He then asked what we wanted from him or why we were here.
We briefly explained that we were searching the ruins for both the missing mage, Vorthos, and for the Lady Saharel. We then told him that we had been told that the Darano’s might be able to point us to areas of the ruins where we might begin our explorations.
Looking at us suspiciously, Malcolm proved very hesitant to offer any aid, even going so far as to question our motives outright, evidently believing that we were most likely simple brigands looking for an easy score.
We attempted to negotiate diplomatically with the halfling for either information on where to look or simply to be allowed into the areas that the Darano’s had already uncovered. The halfling proved quite reticent, however, and we feared that we were approaching an impasse. A flash of brilliant insight from Kalen had us suggest paying for the halfling and his family’s troubles.
At the mention of coin, Malcolm became much more cooperative with us (for the moment, at least). After a short amount of further negotiations, we agreed upon a fee that we would pay the Darano’s in exchange for the opportunity to delve in the local ruins under the tower in which the family had taken residence.
As it turns out, these negotiations were ultimately fruitless as, after we had paid the agreed upon price to Malcolm and prepared to descend into the ruins, the halfling moved to a series of ropes that were rigged along the wall and had gone unnoticed, until now, and yanked on them. He then began yelling wildly, evidently to his allies, that there were “rich adventurers” and to “kill them!” It was then that our suspicions were proved correct as his features began to twist and morph into the hideous features of a were-rat!
Battle Report
The battle opened with only Malcolm (now shifted into his full were-rat form) opposing us in the room. The room was a 40’ x 40’ area, with the spiral staircase in the center of the room, leading upstairs and down. Doors were in the room to the south (through which we entered) and to the east (which was closed).
Rolling well for initiative, with three of our five members getting to take their turns before Malcolm, we were able to maneuver into tactically beneficial positions very early in the battle. Retz drew first blood on Malcolm with a particularly vicious Wolf Pack Tactics (rolled max damage), followed up with a Chill Wind from Dearbhla, before she Wild-Shaped to her own animal form. Maul took a swing at Malcolm, but failed to connect with his Strength of Stone, though he did mark the were-rat, hoping to draw the creature’s first attack away from the squishier members of the party.
Thanks to our early maneuvering, Malcolm was already surrounded by our party, thus, continuing to yell for his friends and family to come to his aid, he attempted to bite Maul, who had marked him, but his teeth failed to penetrate the Warden’s thick hide armor.
Zoella then proceeded to utter her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat and, leaping onto the small table at which Malcolm had been seated, she struck the were-rat with her Bond of Pursuit, bloodying the creature.
Kalen then invoked his holy power, issuing a Divine Challenge to the beleaguered were-rat, and then swinging Vindicator in a wide arc, as the blade pulsed with the radiant energy of a Holy Strike, striking the creature again and singeing the creature’s mangy fur.
With the, as yet, only, visible enemy bloodied and nearly surrounded, we began the second round of combat attempting to maneuver and prepare ourselves for the inevitable reinforcements that we suspected would be arriving any moment.
Retz waited a moment, allowing Dearbhla to move away from Malcolm and, after returning to her human form, attempt to Storm Spike the creature, but, even with Zoella’s Divine Guidance, was unable to land a hit.
Retz then moved into the space vacated by Dearbhla and struck the bloodied creature with his Myrmidon Formation strike, calling all of us to his side to benefit from the increased vigor and vitality our display of unity would afford to us at the start of his next turn.
Maul, now flanking Malcolm, again swung his Warsoul Battleaxe, attempting to land his Strength of Stone strike and, like his first attempt, failing to do so. He then shifted his location slightly to take advantage of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation.
Still flanked on one side, Malcolm then attempted to bite Kalen, whose Divine Challenge still threatened him, but his disease-infected teeth were turned aside by the paladin’s sturdy shield. He then shifted his battle position, breaking the flanking positions held by our party, but triggering the magical power of Maul’s Warsoul Battleaxe, which lashed out with blinding speed as the were-rat attempted to shift away, scoring a painful hit on the nearly-dead creature.
As the were-rat moved away from her, Zoella invoked the power of her Bond of Pursuit to freely pursue Malcolm as he moved away, her greatsword at the ready, then lashing out with another Bond of Pursuit strike which struck the vicious creature down at last.
With the only, visible enemy now lying in a pool of his own blood at the party’s feet, Kalen strode across the room to stand side by side with Retz, Vindicator held in a classic, ready position and ready to strike any foe that should suddenly appear.
With a triumphant shout, the entire party could feel the invigorating effects of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation. He then set his feet and pulled his shield up in front of himself, ready to defend against any unseen foe as his eyes scanned the room, seeking the reinforcements that we believed were approaching.
Maul took a moment to carefully look around and listen, noting that he could hear sounds coming from the stairs below. Realizing that this was the direction from which the enemy reinforcements would arrive, he quickly stepped near to the landing of the spiral staircase and readied his Warsoul Battleaxe to lash out at any foe that appeared.
He was quickly rewarded for his attentiveness as another of the vicious were-rats came storming up the spiral staircase, short sword gripped in its dark claws, jaws slavering with the promise of the flesh of adventurers. Long, thorny growths leapt from Maul’s weapon, striking and entangling around the were-rat, pulling it into a position where it was flanked by both Maul and Retz.
His longsword ready to strike, Retz took full advantage of Maul’s tactic and slashed a broad stroke that opened a deep gash in the newly-arrived foe.
Only momentarily surprised by the attacks, the newcomer quickly gathered itself and chomped out with its filthy jaws, attempting to take a bite out of Retz, but its attack was blunted by the Warlord’s shield.
Zoella, not wanting to be left out of the fray, swore a new Oath of Enmity against the newly-appeared foe, then launched a powerful Overwhelming Strike with her greatsword, landing a strong blow, which bloodied the were-rat, and forcing the creature into an even more advantageous position for our party.
Kalen, once again, summoned his holy powers and issued his Divine Challenge on the were-rat, then lashed out with Vindicator, which flared brightly with the radiant energy of a Holy Strike, biting deeply into the were-rats flesh.
Dearbhla then called down another Storm Spike on the were-rat, this time the bolt of lightning hit the creature squarely, killing it outright. She then Wild-Shaped back into her animal form and loped over near the stairs, awaiting the appearance of further enemies.
Seeing how effective this tactic had been with the first of the enemy reinforcements, Retz and Maul settled down into ready stances and prepared to repeat the series of attacks against the next foe.
They didn’t have to wait long, as another of the foul beasts ascended the stairs a moment later and, like its preceding ally, fell victim to the strikes of Maul’s Thorn Strike (a critical hit, in this case) then Retz’s Wolf Pack Tactics. When it finally recovered, however, it was able to bite Retz with its disease-ridden teeth.
Much like the preceding were-rat, each member of the party was able to take a swing at the creature, with Zoella and Kalen scoring hits and Dearbhla missing with her Storm Spike. As Maul readied himself for the appearance of the next enemy, Retz feinted with his longsword and called out for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, which was sufficient to kill the foul were-rat.
A third were-rat now made its way up the spiral staircase and again fell prey to Maul’s long-reaching Thorn Strike and was pulled into the compromising position of being flanked on two fronts. Retz swung hard at the creature but the crafty creature dodged the blow. The were-rat was not so lucky when Zoella and Kalen attacked it, being bloodied by the Piercing Smite delivered by Vindicator. Its luck returned, however, when Dearbhla attempted to Storm Spike it and again when Retz feinted, giving Kalen the opportunity to employ Commander’s Strike, but Vindicator failed to connect with the nimble creature.
Maul, still hearing at least one more foe coming up the stairs, again prepared to strike with Thorn Strike and, as successfully as each previous time, hit the fourth were-rat and pulled it into a compromised position, being flanked by himself and Retz.
With the third were-rat already bloodied and the newly-arrived fourth were-rat in a tactically unsound position, we were able to swiftly dispatch both with a minimum of fuss. After defeating these last two were-rats, we were grateful to realize, thanks to a cursory examination by Dearbhla and Retz (both moderately skilled at the healing arts… One learned from a life lived in the wild, the other learned in the combat training of a career soldier), that none of our party that had suffered the bite of the were-rats had contracted the awful Filth Fever that is commonly associated with their hideous bites.
We take a few minutes to recuperate our strength then decide where we are going to head from here…
The battle opened with only Malcolm (now shifted into his full were-rat form) opposing us in the room. The room was a 40’ x 40’ area, with the spiral staircase in the center of the room, leading upstairs and down. Doors were in the room to the south (through which we entered) and to the east (which was closed).
Rolling well for initiative, with three of our five members getting to take their turns before Malcolm, we were able to maneuver into tactically beneficial positions very early in the battle. Retz drew first blood on Malcolm with a particularly vicious Wolf Pack Tactics (rolled max damage), followed up with a Chill Wind from Dearbhla, before she Wild-Shaped to her own animal form. Maul took a swing at Malcolm, but failed to connect with his Strength of Stone, though he did mark the were-rat, hoping to draw the creature’s first attack away from the squishier members of the party.
Thanks to our early maneuvering, Malcolm was already surrounded by our party, thus, continuing to yell for his friends and family to come to his aid, he attempted to bite Maul, who had marked him, but his teeth failed to penetrate the Warden’s thick hide armor.
Zoella then proceeded to utter her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat and, leaping onto the small table at which Malcolm had been seated, she struck the were-rat with her Bond of Pursuit, bloodying the creature.
Kalen then invoked his holy power, issuing a Divine Challenge to the beleaguered were-rat, and then swinging Vindicator in a wide arc, as the blade pulsed with the radiant energy of a Holy Strike, striking the creature again and singeing the creature’s mangy fur.
With the, as yet, only, visible enemy bloodied and nearly surrounded, we began the second round of combat attempting to maneuver and prepare ourselves for the inevitable reinforcements that we suspected would be arriving any moment.
Retz waited a moment, allowing Dearbhla to move away from Malcolm and, after returning to her human form, attempt to Storm Spike the creature, but, even with Zoella’s Divine Guidance, was unable to land a hit.
Retz then moved into the space vacated by Dearbhla and struck the bloodied creature with his Myrmidon Formation strike, calling all of us to his side to benefit from the increased vigor and vitality our display of unity would afford to us at the start of his next turn.
Maul, now flanking Malcolm, again swung his Warsoul Battleaxe, attempting to land his Strength of Stone strike and, like his first attempt, failing to do so. He then shifted his location slightly to take advantage of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation.
Still flanked on one side, Malcolm then attempted to bite Kalen, whose Divine Challenge still threatened him, but his disease-infected teeth were turned aside by the paladin’s sturdy shield. He then shifted his battle position, breaking the flanking positions held by our party, but triggering the magical power of Maul’s Warsoul Battleaxe, which lashed out with blinding speed as the were-rat attempted to shift away, scoring a painful hit on the nearly-dead creature.
As the were-rat moved away from her, Zoella invoked the power of her Bond of Pursuit to freely pursue Malcolm as he moved away, her greatsword at the ready, then lashing out with another Bond of Pursuit strike which struck the vicious creature down at last.
With the only, visible enemy now lying in a pool of his own blood at the party’s feet, Kalen strode across the room to stand side by side with Retz, Vindicator held in a classic, ready position and ready to strike any foe that should suddenly appear.
With a triumphant shout, the entire party could feel the invigorating effects of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation. He then set his feet and pulled his shield up in front of himself, ready to defend against any unseen foe as his eyes scanned the room, seeking the reinforcements that we believed were approaching.
Maul took a moment to carefully look around and listen, noting that he could hear sounds coming from the stairs below. Realizing that this was the direction from which the enemy reinforcements would arrive, he quickly stepped near to the landing of the spiral staircase and readied his Warsoul Battleaxe to lash out at any foe that appeared.
He was quickly rewarded for his attentiveness as another of the vicious were-rats came storming up the spiral staircase, short sword gripped in its dark claws, jaws slavering with the promise of the flesh of adventurers. Long, thorny growths leapt from Maul’s weapon, striking and entangling around the were-rat, pulling it into a position where it was flanked by both Maul and Retz.
His longsword ready to strike, Retz took full advantage of Maul’s tactic and slashed a broad stroke that opened a deep gash in the newly-arrived foe.
Only momentarily surprised by the attacks, the newcomer quickly gathered itself and chomped out with its filthy jaws, attempting to take a bite out of Retz, but its attack was blunted by the Warlord’s shield.
Zoella, not wanting to be left out of the fray, swore a new Oath of Enmity against the newly-appeared foe, then launched a powerful Overwhelming Strike with her greatsword, landing a strong blow, which bloodied the were-rat, and forcing the creature into an even more advantageous position for our party.
Kalen, once again, summoned his holy powers and issued his Divine Challenge on the were-rat, then lashed out with Vindicator, which flared brightly with the radiant energy of a Holy Strike, biting deeply into the were-rats flesh.
Dearbhla then called down another Storm Spike on the were-rat, this time the bolt of lightning hit the creature squarely, killing it outright. She then Wild-Shaped back into her animal form and loped over near the stairs, awaiting the appearance of further enemies.
Seeing how effective this tactic had been with the first of the enemy reinforcements, Retz and Maul settled down into ready stances and prepared to repeat the series of attacks against the next foe.
They didn’t have to wait long, as another of the foul beasts ascended the stairs a moment later and, like its preceding ally, fell victim to the strikes of Maul’s Thorn Strike (a critical hit, in this case) then Retz’s Wolf Pack Tactics. When it finally recovered, however, it was able to bite Retz with its disease-ridden teeth.
Much like the preceding were-rat, each member of the party was able to take a swing at the creature, with Zoella and Kalen scoring hits and Dearbhla missing with her Storm Spike. As Maul readied himself for the appearance of the next enemy, Retz feinted with his longsword and called out for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, which was sufficient to kill the foul were-rat.
A third were-rat now made its way up the spiral staircase and again fell prey to Maul’s long-reaching Thorn Strike and was pulled into the compromising position of being flanked on two fronts. Retz swung hard at the creature but the crafty creature dodged the blow. The were-rat was not so lucky when Zoella and Kalen attacked it, being bloodied by the Piercing Smite delivered by Vindicator. Its luck returned, however, when Dearbhla attempted to Storm Spike it and again when Retz feinted, giving Kalen the opportunity to employ Commander’s Strike, but Vindicator failed to connect with the nimble creature.
Maul, still hearing at least one more foe coming up the stairs, again prepared to strike with Thorn Strike and, as successfully as each previous time, hit the fourth were-rat and pulled it into a compromised position, being flanked by himself and Retz.
With the third were-rat already bloodied and the newly-arrived fourth were-rat in a tactically unsound position, we were able to swiftly dispatch both with a minimum of fuss. After defeating these last two were-rats, we were grateful to realize, thanks to a cursory examination by Dearbhla and Retz (both moderately skilled at the healing arts… One learned from a life lived in the wild, the other learned in the combat training of a career soldier), that none of our party that had suffered the bite of the were-rats had contracted the awful Filth Fever that is commonly associated with their hideous bites.
We take a few minutes to recuperate our strength then decide where we are going to head from here…
Ah, sleep is overrated anyways...LOLI'll get more up tomorrow night.
(Silly Real World...interfering with me putting the updates on here...I've worked four shifts since Tuesday already...oh well...this isn't a normal week.)
- Izzie
The party did very well in this first encounter using tactics to bring the were-rats out into the room and surround them. I do believe this encounter made them feel abit cocky. The next encounter would prove difficult indeed and, I believe, has given the party a sense of respect for the Dorano's. But I'll let Izzie give the details of that battle.
Descending into the room below the area where we had entered, we see a sparsely-furnished living area, containing several bunks, a desk with several chairs, and a small, oaken chest. After searching the room and finding little else of worth, we carefully examine the small chest and, after determining that the chest does not appear to be trapped or locked, we open the chest.
Contained within the chest are a large quantity of dirty garments, as well as a small leather bag containing a dozen gold lions and a small, ornate piece of ivory, covered with a scrimshaw picture of a woman cloaked in shadows that Retz recognizes as a stylized representation of the Lady Saharel; the piece is signed in a flowing script: Regis. Pocketing these items, we look around the room and see a door to the eastern side of the room; after listening at the door for a moment and hearing nothing, we push the door open, only to realize that the corridor that once lay behind this door is now a rubble-filled dead end. With no other path to take, we go back upstairs into the room that we entered first.
Now that we were back in the entry room, we were faced with the decision of whether to go through the eastern door in this room or to go upstairs and investigate the curious, red glow that Dearbhla had noticed earlier. After some short discussion and without a better plan, we pull out a silver falcon and allow Fate to decide our path, which ultimately is decided to be to head east, through the door there.
Behind the eastern door, a long, dark hallway stretches away to the east, lit only by the bright light, blazing from Vindicator, as ever held in the hand of our stalwart paladin, Kalen. Warily walking down the twenty-foot wide passageway, we move some three hundred feet before reaching another door in front of us to the east.
Listening closely for a moment at the door, we hear little that would discourage us from opening the door, which Kalen proceeds to push open. In the room behind the door, which strongly resembles a mirror image of the first room that we entered in the ramparts, we see three, heavily-armed human mercenaries, a pair of vicious-looking drakes, and a solitary bat that appears cloaked in darkness, even while illuminated in the light emanating from Vindicator.
One of the human guards, who doesn’t look the least surprised that we suddenly have appeared in this room, looks us up and down then demands, “Surrender or Die!” Needless to say, we chose option C, which was: Utterly Crush the Bad Guys…
"Option C" sounded a lot easier than it turned out to be.
Very Long Battle Recap
The room where this battle took place was, essentially, a mirror-image of the first room of the ramparts that we entered. 40’ x 40’ with a spiral staircase leading up and down; there was also a small bed in the room’s northwest corner. The three human guards all stood near to the staircase, the two drakes were a short distance from them, against the south wall, and the bat was in a recessed corner in the southwestern corner of the room.
Our party was still in standard formation as the battle opened, so Kalen and Maul stood framed in the doorway, with Retz and Dearbhla standing directly behind them, and Zoella watching the party’s back.
Being the quickest to react, Zoella opened the fight with the psychic assault, Shared Madness, on two of the human guards, with which she was able to score a hit thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy.
The (now-recognized) Shadowhunter Bat (Hereafter referred to as “TDB”… or That Damn Bat) then swooped out of its corner and did a Flyby Attack on Maul, scoring a minor hit that our Warforged Warden simply shrugged at. The creature then retreated to the room’s northeastern corner, as far from the party as it could get.
The two drakes (identified by Dearbhla as Spitting Drakes) both hurled gobs of acid from their toothy maws at the party’s two defenders, missing Maul, but hitting Kalen squarely.
(NOTE: At this point, seeing how much damage these critters could do and recognizing that they target Reflex rather than AC, we should have endeavored to deal with them post-haste, being, as it turned out, the most damage-inflicting foes that we would face in the encounter… However, we failed to eliminate them swiftly, a fact which would contribute to the increasing difficulty of the encounter as the rounds ticked by…)
Retz decided to wait a moment to allow the rest of the party to move into the room, so Maul stepped forward, initiating his Form of the Fearsome Ram as he moved. Maul then swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard with his Thunder Ram Assault, hitting the guard strongly and slamming him back into the staircase; then, with the blast of thunder that accompanied the hit, pushed all three guards into a cluster that could be (hopefully) easily controlled by the party’s defenders. He finished by marking the two guards that were yet adjacent to him.
Dearbhla, taking advantage of Maul’s successful maneuver, summoned a Chill Wind to assail the cluster of foe; however, she missed two of the guards and one of the drakes, but did strike the third guard and the other drake. She then Wild-Shaped into her wolf form and scampered into the room, positioning herself next to one of the guards. With a surge of effort, she proceeded to use her Darting Bite against that guard then raced back near the doorway to stand next to the Kalen’s imposing figure.
The guards were next to act, the first swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting Maul and slamming him to the ground, then shifting around to move into a flanking position with another of the guards. The second guard, benefitting from the flank provided by the first, also struck at Maul, who was still lying on the ground, with his halberd, scoring a hit and bloodying the Warden. The final guard, seeing that the Warden was already compromised, moved to face Kalen and Dearbhla and, after a brief moment sizing up his pair of opponents, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, connecting with Dearbhla and knocking her to the ground.
At this point, a foe which had previously gone unnoticed, leapt out from under the bed where he had been hiding, it was another of the were-rats that infested this structure. Hoping to take advantage of Maul’s compromising situation, the creature attempted to bite our Warden with his disease-ridden teeth, but could not penetrate Maul’s thick, hide armor.
Kalen, seeing Maul’s predicament, stepped into the room and moved into a position that was adjacent to the two guards that flanked the Warden. Summoning his divine powers, Kalen placed his Divine Challenge on the first guard. Then, hoping to draw the attention of the second guard, Kalen swung Vindicator in a Challenging Strike, hitting the second guard and marking him.
Now that the situation had begun to coalesce into a manageable tactical situation, Retz moved into the room to stand next to Kalen. Shouting his Inspiring Words to Maul, he drew the attention of the second guard then gave Kalen the signal to make a Commander’s Strike, but the valiant Paladin was unable to score a hit on the guard.
With the doorway blocked by Kalen and Retz, Zoella decided to wait for an opening to move into the room.
TDB then swooped in from the corner of the room, attempting and failing to bite Kalen with a Flyby Attack. It then rapidly retreated back to the corner from whence it had come.
The spitting drakes both decided to target Kalen with their Caustic Spit, scoring a pair of hits and nearly bloodying the Paladin. Neither felt the urge to move from their positions in the south side of the room.
Clambering to his metallic feet, Maul sized up his surroundings then, in a surge of action and benefitting from the quickly-shouted directions from Retz, attacked one of the adjacent guards with his Form of the Fearsome Ram attack, only scoring a glancing blow [i.e. half-damage miss] but pushing the guard away and into the nearby staircase. He then lashed out with his Strength of Stone attack against the other adjacent guard, but he failed to land the attack.
Dearbhla, realizing that Zoella needed an avenue of entry into the room, invoked the power of her Beast Form armor and dashed, unharmed, across the room to a position that was adjacent to the pair of spitting drakes. She then unleashed a Savage Frenzy on the two drakes, hitting both.
Now that the way into the room was clear, Zoella quickly took the opportunity to move into the room, declaring her Oath of Enmity against the nearest guard, to whom she rapidly moved adjacent. Swinging her Vicious Greatsword in an Overwhelming Strike, she hit the guard, bloodying him.
The guards then had the opportunity to retaliate. The first guard, moved back into a position adjacent to Kalen and Maul, swinging his halberd at the Paladin, but being turned aside by a skillful parry by the holy warrior. The second guard sidestepped away from Kalen into a position next to Zoella and, despite the Divine Challenge affecting him, swung his halberd at the Avenger, scoring a devastating hit on her, but being punished by a powerful blast of holy energy as Kalen’s Divine Challenge triggered against him. The third guard also shifted away from Kalen, moving to a position where he was flanking Maul, then, ignoring the paladin’s mark, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting the Warden and knocking him back to the ground.
Again taking advantage of his compromising position, the were-rat bit down on the hapless Maul, this time, sinking his dirty teeth into the Warden’s form, causing an oozing wound and bloodying him again.
On the word of Retz, Kalen waited a moment, while Retz turned into a flowing torrent of water and sped across the room, taking up a flanking position across from Kalen, with the were-rat in between. He then shouted for Kalen to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and gave a shout of encouragement as Vindicator came down and bit into the creature’s mangy flesh.
Now, with the advantage of the flank provided by Retz and having several adjacent enemies to affect, Kalen, in a surge of energy, stabbed forward with Vindicator and his Piercing Smite, killing the first guard and marking another guard and the were-rat. Then, summoning a portion of his divinely-granted power, Kalen uttered a swift prayer and felt healing energy flow through him, revitalizing his wounded body.
TDB again flew from the northeastern corner of the room and attempted to bite Dearbhla, failing to connect on the Flyby Attack and, again, retreating to the far corner of the room.
The two drakes, confronted with the animal form of Dearbhla adjacent to them, both attempted to bite the Druid and both succeeded in scoring hits on her. They both then shifted their position slightly, moving out of reach of Dearbhla.
Thanks to the primal spirits and his Font of Life, the oozing wound inflicted on Maul closed before inflicting further harm on him. Then, standing to his feet and summoning his innate Warforged Resolve, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard, using his Strength of Stone attack, but, again, failed to hit his opponent.
As the two drakes had moved away, Dearbhla took advantage by Wild-Shaping back to her human form and hitting both with her Chill Wind, bloodying one of the two. She then moved back to a position adjacent to each, hoping to prevent the creatures from spitting at the rest of the party.
Zoella then initiated a Bond of Pursuit attack on the guard adjacent to her, scoring a hit on the already-bloodied foe. Suspecting that this guard was close to death, she felt a rush of energy and repeated the attack, again scoring a hit and, this time, killing the guard. She then moved a short distance to help confront the were-rat, swearing her Oath of Enmity against the creature as she moved.
The final surviving guard, despite being flanked and bloodied, continued to hammer away at the party’s defenders, this time hitting Kalen with his halberd and marking the Paladin.
The were-rat, after moving to a flanking position, followed suit, attempting to bite Kalen, but was turned aside by the holy warrior’s sturdy plate armor. The party was also frustrated to note that many of the were-rat’s wounds were rapidly disappearing, to the point that the creature was no longer bloodied.
Retz moved around to help Zoella flank the were-rat, all the while shouting Inspiring Words to Maul. He then called to Zoella, instructing her to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and to take advantage of the flank he was now providing for her. She took full advantage of the Commander’s Strike, scoring a hit and bloodying the were-rat once again.
Kalen, seeing that the were-rat seemed to be contained, returned his attention to the last surviving guard and swung a Valiant Strike at the guard, but the guard brought his halberd up to block Vindicator’s sweeping attack.
TDB, as yet unmolested, again swooped down from the corner of the room, attempting to bite Retz this time, but failing to penetrate the Warlord’s hide armor. The creature then returned to the same corner from which it had flown.
The two drakes, which still had some room to maneuver, carefully backed away from Dearbhla and spit their acidic attacks past her, targeting the still heavily-damaged Warden. Both attacks scored powerful hits, including one critical strike that brought Maul down, knocking him to the ground, inert and out of the fight, for the moment.
(NOTE: We learned, the hard way, that when enemy reinforcements arrive, considering a strategic withdrawal should be one of the first options for any adventuring party… Just tell your Red Mages that it will be okay, you will come back for the XP later…)
It was at this point in the battle that the first of our foes’ reinforcements began to arrive, we had not heard their approach due to the sounds of battle. Bounding down the stairs came Rudy the Undead Hound and one of his fellow Gravehounds… Vicious, undead hounds that bayed an unearthly howl and moved swiftly into the room next to Dearbhla and Retz. The gravehound nearest to Retz tried to bite the intrepid Warlord but was turned away by a parrying longsword. The second gravehound had better luck against Dearbhla, biting down hard on her, knocking her to the ground and inflicting a wound that oozed with dark, necrotic energy.
Dearbhla suffered the continuing damage from the gravehounds bite, then carefully stood up, Wild-Shaping back into her animal form as she did so. Facing the gravehound, she unleashed a Savage Rend against the creature, scoring a hit.
Zoella, still facing the were-rat, attempted to Overwhelming Strike the foul creature, but was unable to score a hit.
The last surviving guard again took a swing at Kalen with his halberd and again was able to hit the holy warrior, marking him and forcing him to pay heed.
The were-rat again attempted to bite Kalen with its diseased teeth and, yet again, was turned away by the stalwart defender’s heavy, steel shield.
Hoping to finish the creature off, Retz then gave the signal to Zoella to do a Commander’s Strike, which finally slew the vicious were-rat. He then moved next to Zoella and, using a sudden burst of effort, launched a Concentrated Attack against one of the gravehounds, granting Zoella the opportunity to attack as well. Retz scored a hit with his attack, but Zoella was unable to land a blow on the nimble, undead abomination.
With much of the party already suffering from considerable damage, Kalen stepped over the inert body of Maul, shielding the fallen Warden from further harm and lashing out with Vindicator at the nearest gravehound with his powerful, Paladin’s Judgment attack, landing a vicious blow and channeling holy energy to the fallen Warden and allowing him to heal. The gravehound winced at the flare of holy energy as Vindicator bit deeply into its decaying flesh. To, hopefully, ensure that the gravehound did not attack Maul before he had the opportunity to get back on his feet, Kalen summoned the power of his Divine Challenge and placed it upon the gravehound that he had already struck.
TDB took this opportunity to swoop out of its favorite corner and attempted to bite Kalen, but the paladin turned the creature away with a skillful, parrying sweep of Vindicator. The creature then finished its Flyby Attack by returning to its corner.
The two drakes, continuing to be the bane of our group, both, again, used the Caustic Spit to attack Kalen from afar. Both attacks hit and managed to bloody the Paladin. Without an immediate threat facing them, neither drake felt compelled to relocate itself, and they both waited to inflict further harm on our party.
As if things were not looking difficult enough for our party, two more of Rudy’s friends came dashing down the stairs and moved into positions near Zoella and Kalen. The first two gravehounds attempted to bite Retz and Kalen; hitting the Warlord but failing to hit the Paladin. The newly-arrived gravehounds attacked the nearest members of our party, in this case, Zoella and Kalen; both gravehounds hit their targets, knocking Zoella to the ground and inflicting one of the festering, necrotic wounds on her, while the hit on Kalen dropped the valiant paladin to the ground in a crumpled heap.
Having just been healed by Kalen, Maul clambered to his feet, quaffing a Potion of Healing as he did so. Hoping to steady himself, he paused to catch his second wind, then, using the primal power of nature, marked the two gravehounds that were adjacent to him.
Knowing that the party’s survival depended upon a joint effort, Dearbhla made every effort to try to Heal the dying Paladin, but despite her considerable knowledge of healing techniques, she was unable to revive Kalen with this attempt. Wild-Shaping back to her human form, she quaffed her own Potion of Healing, praying to the primal spirits that it would be sufficient to help her survive the battle.
Crawling to her feet, Zoella summoned the holy power of Kelemvor and Abjured one of the gravehounds, blasting the beast with holy energy and drawing it within reach of her weapon. The gravehound stumbled, dazed by the attack.
The surviving guard, seeing Maul standing in front of him, moved next to the Warden then swung his halberd but failed to hit him.
Retz stood to his feet next to the fallen Paladin and employed one of his first aid techniques, Aid the Injured, and the Kalen returned to consciousness with a start.
Thanking Retz, Kalen scrambled to his feet, summoning divine power to heal himself again, then taking a deep, cleansing breath as he gained his second wind. Vindicator held at the ready, he prepared to re-enter the fray.
As the party worked on healing, TDB did its Flyby Attack again, trying and failing to hit Maul, then returning to its favorite corner.
The two drakes, seeing the Warden was now the closest foe, targeted him with their Caustic Spit, but neither was able to hit the sturdy Warforged.
The four gravehounds, now surrounding the party, attacked; one attacking Zoella and failing to hit the agile Avenger, another attacking Retz and being foiled by the Warlord’s shield, the final two attacking Maul but neither was able to penetrate the Warden’s thick, hide armor.
Maul retaliated for being targeted by attacking the last, surviving guard with his Strength of Stone attack and, unfortunately, failing to hit the guard.
Descending the stairs, yet another reinforcement arrived to threaten our now-beleaguered party; a second were-rat, short sword in hand and slobber all over its slavering jaws moved into the room and attempted to bite Maul, but, again, the Warden’s armor protected him from the diseased bite of one of the horrid creatures.
Still in human form, Dearbhla tried to Storm Spike the last guard, but could not put the stubborn warrior out of our misery. Hoping that the extra mobility might grant her some extra measure of survivability, she summoned her primal power, Fleet Pursuit, and appeared to speed up before the eyes of the party.
Zoella, targeting the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity, swung her greatsword with an Overwhelming Strike and killed the foul, undead creature; the creature took one final bite at her as it died, but was not able to harm the Avenger. After the beast’s demise, she swore a new Oath of Enmity against the closest, remaining gravehound.
The last, surviving guard swung its halberd in a wide arc, trying to catch Maul unawares, but the canny Warden parried the blow with his Warsoul Battleaxe just in time.
Retz, tired of the stubborn guard, shifted his position closer to the warrior then, with a fierce battlecry and shout to the rest of the party to rally around him, he struck down the guard with his Myrmidon Formation attack. At long last, the persistent guard was slain…
Kalen, now beset on three sides by foes, slashed a Valiant Strike with Vindicator and, as holy power flared from the blade, cut down one of the three remaining gravehounds, which, much like the one killed by Zoella, took one final bite at the Paladin as it died, but, almost contemptuously, Kalen turned the beast’s deathblow aside with Vindicator. Summoning his sacred power, he then issued a Divine Challenge to the newest arrival to the battle, the second were-rat, hoping to take some of the pressure off of the hard-pressed Warden.
Despite that Divine Challenge, however, the newly-arrived were-rat chittered anxiously to its fellows, seeming to direct them to focus their efforts on bringing Maul down. He then proceeded to bite the Warden, scoring a hit that left a ‘bleeding’ wound. (If Warforged can be said to ‘bleed’…) It did not seem to matter to the were-rat when holy energy flared, singeing its fur, as Kalen’s divine power punished it for ignoring the Challenge.
TDB decided to change targets this time, as it swooped out of its favorite corner, attacking Retz but not being able to find a chink in the steady genasi’s defenses. As usual, the bat returned to its favorite corner after its Flyby Attack.
The two drakes then launched their Caustic Spit, splitting their focus this time, hitting both Maul and Kalen, inflicting considerable damage on each.
One of the surviving pair of gravehounds bit at Zoella, hitting her, knocking her to the ground, and inflicting another festering, necrotic wound on her, the attack also bloodied her. The other gravehound attempted to bite Maul but was not able to get past the Warden’s guard.
Shifting tactics to, hopefully, prolong his survival, Maul summoned his primal power to mark the were-rat and the gravehound that flanked him, then dropped into a defensive stance, hoping to parry or deflect any blow directed at him.
Wild-Shaping back to her preferred animal form, Dearbhla also dropped into a defensive stance and took a moment to catch her second wind.
Standing back up and cursing loudly at the gravehound that had knocked her down, Zoella traced a quick, mystic symbol in the air with the tip of her greatsword then swung mightily, slashing into the adjacent gravehound; with the blow, a field of searing, radiant energy sprang into being as Zoella unleashed her Temple of Light attack. The gravehound shuddered with the impact of the blow and the searing flare of holy energy that accompanied the attack. Zoella also managed to shake off the effects of the gravehound’s necrotic bite.
Joining our voices in a solid battlecry, the party briefly celebrated the invigoration of the effect of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation. Retz could see that things were still hanging by a thread, however, so he put his first aid training to use and attempted to bolster the beleaguered Maul, but was distracted by the foes pressing in on all sides.
Shifting position to try to attract as much attention as possible away from Maul, Kalen stepped into the middle of the enemy formation, shifting his Divine Challenge from the were-rat, that had already proven that it cared little about the effect, onto the nearest, remaining gravehound, hoping to draw its attack. He then swung a powerful Valiant Strike aimed at the were-rat, striking the creature solidly.
Pressured by Kalen, the were-rat aimed a bite at Maul, which connected, despite the Warden’s best efforts to deflect the blow. Then, evidently hoping to avoid a reprisal from the vengeful Paladin, the were-rat stepped back out of the reach of both Kalen and Maul.
TDB now, as had been its pattern for quite awhile, swooped down and attacked Zoella, scoring a rare hit on the Avenger as it passed by. After the Flyby Attack, the bat returned to its favorite corner, a stream of curses following its whole return path from the irritated Avenger.
The drakes repeated their attacks against Kalen and Maul, striking both defenders and wounding both again.
One of the remaining gravehounds tried to bite Zoella, but she invoked the power of her Brooch of Shielding and the beast’s teeth found only a wall of magical force rather than the elfmaid’s flesh, though the creature still manage to knock her off her feet with the force of the attack. The other gravehound tried to bite Maul, but the Warden’s defenses stood firm in the face of the beast’s attack.
Dearbhla, doing everything that she could think to do and trying to help the party survive, conjured a spectral hand with her Hedge Wizard’s Gloves and began drawing potions from the belts of the party, starting with the one on Kalen’s belt and suspending it in the air for the Paladin to take.
Maul, repositioning himself to account for the were-rat’s slow withdrawal, shifted forward a few feet, remaining in a defensive stance and re-marking all of the adjacent enemies.
Once again rising to her feet, Zoella glared at the gravehound that had knocked her down, then swung her greatsword with her Bond of Pursuit attack, striking and bloodying the beast.
Seeing that Zoella was bloodied and in increasing need of healing, Retz attempted again to perform quick first aid on her, but the press of battle again prevented him from being able to effectively aid the Avenger.
Dropping Vindicator for a moment to grab and quaff the potion suspended by Dearbhla’s spectral hand, Kalen picked his powerful blade back up and launched another Valiant Strike at the were-rat, striking the vicious creature, yet again.
Continuing to ignore the Kalen’s persistent and effective attacks, the were-rat again tried to bite Maul, and again was turned aside by a rapid parry from the Warden’s Warsoul Battleaxe.
TDB continued its repeated attacks, targeting Zoella again, but failing to hit the Avenger this time, but, again, drawing her vicious ire.
The two drakes again attacked with their Caustic Spit, targeting Kalen and Maul, striking both. The hit on Maul struck a vulnerable spot in his armor and dropped the Warden to the ground, again inert and temporarily out of the fight.
With Maul down again, one of the gravehounds moved to flank Kalen with the were-rat, trying to bite the sturdy Paladin, but being turned aside by his heavy, steel shield. The other gravehound attempted to bite Retz, but couldn’t find a gap in the Warlord’s defenses.
Still attempting to use the party’s resources to the fullest, Dearbhla moved her spectral hand to Maul’s belt and retrieved his Potion of Healing, then held it suspended, hoping to deliver the potion next round.
Zoella, having been fighting non-stop since the start of the battle, stopped to catch her second wind, then shifted toward a more advantageous position in the room, staying adjacent to the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity and now moved adjacent to one of the spitting drakes.
Retz, now out of reach of the party’s enemies, dropped his sword quickly and drew a javelin, which he proceeded to hurl at the gravehound nearest to Zoella, striking the beast and killing the creature. The beast tried to bite Zoella as it died, but was unable to hit the Avenger.
Kalen again slashed Vindicator out in a Valiant Strike, striking the last gravehound, causing it to shrink under the blaze of radiant energy that streamed from the holy sword.
With Maul still down, the were-rat finally turned its attention to Kalen and attempted to bite the stalwart Paladin, but could not hit him, being fended off by a strong parry from the holy warrior’s blade.
TDB returned, yet again, to torment Zoella, hitting her with its Flyby Attack this time and continuing to live up to the moniker that had been ascribed to it by the Avenger.
One of the drakes, now adjacent to Kalen, bit the Paladin, causing only a minor wound; the other drake spat its Caustic Spit at Retz, but failed to hit the Warlord.
The were-rat snapped its jaws at Kalen, this time finding one of the few weak spots in the Paladin’s defenses and scoring a devastating hit that bloodied him.
Trying to save the party members that were still standing, Dearbhla moved the potion held by her spectral hand over to the bloodied Paladin, then charged the un-engaged drake, using her Pounce attack, and hit the drake. She realized that the drakes represented the biggest threat to the party, being able to do the most damage, as well as seeming to have the easiest time hitting party members.
With her gravehound finally dispatched, Zoella moved quickly to stand adjacent to the drake being engaged by Dearbhla, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the creature then hitting the drake with her Bond of Pursuit attack, killing the drake outright.
Picking up his sword, Retz turned his attention to the were-rat, targeting it with his Wolf Pack Tactics and scoring a hit on the creature.
Quaffing the potion supplied by Dearbhla’s spectral hand then picking Vindicator back up, Kalen attacked the last surviving gravehound with a Valiant Strike, bloodying the undead beast.
Still adjacent to Kalen, the were-rat again tried to bite him, this time slipping in under his guard and clamping down on the warrior’s arm, causing a gaping, bleeding wound.
TDB then swooped down and tried to Flyby Attack Zoella, but still could not manage to hit her. It then retreated to its favorite corner, pursued by a fresh round of insults and muttered curses from the elfmaid.
The surviving drake attempted to duplicate the were-rat’s success and tried to bite Kalen, but the Paladin’s heavy armor was up to the task of turning aside the creature’s bite.
The last gravehound, however, was able to use the distraction of the drake’s attack to bite Kalen, hitting him and knocking him to the ground.
For its trouble, Dearbhla charged and Pounced on the gravehound, scoring a hit on the beast and drawing its total attention.
Utterly irritated by TDB, Zoella had finally had enough of the irritating creature, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the bat, moving adjacent to it, and slicing into it with her Bond of Pursuit attack.
With enemies out of reach, Retz moved to where he could perform first aid on Maul, and was finally able to revive the downed Warden.
Shaking his head and swearing vindication, Kalen stood to his feet and swung Vindicator in a Valiant Strike, slaying the last gravehound. As the beast perished, it took one final bite at the paladin, catching Kalen off-guard and dropping him to the ground in a heap, as well. Fortunately for Kalen, the bleeding wound inflicted by the were-rat closed of its own accord, keeping the Paladin out of immediate danger of death.
The were-rat shifted his position slightly to be able to attack Retz and did so; biting down on the Warlord and leaving a bleeding wound.
Now being pursued, TDB Flyby Attacked Zoella then fled toward the open doorway from which we had entered, though it was not able to hit the Avenger with its attack.
The surviving drake hurled its Caustic Spit at Dearbhla, striking her and burning her severely.
Wild-Shaping back to human form, Dearbhla pulled a Potion of Healing from her own belt and knelt down and poured it in the mouth of Kalen, who spluttered back to consciousness asking what had happened and being told that the battle was not yet over.
Finally back in the battle, Maul hauled himself to his feet and looked around quickly, seeing the current situation, he charged forward, aiming an attack at the surviving drake and connecting solidly, bloodying the beast.
Incensed that the creature is fleeing, Zoella gives chase to TDB and strikes it with her Bond of Pursuit again, bloodying it.
Retz shifts toward a more tactically advantageous position then launches a Wolf Pack Tactics strike at the were-rat, but the nimble creature dances out of harms way without injury.
Shaking off the cobwebs of unconsciousness, Kalen clambers back to his feet, but is still a little unsteady as he swings Vindicator with a Valiant Strike at the remaining drake, missing by a wide margin.
Again eschewing the Paladin in favor of the Warden, the were-rat bites at and hits Maul, nearly dropping the Warforged warrior back to the ground.
TBD attempts to Flyby Attack Zoella then turns tail and flees down the long corridor from which we entered.
Now adjacent to Maul again, the surviving drake bites the Warden and hits him with a devastating critical, dropping him back to the ground with a metallic thud.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her animal form once again, then shifts back into a position adjacent to the surviving drake and Pounces on it, hit the creature and, finally, killing it.
Refusing to let the obnoxious bat escape, Zoella races down the corridor in pursuit of TDB, charging at the end of her run and her blade cleaves the bat in two, as she scores a critical on her charge.
With the were-rat as the only remaining foe, Retz signals Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, hitting the were-rat and bloodying it.
Kalen follows-up by issuing his Divine Challenge to the were-rat, then using a Holy Strike that burns into the flesh of the horrible creature.
Nearly dead, the were-rat tries to bite Kalen, but cannot get past the holy warrior’s sturdy shield.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her human form and launches a Storm Spike at the were-rat, hitting the beast with the lightning bolt, but still not killing it.
Zoella, having finally dispatched the source of much of her irritation, comes racing back into the room, screaming her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat as she runs.
Her Oath would prove unnecessary as Retz swung his longsword in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and scored a critical, which finally ended the brutal engagement.
The room where this battle took place was, essentially, a mirror-image of the first room of the ramparts that we entered. 40’ x 40’ with a spiral staircase leading up and down; there was also a small bed in the room’s northwest corner. The three human guards all stood near to the staircase, the two drakes were a short distance from them, against the south wall, and the bat was in a recessed corner in the southwestern corner of the room.
Our party was still in standard formation as the battle opened, so Kalen and Maul stood framed in the doorway, with Retz and Dearbhla standing directly behind them, and Zoella watching the party’s back.
Being the quickest to react, Zoella opened the fight with the psychic assault, Shared Madness, on two of the human guards, with which she was able to score a hit thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy.
The (now-recognized) Shadowhunter Bat (Hereafter referred to as “TDB”… or That Damn Bat) then swooped out of its corner and did a Flyby Attack on Maul, scoring a minor hit that our Warforged Warden simply shrugged at. The creature then retreated to the room’s northeastern corner, as far from the party as it could get.
The two drakes (identified by Dearbhla as Spitting Drakes) both hurled gobs of acid from their toothy maws at the party’s two defenders, missing Maul, but hitting Kalen squarely.
(NOTE: At this point, seeing how much damage these critters could do and recognizing that they target Reflex rather than AC, we should have endeavored to deal with them post-haste, being, as it turned out, the most damage-inflicting foes that we would face in the encounter… However, we failed to eliminate them swiftly, a fact which would contribute to the increasing difficulty of the encounter as the rounds ticked by…)
Retz decided to wait a moment to allow the rest of the party to move into the room, so Maul stepped forward, initiating his Form of the Fearsome Ram as he moved. Maul then swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard with his Thunder Ram Assault, hitting the guard strongly and slamming him back into the staircase; then, with the blast of thunder that accompanied the hit, pushed all three guards into a cluster that could be (hopefully) easily controlled by the party’s defenders. He finished by marking the two guards that were yet adjacent to him.
Dearbhla, taking advantage of Maul’s successful maneuver, summoned a Chill Wind to assail the cluster of foe; however, she missed two of the guards and one of the drakes, but did strike the third guard and the other drake. She then Wild-Shaped into her wolf form and scampered into the room, positioning herself next to one of the guards. With a surge of effort, she proceeded to use her Darting Bite against that guard then raced back near the doorway to stand next to the Kalen’s imposing figure.
The guards were next to act, the first swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting Maul and slamming him to the ground, then shifting around to move into a flanking position with another of the guards. The second guard, benefitting from the flank provided by the first, also struck at Maul, who was still lying on the ground, with his halberd, scoring a hit and bloodying the Warden. The final guard, seeing that the Warden was already compromised, moved to face Kalen and Dearbhla and, after a brief moment sizing up his pair of opponents, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, connecting with Dearbhla and knocking her to the ground.
At this point, a foe which had previously gone unnoticed, leapt out from under the bed where he had been hiding, it was another of the were-rats that infested this structure. Hoping to take advantage of Maul’s compromising situation, the creature attempted to bite our Warden with his disease-ridden teeth, but could not penetrate Maul’s thick, hide armor.
Kalen, seeing Maul’s predicament, stepped into the room and moved into a position that was adjacent to the two guards that flanked the Warden. Summoning his divine powers, Kalen placed his Divine Challenge on the first guard. Then, hoping to draw the attention of the second guard, Kalen swung Vindicator in a Challenging Strike, hitting the second guard and marking him.
Now that the situation had begun to coalesce into a manageable tactical situation, Retz moved into the room to stand next to Kalen. Shouting his Inspiring Words to Maul, he drew the attention of the second guard then gave Kalen the signal to make a Commander’s Strike, but the valiant Paladin was unable to score a hit on the guard.
With the doorway blocked by Kalen and Retz, Zoella decided to wait for an opening to move into the room.
TDB then swooped in from the corner of the room, attempting and failing to bite Kalen with a Flyby Attack. It then rapidly retreated back to the corner from whence it had come.
The spitting drakes both decided to target Kalen with their Caustic Spit, scoring a pair of hits and nearly bloodying the Paladin. Neither felt the urge to move from their positions in the south side of the room.
Clambering to his metallic feet, Maul sized up his surroundings then, in a surge of action and benefitting from the quickly-shouted directions from Retz, attacked one of the adjacent guards with his Form of the Fearsome Ram attack, only scoring a glancing blow [i.e. half-damage miss] but pushing the guard away and into the nearby staircase. He then lashed out with his Strength of Stone attack against the other adjacent guard, but he failed to land the attack.
Dearbhla, realizing that Zoella needed an avenue of entry into the room, invoked the power of her Beast Form armor and dashed, unharmed, across the room to a position that was adjacent to the pair of spitting drakes. She then unleashed a Savage Frenzy on the two drakes, hitting both.
Now that the way into the room was clear, Zoella quickly took the opportunity to move into the room, declaring her Oath of Enmity against the nearest guard, to whom she rapidly moved adjacent. Swinging her Vicious Greatsword in an Overwhelming Strike, she hit the guard, bloodying him.
The guards then had the opportunity to retaliate. The first guard, moved back into a position adjacent to Kalen and Maul, swinging his halberd at the Paladin, but being turned aside by a skillful parry by the holy warrior. The second guard sidestepped away from Kalen into a position next to Zoella and, despite the Divine Challenge affecting him, swung his halberd at the Avenger, scoring a devastating hit on her, but being punished by a powerful blast of holy energy as Kalen’s Divine Challenge triggered against him. The third guard also shifted away from Kalen, moving to a position where he was flanking Maul, then, ignoring the paladin’s mark, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting the Warden and knocking him back to the ground.
Again taking advantage of his compromising position, the were-rat bit down on the hapless Maul, this time, sinking his dirty teeth into the Warden’s form, causing an oozing wound and bloodying him again.
On the word of Retz, Kalen waited a moment, while Retz turned into a flowing torrent of water and sped across the room, taking up a flanking position across from Kalen, with the were-rat in between. He then shouted for Kalen to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and gave a shout of encouragement as Vindicator came down and bit into the creature’s mangy flesh.
Now, with the advantage of the flank provided by Retz and having several adjacent enemies to affect, Kalen, in a surge of energy, stabbed forward with Vindicator and his Piercing Smite, killing the first guard and marking another guard and the were-rat. Then, summoning a portion of his divinely-granted power, Kalen uttered a swift prayer and felt healing energy flow through him, revitalizing his wounded body.
TDB again flew from the northeastern corner of the room and attempted to bite Dearbhla, failing to connect on the Flyby Attack and, again, retreating to the far corner of the room.
The two drakes, confronted with the animal form of Dearbhla adjacent to them, both attempted to bite the Druid and both succeeded in scoring hits on her. They both then shifted their position slightly, moving out of reach of Dearbhla.
Thanks to the primal spirits and his Font of Life, the oozing wound inflicted on Maul closed before inflicting further harm on him. Then, standing to his feet and summoning his innate Warforged Resolve, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard, using his Strength of Stone attack, but, again, failed to hit his opponent.
As the two drakes had moved away, Dearbhla took advantage by Wild-Shaping back to her human form and hitting both with her Chill Wind, bloodying one of the two. She then moved back to a position adjacent to each, hoping to prevent the creatures from spitting at the rest of the party.
Zoella then initiated a Bond of Pursuit attack on the guard adjacent to her, scoring a hit on the already-bloodied foe. Suspecting that this guard was close to death, she felt a rush of energy and repeated the attack, again scoring a hit and, this time, killing the guard. She then moved a short distance to help confront the were-rat, swearing her Oath of Enmity against the creature as she moved.
The final surviving guard, despite being flanked and bloodied, continued to hammer away at the party’s defenders, this time hitting Kalen with his halberd and marking the Paladin.
The were-rat, after moving to a flanking position, followed suit, attempting to bite Kalen, but was turned aside by the holy warrior’s sturdy plate armor. The party was also frustrated to note that many of the were-rat’s wounds were rapidly disappearing, to the point that the creature was no longer bloodied.
Retz moved around to help Zoella flank the were-rat, all the while shouting Inspiring Words to Maul. He then called to Zoella, instructing her to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and to take advantage of the flank he was now providing for her. She took full advantage of the Commander’s Strike, scoring a hit and bloodying the were-rat once again.
Kalen, seeing that the were-rat seemed to be contained, returned his attention to the last surviving guard and swung a Valiant Strike at the guard, but the guard brought his halberd up to block Vindicator’s sweeping attack.
TDB, as yet unmolested, again swooped down from the corner of the room, attempting to bite Retz this time, but failing to penetrate the Warlord’s hide armor. The creature then returned to the same corner from which it had flown.
The two drakes, which still had some room to maneuver, carefully backed away from Dearbhla and spit their acidic attacks past her, targeting the still heavily-damaged Warden. Both attacks scored powerful hits, including one critical strike that brought Maul down, knocking him to the ground, inert and out of the fight, for the moment.
(NOTE: We learned, the hard way, that when enemy reinforcements arrive, considering a strategic withdrawal should be one of the first options for any adventuring party… Just tell your Red Mages that it will be okay, you will come back for the XP later…)
It was at this point in the battle that the first of our foes’ reinforcements began to arrive, we had not heard their approach due to the sounds of battle. Bounding down the stairs came Rudy the Undead Hound and one of his fellow Gravehounds… Vicious, undead hounds that bayed an unearthly howl and moved swiftly into the room next to Dearbhla and Retz. The gravehound nearest to Retz tried to bite the intrepid Warlord but was turned away by a parrying longsword. The second gravehound had better luck against Dearbhla, biting down hard on her, knocking her to the ground and inflicting a wound that oozed with dark, necrotic energy.
Dearbhla suffered the continuing damage from the gravehounds bite, then carefully stood up, Wild-Shaping back into her animal form as she did so. Facing the gravehound, she unleashed a Savage Rend against the creature, scoring a hit.
Zoella, still facing the were-rat, attempted to Overwhelming Strike the foul creature, but was unable to score a hit.
The last surviving guard again took a swing at Kalen with his halberd and again was able to hit the holy warrior, marking him and forcing him to pay heed.
The were-rat again attempted to bite Kalen with its diseased teeth and, yet again, was turned away by the stalwart defender’s heavy, steel shield.
Hoping to finish the creature off, Retz then gave the signal to Zoella to do a Commander’s Strike, which finally slew the vicious were-rat. He then moved next to Zoella and, using a sudden burst of effort, launched a Concentrated Attack against one of the gravehounds, granting Zoella the opportunity to attack as well. Retz scored a hit with his attack, but Zoella was unable to land a blow on the nimble, undead abomination.
With much of the party already suffering from considerable damage, Kalen stepped over the inert body of Maul, shielding the fallen Warden from further harm and lashing out with Vindicator at the nearest gravehound with his powerful, Paladin’s Judgment attack, landing a vicious blow and channeling holy energy to the fallen Warden and allowing him to heal. The gravehound winced at the flare of holy energy as Vindicator bit deeply into its decaying flesh. To, hopefully, ensure that the gravehound did not attack Maul before he had the opportunity to get back on his feet, Kalen summoned the power of his Divine Challenge and placed it upon the gravehound that he had already struck.
