If the evening weren't fraught with horror and urgency, the features of the natural auditorium would be a sight to behold. Tall, granite walls create a circular chamber which stares up into the open sky and the high moon above stares back. Flames on stanchions flicker powerfully everywhere. Folk from all around the Barony of Harkenwold (including native Easthillers) take in what they believe to be a baron-sponsored reprieve from the recent hardship they have endured against The Iron Circle's assaults.
Unfortunately, it is no reprieve. It is a horror...
The folk sway and shuffle toward the stage like captive zombies, poison streaming from their pores in plumes, as the profane orchestra's terrible song calls them forward.
On the elevated stage are aberrant players, their instruments drawing out a noise that was not meant for mortal ears.
On the ground, mishappen stalkers are barely able to be seen, the orchestra's music blurring their forms. Amongst that throng is a terrible Befouled Mauler. Once a thug of the cult, now a mutated bipedal with elongated appendages, poison and puss seeping from its disgusting, bloated body.
On the elevated stage and mezzanine are cultists transformed with the head of multiple snakes, poison oozing from their fangs! And, of course, amongst them is the corrupted soul of the former immortal deva. The rakshasa welcomes you to his terrible ritual.
"Hello priest. It is good that Avandra has blessed your holy feet to journey here...and the boy's as well...the Befouler's Vessel in This World. With you out of the way and he in my grasp, we shall bring The Prince of Corruption to this world!"
MECHANICS
*
Heroes gain +4 Initiative from Win Con of last Encounter.
*
LADDERS: Orange arrows are ladders with direction indicating ascent orientation. The mezzanine (right) and orchestra stage (middle) is 15 ft higher than the ground. Therefore, each ladder is 15 ft and costs 1 extra sq of movement to traverse (6 total) per Climbing (but doesn't require an Athletics Check). The Taking Damage While Climbing rules generate a DC 6 (DC 1 +5) Free Action check to Catch Hold (or Fall suffering 1d10 damage); if the target is Bloodied by the attack, increase the DC by +5 again (to DC 11). Normal Acrobatics (with Training) applies to reduce Fall damage.
*
WALLS: Climbing the mezzanine or orchestra stage walls is Medium DC 17 (typical climbing/falling rules apply).
*
MEZZANINE AND STAGE KNEEWALL COVER & HINDERING TERRAIN: A kneewall surrounds both, providing cover to occupants. However, forced movement over the kneewall causes fall damage to the ground to increase by 5 feet (up to 20 for 2d10 vs 1d10).
*
BRIDGE (brown rectangle connecting mezzanine and stage): The bridge is stable and not narrow. Traverse normally.
*
LIGHT/BLOCKING TERRAIN/LoE/LoS: Full illumination from the full moon above and torches on stanchion throughout the chamber. Upper left corner is a floor to ceiling stone pillar that is Blocking Terrain. Being on the left side of the stage blocks Line of Sight & Effect to/from the mezzanine.
*
PURGE THE RASKSHASA'S SOUL OF ITS CORRUPTION: 2 stages:
1)
Reveal Past Life
Establish an empathic link, forcing the rakshasa to confront the immortal spirit of the deva he was before he fell.
Single-Use
No Action Personal
Trigger: You make a successful melee attack roll against the rakshasa.
Effect: Make an Insight Check vs Medium DC 17. On success, Reveal Past Life is exhausted and Purify the Soul becomes available. On a failure, Reveal Past Life is not exhausted and the psychic backlash causes you -2 penalty to attack/defenses UtEoYNT.
2)
Purify the Soul
Draw out the poisonous corruption and return the fallen deva to that which he was so his immortal soul may pass on the next life as a force of good in the world.
Single-Use
No Action Personal
Prerequisite: Reveal Past Life successful
Trigger: You make a successful melee attack roll against the rakshasa.
Effect: Make a Religion Check vs High DC 25. On success, the rakshasa's corruption is adjured and the immortal deva soul passes on to its next life. On a failure, Purify the Soul is not exhausted and the psychic backlash causes you to take a Healing Surge worth of hit point necrotic damage (Astral Resistance applies).
*
TOWNSFOLK AND PROFANE ORCHESTRA: While adjacent to a Townsfolk (T), spend a Minor Action to shake them from their profane music-wrought fugue. If 4 Townsfolk (T) are rescued, they fight back, descending upon the Befouled Mauler as a collective, causing it to take 3 OG damage, -2 to attack/damage/defenses, and all attacks against it to deal +5 power bonus to damage UtEotE. See Profane Orchestra and Poisonbloom below:
Profane Orchestra Hazard
Level 9 Elite Obstacle
XP 800
The piece is a ritual. The ritual draws the souls of the gathered Harkenwold folk inexorably to it. Once completed, they become a collective host of hunting, demonic Dretches.
Initiative +10
Trigger: At the beginning of every round, the Townsfolk (T) slide 2 squares toward the orchestra. Effect: The Townsfolk gain Poisonbloom - Aura 2; Any creature that starts its turn in the aura takes 3 poison damage.
