Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Children of Sorrow
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="darkbard" data-source="post: 9280097" data-attributes="member: 1282"><p><em>Before dawn on the following day, all who stay at Juniper House rise and break their fast with a hearty bowl of porridge and goat's milk, slices of toasted bread and fried goose eggs as accompaniment.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Juniper sees you off, and Berylis leads you into the forest west and north of Ravenswood, territory rarely traversed by Toriq, lying outside the sphere of the Guardians of the Ruby Spire. You travel for several hours. The day is cold but bright, dried leaves shed by hickories and maples with every gust of wind high in the trees.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Just after midday, you crest a small promontory that overlooks a blight on the scene leading due south, back in the direction of Ravenswood: It is as if a scar has been cut from the land, a wide swath dozens of yards wide denuded of trees and reaching back on the horizon with unnatural regularity. The loggers have been brutal in their efficiency, dragging off larger specimens back to Ravenswood, no doubt, but hacking, burning, and blasting anything else in their way.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Berylis identifies the location of the loggers' camp before extending his thanks once again and taking his leave north, to rejoin the Resilient Birch Clan for their great autumn hunt. </em></p><p></p><p><strong>Blasted Logging Camp (EL4, L+2, XP 717)</strong></p><p></p><p>Place your PCs anywhere in squares T-V/10-13. Roll initiative, and make any monster knowledge checks you deem appropriate (arcana for the Logger Jacks, nature for the Wicked Loggers).</p><p></p><p><strong>Dimensions</strong> The logging camp sits at the eastern edge of the road, nestled within a hollow. The surrounding rocky escarpment rises 15 feet (3 squares, Athletics DC 15 to climb), but there is a gradual slope threading between two parts of the rise, as well.</p><p></p><p><strong>Illumination</strong> Bright daylight.</p><p></p><p><strong>Trees</strong> Despite the graphic, assume any trees on the map are conifers and thus have low, spreading branches their full length. Thus, each square within a tree’s area is difficult terrain; additionally, creatures within a tree’s area have cover. Trees can be climbed with an DC 9 Athletics check (Easy for level).</p><p></p><p><strong>Stumps </strong>These are cut low to the ground, three feet high or so. They count as difficult terrain and can provide cover to adjacent creatures (total cover for Small creatures, for whom they are also blocking terrain unless surmounted by a DC 12 Athletics check (Moderate for level; Easy DC 9 for Medium creatures)).</p><p></p><p><strong>Camp Building</strong> This basic timber-framed construction is one storey, 10 feet high (DC 12 Athletics check to climb), and on rollers. With a Standard Action for a DC 20 Strength check, it can be moved 2 squares north (to the top of the map). It is blocking terrain and can be stunted with.</p><p></p><p><strong>Fallen Timber </strong>These downed trees have had their limbs mostly sheared, but they still protrude sharp, dangerous branch stubs. They are hindering terrain; thus, any creature willingly entering one of its squares or any adjacent creature subjected to forced movement suffers 5 points of damage. Additionally, they provide cover.</p><p></p><p><strong>Lashed Timber</strong> Four stacks of timber are lashed together with thick hempen ropes, one south and one east of the camp building, two others further afield. These stacks are blocking terrain and can be Stunted with.</p><p></p><p><strong>Creatures:</strong> 2 Logger Jacks <strong>HP 92 AC14 F15 R14 W12 </strong>(L2 Elite Brute), 7 Wicked Loggers <strong>HP 1 AC16 F14 R15 W12 </strong>(L2 Minion Artillery)</p><p></p><p><em>Jendi </em>makes a Monster Knowledge Arcana check for the Logger Jacks, r15+9=24. Exceeds Hard DC. Jendi knows that constructs like these are sometimes constructed by the mages of the Order of the Ebony Tower for wealthy and powerful clientele.</p><p></p><p>[SPOILER]<strong>Logger Jack Level 2 Elite Brute</strong></p><p><strong>Medium natural animate (construct) XP 250</strong></p><p><strong>HP</strong> 92; <strong>Bloodied</strong> 46 <strong>Initiative</strong> +3</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 14, <strong>Fortitude</strong> 15, <strong>Reflex</strong> 14, <strong>Will</strong> 12 <strong>Perception</strong>+2</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 6 (cannot shift) Darkvision</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> +2; <strong>Action Points</strong> 1</p><p></p><p><strong>Traits</strong></p><p>☼ <strong>Anthracite Core Heat</strong> ✦ <strong>Aura</strong> 1</p><p>Any enemy that enters the aura takes 2 fire damage.</p><p></p><p><strong>Iron Retaliation</strong></p><p>A creature that makes an opportunity attack against the logger jack takes 1d6 damage.</p><p></p><p><strong>Standard Actions</strong></p><p></p><p>(⚔) <strong>Caliper Arm Grip</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 2 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 1d8 + 5 damage, and the target is grabbed (escape DC 13).</p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Buzzsaw Arm</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 2 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 1d6 + 5 damage, or 2d6 + 5 to a target grabbed by the logger jack.</p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Double Arm Action</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Effect:</em> The logger jack uses caliper arm grip and buzzsaw arm, making each attack against different targets. If both attacks hit, the targets are dazed until the end of the logger jack's next turn.</p><p></p><p>ᗕ <strong>Buzzing Sweep</strong> ✦ Recharge ⚅</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Close burst 3 (enemies in the burst); +5 vs. Reflex</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d8 + 3 damage, and the target is pushed 2 squares and knocked prone.</p><p></p><p><strong>Triggered Actions</strong></p><p></p><p> ᗕ <strong>Sweeping Throes</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Trigger:</em> The logger jack is first bloodied or drops to 0 hit points.</p><p><em>Effect (Free Action):</em> The logger jack uses buzzing sweep if the power is available; otherwise, it uses buzzsaw arm.</p><p></p><p><strong>Str</strong> 17 (+4) <strong>Dex</strong> 15 (+3) <strong>Wis</strong> 12 (+2)</p><p><strong>Con</strong> 16 (+4) <strong>Int</strong> 0 (+1) <strong>Cha</strong> 0 (+1)</p><p><strong>Alignment</strong> Unaligned <strong>Languages</strong> -[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p><em>Toriq </em>makes a Monster Knowledge Nature check for the Wicked Loggers, r6+10=15. Meets Moderate DC. She knows many of the loggers have turned against nature and to evil practices in its stead, but her order eschews contact with Humans and Halforcs except in cases of egregious offense against nature or encroachment towards the Ruby Spire.</p><p></p><p>[SPOILER]<strong>Wicked Loggers Level 2 Minion Artillery; Medium natural humanoid, human and halforc XP 31; </strong></p><p><strong>HP</strong> 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. <strong>AC</strong> 16, <strong>Fortitude</strong> 14, <strong>Reflex</strong> 15, <strong>Will</strong> 12; Weapon; Greataxe, handaxe, leather armor; Evil</p><p></p><p><strong>Standard Actions</strong></p><p>(⚔) <strong>Greataxe</strong> (weapon) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 4 damage, and the target is slid 1 square.</p><p></p><p>(➶) <strong>Handaxe</strong> (weapon) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Ranged 5/10 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 4 damage, or 6 damage if the target has no cover.[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]349019[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong></p><p><strong>Nemo </strong>r12+6=18 (green, in square T10)</p><p><strong>Wicked Loggers </strong>(W, gray & white), r8+4=12</p><p><strong>Logger Jacks </strong>(LJ, black), r8+3=11</p><p><strong>Toriq </strong>r9+2=11 (red, in square T13)</p><p><strong>Mylistra </strong>r5+4=9 (purple, in square V10)</p><p><strong>Jendi </strong>r2+2=4 (light blue, in square V12)</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><em>ROUND ONE</em></strong></p><p>[ATTACH=full]349060[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>NEMO </strong>takes barely a moment to register the battlefield before his instincts--and possibly other forces--kick in. His focus quickly narrows in on the closer of the two mechanical constructs, and his gesture throws the Duskmaiden's shroud on its ... err ... shoulders. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Shrugging casually, he cracks his neck, lifts his two hands--each holding a dagger-- and prepares to rush down the slope. Instead, as he goes to move his feet, one of his hands, almost without his knowledge and definitely without his conscious choice, reaches up and touches his pendant, still clasping a dagger. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>His eyes close, and he immediately feels a sensation similar to what happened when he'd "marked" Gulthias. But that was action he chose deliberately. This feels as if his mind has registered where he wants to go, researched how best he can do so, chosen this manner of travel (via the amulet), and is now sending him directly there, through a wrinkle in space. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Opening his eyes, he finds himself near the cabin and well within throwing range of the monstrous machine. Shaken by what just occurred, he nevertheless shores up his courage and mettle by throwing one of the daggers clasped in his hands.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor (Enc): Raven Queen's Shroud (within 10): mark LJ (K13) with RQS</p><p>Minor (Daily): enter Duelist's Stance</p><p>Move (Daily): Amulet of Passage Teleportation: teleport up to your speed: from T10 to N16</p><p>AP: Sly Flourish (Ranged 5) vs LJ (K13): ATK: r7+11+2 CA =20 vs AC 14/Hit; Damage: r1+8+ r4,1=14 --> RQS: reroll 1 Damage die: r2 = 15 Damage to LJ (K13)</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: N16</p><p>DAMAGE: 15 to LJ (K13)</p><p>CONDITIONS INFLICTED: Raven Queen's Shroud to LJ (K13)</p><p>CURRENT HIT POINTS: 25/29</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Stance</p><p>CURRENT SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 4/7 Surges; 0 APs available (1 remaining)</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>As the heroes top the embankment and one of their number disappears in an implosion of feathery black tendrils only to reappear in their midst, the <strong>WICKED LOGGERS </strong>leap into a flurry of action. The two at the top of the bluff draw handaxes from their belts, advance several paces, and toss their weapons at Jendi.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The logger closest to Nemo, a corpulent Halforc in a tanned leather apron, retrieves a handaxe, throws it at the Halfling, and then retreats behind the cover of a protruding stump.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>With a mighty bellow, a bear of a Human man with a great, ruddy beard launches himself at Toriq, striking at her with his sharp-bladed felling axe, but the Halforc is too nimble and dodges his rush easily.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The three remaining loggers pull throwing axes from their belts, take up advantageous positions in the field, and loose their weapons upon the heroes, but none strike home.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>W P16 </strong>Minor: Draw handaxe; Standard: Handaxe R5/10 vs N, r16+7=23 vs 18 AC. Hit. 6 damage (no cover); Move: 2 squares P16 to Q18 (possible cover)</p><p></p><p><strong>W V21 </strong>Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares V21 to W17; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r5+7=12 vs 17 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p><strong>W S22</strong> Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 5 squares S2 to U17; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r18+7=25 vs 17 AC. Hit. 6 damage (no cover).</p><p></p><p><strong>W P12</strong> Standard: Charge 3 squares P12 to S12, Greataxe vs T, r6+7+1=14 vs 19 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p><strong>W P6 </strong>Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares P6 to R10; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r3+7=10 vs 17 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p><strong>W I11 </strong>Minor: Draw handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs N, r5+7=12 vs 18 AC. Miss. Move: 1 square I11 to H12 (possible cover).</p><p></p><p><strong>W M8 </strong>Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares M8 to J12; Standard: Handaxe vs N, r1=Automiss.</p><p></p><p>LOCATIONS: Q18, W17, U17, S12, R10, H12, J12</p><p>DAMAGE: 6 damage to J, 6 damage to N</p><p>CONDITIONS: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1 all (Minions)</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Q18 and H12 may have cover</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The <strong>LOGGER JACKS</strong> are massive constructs of steel in the rough shape of a humanoid over seven feet tall. But that's where the resemblance to a living creature ends. Each has a foreward set "head"--else it would loom even taller!