TDB took this opportunity to swoop out of its favorite corner and attempted to bite Kalen, but the paladin turned the creature away with a skillful, parrying sweep of Vindicator. The creature then finished its Flyby Attack by returning to its corner.
The two drakes, continuing to be the bane of our group, both, again, used the Caustic Spit to attack Kalen from afar. Both attacks hit and managed to bloody the Paladin. Without an immediate threat facing them, neither drake felt compelled to relocate itself, and they both waited to inflict further harm on our party.
As if things were not looking difficult enough for our party, two more of Rudy’s friends came dashing down the stairs and moved into positions near Zoella and Kalen. The first two gravehounds attempted to bite Retz and Kalen; hitting the Warlord but failing to hit the Paladin. The newly-arrived gravehounds attacked the nearest members of our party, in this case, Zoella and Kalen; both gravehounds hit their targets, knocking Zoella to the ground and inflicting one of the festering, necrotic wounds on her, while the hit on Kalen dropped the valiant paladin to the ground in a crumpled heap.
Having just been healed by Kalen, Maul clambered to his feet, quaffing a Potion of Healing as he did so. Hoping to steady himself, he paused to catch his second wind, then, using the primal power of nature, marked the two gravehounds that were adjacent to him.
Knowing that the party’s survival depended upon a joint effort, Dearbhla made every effort to try to Heal the dying Paladin, but despite her considerable knowledge of healing techniques, she was unable to revive Kalen with this attempt. Wild-Shaping back to her human form, she quaffed her own Potion of Healing, praying to the primal spirits that it would be sufficient to help her survive the battle.
Crawling to her feet, Zoella summoned the holy power of Kelemvor and Abjured one of the gravehounds, blasting the beast with holy energy and drawing it within reach of her weapon. The gravehound stumbled, dazed by the attack.
The surviving guard, seeing Maul standing in front of him, moved next to the Warden then swung his halberd but failed to hit him.
Retz stood to his feet next to the fallen Paladin and employed one of his first aid techniques, Aid the Injured, and the Kalen returned to consciousness with a start.
Thanking Retz, Kalen scrambled to his feet, summoning divine power to heal himself again, then taking a deep, cleansing breath as he gained his second wind. Vindicator held at the ready, he prepared to re-enter the fray.
As the party worked on healing, TDB did its Flyby Attack again, trying and failing to hit Maul, then returning to its favorite corner.
The two drakes, seeing the Warden was now the closest foe, targeted him with their Caustic Spit, but neither was able to hit the sturdy Warforged.
The four gravehounds, now surrounding the party, attacked; one attacking Zoella and failing to hit the agile Avenger, another attacking Retz and being foiled by the Warlord’s shield, the final two attacking Maul but neither was able to penetrate the Warden’s thick, hide armor.
Maul retaliated for being targeted by attacking the last, surviving guard with his Strength of Stone attack and, unfortunately, failing to hit the guard.
Descending the stairs, yet another reinforcement arrived to threaten our now-beleaguered party; a second were-rat, short sword in hand and slobber all over its slavering jaws moved into the room and attempted to bite Maul, but, again, the Warden’s armor protected him from the diseased bite of one of the horrid creatures.
Still in human form, Dearbhla tried to Storm Spike the last guard, but could not put the stubborn warrior out of our misery. Hoping that the extra mobility might grant her some extra measure of survivability, she summoned her primal power, Fleet Pursuit, and appeared to speed up before the eyes of the party.
Zoella, targeting the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity, swung her greatsword with an Overwhelming Strike and killed the foul, undead creature; the creature took one final bite at her as it died, but was not able to harm the Avenger. After the beast’s demise, she swore a new Oath of Enmity against the closest, remaining gravehound.
The last, surviving guard swung its halberd in a wide arc, trying to catch Maul unawares, but the canny Warden parried the blow with his Warsoul Battleaxe just in time.
Retz, tired of the stubborn guard, shifted his position closer to the warrior then, with a fierce battlecry and shout to the rest of the party to rally around him, he struck down the guard with his Myrmidon Formation attack. At long last, the persistent guard was slain…
Kalen, now beset on three sides by foes, slashed a Valiant Strike with Vindicator and, as holy power flared from the blade, cut down one of the three remaining gravehounds, which, much like the one killed by Zoella, took one final bite at the Paladin as it died, but, almost contemptuously, Kalen turned the beast’s deathblow aside with Vindicator. Summoning his sacred power, he then issued a Divine Challenge to the newest arrival to the battle, the second were-rat, hoping to take some of the pressure off of the hard-pressed Warden.
Despite that Divine Challenge, however, the newly-arrived were-rat chittered anxiously to its fellows, seeming to direct them to focus their efforts on bringing Maul down. He then proceeded to bite the Warden, scoring a hit that left a ‘bleeding’ wound. (If Warforged can be said to ‘bleed’…) It did not seem to matter to the were-rat when holy energy flared, singeing its fur, as Kalen’s divine power punished it for ignoring the Challenge.
TDB decided to change targets this time, as it swooped out of its favorite corner, attacking Retz but not being able to find a chink in the steady genasi’s defenses. As usual, the bat returned to its favorite corner after its Flyby Attack.
The two drakes then launched their Caustic Spit, splitting their focus this time, hitting both Maul and Kalen, inflicting considerable damage on each.
One of the surviving pair of gravehounds bit at Zoella, hitting her, knocking her to the ground, and inflicting another festering, necrotic wound on her, the attack also bloodied her. The other gravehound attempted to bite Maul but was not able to get past the Warden’s guard.
Shifting tactics to, hopefully, prolong his survival, Maul summoned his primal power to mark the were-rat and the gravehound that flanked him, then dropped into a defensive stance, hoping to parry or deflect any blow directed at him.
Wild-Shaping back to her preferred animal form, Dearbhla also dropped into a defensive stance and took a moment to catch her second wind.
Standing back up and cursing loudly at the gravehound that had knocked her down, Zoella traced a quick, mystic symbol in the air with the tip of her greatsword then swung mightily, slashing into the adjacent gravehound; with the blow, a field of searing, radiant energy sprang into being as Zoella unleashed her Temple of Light attack. The gravehound shuddered with the impact of the blow and the searing flare of holy energy that accompanied the attack. Zoella also managed to shake off the effects of the gravehound’s necrotic bite.
Joining our voices in a solid battlecry, the party briefly celebrated the invigoration of the effect of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation. Retz could see that things were still hanging by a thread, however, so he put his first aid training to use and attempted to bolster the beleaguered Maul, but was distracted by the foes pressing in on all sides.
Shifting position to try to attract as much attention as possible away from Maul, Kalen stepped into the middle of the enemy formation, shifting his Divine Challenge from the were-rat, that had already proven that it cared little about the effect, onto the nearest, remaining gravehound, hoping to draw its attack. He then swung a powerful Valiant Strike aimed at the were-rat, striking the creature solidly.
Pressured by Kalen, the were-rat aimed a bite at Maul, which connected, despite the Warden’s best efforts to deflect the blow. Then, evidently hoping to avoid a reprisal from the vengeful Paladin, the were-rat stepped back out of the reach of both Kalen and Maul.
TDB now, as had been its pattern for quite awhile, swooped down and attacked Zoella, scoring a rare hit on the Avenger as it passed by. After the Flyby Attack, the bat returned to its favorite corner, a stream of curses following its whole return path from the irritated Avenger.
The drakes repeated their attacks against Kalen and Maul, striking both defenders and wounding both again.
One of the remaining gravehounds tried to bite Zoella, but she invoked the power of her Brooch of Shielding and the beast’s teeth found only a wall of magical force rather than the elfmaid’s flesh, though the creature still manage to knock her off her feet with the force of the attack. The other gravehound tried to bite Maul, but the Warden’s defenses stood firm in the face of the beast’s attack.
Dearbhla, doing everything that she could think to do and trying to help the party survive, conjured a spectral hand with her Hedge Wizard’s Gloves and began drawing potions from the belts of the party, starting with the one on Kalen’s belt and suspending it in the air for the Paladin to take.
Maul, repositioning himself to account for the were-rat’s slow withdrawal, shifted forward a few feet, remaining in a defensive stance and re-marking all of the adjacent enemies.
Once again rising to her feet, Zoella glared at the gravehound that had knocked her down, then swung her greatsword with her Bond of Pursuit attack, striking and bloodying the beast.
Seeing that Zoella was bloodied and in increasing need of healing, Retz attempted again to perform quick first aid on her, but the press of battle again prevented him from being able to effectively aid the Avenger.
Dropping Vindicator for a moment to grab and quaff the potion suspended by Dearbhla’s spectral hand, Kalen picked his powerful blade back up and launched another Valiant Strike at the were-rat, striking the vicious creature, yet again.
Continuing to ignore the Kalen’s persistent and effective attacks, the were-rat again tried to bite Maul, and again was turned aside by a rapid parry from the Warden’s Warsoul Battleaxe.
TDB continued its repeated attacks, targeting Zoella again, but failing to hit the Avenger this time, but, again, drawing her vicious ire.
The two drakes again attacked with their Caustic Spit, targeting Kalen and Maul, striking both. The hit on Maul struck a vulnerable spot in his armor and dropped the Warden to the ground, again inert and temporarily out of the fight.
With Maul down again, one of the gravehounds moved to flank Kalen with the were-rat, trying to bite the sturdy Paladin, but being turned aside by his heavy, steel shield. The other gravehound attempted to bite Retz, but couldn’t find a gap in the Warlord’s defenses.
Still attempting to use the party’s resources to the fullest, Dearbhla moved her spectral hand to Maul’s belt and retrieved his Potion of Healing, then held it suspended, hoping to deliver the potion next round.
Zoella, having been fighting non-stop since the start of the battle, stopped to catch her second wind, then shifted toward a more advantageous position in the room, staying adjacent to the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity and now moved adjacent to one of the spitting drakes.
Retz, now out of reach of the party’s enemies, dropped his sword quickly and drew a javelin, which he proceeded to hurl at the gravehound nearest to Zoella, striking the beast and killing the creature. The beast tried to bite Zoella as it died, but was unable to hit the Avenger.
Kalen again slashed Vindicator out in a Valiant Strike, striking the last gravehound, causing it to shrink under the blaze of radiant energy that streamed from the holy sword.
With Maul still down, the were-rat finally turned its attention to Kalen and attempted to bite the stalwart Paladin, but could not hit him, being fended off by a strong parry from the holy warrior’s blade.
TDB returned, yet again, to torment Zoella, hitting her with its Flyby Attack this time and continuing to live up to the moniker that had been ascribed to it by the Avenger.
One of the drakes, now adjacent to Kalen, bit the Paladin, causing only a minor wound; the other drake spat its Caustic Spit at Retz, but failed to hit the Warlord.
The were-rat snapped its jaws at Kalen, this time finding one of the few weak spots in the Paladin’s defenses and scoring a devastating hit that bloodied him.
Trying to save the party members that were still standing, Dearbhla moved the potion held by her spectral hand over to the bloodied Paladin, then charged the un-engaged drake, using her Pounce attack, and hit the drake. She realized that the drakes represented the biggest threat to the party, being able to do the most damage, as well as seeming to have the easiest time hitting party members.
With her gravehound finally dispatched, Zoella moved quickly to stand adjacent to the drake being engaged by Dearbhla, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the creature then hitting the drake with her Bond of Pursuit attack, killing the drake outright.
Picking up his sword, Retz turned his attention to the were-rat, targeting it with his Wolf Pack Tactics and scoring a hit on the creature.
Quaffing the potion supplied by Dearbhla’s spectral hand then picking Vindicator back up, Kalen attacked the last surviving gravehound with a Valiant Strike, bloodying the undead beast.
Still adjacent to Kalen, the were-rat again tried to bite him, this time slipping in under his guard and clamping down on the warrior’s arm, causing a gaping, bleeding wound.
TDB then swooped down and tried to Flyby Attack Zoella, but still could not manage to hit her. It then retreated to its favorite corner, pursued by a fresh round of insults and muttered curses from the elfmaid.
The surviving drake attempted to duplicate the were-rat’s success and tried to bite Kalen, but the Paladin’s heavy armor was up to the task of turning aside the creature’s bite.
The last gravehound, however, was able to use the distraction of the drake’s attack to bite Kalen, hitting him and knocking him to the ground.
For its trouble, Dearbhla charged and Pounced on the gravehound, scoring a hit on the beast and drawing its total attention.
Utterly irritated by TDB, Zoella had finally had enough of the irritating creature, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the bat, moving adjacent to it, and slicing into it with her Bond of Pursuit attack.
With enemies out of reach, Retz moved to where he could perform first aid on Maul, and was finally able to revive the downed Warden.
Shaking his head and swearing vindication, Kalen stood to his feet and swung Vindicator in a Valiant Strike, slaying the last gravehound. As the beast perished, it took one final bite at the paladin, catching Kalen off-guard and dropping him to the ground in a heap, as well. Fortunately for Kalen, the bleeding wound inflicted by the were-rat closed of its own accord, keeping the Paladin out of immediate danger of death.
The were-rat shifted his position slightly to be able to attack Retz and did so; biting down on the Warlord and leaving a bleeding wound.
Now being pursued, TDB Flyby Attacked Zoella then fled toward the open doorway from which we had entered, though it was not able to hit the Avenger with its attack.
The surviving drake hurled its Caustic Spit at Dearbhla, striking her and burning her severely.
Wild-Shaping back to human form, Dearbhla pulled a Potion of Healing from her own belt and knelt down and poured it in the mouth of Kalen, who spluttered back to consciousness asking what had happened and being told that the battle was not yet over.
Finally back in the battle, Maul hauled himself to his feet and looked around quickly, seeing the current situation, he charged forward, aiming an attack at the surviving drake and connecting solidly, bloodying the beast.
Incensed that the creature is fleeing, Zoella gives chase to TDB and strikes it with her Bond of Pursuit again, bloodying it.
Retz shifts toward a more tactically advantageous position then launches a Wolf Pack Tactics strike at the were-rat, but the nimble creature dances out of harms way without injury.
Shaking off the cobwebs of unconsciousness, Kalen clambers back to his feet, but is still a little unsteady as he swings Vindicator with a Valiant Strike at the remaining drake, missing by a wide margin.
Again eschewing the Paladin in favor of the Warden, the were-rat bites at and hits Maul, nearly dropping the Warforged warrior back to the ground.
TBD attempts to Flyby Attack Zoella then turns tail and flees down the long corridor from which we entered.
Now adjacent to Maul again, the surviving drake bites the Warden and hits him with a devastating critical, dropping him back to the ground with a metallic thud.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her animal form once again, then shifts back into a position adjacent to the surviving drake and Pounces on it, hit the creature and, finally, killing it.
Refusing to let the obnoxious bat escape, Zoella races down the corridor in pursuit of TDB, charging at the end of her run and her blade cleaves the bat in two, as she scores a critical on her charge.
With the were-rat as the only remaining foe, Retz signals Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, hitting the were-rat and bloodying it.
Kalen follows-up by issuing his Divine Challenge to the were-rat, then using a Holy Strike that burns into the flesh of the horrible creature.
Nearly dead, the were-rat tries to bite Kalen, but cannot get past the holy warrior’s sturdy shield.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her human form and launches a Storm Spike at the were-rat, hitting the beast with the lightning bolt, but still not killing it.
Zoella, having finally dispatched the source of much of her irritation, comes racing back into the room, screaming her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat as she runs.
Her Oath would prove unnecessary as Retz swung his longsword in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and scored a critical, which finally ended the brutal engagement.
Having exhausted most of our party resources, as well as most of our party, we decide that it is likely in our best interests to return to the Monastery and recuperate.
We would discover later that both Zoella and Kalen had contracted Filth Fever as a result of being bit by the were-rats, but thanks to the aid of healers in the monastery, both were treated and recovered by the following morning.
To say that the battle with Rudy and Friends was taxing is a vast understatement... The battle illustrated some of the things that we really do well as a group... a few of the things that we need to work on... and perhaps a few weaknesses that our group suffers from...
Tactically, we really only made one mistake, but it was a glaring and nearly-critical one... Once we recognized that the most threatening enemies were the spitting drakes, we should have ensured that they were eliminated or, at least, limited to bite attempts, rather than their vicious Caustic Spit attacks.
This mistake stemmed, in part, from one of our party's glaring weaknesses... We have very little ranged combat capacity, a need that likely will be addressed in the coming weeks as our adventuring company expands...but more on that later... Our party works fairly well together, but artillery and rear-line leaders are going to be problematic if our party composition remains as it is...
We really should have considered a tactical withdrawal as soon as Rudy the Undead Hound and Friends started coming down the stairs, or, at the very least, we should have considered withdrawing to the hallway and forcing our foes into the narrow confines of the doorway to engage us, but, again, our lack of ranged attack capacity limited our tactical options...
My advice to any adventuring party in the future will be to ensure that you don't neglect a ranged combatant...at a minimum you need to have one, capable, long-range party member... Just my 2 cp worth...
Things we had going for us...Well, for me, my Black Iron Plate Armor, quite literally saved my life, the ongoing necrotic damage inflicted by the gravehounds' bites was ravaging the rest of the party, but all told, I took the most hits from the bad dogs...being able to ignore the ongoing damage thanks to my armor's properties was a tremendous boon (not to mention how BAD that I was at rolling saves that night...). In fact, I was so pleased with the armor, that I intend to seek out a priest in the monastery and have the armor consecrated and blessed... To all my frontline brethren, if your armor takes care of you, return the favor! :fight!:
And, incidentally, I haven't seen a player or character hate an enemy as much as several members of our party (Zoella, in particular) hated the Shadowhunter Bat... I think that several swear words were invented simply for the critter...
Zoella:
I have to say I am very proud of my players for this battle pushed them to the limits. We've probably only had one other encounter more intense than this one and that one was with a Banelich. It was touch and go there for awhile but the party pulled through even though a TPK loomed on the horizon. If we had tried this encounter last year when we were new to 4th ed. system, I'm sure it would've ended tragically. So please applaud these fine players and characters for their heroics when they could have (should have? :surrender) tactically retreated. But don't get too cocky there is much more to come.
I have to say I am very proud of my players for this battle pushed them to the limits. We've probably only had one other encounter more intense than this one and that one was with a Banelich. It was touch and go there for awhile but the party pulled through even though a TPK loomed on the horizon. If we had tried this encounter last year when we were new to 4th ed. system, I'm sure it would've ended tragically. So please applaud these fine players and characters for their heroics when they could have (should have? :surrender) tactically retreated.
But don't get too cocky there is much more to come.
:evillaugh
Izzie:
To be fair, Master Godwin, that battle with the Banelich was back in 3.5...and I suspect that few, if any, 4E battles will last for 8+ hours! (However, if there are any large, glowing hands, I suspect that you can count on them being obliterated, post haste!)... In retrospect, examining our growth as players, both in understanding the mechanics of 4E and in learning to fill our role in the party (a concept that is one of the great leaps forward in D&D, in my humble opinion); we have come a long way from our first 4E foray, Keep on the Shadowfell. For example, the Irontooth battle in that module, while still a very difficult battle, much of the difficulty (for our group, at least) stemmed from a lack of experience with the new system and a frightful (in retrospect) lack of tactics, which are so fundamentally essential to successful adventuring in 4E... I digress, however... Suffice to say, we've come a long way from the group that was nearly TPK'ed in that battle with Irontooth... (Besides, without that battle...would we have the great stories like: the cleric and rogue saving the day, or why minions slaughter Squirrel when they are to the east of him?)
The party did very well in this first encounter using tactics to bring the were-rats out into the room and surround them. I do believe this encounter made them feel abit cocky. The next encounter would prove difficult indeed and, I believe, has given the party a sense of respect for the Dorano's. But I'll let Raptr give the details of that battle.
Battle: (Rudy, the Undead Hound and Friends OR That Damn Bat) 2 x Were-rats, 4 x Gravehounds, 2 x Spitting Drakes, 3 x Human Guards, 1 x Shadowhunter BatVery Long Battle RecapThe room where this battle took place was, essentially, a mirror-image of the first room of the ramparts that we entered. 40’ x 40’ with a spiral staircase leading up and down; there was also a small bed in the room’s northwest corner. The three human guards all stood near to the staircase, the two drakes were a short distance from them, against the south wall, and the bat was in a recessed corner in the southwestern corner of the room.
Our party was still in standard formation as the battle opened, so Kalen and Maul stood framed in the doorway, with Retz and Dearbhla standing directly behind them, and Zoella watching the party’s back.
Being the quickest to react, Zoella opened the fight with the psychic assault, Shared Madness, on two of the human guards, with which she was able to score a hit thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy.
The (now-recognized) Shadowhunter Bat (Hereafter referred to as “TDB”… or That Damn Bat) then swooped out of its corner and did a Flyby Attack on Maul, scoring a minor hit that our Warforged Warden simply shrugged at. The creature then retreated to the room’s northeastern corner, as far from the party as it could get.
The two drakes (identified by Dearbhla as Spitting Drakes) both hurled gobs of acid from their toothy maws at the party’s two defenders, missing Maul, but hitting Kalen squarely.
(NOTE: At this point, seeing how much damage these critters could do and recognizing that they target Reflex rather than AC, we should have endeavored to deal with them post-haste, being, as it turned out, the most damage-inflicting foes that we would face in the encounter… However, we failed to eliminate them swiftly, a fact which would contribute to the increasing difficulty of the encounter as the rounds ticked by…)
Retz decided to wait a moment to allow the rest of the party to move into the room, so Maul stepped forward, initiating his Form of the Fearsome Ram as he moved. Maul then swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard with his Thunder Ram Assault, hitting the guard strongly and slamming him back into the staircase; then, with the blast of thunder that accompanied the hit, pushed all three guards into a cluster that could be (hopefully) easily controlled by the party’s defenders. He finished by marking the two guards that were yet adjacent to him.
Dearbhla, taking advantage of Maul’s successful maneuver, summoned a Chill Wind to assail the cluster of foe; however, she missed two of the guards and one of the drakes, but did strike the third guard and the other drake. She then Wild-Shaped into her wolf form and scampered into the room, positioning herself next to one of the guards. With a surge of effort, she proceeded to use her Darting Bite against that guard then raced back near the doorway to stand next to the Kalen’s imposing figure.
The guards were next to act, the first swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting Maul and slamming him to the ground, then shifting around to move into a flanking position with another of the guards. The second guard, benefitting from the flank provided by the first, also struck at Maul, who was still lying on the ground, with his halberd, scoring a hit and bloodying the Warden. The final guard, seeing that the Warden was already compromised, moved to face Kalen and Dearbhla and, after a brief moment sizing up his pair of opponents, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, connecting with Dearbhla and knocking her to the ground.
At this point, a foe which had previously gone unnoticed, leapt out from under the bed where he had been hiding, it was another of the were-rats that infested this structure. Hoping to take advantage of Maul’s compromising situation, the creature attempted to bite our Warden with his disease-ridden teeth, but could not penetrate Maul’s thick, hide armor.
Kalen, seeing Maul’s predicament, stepped into the room and moved into a position that was adjacent to the two guards that flanked the Warden. Summoning his divine powers, Kalen placed his Divine Challenge on the first guard. Then, hoping to draw the attention of the second guard, Kalen swung Vindicator in a Challenging Strike, hitting the second guard and marking him.
Now that the situation had begun to coalesce into a manageable tactical situation, Retz moved into the room to stand next to Kalen. Shouting his Inspiring Words to Maul, he drew the attention of the second guard then gave Kalen the signal to make a Commander’s Strike, but the valiant Paladin was unable to score a hit on the guard.
With the doorway blocked by Kalen and Retz, Zoella decided to wait for an opening to move into the room.
TDB then swooped in from the corner of the room, attempting and failing to bite Kalen with a Flyby Attack. It then rapidly retreated back to the corner from whence it had come.
The spitting drakes both decided to target Kalen with their Caustic Spit, scoring a pair of hits and nearly bloodying the Paladin. Neither felt the urge to move from their positions in the south side of the room.
Clambering to his metallic feet, Maul sized up his surroundings then, in a surge of action and benefitting from the quickly-shouted directions from Retz, attacked one of the adjacent guards with his Form of the Fearsome Ram attack, only scoring a glancing blow [i.e. half-damage miss] but pushing the guard away and into the nearby staircase. He then lashed out with his Strength of Stone attack against the other adjacent guard, but he failed to land the attack.
Dearbhla, realizing that Zoella needed an avenue of entry into the room, invoked the power of her Beast Form armor and dashed, unharmed, across the room to a position that was adjacent to the pair of spitting drakes. She then unleashed a Savage Frenzy on the two drakes, hitting both.
Now that the way into the room was clear, Zoella quickly took the opportunity to move into the room, declaring her Oath of Enmity against the nearest guard, to whom she rapidly moved adjacent. Swinging her Vicious Greatsword in an Overwhelming Strike, she hit the guard, bloodying him.
The guards then had the opportunity to retaliate. The first guard, moved back into a position adjacent to Kalen and Maul, swinging his halberd at the Paladin, but being turned aside by a skillful parry by the holy warrior. The second guard sidestepped away from Kalen into a position next to Zoella and, despite the Divine Challenge affecting him, swung his halberd at the Avenger, scoring a devastating hit on her, but being punished by a powerful blast of holy energy as Kalen’s Divine Challenge triggered against him. The third guard also shifted away from Kalen, moving to a position where he was flanking Maul, then, ignoring the paladin’s mark, swung his halberd in a Powerful Strike, hitting the Warden and knocking him back to the ground.
Again taking advantage of his compromising position, the were-rat bit down on the hapless Maul, this time, sinking his dirty teeth into the Warden’s form, causing an oozing wound and bloodying him again.
On the word of Retz, Kalen waited a moment, while Retz turned into a flowing torrent of water and sped across the room, taking up a flanking position across from Kalen, with the were-rat in between. He then shouted for Kalen to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and gave a shout of encouragement as Vindicator came down and bit into the creature’s mangy flesh.
Now, with the advantage of the flank provided by Retz and having several adjacent enemies to affect, Kalen, in a surge of energy, stabbed forward with Vindicator and his Piercing Smite, killing the first guard and marking another guard and the were-rat. Then, summoning a portion of his divinely-granted power, Kalen uttered a swift prayer and felt healing energy flow through him, revitalizing his wounded body.
TDB again flew from the northeastern corner of the room and attempted to bite Dearbhla, failing to connect on the Flyby Attack and, again, retreating to the far corner of the room.
The two drakes, confronted with the animal form of Dearbhla adjacent to them, both attempted to bite the Druid and both succeeded in scoring hits on her. They both then shifted their position slightly, moving out of reach of Dearbhla.
Thanks to the primal spirits and his Font of Life, the oozing wound inflicted on Maul closed before inflicting further harm on him. Then, standing to his feet and summoning his innate Warforged Resolve, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe at the closest guard, using his Strength of Stone attack, but, again, failed to hit his opponent.
As the two drakes had moved away, Dearbhla took advantage by Wild-Shaping back to her human form and hitting both with her Chill Wind, bloodying one of the two. She then moved back to a position adjacent to each, hoping to prevent the creatures from spitting at the rest of the party.
Zoella then initiated a Bond of Pursuit attack on the guard adjacent to her, scoring a hit on the already-bloodied foe. Suspecting that this guard was close to death, she felt a rush of energy and repeated the attack, again scoring a hit and, this time, killing the guard. She then moved a short distance to help confront the were-rat, swearing her Oath of Enmity against the creature as she moved.
The final surviving guard, despite being flanked and bloodied, continued to hammer away at the party’s defenders, this time hitting Kalen with his halberd and marking the Paladin.
The were-rat, after moving to a flanking position, followed suit, attempting to bite Kalen, but was turned aside by the holy warrior’s sturdy plate armor. The party was also frustrated to note that many of the were-rat’s wounds were rapidly disappearing, to the point that the creature was no longer bloodied.
Retz moved around to help Zoella flank the were-rat, all the while shouting Inspiring Words to Maul. He then called to Zoella, instructing her to take a Commander’s Strike on the were-rat and to take advantage of the flank he was now providing for her. She took full advantage of the Commander’s Strike, scoring a hit and bloodying the were-rat once again.
Kalen, seeing that the were-rat seemed to be contained, returned his attention to the last surviving guard and swung a Valiant Strike at the guard, but the guard brought his halberd up to block Vindicator’s sweeping attack.
TBD, as yet unmolested, again swooped down from the corner of the room, attempting to bite Retz this time, but failing to penetrate the Warlord’s hide armor. The creature then returned to the same corner from which it had flown.
The two drakes, which still had some room to maneuver, carefully backed away from Dearbhla and spit their acidic attacks past her, targeting the still heavily-damaged Warden. Both attacks scored powerful hits, including one critical strike that brought Maul down, knocking him to the ground, inert and out of the fight, for the moment.
(NOTE: We learned, the hard way, that when enemy reinforcements arrive, considering a strategic withdrawal should be one of the first options for any adventuring party… Just tell your Red Mages that it will be okay, you will come back for the XP later…)
It was at this point in the battle that the first of our foes’ reinforcements began to arrive, we had not heard their approach due to the sounds of battle. Bounding down the stairs came Rudy the Undead Hound and one of his fellow Gravehounds… Vicious, undead hounds that bayed an unearthly howl and moved swiftly into the room next to Dearbhla and Retz. The gravehound nearest to Retz tried to bite the intrepid Warlord but was turned away by a parrying longsword. The second gravehound had better luck against Dearbhla, biting down hard on her, knocking her to the ground and inflicting a wound that oozed with dark, necrotic energy.
Dearbhla suffered the continuing damage from the gravehounds bite, then carefully stood up, Wild-Shaping back into her animal form as she did so. Facing the gravehound, she unleashed a Savage Rend against the creature, scoring a hit.
Zoella, still facing the were-rat, attempted to Overwhelming Strike the foul creature, but was unable to score a hit.
The last surviving guard again took a swing at Kalen with his halberd and again was able to hit the holy warrior, marking him and forcing him to pay heed.
The were-rat again attempted to bite Kalen with its diseased teeth and, yet again, was turned away by the stalwart defender’s heavy, steel shield.
Hoping to finish the creature off, Retz then gave the signal to Zoella to do a Commander’s Strike, which finally slew the vicious were-rat. He then moved next to Zoella and, using a sudden burst of effort, launched a Concentrated Attack against one of the gravehounds, granting Zoella the opportunity to attack as well. Retz scored a hit with his attack, but Zoella was unable to land a blow on the nimble, undead abomination.
With much of the party already suffering from considerable damage, Kalen stepped over the inert body of Maul, shielding the fallen Warden from further harm and lashing out with Vindicator at the nearest gravehound with his powerful, Paladin’s Judgment attack, landing a vicious blow and channeling holy energy to the fallen Warden and allowing him to heal. The gravehound winced at the flare of holy energy as Vindicator bit deeply into its decaying flesh. To, hopefully, ensure that the gravehound did not attack Maul before he had the opportunity to get back on his feet, Kalen summoned the power of his Divine Challenge and placed it upon the gravehound that he had already struck.
TDB took this opportunity to swoop out of its favorite corner and attempted to bite Kalen, but the paladin turned the creature away with a skillful, parrying sweep of Vindicator. The creature then finished its Flyby Attack by returning to its corner.
The two drakes, continuing to be the bane of our group, both, again, used the Caustic Spit to attack Kalen from afar. Both attacks hit and managed to bloody the Paladin. Without an immediate threat facing them, neither drake felt compelled to relocate itself, and they both waited to inflict further harm on our party.
As if things were not looking difficult enough for our party, two more of Rudy’s friends came dashing down the stairs and moved into positions near Zoella and Kalen. The first two gravehounds attempted to bite Retz and Kalen; hitting the Warlord but failing to hit the Paladin. The newly-arrived gravehounds attacked the nearest members of our party, in this case, Zoella and Kalen; both gravehounds hit their targets, knocking Zoella to the ground and inflicting one of the festering, necrotic wounds on her, while the hit on Kalen dropped the valiant paladin to the ground in a crumpled heap.
Having just been healed by Kalen, Maul clambered to his feet, quaffing a Potion of Healing as he did so. Hoping to steady himself, he paused to catch his second wind, then, using the primal power of nature, marked the two gravehounds that were adjacent to him.
Knowing that the party’s survival depended upon a joint effort, Dearbhla made every effort to try to Heal the dying Paladin, but despite her considerable knowledge of healing techniques, she was unable to revive Kalen with this attempt. Wild-Shaping back to her human form, she quaffed her own Potion of Healing, praying to the primal spirits that it would be sufficient to help her survive the battle.
Crawling to her feet, Zoella summoned the holy power of Kelemvor and Abjured one of the gravehounds, blasting the beast with holy energy and drawing it within reach of her weapon. The gravehound stumbled, dazed by the attack.
The surviving guard, seeing Maul standing in front of him, moved next to the Warden then swung his halberd but failed to hit him.
Retz stood to his feet next to the fallen Paladin and employed one of his first aid techniques, Aid the Injured, and the Kalen returned to consciousness with a start.
Thanking Retz, Kalen scrambled to his feet, summoning divine power to heal himself again, then taking a deep, cleansing breath as he gained his second wind. Vindicator held at the ready, he prepared to re-enter the fray.
As the party worked on healing, TDB did its Flyby Attack again, trying and failing to hit Maul, then returning to its favorite corner.
The two drakes, seeing the Warden was now the closest foe, targeted him with their Caustic Spit, but neither was able to hit the sturdy Warforged.
The four gravehounds, now surrounding the party, attacked; one attacking Zoella and failing to hit the agile Avenger, another attacking Retz and being foiled by the Warlord’s shield, the final two attacking Maul but neither was able to penetrate the Warden’s thick, hide armor.
Maul retaliated for being targeted by attacking the last, surviving guard with his Strength of Stone attack and, unfortunately, failing to hit the guard.
Descending the stairs, yet another reinforcement arrived to threaten our now-beleaguered party; a second were-rat, short sword in hand and slobber all over its slavering jaws moved into the room and attempted to bite Maul, but, again, the Warden’s armor protected him from the diseased bite of one of the horrid creatures.
Still in human form, Dearbhla tried to Storm Spike the last guard, but could not put the stubborn warrior out of our misery. Hoping that the extra mobility might grant her some extra measure of survivability, she summoned her primal power, Fleet Pursuit, and appeared to speed up before the eyes of the party.
Zoella, targeting the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity, swung her greatsword with an Overwhelming Strike and killed the foul, undead creature; the creature took one final bite at her as it died, but was not able to harm the Avenger. After the beast’s demise, she swore a new Oath of Enmity against the closest, remaining gravehound.
The last, surviving guard swung its halberd in a wide arc, trying to catch Maul unawares, but the canny Warden parried the blow with his Warsoul Battleaxe just in time.
Retz, tired of the stubborn guard, shifted his position closer to the warrior then, with a fierce battlecry and shout to the rest of the party to rally around him, he struck down the guard with his Myrmidon Formation attack. At long last, the persistent guard was slain…
Kalen, now beset on three sides by foes, slashed a Valiant Strike with Vindicator and, as holy power flared from the blade, cut down one of the three remaining gravehounds, which, much like the one killed by Zoella, took one final bite at the Paladin as it died, but, almost contemptuously, Kalen turned the beast’s deathblow aside with Vindicator. Summoning his sacred power, he then issued a Divine Challenge to the newest arrival to the battle, the second were-rat, hoping to take some of the pressure off of the hard-pressed Warden.
Despite that Divine Challenge, however, the newly-arrived were-rat chittered anxiously to its fellows, seeming to direct them to focus their efforts on bringing Maul down. He then proceeded to bite the Warden, scoring a hit that left a ‘bleeding’ wound. (If Warforged can be said to ‘bleed’…) It did not seem to matter to the were-rat when holy energy flared, singeing its fur, as Kalen’s divine power punished it for ignoring the Challenge.
TDB decided to change targets this time, as it swooped out of its favorite corner, attacking Retz but not being able to find a chink in the steady genasi’s defenses. As usual, the bat returned to its favorite corner after its Flyby Attack.
The two drakes then launched their Caustic Spit, splitting their focus this time, hitting both Maul and Kalen, inflicting considerable damage on each.
One of the surviving pair of gravehounds bit at Zoella, hitting her, knocking her to the ground, and inflicting another festering, necrotic wound on her, the attack also bloodied her. The other gravehound attempted to bite Maul but was not able to get past the Warden’s guard.
Shifting tactics to, hopefully, prolong his survival, Maul summoned his primal power to mark the were-rat and the gravehound that flanked him, then dropped into a defensive stance, hoping to parry or deflect any blow directed at him.
Wild-Shaping back to her preferred animal form, Dearbhla also dropped into a defensive stance and took a moment to catch her second wind.
Standing back up and cursing loudly at the gravehound that had knocked her down, Zoella traced a quick, mystic symbol in the air with the tip of her greatsword then swung mightily, slashing into the adjacent gravehound; with the blow, a field of searing, radiant energy sprang into being as Zoella unleashed her Temple of Light attack. The gravehound shuddered with the impact of the blow and the searing flare of holy energy that accompanied the attack. Zoella also managed to shake off the effects of the gravehound’s necrotic bite.
Joining our voices in a solid battlecry, the party briefly celebrated the invigoration of the effect of Retz’s Myrmidon Formation. Retz could see that things were still hanging by a thread, however, so he put his first aid training to use and attempted to bolster the beleaguered Maul, but was distracted by the foes pressing in on all sides.
Shifting position to try to attract as much attention as possible away from Maul, Kalen stepped into the middle of the enemy formation, shifting his Divine Challenge from the were-rat, that had already proven that it cared little about the effect, onto the nearest, remaining gravehound, hoping to draw its attack. He then swung a powerful Valiant Strike aimed at the were-rat, striking the creature solidly.
Pressured by Kalen, the were-rat aimed a bite at Maul, which connected, despite the Warden’s best efforts to deflect the blow. Then, evidently hoping to avoid a reprisal from the vengeful Paladin, the were-rat stepped back out of the reach of both Kalen and Maul.
TDB now, as had been its pattern for quite awhile, swooped down and attacked Zoella, scoring a rare hit on the Avenger as it passed by. After the Flyby Attack, the bat returned to its favorite corner, a stream of curses following its whole return path from the irritated Avenger.
The drakes repeated their attacks against Kalen and Maul, striking both defenders and wounding both again.
One of the remaining gravehounds tried to bite Zoella, but she invoked the power of her Brooch of Shielding and the beast’s teeth found only a wall of magical force rather than the elfmaid’s flesh, though the creature still manage to knock her off her feet with the force of the attack. The other gravehound tried to bite Maul, but the Warden’s defenses stood firm in the face of the beast’s attack.
Dearbhla, doing everything that she could think to do and trying to help the party survive, conjured a spectral hand with her Hedge Wizard’s Gloves and began drawing potions from the belts of the party, starting with the one on Kalen’s belt and suspending it in the air for the Paladin to take.
Maul, repositioning himself to account for the were-rat’s slow withdrawal, shifted forward a few feet, remaining in a defensive stance and re-marking all of the adjacent enemies.
Once again rising to her feet, Zoella glared at the gravehound that had knocked her down, then swung her greatsword with her Bond of Pursuit attack, striking and bloodying the beast.
Seeing that Zoella was bloodied and in increasing need of healing, Retz attempted again to perform quick first aid on her, but the press of battle again prevented him from being able to effectively aid the Avenger.
Dropping Vindicator for a moment to grab and quaff the potion suspended by Dearbhla’s spectral hand, Kalen picked his powerful blade back up and launched another Valiant Strike at the were-rat, striking the vicious creature, yet again.
Continuing to ignore the Kalen’s persistent and effective attacks, the were-rat again tried to bite Maul, and again was turned aside by a rapid parry from the Warden’s Warsoul Battleaxe.
TDB continued its repeated attacks, targeting Zoella again, but failing to hit the Avenger this time, but, again, drawing her vicious ire.
The two drakes again attacked with their Caustic Spit, targeting Kalen and Maul, striking both. The hit on Maul struck a vulnerable spot in his armor and dropped the Warden to the ground, again inert and temporarily out of the fight.
With Maul down again, one of the gravehounds moved to flank Kalen with the were-rat, trying to bite the sturdy Paladin, but being turned aside by his heavy, steel shield. The other gravehound attempted to bite Retz, but couldn’t find a gap in the Warlord’s defenses.
Still attempting to use the party’s resources to the fullest, Dearbhla moved her spectral hand to Maul’s belt and retrieved his Potion of Healing, then held it suspended, hoping to deliver the potion next round.
Zoella, having been fighting non-stop since the start of the battle, stopped to catch her second wind, then shifted toward a more advantageous position in the room, staying adjacent to the gravehound bearing her Oath of Enmity and now moved adjacent to one of the spitting drakes.
Retz, now out of reach of the party’s enemies, dropped his sword quickly and drew a javelin, which he proceeded to hurl at the gravehound nearest to Zoella, striking the beast and killing the creature. The beast tried to bite Zoella as it died, but was unable to hit the Avenger.
Kalen again slashed Vindicator out in a Valiant Strike, striking the last gravehound, causing it to shrink under the blaze of radiant energy that streamed from the holy sword.
With Maul still down, the were-rat finally turned its attention to Kalen and attempted to bite the stalwart Paladin, but could not hit him, being fended off by a strong parry from the holy warrior’s blade.
TDB returned, yet again, to torment Zoella, hitting her with its Flyby Attack this time and continuing to live up to the moniker that had been ascribed to it by the Avenger.
One of the drakes, now adjacent to Kalen, bit the Paladin, causing only a minor wound; the other drake spat its Caustic Spit at Retz, but failed to hit the Warlord.
The were-rat snapped its jaws at Kalen, this time finding one of the few weak spots in the Paladin’s defenses and scoring a devastating hit that bloodied him.
Trying to save the party members that were still standing, Dearbhla moved the potion held by her spectral hand over to the bloodied Paladin, then charged the un-engaged drake, using her Pounce attack, and hit the drake. She realized that the drakes represented the biggest threat to the party, being able to do the most damage, as well as seeming to have the easiest time hitting party members.
With her gravehound finally dispatched, Zoella moved quickly to stand adjacent to the drake being engaged by Dearbhla, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the creature then hitting the drake with her Bond of Pursuit attack, killing the drake outright.
Picking up his sword, Retz turned his attention to the were-rat, targeting it with his Wolf Pack Tactics and scoring a hit on the creature.
Quaffing the potion supplied by Dearbhla’s spectral hand then picking Vindicator back up, Kalen attacked the last surviving gravehound with a Valiant Strike, bloodying the undead beast.
Still adjacent to Kalen, the were-rat again tried to bite him, this time slipping in under his guard and clamping down on the warrior’s arm, causing a gaping, bleeding wound.
TDB then swooped down and tried to Flyby Attack Zoella, but still could not manage to hit her. It then retreated to its favorite corner, pursued by a fresh round of insults and muttered curses from the elfmaid.
The surviving drake attempted to duplicate the were-rat’s success and tried to bite Kalen, but the Paladin’s heavy armor was up to the task of turning aside the creature’s bite.
The last gravehound, however, was able to use the distraction of the drake’s attack to bite Kalen, hitting him and knocking him to the ground.
For its trouble, Dearbhla charged and Pounced on the gravehound, scoring a hit on the beast and drawing its total attention.
Utterly irritated by TDB, Zoella had finally had enough of the irritating creature, swearing her Oath of Enmity on the bat, moving adjacent to it, and slicing into it with her Bond of Pursuit attack.
With enemies out of reach, Retz moved to where he could perform first aid on Maul, and was finally able to revive the downed Warden.
Shaking his head and swearing vindication, Kalen stood to his feet and swung Vindicator in a Valiant Strike, slaying the last gravehound. As the beast perished, it took one final bite at the paladin, catching Kalen off-guard and dropping him to the ground in a heap, as well. Fortunately for Kalen, the bleeding wound inflicted by the were-rat closed of its own accord, keeping the Paladin out of immediate danger of death.
The were-rat shifted his position slightly to be able to attack Retz and did so; biting down on the Warlord and leaving a bleeding wound.
Now being pursued, TDB Flyby Attacked Zoella then fled toward the open doorway from which we had entered, though it was not able to hit the Avenger with its attack.
The surviving drake hurled its Caustic Spit at Dearbhla, striking her and burning her severely.
Wild-Shaping back to human form, Dearbhla pulled a Potion of Healing from her own belt and knelt down and poured it in the mouth of Kalen, who spluttered back to consciousness asking what had happened and being told that the battle was not yet over.
Finally back in the battle, Maul hauled himself to his feet and looked around quickly, seeing the current situation, he charged forward, aiming an attack at the surviving drake and connecting solidly, bloodying the beast.
Incensed that the creature is fleeing, Zoella gives chase to TDB and strikes it with her Bond of Pursuit again, bloodying it.
Retz shifts toward a more tactically advantageous position then launches a Wolf Pack Tactics strike at the were-rat, but the nimble creature dances out of harms way without injury.
Shaking off the cobwebs of unconsciousness, Kalen clambers back to his feet, but is still a little unsteady as he swings Vindicator with a Valiant Strike at the remaining drake, missing by a wide margin.
Again eschewing the Paladin in favor of the Warden, the were-rat bites at and hits Maul, nearly dropping the Warforged warrior back to the ground.
TBD attempts to Flyby Attack Zoella then turns tail and flees down the long corridor from which we entered.
Now adjacent to Maul again, the surviving drake bites the Warden and hits him with a devastating critical, dropping him back to the ground with a metallic thud.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her animal form once again, then shifts back into a position adjacent to the surviving drake and Pounces on it, hit the creature and, finally, killing it.
Refusing to let the obnoxious bat escape, Zoella races down the corridor in pursuit of TDB, charging at the end of her run and her blade cleaves the bat in two, as she scores a critical on her charge.
With the were-rat as the only remaining foe, Retz signals Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, hitting the were-rat and bloodying it.
Kalen follows-up by issuing his Divine Challenge to the were-rat, then using a Holy Strike that burns into the flesh of the horrible creature.
Nearly dead, the were-rat tries to bite Kalen, but cannot get past the holy warrior’s sturdy shield.
Dearbhla Wild-Shapes back into her human form and launches a Storm Spike at the were-rat, hitting the beast with the lightning bolt, but still not killing it.
Zoella, having finally dispatched the source of much of her irritation, comes racing back into the room, screaming her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat as she runs.
Her Oath would prove unnecessary as Retz swung his longsword in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and scored a critical, which finally ended the brutal engagement.
In addition, RW responsibilities have consumed all of my free time this week, so I am a little behind in getting our recap from May 26 up on here... Have no fear, as it will be up before we play again on June 16th, it is my intention to get it finished before the end of this week.
Thanks for reading!
-Izzie
"Ah Jib, I'm sure you have heard about those nosy adventures and realize that they may return. I want you to set up remaining defenses for their return. Tell Franco to have his pets greet our guests when they return to the Guard Room.
How goes the special training that you have implemented to those 4 volunteers?"The goblin, Jib, replies,
"Ephram, my friend, Jib sure those adventurers won't return after the wounds they received fighting Borlem and Kalmo but Jib will inform Franco. Jib's trainees are now fully trained in Goblin Tactics now. If those adventurers do come back, should we kill them or give them the same option
as those last human?"Ephram ponders this over and says,
"Give them the option but if they hesitate kill them and bring their treasures to me
."Jib responds,
"As you command, Ephram."
Jib turns around and heads out of Ephram's audience chamber, grumbling to himself.
"Jib knew that when Ephram asked Jib to aid his family here that he would cheat Jib out of Jib's share of any treasure. The next offer Jib get for a fair share at treasure, Jib will take it. Jib glad he not smelly rat."
As Jib leaves the throne room of Ephram, another goblin comes around a curtain from behind the throne.
"So Jub you heard what Jib was grumbling as he left?" says Ephram.
"Jub hear and Jub know what to do when Jib turns on us. Jub's little brother always was weak." You just remember Ephram what you promised Jub when Jib dead." :evillaugh
RECAP: Having fought and survived a truly epic battle, our party has returned to the Monastery of the Precipice to rest and recuperate from a brutal day of adventuring. Several members of the party need to seek some medical attention for the Filth Fever obtained from the bite of the were-rats, as well.
JOURNAL: During the evening spent recuperating in the Monastery of the Precipice, we sat quietly in the common room, several of us enjoying the monastery’s own (and quite good) whiskey, and talked about the events of the day and our plans for the morrow. Hoping that significant reinforcement of the Darano’s brethren (if any should exist) would not arrive through the course of the night, we resolved to return forthwith in the morning, preferably with Amaunator’s rising.
As we discussed the details of our plans for the morning, a curious young man, a tiefling by appearance, began to regale the small crowd with a series of poems and verses, many of which, the much-studied Retz pointed out, related to these ruins or, he suspected, the Lady Saharel in some way.
Hoping to learn more, Kalen approached the young man, who introduced himself as Kane, and, after offering the bard a gold lion and well-deserved adulation, queried him as to the nature of his poetry. Kane replied that each of the poems came from a work called: The Analects of Kuryon. This work was a cycle of poems regarding prophecy and the nature of the future, penned by Kuryon, the first master of the Monastery of the Precipice. Evidently, some forty years previous, Kuryon, a wanderer who sought some of the lost treasures of Netheril, came to this region to search for artifacts of that ancient empire. During his expeditions, the Lady Saharel appeared to Kuryon and, whatever she told him, convinced him to hang up his traveling boots for good. He then constructed the Monastery of the Precipice on the periphery of the Spellgard ruins as a place of rest for all who sought the Lady’s oracular wisdom. Over the years, the Monastery has become a place of exploration and lore, and much of that lore has been copied into The Analects of Kuryon. The bard offers to give us a copy of the book, which we gratefully accept. Though we need to rest this evening and have considerable plans for the morrow, several members of the party shall peruse the work in great detail and try to glean any useful knowledge from the tome that might aid us in our quest.
Tarsakh 10 – We awake the following morning to find that Dearbhla, our druidess, took her leave suddenly in the evening, pausing only long enough to awaken Kalen and tell him that she would return as soon as she could, but that she had a pressing matter to which she must attend. Without offering any further explanation, she vanished from the immediate area around Spellgard, leaving a tired and bemused Paladin wondering what was happening.
The party, now slightly reduced in number, was hesitant to continue with our plans to return to the ruins of the northern ramparts without our full company. We went down to the common room to eat breakfast and continued our conversation there. Zoella and Maul wanted to return as we had planned, believing that we could still handle anything that came our way. Kalen and Retz, however, felt that it might be best to wait for the Druidess to return before proceeding.
While we unsuccessfully attempted to resolve what our plans for, at least, this day would be, one of the healers that had helped to treat Zoella and Kalen for the Filth Fever, which they had contracted from the were-rats, came over to our table and told us that she could not help but overhear our conversation and, since she had spent some time adventuring herself, offered to join us on our expedition back to the ruins of the northern ramparts.
The party looked at each other for a moment, knowing how valuable a cleric’s services can be to an adventuring company; with careful glances to Kalen (and his sense of how forthright people are being with us), who nodded his approval without hesitation, we welcomed the young lady, who had introduced herself the previous evening as Crimson, and formally introduced ourselves.
After introductions were completed, we finished our preparations and stepped out into the bright morning sunshine. Crossing the intervening hundred yards, we returned to the door in the northern ramparts and once again entered the crumbling section of wall.
Much like the previous day, the tower’s inhabitants had propped a pile of boxes up behind the door which scattered across the floor, making quite a racket, as we opened the door to the ramparts’ interior. As the door swings open fully, a bright red glow from the room’s inhabitants (much like the glow that had been noticed upstairs the previous day) sent a surge of adrenaline rushing through our veins as we all dropped into the familiar comfort of our combat stances. Five skittering creatures, eyes and bellies aglow with fire, identified by Maul as fire beetles, came scampering across the floor to attack us…
Battle Report
This battle takes place in the first room of the ramparts, where we had fought the group of were-rats, during the previous day’s endeavors.
As is typical, Zoella’s elven reflexes were the fastest and she wasted no time in unleashing her Shared Madness attack on two of the fire beetles, causing the creatures to shrink back slightly in the face of the psychic assault. Intoning her Oath of Enmity, she strode into the room and moved adjacent to a third fire beetle.
Retz followed Zoella into the room, moving next to that same fire beetle and swinging his longsword at the creature, but failing to land his Wolf Pack Tactics attack.
The fire beetles proceeded to surround the party and unleashed, in concert, their fiery spray attack on Retz, Zoella, Maul, and Kalen, all of whom were standing near enough together to be caught within the area of the creatures’ attacks. Three of the creatures managed to harm Retz, Zoella, and Maul, doing enough damage to Retz to knock our intrepid Warlord to the ground, unconscious. Only one of the fire beetles attacks was sufficient to bypass Kalen’s stout defenses and its effect was largely mitigated by the Paladin’s Black Iron armor, which flared a bright red as it absorbed much of the heat from the fiery spray.
Scorched by the fire beetles’ attacks, Maul summoned his Warforged Resolve and dropped into a defensive stance as he caught his second wind. Cautiously moving forward, he positioned himself in between three of the fire beetles then summoned Nature’s Wrath and marked the creatures, drawing their attention to him.
Having escaped the fiery spray of the fire beetles, Crimson spoke her Healing Words and a flare of divine energy briefly enveloped Retz as the Cleric’s healing power washed over his fallen form. Stepping into the room and moving adjacent to several of the fire beetles, with a burst of energy, she summoned additional holy power and a Divine Glow covered three of the fire beetles, bloodying a pair of them, and bolstering the courage of both Maul and Retz. She then shifted back out of reach of the creatures and watched as the battle continued to unfold.
Moving boldly into the fray, Kalen took position between three of the fire beetles then swung Vindicator in a Piercing Smite at one of the fire beetles that had been bloodied by Crimson, scoring a hit and slaying the creature. The attack also marked the two surviving fire beetles that we adjacent to the Paladin, Kalen, however, superseded one of those marks with the holy power of his Divine Challenge.
Zoella then shifted into a flanking position on the fire beetle that was adjacent to her, then lashed out with her greatsword, unleashing an Overwhelming Strike that scored a hit on the fire beetle.
A new foe entered the fray now, having been hiding in the stairwell when we entered. Another of the vicious were-rats that infested these ruins bounded into the room and moved next to Kalen, attempting to bite the Paladin. The creature’s filthy teeth were batted away by a sweep of Vindicator’s sharp blade and the were-rat growled in frustration.