Once a Townsfolk (T) are in the Hazards space, they partially complete the ritual. 5 x T entering the space of the orchestra spawns a Standard, level 9 Dretchswarm (Swarm) adjacent (GM's choice) to the orchestra stage's space.
Traits
Abyssal Note ✦ Aura 2
Enemies take a -2 penalty to attack rolls while in the aura.
Profane Song (psychic)
Standard Action Close Burst 4
Target: Enemies in burst
Attack:+12 vs. Will
Hit: 2d8 + 7 psychic damage, and the target is dazed (SE)
Miss: Half damage and the target is slowed UtEoYNT
Countermeasures
✦ Religion DC 20 (Minor Action; At-Will): A character can call upon faith to protect them or an adjacent ally (+4 defenses vs Orchestra's attack and immunity to the Townsfolk's Poisonbloom) UtEoNT. Sustain Minor.
✦ Athletics DC 17 (Standard Action; Encounter): A character adjacent to the orchestra can smash the instruments, dealing half its remaining hit points in damage.
✦ The hazard has AC 15, Fortitude 17, Reflex 15, Will 20 hp 140, resist 10 necrotic, and vulnerable 10 radiant. When the hazard is reduced to 0 hit points, it is destroyed.
*
Befouled Stalker (Medium, Aberrant, Humanoid, Minion, Lurker) = HP 1, AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 22, Will 21
*
Befouled Poisonspitter (Medium, Aberrant, Humanoid, Minion, Artillery) = HP 1, AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 20, Will 22
*
Befouled Mauler (Medium, Aberrant, Humanoid, Standard, Brute) = HP 116, AC 21, Fortitude 23, Reflex 20, Will 21
*
Rakshasa (Medium, Immortal, Humanoid, Standard, Controller, Leader) = HP 86, AC 23, Fortitude 21, Reflex 21, Will 21
*
Place your characters in squares K-N/19: K19: C, L19: A, M19: O, N19: V
*
INITIATIVE
Townsfolk BEGINNING OF ROUND (SEE ABOVE)
Valak (V) : r15+11+4 = 30
Carys (C): r13 +9 +4 = 26
Stalker (S) 24
Adalbar (A): r11 + 9 +4 = 22
Osian (O): r7+9+4 = 20
Mauler (M) 18
Rakshasa (R) 17
Profane Orchestra (H) 17
Poisonspitters (P) 11
ROUND 1
VALAK MONSTER KNOWLEGE (NO ACTION)
* Dungeoneering vs Befouled Stalker r1+4 = 5, vs Befouled Poisonspitter r12+4 = 16, vs Befouled Mauler r1+4 = 5.
All fail Medium DC. No new info. Updates here as combat progresses:
Befouled Stalker
Medium aberrant humanoid
Level 9 Minion Lurker XP 100
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +13
AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 22, Will 21 Perception+8
Speed 6
Traits
Orchestra's Veil
While the orchestra is playing, an assassin has concealment against enemies that are 2 or 3 squares away from it and has total concealment against enemies 4 squares or more away from it.
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Shadowkissed Blade (fear, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +12 vs. Reflex
Hit: 7 necrotic damage and -2 penalty to hit UtEoSNT.
Effect: Shift 1 square.
======================
Befouled Mauler
Medium aberrant humanoid
Level 9 Brute XP 400
HP 116; Bloodied 58 Initiative +6
AC 21, Fortitude 23, Reflex 20, Will 21 Perception+5
Speed 5 Vuln 5 radiant
Immune disease, poison Resist 10 necrotic
Traits
Radiant Transformation
The horror's attacks lose their poison keyword UtEoHNT when struck by an attack with the radiant keyword, but their Melee Reach becomes M2 and they gain Threatening Reach.
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Seeping Slam (necrotic, poison) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC
Hit: 3d8 + 8 necrotic and poison damage.
⚔
Digusting Lock (necrotic, poison) ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The horror must not have a creature grabbed.
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC
Hit: 3d8 + 8 necrotic and poison damage, and the horror makes a secondary attack against the target.
Secondary Attack: +12 vs. Fortitude
Hit: The horror grabs the target (escape DC 23 Athletics or 20 Acrobatics). Until the grab ends, the target takes ongoing 10 necrotic and poison damage.
=====================
Befouled Poisonspitter
Medium aberrant humanoid
Level 9 Minion Artillery XP 100
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +9
AC 23, Fortitude 20, Reflex 20, Will 22 Perception+6
Speed 6
(➶)
Poison Bolt (poison) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +14 vs. Ref
Hit: 7 poison damage and the target grants CA UtEoPNT.
Athletics +5
=====================
* Religion vs Rakshasa r16 + 12 = 28.
Succeeds vs High DC.
Rakshasa; The Veil
Medium immortal humanoid
Level 9 Controller (Leader) XP 400
HP 86; Bloodied 43 Initiative +6
AC 23, Fortitude 21, Reflex 21, Will 21 Perception+7
Speed 6 Low-light vision
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Claw ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC
Hit: 2d8 + 8 damage.