--where whatever magic and anthracite combine together to give it life erupts in burning orange flames from a visor-like face. Thick plumes of black smoke and dust are exhausted through an apparatus of pipes and tubes on its back torso. One arm is a a rotating chain-blade the length of a tall Human or Halforc, and the other is a mighty pincer that must be used for grasping and hauling large lumber.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The closer of the two takes several thundering steps towards the warlock and then rushes him with a full-steam charge! </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>"Jendi!," cries his sister, and she yanks him out of the way, receiving the full force of the construct's charge. She has the wind knocked out of her, made doubly bad by the constricting calipers of the jack's metal pincers about her waist. In retaliation, she strikes the automaton a mighty jab with her longsword, channeling the full fury of her race into the blow and hoping to disrupt whatever magic animates the creature. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>This elicits a rather unwelcome response: it extends its sawblade arm, swiping it in a wide arc that forces Mylistra diving out of the way into the cover of a nearby tree. The caliper arm squeezes ever tighter, and Toriq can feel her vision fading to black, but then she gathers her reserves of energy and struggles for her very life in the jack's grasp.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Meanwhile, the other jack zones in on Nemo, charging around the stumps and camp building to grasp at the rogue with its caliper arm, not once but twice! The nimble Halfling dodges the first grasp, but it looks as if the second will grab him to crush his still-nascent life from him; however, in a move reminiscent of the backflips practiced with Mazzee on the decks of the Firefly, the docks, anywhere the two could tumble and play as children, Nemo launches himself out of way in the nick of time!</em></p><p></p><p><strong>LJ1 K13 </strong></p><p>Move: 6 squares K13 to Q11</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge 4 squares Q11 to T11, Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs J, TRIGGERS GUARDIAN'S COUNTER from T (Immediate Interrupt), Effect: You and the ally shift up to 2 squares as a free action, swapping positions. You become the target of the triggering attack, in place of the ally. After the attack is resolved, you can make a basic attack against the attacker. J to T13, T to V12. ATK vs T, r18+7+1=26 vs 19 AC. Hit. r7+5=12 damage to T and T is grabbed (Escape DC 13). T BLOODIED, TRIGGERS HALF-ORC RESILIENCE (Free Action), Trigger: You are bloodied for the first time during an encounter. Effect: Gain 5 temporary hp. T's MBA vs LJ1, r13+9=22 vs 14 AC. Hit. r3+5=8 damage + FREE ACTION Furious Assault, r8=16 damage to LJ1.</p><p></p><p>AP: Buzzing Sweep CBU 3 (enemies in the burst), ATK vs J, r5+5=10 vs 15 Reflex. Miss. ATK vs M, r10+5=15 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. ATK vs T, r17+5=22 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. Damage r4,1+3=8 + M pushed 2 squares V10 to V8 (in DT), forgoes push on T (still grabbed).</p><p></p><p><strong>LJ2 F17</strong></p><p>Move: 4 squares F17 to J17 (2 squares DT)</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge 3 squares J17 to M17, Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs N, r3+7+1=11 vs 18 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>AP: Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs N, r15+7+1=22 vs 18 AC. Hit. TRIGGERS SECOND CHANCE from N (Immediate Interrupt), Trigger: You are hit by an attack. Effect: The attacker must reroll the attack and use the second roll, even if it is lower. Reroll=1, Automiss.</p><p></p><p>LOCATIONS: LJ1 in T11, J in T13, T in V12, LJ2 in M17, M in V8</p><p>DAMAGE: 20 damage to T (T gains 5 THP), 16 damage to LJ1, 8 damage to M</p><p>CURRENT HP: LJ1 61, LJ2 92</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>With a show of the great strength of her arms, <strong>TORIQ </strong>is quickly able to escape the grasp of the construct's mechanical arm. Hoping to buy her brother some time and space to maneuver and perform his magicks (the thought lingers for a moment that--at times--they are suspiciously dark, then just as quickly vanishes), she grasps that arm and drags it further away with her.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The fire on her hand ignites the fire in her blood, and she screams in a frenzy, attacking it in a fury of frustration and protective energy. She is so deep in this fury that she ignores the sweeping throes of the thing as it struggles to protect itself to continue its mandate by striking back at her, hard. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>When--at last--Toriq stops for a breath, she can see that it is in considerably worse shape than before. She nods in satisfaction: maybe they can stop these things, after all.</em></p><p></p><p>Begins her turn Grabbed and Bloodied (14 HPs w/5 THP).</p><p></p><p>Move: Escape Grasp (DC 13): Athletics check: r19+9-2 Shield = 26 vs DC 13/Success; T can shift 1 square: from V12 to V11</p><p></p><p>Standard: Thorn Strike M2 vs. LJ1: ATK: r5+9=14 vs AC 14/Hit; D: 5+5= 10 Damage, & LJ1 is pulled 1 sq to U10; Toriq takes 2 Fire Damage for being in LJ1's Aura 1</p><p></p><p>Free Action: Mark LJ1 UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>AP: Wildblood Frenzy (Enc) Melee: 1st ATK vs LJ1: r7+9=16 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r5+8=13 Damage to LJ1, & LJ1 is BLOODIED. TRIGGERED ACTION: Sweeping Throes: Trigger: The logger jack is first bloodied or drops to 0 hit points. Effect (Free Action): uses buzzing sweep if the power is available; otherwise, it uses <strong>buzzsaw arm</strong>: ATK vs T: r16+7=23 vs. T's AC 19/Hit; D: r1+5=6</p><p></p><p>2nd ATK vs LJ1: r11+9=20 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r8+8=16 Damage to LJ1</p><p></p><p>CURRENT LOCATION: Toriq: V11; LJ1: U10</p><p>DAMAGE: 39 Damage to LJ1; 2 Fire +6 Damage to Toriq</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ1 Bloodied</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 11/37 & 0 THP</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: no longer Grabbed</p><p>CURRENT SURGES/APs: 5/10 Surges; 0 of 1 APs available</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Seeing both hope and potential disaster from her hiding place beneath the old pine, <strong>MYLISTRA </strong>first begs Sehanine to aid them in their conflict on her behalf and heal their strongest combatant, Toriq clearly being in dire straits. Then, feeling the gentle caress of her Goddess lending her courage, the witch casts a Defiant glare at the monstrous and destructive creation, marking it for her comrades-at-arms.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Eager for some sight of their fierce and tiny warrior, who had just sent himself into battle--Mylistra's thoughts stutter for a moment, for she does not remember how he disappeared from view--she steps forward, to the edge of the cliff to search. There! Over by the log cabin! But how?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Saddened that he is too far at the moment to benefit from Sehanine's Glorious protection, Mylistra resolutely pulls into herself more of her Goddess's fiercely protective energy and sends it out over the closest of her friends. The force of the Maiden's pure energy sends the nearest of their combattants reeling backward--including the construct--and the two humans fall over onto their backs, the thing tipping on its side.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Mylistra strains to see where Nemo is and calls out, "Come to us, little one, we're stronger together!"</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Healing Word CBU5 on Toriq: r2+9=11 HPs, & Toriq gains +2 ATKs UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 vs. LJ1: r6+7=13 vs. Will 12/Hit; D: r6+5+1 Ki focus (vs. Bloodied) = 12 Damage to LJ1, & allies gain +1 bonus to ATKs vs. LJ1 (+3 if it attacks M) UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>Move: 3 squares from V8 to S8</p><p></p><p>AP Moment of Glory CBL 5 Q-V/9-13: ATKs: vs. LJ1: r11+7=18 vs. W12/Hit: pushed 3 sq to R10 & Prone; vs. W S12: r6+7=13 vs W12/Hit: pushed to P12 & Prone; vs. W R10: r9+7=16 vs W12/Hit: pushed to O10 & Prone; Effect: M & allies in blast (T & J) gain Resist 5 All UEoMNT (Sustain Minor)</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: M: S8; LJ1: R10; Ws: S12->P12 & R10->O10</p><p>DAMAGE: 12 Damage to LJ1</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ1, Ws P12 & O10 Prone; allies +1 ATKs vs LJ1 UEoMNT</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 17/29</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (Sustain Minor) (MoG)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES/APs: 4/8 Surges; 0 of 1 APs available</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Shaken and a little angry at Toriq "saving" him from being heroic for his Maiden, <strong>JENDI </strong>assuages his chagrin by cursing the blasted construct. But his concentration is still a little unfocused by the incident, for his only victim to be beguiled by his scintillating strands is one of the humans who accompanied mechanical horror.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As he backs strategically to a more effective (and safer) distance, his mind is torn between wondering who of the Order created these things (and could he use that information against them somehow) and a satisfaction at watching that victim pushed back into the stump and audibly breaking his neck. He hopes it is the one that struck him. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Returning his attention to the cursed construct (in every sense of that word!), the Raven Queen's warlock attempts to focus again, throwing the crackling sphere at it. Sadly, the ball of energy fizzles out prematurely and the thing remains standing, barely. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><I have to get myself under control!> Jendi thinks furiously to himself, eyes blazing. Taking deep breaths and thinking of his Lady, he works to transform the furnace of anger and embarrassment into the steel of icy control.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Warlock's Curse on LJ1</p><p></p><p>Standard: Beguiling Strands (Enc) CBL5 O-S/9-13: each enemy in blast: LJ1; r1 = Automiss; W P12: r9+5+1 GoD =15 vs. W12/Hit; W O10: r5+5+1 GoD = 11 vs. W12/Miss; Damage & target pushed 3 squares: W P12 = Minion/KILLED</p><p></p><p>Move: 3 squares from T13 to Q15; Triggers Shadow Walk Concealment</p><p></p><p>AP: Hand of Blight R10: ATK vs. LJ1: r6+6+1 GoD =13 vs. F15/Miss</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Q15</p><p>DAMAGE: W P12 KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ1: allies +1 ATKs GoD UEoMNT, Cursed by J</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 21/31</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment SW; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT MoG</p><p>CURRENT SURGES/APs: 4/8 Surges; 0 of 2 APs Available</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>ROUND TWO</strong></em></p><p>[ATTACH=full]349570[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>NEMO </strong>can hear Beppa's voice--<bit off a bit more than you can chew, didn't you, son?>--as he quickly considers his options, none of them great. While he works well alone within the group, totally alone means no allies close enough to aid, step in, give a hand, etc.--a fact only emphasized by his witnessing of Mylistra's most powerful (and protective) magicks. Their eyes meet, his wry, hers apologetic, and he hears her voice calling him to safety. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Seeing his Shrouded enemy near his comrades, he decides that discretion will not be the better part of valor, but that valor can hold its own in his apparent retreat to the others. With a thought of the Duskmaiden and her shrouded victim, a shimmering portal lined with black feathers appears before the stalwart young halfling, and he steps through. The sensation is very similar to the earlier one, given by his amulet, except that this has a directness all its own. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>He steps out next to the much damaged construct and instantly feels the heat of its inner furnace. Feeling a courage within and without--are those hands holding and supporting his shoulders?--our hero smiles and slashes his dagger this way and that, ripping off the arm and tearing into the casing, causing pieces to begin to fumble apart as the magicks begin to fail to hold it all together.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Unfortunately, intent on demolishing the thing utterly, Nemo fails to notice neither the still buzzing arm nor the ominous rumble of that inner furnace. Suddenly the debris of the exploding shrapnel hits him in the face, while the arm collides with his body. Deciding that now discretion (and retreat) are the better part of valor, he slips past Mylistra and makes his way under the branches of her former hiding place and begins to climb up and around the trunk, hoping to hide from sight for the moment because (as his uncle Miles always says) unseen means not on guard against. He will be more effective from here ... for now.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Raven Queen's Shroud Teleportation Power: next to LJ1: S10; Nemo takes 2 Fire Damage</p><p></p><p>Standard: Sly Flourish Melee: ATK vs. LJ1: r3+11+2 CA +1 GoD = 17 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r4+8+8,6 = 26 Damage to LJ1, KILLED/TRIGGERED ACTION: Buzzsaw Arm: r18+7=25 vs. N's AC 18/Hit; D: r6+5=11 Damage to Nemo</p><p></p><p>Move: 6 squares (2 Climbing): from S10 to U8: Athletics to Climb Tree (DC 9): r17+8=25/Success; Stealth Check to Hide (per [USER=1282]@darkbard[/USER], trunk of tree between PC & enemy = total concealment with Stealth check): r5+11=16.