Retz, skin still tingling from the aftereffect of divine energy, stood to his feet and brought his longsword to bear on the nearest fire beetle, unleashing a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and bloodying the creature. We could hear the genasi muttering Inspiring Words to himself, though they sounded a little more irritable than normal, but the Warlord looked refreshed regardless.
The four, remaining fire beetles all attacked, two attempting to bite Maul, but failing to find any gaps in the Warden’s defenses; a third latched onto Kalen with its jaws, scoring a critical hit on the Paladin, whose attention was evidently still directed at the were-rat who had just entered the fray; the final fire beetle launched its fiery spray again, catching Retz, Maul, and Kalen in the area of the blast, scorching Retz and Maul, but failing to penetrate the Black Iron armor of the Paladin.
Maul, his metal face set in a grim, determined stare, swung his Warsoul Battleaxe in a wide arc, cleaving a fire beetle in two as the revitalizing power of the Strength of Stone attack flowed into his arms. Still damaged from the fiery spray of one of the fire beetles, he rapidly detached his Warsoul Battleaxe then he quickly drew a potion and quaffed it, then re-attached the Warsoul weapon. Finally looking fully revitalized, the Warden burst into action again, launching his Thunder Ram Assault at two of the remaining fire beetles, killing one and bloodying the other.
Moving slightly to get a better aim, Crimson brandished her holy symbol, unleashing a Lance of Faith and striking one of the remaining fire beetles. The holy attack struck the creature and limned the creature in a nimbus of holy light, guiding the follow-up attack performed by Kalen.
Taking full advantage of that opportunity, Kalen stepped next to the illuminated fire beetle and slashed Vindicator down and through the shell of the fire beetle, slaying the creature, leaving only one of them alive. Summoning his holy powers, he issued a Divine Challenge on that remaining fire beetle.
With the target of her original Oath dead, Zoella strode across the room to a position next to the were-rat, uttering her Oath of Enmity anew against the foul creature. The powerful overhanded blow of her Overwhelming Strike slammed into the were-rat’s side, doing considerable damage.
Facing now the fury of both Kalen and Zoella, the were-rat danced nimbly around the Paladin and out of reach of the Avenger, now flanking Kalen with the sole, surviving fire beetle. Despite the advantageous position, it still could not find a weakness in the Paladin’s formidable defenses.
Though the were-rat now flanked Kalen, its position left it vulnerable to be flanked as well, a fact which was rapidly exploited by Retz as he shifted into position flanking the beast, standing across from Kalen. Feinting with his longsword and drawing the were-rat’s attention, Retz called for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike and Vindicator lashed out and connected solidly with the creature, bloodying it.
As Kalen swung at the were-rat, the last fire beetle scuttled forward and tried to bite the intrepid Paladin, but Kalen’s trusty plate armor turned aside the beetle’s attack.
Moving next to the were-rat, Maul summoned Nature’s Wrath, marking the beast and drawing its attention. Again swinging his Warsoul Battleaxe in his Strength of Stone attack, the Warden struck the were-rat, connecting solidly and drawing power from the earth in response to the successful attack. With his head tipped back and a mighty roar, Maul summoned his Triumphant Vigor and looked even more revitalized.
Crimson targeted the were-rat with her Lance of Faith, striking the beast and singeing its fur, illuminating the creature with holy light for a follow-up attack from Retz.
Kalen looked at the two foes flanking him and, seeing that the were-rat was summarily occupied with the attentions of Zoella and Maul, decided to attack the last fire beetle. Channeling the Divine Strength of his holy power, Kalen unleashed a Valiant Strike at the beetle, scoring a hit with Vindicator that bit deeply in to the creature’s shell.
Pursuing the were-rat that had shifted away from her, Zoella again moved adjacent to the beast, swinging her greatsword in an Overwhelming Strike that severed the creature’s head from its torso. Looking at the remaining fire beetle, she intoned her Oath of Enmity in her native, Elven tongue and glared at the chittering creature.
Moving to present a united front, Retz stepped around the fire beetle to stand next to Kalen, the two warriors forming an imposing wall of steel and blade. Calling for the rest of the company to rally to his position, Retz attacked with his Myrmidon Formation attack, hitting the fire beetle squarely and bloodying the beast.
Recovering briefly from the impact of Retz’s longsword, the fire beetle scurried forward and again attempted to bite the Paladin, and again was turned aside, this time by a backhanded parry of Vindicator.
It would be the final attack made by the fire beetle, as Maul stepped next to the creature and slew it with a Thorn Strike from his Warsoul Battleaxe.
After moving to surround Retz and gain the benefit of his Myrmidon Formation, we surveyed the room and determined that, for now, the area was cleared of foes.
This battle takes place in the first room of the ramparts, where we had fought the group of were-rats, during the previous day’s endeavors.
As is typical, Zoella’s elven reflexes were the fastest and she wasted no time in unleashing her Shared Madness attack on two of the fire beetles, causing the creatures to shrink back slightly in the face of the psychic assault. Intoning her Oath of Enmity, she strode into the room and moved adjacent to a third fire beetle.
Retz followed Zoella into the room, moving next to that same fire beetle and swinging his longsword at the creature, but failing to land his Wolf Pack Tactics attack.
The fire beetles proceeded to surround the party and unleashed, in concert, their fiery spray attack on Retz, Zoella, Maul, and Kalen, all of whom were standing near enough together to be caught within the area of the creatures’ attacks. Three of the creatures managed to harm Retz, Zoella, and Maul, doing enough damage to Retz to knock our intrepid Warlord to the ground, unconscious. Only one of the fire beetles attacks was sufficient to bypass Kalen’s stout defenses and its effect was largely mitigated by the Paladin’s Black Iron armor, which flared a bright red as it absorbed much of the heat from the fiery spray.
Scorched by the fire beetles’ attacks, Maul summoned his Warforged Resolve and dropped into a defensive stance as he caught his second wind. Cautiously moving forward, he positioned himself in between three of the fire beetles then summoned Nature’s Wrath and marked the creatures, drawing their attention to him.
Having escaped the fiery spray of the fire beetles, Crimson spoke her Healing Words and a flare of divine energy briefly enveloped Retz as the Cleric’s healing power washed over his fallen form. Stepping into the room and moving adjacent to several of the fire beetles, with a burst of energy, she summoned additional holy power and a Divine Glow covered three of the fire beetles, bloodying a pair of them, and bolstering the courage of both Maul and Retz. She then shifted back out of reach of the creatures and watched as the battle continued to unfold.
Moving boldly into the fray, Kalen took position between three of the fire beetles then swung Vindicator in a Piercing Smite at one of the fire beetles that had been bloodied by Crimson, scoring a hit and slaying the creature. The attack also marked the two surviving fire beetles that we adjacent to the Paladin, Kalen, however, superseded one of those marks with the holy power of his Divine Challenge.
Zoella then shifted into a flanking position on the fire beetle that was adjacent to her, then lashed out with her greatsword, unleashing an Overwhelming Strike that scored a hit on the fire beetle.
A new foe entered the fray now, having been hiding in the stairwell when we entered. Another of the vicious were-rats that infested these ruins bounded into the room and moved next to Kalen, attempting to bite the Paladin. The creature’s filthy teeth were batted away by a sweep of Vindicator’s sharp blade and the were-rat growled in frustration.
Retz, skin still tingling from the aftereffect of divine energy, stood to his feet and brought his longsword to bear on the nearest fire beetle, unleashing a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and bloodying the creature. We could hear the genasi muttering Inspiring Words to himself, though they sounded a little more irritable than normal, but the Warlord looked refreshed regardless.
The four, remaining fire beetles all attacked, two attempting to bite Maul, but failing to find any gaps in the Warden’s defenses; a third latched onto Kalen with its jaws, scoring a critical hit on the Paladin, whose attention was evidently still directed at the were-rat who had just entered the fray; the final fire beetle launched its fiery spray again, catching Retz, Maul, and Kalen in the area of the blast, scorching Retz and Maul, but failing to penetrate the Black Iron armor of the Paladin.
Maul, his metal face set in a grim, determined stare, swung his Warsoul Battleaxe in a wide arc, cleaving a fire beetle in two as the revitalizing power of the Strength of Stone attack flowed into his arms. Still damaged from the fiery spray of one of the fire beetles, he rapidly detached his Warsoul Battleaxe then he quickly drew a potion and quaffed it, then re-attached the Warsoul weapon. Finally looking fully revitalized, the Warden burst into action again, launching his Thunder Ram Assault at two of the remaining fire beetles, killing one and bloodying the other.
Moving slightly to get a better aim, Crimson brandished her holy symbol, unleashing a Lance of Faith and striking one of the remaining fire beetles. The holy attack struck the creature and limned the creature in a nimbus of holy light, guiding the follow-up attack performed by Kalen.
Taking full advantage of that opportunity, Kalen stepped next to the illuminated fire beetle and slashed Vindicator down and through the shell of the fire beetle, slaying the creature, leaving only one of them alive. Summoning his holy powers, he issued a Divine Challenge on that remaining fire beetle.
With the target of her original Oath dead, Zoella strode across the room to a position next to the were-rat, uttering her Oath of Enmity anew against the foul creature. The powerful overhanded blow of her Overwhelming Strike slammed into the were-rat’s side, doing considerable damage.
Facing now the fury of both Kalen and Zoella, the were-rat danced nimbly around the Paladin and out of reach of the Avenger, now flanking Kalen with the sole, surviving fire beetle. Despite the advantageous position, it still could not find a weakness in the Paladin’s formidable defenses.
Though the were-rat now flanked Kalen, its position left it vulnerable to be flanked as well, a fact which was rapidly exploited by Retz as he shifted into position flanking the beast, standing across from Kalen. Feinting with his longsword and drawing the were-rat’s attention, Retz called for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike and Vindicator lashed out and connected solidly with the creature, bloodying it.
As Kalen swung at the were-rat, the last fire beetle scuttled forward and tried to bite the intrepid Paladin, but Kalen’s trusty plate armor turned aside the beetle’s attack.
Moving next to the were-rat, Maul summoned Nature’s Wrath, marking the beast and drawing its attention. Again swinging his Warsoul Battleaxe in his Strength of Stone attack, the Warden struck the were-rat, connecting solidly and drawing power from the earth in response to the successful attack. With his head tipped back and a mighty roar, Maul summoned his Triumphant Vigor and looked even more revitalized.
Crimson targeted the were-rat with her Lance of Faith, striking the beast and singeing its fur, illuminating the creature with holy light for a follow-up attack from Retz.
Kalen looked at the two foes flanking him and, seeing that the were-rat was summarily occupied with the attentions of Zoella and Maul, decided to attack the last fire beetle. Channeling the Divine Strength of his holy power, Kalen unleashed a Valiant Strike at the beetle, scoring a hit with Vindicator that bit deeply in to the creature’s shell.
Pursuing the were-rat that had shifted away from her, Zoella again moved adjacent to the beast, swinging her greatsword in an Overwhelming Strike that severed the creature’s head from its torso. Looking at the remaining fire beetle, she intoned her Oath of Enmity in her native, Elven tongue and glared at the chittering creature.
Moving to present a united front, Retz stepped around the fire beetle to stand next to Kalen, the two warriors forming an imposing wall of steel and blade. Calling for the rest of the company to rally to his position, Retz attacked with his Myrmidon Formation attack, hitting the fire beetle squarely and bloodying the beast.
Recovering briefly from the impact of Retz’s longsword, the fire beetle scurried forward and again attempted to bite the Paladin, and again was turned aside, this time by a backhanded parry of Vindicator.
It would be the final attack made by the fire beetle, as Maul stepped next to the creature and slew it with a Thorn Strike from his Warsoul Battleaxe.
After moving to surround Retz and gain the benefit of his Myrmidon Formation, we surveyed the room and determined that, for now, the area was cleared of foes.
Checking downstairs first, we find the room empty as before and the passageways leading out of that room still blocked by rubble.
Returning to the first floor then heading upstairs, we enter a room that apparently housed the fire beetles, judging from the refuse and scorched remains of what likely was food for the creatures. The stairs in this room proceed upward and a door in the eastern wall of the room leads out onto the crumbling ramparts of this part of the ruins.
Proceeding up to the third floor of this rampart’s tower, we enter a room with a small bed in its southwestern corner and arrow slits all around that provide a clear view of the grounds surrounding this part of the ramparts. We surmise that the were-rats used this room to keep an eye on traffic through the grounds of the ruins and to watch for anyone (such as us) that is going to enter this part of the northern ramparts. Finding nothing of value or use, we descend back to the first floor and proceed east, through the base of the ramparts, back to the room where we had fought our massive battle the previous day, thankfully, today, this room proved quiet and empty.
On this side of the ramparts, we checked upstairs first, as that was where the enemy’s reinforcements had sallied from the previous day. We find only a rubble-strewn, dirty room upstairs, however, and return to the first floor.
Descending the stairs, we are confronted by the sad sight of a quintet of emaciated gray wolves that are chained to the southern wall of the chamber. On one hand, it is probably good that Dearbhla was not with us when we discovered these unfortunate creatures; however, it might have been nice to have her along to try and calm the wolves without the need to kill them. The starving beasts, howling and snarling at us as we descended the stairs, leapt to the ends of their chains and attacked, thus, making it necessary to defend ourselves.
Battle Report
Another 40’ x 40’ room with the staircase in the center of the room, the five gray wolves are chained to the southern walls on chains that (we discover later) are about 20’ long. A door exits the room to the west.
Reacting fastest, Retz offers instruction to the rest of the group to move down into the room to deal with the threat of the wolves while waiting to enter the fray himself.
Hoping to dissuade the creatures from attacking, Kalen stepped down the stairs and, after pulling it from a belt pouch, offered a handful of trail rations to the nearest wolves; unfortunately, the beasts appeared uninterested in the trail rations. Sighing as he withdrew his hand from the slavering jaws of the famished wolves, Kalen reluctantly drew Vindicator from its black scabbard and prepared to defend the rest of the party.
Bounding down the stairs and swearing her Oath of Enmity on one of the wolves, Zoella stepped down onto the landing at the base of the stairs, adjacent to Kalen and the wolf. Pulling her greatsword up into a high-ready stance and preparing to strike, she looked on and waited to see if the wolves would carry through with their attacks.
As the base of the stairs were now rather crowded, Maul waited for his opportunity to move down the stairs.
Maul would get his opportunity shortly as the wolves began their attacks in earnest. Two tried to bite Kalen but were turned aside by the Paladin’s shield and lightning-quick sword. Another moved next to Zoella and was able to latch its teeth into the Avenger’s arm as she swung her own blade at one of the wolves that had tried to bite Kalen. The remaining two wolves could not move into a position to attack any of our party, as the lengths of their chains limited their movement.
Since one of the wolves had cleared away from the base of the stairs, Maul was able to stride down to the base of the stairs and unleashed his Thunder Ram Assault on the nearest wolf, scoring a hit thanks to Zoella’s Divine Guidance. The accompanying blast of thunder also blasted two of the wolves away from our party.
Retz came down the stairs next, grumbling something about the ‘dogs of war’ as he descended. Quickly looking over the tactical situation, he drew the attention of one of the wolves while calling for a Commander’s Strike from Kalen, which the Paladin skillfully delivered, bloodying the target wolf.
Crimson then came carefully down the stairs, catching her first glimpse of the battle as it was unfolding. Hoping to avoid harm as much as possible, she moved to the landing of the stairs then carefully stepped out of reach of the snapping jaws of the wolves.
Having fended off their attacks, Kalen launched his own attack, a Valiant Strike with Vindicator that landed squarely on the bloodied wolf that he had hit thanks to Retz’s Commander’s Strike. Shifting his position slightly to be adjacent to as many of the wolves as possible, the Paladin burst into another attack, unleashing his Piercing Smite on another wolf and bloodying it.
Thinking that it might be sufficient to kill both bloodied wolves, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack, and though the attack struck both, it only killed one of the two. Carefully moving next to the wolf she had targeted with her Oath, she unleashed her own burst of action and launched an Overwhelming Strike at the wolf bearing her Oath and scored a hit, bloodying the beast.
The wolves now attempted to retaliate. One was able to successfully bite Zoella as its fellow tried to move into a flanking position, but the moving wolf (one of the bloodied ones) was cut down by Kalen’s opportunity attack. The last two wolves moved to flank the intrepid Paladin, but neither was able to pierce his sturdy defenses.
Maul then stepped carefully off the landing of the stairs and initiated a Thorn Strike on one of the wolves next to Kalen, missing (as has become, sadly, frequent with this particular attack), as the wolf nimbly dodged away from the Warden’s axe.
Rapidly sizing up the situation and with a flash of elemental energy, Retz’s body suddenly dissolved into a rushing torrent of water that swiftly flowed across the room and into a position where he flanked one of the wolves with Kalen. Lunging forward to draw attention and shouting out a series of quick commands, Retz allowed Kalen to perform a Commander’s Strike, which scored a hit, singeing the fur of the wolf. Surging with adrenaline, he nimbly employed his swordsman’s footwork and continued distracting the wolf, while allowing Kalen to score another hit with a second, consecutive Commander’s Strike, bloodying the beast.
Holy symbol brandished high, Crimson unleashed a Lance of Faith at the other bloodied wolf, scoring a hit and illuminating it with holy light for Zoella. She then moved along the northern wall to the western side of the room, on the opposite side of the stairs.
Vindicator still singing through the air from the flurry of strikes triggered by Retz, Kalen immediately transitioned those attacks into a Valiant Strike of his own, hitting the wolf but, despite its already bloodied condition, failed to kill the animal. Suspecting that this wolf wouldn’t survive the next attack directed at it by the party, Kalen invoked his Divine Challenge on the other wolf, which was, as of yet, un-bloodied.
Her greatsword lashing out with great speed in her Bond of Pursuit attack, Zoella struck and killed the wolf nearest to her. Swearing a new Oath of Enmity against the bloodied, remaining wolf, she then strode across the room to stand in position next to that wolf.
The two remaining wolves, barking and yipping to each other, seeming to coordinate their efforts moved around to where they could flank Zoella, but this would ultimately prove devastating for them. The already-bloodied wolf was able to move carefully into a position adjacent to the Avenger, but the wolf marked by Kalen’s Divine tried to move around Zoella, provoking opportunity attacks from Kalen, Zoella, and Retz. All three members of the party scored hits, bloodying that wolf, as well. Both wolves then tried to bite Zoella and, although she was able to deflect one of the attacks, she was struck by the second attack as her guard was turned to face the first attack; the wolf nimbly pulled the Avenger’s feet out from under her as it latched onto her leg with its jaws, knocking her to the floor.
Their attention focused on Zoella, Maul took the opportunity to unleash a Thorn Strike on the first-bloodied wolf, scoring a hit and killing the beast.
To finish the fight, Retz moved the short distance between himself and the final wolf and launched (ironically
) a Wolf Pack Tactics attack with his longsword that bit deeply into the wolf’s flesh, which ended the poor creature’s life and the battle.
Another 40’ x 40’ room with the staircase in the center of the room, the five gray wolves are chained to the southern walls on chains that (we discover later) are about 20’ long. A door exits the room to the west.
Reacting fastest, Retz offers instruction to the rest of the group to move down into the room to deal with the threat of the wolves while waiting to enter the fray himself.
Hoping to dissuade the creatures from attacking, Kalen stepped down the stairs and, after pulling it from a belt pouch, offered a handful of trail rations to the nearest wolves; unfortunately, the beasts appeared uninterested in the trail rations. Sighing as he withdrew his hand from the slavering jaws of the famished wolves, Kalen reluctantly drew Vindicator from its black scabbard and prepared to defend the rest of the party.
Bounding down the stairs and swearing her Oath of Enmity on one of the wolves, Zoella stepped down onto the landing at the base of the stairs, adjacent to Kalen and the wolf. Pulling her greatsword up into a high-ready stance and preparing to strike, she looked on and waited to see if the wolves would carry through with their attacks.
As the base of the stairs were now rather crowded, Maul waited for his opportunity to move down the stairs.
Maul would get his opportunity shortly as the wolves began their attacks in earnest. Two tried to bite Kalen but were turned aside by the Paladin’s shield and lightning-quick sword. Another moved next to Zoella and was able to latch its teeth into the Avenger’s arm as she swung her own blade at one of the wolves that had tried to bite Kalen. The remaining two wolves could not move into a position to attack any of our party, as the lengths of their chains limited their movement.
Since one of the wolves had cleared away from the base of the stairs, Maul was able to stride down to the base of the stairs and unleashed his Thunder Ram Assault on the nearest wolf, scoring a hit thanks to Zoella’s Divine Guidance. The accompanying blast of thunder also blasted two of the wolves away from our party.
Retz came down the stairs next, grumbling something about the ‘dogs of war’ as he descended. Quickly looking over the tactical situation, he drew the attention of one of the wolves while calling for a Commander’s Strike from Kalen, which the Paladin skillfully delivered, bloodying the target wolf.
Crimson then came carefully down the stairs, catching her first glimpse of the battle as it was unfolding. Hoping to avoid harm as much as possible, she moved to the landing of the stairs then carefully stepped out of reach of the snapping jaws of the wolves.
Having fended off their attacks, Kalen launched his own attack, a Valiant Strike with Vindicator that landed squarely on the bloodied wolf that he had hit thanks to Retz’s Commander’s Strike. Shifting his position slightly to be adjacent to as many of the wolves as possible, the Paladin burst into another attack, unleashing his Piercing Smite on another wolf and bloodying it.
Thinking that it might be sufficient to kill both bloodied wolves, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack, and though the attack struck both, it only killed one of the two. Carefully moving next to the wolf she had targeted with her Oath, she unleashed her own burst of action and launched an Overwhelming Strike at the wolf bearing her Oath and scored a hit, bloodying the beast.
The wolves now attempted to retaliate. One was able to successfully bite Zoella as its fellow tried to move into a flanking position, but the moving wolf (one of the bloodied ones) was cut down by Kalen’s opportunity attack. The last two wolves moved to flank the intrepid Paladin, but neither was able to pierce his sturdy defenses.
Maul then stepped carefully off the landing of the stairs and initiated a Thorn Strike on one of the wolves next to Kalen, missing (as has become, sadly, frequent with this particular attack), as the wolf nimbly dodged away from the Warden’s axe.
Rapidly sizing up the situation and with a flash of elemental energy, Retz’s body suddenly dissolved into a rushing torrent of water that swiftly flowed across the room and into a position where he flanked one of the wolves with Kalen. Lunging forward to draw attention and shouting out a series of quick commands, Retz allowed Kalen to perform a Commander’s Strike, which scored a hit, singeing the fur of the wolf. Surging with adrenaline, he nimbly employed his swordsman’s footwork and continued distracting the wolf, while allowing Kalen to score another hit with a second, consecutive Commander’s Strike, bloodying the beast.
Holy symbol brandished high, Crimson unleashed a Lance of Faith at the other bloodied wolf, scoring a hit and illuminating it with holy light for Zoella. She then moved along the northern wall to the western side of the room, on the opposite side of the stairs.
Vindicator still singing through the air from the flurry of strikes triggered by Retz, Kalen immediately transitioned those attacks into a Valiant Strike of his own, hitting the wolf but, despite its already bloodied condition, failed to kill the animal. Suspecting that this wolf wouldn’t survive the next attack directed at it by the party, Kalen invoked his Divine Challenge on the other wolf, which was, as of yet, un-bloodied.
Her greatsword lashing out with great speed in her Bond of Pursuit attack, Zoella struck and killed the wolf nearest to her. Swearing a new Oath of Enmity against the bloodied, remaining wolf, she then strode across the room to stand in position next to that wolf.
The two remaining wolves, barking and yipping to each other, seeming to coordinate their efforts moved around to where they could flank Zoella, but this would ultimately prove devastating for them. The already-bloodied wolf was able to move carefully into a position adjacent to the Avenger, but the wolf marked by Kalen’s Divine tried to move around Zoella, provoking opportunity attacks from Kalen, Zoella, and Retz. All three members of the party scored hits, bloodying that wolf, as well. Both wolves then tried to bite Zoella and, although she was able to deflect one of the attacks, she was struck by the second attack as her guard was turned to face the first attack; the wolf nimbly pulled the Avenger’s feet out from under her as it latched onto her leg with its jaws, knocking her to the floor.
Their attention focused on Zoella, Maul took the opportunity to unleash a Thorn Strike on the first-bloodied wolf, scoring a hit and killing the beast.
To finish the fight, Retz moved the short distance between himself and the final wolf and launched (ironically
) a Wolf Pack Tactics attack with his longsword that bit deeply into the wolf’s flesh, which ended the poor creature’s life and the battle.We do notice, however, that the door that exits this chamber to the west is merely a few boards that are cobbled together; through the gaps between the boards, we are able to look into the room beyond. A pile of boxes, barrels, and various small containers is piled, somewhat haphazardly, in the southwestern corner of the room. Several, lit candelabras provided flickering illumination to the room. Milling about inside the next room was a group of the prevalent were-rats, seemingly on alert (likely due to our battle with the wolves) and appearing to be awaiting our arrival… We also spot what appears to be a goblin near the western end of the next chamber, standing near a door that exits the next room.
Retz, ever the battlefield commander, asked how the party wanted to handle the foes in the next room. Never one to mince words or actions, Kalen responded, “The direct way…” He then proceeded to kick in the door to the next room, startling the were-rats and drawing cries of, “Intruders! Kill them!!!” from the goblin, who, evidently, was some sort of leader.
Battle Report
Aside from the aforementioned candelabras, piles of crates, boxes, and barrels, little else distinguished this 50’ x 40’ room from most of the other rooms in these ruins. Doors exited the room to the west, south, and east (through which we were entering). A total of four were-rats were present in the room, along with the goblin. Curiously, we would note during the battle that many of these were-rats seemed to be trained in the tactics of goblin and hobgoblin tribes, emphasizing mobility and teamwork in combating us.
Even as the splinters from the shabby, wooden door were flying into the room, Maul was stepping past Kalen and into the room, moving about ten feet from the nearest were-rat and unleashing a Thorn Strike from his axe, which failed to connect with the nimble creature.
Recovering swiftly from their initial surprise, the were-rats leapt into action, dashing to surround Maul, two of them flanking the intrepid Warden, the other two moving adjacent to him. The two flanking were-rats jumped forward trying to bite Maul, one of them able to get past his shield and latch onto his leg, causing an oozing wound; the second were-rat’s attack was turned aside by a quick sweep of the Warden’s Warsoul Battleaxe. The other two were-rats, seeing that Maul was already suffering an oozing wound, switched tactics and attacked with the rusty-looking short swords that they each clutched in their grimy paws; again, one attack was turned aside by Maul’s defensive tactics, but the other was able to stab past the Warden’s parry and score a hit.
Hoping to take some heat off of Maul, Retz rushed into the room, longsword swinging around in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and striking the were-rat to which he had moved adjacent.
Stepping into the room and bulling past the nearest were-rat, swatting aside the creature’s opportunity attack with a sweep of Vindicator, Kalen moved to a position that was adjacent to three of the four were-rats. Summoning his holy power and issuing a Divine Challenge to the were-rat that was already struck by Retz, Kalen followed up the Challenge with a Holy Strike which scored a hit on the foul creature. Hoping to end the creature’s existence, the Paladin followed through, in a surge of action, with a Piercing Smite that bloodied the were-rat, and yet, the beast still lived, for now.
Following in Kalen’s footsteps, Zoella came rushing into the room, nimbly dodging the attempted
bite from the same were-rat that had taken an opportunity attack against the Paladin. Playing to her particular talents, she nodded at Retz and Kalen then charged headlong across the room, targeting the goblin leader, but failing to score a hit. After the Avenger missed with her charging assault, the goblin scuttled back away from the cursing she-elf.
Crimson stepped to the doorway where she could see into the room and, brandishing her holy symbol, unleashed a Lance of Faith at the bloodied were-rat, killing the creature in a blaze of divine light.
Now standing next to the western door, the goblin threw the door open, revealing a short hallway beyond. Reaching into a pocket in its clothes, the goblin pulled a small pebble out and tossed it at the door, shouting, “Intruders! Help!”
Summoning Nature’s Wrath, Maul proceeded to mark the two adjacent were-rats (ignoring the one that suffered from Kalen’s Divine Challenge). Bringing his axe to bear, Maul attacked with his Strength of Stone technique, striking one of the were-rats and drawing strength from the primal power of the earth, though the wound inflicted by the were-rat's bite still oozed.
The three remaining were-rats shifted their positions slightly. One moved into a flanking position surrounding Maul, replacing the fallen were-rat; then stabbed at the Warden with its short sword, but was blocked by his shield. A second were-rat reached out and knocked over one of the room’s candelabras, attempting to hit Maul with the falling object, but Maul stepped quickly out of the way. Its first ploy having failed, the were-rat then attempted to bite Kalen, but a backhanded sweep of the Paladin’s shield kept the creature’s slavering jaws far from the holy warrior. The third were-rat, responding to a series of frantic (though unintelligible) commands from the goblin, carefully backed away from Maul, in spite of its caution, however, even the most cautious warrior could not avoid the alacrity with which Maul’s Warsoul Battleaxe lashed out in response to the were-rat’s movement, the speed of the weapon did not guarantee a hit, however, and the axe simply passed over the head of the beast as it continued backing away. Passing out of reach of the Warden, the were-rat then moved across the room to stand next to the goblin.
Retz, still adjacent to one of the were-rats, used his Wolf Pack Tactics attack, but his longsword was unable to connect with the agile beast.
Kalen channeled his divine powers and invoked Divine Mettle in Maul and, as the holy light played over the warforged’s body, the oozing wound that had been inflicted by one of the were-rats sealed shut. Targeting the were-rat under his Divine Challenge, Kalen swung Vindicator around in a Holy Strike, but the were-rat danced nimbly away from the blade then, exhibiting that curious form of goblin tactics and moving out of blade reach of the Paladin. Snarling a curse, Kalen shifted after the pernicious were-rat.
Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the goblin, Zoella moved adjacent to the small creature and swung her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit which the goblin was able to nimbly avoid by luring the strike into the direction of the were-rat that was adjacent to it, though it was not her intended target, Zoella’s attack still managed to strike home. Cursing at the tactic, she burst into action and launched her powerful Temple of Light attack on the goblin, scoring a hit and limning the creature in holy power that would augment all of her further attacks.
Crimson stepped through the doorway and held her holy symbol high, hurling a Lance of Faith at a nearby were-rat, hitting the creature and illuminating it for Kalen’s next attack.
Moving to try to get away from the fierce Avenger, the goblin backed carefully out of reach of Zoella’s greatsword then raced over to the southern door, pushing it open as it moved next to the door.
Shifting position to flank one of the were-rats with Kalen, Maul summoned Nature’s wrath, marking two of the now-adjacent creatures then launched into his Strength of Stone attack; in spite of the advantageous positioning, however, the Warden was unable to score a hit on the were-rat, which then danced nimbly out of reach after employing the goblin tactics.
The two were-rats remaining in the eastern half of the room shifted their positions to flank Maul and both then attempted to bite the Warden; both were unable to pierce the Warden’s stalwart defenses. The were-rat that had been near the western door moved to be adjacent the goblin, following the sharply-barked commands from the goblin, then dropped into a ready stance, looking prepared to attack any of us that approached.
Body rapidly phasing into the rushing torrent of water that we continued to be fascinated by, Retz ‘flowed’ across the room to stand adjacent to the goblin leader and, as his body returned to its more-stable form, swung his longsword and bellowed for Zoella to join in a Concentrated Attack as he landed his own hit. In response to the attack, lacking a ready-to-hand ranged weapon, Zoella reared back and launched her greatsword, hurtling end-over-end, at the goblin and was, perhaps, the most amazed of the whole party when the blade slammed home, bloodying the creature; the blade then winked out of existence, returning to the hand of the incredulous Avenger.
Querying Maul as to whether he felt that he could handle the remaining were-rats and receiving an affirmative response, Kalen marched across the room to stand adjacent to the goblin, provoking an opportunity attack from the nearest were-rat, which the Paladin batted aside with his heavy shield; that opportunity attack, in turn, triggered a Warden’s Fury attack from Maul, which struck home on the mangy were-rat. Uttering a Divine Challenge on the were-rat standing next to the goblin, the Paladin then swung sharply with Vindicator, a Valiant Strike that struck home on the goblin, drawing a shriek of pain and anger from the diminutive creature.
Glaring sharply at the two foes nearest her, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness on the goblin and the closest were-rat, striking both and crumpling the goblin to the floor, unconscious and bloodied, but still alive. With a glare and a stream of muttered curses, Zoella enacted her Oath of Enmity on the nearest were-rat.
Still holding her holy symbol of Tymora high, Crimson unleashed another Lance of Faith at one of the were-rats standing near Maul, hitting the beast and illuminating it in holy radiance for Maul’s next attack.
Taking advantage of that holy guidance, Maul launched a Strength of Stone attack on that were-rat, hitting and bloodying the creature. The Warden then summoned Nature’s Wrath and marked the two adjacent were-rats.
The two rats marked by Maul attacked the Warden, the first biting him and opening an oozing wound; the second stabbed at him with its short sword, scoring a hit also, as Maul was still distracted by the bite of the first were-rat. The were-rat near the southern door bit at Kalen and was actually able to get inside the Paladin’s guard, scoring a hit and opening a bloody wound and drawing a torrent of curses from the stalwart warrior.
Stepping adjacent to the were-rat near the south door, Retz feinted with his longsword while calling for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, but the were-rat was not fooled by the feint and was able to leap out of the way of the downward sweep of Vindicator. Glancing rapidly around and calling out to the party to see if anyone was in need of aid and receiving a call from Maul, Retz chanted his Inspiring Words to the intrepid Warden and the warforged looked considerably more hale and hearty.
Following through from the missed Commander’s Strike, Kalen reversed Vindicator’s swing and executed a Holy Strike, targeting the same were-rat, but, again, the beast dodged the sweep of the holy blade.
Zoella, shifting to flank one of the were-rats next to Maul, she swung her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit and struck the were-rat.
Reinforcements suddenly began to arrive, coming through the western door; a group of five more were-rats came skittering through the door. Three of the newcomers charged and attacked Zoella, but none of the three was able to harm the Avenger. The remaining two moved to block the doorway and dropped into combat-ready stances.
Having heard our tales from the previous day about dealing with ‘reinforcements’, Crimson moved to employ her power most effectively; brandishing her holy symbol high above her head, she summoned a Divine Glow that enveloped all five of the newly-arrived were-rats, the holy light consuming four of the five minions and reducing them to piles of ash, while bolstering the next attack of Zoella.
While the holy radiance gradually cleared from the room, Maul launched a Strength of Stone attack at one of the were-rats still harassing him, but could not connect with the strike.
The were-rats standing near Maul repeated their attacks against him, with one of the beasts successfully biting the Warden while the other was unable to get past the Warden’s shield with its short sword. The third were-rat stabbed at Kalen, again surprising the stalwart Paladin by scoring a hit.
Chanting the encouragement of his Inspiring Words to Kalen, Retz feinted at the were-rat that had attacked the Paladin and called for him to perform a Commander’s Strike; Kalen took full advantage of the opportunity bringing Vindicator around in a sweeping trajectory that severed the head from the body of the target were-rat.
With a triumphant shout, Kalen followed up the successful attack by moving between the last of the were-rat minions and one of the two remaining were-rats, provoking an opportunity attack from the were-rat, which missed and in turn provoked a Warden’s Fury attack from Maul which scored a hit on the creature and killed it. With one of the two adjacent foes now defeated, the Paladin launched a Valiant Strike at the last minion, killing the creature.
Zoella, chanting her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat that she was moving towards, then launched a Bond of Pursuit attack with her greatsword, scoring a hit on the creature.
Immediately following Zoella’s successful attack, Crimson fired a Lance of Faith at the same were-rat, singeing the mangy fur of the beast and boosting Maul’s attack against the creature.
Empowered by the holy light, Maul struck the were-rat with his Strength of Stone attack, bloodying the creature.
Carefully moving out of reach of our party’s weapons, the last were-rat attempted to flee, but, despite its unholy power of regeneration granted by its lycanthropy, the creature was unable to survive the vicious strikes of Retz and Kalen who cut the beast down as it tried to run.
Slamming the western and southern doors closed, we listened closely for a moment before deciding that we could take a few minutes to catch our breaths, not hearing any foes coming to threaten us in the immediate future.
Aside from the aforementioned candelabras, piles of crates, boxes, and barrels, little else distinguished this 50’ x 40’ room from most of the other rooms in these ruins. Doors exited the room to the west, south, and east (through which we were entering). A total of four were-rats were present in the room, along with the goblin. Curiously, we would note during the battle that many of these were-rats seemed to be trained in the tactics of goblin and hobgoblin tribes, emphasizing mobility and teamwork in combating us.
Even as the splinters from the shabby, wooden door were flying into the room, Maul was stepping past Kalen and into the room, moving about ten feet from the nearest were-rat and unleashing a Thorn Strike from his axe, which failed to connect with the nimble creature.
Recovering swiftly from their initial surprise, the were-rats leapt into action, dashing to surround Maul, two of them flanking the intrepid Warden, the other two moving adjacent to him. The two flanking were-rats jumped forward trying to bite Maul, one of them able to get past his shield and latch onto his leg, causing an oozing wound; the second were-rat’s attack was turned aside by a quick sweep of the Warden’s Warsoul Battleaxe. The other two were-rats, seeing that Maul was already suffering an oozing wound, switched tactics and attacked with the rusty-looking short swords that they each clutched in their grimy paws; again, one attack was turned aside by Maul’s defensive tactics, but the other was able to stab past the Warden’s parry and score a hit.
Hoping to take some heat off of Maul, Retz rushed into the room, longsword swinging around in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack and striking the were-rat to which he had moved adjacent.
Stepping into the room and bulling past the nearest were-rat, swatting aside the creature’s opportunity attack with a sweep of Vindicator, Kalen moved to a position that was adjacent to three of the four were-rats. Summoning his holy power and issuing a Divine Challenge to the were-rat that was already struck by Retz, Kalen followed up the Challenge with a Holy Strike which scored a hit on the foul creature. Hoping to end the creature’s existence, the Paladin followed through, in a surge of action, with a Piercing Smite that bloodied the were-rat, and yet, the beast still lived, for now.
Following in Kalen’s footsteps, Zoella came rushing into the room, nimbly dodging the attempted
bite from the same were-rat that had taken an opportunity attack against the Paladin. Playing to her particular talents, she nodded at Retz and Kalen then charged headlong across the room, targeting the goblin leader, but failing to score a hit. After the Avenger missed with her charging assault, the goblin scuttled back away from the cursing she-elf.
Crimson stepped to the doorway where she could see into the room and, brandishing her holy symbol, unleashed a Lance of Faith at the bloodied were-rat, killing the creature in a blaze of divine light.
Now standing next to the western door, the goblin threw the door open, revealing a short hallway beyond. Reaching into a pocket in its clothes, the goblin pulled a small pebble out and tossed it at the door, shouting, “Intruders! Help!”
Summoning Nature’s Wrath, Maul proceeded to mark the two adjacent were-rats (ignoring the one that suffered from Kalen’s Divine Challenge). Bringing his axe to bear, Maul attacked with his Strength of Stone technique, striking one of the were-rats and drawing strength from the primal power of the earth, though the wound inflicted by the were-rat's bite still oozed.
The three remaining were-rats shifted their positions slightly. One moved into a flanking position surrounding Maul, replacing the fallen were-rat; then stabbed at the Warden with its short sword, but was blocked by his shield. A second were-rat reached out and knocked over one of the room’s candelabras, attempting to hit Maul with the falling object, but Maul stepped quickly out of the way. Its first ploy having failed, the were-rat then attempted to bite Kalen, but a backhanded sweep of the Paladin’s shield kept the creature’s slavering jaws far from the holy warrior. The third were-rat, responding to a series of frantic (though unintelligible) commands from the goblin, carefully backed away from Maul, in spite of its caution, however, even the most cautious warrior could not avoid the alacrity with which Maul’s Warsoul Battleaxe lashed out in response to the were-rat’s movement, the speed of the weapon did not guarantee a hit, however, and the axe simply passed over the head of the beast as it continued backing away. Passing out of reach of the Warden, the were-rat then moved across the room to stand next to the goblin.
Retz, still adjacent to one of the were-rats, used his Wolf Pack Tactics attack, but his longsword was unable to connect with the agile beast.
Kalen channeled his divine powers and invoked Divine Mettle in Maul and, as the holy light played over the warforged’s body, the oozing wound that had been inflicted by one of the were-rats sealed shut. Targeting the were-rat under his Divine Challenge, Kalen swung Vindicator around in a Holy Strike, but the were-rat danced nimbly away from the blade then, exhibiting that curious form of goblin tactics and moving out of blade reach of the Paladin. Snarling a curse, Kalen shifted after the pernicious were-rat.
Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the goblin, Zoella moved adjacent to the small creature and swung her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit which the goblin was able to nimbly avoid by luring the strike into the direction of the were-rat that was adjacent to it, though it was not her intended target, Zoella’s attack still managed to strike home. Cursing at the tactic, she burst into action and launched her powerful Temple of Light attack on the goblin, scoring a hit and limning the creature in holy power that would augment all of her further attacks.
Crimson stepped through the doorway and held her holy symbol high, hurling a Lance of Faith at a nearby were-rat, hitting the creature and illuminating it for Kalen’s next attack.
Moving to try to get away from the fierce Avenger, the goblin backed carefully out of reach of Zoella’s greatsword then raced over to the southern door, pushing it open as it moved next to the door.
Shifting position to flank one of the were-rats with Kalen, Maul summoned Nature’s wrath, marking two of the now-adjacent creatures then launched into his Strength of Stone attack; in spite of the advantageous positioning, however, the Warden was unable to score a hit on the were-rat, which then danced nimbly out of reach after employing the goblin tactics.
The two were-rats remaining in the eastern half of the room shifted their positions to flank Maul and both then attempted to bite the Warden; both were unable to pierce the Warden’s stalwart defenses. The were-rat that had been near the western door moved to be adjacent the goblin, following the sharply-barked commands from the goblin, then dropped into a ready stance, looking prepared to attack any of us that approached.
Body rapidly phasing into the rushing torrent of water that we continued to be fascinated by, Retz ‘flowed’ across the room to stand adjacent to the goblin leader and, as his body returned to its more-stable form, swung his longsword and bellowed for Zoella to join in a Concentrated Attack as he landed his own hit. In response to the attack, lacking a ready-to-hand ranged weapon, Zoella reared back and launched her greatsword, hurtling end-over-end, at the goblin and was, perhaps, the most amazed of the whole party when the blade slammed home, bloodying the creature; the blade then winked out of existence, returning to the hand of the incredulous Avenger.
Querying Maul as to whether he felt that he could handle the remaining were-rats and receiving an affirmative response, Kalen marched across the room to stand adjacent to the goblin, provoking an opportunity attack from the nearest were-rat, which the Paladin batted aside with his heavy shield; that opportunity attack, in turn, triggered a Warden’s Fury attack from Maul, which struck home on the mangy were-rat. Uttering a Divine Challenge on the were-rat standing next to the goblin, the Paladin then swung sharply with Vindicator, a Valiant Strike that struck home on the goblin, drawing a shriek of pain and anger from the diminutive creature.
Glaring sharply at the two foes nearest her, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness on the goblin and the closest were-rat, striking both and crumpling the goblin to the floor, unconscious and bloodied, but still alive. With a glare and a stream of muttered curses, Zoella enacted her Oath of Enmity on the nearest were-rat.
Still holding her holy symbol of Tymora high, Crimson unleashed another Lance of Faith at one of the were-rats standing near Maul, hitting the beast and illuminating it in holy radiance for Maul’s next attack.
Taking advantage of that holy guidance, Maul launched a Strength of Stone attack on that were-rat, hitting and bloodying the creature. The Warden then summoned Nature’s Wrath and marked the two adjacent were-rats.
The two rats marked by Maul attacked the Warden, the first biting him and opening an oozing wound; the second stabbed at him with its short sword, scoring a hit also, as Maul was still distracted by the bite of the first were-rat. The were-rat near the southern door bit at Kalen and was actually able to get inside the Paladin’s guard, scoring a hit and opening a bloody wound and drawing a torrent of curses from the stalwart warrior.
Stepping adjacent to the were-rat near the south door, Retz feinted with his longsword while calling for Kalen to do a Commander’s Strike, but the were-rat was not fooled by the feint and was able to leap out of the way of the downward sweep of Vindicator. Glancing rapidly around and calling out to the party to see if anyone was in need of aid and receiving a call from Maul, Retz chanted his Inspiring Words to the intrepid Warden and the warforged looked considerably more hale and hearty.
Following through from the missed Commander’s Strike, Kalen reversed Vindicator’s swing and executed a Holy Strike, targeting the same were-rat, but, again, the beast dodged the sweep of the holy blade.
Zoella, shifting to flank one of the were-rats next to Maul, she swung her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit and struck the were-rat.
Reinforcements suddenly began to arrive, coming through the western door; a group of five more were-rats came skittering through the door. Three of the newcomers charged and attacked Zoella, but none of the three was able to harm the Avenger. The remaining two moved to block the doorway and dropped into combat-ready stances.
Having heard our tales from the previous day about dealing with ‘reinforcements’, Crimson moved to employ her power most effectively; brandishing her holy symbol high above her head, she summoned a Divine Glow that enveloped all five of the newly-arrived were-rats, the holy light consuming four of the five minions and reducing them to piles of ash, while bolstering the next attack of Zoella.
While the holy radiance gradually cleared from the room, Maul launched a Strength of Stone attack at one of the were-rats still harassing him, but could not connect with the strike.
The were-rats standing near Maul repeated their attacks against him, with one of the beasts successfully biting the Warden while the other was unable to get past the Warden’s shield with its short sword. The third were-rat stabbed at Kalen, again surprising the stalwart Paladin by scoring a hit.
Chanting the encouragement of his Inspiring Words to Kalen, Retz feinted at the were-rat that had attacked the Paladin and called for him to perform a Commander’s Strike; Kalen took full advantage of the opportunity bringing Vindicator around in a sweeping trajectory that severed the head from the body of the target were-rat.
With a triumphant shout, Kalen followed up the successful attack by moving between the last of the were-rat minions and one of the two remaining were-rats, provoking an opportunity attack from the were-rat, which missed and in turn provoked a Warden’s Fury attack from Maul which scored a hit on the creature and killed it. With one of the two adjacent foes now defeated, the Paladin launched a Valiant Strike at the last minion, killing the creature.
Zoella, chanting her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat that she was moving towards, then launched a Bond of Pursuit attack with her greatsword, scoring a hit on the creature.
Immediately following Zoella’s successful attack, Crimson fired a Lance of Faith at the same were-rat, singeing the mangy fur of the beast and boosting Maul’s attack against the creature.
Empowered by the holy light, Maul struck the were-rat with his Strength of Stone attack, bloodying the creature.
Carefully moving out of reach of our party’s weapons, the last were-rat attempted to flee, but, despite its unholy power of regeneration granted by its lycanthropy, the creature was unable to survive the vicious strikes of Retz and Kalen who cut the beast down as it tried to run.
Slamming the western and southern doors closed, we listened closely for a moment before deciding that we could take a few minutes to catch our breaths, not hearing any foes coming to threaten us in the immediate future.
After thoroughly searching the room, we turned our attention to the unconscious goblin. Allowing Crimson to administer healing to the goblin, Kalen and Zoella stood close by, waiting to talk to the goblin.
The goblin awoke with a start and, seeing us surrounding him, began begging for his life almost immediately. In the broken Common of the goblin, we ascertained that his name is Jib. Crimson and Kalen talked, diplomatically, to ‘Jib’ and managed, with some effort, to persuade him that if he cooperated with us and gave us information, we would deal with him leniently. As the party talked, Kalen and Crimson did most of the talking, looking to Zoella for hints as to any insights concerning how Jib was responding to us.
As Jib calmed down and became more cooperative, he began to offer information about what was ahead of us; explaining that the room to the west was where Ephram Darano, the leader of the were-rat clan, held his ‘court’ and that there were many (perhaps as many as twenty) more of the minions keeping watch in that room. He also explained that the were-rats had set up a huge trash pile as a sort of makeshift trap for people that entered through the western door. He also explained that there was a large ‘fire-pit’ in the room that might serve as a useful piece of tactical terrain for either attackers or defenders.
Talking quite a bit once he got started, Jib went on to explain about the southern room and that it contains a number of dart traps (which he is more than happy to describe where the trigger plates are located) and leads to the undead-infested catacombs. (These are likely where we will find the Lady Saharel!) Jib goes on to explain that taking the south room leads to a hallway that leads to a different entrance to the ‘court’ room that might allow us to bypass the garbage pile trap and catch the occupants of the court by surprise.
We go on to ask about how he came to be here and what he does for the were-rats. Jib begins spluttering and cursing, alternating between the harsh goblin tongue and Common, explaining that the Darano’s are trying to ‘assure that the world becomes safe for lycanthropes’ (he rolls his eyes as he explains this to us). He also says that the clan has not been fair in their treatment of him, as they promised him treasures in return for service, but they have been very stingy in their distribution of supposed wealth. He promises that if we let him go, he will leave and not bother us or anyone in the rest of the ruins and he begins to plaintively entreat us to let him go.
The party moves to one corner of the room and confers a few moments, trying to decide what to do with the goblin, who has been (as far as we are able to tell) honest with what he has told us. We speak amongst ourselves for a few minutes without reaching any consensus when, suddenly, Crimson tells us that she has an idea and walks over to where Jib is still tied up and sits down in front of the goblin.
Crimson asks Jib, point-blank, if he would be interested in more ‘honest’ work… When Jib eyes her suspiciously and questions what she means, she rapidly explains that we are an adventuring company and that our prospects for the acquisition of treasure are certainly higher than they would be working for the Darano clan; she goes on to extend an invitation to Jib to join up with our company!
Still looking a little confused, Jib asks if we’re demanding that he become our slave, Crimson quickly explains that he would be a ‘partner’ in the company, not a slave or servant. Looking amenable to the possibility, the deal is sealed when he asks her whether he would get a share of the loot acquired by the company as we adventure, and she responds that he would be a full member of the company and that the company splits treasure and loot evenly amongst its members.
Jib thinks for a moment, then says that no one has ever done something that was truly ‘nice’ for him in the past and that he thinks we are all ‘wonderful’ people. We untie the ropes securing the small goblin and he rubs his wrists to restore feeling then thanks us, again, for being so ‘nice’ to him. We spend a few minutes asking Jib what sort of things he could do to help the party and we discover that, in addition to having a set of nimble fingers (perfect for all those thievery-related tasks), he also is something of a spellcaster (a warlock, in fact), a valuable addition to our company. (Though it must be pointed out...we certainly didn't expect the young, cleric lass to be inviting the goblin to join up with us...but we are certainly open to any and all help!)
Having run and played in Keep on the Shadowfell and having Splug join the party in that module; it wasn't far fetched to have Jib join the party. As the party leveled up, to 3rd level, with the completion of the skill challenge, I will bring Jib in as a 2nd level Warlock. I used the same rules for character creation that the PCs had at the start with the exception of the Legacy (though Jib may create his legacy along the way). While building Jib, I kept his flavor as a Goblin Hexer intact by keeping his stats close to the module. The party needed a ranged combatant and someone with training in thievery so Jib should fill the bill nicely.Starting Info: Jib Pactmagic
Goblin Warlock level 2, Dark Pact, Age: 20
3'4" 40 lbs.
Deity: ? (faithless for now)
Background: Born under a Bad Sign (Scales of War)
Languages Spoken: Common, Goblin
Str - 8
Con - 14
Dex - 14
Int - 16
Wis - 10
Cha - 18
Trained Skills: Arcana, Bluff, Streetwise, Thievery.
Feats: Implement Expertise (Rod), Distant Advantage.
At-Will Powers: Goblin Tactics, Eldritch blast, Spiteful Glamor, Darkspiral Aura, Warlock's Curse
Encounter Power: Curse Bite
Daily Power: Dread Star
Utility Power: Ethereal Stride
Starting Magic Items: Rod of Corruption +1, Magic Leather Armor +1,
Amulet of Resolution +1, Burglar's Gloves
-Izzie
Third Level Updates
Kalen:
Encounter Power: Arcing Smite
Maul:
Encounter Power: Earthgrasp Strike
Zoella:
Encounter Power: Sequestering Strike
Retz:
Encounter Power: Inspiring War Cry
Dearbhla:
Encounter Power: Predator's Flurry
NEW MEMBER:
Crimson
Human Cleric 3, Age: 27
5'9", 150 lbs.
Deity: Tymora
Background: ??? (Need info from player)
Languages Spoken: Common, Draconic
STR - 8
CON - 10
DEX - 10
INT - 10
WIS - 20
CHA - 16
Trained Skills: Religion, Arcana, Diplomacy, Heal, Insight
Feats: Ritual Caster, Combat Medic, Coordinated Explosion, Implement Expertise (Holy Symbol)
At-Will Powers: Sacred Flame, Lance of Faith, Gaze of Defiance
Encounter Powers: Divine Glow, Daunting Light
Daily Power: Cascade of Light
Utility Power: Bless
Magic Items: Ritual Book, Symbol of Divine Reach +1, Chainmail of Resistance (Necrotic) +1, Magic Morningstar+1, Everburning Torch
RECAP: With our newest member, the diminutive, goblin Warlock, Jib, providing the suggestion that we should take an alternate route to the 'throne room' of the Darano clan, we move to the south passage that leaves the room where we fought against Jib and his cronies.
JOURNAL: Jib once again reminds us that if we are intending to fight Ephram Darano (the leader of the were-rat clan) and his servants, that it would be in our best interests to use the room to the south that leads to the alternate entrance to the “throne room.” He also offers to employ his spellcasting talent to aid us in being rid of the “annoying” were-rats.
A sudden sound from the eastern corridor behind us triggers a combat response from all of the party as we drop into combat-ready stances, but we swiftly ease up when we see Dearbhla come carefully padding down the hallway in her wolf form. She swiftly shapeshifts back into her human form and offers her greetings. She then tells us that she returned from her excursion, only to find us missing from the monastery. After inquiring as to our whereabouts and learning that we had returned to the ruins with Crimson, she came to join up with us. Before she left from the monastery, one of Crimson’s fellow priests sent a message for her, requesting that she return as swiftly as possible. With our company back to its original strength (indeed, fortified with the addition of the erstwhile goblin, Jib), Crimson begged our leave to return, promising to meet up with us upon our return, that we might regale her with the tales of our victories. Thanking her for her efforts and prayers, we quickly escort her back to the front door of the ramparts, where she bids us farewell for now.