(➶)
Befoul (necrotic) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +12 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d8 + 5 necrotic damage.
Effect: The target is slowed until the end of rakshasa's next turn.
Command Cult's Befouled ✦ At-Will
Effect: One allied aberrant that rakshasa can see makes a melee basic attack as a free action.
✻
Visions of Terror (fear, illusion, psychic) ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅
Attack: Ranged 10; +12 vs. Will
Hit: 2d10 + 5 psychic damage, and the target is immobilized (save ends).
Miss: Half damage, and the target is slowed until the end of the rakshasa's next turn.
Minor Actions
Deceptive Veil (illusion, psychic) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Close Burst 5 (one creature); +12 vs Will
Effect: The Rakshasa appears as a friend to the target. UtEotRNT, if the target attacks the Rakshasa, they take 4 psychic damage.
Arcana +13, Athletics +6, Religion +13
VALAK strides forth implacably towards the massive squirming abomination directly in front of him, his blade ringing free with a flash of holy light before it descends in an inevitable arc, smashing into the bloated body and raining pus around. A wave of grace suffuses him with Avandra's blessing of the open road.
Moving now with a faint afterimage, he blurs forward towards the ghostly stalker barely visible in the distance, neatly severing that creature's head from its body.
* Move: 5 sq to P14.
* Standard: Aspect of Might (daily) on M. r
20+15 = 35. Max damage: 24+7 = 32 +5 Vuln radiant + 2d6 radiant BoV (3, 3) = 46 radiant damage to M.
TRIGGERS M's RADIANT TRANSFORMATION TRAIT:
Traits
Radiant Transformation
The horror's attacks lose their poison keyword UtEoHNT when struck by an attack with the radiant keyword, but their Melee Reach becomes M2 and they gain Threatening Reach.
* Minor: Deliverance of Faith (+19 THP), -1 surge
* Free: Action Point for Standard: Charge (at-will) to P8...TRIGGERS OA FROM BEFOULED MAULER. SEEPING SLAM (M2) VS V's AC: r1 + 14 = 15 vs AC 25 = Automiss
Standard Actions
(⚔)
Seeping Slam (necrotic, poison) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC
Hit: 3d8 + 8 necrotic and poison damage.
...and MBA vs S(O7) AC. r7+15+1 (charge) = 23 vs AC 23.
Hit and slain.
LOCATION: O8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 46 radiant damage to M.
S(O7) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 76 + 19 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +5 ath, +2 damage/speed UTEOE,
SURGES: 6/9
Note: he has +2 AC vs OAs.
CARYS takes off running towards the western stalker, seeing some of the townsfolk from Easthill she knows in that direction. While her form is shaky from the dash, her blade strikes true against the skulker and she whirls to shake one of the townsfolk out of their stupor.
* Move: Run to D14 (grants CA and takes -5 penalty to hit UtBoCNT).
* Standard: Shortsword (at-will) vs S(D13). r17+14 -5=26 vs AC23.
Hit and SLAIN.
* Minor: Shake T (C15) free of fugue. 1 Townsfolk toward debuff Befouled Mauler effect.
LOCATION: D14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
S(D13) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 1
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Granting CA, -5 atk UtBoCNT. 1 Townsfolk toward debuff Befouled Mauler effect.
The remaining BEFOULED STALKER disappears from perception in the sonic disorientation of the profane orchestra only to suddenly appear next to Osian with bad intentions. The stalker assaults the boy with just enough violence to render him out of the fight; his master, the Rakshasa, has a vile plan for this boy as the host of The Befouler!
However, a golden nimbus with Avandra's sign deflects the shadowkissed blade at the last moment! Osian's brief gasp of surprise is quickly replaced by the battle cry of a youngling very aware he's in the fight of his young life!
* Move Action: 4 squares to P14 and Stealth (has Total Concealment so can Stealth) vs Osian Passive Perception 19; r(10) +14 = 24. Success.
Traits
Orchestra's Veil
While the orchestra is playing, an assassin has concealment against enemies that are 2 or 3 squares away from it and has total concealment against enemies 4 squares or more away from it.
* Standard Action: Charge to M18 and Shadowkissed Blade (M1) vs O's Ref; r(9) +12 +1 (charge) +2 (CA) = 23. Hit. 7 necrotic damage and O takes -2 penalty to hit UtEoSNT. Decline shift.
TRIGGERS (OSIAN) BLESSINGS UPON AVANDRA'S FAITHFUL (ENCOUNTER - NO ACTION). TRIGGER: OSIAN IS BROUGHT TO 0 HP. EFFECT: OSIAN REGAINS 1 HP.
(⚔)
Shadowkissed Blade (fear, necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +12 vs. Reflex
Hit: 7 necrotic damage and -2 penalty to hit UtEoSNT.
Effect: Shift 1 square.
LOCATION: M18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Orian takes -2 penalty to hit UtEoSNT, exhausted Orian's BUAF.