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: U6 (2 sq up)</p><p>DAMAGE: 26 Damage to LJ1, KILLED; 11 Damage to Nemo</p><p>CONDITIONS: na</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 4/27</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Total Concealment, Hidden (DC 16); Resist ALL UEoMNT MoG; Duelist's Stance</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/7 Surges</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The collective mood of the <strong>WICKED LOGGERS</strong> shifts from outrage and aggression in the face of assault to trepidation and hesitance as they watch the smallest of their assailants blink about the campground and fell one of the mighty Logger Jacks with a blur of wicked jabs that disrupt whatever magic animates the mechanica.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The two atop the bluff step forward, unhitch their last handaxes from their belts, and fling them at Toriq, but the Halforc executes a series of balletic twists and ducks, avoiding both missiles. A Halforc matching her in height and breadth of shoulders gives a feral roar and launches himself across the clearing, swinging his greataxe in pendulum motion as he charges. His blow strikes true, but Sehanine's protection works as a shield to protect her servant's ally from harm.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The corpulent logger in the apron behind the tree stump draws her axe and whips it in Jendi's direction, but the Warlock remains elusive, wrapped in the Raven Queen's shadows.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The remaining loggers, one needing to first push herself up from her rump, retrieve handaxes and hurl them at Mylistra above on the bluff. Both miss, thank Sehanine, but one came too close for comfort, unnerving even with the Goddess's protection.</em></p><p></p><p>W17: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Move: 1 sq to V16; Standard: Handaxe vs T, r6+7=13 vs 19 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>U17: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Move: 1 sq to U16; Standard: Handaxe vs T, r2+7=9 vs 19 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>Q18: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r5+7-2 cover -2 concealment=8 vs 17 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>O8: Move: stand from prone; Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs M, r1=automiss.</p><p></p><p>J12: Move: 6 sq to P13; Standard: Charge 5 sq to U11, Greataxe vs T, r19+7+1=27 vs 19 AC. Hit. 4 damage = 5 Moment of Glory = 0 damage.</p><p></p><p>H12: Move: 6 sq to N12; Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs M, r18+7=25 vs 18 AC. 6 damage (no cover) -5 Moment of Glory = 1 damage.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: V16, U16, Q18, O8, U11, N12</p><p>DAMAGE: 1 to M</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1 all Minions</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Q18 possible cover</p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Thought is probably too generous a term for the animating force that powers the remaining <strong>LOGGER JACK</strong>, and certainly if feels no emotion. But that probably is all of very little solace to Jendi as the construct turns its glowing. visored head in his direction, takes several steps, and then extends its cutting arm in a wicked sweep, high-pitched whirring and grinding sounds trying the young Warlock's mettle every bit as much as the advancing blade near his head. Be it his own growing skill in such matters, his patron's blessing, or sheer luck, the result is the same: he ducks beneath the sweeping arm and holds his ground.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: 2 sq M17 to O15</p><p></p><p>Standard: Buzzing Sweep CBu3 (enemies), ATK vs J, r8+5=2 concealment=11 vs 15 Reflex. Miss.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: O15</p><p>DAMAGE: na</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 92/92</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Buzzing Sweep on cooldown</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>TORIQ </strong>instinctively maneuvers to evade being hit by missiles, and her defensive block with her shield not only stops the axe of the Halforc but also slams him in the face, his body sliding heavily to the ground, unconscious. But this goes almost unnoticed as the warden's mind lingers on the look on her brother's face when she'd just defended him. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>It was angry, not grateful. Perhaps her mother is right, and she is still babying her little brother, despite him having grown into his powerful magicks. Fine: she needs to let him be him and only defend as she would her other companions, as needed. After all, she even allows that little one to showcase his strength without mothering him. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Focus back on the field, she quickly considers her tactical options and moves forward to block the two loggers still on the higher slope. Staring the two human males down with challenge in her eyes and a sneer on her lips, she allows her nature-given gifts to manifest in ice surrounding her, forewarning her foes of the ferocity of Nature's Winter on its way. Just let them try to get past her now!</em></p><p></p><p>Standard: Weight of Earth Melee vs M U11: r7+9+2 BCL = 18 vs. AC 16/Hit; M U11 = UNCONSCIOUS.</p><p></p><p>Move: 4 squares from V11 to U15</p><p></p><p>Free: Nature's Wrath: mark adjacent enemies UEoTNT: Ms V16 & U16</p><p></p><p>Minor: Form of Winter's Herald (daily): effect: T assumes the guardian form of winter's herald UEotE; T gains +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold; each sq w/in 2 sq of T = difficult terrain for enemies (moves w/T).</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: U15</p><p>DAMAGE: M U11: at 0 HP/UNCONSCIOUS</p><p>CONDITIONS: Ms V16 & U16: Marked by T UEoTNT; w/in 2sq of T = Difficult Terrain for enemies</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 22/37</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATKs UEoMNT (BCL); Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 COLD (UEotE) (FoWH)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 5/10</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>MYLISTRA's </strong>eyes widen as she witnesses Nemo's flight past her and hears him climbing the tree where she had been hidden. His gravely wounded state worries her, and she quickly throws up a prayer to her Goddess to send him some of Her healing energies. Any other healing to be done --and, please, Goddess, do not make it necessary--would come at her expense, so hopefully they can stop these thugs and final machine quickly!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Drawing in breath to focus, she first sustains the Goddess's protective shield (and again sends a mental apology to her small, tree-hidden friend). Then, ignoring the logger closest to her as the crow flies, she glares defiantly at the one whose aim tore her favorite cloak and, without that protection, could have done far more damage to her body. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>She knows the Goddess's mark that she is placing on his forehead will kill him, but--since his intent is to end her--if the mark sticks, so be it. It will be a judgement by her Goddess. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>It does hit. The witch watches, stony-faced, as the human drops the additional handaxe he was preparing to throw at her--again!--and grabs his head with both hands, mouth in a rictus of psychic pain. Her expression does not stop at his collapse.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Healing Word (Enc., 2/2): CBU5 on Nemo: r2+7=9 HPs, & N gains +2 ATKs UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>Minor: sustain Moment of Glory on M, T, & J UEoMNT (sustain minor)</p><p></p><p>Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 on M N12: r13+7=20 vs. Will 12/Hit: M N12 KILLED</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: S8</p><p>DAMAGE: M N12 KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS: na</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 16/29</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) (UEoMNT); N: +2 ATK UEoMNT (BCL)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>JENDI </strong>defiantly stares at the construct, thinking to himself <if my Queen wants me in the thick of danger, well, here I am>. Swallowing down the bile of fear he will not acknowledge, he throws his warlock's curse on the cursed monstrosity. Then--keeping his watchful eye on it--the warlock shifts a step closer to the equally monstrous logger who just attacked him. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Then, calling out to the Raven Queen to show these heretics her great and powerful retribution, Jendi throws out his hands and sweeps his arms wide open. The logger--heavy though she may be--is lifted and crushed in an invisible grip, her limp body falling heavily to the ground. The construct, unfortunately, barely moves, apparently still heavy for the warlock's still nacient use of his Goddess's power. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Jendi, recognizing that this move sacrificed his protective use of shadows, grimly awaits the construct's retort and to see if his new armor will act as he hopes.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: place Warlock's Curse on LJ2; Armor of Dark Majesty property: gain +2 All Defenses against cursed enemies</p><p></p><p>Move: Shift 1 square from Q15 to Q16</p><p></p><p>Standard: Star Shackles (Daily): CBU2 vs. Fort: Atk vs LJ2: r7+6=13 vs Fort 15/Miss; vs. M Q18: r8+6=14 vs Fort 14/Hit: M Q18 KILLED</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Q16</p><p>DAMAGE: W Q18 KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ2 Cursed</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 21/31</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment SW Ends; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG); +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND THREE</em></strong></p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]349984[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em>Shaken but still standing ... albeit in a tree, <strong>NEMO </strong>carefully takes out the potion he'd purchased a few days ago and eagerly quaffs it. As its healing takes hold within his body, he feels a similar warmth and sends a quick though of gratitude to the witch. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Peering out of the tree's branches covered with sticky pine needles, he considers his options. Watching the two loggers collapse to the ground--one of them dangerously close to his friend--makes him dare to attempt to hit the farthest but most dangerous target: the construct next to Jendi. Promising to himself that he will climb back out of the tree if he hits, he holds his dagger by its point and takes careful aim. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>He remembers this trick taught him by one of his uncles (at the moment he can't remember which one--maybe all of them?): tumbling the hilt forward in the throw will give it the impetus to go just ... a little ... farther, and distance is what he needs now. The construct is <strong>almost </strong>out of his range. <Careful now, son,> he can hear the voices of each uncle saying. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>His throw is true, and his dagger now resides deeply sunk into the casing of the monstrosity. Nemo nods in satisfaction and prepares to descend.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: take out potion of healing</p><p></p><p>Minor: quaff potion of healing: spend 1 surge & gain 10 HPs</p><p></p><p>Standard: Sly Flourish R5/10 vs. LJ2: r9+11+2 BCL +2 CA (Nemo Hidden) -2 Range = 22 vs 14 AC/Hit; D: r2+8+ r4,5= 19 Damage to LJ2</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: U6 (2 sq up)</p><p>DAMAGE: 19 Damage to LJ2</p><p>CONDITIONS: na</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 23/27</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment (no longer Hidden/Total Concealment); Duelists Prowess; +2 ATKs (BCL)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 2/7</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The two <strong>WICKED LOGGERS</strong> atop the bluff consider trying to flank the Halforc Warden menacing them with her sword, but the crust of ice encasing the nearby ground prevents such movement without retribution. Regardless, they swing their greataxes--for they have tossed their full supply of throwing weapons--but once again Toriq's remarkable agility allows her to avoid being struck by either of their blows.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Meanwhile, the third remaining logger, also bereft of a ranged weapon, ambles up the slope between the bluffs and then charges at Mylistra, striking with all the force of his beefy arms. His eyes widen with shock as a silver nimbus glimmers about the Stygian Elf, protecting her from harm.</em></p><p></p><p>U16 Move: Standard: Greataxe vs T, r5+7=12 vs 19 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>V16 Move: Standard: Greataxe vs T, r5+7=12 vs 19 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>O8 Move: 4 sq to S11; Standard Charge 2 sq to S9, Greataxe vs M, r17+7+1=25 vs 18 AC. Hit. 4 - Resist 5 All = 0 damage.