Returning to the room where we fought (and recruited) Jib, we decide to follow the goblin’s advice and head to the southern door. The door opens to a passage some twenty feet long that then takes a turn to the west, ending some fifteen feet further at another door, which looks somewhat sturdier than the ones that we have seen through the rest of the ruins.
The door, after careful examination, is discovered to be both unlocked and un-trapped (thankfully), thus, we listen at the door and, hearing little to indicate that the next room might be occupied, gingerly push the door open. The room behind the door is a bare, stone-lined room whose occupants are four, curious, metallic creatures that resemble small dogs. With a scraping of metal, the four Iron Defenders (identified by Jib) moved to attack us.
Battle Report
Thanks to Jib's warnings, we already knew where the trapped floor was located in this 40' x 40' room. Two doors exited the room, the one to the east from which we had entered and another in the western wall (which, ostensibly, led to the were-rat 'throne room'). A dark passageway opened in the southern wall and stretched out of sight.
Recognizing our foes' malicious intent, Maul entered the room swiftly and dropped into a combat-ready stance about ten feet from the nearest pressure plates of the room's traps.
Following closely in his wake, Zoella raced into the room and with a powerful spring of her athletic legs, leapt across the trapped portion of the floor, landing next to one of the Iron Defenders. Muttering her Oath of Enmity, she swept her longsword around in a Sequestering Strike and, as the blade struck home on the creature, the blade pierced the fabric of time and space, hurtling both Zoella and the construct across the room, into a position where Zoella and Retz flanked the creature.
Intoning and repeating the phrase, "Spellgard will consume you!" the construct next to Zoella clamped down on her leg, scoring a hit on the Avenger. Another moved across the room (NOT triggering the traps, to our dismay) and took up position next to Zoella, also biting her and scoring a hit. The remaining two Iron Defenders moved to flank Maul, the first dodging the Warden's readied Thorn Strike as it moved into position, then both lashed out with their mechanical jaws, both scoring hits on the just-too-slow Warden.
Uttering his Warlock's Curse against the nearest Iron Defender, Jib fired a Spiteful Glamer at the construct, but the Iron Defender seemed unfazed by the attack, which drew a stream of muttered curses, in both Common and Goblin, from the diminutive Warlock.
Dearbhla, shifting into her wolf form, launched into her Predator's Flurry, scoring a hit on the construct flanked by Retz and Maul, bloodying the creature and causing it to stumble dazedly. Scampering around to flank a second of the constructs between herself and Maul, she repeated the Flurry against it, again scoring a hit and dazing the creature.
Entering from the western door to the sound of battle and looking startled at our appearance, another goblin, dressed eerily similarly to Jib, looks at the group and, spotting our newest member, begins to chatter angrily in the harsh, Goblin tongue. Jib responded in kind, much to the rest of the party's bemusement, until the other goblin (later identified as Jib's elder brother, Jub) spat a final, angry phrase then threw his arms up and prepared to launch his first attack. An inky, black Vexing Cloud filtered out from the goblin's outstretched arms, shrouding the goblin and his Iron Defender allies in the very substance of shadows.
Muttering to himself about "creepy, goblin shamans," Retz whipped his longsword around in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, scoring a hit on the bloodied (dented?) Iron Defender thanks to his excellent tactical position.
Whispering a prayer and dropping Vindicator into a position to strike, Kalen carefully moved into position centered between three of the Iron Defenders. After channeling the power of his Divine Challenge on one of the constructs, the Paladin unleashed Vindicator in a Piercing Smite, biting into the as-yet undamaged exterior of the Challenged construct and marking the two, other, adjacent Iron Defenders.
Zoella, greatsword held high over her head, launched an Overwhelming Strike on the target of her Oath, shearing the creature's head from its body as the sword slammed downwards; as the body of the construct crumpled to the ground, Jib raised his Rod of Corruption up and dark tendrils of energy lashed out from the dying construct and passed the Warlock's Curse onto the rest of the creatures in the room. Shifting position slightly and muttering a new Oath against another of the constructs, Zoella proceeded to lash out with a Bond of Pursuit in a surge of action, hitting the Iron Defender and bloodying it.
With some of the heat taken off him by Kalen, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe around, missing with his Strength of Stone attack as the fourth of the Iron Defenders nimbly ducked the sweep of the Warden's weapon. Then, to further discourage the constructs from the possibility of ignoring the Paladin's marks, he shifted out of the flank that two of the Iron Defender's had placed him in.
The two, surviving, marked Iron Defenders leapt forward to attack Kalen, but were rebuffed by the sturdy Paladin's defenses; one being turned aside by his heavy shield, the other being repulsed by a sweeping parry of the holy warrior's brightly-glowing blade. The other Iron Defender tried to bite Maul but was unable to find purchase with its metal teeth in the warforged's own metal skin, then, responding to barked orders from the goblin, moved across the room to stand next to the hexer, ducking the sweep of Maul's opportunity attack on the way.
Continuing to mutter curses in a mix of Goblin and Common, Jib threw his arms out wide and unleashed his Cursebite attack, hitting a pair of the Iron Defenders (one of them critically), but missing the third construct and his evil brother. The evil goblin began calling out taunts at the Warlock in their native, Goblin tongue, causing Jib to jump up and down in anger.
Leaving the party's defenders to handle the two nearer constructs, Dearbhla scampered across the room, leaping into the air and unleashing a Charging Pounce on the Iron Defender next to the hexer, digging her claws into the construct as she slammed into it.
Hoping to keep the Druid from doing the same to him, Jub unleashed a Stinging Hex from his hexer rod at Dearbhla, but fired wide of the rapidly dodging wolf. Intoning a few words of arcane power, the hexer's Vexing Cloud drifted across the room to, once again, encircle the goblin and his guardian construct.
Employing some skilled footwork as he swung, Retz unleashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the bloodied Iron Defender (the one under Zoella's Oath), scoring a hit and killing the construct, dropping it to the floor as a pile of inert metal.
With a tight-lipped smile after seeing the end of that Iron Defender, Kalen summoned the holy power of his Divine Strength and swung Vindicator, pulsing with holy energy, in a Holy Strike that bit deeply into the construct still under the effect of the Paladin's Divine Challenge. He then side-stepped carefully around the creature, trying to help Maul get into flanking position against it.
WIth her previous target now a pile of scrap on the cold, stone floor of the room, Zoella directed her Oath of Enmity at the Iron Defender standing near the goblin hexer, then directed the psychic assault of her Shared Madness attack at the construct and the hexer, hitting both and slaying the Iron Defender. She then strode purposefully across the room to stand next to the spluttering goblin.
Now, taking full advantage of the opening created by Kalen, Maul moved to flank the remaining Iron Defender, then proceeded to finish off the construct with an Earthgrasp Strike.
Chanting dark, mystic words, Jib formed a fist-sized orb of searing blue-white radiance that lashed across the room and swirled around his evil brother, fierce rays of light stabbing out from the orb of the Dread Star to stab into the hexer's flesh and bloodying him. Following up with a surge of action, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at his brother, causing the other goblin to cringe in pain. Then, calling out in Common, Jib demanded that the rest of the party "[i]leave him [Jub] to me![/i]"
Slightly confused but not wanting to offend the newest member of the party, Dearbhla moved to stand next to the hexer, then dropped to her haunches and prepared to spring at the goblin if Jib failed to kill him.
One hand absently performing a mystic pass to sustain the Vexing Cloud, Jub swung his hexer rod around hard, bonking Dearbhla right in the middle of her canine head, drawing a bark of irritation at the goblin.
Scratching his head in bewilderment, Retz paused, waiting to see what would happen...
Deciding to allow Jib to finish his apparent blood-feud with his brother, Kalen stepped next to the Warlock and brought his shield up in front of him, standing in the intervening space between the two goblins and providing cover for the diminutive Jib.
Zoella, uttering her Oath of Enmity against the hexer, also moved to stand adjacent to the enemy goblin and drew her greatsword above her head, ready to unleash a strike on the creature.
Taking a cue from Retz, Maul also decided to wait a moment to see what would happen...
Screaming "ATTACK!" in Common, Jib unleashed an Eldritch Blast at his evil brother as Zoella and Dearbhla launched attacks of their own, killing the goblin hexer in a bloody mess.
Thanks to Jib's warnings, we already knew where the trapped floor was located in this 40' x 40' room. Two doors exited the room, the one to the east from which we had entered and another in the western wall (which, ostensibly, led to the were-rat 'throne room'). A dark passageway opened in the southern wall and stretched out of sight.
Recognizing our foes' malicious intent, Maul entered the room swiftly and dropped into a combat-ready stance about ten feet from the nearest pressure plates of the room's traps.
Following closely in his wake, Zoella raced into the room and with a powerful spring of her athletic legs, leapt across the trapped portion of the floor, landing next to one of the Iron Defenders. Muttering her Oath of Enmity, she swept her longsword around in a Sequestering Strike and, as the blade struck home on the creature, the blade pierced the fabric of time and space, hurtling both Zoella and the construct across the room, into a position where Zoella and Retz flanked the creature.
Intoning and repeating the phrase, "Spellgard will consume you!" the construct next to Zoella clamped down on her leg, scoring a hit on the Avenger. Another moved across the room (NOT triggering the traps, to our dismay) and took up position next to Zoella, also biting her and scoring a hit. The remaining two Iron Defenders moved to flank Maul, the first dodging the Warden's readied Thorn Strike as it moved into position, then both lashed out with their mechanical jaws, both scoring hits on the just-too-slow Warden.
Uttering his Warlock's Curse against the nearest Iron Defender, Jib fired a Spiteful Glamer at the construct, but the Iron Defender seemed unfazed by the attack, which drew a stream of muttered curses, in both Common and Goblin, from the diminutive Warlock.
Dearbhla, shifting into her wolf form, launched into her Predator's Flurry, scoring a hit on the construct flanked by Retz and Maul, bloodying the creature and causing it to stumble dazedly. Scampering around to flank a second of the constructs between herself and Maul, she repeated the Flurry against it, again scoring a hit and dazing the creature.
Entering from the western door to the sound of battle and looking startled at our appearance, another goblin, dressed eerily similarly to Jib, looks at the group and, spotting our newest member, begins to chatter angrily in the harsh, Goblin tongue. Jib responded in kind, much to the rest of the party's bemusement, until the other goblin (later identified as Jib's elder brother, Jub) spat a final, angry phrase then threw his arms up and prepared to launch his first attack. An inky, black Vexing Cloud filtered out from the goblin's outstretched arms, shrouding the goblin and his Iron Defender allies in the very substance of shadows.
Muttering to himself about "creepy, goblin shamans," Retz whipped his longsword around in a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, scoring a hit on the bloodied (dented?) Iron Defender thanks to his excellent tactical position.
Whispering a prayer and dropping Vindicator into a position to strike, Kalen carefully moved into position centered between three of the Iron Defenders. After channeling the power of his Divine Challenge on one of the constructs, the Paladin unleashed Vindicator in a Piercing Smite, biting into the as-yet undamaged exterior of the Challenged construct and marking the two, other, adjacent Iron Defenders.
Zoella, greatsword held high over her head, launched an Overwhelming Strike on the target of her Oath, shearing the creature's head from its body as the sword slammed downwards; as the body of the construct crumpled to the ground, Jib raised his Rod of Corruption up and dark tendrils of energy lashed out from the dying construct and passed the Warlock's Curse onto the rest of the creatures in the room. Shifting position slightly and muttering a new Oath against another of the constructs, Zoella proceeded to lash out with a Bond of Pursuit in a surge of action, hitting the Iron Defender and bloodying it.
With some of the heat taken off him by Kalen, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe around, missing with his Strength of Stone attack as the fourth of the Iron Defenders nimbly ducked the sweep of the Warden's weapon. Then, to further discourage the constructs from the possibility of ignoring the Paladin's marks, he shifted out of the flank that two of the Iron Defender's had placed him in.
The two, surviving, marked Iron Defenders leapt forward to attack Kalen, but were rebuffed by the sturdy Paladin's defenses; one being turned aside by his heavy shield, the other being repulsed by a sweeping parry of the holy warrior's brightly-glowing blade. The other Iron Defender tried to bite Maul but was unable to find purchase with its metal teeth in the warforged's own metal skin, then, responding to barked orders from the goblin, moved across the room to stand next to the hexer, ducking the sweep of Maul's opportunity attack on the way.
Continuing to mutter curses in a mix of Goblin and Common, Jib threw his arms out wide and unleashed his Cursebite attack, hitting a pair of the Iron Defenders (one of them critically), but missing the third construct and his evil brother. The evil goblin began calling out taunts at the Warlock in their native, Goblin tongue, causing Jib to jump up and down in anger.
Leaving the party's defenders to handle the two nearer constructs, Dearbhla scampered across the room, leaping into the air and unleashing a Charging Pounce on the Iron Defender next to the hexer, digging her claws into the construct as she slammed into it.
Hoping to keep the Druid from doing the same to him, Jub unleashed a Stinging Hex from his hexer rod at Dearbhla, but fired wide of the rapidly dodging wolf. Intoning a few words of arcane power, the hexer's Vexing Cloud drifted across the room to, once again, encircle the goblin and his guardian construct.
Employing some skilled footwork as he swung, Retz unleashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the bloodied Iron Defender (the one under Zoella's Oath), scoring a hit and killing the construct, dropping it to the floor as a pile of inert metal.
With a tight-lipped smile after seeing the end of that Iron Defender, Kalen summoned the holy power of his Divine Strength and swung Vindicator, pulsing with holy energy, in a Holy Strike that bit deeply into the construct still under the effect of the Paladin's Divine Challenge. He then side-stepped carefully around the creature, trying to help Maul get into flanking position against it.
WIth her previous target now a pile of scrap on the cold, stone floor of the room, Zoella directed her Oath of Enmity at the Iron Defender standing near the goblin hexer, then directed the psychic assault of her Shared Madness attack at the construct and the hexer, hitting both and slaying the Iron Defender. She then strode purposefully across the room to stand next to the spluttering goblin.
Now, taking full advantage of the opening created by Kalen, Maul moved to flank the remaining Iron Defender, then proceeded to finish off the construct with an Earthgrasp Strike.
Chanting dark, mystic words, Jib formed a fist-sized orb of searing blue-white radiance that lashed across the room and swirled around his evil brother, fierce rays of light stabbing out from the orb of the Dread Star to stab into the hexer's flesh and bloodying him. Following up with a surge of action, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at his brother, causing the other goblin to cringe in pain. Then, calling out in Common, Jib demanded that the rest of the party "[i]leave him [Jub] to me![/i]"
Slightly confused but not wanting to offend the newest member of the party, Dearbhla moved to stand next to the hexer, then dropped to her haunches and prepared to spring at the goblin if Jib failed to kill him.
One hand absently performing a mystic pass to sustain the Vexing Cloud, Jub swung his hexer rod around hard, bonking Dearbhla right in the middle of her canine head, drawing a bark of irritation at the goblin.
Scratching his head in bewilderment, Retz paused, waiting to see what would happen...
Deciding to allow Jib to finish his apparent blood-feud with his brother, Kalen stepped next to the Warlock and brought his shield up in front of him, standing in the intervening space between the two goblins and providing cover for the diminutive Jib.
Zoella, uttering her Oath of Enmity against the hexer, also moved to stand adjacent to the enemy goblin and drew her greatsword above her head, ready to unleash a strike on the creature.
Taking a cue from Retz, Maul also decided to wait a moment to see what would happen...
Screaming "ATTACK!" in Common, Jib unleashed an Eldritch Blast at his evil brother as Zoella and Dearbhla launched attacks of their own, killing the goblin hexer in a bloody mess.
Grabbing the lifeless body, Jib, to the surprise and (in a few cases) horror of the rest of the party, bit the ear off the dead goblin, spat it to the floor and dropped the corpse back to the ground in a crumple, then continued spitting repeatedly on the corpse. Taunting the dead body in his native, Goblin tongue, Jib began to dance a jig on the body of his dead brother. After a minute or so of this, he turned to the party with a toothy grin and said, "I feel better now...Jub was very bad brother..." The diminutive goblin then paused a moment, looking at the body of his deceased sibling, then knelt down next to the corpse and plucked one of the dead goblin's teeth from its mouth and threaded the tooth onto one of the necklaces that surrounded the narrow neck of the goblin. Then, as if nothing had happened, moved on to the next door. Collectively sharing a bemused look and shaking our heads, we followed in the small goblin's footsteps.
Moving through a short corridor that turned back to the north, we come to another door that Jib informs us leads into the were-rat's 'throne room' and that we should be able to surprise them by coming this way.
Peering through the shoddy door, we see a large number of were-rats (it would turn out that there were fifteen plus Ephram) milling about the room.
One were-rat, wearing black robes adorned with arcane sigils, is seated on a small throne and is identified, by Jib, as Ephram, the leader of the Darano clan.
A pile of refuse is stacked near the door to the east, which we would have likely entered through had we not recruited Jib, looking as though ready to be pushed over onto anyone that entered through that door.
A 10' x 10' firepit smoldered in the center of the room, while spits with hunks of burning meat rested over the pit.
With a nod to the rest of the party and drawing Vindicator from its black scabbard at his hip, Kalen took a step forward and kicked the door in, sending splinters and shards of the shoddy wood flying through the room, drawing squeals of alarm from the were-rats within.
Battle Report
This 80' x 50' room, aside from the aformentioned firepit and garbage pile also contained a small sleeping area in the southwestern corner of the room, partitioned from the rest of the room with tattered curtains, containing a bed and small chest.
Reacting swiftly to our presence, the were-rat minions raced from their positions around the room to move in and attempt to surround our party, but it was evident that they never considered an attack to come from the southern door, as most of the were-rats were positioned to defend the eastern door. Four of the were-rats were able to move next to Kalen and Maul, who they proceeded to try to bite with their diseased teeth. The two attacking Maul were able to sequence their attacks in just the right manner as they darted in and out, evading the parrying strokes of the Warden's axe, each scoring a hit, one a critical strike that bypassed the warforged's hide armor and caused the Warden to howl in frustration. The two that attacked Kalen were not so fortunate, however, being stymied by the Paladin's sturdy defenses and skillful parrying with Vindicator.
Calling out his Curse on the nearest minion, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at that were-rat, but the creature was so focused on its attacks against Kalen that it simply ignored the diminutive goblin, eliciting a torrent of curses in Common and Goblin from the Warlock.
With a veritable swarm of foes to target, Dearbhla shifted back to her human form and ensorcelled a Chill Wind, targeting five of the minions in the room and killing three of them with the brutal cold of the attack. As one of the fallen minions bore Jib's curse, the Warlock lifted his Rod of Corruption up and burst the dark energy of the curse out to envelop all of the remaining foes in the room, thanks to their moving to close in on the party. Still faced with a target-rich environment, Dearbhla unleashed a surge of adrenaline and attacked with a second Chill Wind, targeting four more minions and slaying two of them with the lashing, frosty wind of the primal magic.
Stepping into the room and adjacent to a pair of the slavering minions, Kalen lifted Vindicator high over his head and whispered the blade's name in the Supernal tongue, unleashing brilliantly-radiant motes of light that lashed out of the blade and slammed into the adjacent were-rats, killing both. Slowly lowering the holy blade, Kalen held the sword vertically in front of him, saluting his foes and silently promising them a swift and clean death, then sweeping the blade back into its familiar, ready position.
Leaping off his 'throne' and cursing loudly, Ephram Darano raced to the northern side of the room then attempted to conjure a Cloud of Daggers around Kalen, but the Paladin swatted the swirling blades aside with sweeps of Vindicator and his heavy shield.
Dashing into the room and drawing an opportunity attack from one of the minions in the room as she moved, Zoella invoked her Resonant Escape power and disappeared from view even as the minion's teeth clenched home on her leg, re-appearing fifteen feet further ahead and being able to move the rest of the intervening distance between her and Ephram. Intoning her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat leader, she slashed her greatsword through the air, cutting through time, space, and the were-rat's flesh with her Sequestering Strike that bit deeply and critically into the were-rat's flesh, bloodying the creature and drawing a howl of anguish from the injured beast. The two combatants flashed out of existence and re-appeared a moment later next to the firepit, with the were-rat suspended above the firepit itself, but as he fell, he managed to grab ahold of the side of the pit and avoid falling into the shimmering flames. Cursing at his agility, Zoella followed up her powerful first attack with another, in a burst of energy, and took the were-rat's head from his body when her Bond of Pursuit struck home.
Looking on in appreciation and calling his congratulations to the Avenger for her skillful assault, Retz moved into the room and slew another of the minions with his Wolf Pack Tactics attack.
Moving between the seven, remaining minions, Maul nimbly dodged past the opportunity attacks of two of the minions as he crossed the room and unleashed his Thunder Ram Assault on four of the minions, slaying all of them between the initial strike and the thunderous, secondary aspect of the attack.
To bring a swift end to the battle, Jib stepped into the room and invoked his Cursebite on the last three minions, all cursed thanks to the Warlock's Rod of Corruption, and killed all three. The threat of the Darano clan, as far as we know, has been ended.
This 80' x 50' room, aside from the aformentioned firepit and garbage pile also contained a small sleeping area in the southwestern corner of the room, partitioned from the rest of the room with tattered curtains, containing a bed and small chest.
Reacting swiftly to our presence, the were-rat minions raced from their positions around the room to move in and attempt to surround our party, but it was evident that they never considered an attack to come from the southern door, as most of the were-rats were positioned to defend the eastern door. Four of the were-rats were able to move next to Kalen and Maul, who they proceeded to try to bite with their diseased teeth. The two attacking Maul were able to sequence their attacks in just the right manner as they darted in and out, evading the parrying strokes of the Warden's axe, each scoring a hit, one a critical strike that bypassed the warforged's hide armor and caused the Warden to howl in frustration. The two that attacked Kalen were not so fortunate, however, being stymied by the Paladin's sturdy defenses and skillful parrying with Vindicator.
Calling out his Curse on the nearest minion, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at that were-rat, but the creature was so focused on its attacks against Kalen that it simply ignored the diminutive goblin, eliciting a torrent of curses in Common and Goblin from the Warlock.
With a veritable swarm of foes to target, Dearbhla shifted back to her human form and ensorcelled a Chill Wind, targeting five of the minions in the room and killing three of them with the brutal cold of the attack. As one of the fallen minions bore Jib's curse, the Warlock lifted his Rod of Corruption up and burst the dark energy of the curse out to envelop all of the remaining foes in the room, thanks to their moving to close in on the party. Still faced with a target-rich environment, Dearbhla unleashed a surge of adrenaline and attacked with a second Chill Wind, targeting four more minions and slaying two of them with the lashing, frosty wind of the primal magic.
Stepping into the room and adjacent to a pair of the slavering minions, Kalen lifted Vindicator high over his head and whispered the blade's name in the Supernal tongue, unleashing brilliantly-radiant motes of light that lashed out of the blade and slammed into the adjacent were-rats, killing both. Slowly lowering the holy blade, Kalen held the sword vertically in front of him, saluting his foes and silently promising them a swift and clean death, then sweeping the blade back into its familiar, ready position.
Leaping off his 'throne' and cursing loudly, Ephram Darano raced to the northern side of the room then attempted to conjure a Cloud of Daggers around Kalen, but the Paladin swatted the swirling blades aside with sweeps of Vindicator and his heavy shield.
Dashing into the room and drawing an opportunity attack from one of the minions in the room as she moved, Zoella invoked her Resonant Escape power and disappeared from view even as the minion's teeth clenched home on her leg, re-appearing fifteen feet further ahead and being able to move the rest of the intervening distance between her and Ephram. Intoning her Oath of Enmity against the were-rat leader, she slashed her greatsword through the air, cutting through time, space, and the were-rat's flesh with her Sequestering Strike that bit deeply and critically into the were-rat's flesh, bloodying the creature and drawing a howl of anguish from the injured beast. The two combatants flashed out of existence and re-appeared a moment later next to the firepit, with the were-rat suspended above the firepit itself, but as he fell, he managed to grab ahold of the side of the pit and avoid falling into the shimmering flames. Cursing at his agility, Zoella followed up her powerful first attack with another, in a burst of energy, and took the were-rat's head from his body when her Bond of Pursuit struck home.
Looking on in appreciation and calling his congratulations to the Avenger for her skillful assault, Retz moved into the room and slew another of the minions with his Wolf Pack Tactics attack.
Moving between the seven, remaining minions, Maul nimbly dodged past the opportunity attacks of two of the minions as he crossed the room and unleashed his Thunder Ram Assault on four of the minions, slaying all of them between the initial strike and the thunderous, secondary aspect of the attack.
To bring a swift end to the battle, Jib stepped into the room and invoked his Cursebite on the last three minions, all cursed thanks to the Warlock's Rod of Corruption, and killed all three. The threat of the Darano clan, as far as we know, has been ended.
While the goblin gloated and taunted our fallen foes, the rest of the party searched the room, finding the room's only treasures contained in the small chest next to the bed, behind the curtains in the southwestern corner of the room.
Contained within the chest are: three hundred and fifty gold lions, another two hundred gold lions worth of copper trade bars, a gold necklace (worth one hundred and fifty gold lions), and two magic items: a +1 Amulet of Resolution (given to Dearbhla), and Giantkind Gloves (given to Kalen).
Though our resources were not depleted, we decided that it might be in our best interests to return to the Monastery and rest for the remainder of the day, while we make plans to explore the catacombs to the south of the room where we fought the Iron Defenders and Jub; perhaps someone will have more information regarding the catacombs at the monastery.
After a quiet afternoon and evening spent in the monastery's common room, enjoying some of the fine whiskey and sharing our tales with the bard, Kane, and anyone else that wanted to listen, we awake the following morning, refreshed and ready to descend into the catacombs.
Tarsakh 11 - We eat a small breakfast then make our way back across the compound to the ruins of the northern ramparts.
This time, when we enter the tower, no boxes are piled behind the door and no foe moves to interfere with our explorations, it seems that we have dealt with the threat of the were-rats for now.
Returning to the room where we fought Jub and the Iron Defenders, Jib proceeds to disable the room's dart traps (which we had left active the previous day, hoping that they might keep anything nasty from getting out).
We pass down the dark passage that leads south out of that room, light provided by the brilliant glow of Kalen's sword, Vindicator. The passageway eventually becomes strewn with rubble and bones that do not block our movement, but do hinder the speed of our progress. Eventually, we arrive at a door of ironbound wood that appears to be much sturdier and better-constructed than the shoddy planks that the were-rats used for their doors. Allowing Jib to search the door, who finds no traps and sees that the door is unlocked, we move into the next room.
A stagnant canal cuts through this chamber. The air smells strongly of mold and dank stone. The canal’s murky waters branch before exiting through channels to the south and west that leave no clearance between the floor and the surface of the water. The north and south walls are lined with burial niches from floor to ceiling, the pale gleam of bones visible within. Long strands of feathery mold cover the ceiling like spider webs, and a dark line midway up the walls shows the level to which this room must have flooded in the past. The canal is crossed by a rusted wrought-iron bridge. Passages appear to lead to the east and west, but these are blocked by barred iron doors set with spikes.
As we move carefully into the room, which is lit fully by the glow from Vindicator, Zoella's keen eyes pick out a trio of shadowhunter bats, descending to attack, a moment before they are upon us; cursing loudly, she warns us of the danger.
Battle Report
This 50' x 50' room contains all the features mentioned in the journal.
At the shouted warning of Zoella, Dearbhla Wild Shapes into her wolf form and scampers forward into the room, moving toward the group of bats; as she moves, however, she discovers another denizen of this chamber as a skeletal form swings at her swiftly moving form as she moves past, but, despite the surprise, the Druid is able to evade the sweep of the rusty blade and finish moving next to one of the bats. Unleashing her Predator's Flurry, she is unable to catch the first bat in her jaws, but, as she moves around with the flurry of quick bites, she is able to find purchase in the leathery hide of a second bat.
Following closely on the heels of Dearbhla, Zoella dashes into the room near to the first shadowhunter bat while she mutters her Oath of Enmity (and more than a few, other, choice, swear words for these beasts for which she holds a particularly strong hatred). Calling upon her divine power, she attacks with her Shared Madness against two of the bats, which hits thanks to her inherent Elven Accuracy, bloodying the bat that had been struck by Dearbhla.
Uttering his Curse against the first bat, Jib stared his horrifying Spiteful Glamer at that bat, causing the creature to cringe in pain, bloodied by the attack. The goblin then scurried forward to stand behind the heavily-armored form of the Paladin.
The three bats now began their series of Flyby Attacks, one targeting Dearbhla and biting the Druid as it soared by, while the other two targeted Zoella. The Avenger was able to block the attack of one of the two bats, but the second, taking advantage of her distraction while parrying the other bat, was able to score a critical hit on her as it flew by, eliciting a torrent of vicious curses and promises of vengeance from the infuriated elfmaid. The bats proceeded to move, together, to the southwestern corner of the room, on the opposite side of the canal that flowed through the western half of the room.
Seeing an undead foe, for which he was particularly suited to combat, Kalen stepped into the room next to the skeleton, issuing a Divine Challenge as he moved next to the monster. Sending a pulse of holy energy down the blade of Vindicator, Kalen swept the blade out with a Holy Strike, connecting solidly on the bony structure of the unholy creature's body and allowing holy energy to course over the dark entity and harming it further.
Shifting away from the wall, the boneshard skeleton riposted at the Paladin with its scimitar but the skilled warrior met the undead soldier's blade with his holy sword and drove the attack away.
Stepping past Kalen and the skeleton and ducking under the opportunity attack of the skeleton as he moved by (which, incidentally, seared the skeleton with more holy radiance from the effects of Kalen's Divine Challenge), Maul dropped into a ready stance, prepared to unleash an Earthgrasp Strike on the first bat that tried to Flyby Attack him.
Telling Kalen to prepare to strike, Retz moved next to the stalwart Paladin and drew the attention of the skeleton while calling for a Commander's Strike from the holy warrior. As Vindicator lashed out and connected solidly with the undead horror, a blast of bone shards erupted from the creature, spanging loudly off the shields and armor of Kalen, Retz, and Maul, and being absorbed by the invoked magic of Zoella's Brooch of Shielding.
Seeing the bats now clustered together in one corner of the room, Dearbhla Wild Shaped back into her human form and conjured a Chill Wind that struck all three bats, bouncing a pair of them off the far wall for additional damage. In a flurry of action, she repeated the attack, again striking all three bats, killing the pair that had been bloodied previously.
Shifting away from the boneshard skeleton, Zoella summoned a flare of holy power as she Abjured the undead monster. Though she did not do as much damage as she wished, the skeleton still cringed under the radiant assault. Then, with a smattering of actual curses and angry swearing mixed in, she uttered her Oath of Enmity against the last shadowhunter bat.
Uttering his own Curse against the boneshard skeleton, Jib fired an Eldritch Blast at the beast from his Rod of Corruption, striking the creature squarely.
The last bat attempted to Flyby Attack Zoella, but her greatsword's wide, parrying sweep kept the creature well clear of the Avenger.
Hoping to slay the skeleton, Kalen slashed forward with a Valiant Strike, hitting, but not slaying, the skeleton.
The skeleton swung its own scimitar out as the Paladin lashed forward with his sword, hitting Kalen, who was focused on scoring his own hit on the skeleton. The Paladin's Black Iron plate armor pulsed with dark energy as it absorbed the death magic inherent in the boneshard skeleton's attack, minimizing the damage dealt by the skeleton. As the undead creature attempted to move away from the holy warrior, the Paladin swept Vindicator around in an opportunity attack, slicing the undead monster cleanly in half and triggering one final burst of bone shards from the collapsing pile of bones; the shards bounced harmlessly off the armor of Kalen, Maul, and Dearbhla, but a single, lucky, bone fragment found purchase in the flesh of Retz, scoring a painful, critical hit.
With only the last bat to defeat, Maul moved across the room and next to that bat, unleashing his Earthgrasp Strike and striking the bat to the ground, bloodying the creature. As the bat floundered helplessly on the floor, in a surge of action, Maul followed up with a Strength of Stone attack which killed the bat.
Seeing no further foes, for the moment, we take a moment to rest and recover our strength.
This 50' x 50' room contains all the features mentioned in the journal.
At the shouted warning of Zoella, Dearbhla Wild Shapes into her wolf form and scampers forward into the room, moving toward the group of bats; as she moves, however, she discovers another denizen of this chamber as a skeletal form swings at her swiftly moving form as she moves past, but, despite the surprise, the Druid is able to evade the sweep of the rusty blade and finish moving next to one of the bats. Unleashing her Predator's Flurry, she is unable to catch the first bat in her jaws, but, as she moves around with the flurry of quick bites, she is able to find purchase in the leathery hide of a second bat.
Following closely on the heels of Dearbhla, Zoella dashes into the room near to the first shadowhunter bat while she mutters her Oath of Enmity (and more than a few, other, choice, swear words for these beasts for which she holds a particularly strong hatred). Calling upon her divine power, she attacks with her Shared Madness against two of the bats, which hits thanks to her inherent Elven Accuracy, bloodying the bat that had been struck by Dearbhla.
Uttering his Curse against the first bat, Jib stared his horrifying Spiteful Glamer at that bat, causing the creature to cringe in pain, bloodied by the attack. The goblin then scurried forward to stand behind the heavily-armored form of the Paladin.
The three bats now began their series of Flyby Attacks, one targeting Dearbhla and biting the Druid as it soared by, while the other two targeted Zoella. The Avenger was able to block the attack of one of the two bats, but the second, taking advantage of her distraction while parrying the other bat, was able to score a critical hit on her as it flew by, eliciting a torrent of vicious curses and promises of vengeance from the infuriated elfmaid. The bats proceeded to move, together, to the southwestern corner of the room, on the opposite side of the canal that flowed through the western half of the room.
Seeing an undead foe, for which he was particularly suited to combat, Kalen stepped into the room next to the skeleton, issuing a Divine Challenge as he moved next to the monster. Sending a pulse of holy energy down the blade of Vindicator, Kalen swept the blade out with a Holy Strike, connecting solidly on the bony structure of the unholy creature's body and allowing holy energy to course over the dark entity and harming it further.
Shifting away from the wall, the boneshard skeleton riposted at the Paladin with its scimitar but the skilled warrior met the undead soldier's blade with his holy sword and drove the attack away.
Stepping past Kalen and the skeleton and ducking under the opportunity attack of the skeleton as he moved by (which, incidentally, seared the skeleton with more holy radiance from the effects of Kalen's Divine Challenge), Maul dropped into a ready stance, prepared to unleash an Earthgrasp Strike on the first bat that tried to Flyby Attack him.
Telling Kalen to prepare to strike, Retz moved next to the stalwart Paladin and drew the attention of the skeleton while calling for a Commander's Strike from the holy warrior. As Vindicator lashed out and connected solidly with the undead horror, a blast of bone shards erupted from the creature, spanging loudly off the shields and armor of Kalen, Retz, and Maul, and being absorbed by the invoked magic of Zoella's Brooch of Shielding.
Seeing the bats now clustered together in one corner of the room, Dearbhla Wild Shaped back into her human form and conjured a Chill Wind that struck all three bats, bouncing a pair of them off the far wall for additional damage. In a flurry of action, she repeated the attack, again striking all three bats, killing the pair that had been bloodied previously.
Shifting away from the boneshard skeleton, Zoella summoned a flare of holy power as she Abjured the undead monster. Though she did not do as much damage as she wished, the skeleton still cringed under the radiant assault. Then, with a smattering of actual curses and angry swearing mixed in, she uttered her Oath of Enmity against the last shadowhunter bat.
Uttering his own Curse against the boneshard skeleton, Jib fired an Eldritch Blast at the beast from his Rod of Corruption, striking the creature squarely.
The last bat attempted to Flyby Attack Zoella, but her greatsword's wide, parrying sweep kept the creature well clear of the Avenger.
Hoping to slay the skeleton, Kalen slashed forward with a Valiant Strike, hitting, but not slaying, the skeleton.
The skeleton swung its own scimitar out as the Paladin lashed forward with his sword, hitting Kalen, who was focused on scoring his own hit on the skeleton. The Paladin's Black Iron plate armor pulsed with dark energy as it absorbed the death magic inherent in the boneshard skeleton's attack, minimizing the damage dealt by the skeleton. As the undead creature attempted to move away from the holy warrior, the Paladin swept Vindicator around in an opportunity attack, slicing the undead monster cleanly in half and triggering one final burst of bone shards from the collapsing pile of bones; the shards bounced harmlessly off the armor of Kalen, Maul, and Dearbhla, but a single, lucky, bone fragment found purchase in the flesh of Retz, scoring a painful, critical hit.
With only the last bat to defeat, Maul moved across the room and next to that bat, unleashing his Earthgrasp Strike and striking the bat to the ground, bloodying the creature. As the bat floundered helplessly on the floor, in a surge of action, Maul followed up with a Strength of Stone attack which killed the bat.
Seeing no further foes, for the moment, we take a moment to rest and recover our strength.
Looking at the two exits to the room, we ultimately decide to follow Leomund's Left-Hand Rule and go through the door in the eastern wall.
-------> 
-------> I have to admit, I was apprehensive about having the goblin, Jib, join up with our adventuring company, despite the fact that he seemed quite genuine in his interest in joining, so long as we treat him 'fairly' and as an equal. It sounds, to me, like he may have long been a misunderstood and under-appreciated servant who tired of being bossed around and mistreated. His advice in dealing with the Darano clan proved quite valuable and he has proven a capable combatant and contributor in our explorations of the ruins of Spellgard.
I fervently pray for the goblin, much like I do for the rest of my company, that together, as an adventuring company, we can all bring some good into a world that grows increasingly dark with each passing day. By the Ever-Watchful Eye, I know that I shall remain vigilant to any untowards behavior from him, but I feel that there may be some divine influence at work, that has brought this diminutive creature into our fold.
We do need to work on his after-battle celebrations, however... I think that it might prove...disconcerting, if he were to do that in a more civilized region...
I feel sorry for Jib, though, to have such an unpleasant relationship with his kin...I confess that I know little of a goblin's family life and can only draw on the few years that I had with my own, dear sister for comparison...I couldn't imagine harming her or anyone of my own flesh and blood...a hesitation not shared by our newest member. We shall have to ensure that his connection to us, the rest of the company, runs deeper than blood...
My, my, my!...That battle with Ephram Darano and his minions was more a bloodbath than a proper battle! Just goes to show how a fortuitously-timed critical hit can wildly swing the fortunes of war.
It also seems to my experienced eye that the addition of a consistent source of damage at range can drastically alter and increase the tactics available to an adventuring party. I wonder how the epic battle against Rudy the Undead Hound and Friends might have gone had the Company of the Steel Fang had Jib or another ranged combatant to bolster their efforts...
On the addition of Jib...It just goes to show how a little creative thinking from players can create a whole new opportunity for storytelling and roleplaying. The journal conveys the spirit of the recruitment, but nothing could describe the priceless look on Master Godwin's face (
) when the suggestion was made amongst the players. :lightbulb One final note...the Warlock power Cursebite in conjunction with a Rod of Corruption is unbelievably effective...particularly against minions...
how much Zoella (and her player) H A T E the Shadowhunter Bats... :heeheeWe discussed at the beginning of the campaign some of the things that we wanted to do as an adventuring company. Using much of the information presented in the Backdrop: Cormyr article from Dragon magazine #365 we built our charter and came up with a neat idea on something to implement in the game.
A chartered adventuring company in Cormyr can have up to thirty members (per the Dragon article), so we decided that each of the five players would have their initial character and, as we adventure, we all will be able to recruit secondary characters (alts).
Requirements for secondary characters:
1.) Cannot have the same role as another character that you already have in the company (unless and until you have at least one from each role).
2.) Need to have appeared in "story" format in the journal (leaving it up to players to decide when and where they want their alts to appear, then I am given a little creative license to write them into the journal, or they can tell me, specifically, how we come across them...)
3.) Can be used in one of two ways:
a.) In direct swaps for your primary, as long as you can explain via roleplay what your main is doing that is drawing their attention away from the primary adventure...
b.) To fill in for absent players, for example: If our controller cannot show up one week, another player, if they already have a controller on the company roster, can play their two characters to cover for the missing player.
4.) Alts level with the mains...
5.) Gear is still being figured out...
NOTE: One of the ideas that we had, as a group, was to have a group of alts that specialize in specific forms of work...the one idea that was mentioned, was having a group that specializes in slaying dragons (or other huge solo monsters) and, if there's a night where we just want to do something different, we can set up a "job" for the company where we do a mini-adventure to hunt a dragon...etc.
6.) While built using the same rules for primaries, alts don't have Legacy items, they also do not benefit from any DM-rewarded story bonuses (e.g. Having Durable as a bonus feat from the spirit of the bear rug...) unless they were physically present during the events where they were rewarded... (Similarly, if a primary is absent during such an event, it also would not benefit from DM-rewarded bonuses...)
7.) If you gain an alt, you cannot gain another alt until you have leveled up a minimum of 2 times...
8.) You cannot gain more than two alts per tier and the 30-person limit must be adhered to (with 5 players, this would reach the 30 person limit in epic tier, with each player having a total of 6 characters).
9+.) More as I think of them/we come up with them...
It provides the opportunity for playing a variety of characters...gives a reason to change from a character concept that you no longer enjoy, without losing continuity (too much, anyways...)...Is handy for replacing a deceased character, if and when the company doesn't have the means (or desire) to return the fallen hero to life...etc...
Just a quick explanation regarding the Company of the Steel Fang...
We discussed at the beginning of the campaign some of the things that we wanted to do as an adventuring company. Using much of the information presented in the Backdrop: Cormyr article from Dragon magazine #365 we built our charter and came up with a neat idea on something to implement in the game.
A chartered adventuring company in Cormyr can have up to thirty members (per the Dragon article), so we decided that each of the five players would have their initial character and, as we adventure, we all will be able to recruit secondary characters (alts).
Requirements for secondary characters:
1.) Cannot have the same role as another character that you already have in the company (unless and until you have at least one from each role).
2.) Need to have appeared in "story" format in the journal (leaving it up to players to decide when and where they want their alts to appear, then I am given a little creative license to write them into the journal, or they can tell me, specifically, how we come across them...)
3.) Can be used in one of two ways:
a.) In direct swaps for your primary, as long as you can explain via roleplay what your main is doing that is drawing their attention away from the primary adventure...
b.) To fill in for absent players, for example: If our controller cannot show up one week, another player, if they already have a controller on the company roster, can play their two characters to cover for the missing player.
4.) Alts level with the mains...
5.) Gear is still being figured out...
NOTE: One of the ideas that we had, as a group, was to have a group of alts that specialize in specific forms of work...the one idea that was mentioned, was having a group that specializes in slaying dragons (or other huge solo monsters) and, if there's a night where we just want to do something different, we can set up a "job" for the company where we do a mini-adventure to hunt a dragon...etc.
6.) While built using the same rules for primaries, alts don't have Legacy items, they also do not benefit from any DM-rewarded story bonuses (e.g. Having Durable as a bonus feat from the spirit of the bear rug...) unless they were physically present during the events where they were rewarded... (Similarly, if a primary is absent during such an event, it also would not benefit from DM-rewarded bonuses...)
7.) If you gain an alt, you cannot gain another alt until you have leveled up a minimum of 2 times...
8.) You cannot gain more than two alts per tier and the 30-person limit must be adhered to (with 5 players, this would reach the 30 person limit in epic tier, with each player having a total of 6 characters).
9+.) More as I think of them/we come up with them...
It provides the opportunity for playing a variety of characters...gives a reason to change from a character concept that you no longer enjoy, without losing continuity (too much, anyways...)...Is handy for replacing a deceased character, if and when the company doesn't have the means (or desire) to return the fallen hero to life...etc...
In regards to Izzie's Note; it does seem that the party has the beginnings of an undead slaying group. With Kalen having both radiant keyword powers and Vindicator currently being a Sunblade, Zoella has her Abjure Undead power that does massive radiant damage to a single target, and almost all of Crimson's powers are geared towards having the radiant keyword as well.
The party has noticed that the Catacombs is home to many undead and seems to be battling them with these characters in mind. I'm very proud of my players in their planning of this area. Though as they have learned that getting to cocky can prove fatal. Stay tuned for Izzie's next update, but feel free to post any question you may have to me or any of the players.
RECAP: Having recruited our newest member, the goblin Warlock, Jib, and defeated the leader of the Darano clan of were-rats, we finally make our way into the catacombs underneath the surface ruins of Spellgard. We left having fought (to the chagrin of our Avenger, Zoella) several shadowhunter bats and a boneshard skeleton, then decided to travel to the east from that room.
JOURNAL: Traveling about fifty feet down the eastward-heading corridor, the passage turns south and ends at an ironbound, wooden door some twenty feet further on.
After allowing Jib to carefully examine the door and determine that it appears to be unlocked and un-trapped, we carefully open the door and peer into the next room. Three-foot high stone biers cover the floor of this room, many of which have the remains of humanoid figures laid to rest upon their surface. A narrow hallway exits the room to the west and a hallway leads further south, into another open room that, illuminated by the blazing light from Vindicator, appears to be covered in a deep pile of bones.
As we carefully set foot into the room, a dozen, skeletal figures rise up from among the piles of bones scattered across the floor of this room, shortbows in hand and pointed in our direction.
Battle Report
The eighteen stone biers in this 40’ x 50’ room made tactical maneuvering much more difficult than normal.
Cursing at the appearance of the undead, Jib spat a few angry curses in Goblin, then uttered his Curse on the nearest skeleton before firing his Spiteful Glamer at that skeleton, but the shambling undead stared blankly back at the Warlock, unharmed and eliciting a few more angry curses from the diminutive Goblin.
Attacking with her own long distance attack, Shared Madness, Zoella proceeded to shatter a pair of the skeletons to dust. Laughing mirthlessly, she stepped gingerly across the bone-strewn floor, waiting to move into position to attack the next foe.
Maul carefully picked his way across the floor and around the myriad stone biers into a position adjacent to one of the skeletons. He launched a Strength of Stone attack with his Warsoul Battleaxe, but the axe failed to find purchase in the bony undead's form.
Following closely on the heels of the Warden and muttering about "dead that should stay dead," Retz strode through the room and moved next to a pair of the skeletons while swinging his longsword overhead with a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, but, like Maul before him, was unable to score a hit on the skeleton.
Vowing to obliterate these "undead abominations" in the name of the Watchful Eye, Kalen strode through the room and moved next to a skeleton. The stalwart Paladin roared in triumph as Vindicator took the head right off the skeleton with a Valiant Strike, holy light blazing from the powerful sword. As the skeleton crumbled to dust and muttering to himself in Goblin, Jib stretched his Rod of Corruption out in his hand and the dark energy of his curse leapt from the rapidly disintegrating skeleton to the rest of the skeletons spread around the room.
The nine remaining skeletons then, almost in unison, launched their own attacks. The skeleton next to Maul drew and swung a rusty-looking longsword at the Warden, but the blow was swept aside by Maul's axe. The skeleton adjacent to Retz echoed that attack against the Warlord and suffered a similar result, being parried by Retz's skillful swordsmanship. The seven remaining skeletons, spread through the rest of the room, all pulled their shortbows back and fired arrows at Kalen, who the undead minions seemed to recognize as the greatest threat to their undead nature; ducking behind his shield, the sturdy Paladin deflected or was missed by all seven attacks. "Is that the best you've got?!" growled Kalen, a snarl on his countenance.
Suddenly, a new combatant joined the fray, shimmering into visibility as it unleashed a Spectral Barrage at Retz and Kalen, the specter's attack knocked the Warlord to the ground, a grimace on his features at the pain; despite the surpise appearance, however, the Paladin simply shook off the effects of the attack and brought Vindicator around to guard against further attacks from the specter while keeping his heavy shield up and covering his side that faced the skeletal archers.
With more than a few targets suffering from his Curse, Jib decided to unleash his Cursebite attack, killing five of the remaining skeletons in a burst of necrotic energy. Chuckling darkly to himself, he sidestepped into the room and took cover behind one of the stone biers near the door from which we had entered.
Raising her holy symbol of Kelemvor high over her head, Zoella Abjured the newly-appeared specter, bathing the undead horror in the full power of holy radiance thanks to her inherent Elven Accuracy. Racing across the room and surging with adrenaline, she followed up the attack with her Sequestering Strike which carved through the creature, causing it to look substantially dissipated.
Maul then unleashed his own Earthgrasp Strike on the specter, hitting the undead and unleashing tendrils of vines and primally-powered earth that lashed the creature to the ground.
Clambering to his feet and quickly scanning the room for where he might do the most good, Retz charged across the room, longsword swinging in a deadly arc that slashed through the prone specter and caused it to disperse completely. "See...That's how it's done!" said the Warlord to the rest of the party, drawing a mix of chuckles and groans from the rest of the company.
Facing only the four remaining skeletal minions, Kalen launched his own charge at the nearest skeleton, but the bony creature ducked the sweep of Vindicator as the Paladin skidded on the dusty floor before catching his balance.
Standing back up from dodging Kalen's attack, the skeleton drew its rusty longsword and slashed at the Paladin, but the blade merely clattered off the pauldron of the holy warrior's Black Iron armor. Two more of the skeletons, drawing their own rusty blades, moved to flank the Paladin both striking out with their weapons but being turned aside by the stalwart defender's heavy shield and a lightning-quick parry of Vindicator. The final skeleton brought its bow back up and fired at the Paladin, but its arrow went well wide of its intended target.
Clambering atop the stone bier that he had been using for cover, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at the bow-wielding skeleton, crumbling the shambling undead to dust beneath his withering stare.
Zoella came bounding across the room to stand next to Kalen, uttering her Oath of Enmity against one of the skeletons that flanked the Paladin. Using her Bond of Pursuit attack, her greatsword cleaved another skeleton in two with a brilliantly placed strike.
Charging across the room, Maul destroyed another of the skeletons as his Warsoul Battleaxe separated the torso from the legs of his target.
With only one skeleton remaining but being unable to reach it at the moment, Retz strode up behind Kalen and dropped into a defensive stance while calling encouragement to the rest of the party.
Angry that he had missed the skeleton with his last attempt, Kalen vowed not to miss again and made good on that vow as Vindicator cleanly sliced through the skeleton when he attacked with a Valiant Strike.
Seeing no further foes, but remaining on guard as we had just been surprised by the appearance of the specter, we continue to explore in the catacombs.
The eighteen stone biers in this 40’ x 50’ room made tactical maneuvering much more difficult than normal.
Cursing at the appearance of the undead, Jib spat a few angry curses in Goblin, then uttered his Curse on the nearest skeleton before firing his Spiteful Glamer at that skeleton, but the shambling undead stared blankly back at the Warlock, unharmed and eliciting a few more angry curses from the diminutive Goblin.
Attacking with her own long distance attack, Shared Madness, Zoella proceeded to shatter a pair of the skeletons to dust. Laughing mirthlessly, she stepped gingerly across the bone-strewn floor, waiting to move into position to attack the next foe.
Maul carefully picked his way across the floor and around the myriad stone biers into a position adjacent to one of the skeletons. He launched a Strength of Stone attack with his Warsoul Battleaxe, but the axe failed to find purchase in the bony undead's form.
Following closely on the heels of the Warden and muttering about "dead that should stay dead," Retz strode through the room and moved next to a pair of the skeletons while swinging his longsword overhead with a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, but, like Maul before him, was unable to score a hit on the skeleton.
Vowing to obliterate these "undead abominations" in the name of the Watchful Eye, Kalen strode through the room and moved next to a skeleton. The stalwart Paladin roared in triumph as Vindicator took the head right off the skeleton with a Valiant Strike, holy light blazing from the powerful sword. As the skeleton crumbled to dust and muttering to himself in Goblin, Jib stretched his Rod of Corruption out in his hand and the dark energy of his curse leapt from the rapidly disintegrating skeleton to the rest of the skeletons spread around the room.
The nine remaining skeletons then, almost in unison, launched their own attacks. The skeleton next to Maul drew and swung a rusty-looking longsword at the Warden, but the blow was swept aside by Maul's axe. The skeleton adjacent to Retz echoed that attack against the Warlord and suffered a similar result, being parried by Retz's skillful swordsmanship. The seven remaining skeletons, spread through the rest of the room, all pulled their shortbows back and fired arrows at Kalen, who the undead minions seemed to recognize as the greatest threat to their undead nature; ducking behind his shield, the sturdy Paladin deflected or was missed by all seven attacks. "Is that the best you've got?!" growled Kalen, a snarl on his countenance.
Suddenly, a new combatant joined the fray, shimmering into visibility as it unleashed a Spectral Barrage at Retz and Kalen, the specter's attack knocked the Warlord to the ground, a grimace on his features at the pain; despite the surpise appearance, however, the Paladin simply shook off the effects of the attack and brought Vindicator around to guard against further attacks from the specter while keeping his heavy shield up and covering his side that faced the skeletal archers.
With more than a few targets suffering from his Curse, Jib decided to unleash his Cursebite attack, killing five of the remaining skeletons in a burst of necrotic energy. Chuckling darkly to himself, he sidestepped into the room and took cover behind one of the stone biers near the door from which we had entered.
Raising her holy symbol of Kelemvor high over her head, Zoella Abjured the newly-appeared specter, bathing the undead horror in the full power of holy radiance thanks to her inherent Elven Accuracy. Racing across the room and surging with adrenaline, she followed up the attack with her Sequestering Strike which carved through the creature, causing it to look substantially dissipated.
Maul then unleashed his own Earthgrasp Strike on the specter, hitting the undead and unleashing tendrils of vines and primally-powered earth that lashed the creature to the ground.
Clambering to his feet and quickly scanning the room for where he might do the most good, Retz charged across the room, longsword swinging in a deadly arc that slashed through the prone specter and caused it to disperse completely. "See...That's how it's done!" said the Warlord to the rest of the party, drawing a mix of chuckles and groans from the rest of the company.
Facing only the four remaining skeletal minions, Kalen launched his own charge at the nearest skeleton, but the bony creature ducked the sweep of Vindicator as the Paladin skidded on the dusty floor before catching his balance.
Standing back up from dodging Kalen's attack, the skeleton drew its rusty longsword and slashed at the Paladin, but the blade merely clattered off the pauldron of the holy warrior's Black Iron armor. Two more of the skeletons, drawing their own rusty blades, moved to flank the Paladin both striking out with their weapons but being turned aside by the stalwart defender's heavy shield and a lightning-quick parry of Vindicator. The final skeleton brought its bow back up and fired at the Paladin, but its arrow went well wide of its intended target.