OSIAN swings wildly at the cultist who would have gravely injured him if not for Avandra's grace - his face a rictus of fear. Perhaps that's enough, for his small blade hits a vital bit of the malformed cultist and that creature buckles.
With the immediate danger felled, he dashes off towards his sister - looking for security, or perhaps to help with the townsfolk once he masters himself again.
* Standard: Shortsword (at-will) vs S(M18). r12+14 -2=24 vs AC23.
Hit and SLAIN
* Move: Run to E16 (Granting CA, -2 to hit UtBoONT)
LOCATION: E16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES:
S(M18) SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 1
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Granting CA, -2 to hit UtBoONT, BUAF exhausted
ADALBAR carefully nocks an arrow, taking aim at the strange creature up by the unnatural orchestra. The shaft rips through the air, felling them and he nods ones before slowly moving forward to stand between the children and the foes above.
* Standard: Forceful Shot (at-will) at P(I11). r10+12-2=20 vs Fort20.
Hit and slain.
* Move: 5 sq to I15
LOCATION: I15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: P(I11) slain
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 85/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: None
SURGES: NA
The BEFOULED MAULER garbled out an incomprehensible pile of malign utterances and rushes the deva priest with an awkward, but powerful, gait. Its rubbery, misshapen arms emit cracks of bones as they envelop Valak in a disgusting bearhug, necrosis oozing and then poison joining the fray as the radiant transformation fades!
* Move: 5 sq to O9
* Standard: Disgusting Lock (temp M2 and temp necrotic only due to Radiant Transformation) vs V's AC: r(12) +14 = 26. Hit. r(4, 3, 7) +8 - 9 (necrotic resist) = 13 necrotic damage. 19 THP - 13 = 6 THP remaining.
TRIGGERS VALAK RESONANT ESCAPE (IMMEDIATE REACTION; AN ENEMY HITS OR MISSES YOU WITH A MELEE ATTACK); TELEPORT 3 SQUARES. VALAK TELEPORTS 3 SQUARES TO P9 ON TOP OF BRIDGE (VALAK WILL BE RED OUTLINE TO SIGNIFY VERTICALITY OVER TOP OF M).
As the twisted creature's grip tightens VALAK mutters a quick prayer of freedom and displaces, reappearing on the bridge overhead, ready to close with his fallen counterpart.
Secondary Attack vs V's Fort: r(8) +12 = 20. Hit. Valak is grabbed by M (escape DC 23 Athletics or 20 Acrobatics). Until the grab ends, V takes ongoing 10 necrotic and poison damage.
⚔
Digusting Lock (necrotic, poison) ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The horror must not have a creature grabbed.
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC
Hit: 3d8 + 8 necrotic and poison damage, and the horror makes a secondary attack against the target.
Secondary Attack: +12 vs. Fortitude
Hit: The horror grabs the target (escape DC 23 Athletics or 20 Acrobatics). Until the grab ends, the target takes ongoing 10 necrotic and poison damage.
* End of turn: loses Radiant Transformation (regains poison keyword to attacks and Reach is M1).
LOCATION: O9, V TO P9 ON TOP OF BRIDGE (RED SQUARE)
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 necrotic damage so 6 THP remaining for V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/116
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The corrupted spirit of the RAKSHASA witnesses the priest's answered prayer, leaving the pair of immortal beings face-to-face for the first time. The feline form instinctively recoils and shifts away, backing into a corner to create distance. When it takes the guise of one of Valak's old companions, long dead, and the deva doesn't flinch, the Rakshasa's clawed finger rises and points. With a sneer, "Very well, the Befouler shall have your soul same as mine, then."
The Mauler throws its head back in attempt to crush Valak in its supernatural grip...but the duty-bound priest defies the aberrant creature, wriggling and head-butting the thing until its grasp flags.
* Move: 2 sq to T12
* Minor: Deceptive Veil (CBu5; one creature) vs V's Will: r(3) +12 = 15. Miss.
* Standard: Befoul (R10; one creature) vs V's Fort: r(6) + 12 =18. Miss. Effect: V is slowed UtEoRNT.
LOCATION: T12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V is slowed UtEoRNT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 86/86
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The PROFANE ORCHESTRA continuously plays their terrible notes which weigh upon the mind of Carys!
* Standard: Profane Song (CBu4; enemies) vs C's Will; r(2) +12 = Miss. No damage to C (minions can't be damaged on a miss) but C is slowed UtEoPONT.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: C is slowed UtEoPONT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 140/140
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/5 Townsfolk
Meanwhile, on the mezzanine, whatever gains they've made in their ritual are lost on the cult's members as they are face-to-face with a divine creature bent on ending their menace. The POISONSPITTERS retreat around their cult leader, creating a protective circle, while spitting globs of poison at the avenging priest!
P (S11)
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs O's Ref: r(7) +14 = 21. Hit. V takes 7 - 6 THP = 1 poison damage and grants CA UtEPNT.
(➶)
Poison Bolt (poison) ✦ At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +14 vs. Ref
Hit: 7 poison damage and the target grants CA UtEoPNT.