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: U16, V16, S9</p><p>DAMAGE: na</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1 all Minions</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: U16, V16 Marked by T</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>As the magicks Jendi attempts against it are foiled by the protective charms of its makers, the <strong>LOGGER JACK</strong> settles back down the few inches from where it was raised onto firm earth again. With seeming deliberation, it strides towards the Warlock and grasps him in its caliper appendage, raising Jendi a few inches off the ground, in turn. Jendi feels the heat of its anthracite core burn in such proximity.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r4. Fails to recharge.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: 1 sq to P16; J enters Aura & takes 2 fire damage - 5 Resist All= 0 damage</p><p></p><p>Standard: Caliper Arm Grip vs J, r18+7=25 vs 19 AC (buffed by Armor). Hit. r1+5=6-5 Resist All=1 damage & J is Grabbed (Escape DC 13). J.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: P16</p><p>DAMAGE: 1 damage to J</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: J Grabbed (Escape DC 13)</p><p>CURRENT HP: 73/92</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>A glance down the slope alerts <strong>TORIQ </strong>to her brother's plight. It's one thing to be an overprotective older sister, quite another to be a comrade-at-arms, alert to each other's strengths and weaknesses. Her presence there will allow Jendi to try out that power he claims they all have access to, through Nemo's pendant made from a piece of the Ruby Spire. That in turn will allow her brother to do what he does best: attack from afar with great ferocity. She will make it possible!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Slapping aside attacks from the two loggers presently besetting her, she quickly strides down to where her brother is grabbed. Their eyes meet, and she says to him, "Why don't you give it a try now? We can switch places." She is relieved to see a sly grin creep over his face, and with a <bampf> sound and a puff of crimson smoke his figure disappears. She can hear another <bampf> behind her and assumes the trial is a success as she faces the visor of the faceless monstrosity. "It's you and me now, thing. Come and get it," she taunts, raising her sword to the ready.</em></p><p></p><p>Standard: Weight of Earth M1 vs. W U16: r3+9=12 vs 16 AC/Miss.</p><p></p><p>Move: 5 squares to P15: TRIGGERS: OAs from Ws U16 & V16: from W U16: r9+7=16 vs. AC 20/Miss; from WV16: r19+7=26 vs 20 AC/Hit, D: 4-5 Resist All = 0 Damage</p><p></p><p>Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Mark LJ2 UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: P15</p><p>DAMAGE: na</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked UEoTNT, w/in 2 sqs of T = Difficult Terrain for enemies; Ws U16 & V16 Marks end</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 22/37</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold (UEotE) (FoWH)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/10</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>MYLISTRA </strong>delays.</em></p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Riqqi's reminder of the teleportation power he "read" while analyzing Nemo's new pendant is very timely. In the stress of fighting off this mad mechanism <strong>JENDI </strong>seems to have forgotten about that. He gives a sly (and rueful) grin to his sister and disappears into the ether. When he returns to the real word, he witnesses the vestiges of crimson smoke evaporating around him. <Interesting> he thinks for a brief moment.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Then he turns, wicked smile on his lips, and eyes the two loggers still looking after Riqqi's departure in befuddlement. "Gentlemen!" the warlock calls out, and they both turn towards him, greatly startled. <Where did<strong> he</strong> come from?> is clearly written on their expressions. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>"Sadly, that is something you will never learn," Jendi commiserates.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>With that, he clasps his hands together, then quickly flings them apart with a flourish, as if throwing something as light as fairy dust in the loggers' direction. From above them, an argent rain begins to fall, the drops hissing as they land on the ground and turning into a strange silver fire. The two attempt to jump out of the line of ... fire ... but are unsuccessful. As Jendi watches them collapse in their death throes, his expression takes on a grim but satisfied look.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: Escapes Grab by using Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (daily): teleport up to J's speed: 6 squares to U10</p><p></p><p>Standard: Ardent Rain ABU1 w/in 10 (U15) (Enc.): each creature in burst: ATKs: vs W U16: r17+6=23 vs 15 Reflex/Hit; vs W V16: r15+6=21 vs 15 Reflex/Hit; both Ws U16 & V16 KILLED.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: U10</p><p>DAMAGE: Ws U16 & V16 KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ2 Cursed</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 20/31</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SW Concealment; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG), +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>MYLISTRA </strong>stares into the eyes of the Halforc and murmurs in quiet fury, "do you not know that Sehanine protects her own?" With that reminder, she stabs her Lady's reprisal into his gut. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As his body slides off of the dagger still held in the witch's hand, she turns slightly, surveying the field. She notes Toriq now threatening the construct, witnesses Jendi arriving nearby with a puff of crimson smoke, and glances up at Nemo. Closing her eyes, she reveals her plan to her Goddess while simultaneously asking for Her continued protection to blunt the damage from their enemies. Thinking her strategy through, Mylistra murmurs a prayer for Sehanine's shield to protect her faithful and those who fight with them.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Sensing the additional buffer falling into place and satisfied that each are at least protected somewhat, Sehanine's cleric prepares to wade further into battle with Her enemies. Meeting Jendi's stare and enjoying the silver fire reflecting in his eyes, she smiles and nods, knowing he will join.</em></p><p></p><p>Standard: Sehanine's Reprisal M1 vs. W S9: r 17+10=27 vs 16 AC/Hit. W S9 KILLED</p><p></p><p>Minor: sustain Moment of Glory on herself, Jendi, & Toriq</p><p></p><p>Minor: Shield of Faith CBU5 (daily) on herself, Jendi, & Nemo: +2 bonus to AC UEotE</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: S8</p><p>DAMAGE: W S9 KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS:</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 16/29</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) UEoMNT; M, N, & J: +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND FOUR</em></strong></p><p><strong><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>[ATTACH=full]350653[/ATTACH]</em></strong></p><p></p><p><em>From high in his tree, <strong>NEMO </strong>witness Jendi's reappearance near them. <Huh,> he thinks to himself, <is that what I looked like? Nifty!> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Much refreshed by his sojourn up here (and Mylistra's healing as well as his own), the halfling hops down out of his refuge, ready and eager to return to battle. Third and last dagger in hand, he ducks down and moves swiftly across the yard of the logging camp, rushing past Toriq, and ending behind one of the tall stumps scattered throughout the yard. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>He hopes he is well-hidden but suspects that his tripping over one of the pieces of wood lying about may have given away his position. The stump should at least shield him a bit, though.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: 6 squares, including Hop Down (Acrobatics check: r11+13=25 vs 15 DC/Success), to R12</p><p></p><p>Move: 6 squares to Q18, behind Stump=total cover for small creature, Stealth check to Hide: r1+11=12 vs. 12 Passive Perception of LJ2/not Hidden; in LJ2's Aura 1: Nemo takes 2 Fire Damage</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Q18</p><p>DAMAGE: 2 fire damage to N</p><p>CONDITIONS: na</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 21/27</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Total Concealment from Stump, Duelists Prowess; +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The <strong>LOGGER JACK</strong> recognizes the threat posed to it in the muscular form of the Halforc and grabs her with its caliper arm, squeezing for all its worth.</em></p><p></p><p>Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r5. Fails.</p><p></p><p>Standard: Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs T, r15+7=22 vs 20 AC (buffed). Hit. r8+5=13-5 Moment of Glory damage & T grabbed (Escape DC 13). T BLOODIED.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: P16</p><p>DAMAGE: 8 damage to T, T BLOODIED</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: T grabbed (Escape DC 13)</p><p>CURRENT HP: 73/92</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed by J, Marked by T, Buzzing Sweep on cooldown.</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>"Well, I guess you "came and got it," <strong>TORIQ </strong>murmurs, mostly to herself, feeling the heat of the thing's core blow over her. She is not too worried ... yet. She plans on following Jendi's lead after making an attack on this monstrosity. Not too far: just enough to be released from its grasp, so that she can attack again, on her own terms. For now? </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Leaning into her form of Winter Herald, Nature's warden explodes into action, however immobilized she may be by the grip of the logger jack. She batters its arm with the ice-cold blade of her sword. Not as much damage as she likes, but it looks incapacitated for the moment. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>And now, Toriq, one of the Wardens of the Ruby Spire, allows the power of one piece of that powerful entity to remove her from this reality for a moment, and instantly return her ... a little further away and out of the automaton's deadly grip. As she witnessed before with Jendi's departure, she sees upon her return the vanishing cloud of crimson smoke. She frowns a little, not sure what to think of this power in their midst, from an unknowable source.</em></p><p></p><p>Starts turn Grabbed by LJ2 and in LJ2's Aura: takes 2 Fire Damage - 5 Resist All = 0 Damage.</p><p></p><p>Free: Nature's Wrath: marks LJ2 UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>Minor: designates LJ2 as Hunter's Quarry (enc) UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>Standard: Form of Winter's Herald's attack (enc) CBU1 (all enemies): vs LJ2: r12+9=21 vs 15 AC/Hit; r2+5+ r4 HQ = 11 Damage to LJ2, and LJ2 is Immobilized (SE)</p><p></p><p>Move: Escapes Grab by using Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (Daily): teleport up to T's speed: 4 squares to L17</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: L17</p><p>DAMAGE: 11 Damage to LJ2</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT, Immobilized (SE)</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 14/37 BLOODIED</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold (UEotE)(FoWH)</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/10</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>"And now, my work up here is done," <strong>JENDI </strong>murmurs, pleased at how quickly it was accomplished. Turning toward the Logger Jack once more, his hand collecting dark energies at his side, he points at the machine with his other. Then, as if he were lobbing a ball in a game of catch which he has yet to ever play, he lobs the crackling black sphere at the thing, enjoying the much louder crackle of the sound landing against the side of the mechanical monster. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As he takes a few steps in the general direction of the monstrosity and his friends combatting it, Jendi savors the sight of his necrotic attack visibly eating into the surface of the machine. It looks like they will succeed, after all. At least, they will <strong>here</strong>. </em></p><p></p><p>Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs LJ2: r9+6=15 vs 15 Fort/Hit; D: r7+5+ r3 WC + r8 FM = 23 Damage to LJ2, and LJ2 grants CA UEoJNT</p><p></p><p>No Action: expends Fell Might (see above's damage)</p><p></p><p>Move: 4 squares to R14; TRIGGERS: Shadow Walk Concealment</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: R14</p><p>DAMAGE: 23 Damage to LJ2</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT; Immobilized (SE); grants CA UEoJNT</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 20/31</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SW Concealment UEoJNT; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG); +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM); Fell Might expended</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>MYLISTRA </strong>takes a breath, murmurs a brief prayer for guidance, and then steps into the unknown. And then steps out of it again, accompanied by a light dusting of crimson smoke. The darkness in that unknown was darker than she has ever known. Almost always before, she could at least make out shadows. But there was nothing there, no light, no sound, nothing at all. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Seeing that she has arrived--as planned--atop the lashed stack of timber closest to the combatants, she takes a moment for a prayer for sustaining protection. Then she gives a piercing whistle, somehow getting the attention of the monstrous thing below here. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>When it looks up at her--at least she thinks it's looking: its visor makes it seem to be doing so--she takes her hand and places Sehanine's mark upon its forehead. <There,> she thinks, <we can finally get this done!> She glances back and is relieved to see Jendi is indeed making his way down to them.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (Daily): teleport up to M's speed: 6 squares to N14, atop lashed stack of lumber</p><p></p><p>Minor: Sustain Moment of Glory</p><p></p><p>Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 vs LJ2: r5+7+2 CA =14 vs 12 Will/Hit; D: r7+5+1 KFE = 13 Damage to LJ2, and allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: N14</p><p>DAMAGE: 13 Damage to LJ2</p><p>CONDITIONS: allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 16/29</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) UEoMNT; M, N, & J: +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 4/8</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND FIVE</em></strong></p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]350765[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>NEMO </strong>carefully takes a few steps toward the mechanical logger thing, not wanting to distract any of his friends from their elegant attacks. Once in place, though, the young rogue lets his years of street-fighting experience take hold of his instincts, putting them into action.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>He deftly uses his dagger to cut into the structure of this monstrosity, jamming here, denting there. When he finds the handle of his second favorite dagger directly in front of him and pulls it out of the metal hide, Nemo is happy (and somewhat terrified) to hear an ominous creaking sound: the jack's demise is surely near! </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>A judicious cut to the vulnerable "knee" joint can only help Toriq's immobilization of the Logger Jack. There! Hopefully that will be enough.</em></p><p></p><p>Move: 3 squares to Q15, enter LJ2's Aura1: takes 2 Fire Damage</p><p></p><p>Minor: retrieve dagger from body of LJ2</p><p></p><p>Standard: Sly Flourish M1 vs LJ2: r13+11+2 CS +1 GoD = 27 vs 15 AC/Hit; D: r2+8+ r6,5 SA = 21 Damage to LJ2</p><p></p><p>No Action: Low Blow (enc): Trigger: N's melee attack hits creature granting CA. Effect: creature is Dazed UEoNNT</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Q15</p><p>DAMAGE: 21 Damage to LJ2</p><p>CONDITIONS: LJ Dazed UEoNNT; allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT; LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT; Immobilized (SE); grants CA UEoJNT; Cursed by J</p><p>CURRENT HPs: 19/27</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelists Prowess; +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE</p><p>CURRENT SURGES: 2/7 Surges</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>THE LOGGER JACK</strong> tries to move its articulated and hinged legs but finds them encrusted in ice, locked in place. So it follows whatever rudimentary ratiocination of which it is capable, extends its buzzing saw of an armblade, and sweeps it in a wide circle low to the ground. Mylistra is too high to be menaced truly. But Jendi is sent scampering to avoid decapitation, diving onto the ground to escape worse.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>When the Logger Jack sweeps its arm towards Nemo, however, the Halfling catches the blade with one dagger, jamming up the works. He thrusts his other dagger into the magical core animating the construct, and the flames visible through the visored "face" flicker out as it collapses. </em></p><p></p><p>Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r6. Recharges.</p><p></p><p>Standard: Buzzing Sweep CBU3 (enemies), ATK vs J, r19+5=24 vs 21 Reflex (Concealment, Armor of Dark Majesty). Hit. ATK vs M, r8+5=13 vs 14 Reflex. Miss. ATK vs N, TRIGGERS Duelist's Prowess Attack (Immediate Interrupt), ATK N vs LJ2, r10+11+2+1=24 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. r3+6 +r5,5 SA=19 damage. LJ2 DESTROYED. TRIGGERS Sweeping Throes, LJ2 ATK vs N, Buzzsaw Arm, r12+7=19 vs 20 AC (Shield of Faith). Miss. Buzzing Sweep damage, r1,2+3=6-5 Moment of Glory=1 damage to J & J knocked prone & pushed 2 to T12.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: J in T12</p><p>DAMAGE: 1 damage to J</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: J prone</p><p>CURRENT HP: KILLED</p><p></p><p><strong><em>COMBAT OVER, SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED.</em></strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="darkbard, post: 9280097, member: 1282"] [I]Before dawn on the following day, all who stay at Juniper House rise and break their fast with a hearty bowl of porridge and goat's milk, slices of toasted bread and fried goose eggs as accompaniment. Juniper sees you off, and Berylis leads you into the forest west and north of Ravenswood, territory rarely traversed by Toriq, lying outside the sphere of the Guardians of the Ruby Spire. You travel for several hours. The day is cold but bright, dried leaves shed by hickories and maples with every gust of wind high in the trees. Just after midday, you crest a small promontory that overlooks a blight on the scene leading due south, back in the direction of Ravenswood: It is as if a scar has been cut from the land, a wide swath dozens of yards wide denuded of trees and reaching back on the horizon with unnatural regularity. The loggers have been brutal in their efficiency, dragging off larger specimens back to Ravenswood, no doubt, but hacking, burning, and blasting anything else in their way. Berylis identifies the location of the loggers' camp before extending his thanks once again and taking his leave north, to rejoin the Resilient Birch Clan for their great autumn hunt. [/I] [B]Blasted Logging Camp (EL4, L+2, XP 717)[/B] Place your PCs anywhere in squares T-V/10-13. Roll initiative, and make any monster knowledge checks you deem appropriate (arcana for the Logger Jacks, nature for the Wicked Loggers). [B]Dimensions[/B] The logging camp sits at the eastern edge of the road, nestled within a hollow. The surrounding rocky escarpment rises 15 feet (3 squares, Athletics DC 15 to climb), but there is a gradual slope threading between two parts of the rise, as well. [B]Illumination[/B] Bright daylight. [B]Trees[/B] Despite the graphic, assume any trees on the map are conifers and thus have low, spreading branches their full length. Thus, each square within a tree’s area is difficult terrain; additionally, creatures within a tree’s area have cover. Trees can be climbed with an DC 9 Athletics check (Easy for level). [B]Stumps [/B]These are cut low to the ground, three feet high or so. They count as difficult terrain and can provide cover to adjacent creatures (total cover for Small creatures, for whom they are also blocking terrain unless surmounted by a DC 12 Athletics check (Moderate for level; Easy DC 9 for Medium creatures)). [B]Camp Building[/B] This basic timber-framed construction is one storey, 10 feet high (DC 12 Athletics check to climb), and on rollers. With a Standard Action for a DC 20 Strength check, it can be moved 2 squares north (to the top of the map). It is blocking terrain and can be stunted with. [B]Fallen Timber [/B]These downed trees have had their limbs mostly sheared, but they still protrude sharp, dangerous branch stubs. They are hindering terrain; thus, any creature willingly entering one of its squares or any adjacent creature subjected to forced movement suffers 5 points of damage. Additionally, they provide cover. [B]Lashed Timber[/B] Four stacks of timber are lashed together with thick hempen ropes, one south and one east of the camp building, two others further afield. These stacks are blocking terrain and can be Stunted with. [B]Creatures:[/B] 2 Logger Jacks [B]HP 92 AC14 F15 R14 W12 [/B](L2 Elite Brute), 7 Wicked Loggers [B]HP 1 AC16 F14 R15 W12 [/B](L2 Minion Artillery) [I]Jendi [/I]makes a Monster Knowledge Arcana check for the Logger Jacks, r15+9=24. Exceeds Hard DC. Jendi knows that constructs like these are sometimes constructed by the mages of the Order of the Ebony Tower for wealthy and powerful clientele. [SPOILER][B]Logger Jack Level 2 Elite Brute Medium natural animate (construct) XP 250 HP[/B] 92; [B]Bloodied[/B] 46 [B]Initiative[/B] +3 [B]AC[/B] 14, [B]Fortitude[/B] 15, [B]Reflex[/B] 14, [B]Will[/B] 12 [B]Perception[/B]+2 [B]Speed[/B] 6 (cannot shift) Darkvision [B]Saving Throws[/B] +2; [B]Action Points[/B] 1 [B]Traits[/B] ☼ [B]Anthracite Core Heat[/B] ✦ [B]Aura[/B] 1 Any enemy that enters the aura takes 2 fire damage. [B]Iron Retaliation[/B] A creature that makes an opportunity attack against the logger jack takes 1d6 damage. [B]Standard Actions[/B] (⚔) [B]Caliper Arm Grip[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 2 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 1d8 + 5 damage, and the target is grabbed (escape DC 13). ⚔ [B]Buzzsaw Arm[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 2 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 1d6 + 5 damage, or 2d6 + 5 to a target grabbed by the logger jack. ⚔ [B]Double Arm Action[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Effect:[/I] The logger jack uses caliper arm grip and buzzsaw arm, making each attack against different targets. If both attacks hit, the targets are dazed until the end of the logger jack's next turn. ᗕ [B]Buzzing Sweep[/B] ✦ Recharge ⚅ [I]Attack:[/I] Close burst 3 (enemies in the burst); +5 vs. Reflex [I]Hit:[/I] 2d8 + 3 damage, and the target is pushed 2 squares and knocked prone. [B]Triggered Actions[/B] ᗕ [B]Sweeping Throes[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Trigger:[/I] The logger jack is first bloodied or drops to 0 hit points. [I]Effect (Free Action):[/I] The logger jack uses buzzing sweep if the power is available; otherwise, it uses buzzsaw arm. [B]Str[/B] 17 (+4) [B]Dex[/B] 15 (+3) [B]Wis[/B] 12 (+2) [B]Con[/B] 16 (+4) [B]Int[/B] 0 (+1) [B]Cha[/B] 0 (+1) [B]Alignment[/B] Unaligned [B]Languages[/B] -[/SPOILER] [I]Toriq [/I]makes a Monster Knowledge Nature check for the Wicked Loggers, r6+10=15. Meets Moderate DC. She knows many of the loggers have turned against nature and to evil practices in its stead, but her order eschews contact with Humans and Halforcs except in cases of egregious offense against nature or encroachment towards the Ruby Spire. [SPOILER][B]Wicked Loggers Level 2 Minion Artillery; Medium natural humanoid, human and halforc XP 31; HP[/B] 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Fortitude[/B] 14, [B]Reflex[/B] 15, [B]Will[/B] 12; Weapon; Greataxe, handaxe, leather armor; Evil [B]Standard Actions[/B] (⚔) [B]Greataxe[/B] (weapon) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 4 damage, and the target is slid 1 square. (➶) [B]Handaxe[/B] (weapon) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Ranged 5/10 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 4 damage, or 6 damage if the target has no cover.[/SPOILER] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1709411633658.png"]349019[/ATTACH] [B]Initiative: Nemo [/B]r12+6=18 (green, in square T10) [B]Wicked Loggers [/B](W, gray & white), r8+4=12 [B]Logger Jacks [/B](LJ, black), r8+3=11 [B]Toriq [/B]r9+2=11 (red, in square T13) [B]Mylistra [/B]r5+4=9 (purple, in square V10) [B]Jendi [/B]r2+2=4 (light blue, in square V12) [B][I]ROUND ONE[/I][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1709428410167.png"]349060[/ATTACH] [I][B]NEMO [/B]takes barely a moment to register the battlefield before his instincts--and possibly other forces--kick in. His focus quickly narrows in on the closer of the two mechanical constructs, and his gesture throws the Duskmaiden's shroud on its ... err ... shoulders. Shrugging casually, he cracks his neck, lifts his two hands--each holding a dagger-- and prepares to rush down the slope. Instead, as he goes to move his feet, one of his hands, almost without his knowledge and definitely without his conscious choice, reaches up and touches his pendant, still clasping a dagger. His eyes close, and he immediately feels a sensation similar to what happened when he'd "marked" Gulthias. But that was action he chose deliberately. This feels as if his mind has registered where he wants to go, researched how best he can do so, chosen this manner of travel (via the amulet), and is now sending him directly there, through a wrinkle in space. Opening his eyes, he finds himself near the cabin and well within throwing range of the monstrous machine. Shaken by what just occurred, he nevertheless shores up his courage and mettle by throwing one of the daggers clasped in his hands.