Clambering atop the stone bier that he had been using for cover, Jib glared his Spiteful Glamer at the bow-wielding skeleton, crumbling the shambling undead to dust beneath his withering stare.
Zoella came bounding across the room to stand next to Kalen, uttering her Oath of Enmity against one of the skeletons that flanked the Paladin. Using her Bond of Pursuit attack, her greatsword cleaved another skeleton in two with a brilliantly placed strike.
Charging across the room, Maul destroyed another of the skeletons as his Warsoul Battleaxe separated the torso from the legs of his target.
With only one skeleton remaining but being unable to reach it at the moment, Retz strode up behind Kalen and dropped into a defensive stance while calling encouragement to the rest of the party.
Angry that he had missed the skeleton with his last attempt, Kalen vowed not to miss again and made good on that vow as Vindicator cleanly sliced through the skeleton when he attacked with a Valiant Strike.
Seeing no further foes, but remaining on guard as we had just been surprised by the appearance of the specter, we continue to explore in the catacombs.
Sifting through the pile, we discover a ten-foot tall, slim, alabaster pillar. We exchange curious glances and question the significance of this object until Kalen suddenly remembers a passage that he read in the Analects of Kuryon that the party had been given by the bard, Kane. A passage from the seventh Analect (The Walls of Spellgard) makes reference to "squares of alabaster," of which, this pillar must be one. The same Analect also refers to a chamber where six holes without pillars are and the author mentions that this room is somehow the "doom of Saharel."
The pillar was heavy and unwieldy, but sensing the significance of the object, we decide to bring it with us until we decide what to do with it. Kalen and Retz would shoulder the pillar between them as we moved on through the catacombs, setting it down only when their muscle was needed elsewhere, opening doors and combat, for example.
We decide to go through the door that exits the passage connecting the two rooms and leads west. The door is rusted shut, but a liberal application of force, supplied by Kalen, Retz, and Maul, knocked the door right off its hinges. A corridor stretched away into the distance, out of reach even of the light supplied by a sunrod gripped in the hand of Jib or the blazing radiance of Vindicator.
Moving carefully down the hallway, we pass over a canal running north and south that runs through a narrow passage and passed under a small, grated floor in the hallway, we decide to investigate this path later, then we finally come to a door at the far end that, after checking for traps, we discover opens easily, revealing a room behind.
The room is filled with seven, pyramidal-shaped burial vaults, each having a door covered in arcane-appearing glyphs and markings. Jib looks over the nearest door and concludes that, although he doesn't recognize the language or symbols of the glyphs, they are not inherently magical (at least, not any longer) and should pose no threat to us. He illustrates his point by sliding the door of the first crypt open, revealing a mostly-empty space, occupied only by a small, stone bier, upon which rests a decayed skeleton wearing rotted robes. At the foot of the bier, a book, also covered in glyphs and arcane-looking writing, sits, covered in dust. We do not get to examine the book closer quite yet, however, as, suddenly, a skeleton dressed in the remains of archaic armor, carrying a shield, and wielding a sharp-edged blade, rises from a pile of bones in the corner of the small crypt.
Battle Report
This 50' x 50' room contained seven burial vaults, each with a pyramidal roof that ended about fifteen feet up in the air, a few inches short of the room's ceiling. The seven vaults ranged in size from 10' x 10' to 15' x 15' and all contained a stone bier with a decaying skeleton dressed in tattered robes, as well as a single book, covered in arcane glyphs and symbols. The room's only exits are to the east, from where we entered, and a single door in the western wall.
Reacting swiftly to the appearance of the skeleton, Maul steps into the room, blocking the opportunity attack from the skeleton with his shield, and ripostes with a Strength of Stone attack that slams into the skeletal warrior.
Following behind Maul and also ducking under an opportunity attack from the skeleton, Retz feinted to draw the attention of the skeleton and ordered a Commander's Strike from Maul, but the Warden was unable to take advantage of the distraction provided by the Warlord, his axe being turned away by the skeletal warrior's heavy shield.
Stepping into the last open floor space inside the small crypt and intoning his Divine Challenge against the skeleton, Kalen lashed out with Vindicator, but his Holy Strike was parried by the skeleton's own blade.
Zoella then moved through the hall outside the door of the crypt, triggering yet another opportunity attack from the skeleton which, despite the cover of the corner of the doorway, managed to nick the side of the Avenger. Even as the skeleton launched its attack, however, holy light began to blaze over the skeleton as Kalen's Divine Challenge punished the skeleton for targeting one of the Paladin's allies. Despite the hit from the skeleton, Zoella lifted her holy symbol and Abjured the skeleton, searing the skeleton from existence with the holy power of her god.
From atop one of the burial vaults, unseen until now, a deathlock wight unleashed its Horrific Visage, causing Kalen to recoil from the horror of the undead's attack; Zoella, on the other hand, blinked out of existence thanks to her Resonant Escape and re-appeared adjacent to the wight. If such a creature could truly be said to be surprised, the wight certainly was by the appearance of the Avenger next to him on the sloping side of the pyramidal burial vault.
Seeing Zoella disappear, Jib scrambled into the room, looking for the enemy that she had obviously teleported away to attack. Seeing them up on the vault roof, Jib spat his Curse out against the deathlock wight then stared his Spiteful Glamer attack at the undead, cursing angrily as the wight merely stared back at the goblin Warlock.
A second skeleton came loping around the corner of another burial vault and, seeing Jib launch his attack at the wight, charged at the goblin. With a squeal and several loud curses in Common and Goblin, Jib danced out of the way of the attack and stepped nimbly back from the skeleton.
Shambling down the walkways between several of the vaults, three zombies charged (as fast as they were able) at the party. The first attempted to slam its body into Kalen, but the stalwart Paladin brought his shield to bear against the zombie and the creature simply recoiled from impact with the holy warrior. The second zombie charged into the doorway of the first vault, open now because Kalen had recoiled from the wight's Horrific Visage, and slammed into the back of Retz, nearly knocking the Warlord off his feet. The third zombie was following the second skeleton and it, like the skeleton before it, charged the diminutive Warlock, slamming its body into the small goblin's frame and eliciting a squeal of pain from Jib, followed closely by a stream of un-repeatable swearing and cursing.
Moving back to the doorway of the burial vault, Maul evoked Nature's Wrath to mark the adjacent zombie, then launched his Strength of Stone attack at zombie, hitting it squarely, despite the cover of the doorway, and tearing a chunk out of its decaying flesh.
His body dissolving into a torrent of rushing water, Retz raced past the zombie blocking the door and reformed his body out in the corridor before launching a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the zombie which had attacked Jib. The perfectly-placed strike of the Warlord's longsword sheared the head from the zombie and its body crumbled to the ground, lifeless yet again.
Shaking his head to clear it from the effect of the wight's Horrific Visage attack, Kalen faced the zombie nearest to him and invoked his Divine Challenge on the undead creature. Charging the sacred blade of Vindicator with holy energy, Kalen slashed out with a Holy Strike that, just like Retz had done before him, was perfectly-placed and stabbed through the center of the zombie, the holy energy pulsing out and blasting the creature to dust. The Paladin whispered a quick prayer for the soul of the unfortunate creature then turned his attention to the remaining foes.
Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the deathlock wight, Zoella raised her greatsword up, infusing the blade with holy light, then slashed a powerful downward strike that slashed into the wight, surrounding the undead with beams of holy light from the Avenger's Temple of Light attack. Returning her blade to its ready position and lashing out again, she struck home yet again with her Sequestering Strike, bloodying (?) the wight and searing it with the holy power of the Temple of Light.
Sliding a short way down the sloped side of the pyramid, out of reach of the Avenger, the deathlock wight unleashed its Horrific Visage again, targeting Retz, Maul, and Kalen; hitting all three targets, Retz critically, and forcing them to back away from the assault. Raising its hand and chanting dark, necromantic words, the wight proceeded to Re-animate one of the fallen zombies, the one near Maul, Retz, and Jib.
Muttering anxiously as the zombie rose to its feet near him, Jib cautiously back away from the pair of zombies near him and uttered his Curse against one of them. In a flurry of action, the goblin Warlock fired a pair of Eldritch Blasts at that zombie, striking it twice and slaying it with the second Blast. The goblin began to taunt the remaining zombie and the wight, promising that they would be the next to fall.
The skeletal warrior stepped to the base of the pyramid where Zoella was still perched and swung its longsword up at the Avenger, but she leapt over the sweep of the skeleton's sword and remained unharmed.
The reanimated zombie shambled next to Maul and tried to Slam itself into the Warden, but Maul nimbly dodged out of the way of the attack.
As the zombie tried to recover its footing after missing with its slam attack, Maul launched his own Strength of Stone attack at the zombie, striking and killing it. The Warden then moved out of the first burial vault, provoking an opportunity attack from the wight who was able to graze Maul with his claws, draining some of the life force away from the Warden. Retaliating in anger (thanks to a surge of adrenaline), Maul struck the wight to the ground with his Earthgrasp Strike and thorny branches leapt from the ground to entangle the wight and hold it prone.
Chanting his Inspiring Words to himself, Retz stepped forward and slashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the prone wight, but the undead horror swatted the blade away with its claws.
Moving down the corridor and invoking a Divine Challenge on the second skeleton, Kalen summoned his divine power and sent holy light pulsing down the length of Vindicator then slashed at the skeletal warrior with a Holy Strike, striking the skeleton solidly and searing it with divine radiance, leaving the skeleton tattered and ragged (if it had flesh, it would be bloodied).
With only two foes remaining, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack at the skeleton and wight, striking both and killing both as the holy power of the Temple of Light flared on the wight, searing it from existence.
Jib proceeded to dance around saying "I told you so!" to the fallen undead, while the rest of us took a few moments to catch our breath and rest our aching sword arms.
This 50' x 50' room contained seven burial vaults, each with a pyramidal roof that ended about fifteen feet up in the air, a few inches short of the room's ceiling. The seven vaults ranged in size from 10' x 10' to 15' x 15' and all contained a stone bier with a decaying skeleton dressed in tattered robes, as well as a single book, covered in arcane glyphs and symbols. The room's only exits are to the east, from where we entered, and a single door in the western wall.
Reacting swiftly to the appearance of the skeleton, Maul steps into the room, blocking the opportunity attack from the skeleton with his shield, and ripostes with a Strength of Stone attack that slams into the skeletal warrior.
Following behind Maul and also ducking under an opportunity attack from the skeleton, Retz feinted to draw the attention of the skeleton and ordered a Commander's Strike from Maul, but the Warden was unable to take advantage of the distraction provided by the Warlord, his axe being turned away by the skeletal warrior's heavy shield.
Stepping into the last open floor space inside the small crypt and intoning his Divine Challenge against the skeleton, Kalen lashed out with Vindicator, but his Holy Strike was parried by the skeleton's own blade.
Zoella then moved through the hall outside the door of the crypt, triggering yet another opportunity attack from the skeleton which, despite the cover of the corner of the doorway, managed to nick the side of the Avenger. Even as the skeleton launched its attack, however, holy light began to blaze over the skeleton as Kalen's Divine Challenge punished the skeleton for targeting one of the Paladin's allies. Despite the hit from the skeleton, Zoella lifted her holy symbol and Abjured the skeleton, searing the skeleton from existence with the holy power of her god.
From atop one of the burial vaults, unseen until now, a deathlock wight unleashed its Horrific Visage, causing Kalen to recoil from the horror of the undead's attack; Zoella, on the other hand, blinked out of existence thanks to her Resonant Escape and re-appeared adjacent to the wight. If such a creature could truly be said to be surprised, the wight certainly was by the appearance of the Avenger next to him on the sloping side of the pyramidal burial vault.
Seeing Zoella disappear, Jib scrambled into the room, looking for the enemy that she had obviously teleported away to attack. Seeing them up on the vault roof, Jib spat his Curse out against the deathlock wight then stared his Spiteful Glamer attack at the undead, cursing angrily as the wight merely stared back at the goblin Warlock.
A second skeleton came loping around the corner of another burial vault and, seeing Jib launch his attack at the wight, charged at the goblin. With a squeal and several loud curses in Common and Goblin, Jib danced out of the way of the attack and stepped nimbly back from the skeleton.
Shambling down the walkways between several of the vaults, three zombies charged (as fast as they were able) at the party. The first attempted to slam its body into Kalen, but the stalwart Paladin brought his shield to bear against the zombie and the creature simply recoiled from impact with the holy warrior. The second zombie charged into the doorway of the first vault, open now because Kalen had recoiled from the wight's Horrific Visage, and slammed into the back of Retz, nearly knocking the Warlord off his feet. The third zombie was following the second skeleton and it, like the skeleton before it, charged the diminutive Warlock, slamming its body into the small goblin's frame and eliciting a squeal of pain from Jib, followed closely by a stream of un-repeatable swearing and cursing.
Moving back to the doorway of the burial vault, Maul evoked Nature's Wrath to mark the adjacent zombie, then launched his Strength of Stone attack at zombie, hitting it squarely, despite the cover of the doorway, and tearing a chunk out of its decaying flesh.
His body dissolving into a torrent of rushing water, Retz raced past the zombie blocking the door and reformed his body out in the corridor before launching a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the zombie which had attacked Jib. The perfectly-placed strike of the Warlord's longsword sheared the head from the zombie and its body crumbled to the ground, lifeless yet again.
Shaking his head to clear it from the effect of the wight's Horrific Visage attack, Kalen faced the zombie nearest to him and invoked his Divine Challenge on the undead creature. Charging the sacred blade of Vindicator with holy energy, Kalen slashed out with a Holy Strike that, just like Retz had done before him, was perfectly-placed and stabbed through the center of the zombie, the holy energy pulsing out and blasting the creature to dust. The Paladin whispered a quick prayer for the soul of the unfortunate creature then turned his attention to the remaining foes.
Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the deathlock wight, Zoella raised her greatsword up, infusing the blade with holy light, then slashed a powerful downward strike that slashed into the wight, surrounding the undead with beams of holy light from the Avenger's Temple of Light attack. Returning her blade to its ready position and lashing out again, she struck home yet again with her Sequestering Strike, bloodying (?) the wight and searing it with the holy power of the Temple of Light.
Sliding a short way down the sloped side of the pyramid, out of reach of the Avenger, the deathlock wight unleashed its Horrific Visage again, targeting Retz, Maul, and Kalen; hitting all three targets, Retz critically, and forcing them to back away from the assault. Raising its hand and chanting dark, necromantic words, the wight proceeded to Re-animate one of the fallen zombies, the one near Maul, Retz, and Jib.
Muttering anxiously as the zombie rose to its feet near him, Jib cautiously back away from the pair of zombies near him and uttered his Curse against one of them. In a flurry of action, the goblin Warlock fired a pair of Eldritch Blasts at that zombie, striking it twice and slaying it with the second Blast. The goblin began to taunt the remaining zombie and the wight, promising that they would be the next to fall.
The skeletal warrior stepped to the base of the pyramid where Zoella was still perched and swung its longsword up at the Avenger, but she leapt over the sweep of the skeleton's sword and remained unharmed.
The reanimated zombie shambled next to Maul and tried to Slam itself into the Warden, but Maul nimbly dodged out of the way of the attack.
As the zombie tried to recover its footing after missing with its slam attack, Maul launched his own Strength of Stone attack at the zombie, striking and killing it. The Warden then moved out of the first burial vault, provoking an opportunity attack from the wight who was able to graze Maul with his claws, draining some of the life force away from the Warden. Retaliating in anger (thanks to a surge of adrenaline), Maul struck the wight to the ground with his Earthgrasp Strike and thorny branches leapt from the ground to entangle the wight and hold it prone.
Chanting his Inspiring Words to himself, Retz stepped forward and slashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack at the prone wight, but the undead horror swatted the blade away with its claws.
Moving down the corridor and invoking a Divine Challenge on the second skeleton, Kalen summoned his divine power and sent holy light pulsing down the length of Vindicator then slashed at the skeletal warrior with a Holy Strike, striking the skeleton solidly and searing it with divine radiance, leaving the skeleton tattered and ragged (if it had flesh, it would be bloodied).
With only two foes remaining, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack at the skeleton and wight, striking both and killing both as the holy power of the Temple of Light flared on the wight, searing it from existence.
Jib proceeded to dance around saying "I told you so!" to the fallen undead, while the rest of us took a few moments to catch our breath and rest our aching sword arms.
Picking up the book that rested at the foot of the stone bier, Retz carefully opened the book and began reading over the first page of the book...something he shall likely not repeat in the future, because, as he read that first page, he triggered the Explosive Runes that were contained within the page. The explosion flared, singeing both Retz and Maul and blasting out into the corridor.
Racing over to make certain that the two were not dead, the rest of the party was glad to see that they were merely a little charred and blackened by the explosion.
Taking in the situation and quickly deducing what had happened, Jib collapsed into paroxysms of laughter, falling to the floor and rolling about before finally being able to compose himself and remind the two slightly-crispier members of the party that ritual books are often trapped by their owners. He then took it upon himself to gather the remaining six books from the other vaults in the room and, after a few minutes of careful examination, was able to disarm the traps on each book.
Each book was discovered to contain a single ritual, including: Comprehend Languages, Make Whole, Secret Page, Tenser's Floating Disk, Eye of Alarm, and Knock. It is unknown what was in the book that Retz triggered, as the book was consumed in the explosion of the runes.
Looking through the books and figuring out what they are, Jib hands them back to the party and says that they are obviously all written in "Jib-berish" and, after cackling madly for a moment, that we should give them to him. A few facepalms and groans later, we decide that, lacking another arcanist to use them, we might as well let him have them.
Taking some time to search the rest of the vaults in the room we are able to find a small stock of valuables in the central vault (which, incidentally, was the only vault that lacked a skeletal occupant and it was theorized by Retz that this might be the home of the now-deceased wight...). The valuable materials include nine golden medallions (worth approximately fifty gold lions, each), a suit of +1 Hide of Exploits (taken by Retz), and a Potion of Vitality (a powerful healing potion, given to Zoella, for now).
Retz, a student of history, takes some time to examine the clothing on the corpses and the symbology that covers the burial vaults and concludes that, although he cannot read them, he recognizes the markings as coming from Low Netheril, an empire long since faded from memory, which collapsed right around the time of the Lady Saharel's life, if our information from the monastery is accurate.
Finding nothing else, we examine then open the room's western door, revealing a corridor that turns to the north about thirty feet ahead. Moving to that corner and peering around, we see that the hall extends about seventy more feet then reaches a T-intersection. Moving up to that intersection, we look to the west and see that the passage dead-ends after about ten feet (and we check for hidden doorways, but find none), looking east, however, there is a door about ten feet further down the hall.
Checking the door for traps and finding none, we open the door into a room where the air is cool and clammy. Water marks on the floor and walls show signs of past flooding. The ceiling of this chamber appears to have once featured a fine fresco depicting nobles gathered around a feasting table. A dark, skeletal figure (presumably symbolizing Death) sits at the head of the table. Rows of burial niches line the walls to the north and south. A large iron grate is set into the floor in the southeast.
As the party looks around, Kalen steps forward and, before Zoella can call out a warning about the false floor there (which she had already noticed, but failed to mention
), falls through the floor, five feet down to the chilly water of a canal that cuts through the center of this room. Spitting water and clambering back to his feet, Kalen shakes his head to clear it of water, then swiftly drops into a combat stance as a swarm of rats comes pouring out of numerous small holes and burrows lining the sides of the canal.Battle Report
Two rat swarms immediately emerged from the ground beneath where the false floor had been, gnawing and gnashing at Kalen, but being unable to find a chink in the Paladin's sturdy Black Iron plate armor. Three more swarms came pouring out of their burrows near the iron grate that crossed the canal in the eastern half of the room, these three then came scampering across the floor towards the party.
Zoella quickly unleashed her Shared Madness attack at two of the swarms across the room, killing a number of rats in both swarms but not impeding their progress much.
Jib uttered a Curse on one of the swarms that Zoella had targeted then followed the Curse with an Eldritch Blast that blasted a few more rats from existence, but, again, failed to impede their progress much.
With a running start, Retz leapt over the head of Kalen and across to the opposite side of the canal, then stabbed down at one of the swarms attacking Kalen, slicing through several rats but mostly just annoying the swarm.
As Kalen began his own attacks, the swarms began biting and gnawing again, this time, however, one of the swarms was able to find some purchase for their nasty, little teeth, opening a lightly bleeding wound on the leg of the Paladin. Grimacing lightly at the pain, Kalen unleashed his Arcing Smite at the two, adjacent rat swarms, striking both and killing a few rats from each swarm.
Maul then followed Retz's lead and leapt over the head of Kalen to the opposite side of the canal. Bringing his Warsoul Battleaxe up before him in a high-guard stance, the Warden prepared to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the three swarms that were scampering across the floor towards the party from the east side of the room.
They did not disappoint the ready Warden, moving to where he could target all three with the thunderous backlash portion of the Thunder Ram Assault, which he unleashed as they moved into position; striking the first of the three swarms with the primary attack then hitting it and one other swarm with the thunderous secondary attack, hurling rats, both live and dead, back to the far side of the room (including bloodying the swarm that he hit with the primary attack). The only remaining swarm tried to nibble on Maul's legs, but the Warden danced agilely out of the way of their gnashing teeth. The two swarms surrounding Kalen were unable, yet again, to get inside the Paladin's sturdy defenses.
Zoella, following the lead of Retz and Maul, attempted to echo their leaps across the canal, but she misjudged the distance and fell toward the water below, triggering an opportunity attack from one of the rat swarms; Zoella never hit the water below, however, for, as the swarm tried and failed to hit the Avenger, she initiated her Resonant Escape and teleported out of mid-air, re-appearing next to the bloodied swarm. Uttering her Oath of Enmity against the swarm as a whole, she lashed out with her Sequestering Strike attack, killing the last of the rats in that swarm and blinking out of existence again and re-appearing on the south side of the room, away from all of the rat swarms. As the last rat in Zoella's target swarm died, Jib triggered his Rod of Corruption and the dark tendrils of energy that comprised his Curse spread to the four, remaining rat swarms.
Stepping up to the lip of the canal, Jib spread his arms wide and unleashed the pulse of energy from his Cursebite attack, hitting all four and bloodying three of the swarms with the necrotic energy of the powerful attack.
Retz moved across to one of the swarms in the east side of the room and launched his Inspiring War Cry attack against the swarm, killing a number of the rats and yelling encouragement to Kalen who, taking heart from the Warlord's words, willed the wound on his leg to close.
The swarms continued biting and clawing at the Paladin as he readied to attack, one swarm was turned aside by the Paladin's armor, but the second found that same, apparent weak spot again, scoring a critical hit and tearing open another bleeding gash in his leg. Lifting Vindicator above his head, Kalen unleashed the sword's radiant power and small motes of divine light lanced out from the blade, slamming into the two, adjacent swarms, killing the last rats in one swarm, and bloodying the other. In a surge of energy, the stalwart Paladin then unleashed a Piercing Smite on the second swarm, Vindicator sweeping through the swarm and killing a dozen rats. Then, channeling his Divine Mettle, holy light washed over his body, closing the bloody gash on his leg.
Maul, too, suffered from the continued attempts of the rats to bite and claw at him, but the Warden stayed nimbly on his feet, dancing and weaving out of their reach and avoiding their attacks, before retaliating with his own Strength of Stone attack which missed, but, in a flurry of action, was repeated by the Warden and successfully swept through the last remaining rats of that swarm.
One of the two, remaining rat swarms stayed adjacent to Kalen and attempted to bite the holy warrior, but the Paladin's shield and heavy armor turned aside even their best efforts. The other rat swarm scampered across the floor and moved next to Maul and tried to bite the Warden, but, again, the warforged was just too quick on his feet for the little creatures.
Moving to flank the swarm that was adjacent to Maul, Zoella re-entered the fight and, after uttering her Oath of Enmity against the swarm, killed the last of the rats with a sweep of her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit attack.
Jib then stared down at the last swarm, still adjacent to Kalen, and unleashed his Spiteful Glamer on the rats, killing the last of the creatures with his withering glare.
We look around carefully for more foes and, seeing none, take a few moments to rest and recover from the fight.
Two rat swarms immediately emerged from the ground beneath where the false floor had been, gnawing and gnashing at Kalen, but being unable to find a chink in the Paladin's sturdy Black Iron plate armor. Three more swarms came pouring out of their burrows near the iron grate that crossed the canal in the eastern half of the room, these three then came scampering across the floor towards the party.
Zoella quickly unleashed her Shared Madness attack at two of the swarms across the room, killing a number of rats in both swarms but not impeding their progress much.
Jib uttered a Curse on one of the swarms that Zoella had targeted then followed the Curse with an Eldritch Blast that blasted a few more rats from existence, but, again, failed to impede their progress much.
With a running start, Retz leapt over the head of Kalen and across to the opposite side of the canal, then stabbed down at one of the swarms attacking Kalen, slicing through several rats but mostly just annoying the swarm.
As Kalen began his own attacks, the swarms began biting and gnawing again, this time, however, one of the swarms was able to find some purchase for their nasty, little teeth, opening a lightly bleeding wound on the leg of the Paladin. Grimacing lightly at the pain, Kalen unleashed his Arcing Smite at the two, adjacent rat swarms, striking both and killing a few rats from each swarm.
Maul then followed Retz's lead and leapt over the head of Kalen to the opposite side of the canal. Bringing his Warsoul Battleaxe up before him in a high-guard stance, the Warden prepared to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the three swarms that were scampering across the floor towards the party from the east side of the room.
They did not disappoint the ready Warden, moving to where he could target all three with the thunderous backlash portion of the Thunder Ram Assault, which he unleashed as they moved into position; striking the first of the three swarms with the primary attack then hitting it and one other swarm with the thunderous secondary attack, hurling rats, both live and dead, back to the far side of the room (including bloodying the swarm that he hit with the primary attack). The only remaining swarm tried to nibble on Maul's legs, but the Warden danced agilely out of the way of their gnashing teeth. The two swarms surrounding Kalen were unable, yet again, to get inside the Paladin's sturdy defenses.
Zoella, following the lead of Retz and Maul, attempted to echo their leaps across the canal, but she misjudged the distance and fell toward the water below, triggering an opportunity attack from one of the rat swarms; Zoella never hit the water below, however, for, as the swarm tried and failed to hit the Avenger, she initiated her Resonant Escape and teleported out of mid-air, re-appearing next to the bloodied swarm. Uttering her Oath of Enmity against the swarm as a whole, she lashed out with her Sequestering Strike attack, killing the last of the rats in that swarm and blinking out of existence again and re-appearing on the south side of the room, away from all of the rat swarms. As the last rat in Zoella's target swarm died, Jib triggered his Rod of Corruption and the dark tendrils of energy that comprised his Curse spread to the four, remaining rat swarms.
Stepping up to the lip of the canal, Jib spread his arms wide and unleashed the pulse of energy from his Cursebite attack, hitting all four and bloodying three of the swarms with the necrotic energy of the powerful attack.
Retz moved across to one of the swarms in the east side of the room and launched his Inspiring War Cry attack against the swarm, killing a number of the rats and yelling encouragement to Kalen who, taking heart from the Warlord's words, willed the wound on his leg to close.
The swarms continued biting and clawing at the Paladin as he readied to attack, one swarm was turned aside by the Paladin's armor, but the second found that same, apparent weak spot again, scoring a critical hit and tearing open another bleeding gash in his leg. Lifting Vindicator above his head, Kalen unleashed the sword's radiant power and small motes of divine light lanced out from the blade, slamming into the two, adjacent swarms, killing the last rats in one swarm, and bloodying the other. In a surge of energy, the stalwart Paladin then unleashed a Piercing Smite on the second swarm, Vindicator sweeping through the swarm and killing a dozen rats. Then, channeling his Divine Mettle, holy light washed over his body, closing the bloody gash on his leg.
Maul, too, suffered from the continued attempts of the rats to bite and claw at him, but the Warden stayed nimbly on his feet, dancing and weaving out of their reach and avoiding their attacks, before retaliating with his own Strength of Stone attack which missed, but, in a flurry of action, was repeated by the Warden and successfully swept through the last remaining rats of that swarm.
One of the two, remaining rat swarms stayed adjacent to Kalen and attempted to bite the holy warrior, but the Paladin's shield and heavy armor turned aside even their best efforts. The other rat swarm scampered across the floor and moved next to Maul and tried to bite the Warden, but, again, the warforged was just too quick on his feet for the little creatures.
Moving to flank the swarm that was adjacent to Maul, Zoella re-entered the fight and, after uttering her Oath of Enmity against the swarm, killed the last of the rats with a sweep of her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit attack.
Jib then stared down at the last swarm, still adjacent to Kalen, and unleashed his Spiteful Glamer on the rats, killing the last of the creatures with his withering glare.
We look around carefully for more foes and, seeing none, take a few moments to rest and recover from the fight.
Looking over the doorway to the east and seeing nothing to concern us, Kalen pushes on the door into the next room and is just as surprised as the rest of the party when the door slams open into the next room, spinning on hidden springs and hinges then locking into place, spikes having been driven into the wall of the next room.
"Hmmmm... I'd have to say that I'm rather glad that we followed Leomund's Left-Hand Rule when we came down here... That probably would have hurt... A lot..." muttered Kalen to no one in particular, as the rest of the party stood back to their feet from where they had dived for cover when the door suddenly swung, seemingly, of its own accord. Staring back at Zoella, who swore that (unlike the floor on the opposite side of this room) she had not noticed the hidden trap mechanisms, Kalen merely shook his head and reminded the party to keep their eyes open and their guards up.
Having now opened the door and recovered from our shock at the surprise of the hidden trap, we realize that this leads us back to the room where we fought the shadowhunter bats and boneshard skeleton when we first entered the catacombs. It seems that the only passage remaining open to us is to travel down the canal to the south from the passage that connected the rooms where we found the alabaster pillar (still being toted by Retz and Kalen) and the room with the arcanists' burial vaults. After a brief discussion (and the swift departure of Jib back to collect some of the 'shiny things' that he had seen in the previous room), we decide that we will go search the room where we fought the rat swarms, then return to the monastery for the day.
Our thought is that we shall ask the priestess, Crimson, to accompany us the following day, seeing as we have encountered a number of undead and are quite likely to do so again, having her along should prove invaluable.
We spend about four hours performing a thorough search of the burial niches in the previous room and our efforts are rewarded by some two hundred gold lions worth of jewelry, finery, and adornments from the grave belongings of whomever had been buried in the niches.
Gathering our haul, we get ready to return to the monastery, after we decide what we shall do with the alabaster pillar...
JOURNAL: Shaking his head a little and rolling his eyes at Jib's antics, Retz turned around and walked back into the first burial vault, followed closely by Maul, as Kalen and Zoella carefully checked the rest of the room to ensure that we had dispatched all of our foes.
Picking up the book that rested at the foot of the stone bier, Retz carefully opened the book and began reading over the first page of the book...something he shall likely not repeat in the future, because, as he read that first page, he triggered the Explosive Runes that were contained within the page. The explosion flared, singeing both Retz and Maul and blasting out into the corridor.
Racing over to make certain that the two were not dead, the rest of the party was glad to see that they were merely a little charred and blackened by the explosion.
Taking in the situation and quickly deducing what had happened, Jib collapsed into paroxysms of laughter, falling to the floor and rolling about before finally being able to compose himself and remind the two slightly-crispier members of the party that ritual books are often trapped by their owners. He then took it upon himself to gather the remaining six books from the other vaults in the room and, after a few minutes of careful examination, was able to disarm the traps on each book.
Jib:
Jib never see anything so funny as Waterman (Retz, Watersoul Genasi) being boomed.
Waterman got blowed up in face. Jib wish he had portrait of Waterman's face after the boom. Only way Jib think it could've been funnier is if it was Jub that got boomed, but Jub dead now. :evillaugh. Jib think Waterman will have Jib do reading from now on. 
Godwin:
Izzie, Ozzie, I think I've found my next apprentice.
Atleast with Jib around, boredom would be a thing of the past....though I wonder, what would El think? 
Hmmm...This entire, unfortunate series of events makes me think of this... I'm not sure why, though...
Or, perhaps, this... Or, even, this... Hmm... Is it obvious that I am a fan of the Order of the Stick?... This might be the proof, though... RECAP: Having cleared the first section of the catacombs of its inhabiting undead, we decide that we will place the curious, alabaster pillar in one of the several, pyramid-topped burial vaults in the chamber of the buried arcanists (where we fought the deathlock wight and its servants). Sealing the pillar behind the door of a vault that appeared to be particularly secure, we return to the surface and exit the ramparts, returning swiftly to the Monastery of the Precipice to rest for the remainder of the day.
As afternoon passes into evening, we find ourselves gathered in the common room, enjoying a fine meal, glasses of the monastery's own, excellent whiskey, and mugs of ale. Our new friend, Kane the bard, joins us for our meal, buying a round of drinks in exchange for tales of our exploration in the northern ramparts. He listens with great interest as we regale him with the tale of slaying the were-rat clan, then our initial descent into the catacombs, where we faced various forms of undead horror.
In the middle of telling the amusing anecdote about Zoella and her hatred of shadowhunter bats, Retz suddenly stands to his feet, palms on the table, staring off into the distance as if focusing on some distant sound. Pausing our tale and looking up at the genasi with some concern and confusion, we are relieved when the Warlord snaps out of his apparent trance and smiles broadly.
He tells us that he just received a Sending from his brother, T'urr. Evidently, his wandering studies as a student of the mystical path of the swordmage had brought him to Evereska, not far from the boundaries of the Anauroch Desert, some two hundred and fifty leagues southeast of where Spellgard resides. Having finished his basic training, T'urr wanted to find his brother, thus, with help from some of his instructors, he has been sending messages via the Sending ritual for some time, hoping to establish contact with the brother that he has not seen for several years. At long last, Retz finally was within range of the swordmage's ritual casting ability and contact was made between the two.
Evidently, his brother shall be journeying here to meet up with Retz and, with some magical assistance from his instructors in Evereska, will be arriving sometime on the morrow. Retz begs our leave to remain in the monastery to wait for his brother and, after confirming with Lady Crimson that she will be glad to accompany us when we return to the catacombs, we tell the Warlord he is welcome to await his brother's arrival. The only condition is that the first round of drinks will be at his expense when we return from the catacombs the following day. With a chuckle and promise to do just that, Retz grabs his mug of ale and finishes relaying the story of Zoella and the shadowhunter bats.
Tarsakh 12 - After a restful evening and a good sleep, we awake the next morning, refreshed and ready to face the day's challenges.
As is usual, Kalen rose shortly before dawn to do calisthenics and sword drills before spending the hour of the dawn in prayer and meditation, then returning to the interior of the monastery and partaking of a hearty breakfast.
The unsleeping Maul, as was his custom, had spent the entire night on watch in the common room, making small talk with the few patrons that remained awake into the wee hours of the morning. He also volunteered to ensure that the fire in the center of the common room, which kept the air inside the common room both comfortable and dry, remained lit through the night, alternately stoking and adding several small logs to the fire.
Zoella, needing only a few short hours of rest to be fully recuperated, would typically spend the dark hours before the dawn in prayer to Kelemvor and reaffirming the Oaths of her service.
Dearbhla could be found sleeping outside under the stars as often as she was in a bed within the monastery. On nights when she chose to sleep outside, she would usually do so in her wolf form, helping to avoid the wandering eyes of those that might be somewhat 'less savory' amongst the monastery's denizens.
Retz would sleep the soundest of the party, being nearly impossible to wake once he fell asleep. In the morning, his favorite thing to do would be to translate himself into his watery, elemental form and flow down the stairs, only to burst back into his humanoid form directly in front of another of the monastery's patrons, preferably one that had not seen the trick performed before.
Jib decided that he wanted to be sleeping wherever the biggest and strongest member of our party was sleeping...After all, if enemies attack in the night, who better to be near than a defender. Since Maul does not require sleep, Jib 'decided' that he would bunk in the same room as Kalen. With little more than a sigh, the stalwart Paladin agreed to allow the diminutive Warlock to bunk in the same room. Thankfully, the holy warrior is a heavy sleeper...because Jib snores...a lot...and loudly...very, very loudly...
Our newest member, Crimson, the priestess of Tymora, still slept in her quarters near the small shrine to Tymora that she spent her days tending and saying prayers on the behalf of seekers that passed through the monastery, those that sought the counsel of the Lady Saharel.
Having all eaten a good breakfast (save for Maul who had no need of food to survive), the party, consisting of: Zoella, Dearbhla, Crimson, Maul, Kalen, and Jib, set out across the compound, returning, yet again, to the northern ramparts and descending back into the complex. Returning swiftly to the burial vault of the arcanists, we are relieved to find the alabaster pillar still secured within the vault where we had stored it the previous day. Gathering it up again, this time, shouldered between Kalen and Maul, we head south to the passage where the canal leads south to the next area of the catacombs.
We arrive in another burial vault where the air is cold and clammy. The canal branches out in several directions from this room. Six platforms fill the room, bisected by the ten-foot wide canals, while two iron bridges cross the intervening spaces between two pairs of those platforms; we can also see the remains of two additional bridges that have long since rusted and fallen into the murky water of the canal.
Standing at the end of each of those bridges is a skeletal warrior. As they notice us approaching down the path of the canal, each skeleton raises its longsword in a battle salute then moves to engage us.
Battle Report
This 80' x 50' room contains six, stone platforms above the murky waters of the canal that branches out from this room into six, different directions. Two channels flow east and west out of the room, while the main channel, which we had followed into the room, flows north and south. The ten-foot wide channels bisected the room into six, 20' x 20' platforms, with a narrow, five-foot wide walkway connected the pairs of platforms in the north and south sides of the room. An iron bridge connected the northeastern platform with the eastern platform in the middle of the room. Another iron bridge connected the western and southwestern platforms. In the passageway that led to the south, we could see, illuminated by the bright light shining from Kalen's blade, that portions of the floor that ran over top of the canal had collapsed into the murky water.
Firing a Storm Spike at the nearest skeletal warrior but missing badly, Dearbhla rapidly Wild Shaped into her wolf form and howled a battle cry.
Glancing around the room, Zoella noticed another pair of skeletons crouching in the murky water of the canal. Calling a warning to the rest of the party and targeting two of the skeletons, the Avenger unleashed her Shared Madness attack, assailing the two undead with psychic energy. Moving up to the lip of the canal in front of the party, she uttered her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton in the water of the canal before her.
Moving onto the northeastern platform and striding across the rusty, iron bridge (which, thankfully, held the weight of the heavily-armored Paladin) and faced one of the skeletons that Zoella had struck with her psychic attack. Issuing a Divine Challenge on the skeleton, Kalen charged the blade of Vindicator with radiant energy then unleashed his Holy Strike on the undead in front of him, but the bony creature skillfully parried with its longsword, the blades clanging together between the combatants.
Uttering the ear-grating sound of his Curse against the skeleton that suffered from Zoella's Oath, Jib raised his Rod of Corruption and fired an Eldritch Blast at the skeleton, knocking chunks of the structure off the body of the skeleton (which, if it had flesh, would have bloodied the creature). Cackling madly, Jib danced with glee as his assault struck home on the skeletal warrior.
The skeleton facing Kalen riposted the Paladin's Holy Strike with an attack of its own, but the holy warrior was able to reverse the sweep of Vindicator and bash the attack away, the two blades clanging loudly together, yet again. The skeleton that stood on the bridge connecting the western and southwestern platfroms came rushing across the room, leaping across the ten-foot wide canal onto the northwestern platform, then charging at the wolf form of Dearbhla, its longsword cutting into the fur of the Druid as it struck its blow. Stepping through the murky water of the canal, the skeleton suffering from Zoella's Oath moved adjacent to the Avenger and, seeming to be unhindered by the water surrounding it, slashed with its longsword, but found only air as the nimble elfmaid leapt over the sweep of the blade. The other skeleton that was also down in the canal water moved through the water to where it could strike at Kalen and, unnoticed by the stalwart defender, was able to slash at the Paladin's leg and score a hit which caused the holy warrior to curse loudly and shift his position to guard against the new threat.
Maul, moving onto the walkway linking the northern pair of platforms, targeted the skeleton that had charged Dearbhla and attacked with his Thorn Strike attack, hitting the skeleton and pulling the undead right off the platform, splashing into the water of the canal, as the thorny branches lashed out from the Warden's axe to wrap themselves around the bony exterior of the skeletal warrior.
Dropping off the small walkway and into the canal passageway that stretched back north from where we had come, Crimson raised her holy symbol high above her head and launched a Lance of Faith at the skeleton that Maul had just pulled into the water, illuminating the undead creature with holy light to guide Maul's next attack against the skeletal warrior and bathing the undead in holy light that seemed to cause it great discomfort.
Drifting out of its hiding place in one of the burial niches that lined the western platform, a wraith (identified by Kalen and Crimson, almost simultaneously) floated across the room, ending its movement next to Kalen and trying to hit the Paladin with its Shadow Touch attack, but a swift, parrying sweep of Vindicator drove the undead back, cringing from the sacred energy flowing from the holy blade.
Now next to the skeleton that Maul had pulled into the water, Dearbhla unleashed her Savage Rend on the undead, knocking more than a few bones flying as she slammed the creature against the wall with the force of her attack, leaving the skeleton ragged and tattered.
Still next to the skeleton under her Oath, Zoella lashed out with a brilliantly-executed Bond of Pursuit attack with her Vicious Greatsword that cleaved the skeleton neatly in two, its component parts clattering to the floor and into the water of the canal. Dark energy pulsed from Jib's Rod of Corruption as the power of his Curse was triggered, tendrils of necrotic energy linking to all of the other foes in the room. Surging with adrenaline, Zoella then lifted her own holy symbol and Abjured the wraith, hitting the insubstantial form of the undead full on thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy. Finally, the Avenger muttered her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton that had surprised Kalen, down in the canal.
Swinging holy Vindicator in the broad sweep of his Arcing Smite, Kalen sliced into both the skeleton in the canal below and into the wraith, the powerful, blazing radiance of the blade causing the form of the wraith to shimmer and waver unsteadily. Hoping to finish off the wraith, the Paladin surged with action and lashed out with a Piercing Smite from his sacred blade, again cutting through the form of the insubstantial undead, the power of his strike augmented by a flare of power from his Giantkind Gloves; nearly, but not quite, erasing the wraith from existence.
With a malicious grin, Jib fired another Eldritch Blast at the skeleton that Maul had pulled into the canal, shattering the skeletal warrior into dozens of pieces that clattered off the sides of the canal and splashed back down into the murky water. Cackling with glee as he went, the diminutive Warlock made his way along the northern wall to stand in the northwestern corner of the room.
The last two skeletons, both adjacent to Kalen, moved to flank the valiant Paladin, striking with their longswords in unison. The stalwart defender was able to turn aside one strike, but the second skeletal warrior took advantage of the Paladin's defensive efforts against its ally and landed a strike on the holy warrior, eliciting a grunt of pain and a promise of vindication from the Paladin.
Moving to the southwestern lip of the northeastern platform [NOTE: Yes, it made my brain hurt to type it, too...], Maul launched yet another Thorn Strike on the skeleton that stood in the canal flanking Kalen, striking the creature solidly and knocking chunks of its skeletal forms away, while pulling the undead warrior adjacent to him and unleashing Nature's Wrath on it.
Clambering back up onto the walkway that connected the two, northernmost platforms then dropping right back into the canal on the opposite side, Crimson made her way through the canal to stand in the water below and adjacent to Kalen, then, raising her holy symbol of Tymora and calling a prayer to her deity for luck, the Cleric unleashed her powerful Turn Undead attack, the blazing, holy light of the attack searing the wraith from existence and washing over the forms of the two remaining skeletons.
Hoping to catch the skeletons off-guard before they recovered from the powerful attack from Crimson, Dearbhla scampered across the room, leaping across the distance between the central platforms and ending up adjacent to the skeleton that still stood facing Kalen on the eastern platform. With a surge of adrenaline, the Druid unleashed her Predator's Flurry attack on that skeleton, tearing huge chunks of bone from the skeletal warriors form, then scampering down into the water and adjacent to the other skeleton, repeating the attack against the second skeleton, but being turned aside by the skeletal warrior's heavy shield.
Zoella then, with a running start, attempted to leap across from the northwestern platform to the central-eastern platform, trying to attack the skeleton still facing Kalen, but, much like the day before, underjudged the distance and landed with a loud splash in the water below. Spitting water and cursing angrily, the Avenger lashed out with her Sequestering Strike at the skeleton that was down in the canal and adjacent to where she had landed, cleanly carving the skeleton in two and winking out of existence, only to re-appear a moment later, now adjacent to the skeleton that she had tried to reach in the first place. Still spluttering a stream of curses, alternating between Common and Elven, she then managed to stop long enough to utter a new Oath of Enmity on the last skeleton.
Summoning his divine power and issuing a Divine Challenge on the last skeleton, Kalen sent a pulse of sacred power down the blade of Vindicator then slashed a powerful Holy Strike at the skeleton which took the creatures head cleanly off the top of the bony, spinal column, collapsing the undead warrior into an inert pile of bones in front of the stalwart Paladin.
Seeing no further foes, the party slowly makes its way toward the southern side of the room, but is unpleasantly surprised when another skeleton rises out of a pile of bones on the southeastern platform, targeting Dearbhla who had just clambered up onto that platform, and causing the Druid to bark in pain as the undead warrior's longsword sliced into the fur on the back of the wolf.
Vowing to make the jump this time and having just managed to climb back up onto the eastern platform, Zoella leapt through the air and successfully landed, feet first, on the southeastern platform. Grinning in triumph, the Avenger declared her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton then launched a Bond of Pursuit attack on the creature that slammed into the skeletal warriors bony body, knocking pieces of the creature flying through the air.
Following closely behind Zoella, Kalen also launched himself into the air and across the canal, laughing as he landed nimbly on the other side. "You see, Lady Zoella? It's easy!" said Kalen to the Avenger, grinning at the elfmaid. Her only response was an ancient and arcane gesture that was decidedly un-ladylike, which only made the Paladin laugh again. Composing himself for a moment, Kalen uttered his Divine Challenge on the skeletal warrior then slashed with a Holy Strike, connecting solidly with the undead's form and tearing a chunk out of its torso.
Jib happily spoke his Curse into being on the skeleton, then fired an Eldritch Blast at the undead warrior, tearing another chunk of bone from the skeleton's body as the arcane bolt seared through it.
Maul climbed up out of the canal, adjacent to the skeleton, then raised his axe high over his head and brought it crashing down on the skeleton with his Earthgrasp Strike, cleaving the skeletal warrior in two, from crown to toes.
Checking the rest of the room carefully, we are eventually satisfied that we have cleared it out and take a few moments to catch our breath and rest our weary sword arms. While we rested, Jib wandered around the room, gathering the 'choicest' bones from what was left of the skeletal warriors and adding them to the necklaces that adorned his tiny neck.
This 80' x 50' room contains six, stone platforms above the murky waters of the canal that branches out from this room into six, different directions. Two channels flow east and west out of the room, while the main channel, which we had followed into the room, flows north and south. The ten-foot wide channels bisected the room into six, 20' x 20' platforms, with a narrow, five-foot wide walkway connected the pairs of platforms in the north and south sides of the room. An iron bridge connected the northeastern platform with the eastern platform in the middle of the room. Another iron bridge connected the western and southwestern platforms. In the passageway that led to the south, we could see, illuminated by the bright light shining from Kalen's blade, that portions of the floor that ran over top of the canal had collapsed into the murky water.
Firing a Storm Spike at the nearest skeletal warrior but missing badly, Dearbhla rapidly Wild Shaped into her wolf form and howled a battle cry.
Glancing around the room, Zoella noticed another pair of skeletons crouching in the murky water of the canal. Calling a warning to the rest of the party and targeting two of the skeletons, the Avenger unleashed her Shared Madness attack, assailing the two undead with psychic energy. Moving up to the lip of the canal in front of the party, she uttered her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton in the water of the canal before her.
Moving onto the northeastern platform and striding across the rusty, iron bridge (which, thankfully, held the weight of the heavily-armored Paladin) and faced one of the skeletons that Zoella had struck with her psychic attack. Issuing a Divine Challenge on the skeleton, Kalen charged the blade of Vindicator with radiant energy then unleashed his Holy Strike on the undead in front of him, but the bony creature skillfully parried with its longsword, the blades clanging together between the combatants.
Uttering the ear-grating sound of his Curse against the skeleton that suffered from Zoella's Oath, Jib raised his Rod of Corruption and fired an Eldritch Blast at the skeleton, knocking chunks of the structure off the body of the skeleton (which, if it had flesh, would have bloodied the creature). Cackling madly, Jib danced with glee as his assault struck home on the skeletal warrior.
The skeleton facing Kalen riposted the Paladin's Holy Strike with an attack of its own, but the holy warrior was able to reverse the sweep of Vindicator and bash the attack away, the two blades clanging loudly together, yet again. The skeleton that stood on the bridge connecting the western and southwestern platfroms came rushing across the room, leaping across the ten-foot wide canal onto the northwestern platform, then charging at the wolf form of Dearbhla, its longsword cutting into the fur of the Druid as it struck its blow. Stepping through the murky water of the canal, the skeleton suffering from Zoella's Oath moved adjacent to the Avenger and, seeming to be unhindered by the water surrounding it, slashed with its longsword, but found only air as the nimble elfmaid leapt over the sweep of the blade. The other skeleton that was also down in the canal water moved through the water to where it could strike at Kalen and, unnoticed by the stalwart defender, was able to slash at the Paladin's leg and score a hit which caused the holy warrior to curse loudly and shift his position to guard against the new threat.
Maul, moving onto the walkway linking the northern pair of platforms, targeted the skeleton that had charged Dearbhla and attacked with his Thorn Strike attack, hitting the skeleton and pulling the undead right off the platform, splashing into the water of the canal, as the thorny branches lashed out from the Warden's axe to wrap themselves around the bony exterior of the skeletal warrior.
Dropping off the small walkway and into the canal passageway that stretched back north from where we had come, Crimson raised her holy symbol high above her head and launched a Lance of Faith at the skeleton that Maul had just pulled into the water, illuminating the undead creature with holy light to guide Maul's next attack against the skeletal warrior and bathing the undead in holy light that seemed to cause it great discomfort.
Drifting out of its hiding place in one of the burial niches that lined the western platform, a wraith (identified by Kalen and Crimson, almost simultaneously) floated across the room, ending its movement next to Kalen and trying to hit the Paladin with its Shadow Touch attack, but a swift, parrying sweep of Vindicator drove the undead back, cringing from the sacred energy flowing from the holy blade.
Now next to the skeleton that Maul had pulled into the water, Dearbhla unleashed her Savage Rend on the undead, knocking more than a few bones flying as she slammed the creature against the wall with the force of her attack, leaving the skeleton ragged and tattered.
Still next to the skeleton under her Oath, Zoella lashed out with a brilliantly-executed Bond of Pursuit attack with her Vicious Greatsword that cleaved the skeleton neatly in two, its component parts clattering to the floor and into the water of the canal. Dark energy pulsed from Jib's Rod of Corruption as the power of his Curse was triggered, tendrils of necrotic energy linking to all of the other foes in the room. Surging with adrenaline, Zoella then lifted her own holy symbol and Abjured the wraith, hitting the insubstantial form of the undead full on thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy. Finally, the Avenger muttered her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton that had surprised Kalen, down in the canal.
Swinging holy Vindicator in the broad sweep of his Arcing Smite, Kalen sliced into both the skeleton in the canal below and into the wraith, the powerful, blazing radiance of the blade causing the form of the wraith to shimmer and waver unsteadily. Hoping to finish off the wraith, the Paladin surged with action and lashed out with a Piercing Smite from his sacred blade, again cutting through the form of the insubstantial undead, the power of his strike augmented by a flare of power from his Giantkind Gloves; nearly, but not quite, erasing the wraith from existence.
With a malicious grin, Jib fired another Eldritch Blast at the skeleton that Maul had pulled into the canal, shattering the skeletal warrior into dozens of pieces that clattered off the sides of the canal and splashed back down into the murky water. Cackling with glee as he went, the diminutive Warlock made his way along the northern wall to stand in the northwestern corner of the room.
The last two skeletons, both adjacent to Kalen, moved to flank the valiant Paladin, striking with their longswords in unison. The stalwart defender was able to turn aside one strike, but the second skeletal warrior took advantage of the Paladin's defensive efforts against its ally and landed a strike on the holy warrior, eliciting a grunt of pain and a promise of vindication from the Paladin.
Moving to the southwestern lip of the northeastern platform [NOTE: Yes, it made my brain hurt to type it, too...], Maul launched yet another Thorn Strike on the skeleton that stood in the canal flanking Kalen, striking the creature solidly and knocking chunks of its skeletal forms away, while pulling the undead warrior adjacent to him and unleashing Nature's Wrath on it.
Clambering back up onto the walkway that connected the two, northernmost platforms then dropping right back into the canal on the opposite side, Crimson made her way through the canal to stand in the water below and adjacent to Kalen, then, raising her holy symbol of Tymora and calling a prayer to her deity for luck, the Cleric unleashed her powerful Turn Undead attack, the blazing, holy light of the attack searing the wraith from existence and washing over the forms of the two remaining skeletons.
Hoping to catch the skeletons off-guard before they recovered from the powerful attack from Crimson, Dearbhla scampered across the room, leaping across the distance between the central platforms and ending up adjacent to the skeleton that still stood facing Kalen on the eastern platform. With a surge of adrenaline, the Druid unleashed her Predator's Flurry attack on that skeleton, tearing huge chunks of bone from the skeletal warriors form, then scampering down into the water and adjacent to the other skeleton, repeating the attack against the second skeleton, but being turned aside by the skeletal warrior's heavy shield.
Zoella then, with a running start, attempted to leap across from the northwestern platform to the central-eastern platform, trying to attack the skeleton still facing Kalen, but, much like the day before, underjudged the distance and landed with a loud splash in the water below. Spitting water and cursing angrily, the Avenger lashed out with her Sequestering Strike at the skeleton that was down in the canal and adjacent to where she had landed, cleanly carving the skeleton in two and winking out of existence, only to re-appear a moment later, now adjacent to the skeleton that she had tried to reach in the first place. Still spluttering a stream of curses, alternating between Common and Elven, she then managed to stop long enough to utter a new Oath of Enmity on the last skeleton.