P (S9)
* Move: 2 sq to T11.
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs O's Ref: r(14) +14 = 28. Hit. V takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEPNT.
LOCATION: S11, T11
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: Removed V's 6 THP, 8 poison damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V grants CA UtEoPNT.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
M 70/116
R 86/86
START OF ROUND 2: PROFANE ORCHESTRA SLIDES EACH TOWNFOLK 2 SQ TOWARD IT
ROUND 2
VALAK turns on the bridge and dashes for the profane orchestra, fighting the slowing effects of the infernal poison coursing about him. With sweeps of the flat of his sword, he starts smashing everything he can reach raising a discordant noise from the instruments while intoning a constant prayer under his breath.
* Move: 4 sq (slowed but +2 speed UtEoE) to L9.
* Standard: Athletics r12+6 = 18 vs DC17 for encounter countermeasure vs hazard.
* Minor: Religion r5+15=20 vs DC20 for at-will countermeasure vs hazard. +4 defenses vs hazards attacks.
LOCATION: L9
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 70 to hazard.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 76 + 6 THP
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +5 ath, +2 damage/speed UTEOE, Granting CA.
SURGES: 6/9
CARYS continues her headlong run towards other townsfolk, determination set on her face as she starts mouthing a prayer as well. Another innocent is shaken free of the horror of this place and comes to their senses.
* Move: 2 sq to D12.
* Standard: Convert to minor, religion r19+6=25 vs DC20 for at-will countermeasure vs hazard.
* Minor: Shake T (D11) free.
LOCATION: D12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Slowed UtEoPOT, granting CA & -5 atk UBoCNT, +4 def vs hazard, immune to poisonbloom, 2 x Townsfolk toward debuff Befouled Mauler effect.
OSIAN follows his sister's lead, preventing another townsperson from their unwitting sacrifice. Halting prayers to Avandra come to his lips as well.
* Move: Run (grants CA and -5 atk UtBoONT) to 8
* Standard: Convert to minor, religion r15+5 =20 vs DC20 for at-will countermeasure vs hazard.
*Minor: Shake T (D8) free.
LOCATION: C8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: None
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Granting CA and -5 atk UtBoCNT, +4 def vs hazard, immune to poisonbloom, 3 x Townsfolk toward debuff Befouled Mauler effect, BUAF exhausted
ADALBAR sights an arrow down at the person orchestrating all this, maybe he can disorient him for a bit... It sinks home into their leg forcing them to fight for balance.
Over the edge of the kneewall the conductor goes, landing hard in a heap on the stone floor.
* Standard: Forceful Shot (at-will) at R. r20+12-2=30 vs Fort21. 18 damage, slide over hindering terrain (T13).
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW VS HINDERING TERRAIN FOR PRONE IN T12 VS FALLING AND PRONE IN T13; r(7). FAILS. FALLS FOR 1d10 (r3) DAMAGE AND PRONE IN T13.
* Move: 2 sq to J17
LOCATION: J17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 21 to R.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Forced movement off of mezzanine to T13 and prone.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 85/85
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: None
SURGES: NA
With Valak disappearing from view, the confused BEFOULED MAULER acquires a new target. And now, with his master on the ground, the most dangerous one. It lopes to Adalbar and flings its poison-laden limbs at the old ranger who fends off the mauling as best he can with his bow.
* Move: 5 sq to L14.
* Standard: Charge to J16 and MBA Seeping Slam (M1) vs A's AC: r(14) +14 +1 (charge) = 29. Hit. r(4, 2, 8) +8 = 22 necrotic and poison damage to A.
LOCATION: J16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 22 necrotic and poison damage to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/116
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
With little to do about Valak's assailing the Profane Orchestra (has cover and no action denial effects), the immortal RAKSHASA pulls himself to his feet and shouts over the din of the corrupt piece, "There is no escape, old fool!"
Casting his abyss-infused gaze at Adalbar, he instills a vison of abject terror into the Easthill defender.
* Move: Stand from prone.
* Standard: Visions of Terror (R10; fear, illusion, psychic) vs A's Will: r(10) +12 = 22. Hit. r(1, 6) +5 = 12 psychic damage to A, and A is immobilized (save ends).
LOCATION: T13
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 psychic damage to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: A is immobilized (save ends). * Note that A is adjacent to M and any Ranged attack will incur an OA.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 65/86
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Visions of Terror on Recharge.
The PROFANE ORCHESTRA continuously plays their terrible notes which weigh upon the minds of Carys and Valak!
* Standard: Profane Song (CBu4; enemies) vs C's and V's Will; r(7, 11) +12 (+2 CA vs V) = Miss both due to Religion countermeasure defense bonus. r(8, 3) +7 = 18/2 (half damage) = 9 psychic damage to V (no damage to C as minions can't be damaged on a miss) and V and C are both slowed UtEoPONT.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 9 psychic damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V and C are slowed UtEoPONT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/140
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: 0/5 Townsfolk, V is in Abyssal Note aura (-2 penalty to attack rolls while in aura).