[/I] Minor (Enc): Raven Queen's Shroud (within 10): mark LJ (K13) with RQS Minor (Daily): enter Duelist's Stance Move (Daily): Amulet of Passage Teleportation: teleport up to your speed: from T10 to N16 AP: Sly Flourish (Ranged 5) vs LJ (K13): ATK: r7+11+2 CA =20 vs AC 14/Hit; Damage: r1+8+ r4,1=14 --> RQS: reroll 1 Damage die: r2 = 15 Damage to LJ (K13) LOCATION: N16 DAMAGE: 15 to LJ (K13) CONDITIONS INFLICTED: Raven Queen's Shroud to LJ (K13) CURRENT HIT POINTS: 25/29 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Stance CURRENT SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 4/7 Surges; 0 APs available (1 remaining) [HR][/HR] [I]As the heroes top the embankment and one of their number disappears in an implosion of feathery black tendrils only to reappear in their midst, the [B]WICKED LOGGERS [/B]leap into a flurry of action. The two at the top of the bluff draw handaxes from their belts, advance several paces, and toss their weapons at Jendi. The logger closest to Nemo, a corpulent Halforc in a tanned leather apron, retrieves a handaxe, throws it at the Halfling, and then retreats behind the cover of a protruding stump. With a mighty bellow, a bear of a Human man with a great, ruddy beard launches himself at Toriq, striking at her with his sharp-bladed felling axe, but the Halforc is too nimble and dodges his rush easily. The three remaining loggers pull throwing axes from their belts, take up advantageous positions in the field, and loose their weapons upon the heroes, but none strike home.[/I] [B]W P16 [/B]Minor: Draw handaxe; Standard: Handaxe R5/10 vs N, r16+7=23 vs 18 AC. Hit. 6 damage (no cover); Move: 2 squares P16 to Q18 (possible cover) [B]W V21 [/B]Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares V21 to W17; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r5+7=12 vs 17 AC. Miss. [B]W S22[/B] Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 5 squares S2 to U17; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r18+7=25 vs 17 AC. Hit. 6 damage (no cover). [B]W P12[/B] Standard: Charge 3 squares P12 to S12, Greataxe vs T, r6+7+1=14 vs 19 AC. Miss. [B]W P6 [/B]Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares P6 to R10; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r3+7=10 vs 17 AC. Miss. [B]W I11 [/B]Minor: Draw handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs N, r5+7=12 vs 18 AC. Miss. Move: 1 square I11 to H12 (possible cover). [B]W M8 [/B]Minor: Draw handaxe; Move: 4 squares M8 to J12; Standard: Handaxe vs N, r1=Automiss. LOCATIONS: Q18, W17, U17, S12, R10, H12, J12 DAMAGE: 6 damage to J, 6 damage to N CONDITIONS: na CURRENT HP: 1 all (Minions) CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Q18 and H12 may have cover [HR][/HR] [I]The [B]LOGGER JACKS[/B] are massive constructs of steel in the rough shape of a humanoid over seven feet tall. But that's where the resemblance to a living creature ends. Each has a foreward set "head"--else it would loom even taller!--where whatever magic and anthracite combine together to give it life erupts in burning orange flames from a visor-like face. Thick plumes of black smoke and dust are exhausted through an apparatus of pipes and tubes on its back torso. One arm is a a rotating chain-blade the length of a tall Human or Halforc, and the other is a mighty pincer that must be used for grasping and hauling large lumber. The closer of the two takes several thundering steps towards the warlock and then rushes him with a full-steam charge! "Jendi!," cries his sister, and she yanks him out of the way, receiving the full force of the construct's charge. She has the wind knocked out of her, made doubly bad by the constricting calipers of the jack's metal pincers about her waist. In retaliation, she strikes the automaton a mighty jab with her longsword, channeling the full fury of her race into the blow and hoping to disrupt whatever magic animates the creature. This elicits a rather unwelcome response: it extends its sawblade arm, swiping it in a wide arc that forces Mylistra diving out of the way into the cover of a nearby tree. The caliper arm squeezes ever tighter, and Toriq can feel her vision fading to black, but then she gathers her reserves of energy and struggles for her very life in the jack's grasp. Meanwhile, the other jack zones in on Nemo, charging around the stumps and camp building to grasp at the rogue with its caliper arm, not once but twice! The nimble Halfling dodges the first grasp, but it looks as if the second will grab him to crush his still-nascent life from him; however, in a move reminiscent of the backflips practiced with Mazzee on the decks of the Firefly, the docks, anywhere the two could tumble and play as children, Nemo launches himself out of way in the nick of time![/I] [B]LJ1 K13 [/B] Move: 6 squares K13 to Q11 Standard: Charge 4 squares Q11 to T11, Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs J, TRIGGERS GUARDIAN'S COUNTER from T (Immediate Interrupt), Effect: You and the ally shift up to 2 squares as a free action, swapping positions. You become the target of the triggering attack, in place of the ally. After the attack is resolved, you can make a basic attack against the attacker. J to T13, T to V12. ATK vs T, r18+7+1=26 vs 19 AC. Hit. r7+5=12 damage to T and T is grabbed (Escape DC 13). T BLOODIED, TRIGGERS HALF-ORC RESILIENCE (Free Action), Trigger: You are bloodied for the first time during an encounter. Effect: Gain 5 temporary hp. T's MBA vs LJ1, r13+9=22 vs 14 AC. Hit. r3+5=8 damage + FREE ACTION Furious Assault, r8=16 damage to LJ1. AP: Buzzing Sweep CBU 3 (enemies in the burst), ATK vs J, r5+5=10 vs 15 Reflex. Miss. ATK vs M, r10+5=15 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. ATK vs T, r17+5=22 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. Damage r4,1+3=8 + M pushed 2 squares V10 to V8 (in DT), forgoes push on T (still grabbed). [B]LJ2 F17[/B] Move: 4 squares F17 to J17 (2 squares DT) Standard: Charge 3 squares J17 to M17, Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs N, r3+7+1=11 vs 18 AC. Miss. AP: Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs N, r15+7+1=22 vs 18 AC. Hit. TRIGGERS SECOND CHANCE from N (Immediate Interrupt), Trigger: You are hit by an attack. Effect: The attacker must reroll the attack and use the second roll, even if it is lower. Reroll=1, Automiss. LOCATIONS: LJ1 in T11, J in T13, T in V12, LJ2 in M17, M in V8 DAMAGE: 20 damage to T (T gains 5 THP), 16 damage to LJ1, 8 damage to M CURRENT HP: LJ1 61, LJ2 92 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na [HR][/HR] [I]With a show of the great strength of her arms, [B]TORIQ [/B]is quickly able to escape the grasp of the construct's mechanical arm. Hoping to buy her brother some time and space to maneuver and perform his magicks (the thought lingers for a moment that--at times--they are suspiciously dark, then just as quickly vanishes), she grasps that arm and drags it further away with her. The fire on her hand ignites the fire in her blood, and she screams in a frenzy, attacking it in a fury of frustration and protective energy. She is so deep in this fury that she ignores the sweeping throes of the thing as it struggles to protect itself to continue its mandate by striking back at her, hard. When--at last--Toriq stops for a breath, she can see that it is in considerably worse shape than before. She nods in satisfaction: maybe they can stop these things, after all.[/I] Begins her turn Grabbed and Bloodied (14 HPs w/5 THP). Move: Escape Grasp (DC 13): Athletics check: r19+9-2 Shield = 26 vs DC 13/Success; T can shift 1 square: from V12 to V11 Standard: Thorn Strike M2 vs. LJ1: ATK: r5+9=14 vs AC 14/Hit; D: 5+5= 10 Damage, & LJ1 is pulled 1 sq to U10; Toriq takes 2 Fire Damage for being in LJ1's Aura 1 Free Action: Mark LJ1 UEoTNT AP: Wildblood Frenzy (Enc) Melee: 1st ATK vs LJ1: r7+9=16 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r5+8=13 Damage to LJ1, & LJ1 is BLOODIED. TRIGGERED ACTION: Sweeping Throes: Trigger: The logger jack is first bloodied or drops to 0 hit points. Effect (Free Action): uses buzzing sweep if the power is available; otherwise, it uses [B]buzzsaw arm[/B]: ATK vs T: r16+7=23 vs. T's AC 19/Hit; D: r1+5=6 2nd ATK vs LJ1: r11+9=20 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r8+8=16 Damage to LJ1 CURRENT LOCATION: Toriq: V11; LJ1: U10 DAMAGE: 39 Damage to LJ1; 2 Fire +6 Damage to Toriq CONDITIONS: LJ1 Bloodied CURRENT HPs: 11/37 & 0 THP CURRENT DE/BUFFS: no longer Grabbed CURRENT SURGES/APs: 5/10 Surges; 0 of 1 APs available [HR][/HR] [I]Seeing both hope and potential disaster from her hiding place beneath the old pine, [B]MYLISTRA [/B]first begs Sehanine to aid them in their conflict on her behalf and heal their strongest combatant, Toriq clearly being in dire straits. Then, feeling the gentle caress of her Goddess lending her courage, the witch casts a Defiant glare at the monstrous and destructive creation, marking it for her comrades-at-arms. Eager for some sight of their fierce and tiny warrior, who had just sent himself into battle--Mylistra's thoughts stutter for a moment, for she does not remember how he disappeared from view--she steps forward, to the edge of the cliff to search. There! Over by the log cabin! But how? Saddened that he is too far at the moment to benefit from Sehanine's Glorious protection, Mylistra resolutely pulls into herself more of her Goddess's fiercely protective energy and sends it out over the closest of her friends. The force of the Maiden's pure energy sends the nearest of their combattants reeling backward--including the construct--and the two humans fall over onto their backs, the thing tipping on its side. Mylistra strains to see where Nemo is and calls out, "Come to us, little one, we're stronger together!"[/I] Minor: Healing Word CBU5 on Toriq: r2+9=11 HPs, & Toriq gains +2 ATKs UEoMNT Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 vs. LJ1: r6+7=13 vs. Will 12/Hit; D: r6+5+1 Ki focus (vs. Bloodied) = 12 Damage to LJ1, & allies gain +1 bonus to ATKs vs. LJ1 (+3 if it attacks M) UEoMNT Move: 3 squares from V8 to S8 AP Moment of Glory CBL 5 Q-V/9-13: ATKs: vs. LJ1: r11+7=18 vs. W12/Hit: pushed 3 sq to R10 & Prone; vs. W S12: r6+7=13 vs W12/Hit: pushed to P12 & Prone; vs. W R10: r9+7=16 vs W12/Hit: pushed to O10 & Prone; Effect: M & allies in blast (T & J) gain Resist 5 All UEoMNT (Sustain Minor) LOCATION: M: S8; LJ1: R10; Ws: S12->P12 & R10->O10 DAMAGE: 12 Damage to LJ1 CONDITIONS: LJ1, Ws P12 & O10 Prone; allies +1 ATKs vs LJ1 UEoMNT CURRENT HPs: 17/29 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (Sustain Minor) (MoG) CURRENT SURGES/APs: 4/8 Surges; 0 of 1 APs available [HR][/HR] [I]Shaken and a little angry at Toriq "saving" him from being heroic for his Maiden, [B]JENDI [/B]assuages his chagrin by cursing the blasted construct. But his concentration is still a little unfocused by the incident, for his only victim to be beguiled by his scintillating strands is one of the humans who accompanied mechanical horror. As he backs strategically to a more effective (and safer) distance, his mind is torn between wondering who of the Order created these things (and could he use that information against them somehow) and a satisfaction at watching that victim pushed back into the stump and audibly breaking his neck. He hopes it is the one that struck him. Returning his attention to the cursed construct (in every sense of that word!), the Raven Queen's warlock attempts to focus again, throwing the crackling sphere at it. Sadly, the ball of energy fizzles out prematurely and the thing remains standing, barely. <I have to get myself under control!> Jendi thinks furiously to himself, eyes blazing. Taking deep breaths and thinking of his Lady, he works to transform the furnace of anger and embarrassment into the steel of icy control.[/I] Minor: Warlock's Curse on LJ1 Standard: Beguiling Strands (Enc) CBL5 O-S/9-13: each enemy in blast: LJ1; r1 = Automiss; W P12: r9+5+1 GoD =15 vs. W12/Hit; W O10: r5+5+1 GoD = 11 vs. W12/Miss; Damage & target pushed 3 squares: W P12 = Minion/KILLED Move: 3 squares from T13 to Q15; Triggers Shadow Walk Concealment AP: Hand of Blight R10: ATK vs. LJ1: r6+6+1 GoD =13 vs. F15/Miss LOCATION: Q15 DAMAGE: W P12 KILLED CONDITIONS: LJ1: allies +1 ATKs GoD UEoMNT, Cursed by J CURRENT HPs: 21/31 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment SW; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT MoG CURRENT SURGES/APs: 4/8 Surges; 0 of 2 APs Available [HR][/HR] [I][B]ROUND TWO[/B][/I] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1709592453007.png"]349570[/ATTACH] [I][B]NEMO [/B]can hear Beppa's voice--<bit off a bit more than you can chew, didn't you, son?>--as he quickly considers his options, none of them great. While he works well alone within the group, totally alone means no allies close enough to aid, step in, give a hand, etc.--a fact only emphasized by his witnessing of Mylistra's most powerful (and protective) magicks. Their eyes meet, his wry, hers apologetic, and he hears her voice calling him to safety. Seeing his Shrouded enemy near his comrades, he decides that discretion will not be the better part of valor, but that valor can hold its own in his apparent retreat to the others. With a thought of the Duskmaiden and her shrouded victim, a shimmering portal lined with black feathers appears before the stalwart young halfling, and he steps through. The sensation is very similar to the earlier one, given by his amulet, except that this has a directness all its own. He steps out next to the much damaged construct and instantly feels the heat of its inner furnace. Feeling a courage within and without--are those hands holding and supporting his shoulders?--our hero smiles and slashes his dagger this way and that, ripping off the arm and tearing into the casing, causing pieces to begin to fumble apart as the magicks begin to fail to hold it all together. Unfortunately, intent on demolishing the thing utterly, Nemo fails to notice neither the still buzzing arm nor the ominous rumble of that inner furnace. Suddenly the debris of the exploding shrapnel hits him in the face, while the arm collides with his body. Deciding that now discretion (and retreat) are the better part of valor, he slips past Mylistra and makes his way under the branches of her former hiding place and begins to climb up and around the trunk, hoping to hide from sight for the moment because (as his uncle Miles always says) unseen means not on guard against. He will be more effective from here ... for now.