Summoning his divine power and issuing a Divine Challenge on the last skeleton, Kalen sent a pulse of sacred power down the blade of Vindicator then slashed a powerful Holy Strike at the skeleton which took the creatures head cleanly off the top of the bony, spinal column, collapsing the undead warrior into an inert pile of bones in front of the stalwart Paladin.
Seeing no further foes, the party slowly makes its way toward the southern side of the room, but is unpleasantly surprised when another skeleton rises out of a pile of bones on the southeastern platform, targeting Dearbhla who had just clambered up onto that platform, and causing the Druid to bark in pain as the undead warrior's longsword sliced into the fur on the back of the wolf.
Vowing to make the jump this time and having just managed to climb back up onto the eastern platform, Zoella leapt through the air and successfully landed, feet first, on the southeastern platform. Grinning in triumph, the Avenger declared her Oath of Enmity against the skeleton then launched a Bond of Pursuit attack on the creature that slammed into the skeletal warriors bony body, knocking pieces of the creature flying through the air.
Following closely behind Zoella, Kalen also launched himself into the air and across the canal, laughing as he landed nimbly on the other side. "You see, Lady Zoella? It's easy!" said Kalen to the Avenger, grinning at the elfmaid. Her only response was an ancient and arcane gesture that was decidedly un-ladylike, which only made the Paladin laugh again. Composing himself for a moment, Kalen uttered his Divine Challenge on the skeletal warrior then slashed with a Holy Strike, connecting solidly with the undead's form and tearing a chunk out of its torso.
Jib happily spoke his Curse into being on the skeleton, then fired an Eldritch Blast at the undead warrior, tearing another chunk of bone from the skeleton's body as the arcane bolt seared through it.
Maul climbed up out of the canal, adjacent to the skeleton, then raised his axe high over his head and brought it crashing down on the skeleton with his Earthgrasp Strike, cleaving the skeletal warrior in two, from crown to toes.
Checking the rest of the room carefully, we are eventually satisfied that we have cleared it out and take a few moments to catch our breath and rest our weary sword arms. While we rested, Jib wandered around the room, gathering the 'choicest' bones from what was left of the skeletal warriors and adding them to the necklaces that adorned his tiny neck.
...and a promise of vindication from the Paladin...
I've been waiting to use that one...
In the meantime...It's very early in the morning here...and I have to work the holiday this afternoon...so I'm going to go sleep for a bit, and I shall finish this up later this evening. (Barring, of course, being forced to work another double shift...it is Saturday, however...and a holiday...so the odds are pretty high that I'll be working a double...
)
The only light now in the room is shed from an ominous-looking blade, glowing blood red, in the hand of this dark figure. "Ah, how kind of the Gods to deliver a meal" says Barthus.
Barthus stands up from his throne and almost seems to fly towards the dark cloaked figure with fangs coming to bare and drooling in anticipation of his meal. The dark figure holds up his hand as the vampire is merely 10 feet away. Suddenly, to Barthus's surprise,
the vampire is flung back into his throne and finds himself unable to move. "How dare you?! screams Barthus "Who are you?! :hoppingma
"I am Vorthos, and I know of you Barthus. A group of meddling adventures from Cormyr will be coming through the catacombs soon. You will kill them. If you succeed, you shall be rewarded well with an alliance with Thoran and a continual supply of slaves."
Barthus, feeling the invisible force release him, steps down from his throne to stand before Vorthos. After the proud vampire composes himself from his embarrassment, he kneels in front of Vorthos. :surrender
"As you wish, my Master" replies Barthus.
Vorthos leaves Barthus kneeling and walks out of the vampire's throne room. The maniacal laughter of Vorthos can be heard echoing off the catacombs walls for some time after he moves out of sight. :evillaugh
Remembering the trapped door that we had avoided in the first room of the catacombs, we again decide to follow Leomund's Left-Hand Rule and move down the eastward-leading passageway.
Jib and Zoella carefully look over the door and they determine that the door holds no traps, as far as they can tell, and is unlocked.
Gingerly pushing the door open, we glance into the room beyond. Stone columns support the vaulted ceiling of this spacious chamber. Three large stone tables with drainage grooves cut into them stand in the center of the room. One or two stone urns are placed adjacent to each table, and several more urns are lined up along the north wall. A corridor leads away from this room to the east, but rubble from the collapsed ceiling appears to have cut off that passageway long ago. In the east side of the room, a pile of stacked coffins stands 10 feet high. Atop the pile rests a large wooden throne, battered and worn but elegantly carved with motifs of flowers and fantastic animals. Seated atop the macabre throne is a pale, bearded figure in blackened leather armor. A golden holy symbol of Bane dangles from a chain about his neck and a vicious-looking mace is clutched in his hand. His black eyes appraise us coldly. With an imperious sneer, we watch in horror as the vampire's canines begin to elongate, obviously in anticipation of feeding upon the members of our party.
"Ahhhh...Vorthos told me that dinner would be arriving shortly. I am so glad to see all of you!" said the vampire, rising from his throne. Hefting the mace in its pale hand, the vampire drifted slowly to the ground next to the pile of coffins that supported his throne, then began to stalk menacingly toward us.
Battle Report
Shaking off his initial shock at seeing the vampire, Maul strode to the center of the room, standing between the three tables, and dropped into a ready stance, the branches and vines of his Thorn Strike already beginning to manifest around the head of his axe.
Dearbhla launched a Storm Spike at the vampire, hitting the undead but merely causing the vampire to laugh as the lightning coursed through its form, doing negligible damage. The Druid then stepped into the room, standing behind the Warden and Wild Shaping into her wolf form.
Intoning her Oath of Enmity against the vampire, Zoella also marched into the center of the room to stand next to Maul, then, being out of reach of the undead abomination, unleashed the psychic power of her Shared Madness attack, but the vampire's iron will resisted the assault.
Striding into the room to stand next to Zoella, Kalen reared back and invoked the power of his Giantkind Gloves, flinging Vindicator in an arcing trajectory that caused the holy blade to slash into the side of the vampire, searing it with divine light before blinking out of existence and re-appearing in the hand of the stalwart Paladin a moment later.
Carefully sizing up the vampire and realizing that the creature was likely quite powerful, Crimson held her holy symbol before her and, as she began whispering the words of a prayer to Tymora, holy energy flared from the symbol to envelop each member of the party as we received Tymora's Blessing. She then moved forward, standing a few feet behind the front line and staring defiantly at the vampire.
"Little priestess...your goddess cannot help you here..." spat the vampire as it moved behind the northernmost table, out of reach of Maul's Thorn Strike. After pausing a moment to stare, unblinking, at the Paladin, Barthas unleashed a blur of Forbidding Darkness that slammed into Zoella, necrotizing little bits of flesh on her arms and legs and causing her to curse angrily at the pain.
Chanting the dissonant consonants of his Curse at the vampire, Jib stepped through the doorway into the room and began an intricate series of arcane gestures that proceeded to conjure a fist-sized orb of light. Finishing the last words of the invocation and listening closely to the instructions of Zoella's Divine Guidance, Jib fired the Dread Star at the vampire, cackling with delight as the blazing, radiant ball slammed into the vampire, causing the undead to cringe from the burning brilliance of the light.
Calling upon his Form of the Fearsome Ram power, Maul sidestepped into weapon reach of the vampire, unleashing the stored fury of the Fearsome Ram attack, scoring a glancing blow on the vampire as it was able to absorb some of the blow with a last-moment parry with its vicious-looking mace.
Employing the power of her Beastform Hide armor to gain a burst of speed, Dearbhla moved into a position where she flanked the vampire with Maul. She then tried to bite the undead with her Savage Frenzy attack, but the agile vampire leapt nimbly away from the wolf's snapping jaws.
Leaping atop the table next to the vampire, Zoella raised her Vicious Greatsword high abover her head, fueling it with holy energy then bringing it crashing down with her Temple of Light attack. As the blade struck home, a series of radiant bars sprung up around the undead, a promise of the unleashing of additional holy power through the course of the battle. Then, with a surge of energy, the Avenger brought her blade back up with a Sequestering Strike that also struck the vampire squarely, the holy power of the Temple of Light washing over the undead again, searing its blackened leather armor.
A dazed look on his face, obviously not himself, Kalen charged forward, Vindicator swinging around in a powerful arc and slicing into Zoella! Even as the holy blade bit into the erstwhile Avenger, it became obvious, by the horrified look on his face, that the Paladin had shaken off the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze. Profusely begging for Zoella's forgiveness, Kalen then raised his gauntleted right hand, which gripped Vindicator tightly, and swore that, by the Watchful Eye, the foul undead horror would not survive this day. Perhaps it was merely a trick of the light that blazed from the blade of the Paladin's holy sword, but several members of the party would afterwards swear that they had seen the small silver ring, which bore the holy symbol of the long-dead god of guardians, Helm, for the briefest moment, glowing with internal light.
Following on the heels of this declaration from the holy warrior, Crimson fired a Sacred Flame at the vampire, striking the undead squarely and allowing Kalen to shake off the aftereffect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze. Summoning all the adrenaline that she could muster, she then fired a Cascade of Light from her outstretched palm, which gripped her holy symbol of Tymora, the holy light deeply burning the flesh of the undead warrior.
Cursing violently at the sacred power that had burned it, even as its burned flesh began to slowly knit together, the vampire nimbly sidestepped out of the flanking positions of Dearbhla and Maul, but no amount of fancy footwork could evade the speed with which Maul's Warsoul Battleaxe was able to lash out, even with the surprise of the attack, however, the axe was deftly parried by the vampire's mace, the two weapons clattering together and Maul's axe taking a small chip out of the haft of the mace. Still adjacent to Dearbhla, the vampire fired its Forbidding Darkness at the Druid, striking her squarely but triggering an opportunity attack from the wolf, who struck the vampire with her Savage Rend attack, pushing the vampire back into the flank between her and the Warden. Surging with its own fury and thanks to the effects of its Forbidding Darkness, the vampire grabbed hold of Dearbhla and sank his fangs deep into her flesh, bloodying her, while the blood from the Druid rejuvenated him and caused Dearbhla to struggle to stay standing as sudden weakness made her limbs ache. Then, the vampire directed its withering stare at Maul, which we now recognized as its attempt to use its Dominating Gaze, but we would be forced until Maul acted again to determine if the attack had been successful.
Pointing his Rod of Corruption at the distracted vampire, Jib launched an Eldritch Blast at the undead, lashing it with arcane energy. Then, purposefully moving past the vampire, the maniacal goblin allowed the vampire to freely take an opportunity attack as he moved by, triggering the incredibly potent power of his Darkspiral Aura, which he had been conserving for most of the day; as the dark power assailed the vampire, causing considerable damage, it became obvious that a sudden, pervasive weakness afflicted it as its attack struck the diminutive goblin, barely nicking the small Warlock.
Motes of primal energy swirled around Maul as the world's own Font of Life cleansed him of the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze, and the vampire howled in rage as it became apparent that the Warden was ignoring the mental commands being directed at him by the undead. Swinging his axe freely, Maul initiated his Earthgrasp Strike attack at the vampire, but, despite its anger over losing control of the Warden's mind, the undead still managed to parry the attack with its mace.
Dancing nimbly about on her paws, Dearbhla dashed forward and bit the vampire with her Darting Bite attack, then she danced swiftly out of reach of any retaliatory strike from the undead warrior.
Dropping down off the table and onto the floor next to the vampire, Zoella slashed an Overwhelming Strike at the undead and connected solidly with it, bloodying the foul creature.
Acting upon his sworn vengeance, Kalen issued his Divine Challenge against the vampire then slashed viciously with Vindicator, its blade searingly-bright with holy power, and the Paladin's Judgment struck home; as the sacred blade bit into the undead flesh of the vampire, causing it to howl in agony, the radiant glow of the blade extended to envelop Dearbhla, washing over her and causing many of her wounds to begin to mend.
Whispering the holy words of her Healing Word to Zoella, who began to glow softly as divine power healed some of the Avenger's injuries, Crimson fired another Sacred Flame at the vampire, helping Maul to overcome the aftereffect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze as the radiant energy burned into the undead warrior's flesh.
Cringing under the seemingly-endless assault of divine power, the vampire stomped its foot to the ground and a pulse of death magic burst from the impact, Desecrating the ground immediately around where the vampire currently stood, tendrils of death energy reaching up to hinder and harm both Jib and Zoella who still stood next to the vampire, but, although Kalen still stood next to the undead, the tendrils would not approach within reach of the holy light that shone from the blade of Vindicator. Staring holes through Crimson, the vampire then vanished into a swirling cloud of mist that began to rapidly drift across the room, heading, apparently, towards the corridor to the east.
Not wanting the creature to enact whatever it had planned, Jib hurriedly fired an Eldritch Blast at the retreating mist, striking it squarely, but it was obvious that the blast diffused throughout the mist, losing much of its efficacy.
Targeting the fleeing mist-formed vampire with his Thorn Strike, Maul pulled the undead creature back adjacent to himself as the tendrils of primal power were able to affect even the insubstantial form of the vampire.
Padding quickly across the room and adjacent to the vampire, Dearbhla unleashed her Predator's Flurry on the foul undead, striking the insubstantial form of the vampire and causing its coherency to waver.
Zoella then moved to flank the vampire with Maul, slashing out with her Bond of Pursuit attack and striking the vampire cleanly.
Still standing on the vampire's Desecrated Ground, Kalen laughed mirthlessly as the death magic assailed him but was absorbed by the shielding properties of his Black Iron plate, which began to pulse darkly with the absorbed power. Stepping forward and summoning his Divine Strength, the Paladin violently stabbed Vindicator out in a Piercing Smite, the holy blade slicing into the vaporous form of the vampire and burning it with divine light.
Under the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze, Crimson then attempted to blast Maul with a Sacred Flame, but the blast went well wide of the Warden. Shaking her head rapidly and ending the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze upon her, Crimson apologized for the attack, eliciting a shrug from the warforged, who continued to focus on the adjacent foe.
Dazed and trying desperately to reach its coffin, the vampire took the calculated risk of fleeing from its position adjacent to four of our party members, provoking opportunity attacks from Maul, Dearbhla, Zoella, and Kalen. Only the Paladin failed to land a blow as the vampire fled, but it still was not sufficient as the misty form of the vampire disappeared through the cracks in the rubble of the corridor that led eastward.
Shaking off his initial shock at seeing the vampire, Maul strode to the center of the room, standing between the three tables, and dropped into a ready stance, the branches and vines of his Thorn Strike already beginning to manifest around the head of his axe.
Dearbhla launched a Storm Spike at the vampire, hitting the undead but merely causing the vampire to laugh as the lightning coursed through its form, doing negligible damage. The Druid then stepped into the room, standing behind the Warden and Wild Shaping into her wolf form.
Intoning her Oath of Enmity against the vampire, Zoella also marched into the center of the room to stand next to Maul, then, being out of reach of the undead abomination, unleashed the psychic power of her Shared Madness attack, but the vampire's iron will resisted the assault.
Striding into the room to stand next to Zoella, Kalen reared back and invoked the power of his Giantkind Gloves, flinging Vindicator in an arcing trajectory that caused the holy blade to slash into the side of the vampire, searing it with divine light before blinking out of existence and re-appearing in the hand of the stalwart Paladin a moment later.
Carefully sizing up the vampire and realizing that the creature was likely quite powerful, Crimson held her holy symbol before her and, as she began whispering the words of a prayer to Tymora, holy energy flared from the symbol to envelop each member of the party as we received Tymora's Blessing. She then moved forward, standing a few feet behind the front line and staring defiantly at the vampire.
"Little priestess...your goddess cannot help you here..." spat the vampire as it moved behind the northernmost table, out of reach of Maul's Thorn Strike. After pausing a moment to stare, unblinking, at the Paladin, Barthas unleashed a blur of Forbidding Darkness that slammed into Zoella, necrotizing little bits of flesh on her arms and legs and causing her to curse angrily at the pain.
Chanting the dissonant consonants of his Curse at the vampire, Jib stepped through the doorway into the room and began an intricate series of arcane gestures that proceeded to conjure a fist-sized orb of light. Finishing the last words of the invocation and listening closely to the instructions of Zoella's Divine Guidance, Jib fired the Dread Star at the vampire, cackling with delight as the blazing, radiant ball slammed into the vampire, causing the undead to cringe from the burning brilliance of the light.
Calling upon his Form of the Fearsome Ram power, Maul sidestepped into weapon reach of the vampire, unleashing the stored fury of the Fearsome Ram attack, scoring a glancing blow on the vampire as it was able to absorb some of the blow with a last-moment parry with its vicious-looking mace.
Employing the power of her Beastform Hide armor to gain a burst of speed, Dearbhla moved into a position where she flanked the vampire with Maul. She then tried to bite the undead with her Savage Frenzy attack, but the agile vampire leapt nimbly away from the wolf's snapping jaws.
Leaping atop the table next to the vampire, Zoella raised her Vicious Greatsword high abover her head, fueling it with holy energy then bringing it crashing down with her Temple of Light attack. As the blade struck home, a series of radiant bars sprung up around the undead, a promise of the unleashing of additional holy power through the course of the battle. Then, with a surge of energy, the Avenger brought her blade back up with a Sequestering Strike that also struck the vampire squarely, the holy power of the Temple of Light washing over the undead again, searing its blackened leather armor.
A dazed look on his face, obviously not himself, Kalen charged forward, Vindicator swinging around in a powerful arc and slicing into Zoella! Even as the holy blade bit into the erstwhile Avenger, it became obvious, by the horrified look on his face, that the Paladin had shaken off the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze. Profusely begging for Zoella's forgiveness, Kalen then raised his gauntleted right hand, which gripped Vindicator tightly, and swore that, by the Watchful Eye, the foul undead horror would not survive this day. Perhaps it was merely a trick of the light that blazed from the blade of the Paladin's holy sword, but several members of the party would afterwards swear that they had seen the small silver ring, which bore the holy symbol of the long-dead god of guardians, Helm, for the briefest moment, glowing with internal light.
Following on the heels of this declaration from the holy warrior, Crimson fired a Sacred Flame at the vampire, striking the undead squarely and allowing Kalen to shake off the aftereffect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze. Summoning all the adrenaline that she could muster, she then fired a Cascade of Light from her outstretched palm, which gripped her holy symbol of Tymora, the holy light deeply burning the flesh of the undead warrior.
Cursing violently at the sacred power that had burned it, even as its burned flesh began to slowly knit together, the vampire nimbly sidestepped out of the flanking positions of Dearbhla and Maul, but no amount of fancy footwork could evade the speed with which Maul's Warsoul Battleaxe was able to lash out, even with the surprise of the attack, however, the axe was deftly parried by the vampire's mace, the two weapons clattering together and Maul's axe taking a small chip out of the haft of the mace. Still adjacent to Dearbhla, the vampire fired its Forbidding Darkness at the Druid, striking her squarely but triggering an opportunity attack from the wolf, who struck the vampire with her Savage Rend attack, pushing the vampire back into the flank between her and the Warden. Surging with its own fury and thanks to the effects of its Forbidding Darkness, the vampire grabbed hold of Dearbhla and sank his fangs deep into her flesh, bloodying her, while the blood from the Druid rejuvenated him and caused Dearbhla to struggle to stay standing as sudden weakness made her limbs ache. Then, the vampire directed its withering stare at Maul, which we now recognized as its attempt to use its Dominating Gaze, but we would be forced until Maul acted again to determine if the attack had been successful.
Pointing his Rod of Corruption at the distracted vampire, Jib launched an Eldritch Blast at the undead, lashing it with arcane energy. Then, purposefully moving past the vampire, the maniacal goblin allowed the vampire to freely take an opportunity attack as he moved by, triggering the incredibly potent power of his Darkspiral Aura, which he had been conserving for most of the day; as the dark power assailed the vampire, causing considerable damage, it became obvious that a sudden, pervasive weakness afflicted it as its attack struck the diminutive goblin, barely nicking the small Warlock.
Motes of primal energy swirled around Maul as the world's own Font of Life cleansed him of the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze, and the vampire howled in rage as it became apparent that the Warden was ignoring the mental commands being directed at him by the undead. Swinging his axe freely, Maul initiated his Earthgrasp Strike attack at the vampire, but, despite its anger over losing control of the Warden's mind, the undead still managed to parry the attack with its mace.
Dancing nimbly about on her paws, Dearbhla dashed forward and bit the vampire with her Darting Bite attack, then she danced swiftly out of reach of any retaliatory strike from the undead warrior.
Dropping down off the table and onto the floor next to the vampire, Zoella slashed an Overwhelming Strike at the undead and connected solidly with it, bloodying the foul creature.
Acting upon his sworn vengeance, Kalen issued his Divine Challenge against the vampire then slashed viciously with Vindicator, its blade searingly-bright with holy power, and the Paladin's Judgment struck home; as the sacred blade bit into the undead flesh of the vampire, causing it to howl in agony, the radiant glow of the blade extended to envelop Dearbhla, washing over her and causing many of her wounds to begin to mend.
Whispering the holy words of her Healing Word to Zoella, who began to glow softly as divine power healed some of the Avenger's injuries, Crimson fired another Sacred Flame at the vampire, helping Maul to overcome the aftereffect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze as the radiant energy burned into the undead warrior's flesh.
Cringing under the seemingly-endless assault of divine power, the vampire stomped its foot to the ground and a pulse of death magic burst from the impact, Desecrating the ground immediately around where the vampire currently stood, tendrils of death energy reaching up to hinder and harm both Jib and Zoella who still stood next to the vampire, but, although Kalen still stood next to the undead, the tendrils would not approach within reach of the holy light that shone from the blade of Vindicator. Staring holes through Crimson, the vampire then vanished into a swirling cloud of mist that began to rapidly drift across the room, heading, apparently, towards the corridor to the east.
Not wanting the creature to enact whatever it had planned, Jib hurriedly fired an Eldritch Blast at the retreating mist, striking it squarely, but it was obvious that the blast diffused throughout the mist, losing much of its efficacy.
Targeting the fleeing mist-formed vampire with his Thorn Strike, Maul pulled the undead creature back adjacent to himself as the tendrils of primal power were able to affect even the insubstantial form of the vampire.
Padding quickly across the room and adjacent to the vampire, Dearbhla unleashed her Predator's Flurry on the foul undead, striking the insubstantial form of the vampire and causing its coherency to waver.
Zoella then moved to flank the vampire with Maul, slashing out with her Bond of Pursuit attack and striking the vampire cleanly.
Still standing on the vampire's Desecrated Ground, Kalen laughed mirthlessly as the death magic assailed him but was absorbed by the shielding properties of his Black Iron plate, which began to pulse darkly with the absorbed power. Stepping forward and summoning his Divine Strength, the Paladin violently stabbed Vindicator out in a Piercing Smite, the holy blade slicing into the vaporous form of the vampire and burning it with divine light.
Under the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze, Crimson then attempted to blast Maul with a Sacred Flame, but the blast went well wide of the Warden. Shaking her head rapidly and ending the effect of the vampire's Dominating Gaze upon her, Crimson apologized for the attack, eliciting a shrug from the warforged, who continued to focus on the adjacent foe.
Dazed and trying desperately to reach its coffin, the vampire took the calculated risk of fleeing from its position adjacent to four of our party members, provoking opportunity attacks from Maul, Dearbhla, Zoella, and Kalen. Only the Paladin failed to land a blow as the vampire fled, but it still was not sufficient as the misty form of the vampire disappeared through the cracks in the rubble of the corridor that led eastward.
Thinking it best to leave him alone for a few minutes, Maul and Jib move to the eastern corridor to see if it would be feasible to pursue the vampire, while Zoella searched the room for anything of value, and Crimson began tending to the wounds of the party.
After a few minutes in prayer, Kalen draws a deep breath then stands to his feet and moves to the eastern corridor, his features set with grim determination. Jib and Maul stand just inside the corridor and are discussing whether it would be possible to dig through the collapsed passageway. Together, the three continue examining the rubble and reach the conclusion that it is feasible that the party could dig through the corridor, but it would undoubtedly require considerable time and effort. Kalen says that he will take whatever time is necessary to ferret out the vampire and end its existence once and for all; Zoella, having finished her exploration of the rest of the room and finding nothing of value, agrees with the holy warrior. Nodding their assent, the other three agree to help. Deciding that it would be best to work in shifts, the party sets two members to digging (with Maul and Kalen taking the first turn), one member on watch, and the other two resting and preparing a meal for the rest of the group; in the meantime, Jib would find something to occupy his time, being a little on the small side to be doing the type of manual labor that this task would require.
Kalen removes his heavy, Black Iron plate, leaving only the leather armor padding underneath and begins to dig, using the shovels which Maul had brought with him. The tireless warforged remained in his armor and, picking up the second shovel, began to dig. Zoella took the first watch, while Dearbhla and Crimson rested quietly, after building a fire to light the room, so that someone did not have to hold either a sunrod or Vindicator aloft to provide illumination in the otherwise pitch dark room.
After three hours of backbreaking work and some good progress, Zoella offers to take a turn with a shovel. Maul, as yet unfazed by the exertion of physical effort, told Kalen to take a break and get some food. Thanking the Warden, the Paladin passed off his shovel to Zoella and sat down on the cold, stone floor, rubbing his arms to get some feeling back into them. Crimson stood and moved near the door, keeping alert for the approach of any foes. Dearbhla, by now, had fallen asleep and Kalen was content to allow the Druid to rest.
Three hours later, Kalen awoke with a start to the insistent shoving by Zoella who told him that it was his turn again to dig. Sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, the Paladin looked down the corridor, amazed at the progress that Zoella and Maul had made; equally amazing was the warforged Warden who continued to pull piles of rubble out of the corridor with the shovel still gripped in his inexhaustible, metallic hands. Expressing his amazement at Maul's hardiness, Kalen told the Warden to take a break, if only to let the mechanisms that powered his innards to rest and recover for a bit. Nodding at the wisdom of such a suggestion, Maul handed the Paladin his shovel and moved back into the room, sitting down atop one of the tables in the center of the room. Crimson and Dearbhla agreed to take turns working on the corridor for the next work shift, with Crimson coming over first and taking the second shovel from Kalen's outstretched hand.
For the next three hours, Kalen would work without complaint on one side of the corridor, while Dearbhla and Crimson would take fifteen minute turns on the other side. As the excavation entered its ninth hour, the whole party began wondering just how far down this corridor we would have to dig.
Having had the benefit of a few hours of rest, Zoella came back and offered to let Kalen get a few more hours of rest, while Crimson and Dearbhla would keep taking their short turns for another hour, until Maul had finished recuperating. Nodding, the Paladin again handed off his shovel and returned to the room, laying down on his outstretched bedroll and falling asleep in minutes to the background noise of the metal shovels scraping against the floor of the corridor then tossing their contents back out of the passageway.
About an hour later, Maul, having completed his rest, relieved the Druid and Cleric of their shovel and returned to his tireless work. Crimson sat down near where Kalen lay sleeping quietly and retrieved some trail rations from her pack and began to munch on them thoughtfully, pausing every few minutes to take a small sip of water from her waterskin. Dearbhla crouched near the room's entrance, watching down the hall for signs of any possible allies that the vampire might have possessed.
Working diligently but evidently bored of the minimal conversation, Zoella asked Maul if he knew any good drinking songs or battle anthems. Responding in the affirmative, the two diggers agreed on one that they both knew well and launched into a series of tone-deaf, but energetic, songs that helped ease the monotony of their task.
While the Avenger and Warden sang, Jib finally found something with which to entertain himself. Drawing a small bag, full of chalk, from his small, leather backpack, the diminutive Warlock sat on the ground next to the sleeping form of the Paladin and began to decorate the surface of the holy warrior's Black Iron plate armor with an intricate series of arcane runes and symbols. The goblin worked in silence, totally absorbed and fascinated by his own efforts, while the excavating members of the party continued to dig. An amused look on her face, Crimson moved from where she was and sat down next to Jib and watched the little goblin work, offering appreciative comments and chuckles at the Warlock's handiwork.
It was almost three hours of singing and digging later (which Kalen was mercifully fortunate to sleep through) when Maul's shovel struck the side of the wooden coffin with a dull 'thud.' Diving backwards at the sound, the two diggers quickly roused the rest of the group and picked up their weapons. With Maul and Zoella's help, Kalen quickly donned his heavy armor, chuckling at Jib's impromptu artwork, and pulled Vindicator from its ebon scabbard, the light from the holy blade filling the corridor.
Allowing Maul to quickly clear away the debris that remained covering the coffin, Kalen kicked the lid open, revealing the vampire, Barthas, lying in repose within. We noted, with a mix of anger and horror, that the vampire's wounds had nearly fully healed. Crimson pointed out that when he had fully regenerated, it was likely that the vampire would awake and we would be forced to fight the creature again. Turning back to the room and looking around carefully, Kalen had an idea.
Striding over to the toppled wooden throne that Barthas had once occupied, Kalen slashed Vindicator down through the arms of the throne. Picking up the freshly-cut arms, he handed them to Crimson, asking if they would serve as stakes to drive through the heart of the vampire. Looking the wood over and drawing her dagger, the Cleric rapidly sharpened the ends of each wooden arm, nodding all the while and finally saying that she thought they would be perfect. Pulling two small crystal vials from her belt pouch, Crimson handed one to Zoella, while keeping one for herself. Opening the vial, the Cleric poured the Holy Water over the first stake, sanctifying the formerly desecrated object. Telling Zoella to hang on to the other stake and Holy Water vial, Crimson then handed the stake to Kalen, who accepted it with a grim smile.
Striding back to the end of the corridor, Maul at his side with his axe held ready to strike should the vampire suddenly awake, Kalen leaned over the coffin, the stake raised and ready to strike.
"In the name of the Ever-Vigilant Eye, I banish you back to whatever foul place spawned you!" cried Kalen as he drove the stake through the heart of the sleeping vampire. Not even a whimper escaped the lips of the vampire, as Kalen lifted Vindicator and severed the vampire's head from the rest of its body. Reaching into his own belt pouch, the Paladin pulled his own vial of Holy Water and poured it across the neck of the vampire, hoping to ensure that the foul, undead abomination would never rise again.
Stuffing the head of the vampire in his pack, Kalen turned back to the party and said, "We will take his head with us and let it see the radiant glory of Amaunator. I suspect that should be the end of him." Crimson agreed that what we had done should be sufficient to end the existence of the vampire.
Looking back into the coffin, we extract the vampire's treasures which included: the +1 Lifedrinker Mace (which Crimson appropriated), the +1 Holy Symbol of Turning (Bane) (which Kalen will melt down and turn into a symbol of the Ever-Vigilant Eye), and +1 Breaching Hide Armor (which Maul happily Transfer Enchanted into his Legacy armor); also were three hundred and eighty copper thumbs, eighty-five gold lions, and an odd collection of silver teeth, worth about two silver falcons each, but Jib squealed with delight when he saw these and demanded that he be allowed to keep them. Chuckling amongst ourselves at the odd, little goblin Warlock, the rest of the party agreed that Jib had earned them, and we smiled as the diminutive goblin began threading them onto their own necklace around his scrawny neck.
We decide that, as it is growing rather late, we shoud return to the monastery and plan to return the following day...
Vorthos scans the room and sees sitting in the corner of common room is the Free Company of the Crescent. With a wave of his hand an extra chair glides over to the adventurers table and then he proceeds to sit. Kane, the bard, singing a new song about the Company of the Steel Fang, notices the dark figure move the chair magically and sits with the Free Company of the Crescent. Kane makes a mental note to himself to inform Retz of this after he finishes singing his latest creation. In hushed tones, Vorthos speaks to Devlin, the leader of the Free Company of the Crescent."Greetings Devlin, I believe you know who I am. You are familiar with the Company of the Steel Fang?"
Devlin nods.
"Excellent,
I have a proposition for you. I have some plans in progress that will weaken them so that your group can ambush them. You may keep any magical trinkets they may have and I will pay you one thousand gold pieces when they are dead. 
If they are in possession of any alabaster pillars, I shall take them." Vorthos slides over a bag that jingles as it slides over to Devlin's hand. "Here is two hundred in advance. So my friends, do we have a deal?"Devlin scoops up the bag of gold and ties it to his belt. He then in turn looks to each member of the Free Company of the Crescent. The other four members, The Dark-Eyed One, the twins Harrack and Farrack, and finally Allan Redhand, and each nods their acceptance of the deal.
Vorthos smirks and replies, "I will come for you when the time is right, and I may have an added surprise for them.
I've recently found a little friend that is eager for revenge and will be joining you for the ambush." :evillaughThe dark cloaked figure
gets up and leaves The Monastery of the Precipice. A cold chill runs down Kane's spine as the dark cloaked figure leaves, almost as if Death himself brushed the back of his neck."I really gotta tell Retz about this soon." Kane thinks to himself while he sings the Ballad of The Company of the Steel Fang.
Izzie:
I'm also going to do my best to 'encourage' the rest of the group to start taking a more active role in participating in the recap. Of course, contributions from all of you that honor us by reading are welcomed and encouraged to participate, as well!
I apologized profusely to Lady Zoella after our encounter with the abominable vampire. Although she offered forgiveness without hesitation, I cannot help but continue to be wrought with guilt at being brought under the foul undead's sway, even though it was for such a short time. I am responsible to protect my fellow adventurers, not harm them!
I must admit, it was largely due to the guilt that I was so firm in asking to pursue the vampire to its coffin, despite the amount of work that was eventually required. I think that once we return to the surface and allow the burning radiance of Amaunator to sear the vampire's head to dust, it shall begin to assuage my tormented soul.
I view each of my companions as family... A family that I am willing to sacrifice limb or life to protect. I must remain ever-watchful, ever-vigilant... By Vindicator's holy blade, I shall keep them safe... I cannot allow what happened to my sister happen to them... Not while I yet draw breath... My hidden destiny yet unrevealed...
My 'destiny'... Even more questions... Why did Gedrin Dren leave his sacred sword with me?... What does it mean that I am the 'heir to the legacy'?... Even Levia did not know fully, only that she was to shape me into a divinely-inspired weapon; a task which she performed admirably... I pray that we do find the Lady Saharel and that her oracular abilities have not been exaggerated... There are so many questions that I wish to have answered... So many questions...
But, enough of my own musings... I am so very proud of my companions...though a vampire is a fearsome foe, especially for someone like Retz or Dearbhla, to whom the foul undead are but passing rumors or stories told to frighten young children, none of my fellows hesitated to engage him. They are not bound by the oaths to destroy evil in all of its forms and to protect the innocents of the world from the ravages that evil would inflict upon them...Only Lady Zoella and I were honor- and duty-bound to fight the creature, but our friends did not shy away from the task before us...It is an honor to fight alongside them and an even greater honor to be able to offer them my service as a protector and defender.
May the Ever-Vigilant Eye watch over each of them as we continue our journey through life together...
1000 VIEWS!
Thank you so much to all of our readers! We hope that you have enjoyed our campaign recap thus far, and that you will continue to enjoy it in the future. As always, comments and feedback are welcome, but we appreciate your willingness to check us out!
- ImARock Tuesday Night Gaming Group
- Izzie
In the meantime, I DO have the 4th-Level character updates ready to post (except for those from Crimson and Dearbhla's player, but I will post those as soon as I have them), so, enjoy and please hang in there, I promise to keep doing the best I can.
Kalen Swordsworn
Paladin/Cleric of Helm?
STR - 19
CON - 13
DEX - 14
INT - 8
WIS - 14
CHA - 14
Trained Skills: Diplomacy, Endurance, Heal (Re-Train, 3rd), Insight, Religion
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Weapon Expertise (Heavy Blades), Initiate of the Faith, Durable (Bonus), Novice Power
At-Will Powers: Challenging Strike, Holy Strike, Valiant Strike
Encounter Powers: Piercing Smite, Healing Strike (Novice Power, from Arcing Smite)
Daily Power: Paladin's Judgment
Utility Power: Astral Speech
Magic Items: Black Iron Plate +1, Vindicator (Sunblade Bastard Sword +1), Cloak of the Walking Wounded +1, Giantkind Gloves, Symbol of Turning +1
STR - 19
CON - 13
DEX - 14
INT - 8
WIS - 14
CHA - 14
Trained Skills: Diplomacy, Endurance, Heal (Re-Train, 3rd), Insight, Religion
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Weapon Expertise (Heavy Blades), Initiate of the Faith, Durable (Bonus), Novice Power
At-Will Powers: Challenging Strike, Holy Strike, Valiant Strike
Encounter Powers: Piercing Smite, Healing Strike (Novice Power, from Arcing Smite)
Daily Power: Paladin's Judgment
Utility Power: Astral Speech
Magic Items: Black Iron Plate +1, Vindicator (Sunblade Bastard Sword +1), Cloak of the Walking Wounded +1, Giantkind Gloves, Symbol of Turning +1
JOURNAL: Shaking his head a little and rolling his eyes at Jib's antics, Retz turned around and walked back into the first burial vault, followed closely by Maul, as Kalen and Zoella carefully checked the rest of the room to ensure that we had dispatched all of our foes.
Picking up the book that rested at the foot of the stone bier, Retz carefully opened the book and began reading over the first page of the book...something he shall likely not repeat in the future, because, as he read that first page, he triggered the Explosive Runes that were contained within the page. The explosion flared, singeing both Retz and Maul and blasting out into the corridor.
Racing over to make certain that the two were not dead, the rest of the party was glad to see that they were merely a little charred and blackened by the explosion.
Taking in the situation and quickly deducing what had happened, Jib collapsed into paroxysms of laughter, falling to the floor and rolling about before finally being able to compose himself and remind the two slightly-crispier members of the party that ritual books are often trapped by their owners. He then took it upon himself to gather the remaining six books from the other vaults in the room and, after a few minutes of careful examination, was able to disarm the traps on each book.
Each book was discovered to contain a single ritual, including: Comprehend Languages, Make Whole, Secret Page, Tenser's Floating Disk, Eye of Alarm, and Knock. It is unknown what was in the book that Retz triggered, as the book was consumed in the explosion of the runes.
Looking through the books and figuring out what they are, Jib hands them back to the party and says that they are obviously all written in "Jib-berish" and, after cackling madly for a moment, that we should give them to him. A few facepalms and groans later, we decide that, lacking another arcanist to use them, we might as well let him have them.
Taking some time to search the rest of the vaults in the room we are able to find a small stock of valuables in the central vault (which, incidentally, was the only vault that lacked a skeletal occupant and it was theorized by Retz that this might be the home of the now-deceased wight...). The valuable materials include nine golden medallions (worth approximately fifty gold lions, each), a suit of +1 Hide of Exploits (taken by Retz), and a Potion of Vitality (a powerful healing potion, given to Zoella, for now).
Retz, a student of history, takes some time to examine the clothing on the corpses and the symbology that covers the burial vaults and concludes that, although he cannot read them, he recognizes the markings as coming from Low Netheril, an empire long since faded from memory, which collapsed right around the time of the Lady Saharel's life, if our information from the monastery is accurate.
Finding nothing else, we examine then open the room's western door, revealing a corridor that turns to the north about thirty feet ahead. Moving to that corner and peering around, we see that the hall extends about seventy more feet then reaches a T-intersection. Moving up to that intersection, we look to the west and see that the passage dead-ends after about ten feet (and we check for hidden doorways, but find none), looking east, however, there is a door about ten feet further down the hall.
Checking the door for traps and finding none, we open the door into a room where the air is cool and clammy. Water marks on the floor and walls show signs of past flooding. The ceiling of this chamber appears to have once featured a fine fresco depicting nobles gathered around a feasting table. A dark, skeletal figure (presumably symbolizing Death) sits at the head of the table. Rows of burial niches line the walls to the north and south. A large iron grate is set into the floor in the southeast.
As the party looks around, Kalen steps forward and, before Zoella can call out a warning about the false floor there (which she had already noticed, but failed to mention
I do believe that she did mention it you just weren't paying attention. =P
I do believe that she did mention it you just weren't paying attention. =P
Godwin:
Look Izzie, Zoella's player has finally decided to read the journal and post!
It's the end of the Realms as we know it.....again. 
I guess our guilt trip worked on at least one player. I'm sure glad, I can make Jib laugh so hard :D .
A hearty welcome to Retz and Zoella's players! It's nice to see you here! Now that we've gotten you in, we'll just have to keep you in. (Master Godwin, quickly, your Hold Person spell! Or, in the case of Zoella's player, Hold Monster!
) Well, now that you're here, please feel free to address anything that has already been written in the journal. Or, if we have any questions or feedback from our readers, feel free to field any of those posts.
4th-Level Character Updates:Kalen SwordswornPaladin/Cleric of Helm?
STR - 19
CON - 13
DEX - 14
INT - 8
WIS - 14
CHA - 14
Trained Skills: Diplomacy, Endurance, Heal (Re-Train, 3rd), Insight, Religion
Feats: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Weapon Expertise (Heavy Blades), Initiate of the Faith, Durable (Bonus), Novice Power
At-Will Powers: Challenging Strike, Holy Strike, Valiant Strike
Encounter Powers: Piercing Smite, Healing Strike (Novice Power, from Arcing Smite)
Daily Power: Paladin's Judgment
Utility Power: Astral Speech
Magic Items: Black Iron Plate +1, Vindicator (Sunblade Bastard Sword +1), Cloak of the Walking Wounded +1, Giantkind Gloves, Symbol of Turning +1
Godwin:
Look Izzie, Zoella's player has finally decided to read the journal and post!
>_> I've been reading off and on just couldn't post until today when I got ahold of someone that knew what the heck they were doing on the 800 # about my password. Well that and Rising Force Online is doing a preupdate. Any excuse to d/c my afk buffing wth. >_<
Btw I'm Earl (aka the squirrel of demise in the group). Mauls player.
Holy Mystra! Now, it is the end of the multiverse! Regardless, it is good to see that all of our players have finally chimed in... Now, if we can just get them to continue doing so!
Incidentally, I'm sorry that last week's update has taken so long to get done, it's been a very busy week. But I have a few days off from work now and I should be able to get it up tomorrow.
- Izzie
RECAP: After a protracted and vicious fight with the vampire, Barthus, our company successfully dug through the foul undead's escape corridor and put an end to the life of the thrice-cursed blood-drinker. As it was now getting to be late in the day, we decided that we should return to the Monastery of the Precipice and get a good night's sleep to recover from the day's efforts. We also hoped that Retz's brother would have arrived, that we might make his acquaintance. Gathering our gear (some of it a little more 'decorative' than previously
), we make ready to exit the catacombs.JOURNAL: Kalen finished stuffing the vampire's head into his pack as Maul and Zoella finished claiming the foul creature's treasures from its coffin.
A sudden yelp of surprise and pain from the direction of the room's entrance caused the group standing in the corridor to spin around in surprise, each dropping into their familiar combat stances.
At the far end of the room, lying unconscious between two, eerily-similar looking humans and evidently taken by surprise as she watched us dispatch the vampire, Dearbhla lay sprawled on the ground.
Accompanying the twins were: an elf dressed in arcanist's robes, another elf (perhaps a half-elf) dressed in scale armor and wielding a greatsword, a human man, Devlin (leader of the Free Company of the Crescent, who had introduced himself to us when we first arrived in Spellgard) also stood with the group. Another humanoid figure (later identified by Crimson as a shadar-kai), shrouded in swirling shadows, also accompanies the group, billowing black robes swirling around him along with the shadows, dark chainmail visible beneath them; his head is shaven except for a single gray braid extending from the top of his skull. The final figure is a frustratingly-familiar foe and the reason that we journeyed to Spellgard in the first place; the dark wizard, Vorthos, a sneer on his face, regards us coldly.
"You see, Thoran, I told you that Barthus would not be able to stand against these fools... They wield far too much divine power for even a full-fledged vampire to oppose with much hope of success!" says Vorthos, evidently addressing the imposing-looking shadar-kai. [NOTE: Now we have a face to go with the name, Thoran...]
"Hmmm, it matters but little, Vorthos... Barthus was but a tool and a none-too-important one, at that. He served his purpose by draining these adventurers' energy and resources, which will make them all the easier for our 'new friends' here to deal with." replied the shadar-kai in a menacing tone, indicating Devlin and his company when he spoke of 'new friends'. He continued, "I also see that they have found another of the pillars...Excellent..." gesturing at the alabaster pillar which was still sitting, propped up, against the wall of the chamber. "Curious, though, I wonder where we might have missed that one. Please ensure that it is not damaged, Devlin, or it will come out of your pay..." Turning around behind him, the shadar-kai made a sharp gesture with one hand and a quartet of strange, halfling-sized creatures, wearing black garments veiled in shadow; their pallid, hairless faces were set with wide-staring white eyes, large noses, and mouths full of crooked, stained teeth. The four creatures (identified by Jib as dark creepers) quickly moved to where Dearbhla lay unconscious and scooped the Druid into their arms then moved rapidly back out of the room and down the hall. With a smile that sent chills down each of our spines, Thoran turned on his heel and followed after the dark creepers.
"Make certain that none survive, Devlin," said Vorthos to the leader of the Free Company of the Crescent, who smiled mirthlessly and hefted his halberd menacingly. "Oh... And before I depart, I have a final surprise for these fools..." said the black-robed wizard, snapping his fingers.
From the hallway behind the mage, a small figure dressed in a black cloak, with the hood pulled up, walked slowly into the room as Vorthos walked briskly down the corridor, following after Thoran and his dark creepers. Pulling the hood back and revealing a one-eared goblin, a psychotic and hateful smile plastered across his face; we were horrified as we realized that we were seeing the familiar face of Jub, our diminutive Warlock's evil, elder brother!
"WHAT?!" screamed Jib in anger and frustration, "That IMPOSSIBLE!!! Jib kill Jub already!"
Chuckling loudly, the evil goblin replied, "Did very bad job of it, Jib... Must be why mother always loved Jub best! Mwhahahahaha!"
Setting his jaw into as grim and intimidating a look as a goblin can manage, Jib swore profusely then said, "Jib kill Jub once... Jib kill Jub AGAIN!... This time... Jub NO come back!!!"
Jub's only reply was to laugh even harder, which only served to further anger our little, goblin Warlock.
Laughing at the banter between the goblin siblings, Devlin looked at the rest of his company, then looked at us and said, simply, "Kill them..."
) 1 x Devlin, warlord and leader of the Free Company of the Crescent; 1 x Dark-Eyed One, wizard; 1 x Allan Redhand, fighter; 1 x Harrak, rogue; 1 x Farrak, rogue; 1 x Jub, hexer[/i]Battle Report
The room has not changed much from when we fought with the vampire, only the pile of coffins with the throne perched atop are gone, scattered across the floor in the eastern side of the room.
As our foes began their advance, Zoella, her greatsword held at the ready, raced out of the eastern corridor and stood next to the eastern-most table while waiting for a foe to come within reach of her Shared Madness attack.
Not wanting to disappoint the Avenger, Devlin hefted his halberd and strode towards the center of the room, triggering Zoella's psychic assault, which caused Devlin and the Free Company of the Crescent's (hereafter referred to as the FCC) wizard to cringe in pain as their minds were assailed with psychic energy. The FCC's leader then dropped his halberd into a low-guard position, the long handle sweeping out to his side, ready to be launched at the first of our company to come within his reach.
Still reeling from the aftereffects of Zoella's attack, the FCC wizard tried to hit Zoella with his Magic Missiles, but the bolts of force sailed harmlessly wide of the Avenger. Shaking his head to clear away the last of the pain, the wizard glared angrily at the elfmaid.
Maul quickly moved to stand next to Zoella and brought his shield up before him, his Warsoul Battleaxe held ready to parry any attack that might be directed at him by the members of the FCC.
Allan, the FCC fighter, strode onwards and stood next to Devlin, his greatsword lifted high above his head, ready to slash down at any foe to approach within reach.
Still standing near the doorwar, the evil hexer, Jub, conjured his Vexing Cloud, which sprang into being around the goblin, shrouding him in ribbons of flowing shadows.
Shouting a challenge at the members of the FCC, Kalen strode to the center of the room, stopping just out of reach of Devlin's halberd. With Vindicator held ready before him, the Paladin dared any of our foes to approach him.
One of the twin rogues [Izzie: Harrak, so you, the readers, can keep track, rather than referring to them as the 'first' and 'second' twins...] moved into the room then dropped into a crouch, legs coiled and ready to spring into a charge.
The second twin [Izzie: Farrak] then moved next to his twin and they simultaneously sprang forward, charging headlong at the Paladin. The stalwart defender met their charge squarely, turning aside [Harrak]'s blade with his heavy shield and parrying [Farrak]'s attack with a skillful slash of Vindicator. Cursing, in stereo, the two rogues held their daggers before them, ready to receive the holy warrior's inevitable counterattack.
In between muttering and swearing about the re-appearance of his evil brother, Jib manage to utter his Curse on [Harrak] and stared his Spiteful Glamor at the rogue, causing him to reel in pain, clutching at his eyes. The diminutive Warlock then scampered into the room and stood behind the Paladin, peering around the defender's broad frame and staring daggers at the members of the FCC.
Following in Jib's footsteps, Crimson came out of the corridor and stood behind the goblin. Invoking the power of her Divine Fortune, the Cleric raised her Holy Symbol high and summoned a Divine Glow which washed over both of the twin rogues, searing both with holy radiance and bloodying [Harrak] while critically striking [Farrak]; the holy light also bolstered Kalen, Maul, and Jib as it washed over them, granting them divine clarity to guide their weapons at our foes.
Dashing forward, Zoella rolled under the sweep of Devlin's halberd as he tried to hit her with his readied, Wolf Pack Tactics attack. As the FCC leader swung, the FCC fighter danced forward, swinging his greatsword in a wide sweep that slashed into Zoella, scoring a hit and marking the Avenger, but a follow-up attack would not be forthcoming as the elfmaid blinked out of existence, using her Resonant Escape, and re-appeared near the room's door, next to the FCC wizard. Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the wizard, the Avenger lashed out with her Sequestering Strike attack, her blade biting into the wizard and, again, she and the wizard blinked out of existence, teleporting and re-appearing back in the center of the room, the wizard next to her and within reach of the rest of the party. In a blur of speed, Zoella followed up with a Bond of Pursuit attack that bit deeply into a soft spot in the wizard's side, bloodying the eladrin.
Not content to allow Zoella to be the only one employing teleport tactics, the wizard Fey Stepped back out of the middle of the room, re-appearing in the room's doorway, triggering Zoella's Bond of Pursuit and allowing the Avenger to move towards where the wizard had fled. The wizard then fired his Thunderburst at the Avenger, the loud attack slamming into the elfmaid and dazing her.
As Zoella and the FCC wizard were competing to see who could do the best Dragonball Z imitation, Maul shifted his position slightly to stay next to Kalen then summoned the primal power of Toril to invoke Nature's Abundance. A burst of plants sprang forth from the ground, shielding the party members in the center of the room and providing cover for us from the FCC's attacks. In a flurry of action, Maul then attacked [Harrak] with his Strength of Stone attack, but the agile rogue ducked nimbly under the sweep of the Warden's axe.
Suddenly, skidding around the corner behind the room's entrance, came a welcome sight as Retz, our brilliant Warlord, appeared behind the enemy. Kalen shouted a warning to the genasi which, after rapidly analyzing the tactical situation, spurred the Warlord into action as he moved next to the FCC wizard. The Warlord unleashed his own Wolf Pack Tactics attack and his longsword stabbed through the wizard, ending the spellcaster's life. "Greetings, friends! Did you miss me?!" called the genasi with a cheerful grin on his face.
Cursing in Goblin and rapidly scampering away from the doorway, Jub fired a Stinging Hex at Zoella, hoping to prevent the dazed Avenger from pursuing him. The arcane sigils glowed brightly as they surrounded Zoella, promising a modicum of pain should the Avenger attempt to move from where she stood.
Still facing the twin rogues, Kalen swept Vindicator around in a brilliantly-executed Arcing Smite, slaying [Harrak] (triggering Jib's Rod of Corruption, which spread his Curse to the remaining members of the FCC) and bloodying [Farrak]. As [Harrak] crumpled to the floor, [Farrak] began to swear a Blood Oath of Vengeance against the Paladin, but before the rogue could even finish, Kalen had reversed the sweep of his holy sword and stabbed forward with a Piercing Smite which punched straight through the heart of the rogue, stealing the breath from his lungs and cutting his swearing short as his life ended. Flicking the rogue's blood from Vindicator's tip, Kalen snarled at Devlin, "Three down...Three to go..." The FCC leader just sneered at the Paladin in response.
Continuing to mutter and swear, Jib uttered his Curse on his evil brother then stared his Spiteful Glamor at him, causing the other goblin to recoil in pain. The two traded a few barbed remarks in Goblin, then Jib unleashed his Cursebite attack; as the dark energy of the attack lashed out from the Warlock, both Devlin and Allan were able to shake off the effects of the attack, but, as the tendrils of necrotic energy began to lash towards Jub, the evil goblin kicked Devlin in the shins of his armor, causing the warlord to stumble directly into the path of the tendrils of dark energy. As the attack bit into him, bloodying him, Devlin swore angrily and spun around to face Jub.
Moving to stand behind the eastern-most table, Crimson lifted her holy symbol again and unleashed a Sacred Flame on the FCC fighter, striking the warrior squarely and as the holy light played over the fighter's armor, it also reflected onto Zoella who shook her head clear of being dazed. Feeling a rush of adrenaline, the Cleric then unleashed a Daunting Glow at the FCC fighter, bloodying the warrior and illuminating him as a target for Kalen's next attack.
Swinging his greatsword, the FCC fighter struck Kalen with a weak blow, which the Paladin was just a moment too slow in parrying, then he carefully backed out of reach of the Paladin's blade. "We should get out of here, Devlin! The odds are getting worse, fast!" said the fighter to his leader.
Slashing his halberd down, Devlin hit Jub and continued swearing at the goblin hexer for what the evil, little creature had done, then nodded at his fighter, saying, "Let's get outta here, we've got our down payment. You can't spend gold if you're dead!"
Zoella paused a moment, waiting to see what would happen...
Maul followed suit...
"Oh, you're not getting away so easily!" cried Retz as he moved into the room and next to the FCC leader. Swinging his longsword around, he roared his Inspiring War Cry as the blade swept past the enemy warlord's attempt parry with the haft of his halberd and severed the head from Devlin. Seeing his leader fall, the FCC fighter threw down his greatsword and raised his arms in surrender.
Seeing Retz's success spurred Zoella into action and she raced across the room to stand adjacent to Jub, critically striking the hexer with her Bond of Pursuit attack thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy and bloodying the creature.