Content to maintain optimal distance against the dangerous priest and his radiant blade, the POISONSPITTERS stay right where they are and continue their poisonous barrage!
P (S11)
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs V's Ref: r(2) +14 +2 (CA) = 18. Miss.
P (T11)
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs V's Ref: r(19) +14 +2 (CA) = 35. Hit. V takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEPNT.
LOCATION: S11, T11
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 poison damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V grants CA UtEoPNT.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
M 70/116
R 65/86
PO 70/140
START OF ROUND 3: PROFANE ORCHESTRA SLIDES EACH TOWNFOLK 2 SQ TOWARD IT. ALL 5 REMAINING T'S WILL BE IN THE PROFANE ORCHESTRA SPACE AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT TURN. IF THAT HAPPENS, THEY WILL BE TURNED INTO A SWARM OF DRETCHES. THEY'RE ALL 5 FEET OFF THE GROUND ON THE ROCK FACE EXCEPT FOR THE T IN M7 (WHICH IS AT THE FACE). THIS IS A FORCED MOVEMENT EFFECT SO IT DOES NOT ENGAGE CLIMBING RULES.
As if they were supernaturally marionetted, the Townsfolk are all drawn into the orbit of the Profane Orchestra and its malign song. Their hands claw at the stone cliff and find purchase due to the deranging, strength-imbuing influence of the music. Nearing the top, the poor Townsfolks' forms quiver as demons from the Abyss gain excitement at the nearness of being born into this world.
ROUND 3
VALAK curses under his breath, as he sees the rakshasa go toppling over the side and townsfolk starting to distort into demonic abominations. Taking the quick way down, he scrambles down the face of the rise a few feet before nimbly hopping the rest of the way down to the ground - shaking another one of the mesmerized figures free of their mental assault. Bracing himself against the ongoing psychic and poison onslaught from above, a deep centering breath returns a measure of vitality as he pivots to face where the rakshasa cowers.
* Move: Climb (Athletics r19+6+5=30 vs DC17) down L8, Hop Down to N8 (auto-succeed vs DC15 Acrobatics)
* Standard: Second Wind, +19hp & +2 def UTEONT.
* Minor: Shake adjacent T free of orchestra's influence (4/5).
LOCATION: N8
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 52+19=71
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +5 ath, +2 damage/speed UTEOE, Granting CA, +2 Def UTEONT
SURGES: 5/9
CARYS struggles against the slowing miasma surrounding her, anguish on her face as she sees more folk she knows being twisted into horrible shapes. Giving it up for lost, she yells at her brother "Osian! Ya gotta help em, I canna make it!"
Pivoting away, she fights to get close enough to the old ranger to help him against the monstrosity nigh enveloping his battered form. Knowing it might not do much good, she looses her old bolas at the thing's feet, hoping to give him some space, but the snare fails to find its target!
* Move: Run (Granting CA and -5 to hit UBoONT) to E16.
* Standard: Bolas (encounter, ranged 5) vs M: r9+12 -5 (Run) = 16 vs 20 ref, hit. Miss.
LOCATION: E16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M IMM, escape DC16
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Granting CA.
OSIAN heeds his sister's cry, bracing himself against the unholy noise coming from the rise above he darts forward, leaping up to grab the pant leg of the nearest townsfolk and shakes them free of its influence. With fearful glances over his shoulder at the ongoing demonic music, he scampers away to rejoin his sister, only to hear the cheers of rally of the collected folk of Harkenwold as they fearlessly descend upon the Befouled Mauler!
* Move: 3 sq to G6.
* Minor: Shake T free of orchestra influence (
5/5 FOR M DEBUFF UEOE)
* Standard: Convert to Move, Run (Granting CA and -5 to hit UBoONT) to C14
LOCATION: C14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Granting CA and -5 to hit UBoONT, BUAF exhausted.
TOWNFOLK RALLY AND DESCEND UPON BEFOULED MAULER, causing it to take 3 OG damage, -2 to attack/damage/defenses, and all attacks against it to deal +5 power bonus to damage UtEotE. See Profane Orchestra and Poisonbloom below:
ADALBAR grapples with his precarious situation with all the calm he can muster; a horror in front of him and assailed by terrible visions (memories of the battle for Easthill, but turned askew such that the veterans were routed rather than winning the day) he can't seem to shake. His warrior instincts of days of yore kick in and he brings his bow up to parry the flurry of blows coming his way.
* Starts Turn: Immobilized
* Standard: Second Wind (Monster at Heroic Tier has 1 Healing Surge. Companion Character has access to Second Wind.) for +21 HP and +2 defenses UBoANT.
* End Turn: Saving Throw vs Immobilized; r(4). Fails.
LOCATION: J17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 51+21=72
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 defenses UBoANT, Immobilized (SE).
With the Harkenwold folk pummeling it, the BEFOULED MAULER lets out a gutteral roar as it attempts to batter the cornered hunter of Easthill. Unfortunately for the Rakshasa's mutated agent, the pile on and Adalbar's nifty parries with his bow thwart the onslaught!