[/I] Minor: Raven Queen's Shroud Teleportation Power: next to LJ1: S10; Nemo takes 2 Fire Damage Standard: Sly Flourish Melee: ATK vs. LJ1: r3+11+2 CA +1 GoD = 17 vs. AC 14/Hit; D: r4+8+8,6 = 26 Damage to LJ1, KILLED/TRIGGERED ACTION: Buzzsaw Arm: r18+7=25 vs. N's AC 18/Hit; D: r6+5=11 Damage to Nemo Move: 6 squares (2 Climbing): from S10 to U8: Athletics to Climb Tree (DC 9): r17+8=25/Success; Stealth Check to Hide (per [USER=1282]@darkbard[/USER], trunk of tree between PC & enemy = total concealment with Stealth check): r5+11=16. LOCATION: U6 (2 sq up) DAMAGE: 26 Damage to LJ1, KILLED; 11 Damage to Nemo CONDITIONS: na CURRENT HPs: 4/27 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Total Concealment, Hidden (DC 16); Resist ALL UEoMNT MoG; Duelist's Stance CURRENT SURGES: 4/7 Surges [HR][/HR] [I]The collective mood of the [B]WICKED LOGGERS[/B] shifts from outrage and aggression in the face of assault to trepidation and hesitance as they watch the smallest of their assailants blink about the campground and fell one of the mighty Logger Jacks with a blur of wicked jabs that disrupt whatever magic animates the mechanica. The two atop the bluff step forward, unhitch their last handaxes from their belts, and fling them at Toriq, but the Halforc executes a series of balletic twists and ducks, avoiding both missiles. A Halforc matching her in height and breadth of shoulders gives a feral roar and launches himself across the clearing, swinging his greataxe in pendulum motion as he charges. His blow strikes true, but Sehanine's protection works as a shield to protect her servant's ally from harm. The corpulent logger in the apron behind the tree stump draws her axe and whips it in Jendi's direction, but the Warlock remains elusive, wrapped in the Raven Queen's shadows. The remaining loggers, one needing to first push herself up from her rump, retrieve handaxes and hurl them at Mylistra above on the bluff. Both miss, thank Sehanine, but one came too close for comfort, unnerving even with the Goddess's protection.[/I] W17: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Move: 1 sq to V16; Standard: Handaxe vs T, r6+7=13 vs 19 AC. Miss. U17: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Move: 1 sq to U16; Standard: Handaxe vs T, r2+7=9 vs 19 AC. Miss. Q18: Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs J, r5+7-2 cover -2 concealment=8 vs 17 AC. Miss. O8: Move: stand from prone; Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs M, r1=automiss. J12: Move: 6 sq to P13; Standard: Charge 5 sq to U11, Greataxe vs T, r19+7+1=27 vs 19 AC. Hit. 4 damage = 5 Moment of Glory = 0 damage. H12: Move: 6 sq to N12; Minor: retrieve handaxe; Standard: Handaxe vs M, r18+7=25 vs 18 AC. 6 damage (no cover) -5 Moment of Glory = 1 damage. LOCATION: V16, U16, Q18, O8, U11, N12 DAMAGE: 1 to M CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 1 all Minions CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Q18 possible cover [HR][/HR] [I]Thought is probably too generous a term for the animating force that powers the remaining [B]LOGGER JACK[/B], and certainly if feels no emotion. But that probably is all of very little solace to Jendi as the construct turns its glowing. visored head in his direction, takes several steps, and then extends its cutting arm in a wicked sweep, high-pitched whirring and grinding sounds trying the young Warlock's mettle every bit as much as the advancing blade near his head. Be it his own growing skill in such matters, his patron's blessing, or sheer luck, the result is the same: he ducks beneath the sweeping arm and holds his ground.[/I] Move: 2 sq M17 to O15 Standard: Buzzing Sweep CBu3 (enemies), ATK vs J, r8+5=2 concealment=11 vs 15 Reflex. Miss. LOCATION: O15 DAMAGE: na CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 92/92 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Buzzing Sweep on cooldown [HR][/HR] [I][B]TORIQ [/B]instinctively maneuvers to evade being hit by missiles, and her defensive block with her shield not only stops the axe of the Halforc but also slams him in the face, his body sliding heavily to the ground, unconscious. But this goes almost unnoticed as the warden's mind lingers on the look on her brother's face when she'd just defended him. It was angry, not grateful. Perhaps her mother is right, and she is still babying her little brother, despite him having grown into his powerful magicks. Fine: she needs to let him be him and only defend as she would her other companions, as needed. After all, she even allows that little one to showcase his strength without mothering him. Focus back on the field, she quickly considers her tactical options and moves forward to block the two loggers still on the higher slope. Staring the two human males down with challenge in her eyes and a sneer on her lips, she allows her nature-given gifts to manifest in ice surrounding her, forewarning her foes of the ferocity of Nature's Winter on its way. Just let them try to get past her now![/I] Standard: Weight of Earth Melee vs M U11: r7+9+2 BCL = 18 vs. AC 16/Hit; M U11 = UNCONSCIOUS. Move: 4 squares from V11 to U15 Free: Nature's Wrath: mark adjacent enemies UEoTNT: Ms V16 & U16 Minor: Form of Winter's Herald (daily): effect: T assumes the guardian form of winter's herald UEotE; T gains +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold; each sq w/in 2 sq of T = difficult terrain for enemies (moves w/T). LOCATION: U15 DAMAGE: M U11: at 0 HP/UNCONSCIOUS CONDITIONS: Ms V16 & U16: Marked by T UEoTNT; w/in 2sq of T = Difficult Terrain for enemies CURRENT HPs: 22/37 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATKs UEoMNT (BCL); Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 COLD (UEotE) (FoWH) CURRENT SURGES: 5/10 [HR][/HR] [I][B]MYLISTRA's [/B]eyes widen as she witnesses Nemo's flight past her and hears him climbing the tree where she had been hidden. His gravely wounded state worries her, and she quickly throws up a prayer to her Goddess to send him some of Her healing energies. Any other healing to be done --and, please, Goddess, do not make it necessary--would come at her expense, so hopefully they can stop these thugs and final machine quickly! Drawing in breath to focus, she first sustains the Goddess's protective shield (and again sends a mental apology to her small, tree-hidden friend). Then, ignoring the logger closest to her as the crow flies, she glares defiantly at the one whose aim tore her favorite cloak and, without that protection, could have done far more damage to her body. She knows the Goddess's mark that she is placing on his forehead will kill him, but--since his intent is to end her--if the mark sticks, so be it. It will be a judgement by her Goddess. It does hit. The witch watches, stony-faced, as the human drops the additional handaxe he was preparing to throw at her--again!--and grabs his head with both hands, mouth in a rictus of psychic pain. Her expression does not stop at his collapse.[/I] Minor: Healing Word (Enc., 2/2): CBU5 on Nemo: r2+7=9 HPs, & N gains +2 ATKs UEoMNT Minor: sustain Moment of Glory on M, T, & J UEoMNT (sustain minor) Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 on M N12: r13+7=20 vs. Will 12/Hit: M N12 KILLED LOCATION: S8 DAMAGE: M N12 KILLED CONDITIONS: na CURRENT HPs: 16/29 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) (UEoMNT); N: +2 ATK UEoMNT (BCL) CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 [HR][/HR] [I][B]JENDI [/B]defiantly stares at the construct, thinking to himself <if my Queen wants me in the thick of danger, well, here I am>. Swallowing down the bile of fear he will not acknowledge, he throws his warlock's curse on the cursed monstrosity. Then--keeping his watchful eye on it--the warlock shifts a step closer to the equally monstrous logger who just attacked him. Then, calling out to the Raven Queen to show these heretics her great and powerful retribution, Jendi throws out his hands and sweeps his arms wide open. The logger--heavy though she may be--is lifted and crushed in an invisible grip, her limp body falling heavily to the ground. The construct, unfortunately, barely moves, apparently still heavy for the warlock's still nacient use of his Goddess's power. Jendi, recognizing that this move sacrificed his protective use of shadows, grimly awaits the construct's retort and to see if his new armor will act as he hopes.[/I] Minor: place Warlock's Curse on LJ2; Armor of Dark Majesty property: gain +2 All Defenses against cursed enemies Move: Shift 1 square from Q15 to Q16 Standard: Star Shackles (Daily): CBU2 vs. Fort: Atk vs LJ2: r7+6=13 vs Fort 15/Miss; vs. M Q18: r8+6=14 vs Fort 14/Hit: M Q18 KILLED LOCATION: Q16 DAMAGE: W Q18 KILLED CONDITIONS: LJ2 Cursed CURRENT HPs: 21/31 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment SW Ends; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG); +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM) CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND THREE[/I][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1709747602530.png"]349984[/ATTACH] [I]Shaken but still standing ... albeit in a tree, [B]NEMO [/B]carefully takes out the potion he'd purchased a few days ago and eagerly quaffs it. As its healing takes hold within his body, he feels a similar warmth and sends a quick though of gratitude to the witch. Peering out of the tree's branches covered with sticky pine needles, he considers his options. Watching the two loggers collapse to the ground--one of them dangerously close to his friend--makes him dare to attempt to hit the farthest but most dangerous target: the construct next to Jendi. Promising to himself that he will climb back out of the tree if he hits, he holds his dagger by its point and takes careful aim. He remembers this trick taught him by one of his uncles (at the moment he can't remember which one--maybe all of them?): tumbling the hilt forward in the throw will give it the impetus to go just ... a little ... farther, and distance is what he needs now. The construct is [B]almost [/B]out of his range. <Careful now, son,> he can hear the voices of each uncle saying. His throw is true, and his dagger now resides deeply sunk into the casing of the monstrosity. Nemo nods in satisfaction and prepares to descend.[/I] Minor: take out potion of healing Minor: quaff potion of healing: spend 1 surge & gain 10 HPs Standard: Sly Flourish R5/10 vs. LJ2: r9+11+2 BCL +2 CA (Nemo Hidden) -2 Range = 22 vs 14 AC/Hit; D: r2+8+ r4,5= 19 Damage to LJ2 LOCATION: U6 (2 sq up) DAMAGE: 19 Damage to LJ2 CONDITIONS: na CURRENT HPs: 23/27 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment (no longer Hidden/Total Concealment); Duelists Prowess; +2 ATKs (BCL) CURRENT SURGES: 2/7 [HR][/HR] [I]The two [B]WICKED LOGGERS[/B] atop the bluff consider trying to flank the Halforc Warden menacing them with her sword, but the crust of ice encasing the nearby ground prevents such movement without retribution. Regardless, they swing their greataxes--for they have tossed their full supply of throwing weapons--but once again Toriq's remarkable agility allows her to avoid being struck by either of their blows. Meanwhile, the third remaining logger, also bereft of a ranged weapon, ambles up the slope between the bluffs and then charges at Mylistra, striking with all the force of his beefy arms. His eyes widen with shock as a silver nimbus glimmers about the Stygian Elf, protecting her from harm.[/I] U16 Move: Standard: Greataxe vs T, r5+7=12 vs 19 AC. Miss. V16 Move: Standard: Greataxe vs T, r5+7=12 vs 19 AC. Miss. O8 Move: 4 sq to S11; Standard Charge 2 sq to S9, Greataxe vs M, r17+7+1=25 vs 18 AC. Hit. 4 - Resist 5 All = 0 damage. LOCATION: U16, V16, S9 DAMAGE: na CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 1 all Minions CURRENT DE/BUFFS: U16, V16 Marked by T [HR][/HR] [I]As the magicks Jendi attempts against it are foiled by the protective charms of its makers, the [B]LOGGER JACK[/B] settles back down the few inches from where it was raised onto firm earth again. With seeming deliberation, it strides towards the Warlock and grasps him in its caliper appendage, raising Jendi a few inches off the ground, in turn. Jendi feels the heat of its anthracite core burn in such proximity. Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r4. Fails to recharge.[/I] Move: 1 sq to P16; J enters Aura & takes 2 fire damage - 5 Resist All= 0 damage Standard: Caliper Arm Grip vs J, r18+7=25 vs 19 AC (buffed by Armor). Hit. r1+5=6-5 Resist All=1 damage & J is Grabbed (Escape DC 13). J. LOCATION: P16 DAMAGE: 1 damage to J CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: J Grabbed (Escape DC 13) CURRENT HP: 73/92 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed [HR][/HR] [I]A glance down the slope alerts [B]TORIQ [/B]to her brother's plight. It's one thing to be an overprotective older sister, quite another to be a comrade-at-arms, alert to each other's strengths and weaknesses. Her presence there will allow Jendi to try out that power he claims they all have access to, through Nemo's pendant made from a piece of the Ruby Spire. That in turn will allow her brother to do what he does best: attack from afar with great ferocity. She will make it possible! Slapping aside attacks from the two loggers presently besetting her, she quickly strides down to where her brother is grabbed. Their eyes meet, and she says to him, "Why don't you give it a try now? We can switch places." She is relieved to see a sly grin creep over his face, and with a <bampf> sound and a puff of crimson smoke his figure disappears. She can hear another <bampf> behind her and assumes the trial is a success as she faces the visor of the faceless monstrosity. "It's you and me now, thing. Come and get it," she taunts, raising her sword to the ready.