Backpedaling carefully away from the Avenger, Jub then began to run towards the room's exit as soon as he was out of reach of the Avenger's greatsword. Invoking the power of her Bond of Pursuit, Zoella pursued and closed some of the intervening distance between her and the evil goblin.
Moving to where the FCC fighter stood, arms still raised, Kalen kicked the fighter's greatsword away and it clattered across the floor. Gesturing with the glowing blade of Vindicator, the Paladin instructed the FCC fighter to place his hands on his head and kneel; the fighter rapidly complied.
Paying no attention to the FCC fighter's surrender, Jib lifts his Rod of Corruption and fires an Eldritch Blast at his fleeing brother; the blast catches the evil goblin in the center of the back and the hexer falls to the floor, a smoking hole in his back where the Blast hit him, dead, again, at the hands of Jib. With a squeal that was equal parts hilarity and triumph, Jib began dancing happily about.
With our foes defeated, the party, save for Jib, moves to question the FCC fighter. Jib, in the meantime, begins to deface and mutilate the body of his twice-fallen brother, muttering and swearing all the while; promising that Jub would never rise again to trouble him.
As our foes began their advance, Zoella, her greatsword held at the ready, raced out of the eastern corridor and stood next to the eastern-most table while waiting for a foe to come within reach of her Shared Madness attack.
Not wanting to disappoint the Avenger, Devlin hefted his halberd and strode towards the center of the room, triggering Zoella's psychic assault, which caused Devlin and the Free Company of the Crescent's (hereafter referred to as the FCC) wizard to cringe in pain as their minds were assailed with psychic energy. The FCC's leader then dropped his halberd into a low-guard position, the long handle sweeping out to his side, ready to be launched at the first of our company to come within his reach.
Still reeling from the aftereffects of Zoella's attack, the FCC wizard tried to hit Zoella with his Magic Missiles, but the bolts of force sailed harmlessly wide of the Avenger. Shaking his head to clear away the last of the pain, the wizard glared angrily at the elfmaid.
Maul quickly moved to stand next to Zoella and brought his shield up before him, his Warsoul Battleaxe held ready to parry any attack that might be directed at him by the members of the FCC.
Allan, the FCC fighter, strode onwards and stood next to Devlin, his greatsword lifted high above his head, ready to slash down at any foe to approach within reach.
Still standing near the doorwar, the evil hexer, Jub, conjured his Vexing Cloud, which sprang into being around the goblin, shrouding him in ribbons of flowing shadows.
Shouting a challenge at the members of the FCC, Kalen strode to the center of the room, stopping just out of reach of Devlin's halberd. With Vindicator held ready before him, the Paladin dared any of our foes to approach him.
One of the twin rogues [Izzie: Harrak, so you, the readers, can keep track, rather than referring to them as the 'first' and 'second' twins...] moved into the room then dropped into a crouch, legs coiled and ready to spring into a charge.
The second twin [Izzie: Farrak] then moved next to his twin and they simultaneously sprang forward, charging headlong at the Paladin. The stalwart defender met their charge squarely, turning aside [Harrak]'s blade with his heavy shield and parrying [Farrak]'s attack with a skillful slash of Vindicator. Cursing, in stereo, the two rogues held their daggers before them, ready to receive the holy warrior's inevitable counterattack.
In between muttering and swearing about the re-appearance of his evil brother, Jib manage to utter his Curse on [Harrak] and stared his Spiteful Glamor at the rogue, causing him to reel in pain, clutching at his eyes. The diminutive Warlock then scampered into the room and stood behind the Paladin, peering around the defender's broad frame and staring daggers at the members of the FCC.
Following in Jib's footsteps, Crimson came out of the corridor and stood behind the goblin. Invoking the power of her Divine Fortune, the Cleric raised her Holy Symbol high and summoned a Divine Glow which washed over both of the twin rogues, searing both with holy radiance and bloodying [Harrak] while critically striking [Farrak]; the holy light also bolstered Kalen, Maul, and Jib as it washed over them, granting them divine clarity to guide their weapons at our foes.
Dashing forward, Zoella rolled under the sweep of Devlin's halberd as he tried to hit her with his readied, Wolf Pack Tactics attack. As the FCC leader swung, the FCC fighter danced forward, swinging his greatsword in a wide sweep that slashed into Zoella, scoring a hit and marking the Avenger, but a follow-up attack would not be forthcoming as the elfmaid blinked out of existence, using her Resonant Escape, and re-appeared near the room's door, next to the FCC wizard. Uttering her Oath of Enmity on the wizard, the Avenger lashed out with her Sequestering Strike attack, her blade biting into the wizard and, again, she and the wizard blinked out of existence, teleporting and re-appearing back in the center of the room, the wizard next to her and within reach of the rest of the party. In a blur of speed, Zoella followed up with a Bond of Pursuit attack that bit deeply into a soft spot in the wizard's side, bloodying the eladrin.
Not content to allow Zoella to be the only one employing teleport tactics, the wizard Fey Stepped back out of the middle of the room, re-appearing in the room's doorway, triggering Zoella's Bond of Pursuit and allowing the Avenger to move towards where the wizard had fled. The wizard then fired his Thunderburst at the Avenger, the loud attack slamming into the elfmaid and dazing her.
As Zoella and the FCC wizard were competing to see who could do the best Dragonball Z imitation, Maul shifted his position slightly to stay next to Kalen then summoned the primal power of Toril to invoke Nature's Abundance. A burst of plants sprang forth from the ground, shielding the party members in the center of the room and providing cover for us from the FCC's attacks. In a flurry of action, Maul then attacked [Harrak] with his Strength of Stone attack, but the agile rogue ducked nimbly under the sweep of the Warden's axe.
Suddenly, skidding around the corner behind the room's entrance, came a welcome sight as Retz, our brilliant Warlord, appeared behind the enemy. Kalen shouted a warning to the genasi which, after rapidly analyzing the tactical situation, spurred the Warlord into action as he moved next to the FCC wizard. The Warlord unleashed his own Wolf Pack Tactics attack and his longsword stabbed through the wizard, ending the spellcaster's life. "Greetings, friends! Did you miss me?!" called the genasi with a cheerful grin on his face.
Cursing in Goblin and rapidly scampering away from the doorway, Jub fired a Stinging Hex at Zoella, hoping to prevent the dazed Avenger from pursuing him. The arcane sigils glowed brightly as they surrounded Zoella, promising a modicum of pain should the Avenger attempt to move from where she stood.
Still facing the twin rogues, Kalen swept Vindicator around in a brilliantly-executed Arcing Smite, slaying [Harrak] (triggering Jib's Rod of Corruption, which spread his Curse to the remaining members of the FCC) and bloodying [Farrak]. As [Harrak] crumpled to the floor, [Farrak] began to swear a Blood Oath of Vengeance against the Paladin, but before the rogue could even finish, Kalen had reversed the sweep of his holy sword and stabbed forward with a Piercing Smite which punched straight through the heart of the rogue, stealing the breath from his lungs and cutting his swearing short as his life ended. Flicking the rogue's blood from Vindicator's tip, Kalen snarled at Devlin, "Three down...Three to go..." The FCC leader just sneered at the Paladin in response.
Continuing to mutter and swear, Jib uttered his Curse on his evil brother then stared his Spiteful Glamor at him, causing the other goblin to recoil in pain. The two traded a few barbed remarks in Goblin, then Jib unleashed his Cursebite attack; as the dark energy of the attack lashed out from the Warlock, both Devlin and Allan were able to shake off the effects of the attack, but, as the tendrils of necrotic energy began to lash towards Jub, the evil goblin kicked Devlin in the shins of his armor, causing the warlord to stumble directly into the path of the tendrils of dark energy. As the attack bit into him, bloodying him, Devlin swore angrily and spun around to face Jub.
Moving to stand behind the eastern-most table, Crimson lifted her holy symbol again and unleashed a Sacred Flame on the FCC fighter, striking the warrior squarely and as the holy light played over the fighter's armor, it also reflected onto Zoella who shook her head clear of being dazed. Feeling a rush of adrenaline, the Cleric then unleashed a Daunting Glow at the FCC fighter, bloodying the warrior and illuminating him as a target for Kalen's next attack.
Swinging his greatsword, the FCC fighter struck Kalen with a weak blow, which the Paladin was just a moment too slow in parrying, then he carefully backed out of reach of the Paladin's blade. "We should get out of here, Devlin! The odds are getting worse, fast!" said the fighter to his leader.
Slashing his halberd down, Devlin hit Jub and continued swearing at the goblin hexer for what the evil, little creature had done, then nodded at his fighter, saying, "Let's get outta here, we've got our down payment. You can't spend gold if you're dead!"
Zoella paused a moment, waiting to see what would happen...
Maul followed suit...
"Oh, you're not getting away so easily!" cried Retz as he moved into the room and next to the FCC leader. Swinging his longsword around, he roared his Inspiring War Cry as the blade swept past the enemy warlord's attempt parry with the haft of his halberd and severed the head from Devlin. Seeing his leader fall, the FCC fighter threw down his greatsword and raised his arms in surrender.
Seeing Retz's success spurred Zoella into action and she raced across the room to stand adjacent to Jub, critically striking the hexer with her Bond of Pursuit attack thanks to her innate Elven Accuracy and bloodying the creature.
Backpedaling carefully away from the Avenger, Jub then began to run towards the room's exit as soon as he was out of reach of the Avenger's greatsword. Invoking the power of her Bond of Pursuit, Zoella pursued and closed some of the intervening distance between her and the evil goblin.
Moving to where the FCC fighter stood, arms still raised, Kalen kicked the fighter's greatsword away and it clattered across the floor. Gesturing with the glowing blade of Vindicator, the Paladin instructed the FCC fighter to place his hands on his head and kneel; the fighter rapidly complied.
Paying no attention to the FCC fighter's surrender, Jib lifts his Rod of Corruption and fires an Eldritch Blast at his fleeing brother; the blast catches the evil goblin in the center of the back and the hexer falls to the floor, a smoking hole in his back where the Blast hit him, dead, again, at the hands of Jib. With a squeal that was equal parts hilarity and triumph, Jib began dancing happily about.
With our foes defeated, the party, save for Jib, moves to question the FCC fighter. Jib, in the meantime, begins to deface and mutilate the body of his twice-fallen brother, muttering and swearing all the while; promising that Jub would never rise again to trouble him.
Retz informs us that T'urr has not yet arrived at the monastery, but, evidently, Kane, the monastery's creative bard, overheard this band of adventurers being recruited by Vorthos in the Monastery of the Precipice. He waited until the Free Company of the Crescent had departed, hoping that his brother would arrive and come along with him into the Catacombs, but the Company departed before T'urr's arrival. Deciding quickly that the situation would require his presence, Retz followed a short distance behind the Free Company, before joining our battle with them. He did not see where the shadar-kai (Thoran) and his dark creepers went, and he swears profusely when we tell him that they have kidnapped Dearbhla.
Turning to the captive fighter, Kalen and Retz question Redhand about the Free Company's activities. He tells us that he had little to do with the decisions made by the Company, he simply followed Devlin's lead. Redhand tells us that the mysterious mage, Vorthos, approached the Company a short while previous and offered them a substantial sum of money to eliminate our group. With corroboration from Retz, thanks to Kane's information, we realize that Redhand is telling the truth.
Retz pulls the party into a huddle around him, as Kalen continues to keep the captive fighter at blade-length. The genasi tells us that it would do no good question the fighter further, as the fighter himself has alluded, he had little influence in the Free Company's activities.
A quick vote among the party yields a result of allowing the fighter go free, upon his word and pain of death that he shall depart Spellgard and not return. After receiving agreement to our terms from the fighter, Kalen returns the warrior's greatsword then, with a nimbus of holy light wreathing his arm, placed his hand on the warrior's shoulder and many of the fighter's wounds began to knit. As the divine power washes over him, Kalen queries the fighter as to whether he knows where they might have taken our kidnapped Druid. Redhand answers that he knows, from rumors and table talk at the monastery, that the dark creepers have a lair somewhere in the desert area that abuts the ruins of Spellgard and they will likely take Dearbhla there. He also informs us that if they make it to their lair, she will likely disappear for good.
Then, with a deep bow to the Paladin for the courtesy, Redhand made his way swiftly down the corridor and out of sight.
Turning back to the fallen foes before us, Jib had noticed the money pouch on Devlin's belt and gives a gleeful yelp as it jingles loudly when he pulls it from the belt. Peering eagerly inside and hefting it in his tiny hands, Jib said that he believed there are about two hundred golden lions inside, but that he will have to count them later to be certain.
With a rueful shake of his head at the goblin's antics, Retz tells us that we need to move out if we are to have a hope of rescuing Dearbhla. Agreeing, the party sets off at a rapid pace through the catacombs and back to the surface.
Racing out into the fading twilight on the surface, our sharp-eyed Warden spots the four dark creepers, dragging the unconscious form of Dearbhla across the compound toward the edge of the compound. The mysterious shadar-kai, Thoran, and the dark wizard, Vorthos, are nowhere in sight. That was a mystery which would wait until later, as, with a fearsome battlecry, Retz leads the party, charging headlong across the grounds and into battle with the dark creepers.
Battle Report
Racing along one of the worn, dirt paths that runs throughout the Spellgard grounds, Maul launched himself into a headlong charge at the nearest of the four dark creepers, but the agile, little creature, dropping its hold on the unconscious form of Dearbhla, rolled underneath the sweep of the warforged's battleaxe.
Rolling back to its feet, the dark creeper paused for a moment while one of its allies moved to flank the Warden, then both tried in vain to stab the warforged, but the Warden's shield and axe parried both attacks. The other two dark creepers continued dragging Dearbhla toward the edge of the compound, albeit at a much reduced pace.
Racing along the same path that Maul had followed, Kalen charged one of the dark creepers that was flanking Maul, Vindicator coming down in an overhead strike and biting into the flesh of the small creature, causing it to howl in pain.
Following right on the heel of the stalwart Paladin, Zoella raced along the road, allowing the dark creeper, that Kalen had just struck, to take an opportunity attack at her, and, though the creature's dagger struck home, inflicting a minor wound, the Avenger blinked out of existence, teleporting a short distance ahead and near to the two dark creepers with Dearbhla. Uttering her Oath of Enmity against the second dark creeper that was flanking Maul, she unleashed her Shared Madness attack on one of the two dark creepers that held the Druid, but, despite her innate Elven Accuracy, she could not affect the shadow creature with her psychic assault.
Moving along the road, holy symbol held high, Crimson fired a Lance of Faith at the nearest dark creeper, but the blast of divine light went well wide of the small creature.
Racing along beside the Cleric, Retz launched into a charge and brought his longsword down into the same dark creeper, that Kalen had struck, wounding the creature and causing to yelp in pain again.
Jib muttered his Curse (and a number of other, mundane curses) on that dark creeper as he moved along the dirt path then fired an Eldritch Blast from his Rod of Corruption at the creature, striking the dark creeper and bloodying it.
Maul, heedless of the opportunity attacks from the flanking dark creepers, one of which scored a hit as he moved away, strode further along the path and into range of his Thorn Strike which lashed out and critically struck one of the dark creepers holding onto Dearbhla, pulling the shadow creature away from the Druid and breaking the creature's grip. Then, in a flurry of action, unleashed his Earthgrasp Strike on that dark creeper, bloodying the creature as vines sprang from the earth to pull the dark creeper to the ground and bind it in place.
The dark creeper, that Kalen and Retz had struck, cautiously backed out of their reach, then moved to stand next to Maul. The second dark creeper, that had been flanking the Warden, repositioned himself to stand across from the first, again flanking the warforged, but, despite the flank, could not get by the Warden's defenses. The prone dark creeper, still adjacent to Maul, tried to stab the defender's foot, but the Warden hopped nimbly out of the creature's reach. The final dark creeper, struggling with the unconscious form of Dearbhla, continued to drag the Druid along the road, again, at a much-reduced pace.
Kalen, his jaw set grimly, strode purposefully across the path, triggering opportunity attacks from all three dark creepers that were fighting the party, but skillful sweeps of Vindicator and a timely deflection with his heavy shield turned aside each attack. Whispering a rapid prayer, the valiant Paladin began intoning Healing Words and divine light began washing over the unconscious form of Dearbhla who jolted to consciousness as the holy radiance washed over her. The dark creeper that still held onto her form, began yelling loudly to its allies.
Moving adjacent to the as-yet unharmed dark creeper, Zoella swung her Vicious Greatsword around and connected with a Sequestering Strike; as the blade slammed home, both the Avenger and the dark creeper disappeared and re-appeared a short distance away. With a mirthless chuckle and a glare at the adjacent shadow creature, Zoella invoked the power of her Stanching Armor and healing energy washed over the Avenger's form.
Catching her second wind, the now-conscious Dearbhla broke the grip of the dark creeper that had been holding onto her, then rapidly Wild Shaped into her wolf form. In a flurry of action, the Druid bit the dark creeper with her Predator's Flurry, striking and dazing the creature.
Crimson then continued moving up the path and into range of her divine powers, firing another Lance of Faith at the standing, bloodied dark creeper, the holy bolt of energy slamming into the creature and illuminating it for Retz's next attack.
Retz moved adjacent to that dark creeper and unleashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, slaying the creature. As the creature perished, a pulse of shadowy energy burst forth from the creature's body, temporarily blinding Maul and Retz, who stood adjacent to where the dark creeper had fallen; swirling his Rod of Corruption in front of him, Jib allowed the power of his Curse to flow to the remaining dark creepers.
Scampering along the path and moving closer to the fight, Jib unleashed his Cursebite attack, striking the dark creeper next to Zoella and bloodying it, and striking the still-prone dark creeper, but missing the dazed dark creeper. Thanks to a burst of adrenaline, the diminutive Warlock fired an Eldritch Blast at the dark creeper next to Zoella and struck the creature square in the heart, killing it instantly; again, as the creature died, it burst with shadowy energy and blinded the Avenger.
Despite the power of the earth's Font of Life and Retz's Brooch of No Regrets, Maul could not shake off the effects of the dead dark creeper's Killing Dark (blindness). Pausing a moment to listen to the flow of battle around him, the Warden lashed out with a Strength of Stone attack, but the warforged's axe whistled through the air, nowhere near striking the prone dark creeper.
That dark creeper then tried to stand, but as it did so, the vines that had bound it to the earth pulsed with primal energy and snuffed the life from the shadow creature, its body bursting with the same shadow energy and blinding Kalen, who stood next to the corpse. The last dark creeper ran for the edge of the compound, being bloodied by a Savage Rend from Dearbhla as it fled.
Whispering another, different prayer, Kalen invoked his Divine Mettle for Zoella and, as the divine energy washed over her, she shook off the blindness that had been inflicted by the dying dark creeper's Killing Dark. Then, still blinded by a dark creeper's Killing Dark, spent a few moments successfully shaking off the effect and dropping into a defensive stance.
Sheathing her greatsword and drawing her longbow, Zoella fired a shot at the fleeing dark creeper, but the arrow narrowly missed its mark, whizzing by the ear of the small creature.
Shifting back into her human form, Dearbhla raised her totem and called forth a bolt of lightning in the form of a Storm Spike, striking the dark creeper and singeing its flesh.
Crimson then ran forward and unleashed her Daunting Glow that seared the dark creeper from existence.
With our Druid rescued and no apparent sign of Thoran or Vorthos, we catch our collective breath and rest our weary sword arms.
Rolling back to its feet, the dark creeper paused for a moment while one of its allies moved to flank the Warden, then both tried in vain to stab the warforged, but the Warden's shield and axe parried both attacks. The other two dark creepers continued dragging Dearbhla toward the edge of the compound, albeit at a much reduced pace.
Racing along the same path that Maul had followed, Kalen charged one of the dark creepers that was flanking Maul, Vindicator coming down in an overhead strike and biting into the flesh of the small creature, causing it to howl in pain.
Following right on the heel of the stalwart Paladin, Zoella raced along the road, allowing the dark creeper, that Kalen had just struck, to take an opportunity attack at her, and, though the creature's dagger struck home, inflicting a minor wound, the Avenger blinked out of existence, teleporting a short distance ahead and near to the two dark creepers with Dearbhla. Uttering her Oath of Enmity against the second dark creeper that was flanking Maul, she unleashed her Shared Madness attack on one of the two dark creepers that held the Druid, but, despite her innate Elven Accuracy, she could not affect the shadow creature with her psychic assault.
Moving along the road, holy symbol held high, Crimson fired a Lance of Faith at the nearest dark creeper, but the blast of divine light went well wide of the small creature.
Racing along beside the Cleric, Retz launched into a charge and brought his longsword down into the same dark creeper, that Kalen had struck, wounding the creature and causing to yelp in pain again.
Jib muttered his Curse (and a number of other, mundane curses) on that dark creeper as he moved along the dirt path then fired an Eldritch Blast from his Rod of Corruption at the creature, striking the dark creeper and bloodying it.
Maul, heedless of the opportunity attacks from the flanking dark creepers, one of which scored a hit as he moved away, strode further along the path and into range of his Thorn Strike which lashed out and critically struck one of the dark creepers holding onto Dearbhla, pulling the shadow creature away from the Druid and breaking the creature's grip. Then, in a flurry of action, unleashed his Earthgrasp Strike on that dark creeper, bloodying the creature as vines sprang from the earth to pull the dark creeper to the ground and bind it in place.
The dark creeper, that Kalen and Retz had struck, cautiously backed out of their reach, then moved to stand next to Maul. The second dark creeper, that had been flanking the Warden, repositioned himself to stand across from the first, again flanking the warforged, but, despite the flank, could not get by the Warden's defenses. The prone dark creeper, still adjacent to Maul, tried to stab the defender's foot, but the Warden hopped nimbly out of the creature's reach. The final dark creeper, struggling with the unconscious form of Dearbhla, continued to drag the Druid along the road, again, at a much-reduced pace.
Kalen, his jaw set grimly, strode purposefully across the path, triggering opportunity attacks from all three dark creepers that were fighting the party, but skillful sweeps of Vindicator and a timely deflection with his heavy shield turned aside each attack. Whispering a rapid prayer, the valiant Paladin began intoning Healing Words and divine light began washing over the unconscious form of Dearbhla who jolted to consciousness as the holy radiance washed over her. The dark creeper that still held onto her form, began yelling loudly to its allies.
Moving adjacent to the as-yet unharmed dark creeper, Zoella swung her Vicious Greatsword around and connected with a Sequestering Strike; as the blade slammed home, both the Avenger and the dark creeper disappeared and re-appeared a short distance away. With a mirthless chuckle and a glare at the adjacent shadow creature, Zoella invoked the power of her Stanching Armor and healing energy washed over the Avenger's form.
Catching her second wind, the now-conscious Dearbhla broke the grip of the dark creeper that had been holding onto her, then rapidly Wild Shaped into her wolf form. In a flurry of action, the Druid bit the dark creeper with her Predator's Flurry, striking and dazing the creature.
Crimson then continued moving up the path and into range of her divine powers, firing another Lance of Faith at the standing, bloodied dark creeper, the holy bolt of energy slamming into the creature and illuminating it for Retz's next attack.
Retz moved adjacent to that dark creeper and unleashed a Wolf Pack Tactics attack, slaying the creature. As the creature perished, a pulse of shadowy energy burst forth from the creature's body, temporarily blinding Maul and Retz, who stood adjacent to where the dark creeper had fallen; swirling his Rod of Corruption in front of him, Jib allowed the power of his Curse to flow to the remaining dark creepers.
Scampering along the path and moving closer to the fight, Jib unleashed his Cursebite attack, striking the dark creeper next to Zoella and bloodying it, and striking the still-prone dark creeper, but missing the dazed dark creeper. Thanks to a burst of adrenaline, the diminutive Warlock fired an Eldritch Blast at the dark creeper next to Zoella and struck the creature square in the heart, killing it instantly; again, as the creature died, it burst with shadowy energy and blinded the Avenger.
Despite the power of the earth's Font of Life and Retz's Brooch of No Regrets, Maul could not shake off the effects of the dead dark creeper's Killing Dark (blindness). Pausing a moment to listen to the flow of battle around him, the Warden lashed out with a Strength of Stone attack, but the warforged's axe whistled through the air, nowhere near striking the prone dark creeper.
That dark creeper then tried to stand, but as it did so, the vines that had bound it to the earth pulsed with primal energy and snuffed the life from the shadow creature, its body bursting with the same shadow energy and blinding Kalen, who stood next to the corpse. The last dark creeper ran for the edge of the compound, being bloodied by a Savage Rend from Dearbhla as it fled.
Whispering another, different prayer, Kalen invoked his Divine Mettle for Zoella and, as the divine energy washed over her, she shook off the blindness that had been inflicted by the dying dark creeper's Killing Dark. Then, still blinded by a dark creeper's Killing Dark, spent a few moments successfully shaking off the effect and dropping into a defensive stance.
Sheathing her greatsword and drawing her longbow, Zoella fired a shot at the fleeing dark creeper, but the arrow narrowly missed its mark, whizzing by the ear of the small creature.
Shifting back into her human form, Dearbhla raised her totem and called forth a bolt of lightning in the form of a Storm Spike, striking the dark creeper and singeing its flesh.
Crimson then ran forward and unleashed her Daunting Glow that seared the dark creeper from existence.
With our Druid rescued and no apparent sign of Thoran or Vorthos, we catch our collective breath and rest our weary sword arms.
Deciding that it has been a very busy day, we decide to return to the Monastery and recuperate for the rest of the evening. First, however, we descend back into the catacombs to retrieve the alabaster pillar that seems to hold such importance for Thoran and Vorthos. Happy to see that it remained in the room where we fought the vampire, Kalen and Maul heft the pillar between them and the party trudges back to the surface.
Arriving back at the Monastery, we walk into the common room and are greeted by the sight of Kane and a very familiar-looking genasi leading a rousing round of drinking songs from the front of the room. The many patrons in the common room are eagerly and boisterously accompanying the two in their songs and a general air of festive celebration fills the room.
Seeing our group enter, Kane lifts a foaming mug into the air and yells, "Hail! The Company of the Steel Fang arrives! A round of drinks for the house!" This pronouncement is met with a chorus of cheers as Kane launches into a rousing song, that, as it turns out, is about our own company!
Prying himself free of the crowd in the center of the room, the familiar-looking genasi saunters over to our group, grasping Retz's forearm firmly in a warrior's greeting, then turning to the rest of the group and introducing himself as T'urr, the brother of our own Warlord.
He tells us that it is an honor to meet us and, if we will have him, his services are at our disposal. Needing little encouragement from Retz, we welcome him to our company. Taking a table on the edge of the room, we spend much of the evening discussing T'urr's background and he and his brother's history.
Most of the party takes some time to join in the festive atmosphere of the room, which, thanks to the evident, tale-telling skills of the bard, Kane, has turned into a celebration of our accomplishments, however small they may be.
We will enjoy this evening, knowing that, the following day, we should report our progress to Prince Irvel and return to our efforts to uncover the secrets of Spellgard...
Incidentally, I had the distinct pleasure of conversing this past few weeks with author, Erik Scott de Bie, whose short fiction, The Last Legend of Gedrin Shadowbane, was the inspiration for my own character, Kalen Swordsworn. It was an honor to be able to express to him just how much I appreciated his work and the inspiration that it provided for me.
Though it was unsolicited, he was nice enough to say some very kind words about us on his livejournal page. I just wanted to publicly thank him for his kindness and support.
-Izzie
Just popping in to say this thread is awesome! You guys seem to be a really cool group, and I see I'm not the only one who has drawn inspiration from Gedrin/Kalen. I've enjoyed every update and I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Lord Manshoon for your support of our party journal. (I can't believe, I just said "thank you" to Manshoon :uh-huh
I know when Izzie sees your post he will be smiling for days. :D This past Tuesdays session was action packed as any before, but I'll let Izzie report on that. Thanks again for support and feel free to ask any questions to me or my players.Godwin
Thank you Lord Manshoon for your support of our party journal. I know when Izzie sees your post he will be smiling for days. :D This past Tuesdays session was action packed as any before, but I'll let Izzie report on that. Thanks again for support and feel free to ask any questions to me or my players.
Godwin
A very good read, especially as I prepare Spellgard for my own group (at 7th level, no less!)
Do you guys put this on a blog or something too, or just in this thread? We do our recaps on the site in my sig, works nicely though the text formatting is a bit wonky. At least you can organize a bit more than message boards let you.
A very good read, especially as I prepare Spellgard for my own group (at 7th level, no less!)
Do you guys put this on a blog or something too, or just in this thread? We do our recaps on the site in my sig, works nicely though the text formatting is a bit wonky. At least you can organize a bit more than message boards let you.
First off thanks for the kind words Ritorix. To date this is our only area for this adventure, but you can find other journals of our adventures on our website in my sig. It took Izzy a few sessions to get the journal formatted to the way it is now. Izzy can tell you more on that though. We are playing with the idea of doing a webcam session, but so far hasn't gotten any further than the concept.
Godwin
Godwin
Izzie will try again tonight to type up the journal. I'm sure Izzie would appreciate any encouragement. 
Hello, All... I fear I must apologize for being delinquent in getting the recap from last week's session up before tonight's game...life has made it a bit difficult to finish. As Master Godwin mentioned, I was in the middle of working on it last evening and, likely as a result of severe weather in our area, I suddenly lost power...losing all the work that I was prepping to post and corrupting the open text file where I put the rough drafts of the recaps before copying and editing them into the forums.
In addition, work has been busy, and a dear friend has been in the hospital with fairly serious health issues for the last week. So, between working and visiting with him, my free time has largely dried up and, despite my best efforts, it's been a little difficult to self-motivate to sit down and get things done in the wee hours of the morning...However, I have a responsibility to, not only my group, but to all of you, our loyal readers, to get the recaps up in a timely fashion, so, for my failure to do so, I offer my humble apology.
Our group will be taking a 1-week hiatus from our regularly-scheduled Tuesday night games next week, as I will be out of town. My plan is to do a massive, two-week update with last week's and this week's recaps, then get back to (hopefully) a more normal schedule of updating.
I greatly appreciate your patience and your continued support in making this such an enjoyable experience, both to play and to share with all of you.
I would also like to convey my warmest welcome to both LordManshoon and ritorix, we are honored by your comments, your support, and your willingness to share in the excitement of our journey. I hope that we can provide both amusement and inspiration for you in your own games!
P.S. - Just to add insult to injury, I had been working on a group of post edits from recent recaps...which I lost when the forums bounced a maintenance message a short while ago...These, however, I had managed to save (mostly) and the biggest and most-noticeable edit/update is: I finally have ALL of the group's 4th-level information available in post 84.
A very good read, especially as I prepare Spellgard for my own group (at 7th level, no less!)
Do you guys put this on a blog or something too, or just in this thread? We do our recaps on the site in my sig, works nicely though the text formatting is a bit wonky. At least you can organize a bit more than message boards let you.
Hail, and well met, ritorix! I have considered putting this into either a blog or on our game group's own website, but, ultimately, I feel that this is the best place for it. Choosing to confine it to the parameters allowed by the Wizard's boards is to, hopefully, encourage other groups to make similar recaps (because we enjoy them greatly...and I would point you to Caligula's recaps, in particular, one of which, you can find in my sig), and demonstrating that, just with the tools available here, you can put together a very thorough and entertaining journal/recap.
Perhaps, in the future, this will find a home on its own page, but, for now, we are happy to have it solely hosted here.
As Master Godwin pointed out, it took me a few sessions to figure out both how I wanted to record our exploits/mis-adventures
, and how detailed I wanted to be in our recap. The first 25 or so posts are from our earliest sessions and, as I'm sure you can tell, are much more spartan in their descriptions and detail...After about #25, I found a method that seems to work fairly well both for recording our sessions and then transferring here to the boards. After a few, pointed questions to several members of the forums concerning the capabilities of the boards (Hello, SBLOCK function!!!), I have painstakingly and carefully crafted the work that goes on the board each week. Though it's far from a perfect product, hopefully it's good enough for you (and all our other readers) to enjoy. -Izzie
Godwin
I talked to Izzie just recently. He's been in a land that was affected by the Spell Plague in the real world for he has been without internet connection for a week. He's been busy typing up the journal in his free time. He tells me that now that he's back, he got stuck with over-time at work. He says he plans on posting the journal update Monday night/Tuesday morning. On a side note, my younger brother, Ozzie, will be joining us on a regular basis. He has created a character to join the Company of the Steel Fang. But I'll let Izzie post Ozzie's characters stats.
Godwin
Tell him to cast "Time Stop" and then continue writing the thread. We're dyin over here to read the next session! ;)
I have spoken with Izzie, he assures me that he shall update the journal tonight. I'm just as eager to read it myself and I'm running the game.
Godwin
RECAP: Having bested the Free Company of the Crescent and rescued our kidnapped Druid, our company returned to the Monastery of the Precipice, both to recuperate from our exertions in the catacombs and to meet the erstwhile brother of Retz. With the reappearance of Vorthos and our rude introduction to his ally/master(?), Thoran, we sense that the days ahead may hold even more secrets and likely greater danger...
JOURNAL:
Tarsakh 13 - After the boisterous revelry of the night before, there were none awake inside the Monastery of the Precipice when a soft tapping on the door of her room roused Zoella from her Reverie, in the hour before the dawn. Quietly drawing her greatsword and holding it ready at her side, she gingerly pulled the latch on the door and cracked it open to peer out. In the corridor, lit only by the pair of flickering torches that lit the narrow hallway, stood Kalen, wearing his armor and with Vindicator in its black scabbard at his side.
Nodding his head at the Avenger, Kalen spoke softly, "I am sorry to wake you, Lady Zoella, but I thought that, as a servant of Kelemvor, you might want to witness the dawn with me..."
A short look of confusion crossed her face, then she smiled when she remembered, "Ah...the head of the vampire...Yes, I would be honored to witness the event. Please, give me a moment to gather my gear." She then turned into the room and quickly donned her armor and strapped her greatsword to her back.
As Zoella exited her room and the two holy warriors made their way down the corridor toward the Monastery's common room, she commented on Kalen's earlier-than-normal rise from sleep. With a wry smile, the Paladin replied, "[i]My roommate [Izzie's Note: Jib, if you recall...] is a rather... Loud...sleeper... It is remarkable that such a small creature could make such an obnoxiously loud racket.[/i]" Chuckling softly, the pair made their way outside and a short distance away from the entrance of the monastery.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground and facing Kalen, who was kneeling a few feet in front of her and facing her, Zoella drew her holy symbol and began to intone a series of catechisms and prayers to Kelemvor, as the Paladin drew the severed head of the vampire from his pack and placed it on the ground between them.
While the Avenger prayed, Kalen drew Vindicator from its ebon scabbard, keeping its light extinguished as he set the blade, tip first, into the ground, then clasped his hands over the pommel and began whispering his own prayers. Shadows seemed to flow along Vindicator's blade as the Paladin prayed, but they went unnoticed by the pair. They were observed, however, by the bard, Kane, who stood quietly in the shadows of the entryway to the Monastery, observing the holy warriors' ritual.
After about a quarter of an hour, the sky had lightened considerably and Zoella's prayers became more fervent as Amaunator's rising became more imminent. As the first ray of Amaunator's sacred light stabbed out across the morning sky, Zoella's holy symbol began to pulse with divine radiance and the shadows that flickered in Vindicator's blade vanished as the holy blade began to glow with its own light, invoked by the praying Paladin.
As the first, visible sliver of Amaunator's face crept over the vast expanse of the Anauroch Desert to the east, Zoella began to chant a prayer to Kelemvor, invoking her deity's wrath on the abomination of undead, as her holy symbol began to glow even brighter.
Seemingly in response, as the first rays of sunlight caressed the surface of the vampire's severed head, the undead creature's skin and hair began to glow a sickly reddish color and began to smoke profusely. As the sky continued to brighten and Amaunator began rising above the eastern horizon, the smoking increased, as did Zoella's fervor, as she continued invoking Kelemvor's wrath against the undead.
Suddenly, and with little fanfare, the vampire's severed head flared brightly, illumined by Amaunator's light and the glow from Zoella's holy symbol, then collapsed into a pile of smoking dust, which rapidly began to scatter in the slight, morning breeze.
Finishing their prayers and seeing the results of their work, the two holy warriors smiled grimly and nodded at each other, then, rising to their feet, returned to the Monastery, where they were greeted by Kane, who offered both a brief, respectful nod, then, with a grin, said, "It seems that I may have to add a few verses to the Ballad of the Company of the Steel Fang..."
Laughing together, the three returned to the interior of the Monastery and sat in the common room while they waited for the rest of the Company to awaken.
Later that morning, after the Company had arisen and consumed a light breakfast, the group sat at a long table in the common room of the monastery and discussed the events of the last few days, bringing T'urr and Kane up to date on the events of yesterday's excursion to the catacombs beneath the Spellgard ruins.
With this new threat from the shadar-kai, Thoran, we know that we will have to return to the catacombs and continue exploring if we are ever going to get to the bottom of the increasingly-intricate plot that seems to be taking shape at Spellgard. T'urr is quick to offer his help, but Retz tells him, with a smile, that he should probably take a day or two to rest from his journey, before diving into our exciting (and usually dangerous) adventures. Laughing and clapping his elder brother on the back, T'urr agrees that he could probably use the rest.
After a short discussion, Jib, Kalen, Retz, Zoella, Dearbhla, and Maul decide that they will be going back down to the catacombs, while we leave the mysterious alabaster pillar in the care of T'urr, who will spend a, hopefully, quiet day at the Monastery.
Gathering our equipment, we set out across the compound and enter the ruins of the northern ramparts and descend back into the catacombs. Retracing our steps, we make our way down the murky waterways that run through the catacombs and finally arrive back at the split where we had gone to the east and faced the vampire. As there were no apparent alternate exits from that room, we decide to head west from here, clambering up out of the narrow canals and traveling down a short corridor that ends at an ironbound wooden door.
After Dearbhla and Zoella carefully examine the door and deem it free of traps, Kalen pulls Vindicator from its ebon scabbard at his side, prompting the rest of the company to draw their own weapons, then lifts his armored foot and kicks the door open.
Caustic fumes sting the noses of the entire party, nearly causing several of the company to double over and retch. The fumes appear to be emanating from several burning braziers that are in the corners of the room, illuminated in the light that blazed from Vindicator's blade.
Stepping into this odd room, the company believed that it was a chapel or funerary room of some type, with two dozen pews, separated by a narrow aisle, running the length of the room. A small, stone bier in the northern end of the room sat in front of six human corpses in the ragged clothing of vagabonds that had been been hung by the neck and now dangled from the vaulted stone ceiling. The corpses' swollen faces and blackened tongues hinted at the suffering these wretches must have endured before the end.
The party moves to examine the hanging bodies, passing by one of the fuming braziers, which Kalen knocks over and then attempts to smother the burning coals, but the Paladin only manages to nauseate himself and Jib, and even discomfit the stalwart warforged, Maul, as the fumes intensify when the odd coals were spilled from the brazier.
At that moment, as the three closest to that spilled brazier attempted to compose themselves from the nauseating stench of the brazier's contents, the 'corpses' that dangled from the ceiling suddenly sprang to life, their previously sightless eyes suddenly focusing on the group and, with a shriek, all six figures fell to the ground and attacked!
Battle Report
This 70' x 90' room contained the aforementioned pews and braziers. The caustic fumes were nauseating and interfered slightly with the group's efforts, but the battle was so short, that it had little bearing on the outcome. The only two exits from the room were the doorway through which we entered and a hallway which led from the middle of the western wall and appeared to end at another wooden door, down a short corridor.
Taking advantage of their surprising appearance and the temporary disability of several of the party's members, the vampire spawn fleshrippers (as Kalen identified the foes) lashed out at the nearest members of our party. A pair of the spawns raked Maul with their dirty claws, digging into and damaging the plating of the warforged Warden, who was still trying to shake off the effects of the caustic fumes from the braziers. Another pair raced across the room from where they had fallen to the floor and tried to push the Warden over one of the pews, but the sturdy warrior stood his ground. Another spawn charged at Zoella and raked the elfmaid across her face with its claws, eliciting a howl of anger and pain from the Avenger. The last spawn clawed at Kalen, who remained doubled over and trying to control his heaving stomach, but though the undead beast raked its claws across the holy warrior's armor, undeflected due to the Paladin's current condition, the Black Iron armor pulsed a with a dim, reddish glow as it absorbed the necrotic energy of the vampire spawn's attack. Gaining control of his innards, Kalen glared up at the undead and smiled mirthlessly, then said, "My armor and my faith shield me...and your abominable existence comes to an end today!" The vampire spawn reeled back as it realized that the Paladin was unharmed and chuckling ominously.
Stepping back from the spawn that had attacked her, Zoella lifted her holy symbol and unleashed her Shared Madness attack at the closest pair of undead, killing both with the psychic energy. "Feel the wrath of Kelemvor, foul, undead abominations!" was her triumphant cry as the two vampire spawn crumpled to the ground.
Still coughing and retching from the caustic fumes of the burning braziers, Kalen managed to sweep Vindicator around and sever the head of the vampire spawn, who had attacked him, with his Valiant Strike. The Paladin's holy blade seemed to glow brighter as it ended the existence of the undead creature. Despite the successful attack, Kalen doubled over again, coughing violently as the fumes of the brazier threatened to overwhelm his guts.
Quickly scampering to flank Maul, two of the remaining vampire spawn tried to rake the Warden with their claws, but the stalwart warforged turned aside their attacks with his shield and a rapid parry with his battleaxe. The last vampire spawn stepped adjacent to Retz and clawed at the genasi, raking across the inside of the Warlord's shield arm as he tried, unsuccessfully, to turn aside the strike.
Still standing near the doorway into the room, Dearbhla targeted two of the three remaining vampire spawn and smiled as the Chill Wind froze each of them to death.
Facing the last of the vampire spawn, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe around in a Strength of Stone attack and split the final undead from shoulder to hip, the corpse collapsing to the ground in two halves.
Looking around cautiously, we remained on guard for a short time, and, when no further foe revealed itself, took a moment to rest and recover our strength.
This 70' x 90' room contained the aforementioned pews and braziers. The caustic fumes were nauseating and interfered slightly with the group's efforts, but the battle was so short, that it had little bearing on the outcome. The only two exits from the room were the doorway through which we entered and a hallway which led from the middle of the western wall and appeared to end at another wooden door, down a short corridor.
Taking advantage of their surprising appearance and the temporary disability of several of the party's members, the vampire spawn fleshrippers (as Kalen identified the foes) lashed out at the nearest members of our party. A pair of the spawns raked Maul with their dirty claws, digging into and damaging the plating of the warforged Warden, who was still trying to shake off the effects of the caustic fumes from the braziers. Another pair raced across the room from where they had fallen to the floor and tried to push the Warden over one of the pews, but the sturdy warrior stood his ground. Another spawn charged at Zoella and raked the elfmaid across her face with its claws, eliciting a howl of anger and pain from the Avenger. The last spawn clawed at Kalen, who remained doubled over and trying to control his heaving stomach, but though the undead beast raked its claws across the holy warrior's armor, undeflected due to the Paladin's current condition, the Black Iron armor pulsed a with a dim, reddish glow as it absorbed the necrotic energy of the vampire spawn's attack. Gaining control of his innards, Kalen glared up at the undead and smiled mirthlessly, then said, "My armor and my faith shield me...and your abominable existence comes to an end today!" The vampire spawn reeled back as it realized that the Paladin was unharmed and chuckling ominously.
Stepping back from the spawn that had attacked her, Zoella lifted her holy symbol and unleashed her Shared Madness attack at the closest pair of undead, killing both with the psychic energy. "Feel the wrath of Kelemvor, foul, undead abominations!" was her triumphant cry as the two vampire spawn crumpled to the ground.
Still coughing and retching from the caustic fumes of the burning braziers, Kalen managed to sweep Vindicator around and sever the head of the vampire spawn, who had attacked him, with his Valiant Strike. The Paladin's holy blade seemed to glow brighter as it ended the existence of the undead creature. Despite the successful attack, Kalen doubled over again, coughing violently as the fumes of the brazier threatened to overwhelm his guts.
Quickly scampering to flank Maul, two of the remaining vampire spawn tried to rake the Warden with their claws, but the stalwart warforged turned aside their attacks with his shield and a rapid parry with his battleaxe. The last vampire spawn stepped adjacent to Retz and clawed at the genasi, raking across the inside of the Warlord's shield arm as he tried, unsuccessfully, to turn aside the strike.
Still standing near the doorway into the room, Dearbhla targeted two of the three remaining vampire spawn and smiled as the Chill Wind froze each of them to death.
Facing the last of the vampire spawn, Maul swung his Warsoul Battleaxe around in a Strength of Stone attack and split the final undead from shoulder to hip, the corpse collapsing to the ground in two halves.
Looking around cautiously, we remained on guard for a short time, and, when no further foe revealed itself, took a moment to rest and recover our strength.
Moving to the door in the corridor that leads west from the chapel, Zoella and Dearbhla, again, carefully examine this door and determine that it does not appear to be either trapped or locked. Pushing the door open slightly, Zoella peers into the next room, then opens the door all the way, revealing a smaller chamber, with bones strewn across the floor and signs of the aftermath of a battle, evidently fought long ago.
Looking around the room, Zoella perceives a hidden pressure plate in the floor and notices several hidden grates in the floor and ceiling. After she points these out to the rest of the party, Jib eagerly dances forward and moves next to the closest pressure plate and, after several tense minutes of tinkering with the floor tile that contains the pressure plate, announces that he has disabled this particular contraption.
Sidling carefully along the floor, Zoella gingerly steps onto the presumed safe floor tile, heaving a sigh of relief when no (apparent) trap is triggered. She then carefully moves toward the room's only other exit, in the center of the southern wall, carefully examining each adjacent floor tile as she steps forward. After noticing two more of the hidden pressure plates and allowing Jib to disable them, Zoella finally reaches the door that leads out of the room. Motioning for the rest of the party to follow, she begins to examine the next door as the other members of the company pick their way across the room, being careful to follow precisely in the Avenger's footsteps.
Arriving at the southern door and having Zoella confirm that it appears to be free of any trap or locking mechanism, the party moves through the door and into a passageway that stretches away to the south, out of reach of the light that glows from Vindicator's blade. Taking the lead and providing illumination, Kalen moves down the corridor with the rest of the party following close behind.
As we moved down the hallway, we noticed that the humidity of the catacombs began to lessen, and the marks of mold and moisture on the walls have disappeared. However, as the passage has grown drier, signs of vermin infestation have become more pervasive. Cobwebs festoon the upper walls, growing thicker beyond an intersection ahead.
As we arrive at the intersection, we notice that the corridor continues ahead to the south and also branches to the west, ending in wooden doors at the end of each corridor. Following Leomund's Left-Hand Rule, we press on to the southern door. The ironbound, wooden door is looked over by Zoella and Dearbhla, and they determine that it is unlocked and (evidently) un-trapped.
Vindicator gripped in his hand, Kalen pushed the door open and looked into the room beyond.
Just inside the door, a pair of human-sized spiders reared up from the shadows, as the light from Kalen's holy sword flashed into the room. Their fangs dripped with venom, and each had eight eyes that caught and reflected the light from Vindicator as they skittered towards us.
Standing further into the room and ducking behind a pile of crates as it noticed us, was a barely humanoid creature with four arms and two legs. Its bloated body was protected by a hairy, chitinous skin. Two large, black eyes sat atop six, smaller, red eyes, and the creature's flanged mouth opened to reveal wicked fangs within.
With the fierce warcry, "To battle! And victory!" Kalen surged into the room, Vindicator pulsing with holy energy as the valiant Paladin strode into the fray.
Battle Report
This 95' x 40' rectangular room was strewn with boxes and crates, haphazardly stacked into makeshift piles and used for cover by several of the room's denizens. The room's two exits were the door in the northeastern corner of the room, through which our company had entered; and another door near the northwestern corner of the room.
Intoning his Divine Challenge onto the nearest deathjump spider (so identified by Dearbhla) as he approached, Kalen charged the blade of Vindicator with radiant energy then lashed out with a Holy Strike that bit deeply into the hairy legs of the arachnid, causing it to recoil in pain.
Her shape rapidly shifting to her preferred wolf form, Dearbhla stalked into the room and moved next to the second spider (and noticed a third, which had been lurking out of sight in the center of the room). She then leapt into the air and Pounced onto the spider, her fangs sinking into the spider's hair-covered thorax and causing the spider to thrash about, trying to dislodge the pestersome Druid.
Following closely in Kalen's footsteps and moving next to the stalwart Paladin, Retz swept a feint with his longsword, allowing Kalen to make a Commander's Strike. The holy warrior slashed brutally with Vindicator, cutting deep into one of the spider's legs and causing it to dangle uselessly from the spider's appendage. With a grim nod of approval at Kalen's attack, Retz uttered several curses in the guttural language of the Primordials, directing the barbs at the non-comprehending spiders.
It's mandibles clacking in pain and frustration, the spider that Kalen had attacked attempted to bite the Paladin, but was forced to leap out of reach of a lightning-quick parrying slash by the holy warrior's brightly-glowing blade. In the meantime, the second spider had managed to get free of Dearbhla's fangs and swiftly retaliated, biting the Druid and poisoning her with its fangs. Even in her wolf form, it was apparent that Dearbhla was suffering discomfort from the lingering effects of the spider's bite. The third spider, which had only just been noticed by the Druid, skittered across the room, at the behest of the ettercap webspinner, and moved to flank Kalen; the arachnid then leapt into the air and tried a Death From Above attack on the holy warrior, but Kalen brought his heavy shield up above his head and the spider simply bounced back to the floor, chittering angrily.
Stepping behind the steel wall formed by Retz and Kalen, Jib moved forward while spitting his curse at the spider which Kalen had attacked. The diminutive Warlock then glared his Spiteful Glamor at the creature, causing it to cringe in pain as the arcane force of the goblin's attack seared into its consciousness. Jib chuckled maliciously at the spider's discomfiture.
Bounding through the doorway, Zoella dashed into the room, handspringing past the attempted bites of the two spiders flanking Kalen that attempted to snap at her as she passed. Moving across the room and invoking her Oath of Enmity on the ettercap webspinner, she slashed her greatsword across the webspinner's flesh, ripping a hole in space with her Sequestering Strike as the blade bit into the creature and hurtling herself through the fabric of reality to reappear a moment later, flanking one of the spiders that was, itself, flanking the Paladin.
Maul then calmly stepped into the room, moving adjacent to one of the spiders that flanked Kalen and the other that had attacked Dearbhla. Summoning Nature's Wrath to draw those two spiders' attention away from the rest of the party, the warforged unleashed his Strength of Stone attack on one of the adjacent spiders, but the agile beast skittered back from the sweep of the Warden's axe and the weapon found only air to impact upon.
Dancing lightly back on its feet, the webspinner took cover behind a pile of mismatched crates and boxes, before lifting its hideous head over top of the crates and spitting a sort of net, made from the sticky tendrils of spidersilk, which rapidly entangled Zoella, restraining and restricting the Avenger's movement.
Whispering a prayer, Kalen directed his Divine Mettle to Zoella and the webspinner chittered angrily as the holy light washed over the Avenger, burning away the strands of the Web Net. Bellowing his Call of Challenge and placing a divine sanction upon all three of the nearby spiders, the Paladin lifted Vindicator and stabbed forward with the holy blade using his Piercing Smite on the spider which he had already struck, bloodying the creature. In a flurry of action, as Vindicator drew back from the attack, Kalen swept the glowing blade around again, shouting in triumph as he slashed cleanly through the head and torso of that spider with his Valiant Strike. As the spider fell to the ground, Jib, laughing maniacally, lifted his Rod of Corruption and a dark pulse of energy swept the power of his Warlock's Curse to the remaining two spiders and the webspinner.
Grimacing at the effects of the spider's poison then taking a cautious step back from the spider that had bit her, Dearbhla Wild Shaped back into her human form and, even as the transformation was completing, lifted her totem high and summoned a Chill Wind to assail the webspinner, causing the ettercap to howl in frustration as the brutal cold bit into its chitinous flesh. The Druid then took a moment to shake off the effects of the spider's bite.
The sound of clacking footsteps was heard by the entire party as five newcomers joined the fray. Entering from a door in the northwestern part of the room, came a single ettercap fang guard (identified by Dearbhla), with a greataxe gripped in its spiderlike appendages. Maul shouted a warning as he noticed four more of the fang guards racing around the corner and into the hallway to the north, from where we had entered this room, cutting off our only, obvious route of escape.
Stepping around the adjacent spider to flank it with Kalen, Retz swept his longsword out, causing the spider to leap back out of the Warlord's reach and land squarely under the quick slash of the Paladin's Commander's Strike. Retz again exhorted us, his comrades-in-arms, to persist in the fight, offering a terse, but sincere, "Well done, Kalen!" as the holy warrior's blade bit into the spider's hairy legs.
Carefully maneuvering themselves into position to flank the stalwart Paladin, both spiders simultaneously launched themselves into the air and unleashed their Death From Above attacks at the holy warrior. The first drew a counterstroke from Maul's Warsoul Battleaxe and, although the attack failed to strike home, the sudden assault forced the spider to change its trajectory and cleanly missed the dodging Paladin. The second, however, thanks to its advantageous position, caught the Paladin from behind and sank its fangs deeply into a gap in the valiant defender's armor. Angry curses from the Paladin followed the spider all the way back to the ground where it hissed and chittered in response.
Again, raising his Rod of Corruption high, Jib sent a dark blast of energy pulsing out around him as the power of his Cursebite raced towards the pair of spiders and the webspinner. The nearest spider shuddered as the necrotic energy washed over it, bloodying the creature as gashes opened in the beast's hide as a result of the attack. The second spider simply shook off the effects of the attack, while the webspinner ducked behind the cover of the pile of crates and boxes which it stood behind and waited while the dark energy slammed harmlessly into the pile. Muttering angrily at the limited effect of his attack, Jib's form suddenly wavered as he stepped into the boundary between planes and made an Ethereal Stride away from the onrushing ettercap fang guards and into the room. Then, surging with adrenaline and hoping that it would be more effective, the goblin Warlock unleashed his Your Delicious Weakness attack and lashed the bloodied spider's mind with psychic energy.
Stepping across the room and around the creature's pile of cover, Zoella slashed at the webspinner with her Bond of Pursuit attack, striking the ettercap and causing it to growl menacingly at her. In response, the Avenger flurried her first strike into her Temple of Light attack and bloodied the webspinner as glowing blades of divine light encircled the hideous spider-humanoid. The elfmaid laughed heartily as the webspinner jabbered angrily at the glowing barrier that now surrounded it.