* Starts Turn; takes 3 ongoing damage from Townsfolk.
* Standard: Disgusting Lock (M1, necrotic, poison) vs A's AC: r(11) +14 -2 (Townsfolk) = 23. Miss (due to Second Wind defenses).
LOCATION: J16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 67/116
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Townsfolk UEoE.
"Damnable fools! You have but to see the full picture! The Befouler will find its way into an earthen vessel yet!
After cursing the people of Harkenwold, the RAKSHASA wisely circles far away from the dangerous Avenger of Avandra and calls forth a charnel curse upon Valak with an ancient, forgotten tongue. Avandra be praised, though Valak's limbs experience something of a malaise, he is mostly spared the foulness.
* Starts turn: Recharge VoT; r(2) fails.
* Move: 5 sq to R18.
* Standard: Befoul (R10; necrotic) vs V's Fort: r(2) +12 +2 (CA) = 16. Miss. Effect: V is slowed until the end of rakshasa's next turn.
LOCATION: R18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: A is still immobilized (save ends). V is slowed until the end of rakshasa's next turn.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 65/86
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Visions of Terror on Recharge.
Though the Harkenwold folk have defied the PROFANE ORCHESTRA's transformative song, their malign performance afflicts Valak with psychic assault!
* Standard: Profane Song (CBu4; enemies) vs V's Will; r(7) +12 (+2 CA) = 12. Miss (due to Second Wind defense. r(7, 2) +7 = 16/2 (half damage) = 8 psychic damage to V is slowed UtEoPONT.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 8 psychic damage to V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: V is slowed UtEoPONT.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/140
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Townsfolk threat resolved.
Content to maintain optimal distance against the dangerous priest and his radiant blade, the POISONSPITTERS stay atop the mezzanine where their sniping position grants the easy pickings of targets; Adalbar and Valak!
P (S11)
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs A's Ref: r(16) +14 = 33. Hit. A takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEoPNT.
P (T11)
* Move: 1 sq to S12
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs V's Ref: r(14) +14 +2 (CA) = 30. Hit. V takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEPNT.
LOCATION: S11, S12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 poison damage to A and V.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: A and V grant CA UtEoPNT.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
M 67/116
R 65/86
PO 70/140
HARKENWOLD TOWNSFOLK BESET THE BEFOULED MAULER (SEE UNTIL END OF ENCOUNTER DEBUFF ABOVE)
ROUND 4
VALAK struggles against the constant onslaught of psychic malaise leaving him fighting against numb limbs. Stepping forward a little at a time, he makes his way towards the form of the corrupt deva - extending the tip of his sword forward in a promise of vengeance. "Adalbar! We must pin it down!"
* Move: Run to P10.
* Standard: Convert to move, Run to R16
* Minor: Oath of Enmity: R.
LOCATION: R16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: NA
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Oath of Enmity on R.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 56
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +5 ath, +2 damage/speed UTEOE, Granting CA, slowed, -5atk UTSONT.
SURGES: 5/9
CARYS steps gingerly around the scrum of struggling townsfolk and the horrible abomination, delivering a precise blow with her father's sword to its form.
* Move: 6 sq to J15, moving to avoid OA.
* Standard: With Her Father's Sword (encounter): r16 + 14 + 2 = 32 vs AC19. 15+5=20 Damage.
M BLOODIED.
* Minor: NA
LOCATION: J15
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 22 to M.
M BLOODIED.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M is Marked and grants CA.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: NA
OSIAN declines to be left out of the melee, and charges forward with a shout that combines as much fear as it does rage.
* Standard: Charge to I16. r4+14+2+1=21 vs AC19. 8+5=13 damage.
LOCATION: I16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 to M.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: NA
ADALBAR hears Valak's call, and despite knowing the threat he faces, tries to snap off another shot at the rakshasa. He parries the Mauler's flailing attacks as his shot sends the Rakshasa sprawling to the deck to avoid a skewering.
* Standard: Forceful Shot (at-will) at R.
TRIGGERS OA FROM M. SEEPING SLAM VS A'S AC: r(10) +14 -2 (mark) -2 (Townsfolk) +2 (CA) = 22. OA MISSES.
...cont r14+12=26 vs Fort21. 18 damage, Slide R 2 sq, 1 sq Q17 and then 1 sq to hindering terrain (fall) of P16.
TRIGGERS SAVING THROW FOR PRONE IN Q17; r(14) SUCCEEDS. R IS PRONE IN R18.
* End of Turn: Save vs Immobilized r(7); fails.
HP: 65
LOCATION: K18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 18 to R.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: R prone.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Immobilized (SE).
Desptite the combined, distracting effort of the Harkenwold folk and Carys, the BEFOULED MAULER furiously unleashes upon Adalbar. The old Ranger narrowly escapes the worst of the behemoth's effort to draw him into a grizzly hug!
* Starts Turn; takes 3 ongoing damage from Townsfolk.