[/I] Standard: Weight of Earth M1 vs. W U16: r3+9=12 vs 16 AC/Miss. Move: 5 squares to P15: TRIGGERS: OAs from Ws U16 & V16: from W U16: r9+7=16 vs. AC 20/Miss; from WV16: r19+7=26 vs 20 AC/Hit, D: 4-5 Resist All = 0 Damage Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Mark LJ2 UEoTNT LOCATION: P15 DAMAGE: na CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked UEoTNT, w/in 2 sqs of T = Difficult Terrain for enemies; Ws U16 & V16 Marks end CURRENT HPs: 22/37 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold (UEotE) (FoWH) CURRENT SURGES: 4/10 [HR][/HR] [I][B]MYLISTRA [/B]delays.[/I] [HR][/HR] [I]Riqqi's reminder of the teleportation power he "read" while analyzing Nemo's new pendant is very timely. In the stress of fighting off this mad mechanism [B]JENDI [/B]seems to have forgotten about that. He gives a sly (and rueful) grin to his sister and disappears into the ether. When he returns to the real word, he witnesses the vestiges of crimson smoke evaporating around him. <Interesting> he thinks for a brief moment. Then he turns, wicked smile on his lips, and eyes the two loggers still looking after Riqqi's departure in befuddlement. "Gentlemen!" the warlock calls out, and they both turn towards him, greatly startled. <Where did[B] he[/B] come from?> is clearly written on their expressions. "Sadly, that is something you will never learn," Jendi commiserates. With that, he clasps his hands together, then quickly flings them apart with a flourish, as if throwing something as light as fairy dust in the loggers' direction. From above them, an argent rain begins to fall, the drops hissing as they land on the ground and turning into a strange silver fire. The two attempt to jump out of the line of ... fire ... but are unsuccessful. As Jendi watches them collapse in their death throes, his expression takes on a grim but satisfied look.[/I] Move: Escapes Grab by using Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (daily): teleport up to J's speed: 6 squares to U10 Standard: Ardent Rain ABU1 w/in 10 (U15) (Enc.): each creature in burst: ATKs: vs W U16: r17+6=23 vs 15 Reflex/Hit; vs W V16: r15+6=21 vs 15 Reflex/Hit; both Ws U16 & V16 KILLED. LOCATION: U10 DAMAGE: Ws U16 & V16 KILLED CONDITIONS: LJ2 Cursed CURRENT HPs: 20/31 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SW Concealment; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG), +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM) CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges [HR][/HR] [I][B]MYLISTRA [/B]stares into the eyes of the Halforc and murmurs in quiet fury, "do you not know that Sehanine protects her own?" With that reminder, she stabs her Lady's reprisal into his gut. As his body slides off of the dagger still held in the witch's hand, she turns slightly, surveying the field. She notes Toriq now threatening the construct, witnesses Jendi arriving nearby with a puff of crimson smoke, and glances up at Nemo. Closing her eyes, she reveals her plan to her Goddess while simultaneously asking for Her continued protection to blunt the damage from their enemies. Thinking her strategy through, Mylistra murmurs a prayer for Sehanine's shield to protect her faithful and those who fight with them. Sensing the additional buffer falling into place and satisfied that each are at least protected somewhat, Sehanine's cleric prepares to wade further into battle with Her enemies. Meeting Jendi's stare and enjoying the silver fire reflecting in his eyes, she smiles and nods, knowing he will join.[/I] Standard: Sehanine's Reprisal M1 vs. W S9: r 17+10=27 vs 16 AC/Hit. W S9 KILLED Minor: sustain Moment of Glory on herself, Jendi, & Toriq Minor: Shield of Faith CBU5 (daily) on herself, Jendi, & Nemo: +2 bonus to AC UEotE LOCATION: S8 DAMAGE: W S9 KILLED CONDITIONS: CURRENT HPs: 16/29 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) UEoMNT; M, N, & J: +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND FOUR [ATTACH type="full" alt="1710027194164.png"]350653[/ATTACH][/I][/B] [I]From high in his tree, [B]NEMO [/B]witness Jendi's reappearance near them. <Huh,> he thinks to himself, <is that what I looked like? Nifty!> Much refreshed by his sojourn up here (and Mylistra's healing as well as his own), the halfling hops down out of his refuge, ready and eager to return to battle. Third and last dagger in hand, he ducks down and moves swiftly across the yard of the logging camp, rushing past Toriq, and ending behind one of the tall stumps scattered throughout the yard. He hopes he is well-hidden but suspects that his tripping over one of the pieces of wood lying about may have given away his position. The stump should at least shield him a bit, though.[/I] Move: 6 squares, including Hop Down (Acrobatics check: r11+13=25 vs 15 DC/Success), to R12 Move: 6 squares to Q18, behind Stump=total cover for small creature, Stealth check to Hide: r1+11=12 vs. 12 Passive Perception of LJ2/not Hidden; in LJ2's Aura 1: Nemo takes 2 Fire Damage LOCATION: Q18 DAMAGE: 2 fire damage to N CONDITIONS: na CURRENT HPs: 21/27 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Total Concealment from Stump, Duelists Prowess; +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE [HR][/HR] [I]The [B]LOGGER JACK[/B] recognizes the threat posed to it in the muscular form of the Halforc and grabs her with its caliper arm, squeezing for all its worth.[/I] Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r5. Fails. Standard: Caliper Arm Grip M2 vs T, r15+7=22 vs 20 AC (buffed). Hit. r8+5=13-5 Moment of Glory damage & T grabbed (Escape DC 13). T BLOODIED. LOCATION: P16 DAMAGE: 8 damage to T, T BLOODIED CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: T grabbed (Escape DC 13) CURRENT HP: 73/92 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Cursed by J, Marked by T, Buzzing Sweep on cooldown. [HR][/HR] [I]"Well, I guess you "came and got it," [B]TORIQ [/B]murmurs, mostly to herself, feeling the heat of the thing's core blow over her. She is not too worried ... yet. She plans on following Jendi's lead after making an attack on this monstrosity. Not too far: just enough to be released from its grasp, so that she can attack again, on her own terms. For now? Leaning into her form of Winter Herald, Nature's warden explodes into action, however immobilized she may be by the grip of the logger jack. She batters its arm with the ice-cold blade of her sword. Not as much damage as she likes, but it looks incapacitated for the moment. And now, Toriq, one of the Wardens of the Ruby Spire, allows the power of one piece of that powerful entity to remove her from this reality for a moment, and instantly return her ... a little further away and out of the automaton's deadly grip. As she witnessed before with Jendi's departure, she sees upon her return the vanishing cloud of crimson smoke. She frowns a little, not sure what to think of this power in their midst, from an unknowable source.[/I] Starts turn Grabbed by LJ2 and in LJ2's Aura: takes 2 Fire Damage - 5 Resist All = 0 Damage. Free: Nature's Wrath: marks LJ2 UEoTNT Minor: designates LJ2 as Hunter's Quarry (enc) UEoTNT Standard: Form of Winter's Herald's attack (enc) CBU1 (all enemies): vs LJ2: r12+9=21 vs 15 AC/Hit; r2+5+ r4 HQ = 11 Damage to LJ2, and LJ2 is Immobilized (SE) Move: Escapes Grab by using Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (Daily): teleport up to T's speed: 4 squares to L17 LOCATION: L17 DAMAGE: 11 Damage to LJ2 CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT, Immobilized (SE) CURRENT HPs: 14/37 BLOODIED CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Resist 5 ALL (MoG); +1 AC & Resist 5 Cold (UEotE)(FoWH) CURRENT SURGES: 4/10 [HR][/HR] [I]"And now, my work up here is done," [B]JENDI [/B]murmurs, pleased at how quickly it was accomplished. Turning toward the Logger Jack once more, his hand collecting dark energies at his side, he points at the machine with his other. Then, as if he were lobbing a ball in a game of catch which he has yet to ever play, he lobs the crackling black sphere at the thing, enjoying the much louder crackle of the sound landing against the side of the mechanical monster. As he takes a few steps in the general direction of the monstrosity and his friends combatting it, Jendi savors the sight of his necrotic attack visibly eating into the surface of the machine. It looks like they will succeed, after all. At least, they will [B]here[/B]. [/I] Standard: Hand of Blight R10 vs LJ2: r9+6=15 vs 15 Fort/Hit; D: r7+5+ r3 WC + r8 FM = 23 Damage to LJ2, and LJ2 grants CA UEoJNT No Action: expends Fell Might (see above's damage) Move: 4 squares to R14; TRIGGERS: Shadow Walk Concealment LOCATION: R14 DAMAGE: 23 Damage to LJ2 CONDITIONS: LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT; Immobilized (SE); grants CA UEoJNT CURRENT HPs: 20/31 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: SW Concealment UEoJNT; Resist 5 ALL UEoMNT (MoG); +2 All Defenses vs LJ2 (AoDM); Fell Might expended CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 Surges [HR][/HR] [I][B]MYLISTRA [/B]takes a breath, murmurs a brief prayer for guidance, and then steps into the unknown. And then steps out of it again, accompanied by a light dusting of crimson smoke. The darkness in that unknown was darker than she has ever known. Almost always before, she could at least make out shadows. But there was nothing there, no light, no sound, nothing at all. Seeing that she has arrived--as planned--atop the lashed stack of timber closest to the combatants, she takes a moment for a prayer for sustaining protection. Then she gives a piercing whistle, somehow getting the attention of the monstrous thing below here. When it looks up at her--at least she thinks it's looking: its visor makes it seem to be doing so--she takes her hand and places Sehanine's mark upon its forehead. <There,> she thinks, <we can finally get this done!> She glances back and is relieved to see Jendi is indeed making his way down to them.[/I] Move: Amulet of Passage Teleportation Power (Daily): teleport up to M's speed: 6 squares to N14, atop lashed stack of lumber Minor: Sustain Moment of Glory Standard: Gaze of Defiance R5 vs LJ2: r5+7+2 CA =14 vs 12 Will/Hit; D: r7+5+1 KFE = 13 Damage to LJ2, and allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT LOCATION: N14 DAMAGE: 13 Damage to LJ2 CONDITIONS: allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT CURRENT HPs: 16/29 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M, T, & J: Resist 5 ALL (MoG) UEoMNT; M, N, & J: +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE CURRENT SURGES: 4/8 [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND FIVE[/I][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1710039036495.png"]350765[/ATTACH] [I][B]NEMO [/B]carefully takes a few steps toward the mechanical logger thing, not wanting to distract any of his friends from their elegant attacks. Once in place, though, the young rogue lets his years of street-fighting experience take hold of his instincts, putting them into action. He deftly uses his dagger to cut into the structure of this monstrosity, jamming here, denting there. When he finds the handle of his second favorite dagger directly in front of him and pulls it out of the metal hide, Nemo is happy (and somewhat terrified) to hear an ominous creaking sound: the jack's demise is surely near! A judicious cut to the vulnerable "knee" joint can only help Toriq's immobilization of the Logger Jack. There! Hopefully that will be enough.[/I] Move: 3 squares to Q15, enter LJ2's Aura1: takes 2 Fire Damage Minor: retrieve dagger from body of LJ2 Standard: Sly Flourish M1 vs LJ2: r13+11+2 CS +1 GoD = 27 vs 15 AC/Hit; D: r2+8+ r6,5 SA = 21 Damage to LJ2 No Action: Low Blow (enc): Trigger: N's melee attack hits creature granting CA. Effect: creature is Dazed UEoNNT LOCATION: Q15 DAMAGE: 21 Damage to LJ2 CONDITIONS: LJ Dazed UEoNNT; allies gain +1 ATKs vs LJ2 UEoMNT; LJ2 Marked & HQ UEoTNT; Immobilized (SE); grants CA UEoJNT; Cursed by J CURRENT HPs: 19/27 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelists Prowess; +2 bonus to AC (SoF) UEotE CURRENT SURGES: 2/7 Surges [HR][/HR] [I][B]THE LOGGER JACK[/B] tries to move its articulated and hinged legs but finds them encrusted in ice, locked in place. So it follows whatever rudimentary ratiocination of which it is capable, extends its buzzing saw of an armblade, and sweeps it in a wide circle low to the ground. Mylistra is too high to be menaced truly. But Jendi is sent scampering to avoid decapitation, diving onto the ground to escape worse. When the Logger Jack sweeps its arm towards Nemo, however, the Halfling catches the blade with one dagger, jamming up the works. He thrusts his other dagger into the magical core animating the construct, and the flames visible through the visored "face" flicker out as it collapses. [/I] Starts turn: Rolls to Recharge Buzzing Sweep, r6. Recharges. Standard: Buzzing Sweep CBU3 (enemies), ATK vs J, r19+5=24 vs 21 Reflex (Concealment, Armor of Dark Majesty). Hit. ATK vs M, r8+5=13 vs 14 Reflex. Miss. ATK vs N, TRIGGERS Duelist's Prowess Attack (Immediate Interrupt), ATK N vs LJ2, r10+11+2+1=24 vs 14 Reflex. Hit. r3+6 +r5,5 SA=19 damage. LJ2 DESTROYED. TRIGGERS Sweeping Throes, LJ2 ATK vs N, Buzzsaw Arm, r12+7=19 vs 20 AC (Shield of Faith). Miss. Buzzing Sweep damage, r1,2+3=6-5 Moment of Glory=1 damage to J & J knocked prone & pushed 2 to T12. LOCATION: J in T12 DAMAGE: 1 damage to J CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: J prone CURRENT HP: KILLED [B][I]COMBAT OVER, SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED.[/I][/B] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Children of Sorrow
Top