Hoping to finish off the bloodied spider, Maul swung a Thorn Strike at the creature, but, even in its bloodied state, the spider managed to evade the sweep of the Warden's axe. Shaking his head at the creature's agility, the resolute defender moved back across the room and stood in the doorway, glowering at the oncoming group of fang guards that were rapidly approaching. Dropping into a readied stance, the Warden prepared to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the rapidly-nearing ettercaps.
Backing away cautiously then moving quickly away from the pestersome Avenger, the webspinner growled in anger and hatred as the Avenger nimbly picked her way across the room thanks to the lingering power of her Bond of Pursuit.
With a roar of battlelust, Kalen swept Vindicator above his head then unleashed an overhanded Valiant Strike which cleaved down into the bloodied spider, splitting the creature's head in two as the holy blade left a smoldering gash through the beast's flesh. Spinning on his heels, the Paladin summoned his Divine Challenge on the remaining spider as he brought his shield and blade to bear against it. The holy warrior grunted briefly in pain from the spider's poisonous bite, but could not seem to shake off its effects.
Wild Shaping back into her wolfen form, Dearbhla raced across the room, Pouncing upon the webspinner and dragging it to the floor, dead, as she tore great chunks of flesh from its head and upper body. The Druid gave a howl of triumph then snarled at the nearby fang guard, which eyed her warily as it made its way into the room.
Striding next to the Druid, that fang guard whipped its greataxe around and slashed into the side of Dearbhla, changing her snarls into yips of pain as the rusty blade bit into her furred flesh. The four fang guards in the northern hallway chittered anxiously among themselves, then, stepping a short distance forward, a pair of them settled into ready stances while the two behind them each spat a Web Tangle at Maul, who stood firmly planted in the doorway into the room. The first Web Tangle sailed well wide of the warforged, but the second wrapped itself around the feet of the Warden, rooting him to the spot and eliciting a stream of invectives and curses about the ettercaps' questionable heritage.
Striding across the room, leaving Kalen to deal with the final spider, Retz shouted the encouragement of his Inspiring Words to Dearbhla, who visibly took heart from the Warlord's motivation. Seeing that the Druid was feeling better, emotionally, if not physically, the genasi launched himself into a headlong charge at the fang guard who had attacked Dearbhla, his blade tearing a gash in the arm that was brought up to try to block the Warlord's blow.
Meanwhile, the last spider again leapt on its powerful legs into the air and attempted to Death From Above the Paladin, but a vicious swipe of Vindicator turned the creature's attack aside. The spider fell to the floor, skidding slightly and cowering in the face of the wrathful Paladin.
As the creature fell back to the ground, an Eldritch Blast sizzled past Kalen's shoulder and blazed harmlessly over the head of the nimbly-landing spider. Muttering in Goblin, Jib scampered behind a small stack of crates and boxes as he invoked his Curse upon the fang guard that was being attacked by Dearbhla and Retz.
Solemnly intoning her Oath of Enmity on that same fang guard, Zoella strode across the room and adjacent to the fang guard, swinging her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit attack that slashed home, bloodying the ettercap as holy energy flared from the power of her Temple of Light, which still swirled around the corpse of the fallen webspinner.
Lifting a metal-plated foot, Maul kicked the room's door closed then, again, dropped into a readied stance, preparing to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the fang guards that might be foolish enough to come through the door. With the blade of his axe, the Warden gingerly sliced through the silky strands of web that held him rooted to the floor, freeing himself from their sticky embrace.
Gritting his teeth against the effects of the spider's poison, Kalen brought Vindicator to bear, batting aside the last spider's guarding legs with his heavy shield then stabbing a Healing Strike down at the hissing arachnid, the holy blade biting into the beast's hairy abdomen. As the glowing sword connected with the spider, a flare of radiant energy burst from the blade, bathing the Paladin in divine light and a tight-lipped smile crossed Kalen's face as the stalwart warrior's wounds began to knit and the poison that had flowed through his veins was neutralized.
Dancing ever more nimbly on her paws, thanks to her primal power, Fleet Pursuit, Dearbhla danced around the fang guard and landed a Darting Bite then sprang nimbly away from any possible counterattack.
Perhaps sensing that she was its greatest threat, the fang guard already in the room slashed its greataxe at Zoella, drawing blood and a grunt of pain from the Avenger, who was unable to parry the blow of the ettercap with her greatsword. Through the closed door, Maul could hear the sounds of clacking feet on the stone floors moving away from the hallway immediately outside the door, a fact which he relayed to the rest of the party.
With a sharply-barked order, Retz feinted at the fang guard, drawing its attention as Zoella unleashed a Commander's Strike in retaliation for the blow that had been struck against her, the Avenger's Vicious Greatsword stabbing through the chest of the ettercap and sending the corpse sprawling to the floor. With a mirthless chuckle, Retz rapped the blade of Zoella's greatsword with his own sword and the two nodded at each other, standing back-to-back and watching for more enemies.
The last, yet persistent, deathjump spider again sprang into the air, attempting to Death From Above the Paladin, but the holy warrior was expecting the attack and had his shield up and ready to deflect the creature as it descended toward him. The spider bounced off the shield with a dull thud and fell back to the floor.
Leaning out from behind the boxes where he had sought shelter, Jib fired another scorching Eldritch Blast at the spider as it fell, this time, the arcane bolt slammed into the creature's side, bloodying the creature as it left a sizzling hole in the arachnid's carapace. The Warlock giggled to himself as the spider staggered under the force of the attack.
With only the spider left in the room, Zoella took a few steps to move within range of her Radiant Vengeance attack, then, lifting her holy symbol up and invoking holy power, unleashed that attack, divine light washing over the spider, which hissed and chittered angrily as the light died down, small wisps of smoke rising from where the creature had been singed by the attack.
Still believing that the other four fang guards were bound to come through the door which he guarded, Maul dropped into a defensive stance and braced himself against the door.
Having had quite enough of the deathjump spider, Kalen lifted Vindicator high above his head and, after sending a pulse of holy energy down the blade, slashed downward in a mighty Holy Strike that finally slew the irritating arachnid. After spitting on the corpse, the Paladin took a moment to glance around the room and queried the party as to their condition. Receiving positive affirmations about their status from the rest of the party, the Paladin started moving toward the center of the room, ready to respond to whichever door the remaining fang guards chose to enter the room.
Padding softly across the floor, Dearbhla took up a position next to Retz and Zoella, then crouched, ready to spring upon any foe that dared approach.
She would not have to wait long, as the four fang guards came racing into the room, through the door in the room's northwestern corner.
Still far enough away that he did not want to charge blindly forward without support, Retz dropped into his own readied stance, ready to unleash his Wolf Pack Tactics on the first fang guard to approach within reach of his longsword.
Talking to himself in Goblin, Jib scurried across the center of the room and ducked behind another pile of crates and boxes, then, after invoking his Curse on the nearest fang guard, launched an Eldritch Blast at that ettercap, but the bolt failed to find its target, causing the diminutive Warlock to direct an ancient and arcane gesture in the general direction of the fang guards.
Calmly speaking her Oath of Enmity against the Cursed fang guard, Zoella nimbly stepped adjacent to that ettercap, her greatsword sweeping around as she strode and connecting in a Bond of Pursuit attack as she moved within reach of her blade. The fang guard howled and hissed at the elfmaid as the blade struck home, the Avenger merely laughed back at the creature.
Summoning his Form of the Fearsome Ram as he strode, Maul moved swiftly across the room, before unleashing the Fearsome Ram attack on the same fang guard, bloodying the creature and causing it to yelp in pain as it was dragged to the ground by the Warden's attack.
Still too far from the combat to even charge into the fray, Kalen moved relentlessly forward, pausing only long enough to catch his second wind.
Stepping by the prone fang guard and leaping nimbly above the swipe of the creature's opportunity attack, Dearbhla Pounced on the next fang guard in line, sinking her fangs into the ettercap's hairy torso. Then, with a burst of adrenaline, unleashed her Savage Frenzy on all four of the fang guards, a blur of fangs and claws, she tore chunks out of the legs of each of the fang guards, staggering each of them under the fury of her attack, each wobbling unsteadily on their wounded legs and looking dazed by the unrelenting savagery of the attack.
Still looking dazed and staggered, the four fang guards retaliated by firing their Web Tangles at Maul and Zoella, missing the Warden but wrapping the sticky tendrils around the Avenger, binding her in place. The final two coordinated their greataxe attacks on Maul, both finding gaps in the sturdy warforged's defenses and bloodying the Warden, who impassively glared back at the ettercaps, defiance twinkling in the arcane light that backlit his eyes.
Stepping forward next to Maul, Retz quickly called directions to Maul then the pair unleashed a Concentrated Attack on one of the fang guards that had struck the Warden. As Retz crouched low and slashed across the ettercap's legs, Maul brought his battleaxe down in an overhand swing that bit into the shoulder of the foul creature. Their combined efforts served to bloody the fang guard and, with a triumphant shout, Retz sequenced his slash into another attack that sliced into the upper body of the fang guard and the Warlord bellowed an Inspiring War Cry that, empowered by his Brooch of No Regrets, allowed Zoella to burst the bonds of the web that had entangled her, drawing an incredulous gasp from Jib who did not believe that the elfmaid could have been strong enough to break those tendrils.
Recovering quickly from his shock, however, Jib intoned his Curse on the now-bloodied fang guard then followed with a brutally-effective Eldritch Blast that burned through the ettercap's torse, leaving a smoking hole where the creature's chest had been. The small goblin danced merrily as the ettercap crumpled to the floor then lifted his Rod of Corruption and allowed the dark power of his Curse to affect the remaining three ettercaps.
Slashing her greatsword down at the still-prone fang guard, Zoella's Bond of Pursuit attack struck the creature, spraying ichor from the foul beast's innards as the blade bit into its flesh.
Following on the heels of the Avenger's attack, Maul's axe came slashing down in his Thunder Ram Assault, which, thanks to Divine Guidance from Zoella, ended the life of the prone ettercap. The peal of thunder that burst from the initial impact had little effect on either of the remaining fang guards.
With no room to move into the fray, Kalen paused a moment, waiting for an opening...
Wild Shaping back into her human form, Dearbhla called forth a Chill Wind to lash into both of the remaining fang guards, the bitter cold biting into both creatures and the wind drawing them into the room. Stepping out of the way of the close-combat members of the party, the Druid then attempted to clamber atop one of the innumerable boxes that littered the room, not realizing that these boxes were, in fact, quite fragile, having been down here for an extended time. As the box Dearbhla attempted to climb splintered, its contents, later identified as brimstone, suddenly burst into flame, slightly singeing Zoella, Maul, and one of the fang guards; more importantly, however, the brimstone touched off a chain reaction of exploding and/or shattering boxes, their contents suddenly spilling out into the room. Two more boxes contained brimstone, but their explosions were far enough from the party that no one was harmed. Another box contained hundreds of tiny eggs that spilled across the floor, then suddenly hatched into dozens of tiny lizards that scampered aimlessly across the floor. Another box contained glowing, emerald-colored globules that began drifting lazily toward the ceiling, while casting all nearby in an unearthly, greenish glow. Yet another box sent shards of beautiful stained glass splintering across the room; whatever the box had contained was evidently a work of art that had been poorly stored in this storeroom. Two other boxes contained curious, gray spores that Dearbhla identified as being poisonous and advised that we keep our distance from those spores. Another box contained glass jars of a green, goopy slime that, when the jars shattered on the stone floor, seemed to quiver and spread of its own volition. The final box, in this cacaphony of destruction, contained blood, somehow still fresh, that spattered across much of the floor and much of our party. Needless to say, it was quite the sight...
Shaking his head at the spectacle that he had just witnessed, Kalen strode briskly forward, uttering his Divine Challenge at one of the remaining ettercaps, then charged that same fang guard. Vindicator slashed a deep gouge in the fang guard's chitinous carapace as the valiant Paladin cut mightily with the holy sword, all the weight of his charge behind the swing.
Reeling from the Paladin's attack, the ettercap riposted with its greataxe, but Kalen spun Vindicator through an intricate parry and deflected the attack. The other fang guard chopped viciously at Retz with his greataxe, but the skilled Warlord translated his form into his watery, elemental state as the blow descended and the the axe passed harmlessly through the rushing torrent.
The water flowing swiftly around behind the astounded ettercap, Retz reformed into his solid state in a flanking position with Kalen, then unleashed his Myrmidon Formation attack at the still-confounded ettercap, striking the creature solidly in the back and calling for the party to rally around him.
Peering out from behind his, as-yet, undestroyed pile of crates and boxes, Jib launched another Eldritch Blast at the fang guard which Retz had attacked, the arcane bolt slamming into the spider-humanoid and bloodying the foul creature. The Warlock then ducked back behind the cover of the crates and boxes, still muttering to himself in Goblin.
Lifting her holy symbol as she took a careful step backwards, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack on the fang guards, causing both to reel under the power of the psychic assault and bloodying the second fang guard.
Moving to flank the second ettercap, Maul attempted to Thorn Strike the creature, but the beast blocked the Warden's axe with the haft of its own weapon.
Wild Shaping back into her human form, Dearbhla lifted her totem and called down a bright fork of lightning in the form of a Storm Spike, which killed the second fang guard as the electric jolt slammed down on the creature from above.
Calling down the vengeance of the Ever-Vigilant, Kalen charged Vindicator's blade with radiant energy and slashed a Holy Strike with the brightly-glowing sword that cleaved a glowing path through the midsection of the final fang guard, and the party issued a collective sigh of relief as the last ettercap fell to the floor in two halves.
Rallying around Retz to benefit from his Myrmidon Formation, the party waited a few, tense moments to ensure that no additional foes would be entering the battle. When none were forthcoming, the party gratefully took a few minutes to rest and recover.
This 95' x 40' rectangular room was strewn with boxes and crates, haphazardly stacked into makeshift piles and used for cover by several of the room's denizens. The room's two exits were the door in the northeastern corner of the room, through which our company had entered; and another door near the northwestern corner of the room.
Intoning his Divine Challenge onto the nearest deathjump spider (so identified by Dearbhla) as he approached, Kalen charged the blade of Vindicator with radiant energy then lashed out with a Holy Strike that bit deeply into the hairy legs of the arachnid, causing it to recoil in pain.
Her shape rapidly shifting to her preferred wolf form, Dearbhla stalked into the room and moved next to the second spider (and noticed a third, which had been lurking out of sight in the center of the room). She then leapt into the air and Pounced onto the spider, her fangs sinking into the spider's hair-covered thorax and causing the spider to thrash about, trying to dislodge the pestersome Druid.
Following closely in Kalen's footsteps and moving next to the stalwart Paladin, Retz swept a feint with his longsword, allowing Kalen to make a Commander's Strike. The holy warrior slashed brutally with Vindicator, cutting deep into one of the spider's legs and causing it to dangle uselessly from the spider's appendage. With a grim nod of approval at Kalen's attack, Retz uttered several curses in the guttural language of the Primordials, directing the barbs at the non-comprehending spiders.
It's mandibles clacking in pain and frustration, the spider that Kalen had attacked attempted to bite the Paladin, but was forced to leap out of reach of a lightning-quick parrying slash by the holy warrior's brightly-glowing blade. In the meantime, the second spider had managed to get free of Dearbhla's fangs and swiftly retaliated, biting the Druid and poisoning her with its fangs. Even in her wolf form, it was apparent that Dearbhla was suffering discomfort from the lingering effects of the spider's bite. The third spider, which had only just been noticed by the Druid, skittered across the room, at the behest of the ettercap webspinner, and moved to flank Kalen; the arachnid then leapt into the air and tried a Death From Above attack on the holy warrior, but Kalen brought his heavy shield up above his head and the spider simply bounced back to the floor, chittering angrily.
Stepping behind the steel wall formed by Retz and Kalen, Jib moved forward while spitting his curse at the spider which Kalen had attacked. The diminutive Warlock then glared his Spiteful Glamor at the creature, causing it to cringe in pain as the arcane force of the goblin's attack seared into its consciousness. Jib chuckled maliciously at the spider's discomfiture.
Bounding through the doorway, Zoella dashed into the room, handspringing past the attempted bites of the two spiders flanking Kalen that attempted to snap at her as she passed. Moving across the room and invoking her Oath of Enmity on the ettercap webspinner, she slashed her greatsword across the webspinner's flesh, ripping a hole in space with her Sequestering Strike as the blade bit into the creature and hurtling herself through the fabric of reality to reappear a moment later, flanking one of the spiders that was, itself, flanking the Paladin.
Maul then calmly stepped into the room, moving adjacent to one of the spiders that flanked Kalen and the other that had attacked Dearbhla. Summoning Nature's Wrath to draw those two spiders' attention away from the rest of the party, the warforged unleashed his Strength of Stone attack on one of the adjacent spiders, but the agile beast skittered back from the sweep of the Warden's axe and the weapon found only air to impact upon.
Dancing lightly back on its feet, the webspinner took cover behind a pile of mismatched crates and boxes, before lifting its hideous head over top of the crates and spitting a sort of net, made from the sticky tendrils of spidersilk, which rapidly entangled Zoella, restraining and restricting the Avenger's movement.
Whispering a prayer, Kalen directed his Divine Mettle to Zoella and the webspinner chittered angrily as the holy light washed over the Avenger, burning away the strands of the Web Net. Bellowing his Call of Challenge and placing a divine sanction upon all three of the nearby spiders, the Paladin lifted Vindicator and stabbed forward with the holy blade using his Piercing Smite on the spider which he had already struck, bloodying the creature. In a flurry of action, as Vindicator drew back from the attack, Kalen swept the glowing blade around again, shouting in triumph as he slashed cleanly through the head and torso of that spider with his Valiant Strike. As the spider fell to the ground, Jib, laughing maniacally, lifted his Rod of Corruption and a dark pulse of energy swept the power of his Warlock's Curse to the remaining two spiders and the webspinner.
Grimacing at the effects of the spider's poison then taking a cautious step back from the spider that had bit her, Dearbhla Wild Shaped back into her human form and, even as the transformation was completing, lifted her totem high and summoned a Chill Wind to assail the webspinner, causing the ettercap to howl in frustration as the brutal cold bit into its chitinous flesh. The Druid then took a moment to shake off the effects of the spider's bite.
The sound of clacking footsteps was heard by the entire party as five newcomers joined the fray. Entering from a door in the northwestern part of the room, came a single ettercap fang guard (identified by Dearbhla), with a greataxe gripped in its spiderlike appendages. Maul shouted a warning as he noticed four more of the fang guards racing around the corner and into the hallway to the north, from where we had entered this room, cutting off our only, obvious route of escape.
Stepping around the adjacent spider to flank it with Kalen, Retz swept his longsword out, causing the spider to leap back out of the Warlord's reach and land squarely under the quick slash of the Paladin's Commander's Strike. Retz again exhorted us, his comrades-in-arms, to persist in the fight, offering a terse, but sincere, "Well done, Kalen!" as the holy warrior's blade bit into the spider's hairy legs.
Carefully maneuvering themselves into position to flank the stalwart Paladin, both spiders simultaneously launched themselves into the air and unleashed their Death From Above attacks at the holy warrior. The first drew a counterstroke from Maul's Warsoul Battleaxe and, although the attack failed to strike home, the sudden assault forced the spider to change its trajectory and cleanly missed the dodging Paladin. The second, however, thanks to its advantageous position, caught the Paladin from behind and sank its fangs deeply into a gap in the valiant defender's armor. Angry curses from the Paladin followed the spider all the way back to the ground where it hissed and chittered in response.
Again, raising his Rod of Corruption high, Jib sent a dark blast of energy pulsing out around him as the power of his Cursebite raced towards the pair of spiders and the webspinner. The nearest spider shuddered as the necrotic energy washed over it, bloodying the creature as gashes opened in the beast's hide as a result of the attack. The second spider simply shook off the effects of the attack, while the webspinner ducked behind the cover of the pile of crates and boxes which it stood behind and waited while the dark energy slammed harmlessly into the pile. Muttering angrily at the limited effect of his attack, Jib's form suddenly wavered as he stepped into the boundary between planes and made an Ethereal Stride away from the onrushing ettercap fang guards and into the room. Then, surging with adrenaline and hoping that it would be more effective, the goblin Warlock unleashed his Your Delicious Weakness attack and lashed the bloodied spider's mind with psychic energy.
Stepping across the room and around the creature's pile of cover, Zoella slashed at the webspinner with her Bond of Pursuit attack, striking the ettercap and causing it to growl menacingly at her. In response, the Avenger flurried her first strike into her Temple of Light attack and bloodied the webspinner as glowing blades of divine light encircled the hideous spider-humanoid. The elfmaid laughed heartily as the webspinner jabbered angrily at the glowing barrier that now surrounded it.
Hoping to finish off the bloodied spider, Maul swung a Thorn Strike at the creature, but, even in its bloodied state, the spider managed to evade the sweep of the Warden's axe. Shaking his head at the creature's agility, the resolute defender moved back across the room and stood in the doorway, glowering at the oncoming group of fang guards that were rapidly approaching. Dropping into a readied stance, the Warden prepared to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the rapidly-nearing ettercaps.
Backing away cautiously then moving quickly away from the pestersome Avenger, the webspinner growled in anger and hatred as the Avenger nimbly picked her way across the room thanks to the lingering power of her Bond of Pursuit.
With a roar of battlelust, Kalen swept Vindicator above his head then unleashed an overhanded Valiant Strike which cleaved down into the bloodied spider, splitting the creature's head in two as the holy blade left a smoldering gash through the beast's flesh. Spinning on his heels, the Paladin summoned his Divine Challenge on the remaining spider as he brought his shield and blade to bear against it. The holy warrior grunted briefly in pain from the spider's poisonous bite, but could not seem to shake off its effects.
Wild Shaping back into her wolfen form, Dearbhla raced across the room, Pouncing upon the webspinner and dragging it to the floor, dead, as she tore great chunks of flesh from its head and upper body. The Druid gave a howl of triumph then snarled at the nearby fang guard, which eyed her warily as it made its way into the room.
Striding next to the Druid, that fang guard whipped its greataxe around and slashed into the side of Dearbhla, changing her snarls into yips of pain as the rusty blade bit into her furred flesh. The four fang guards in the northern hallway chittered anxiously among themselves, then, stepping a short distance forward, a pair of them settled into ready stances while the two behind them each spat a Web Tangle at Maul, who stood firmly planted in the doorway into the room. The first Web Tangle sailed well wide of the warforged, but the second wrapped itself around the feet of the Warden, rooting him to the spot and eliciting a stream of invectives and curses about the ettercaps' questionable heritage.
Striding across the room, leaving Kalen to deal with the final spider, Retz shouted the encouragement of his Inspiring Words to Dearbhla, who visibly took heart from the Warlord's motivation. Seeing that the Druid was feeling better, emotionally, if not physically, the genasi launched himself into a headlong charge at the fang guard who had attacked Dearbhla, his blade tearing a gash in the arm that was brought up to try to block the Warlord's blow.
Meanwhile, the last spider again leapt on its powerful legs into the air and attempted to Death From Above the Paladin, but a vicious swipe of Vindicator turned the creature's attack aside. The spider fell to the floor, skidding slightly and cowering in the face of the wrathful Paladin.
As the creature fell back to the ground, an Eldritch Blast sizzled past Kalen's shoulder and blazed harmlessly over the head of the nimbly-landing spider. Muttering in Goblin, Jib scampered behind a small stack of crates and boxes as he invoked his Curse upon the fang guard that was being attacked by Dearbhla and Retz.
Solemnly intoning her Oath of Enmity on that same fang guard, Zoella strode across the room and adjacent to the fang guard, swinging her greatsword in a Bond of Pursuit attack that slashed home, bloodying the ettercap as holy energy flared from the power of her Temple of Light, which still swirled around the corpse of the fallen webspinner.
Lifting a metal-plated foot, Maul kicked the room's door closed then, again, dropped into a readied stance, preparing to unleash his Thunder Ram Assault on the fang guards that might be foolish enough to come through the door. With the blade of his axe, the Warden gingerly sliced through the silky strands of web that held him rooted to the floor, freeing himself from their sticky embrace.
Gritting his teeth against the effects of the spider's poison, Kalen brought Vindicator to bear, batting aside the last spider's guarding legs with his heavy shield then stabbing a Healing Strike down at the hissing arachnid, the holy blade biting into the beast's hairy abdomen. As the glowing sword connected with the spider, a flare of radiant energy burst from the blade, bathing the Paladin in divine light and a tight-lipped smile crossed Kalen's face as the stalwart warrior's wounds began to knit and the poison that had flowed through his veins was neutralized.
Dancing ever more nimbly on her paws, thanks to her primal power, Fleet Pursuit, Dearbhla danced around the fang guard and landed a Darting Bite then sprang nimbly away from any possible counterattack.
Perhaps sensing that she was its greatest threat, the fang guard already in the room slashed its greataxe at Zoella, drawing blood and a grunt of pain from the Avenger, who was unable to parry the blow of the ettercap with her greatsword. Through the closed door, Maul could hear the sounds of clacking feet on the stone floors moving away from the hallway immediately outside the door, a fact which he relayed to the rest of the party.
With a sharply-barked order, Retz feinted at the fang guard, drawing its attention as Zoella unleashed a Commander's Strike in retaliation for the blow that had been struck against her, the Avenger's Vicious Greatsword stabbing through the chest of the ettercap and sending the corpse sprawling to the floor. With a mirthless chuckle, Retz rapped the blade of Zoella's greatsword with his own sword and the two nodded at each other, standing back-to-back and watching for more enemies.
The last, yet persistent, deathjump spider again sprang into the air, attempting to Death From Above the Paladin, but the holy warrior was expecting the attack and had his shield up and ready to deflect the creature as it descended toward him. The spider bounced off the shield with a dull thud and fell back to the floor.
Leaning out from behind the boxes where he had sought shelter, Jib fired another scorching Eldritch Blast at the spider as it fell, this time, the arcane bolt slammed into the creature's side, bloodying the creature as it left a sizzling hole in the arachnid's carapace. The Warlock giggled to himself as the spider staggered under the force of the attack.
With only the spider left in the room, Zoella took a few steps to move within range of her Radiant Vengeance attack, then, lifting her holy symbol up and invoking holy power, unleashed that attack, divine light washing over the spider, which hissed and chittered angrily as the light died down, small wisps of smoke rising from where the creature had been singed by the attack.
Still believing that the other four fang guards were bound to come through the door which he guarded, Maul dropped into a defensive stance and braced himself against the door.
Having had quite enough of the deathjump spider, Kalen lifted Vindicator high above his head and, after sending a pulse of holy energy down the blade, slashed downward in a mighty Holy Strike that finally slew the irritating arachnid. After spitting on the corpse, the Paladin took a moment to glance around the room and queried the party as to their condition. Receiving positive affirmations about their status from the rest of the party, the Paladin started moving toward the center of the room, ready to respond to whichever door the remaining fang guards chose to enter the room.
Padding softly across the floor, Dearbhla took up a position next to Retz and Zoella, then crouched, ready to spring upon any foe that dared approach.
She would not have to wait long, as the four fang guards came racing into the room, through the door in the room's northwestern corner.
Still far enough away that he did not want to charge blindly forward without support, Retz dropped into his own readied stance, ready to unleash his Wolf Pack Tactics on the first fang guard to approach within reach of his longsword.
Talking to himself in Goblin, Jib scurried across the center of the room and ducked behind another pile of crates and boxes, then, after invoking his Curse on the nearest fang guard, launched an Eldritch Blast at that ettercap, but the bolt failed to find its target, causing the diminutive Warlock to direct an ancient and arcane gesture in the general direction of the fang guards.
Calmly speaking her Oath of Enmity against the Cursed fang guard, Zoella nimbly stepped adjacent to that ettercap, her greatsword sweeping around as she strode and connecting in a Bond of Pursuit attack as she moved within reach of her blade. The fang guard howled and hissed at the elfmaid as the blade struck home, the Avenger merely laughed back at the creature.
Summoning his Form of the Fearsome Ram as he strode, Maul moved swiftly across the room, before unleashing the Fearsome Ram attack on the same fang guard, bloodying the creature and causing it to yelp in pain as it was dragged to the ground by the Warden's attack.
Still too far from the combat to even charge into the fray, Kalen moved relentlessly forward, pausing only long enough to catch his second wind.
Stepping by the prone fang guard and leaping nimbly above the swipe of the creature's opportunity attack, Dearbhla Pounced on the next fang guard in line, sinking her fangs into the ettercap's hairy torso. Then, with a burst of adrenaline, unleashed her Savage Frenzy on all four of the fang guards, a blur of fangs and claws, she tore chunks out of the legs of each of the fang guards, staggering each of them under the fury of her attack, each wobbling unsteadily on their wounded legs and looking dazed by the unrelenting savagery of the attack.
Still looking dazed and staggered, the four fang guards retaliated by firing their Web Tangles at Maul and Zoella, missing the Warden but wrapping the sticky tendrils around the Avenger, binding her in place. The final two coordinated their greataxe attacks on Maul, both finding gaps in the sturdy warforged's defenses and bloodying the Warden, who impassively glared back at the ettercaps, defiance twinkling in the arcane light that backlit his eyes.
Stepping forward next to Maul, Retz quickly called directions to Maul then the pair unleashed a Concentrated Attack on one of the fang guards that had struck the Warden. As Retz crouched low and slashed across the ettercap's legs, Maul brought his battleaxe down in an overhand swing that bit into the shoulder of the foul creature. Their combined efforts served to bloody the fang guard and, with a triumphant shout, Retz sequenced his slash into another attack that sliced into the upper body of the fang guard and the Warlord bellowed an Inspiring War Cry that, empowered by his Brooch of No Regrets, allowed Zoella to burst the bonds of the web that had entangled her, drawing an incredulous gasp from Jib who did not believe that the elfmaid could have been strong enough to break those tendrils.
Recovering quickly from his shock, however, Jib intoned his Curse on the now-bloodied fang guard then followed with a brutally-effective Eldritch Blast that burned through the ettercap's torse, leaving a smoking hole where the creature's chest had been. The small goblin danced merrily as the ettercap crumpled to the floor then lifted his Rod of Corruption and allowed the dark power of his Curse to affect the remaining three ettercaps.
Slashing her greatsword down at the still-prone fang guard, Zoella's Bond of Pursuit attack struck the creature, spraying ichor from the foul beast's innards as the blade bit into its flesh.
Following on the heels of the Avenger's attack, Maul's axe came slashing down in his Thunder Ram Assault, which, thanks to Divine Guidance from Zoella, ended the life of the prone ettercap. The peal of thunder that burst from the initial impact had little effect on either of the remaining fang guards.
With no room to move into the fray, Kalen paused a moment, waiting for an opening...
Wild Shaping back into her human form, Dearbhla called forth a Chill Wind to lash into both of the remaining fang guards, the bitter cold biting into both creatures and the wind drawing them into the room. Stepping out of the way of the close-combat members of the party, the Druid then attempted to clamber atop one of the innumerable boxes that littered the room, not realizing that these boxes were, in fact, quite fragile, having been down here for an extended time. As the box Dearbhla attempted to climb splintered, its contents, later identified as brimstone, suddenly burst into flame, slightly singeing Zoella, Maul, and one of the fang guards; more importantly, however, the brimstone touched off a chain reaction of exploding and/or shattering boxes, their contents suddenly spilling out into the room. Two more boxes contained brimstone, but their explosions were far enough from the party that no one was harmed. Another box contained hundreds of tiny eggs that spilled across the floor, then suddenly hatched into dozens of tiny lizards that scampered aimlessly across the floor. Another box contained glowing, emerald-colored globules that began drifting lazily toward the ceiling, while casting all nearby in an unearthly, greenish glow. Yet another box sent shards of beautiful stained glass splintering across the room; whatever the box had contained was evidently a work of art that had been poorly stored in this storeroom. Two other boxes contained curious, gray spores that Dearbhla identified as being poisonous and advised that we keep our distance from those spores. Another box contained glass jars of a green, goopy slime that, when the jars shattered on the stone floor, seemed to quiver and spread of its own volition. The final box, in this cacaphony of destruction, contained blood, somehow still fresh, that spattered across much of the floor and much of our party. Needless to say, it was quite the sight...
Shaking his head at the spectacle that he had just witnessed, Kalen strode briskly forward, uttering his Divine Challenge at one of the remaining ettercaps, then charged that same fang guard. Vindicator slashed a deep gouge in the fang guard's chitinous carapace as the valiant Paladin cut mightily with the holy sword, all the weight of his charge behind the swing.
Reeling from the Paladin's attack, the ettercap riposted with its greataxe, but Kalen spun Vindicator through an intricate parry and deflected the attack. The other fang guard chopped viciously at Retz with his greataxe, but the skilled Warlord translated his form into his watery, elemental state as the blow descended and the the axe passed harmlessly through the rushing torrent.
The water flowing swiftly around behind the astounded ettercap, Retz reformed into his solid state in a flanking position with Kalen, then unleashed his Myrmidon Formation attack at the still-confounded ettercap, striking the creature solidly in the back and calling for the party to rally around him.
Peering out from behind his, as-yet, undestroyed pile of crates and boxes, Jib launched another Eldritch Blast at the fang guard which Retz had attacked, the arcane bolt slamming into the spider-humanoid and bloodying the foul creature. The Warlock then ducked back behind the cover of the crates and boxes, still muttering to himself in Goblin.
Lifting her holy symbol as she took a careful step backwards, Zoella unleashed her Shared Madness attack on the fang guards, causing both to reel under the power of the psychic assault and bloodying the second fang guard.
Moving to flank the second ettercap, Maul attempted to Thorn Strike the creature, but the beast blocked the Warden's axe with the haft of its own weapon.
Wild Shaping back into her human form, Dearbhla lifted her totem and called down a bright fork of lightning in the form of a Storm Spike, which killed the second fang guard as the electric jolt slammed down on the creature from above.
Calling down the vengeance of the Ever-Vigilant, Kalen charged Vindicator's blade with radiant energy and slashed a Holy Strike with the brightly-glowing sword that cleaved a glowing path through the midsection of the final fang guard, and the party issued a collective sigh of relief as the last ettercap fell to the floor in two halves.
Rallying around Retz to benefit from his Myrmidon Formation, the party waited a few, tense moments to ensure that no additional foes would be entering the battle. When none were forthcoming, the party gratefully took a few minutes to rest and recover.
Zoella and Dearbhla deduced that this storeroom is likely in the basement of the Scepter Tower, the mysterious heart of the Spellgard complex (a deduction based on our journeys through the catacombs and an estimation of the distance which we had traveled).
While we discussed our plans for moving forward, Retz told us that his brother had just contacted him again and said that there is someone in the Monastery who claims to know of Vorthos and has reason to help us take him down.
Not wanting to turn down any information or possible help, we quickly decided that we should travel back through the catacombs to the Monastery and meet this mysterious person.
After a few minutes of rest, we set off back through the dank corridors of the catacomb, headed for the surface...
RECAP: Having finally made our way through the catacombs beneath the ruins of Spellgard, we had arrived in (what we believed) the basement levels of the Scepter Tower of Spellgard. After besting the vermin that infested that lower level, our explorations were cut short by a message from Retz's brother, T'urr, advising us that someone had arrived at the Monastery who claimed to know of Vorthos and, perhaps more importantly, wanted to help us apprehend or eliminate the wizard. Willing to follow any possible leads, we decided that it would be in the company's best interests to return to the Monastery and meet this individual...
JOURNAL: Making our way gingerly through the damp and musty passageways of the catacombs beneath the Spellgard ruins, we finally returned to the surface and drank in the vibrant air of the beautiful day. Setting off across the compound, our party rapidly covered the distance between the northern ramparts and the Monastery and ventured inside, out of Amaunator's watchful radiance.
Kane, standing from a table in one corner of the Monastery's common room, beckoned for us to join him at his table. Kalen, Zoella, and Retz, with Jib ostensibly in tow, strode across the room to where the tiefling bard was standing; meanwhile, Maul and Dearbhla made their way to the bar and stoodwatch, the warforged keeping his axe hefted lightly in his hand and the Druid gripping her totem tightly in her slender fingers.
Across the table from Kane and with its back to us, was a tall and slender figure, clad in a dark, hooded cloak. The mysterious stranger rose to its feet at the sound of our approach.
"Members of the Company of the Steel Fang, I would like to introduce you to Galad Cladent, adept of Gond," said Kane, sweeping his arm in a gesture of introduction as the mysterious stranger turned to face our group.
As the stranger turned towards us, he pulled his hood back from his head, revealing a strikingly-majestic countenance that was altogether unfamiliar to most of our company. Zoella, however, recognized the stranger as a deva and quickly whispered that the deva are known as the immortal servants of good deities who, in the time before history was recorded, took on mortal forms to serve their deities on the mortal planes. Despite this reassurance, several of our company still had some reservations about the mysterious being.
Bowing deeply, the deva (recognizable as a male) reiterated Kane's introduction and offered his apologies for interrupting our explorations, but that he had information that might prove invaluable to our search for the wizard, Vorthos.
Naturally, hearing mention of our now-despised foe piqued our interest and we asked him to explain.
The deva, Galad, as he insisted that we call him, launched into a brief explanation that he was a wayfarer and seeker of ancient secrets and artifacts, but his journeys had been abruptly cut short when he was (ironically enough) in Cormyr and came into conflict with Vorthos, when, as it happened, they both sought the same, particular artifact...an ancient tome containing a number of the hidden secrets of Saharelgard, the ancient name for the ruins where we now stood. Vorthos, in an effort to stymie Galad's search, employed several contacts within Cormyr's government to bring the deva before the courts on trumped-up charges that ultimately resulted in Galad's imprisonment in the prison city of Wheloon. After effecting an escape from that place (though he did not specify by what means he accomplished this feat), he has tracked the wizard for months, always a few steps behind, until now, when he followed the wizard here, to the ruins of Spellgard.
T'urr came strolling down the stairs at this point and, walking to our table, interjected that Galad had come into the Monastery and was asking questions about a wizard named Vorthos. Thinking that it was not likely that there were two wizards thusly-named, Kane and T'urr had queried the newcomer as to his interest in the wizard. After learning why the deva had come to Spellgard, the pair had determined that they should contact the company at once and allow us to question Galad for ourselves.
Galad nodded his confirmation of what T'urr was saying, then continued to tell us that he had extensively studied the limited historical records concerning the ruins of Spellgard before following the wizard here. He went on to say that he is an artificer, a mage skilled in the art of creating and manipulating magical items and that within the ruins, it is likely that we shall run across something known as a runic lock. These runic locks would require sets of a specific type of magical talisman to be opened and, as it was likely that we would not possess such a set, he could use his skill at artifice to craft a set to grant us access to any of the doors that might be sealed by such locks. There also was the small matter of payback for his unjust imprisonment, which added additional motivation and conviction to Galad's offer.
After conversing briefly amongst ourselves and seeking the opinions of the more insightful of our members, concerning the deva's forthrightness, our company concluded that it would likely be beneficial to allow the deva to accompany us into the ruins, particularly if we should happen to run across any of these 'runic locks' which he mentioned.
Conveying our decision to the deva, he appeared both relieved and determined as we outlined our plan to return to the catacombs and the sub-levels of the Scepter Tower. Galad asked that he be allowed to accompany our expedition, but requested that we wait until the morrow, despite it being early in the day, as he had journeyed through the night to arrive at the Monastery and was weary from his travels. Seeing little reason to press the deva into rushing into the catacombs, the company agreed to spend the day making plans for the next day's delve and studying any information which Galad might have brought with him concerning the ruins of Spellgard.
Tarsakh 14 - The next day, dawn broke over the eastern horizon and revealed clear skies and seasonable warmth. Rousing from our rest and consuming a small breakfast, the company undertook its morning rituals then prepared to depart.
Kane came meandering through the common room as we were finishing breakfast and told our group that Brother Turnagall, the Monastery's caretaker, had a small task with which he believed our group could aid him. The bard said that it was a task that may take all day, but only two or three of our number should be sufficient for the Brother's needs.
After a brief discussion, the brothers, T'urr and Retz, agreed to help Brother Turnagall with his 'task', while the rest of the company would take Galad and descend back into the ruins of Spellgard. Bidding our genasi comrades farewell, our company, consisting of Kalen, Maul, Dearbhla, Zoella, Jib, and the newcomer, Galad, set off across the compound and re-entered the northern ramparts.
Descending swiftly back into the catacombs, we rapidly returned to the storeroom in the basement of the Scepter Tower where we had fought the spiders and ettercaps the day before. We were relieved to find no more of the vermin in the main storeroom, so we moved through that room's northwestern door and arrived in a small, adjoining room with a wooden door set in the western wall at the top of a short flight of stairs.
Allowing Dearbhla and Zoella to examine the door and once they determined that it seemed to be free of traps and as we expected trouble (thanks to the nature of this place and our experiences thus far), Kalen and Maul lowered their shoulders and knocked the door off its hinges and into the room beyond, unfortunately, this failed to startle the next room's denizens: five more of the ettercap fang guards, and a short figure with pointed ears and a tuft of beard who grinned maliciously as he stepped out from behind a barrel in the western side of the room and hissed something in an unintelligible language, which appeared to be understood by the ettercaps who all began chittering angrily and stalking towards our party.
Never a group to hesitate in the face of the enemy, our company launched itself forward into another pitched battle...
Tell him to cast "Time Stop" and then continue writing the thread. We're dyin over here to read the next session! ;)
Believe me, my friend, I have been trying!
The Real World Ninja-Mages Guild has been following me around and dispelling every attempt that I've made thus far!
I'm still plugging away, though, and I promise that it WILL get done! (Stupid, RWN-M's...They will NEVER stop me! For I am............)
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Special Announcement: Per directive [Rule 0 subsection F, paragraph U], this post is being immediately halted, for failure to be submitted for approval to the Real World Ninja-Mages Guild or one of its subsidiaries...Move along...Nothing to see here...
I...Am...So...Tired...
Deva Artificer (Arcane Implement Proficiency [heavy blades]), Age: Immortal
6'6", 200 lbs.
Alignment: Good
Deity: Gond
Background: Traveling Missionary [Scales of War]
Languages: Common, Netherese, Primordial
Legacy Item: Luckblade Drow Long Knife +1
STR - 11
CON - 14
DEX - 12
INT - 20
WIS - 17
CHA - 8
Trained Skills: Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Religion, Thievery
Feats: Ritual Caster, Weapon Proficiency (Drow Long Knife), Arcane Implement Proficiency, Focused Expertise (Drow Long Knife)
At-Will Powers: Static Shock, Magic Weapon
Encounter Powers: Scouring Weapon, Repulsion Strike
Daily Power: Punishing Eye
Utility Power: Swift Mender
Magic Items: Ritual Book, Luckblade Drow Long Knife +1, Leather Armor of Resistance (Fire) +1, Healer's Brooch +1, Goggles of Aura Sight (heroic tier)
Thanks to ALL our readers, we do this for you and greatly appreciate your willingness to share in our misadventures! We'd love to hear from you, feel free to pop into the thread and say hi, or ask any questions that you might have!
-[b]Izzie[/b]
Incidentally, the July 28th update is the most current update, as our group did not play on either August 4th or 11th...
-[b]Izzie[/b]
Yeah but you know you enjoyed GI Joe. Little wierd with the character choices but was worth the time.
Several hours after Jib & Maul have trapped themselves in the Arcane Armory:
After having exhausted all ideas of getting out of the Arcane Armory, Jib and Maul decide to pass the time by playing Three Dragon Ante. “Jib show Maul how to play fun card game.” Many hands later and many wins for Jib, “Jib are you sure that warforged players have to let goblin players look at their hand?” says the confused and gullible warforged. “Would Jib lie to Maul?” says Jib innocently. To prove his point, Jib reaches into the Bag of Holding and pulls out his copy of the rules for Three Dragon Ante. "See here is rule that says what Jib told Maul" Jib says, while holding up a book to Maul's face. "Jib this is written in goblin and I can't read goblin," replies the still confused warforged. Jib smiles as wide as a Calashite merchant that just made "De Bestest Deal."
Several floors above Jib & Maul:
Thoran, Vorthos, and their shady body guard descend the tower to stand before the Arcane Vault’s Runic Lock. Thoran begins placing the alabaster pieces in the Runic Lock.
“We must hurry and finish collecting the vaults treasure before those meddlesome heroes figure a way into the vault” says Thoran.
Replies Vorthos, “Have no worries Thoran, with my magic and our shady friend’s quick fingers, I’m sure we’ll by pass any remaining traps and collect the ancient Netherese treasure.”
“Reports have come back that the storage room was attacked. All the ettercaps have been slain. The wounds are consistent with the Company of the Steel Fang” says Thoran as he places the last alabaster piece into the Runic Lock.
With the sound of a locking mechanism releasing in the wall, the vault doors swings open. Sitting in the north east corner of the vault sits Jib & Maul.
Placing a card down next to his other two low value cards, Jibs says “Jib use druid card! Jib win Jib win!....” Many colorful metaphors spill out Jib’s mouth in goblin as he points at the now open vault door. Jib & Maul scatter cards and copper thumbs everywhere as they jump to their feet drawing their weapons.
“How, by all the Dark Gods, did you two get in here?!” yells Thoran.
“Look they opened the final chest! Take them alive. We might be able to ransom them off for the pillar” replies Vorthos, as Thoran and the Dark Stalker body guard draw their weapons.
Battle (The Kobayashi Maru) 1 x Thoran, 1x Darkstalker, and 1 x Vorthos
After shaking off the initial surprise at seeing Jib and Maul in the vault, Vorthos strides into the vault to stand before the two members of the Company of the Steel Fang. Raising his hands in claw like fashion and unleashes a powerful blast of lightning and force. Jib and Maul attempt to dodge the horrific attack but fail. A dazed Jib, seeing stars dancing before his eyes is barely able to remain standing as his limbs suddenly feel like lead and is dripping blood from several serious wounds. Maul finds himself in a similar situation as he drops to one knee ,briefly, from the fierce attack. Though Maul is, literally, made of sterner stuff; he still feels like he got hit by a runaway horse head on. But just as Maul rises up from his knee, Vorthos surges with adrenaline and throws his hand palm forward in Maul's direction and an invisible force hurls Maul back several feet to slam in the vaults rear wall. Maul bounces painfully off the wall and lands face first on the floor, leaving Maul leaking vital warforged fluids.
Maul's primal power surge throughout his body as his Font of Life purges the stars dancing before his eyes and gives strength back to the mighty warforged. Maul stands back up vowing to make Vorthos pay for all the damage he has inflicted upon Jib and himself. Calling upon his innate Warforged Resolve and taking a moment to catch his second wind, Maul surges with action with a primal war cry, and charges Vorthos with his Warsoul Axe. Though Maul's swing is true, Vorthos merely side steps the cleaving strike from the mighty warforged.
Next into the vault is the Darkstalker. He moves up to Maul as his momentum plays out from the charge. Swinging his scimitar, the Darkstalker fines a weak spot in the warforged's armor and cuts critically deep, ripping a long gash across the warden’s torso.
Finally Thoran moves into the room and charges Jib. Swinging his scimitar, Thoran easily hits Jib, causing the warlock to scream in pain. "What did you find in the chest, you little rat?" demands Thoran. "Jib open chest. Treasure belong to Jib” says Jib, while stars are dancing before his eyes.
Jib finally manages to dig deep into his reserves and uses his Ethereal Stride to teleport away from Thoran and reappears next to Maul. The teleport doesn't seem to help his disorientation as Jib still sees stars dancing before his eyes and his arms feel like lead weights.
Vorthos feeling reinvigorated upon seeing both Jib and Maul beaten and bloodied, senses that the dark powers under his control have recharged. Vorthos still standing next to Maul after his desperate charge, feels his dark energies rising and once again places his hands in a claw like manner. With a cry of "Feel my Unlimited Power!" another blast of Force Lightning erupts from Vorthos's hands sending both Maul and Jib to the ground unconscious.
Just as the battle ends, four ettercap fang guards come running into the vault. "Excellent timing, you four can carry these to up to the guard house. Put the goblin in the cell and make sure you put mage's shackles on him so he can't teleport. Place warforged on the table by the cell, I will be up shortly to examine him," says Vorthos.
"I wonder how they got in here," says the puzzled Thoran.
"It matters not, Thoran. We have them now and I'm sure the rest of the Steel Fangs will gladly turn over their Alabaster Pillar for these two's worthless lives." says a grinning Vorthos. I shall leave a message here on the chest, for undoubtably the others will return here seeking their lost friends."
Later, the sounds of a screaming goblin can be heard throughout the Scepter Tower as he is beaten and healed repeatedly. Though through all the horrible unspeakable acts done to poor Jib, he never once betrayed his new friends trust...
Maul was unable to hear his friends cries as he was being disassembled by Vorthos. Vorthos had always been intrigued with the warforged race but never had time to study one up close. He would not let this opportunity pass him by to learn what makes a warforged tick. Perhaps he will learn their secrets and build one loyal to him and him alone...
To our loyal readers,
I'd first like to say that the adventure has been going well. Izzie has had very little time to put to the journal. As a matter of fact he's not even seen the new boards yet. Two of Izzie's co-workers have left, so Izzie being the real world paladin that he is has volunteered to take on an excessive work load. So please understand that Izzie feels horrible that he has been unable update the journal. He assures me that as soon as things at work get back to normal he shall begin to update the journal once again.
As of now I estimate about two more sessions before the Company of the Steel Fang completes their quest in Spellgard...assuming they survive. After those two sessions, I shall journey to a dark land known as marriage. Seriously though, I will be married on September 12th and will be on honeymoon for the two weeks after that in which our game will be on hold till I return. Once again thank you all for your patience in regards to Izzie. I know I can't wait to see the journal updated.
Godwin
I just want to say that the battle with Vorthos, Jib, and Maul was played by Godwin and his brother. Still say he should've had Jib grab on then Run Like Heck after clearing a path by first using Form of the Fearsome Ram after having Jib use what strength he did have to grab Maul, use the attack with Form of the Fearsome Ram on one of the two in the doorway Shifting the 8 spaces around Vorthos as even if the attack misses can still get in the doorway.
Action Pointing to attack the same moved target with Thunder Ram Assault with a bonus from Warforged Tactics with Jib hanging on to help a little then Provoke one attack while he runs with more speed thanks to Form of the Fearsome Ram giving Speed +2. Maul may be brave but even he knows when to get out of dodge since staying to the last man ends in death. >_<
Hopefully Izzie will have the journal up soon if his job doesn't cause him to collapse first. If all else at least if anything happens he's close by someone that can help normally.
I just want to say that the battle with Vorthos, Jib, and Maul was played by Godwin and his brother. Still say he should've had Jib grab on then Run Like Heck after clearing a path by first using Form of the Fearsome Ram after having Jib use what strength he did have to grab Maul, use the attack with Form of the Fearsome Ram on one of the two in the doorway Shifting the 8 spaces around Vorthos as even if the attack misses can still get in the doorway.
Action Pointing to attack the same moved target with Thunder Ram Assault with a bonus from Warforged Tactics with Jib hanging on to help a little then Provoke one attack while he runs with more speed thanks to Form of the Fearsome Ram giving Speed +2. Maul may be brave but even he knows when to get out of dodge since staying to the last man ends in death. >_<
Hopefully Izzie will have the journal up soon if his job doesn't cause him to collapse first. If all else at least if anything happens he's close by someone that can help normally.
My apologies Maul, but it was not possible to grab Jib and "get out of dodge." Jib and Maul were pushed apart by the Force Push power from Vorthos. It would have required Maul, a move action to stand back up, another move action to move adjacent to Jib, and finally an action point Standard action to pick up poor Jib. Leaving Maul still in the room without anymore actions. Both Thoran and the Darkstalker were still in the door way and you would not have been able to push by them even if you had the actions left to do so. With Vorthos recharging his Force Lightning power it spelled doom for Jib and Maul. Ozzie (my brother) can tell you by the enemies placement that it was truely "The No Win Scenario."
To our loyal readers,
I would like to thank all of you for reading our adventures. I felt it has been awhile since our last update and that needs an explantion. Izzie has been swamped with work lately and I took a 2 week honeymoon. To give an example of the amount of work Izzie was been subjected to, he has had only 1 day off in the past 2 weeks. Secondly, during that one day off he sat down and began to update the journal on his computer before sending the final version to the boards. Unfortunately, Beshaba decided to put her blessing on poor Izzie, for his hard drive fried. Izzie is taking this all in stride, for the game continues and he still diligently records the adventure as it continues. To give you all a small update, we have finished The Secpter Tower of Spellgard and should finish Storm Tower with the alternate party on Tuesday. We will then resume play with the core members in Thunderspire Labyrinth. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Hail and Well Met, All! Contrary to popular reports AND opinions... I have not departed for the Fugue Plane (at least, not yet...)... It's been a LONG couple of months and the Real World has interfered greatly with my being able to post updates of our Company's (mis-)adventures... Throw in a computer meltdown on top of the 60-80 hour work weeks, and you might be able to, in some small way, understand just how rough it has been since the first week of August for me... Things are finally starting to look up, however, and I am in the process of attempting to recover the data lost when my computer when down, and to add the additional updates from the past weeks... Needless to say, I have missed getting to keep you all updated, and I hope that you are as eager as I am to get back into a regular posting schedule!
I hope to start getting the continuing adventures of the Company of the Steel Fang up within the next week or so, as always, however, I ask your patience and understanding as I try to keep from pulling all of my hair out as I put this effort out.
-Izzie
Oh, and please do note that THIS is my "official" screen name now, since the board migration has had a Spellplague-esque effect on some of the work that I've done in this thread. 
-Izzie
Oh, and please do note that THIS is my "official" screen name now, since the board migration has had a Spellplague-esque effect on some of the work that I've done in this thread.
-Izzie
It's good to see you back my young apprentice and friend. I'm sure the readers (and I) eagerly await the journal entries to start flowing again. I look forward to doing some more scenes with the villians as well. If only we can get Ozzie to start posting soon, but I'm sure he's waiting till his character(s) makes an appearance in the journal. Just to update the readers a little. We have finished Spellgard and have done a short side quest with the alternate characters in Storm Tower, that Aquisitions Inc. first participated in Series 2 of the Podcasts. We are now currently going through H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth and have completed the first section of that module and have begun the second section. Hopefully Izzie will have time to get the journal caught up but we won't rush him for I wouldn't want the quality compromised for quantity.
Here's hoping we can prod Izzy hard enough to get things updated.