* Standard: Disgusting Lock (M1, necrotic, poison) vs A's AC: r(13) +14 -2 (mark) -2 (Townsfolk) +2 (CA) = 25. Hit. r(6, 3, 6) +8 -2 (Townfolk) = 21 necrotic and poison damage to A, and the horror makes a secondary attack against the target.
Secondary Attack: +12 vs. Fortitude; r(6) +12 -2 (mark) -2 (Townsfolk) +2 (CA) = 16. Miss.
LOCATION: J16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 21 to A.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 29/116
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Townsfolk UEoE.
There on the precipice, the din of the haunted music blending into the background of violence, the realization sets in that its immortal plans are very much on the brink of disaster. The RAKSHASA shows a hint of panic as it pulls itself to its feet and flings feline claws from the hooded sleeves of its robe the avenging priest's way. A simple, breathed "no" through a horrified grimace accompanies the flail.
* Starts turn: Recharge VoT; r(6) recharges.
* Move: Stand from prone.
* Standard: Claw (M1) vs V's AC: r(1) +12 +2 (CA) = Automiss.
LOCATION: Q17
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 47/86
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
The PROFANE ORCHESTRA's transformative song rendered impotent with no targets!
<NO TARGETS>
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 70/140
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Townsfolk threat resolved.
Content to maintain optimal distance against the dangerous priest and his radiant blade, the POISONSPITTERS stay atop the mezzanine where their sniping position grants the easy pickings of the most dangerous targets; Adalbar and Valak!
P (S11)
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs A's Ref: r(10) +14 +2 (CA) = 26. Hit. A takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEoPNT.
A BLOODIED.
P (T11)
* Move: 1 sq to S12
* Standard: Poison Bolt (R10) vs V's Ref: r(4) +14 +2 (CA) = 20. Hit. V takes 7 poison damage and grants CA UtEPNT.
LOCATION: S11, S12
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 7 poison damage to A and V.
A BLOODIED.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: A and V grant CA UtEoPNT.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na
M 29/116
R 47/86
PO 70/140
HARKENWOLD TOWNSFOLK BESET THE BEFOULED MAULER (SEE UNTIL END OF ENCOUNTER DEBUFF ABOVE)
ROUND 5
VALAK grits his teeth in focused determination, finally his quarry is in reach! He swings out to disrupt the Veil's concentration and make him receptive to purification. For a moment it seems like the swing will miss, but a flash of memory returns to him in the moment of need and his sword connects. With the hit, a tenuous spiritual connection forms between the two: like reflections in a twisted mirror.
Like an adder striking, the Avenger's sword darts out again - spiritual energies being channeled down along with the tether along with the blade's swing. With a mighty shout of: "By Avandra's grace, let thy corruption be purged!"
purifying light bathes the rakshasa.
* Standard: Overwhelming Strike (at-will): r5,r7+15=22 (Trigger Encounter personal skill:
Memory of a Thousand Lifetimes: r3)=25 vs AC 23.
HIT and 14 damage.
* Trigger:
Reveal Past Life, r18+16=34 vs DC17 Insight.
SUCCESS
* Minor: Sohei Flurry (encounter): r9,r15+15=30 vs AC23.
HIT and 13 damage.
* Trigger:
Purify the Soul, r14+12=26 vs DC 25 Religion.
SUCCESS. RAKSHASA'S SOUL PURIFICATION RESOLVED.
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 27 to R.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Oath of Enmity on R.
RAKSHASA'S SOUL PURIFICATION RESOLVED.
CURRENT HIT POINTS: 49
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +5 ath, +2 damage/speed UTEOE, Granting CA.
SURGES: 5/9
CARYS continues hacking away at the squirming flesh in front of her, a shout of outraged denial ringing from her lips as she sees a man who was once a target of her hatred being staggered by the creature's blows.
* Standard: Shortsword (at-will): r14 + 14 + 2 = 30 vs AC19. 8+5=13 Damage
LOCATION: E16
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 to M.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M is Marked and grants CA.
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: NA
OSIAN has a face set in a rictus of fear, but he matches his sister swing for swing as they chop away at the foul limbs in front of them.
* Move: NA
* Minor: NA
* Standard: Shortsword (at-will) r14+14+2=30 vs AC19. Hit and 8+5=13 damage.
LOCATION: C14
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 13 to M.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: NA
ADALBAR reels backwards from the poison and battering he's receiving, but swings out with his axe to try and finish off his assaulter. That seems to be enough, as the bloated collection of limbs and heaving mass finally sloughs down to the floor like a giant balloon deflating around the axes' impact.
* Standard: Handaxe (at-will): r16+14+2=32 vs AC19.
HIT and 20+5 Damage.
M SLAIN.
HP: 37
LOCATION: K18
DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 25 to M.
M SLAIN.
CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: NA
CURRENT DE/BUFFS: IMM r5 to shake at end of turn, fail.
THAT'S A WRAP. THIS ONE IS DECIDED. COMBAT AND ONE SHOT OVER.