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Something Wicked this way Comes...
Times are always hard in Deep Mote. Held snugly in the arms of the high mountains, and delving deep beneath their bulk, the wealth of the earth flows forth from here like water... But you cannot eat gold, or iron, or even mythril.
Trade with the above ground cities has made Deep Mote more than prosperous, bringing trains of grain an cattle, and moutains of gold, in trade for dwarven steel, mythril, and ore... But the narrow mountain passes are difficult to traverse in the best of weather, and when winter comes, trade slows to a trickle, and it falls to the mushroom farms to keep the clans fed.
This is hardly a stumbling point, however. Dwarven heritage all but thrives on such hardships, and you can scarce recall a day when your meals had not been rationed.
News of the Noraten coup is troubling, but hardly surprising... The rife intrigue between clans both 'allied' and 'opposed' hardly ever allows for a dull moment, and with the circle of power in Mythril Keep being as small as it was, it was only a matter of time before one moved to annihilate or assimilate the rest... Were it not for your defeat and exile, you might well have done the same one day...
But treachery... Treachery demands vengeance... Justice for the blood of your fallen clansmen, your shattered halls, and the honor of your ancestors...
The rumor comes from a source of dubious reliability, but makes your blood boil, none the less...
You make your morning patrol along the high wall, the air biting with the first breath of the coming winter, arguing quietly as to what action to take, the hot stone fuming and thirsting for blood, the cold stone the steady voice of reason, when a message runner approaches along the parapet, and hands you a sealed envelope.
"Orders from the Ironjaw." he states, before turning on his heel and departing.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Turning from his brother he thanks the messenger while calmly taking the missive, afterwards turning back to Taalkar "Calm yourself brother, we must find something to substantiate these rumors coming from that treacherous place. For all we know this is a plot from those foul Iron-Whores to lure us into a trap"
Leaning against Sid for a moment, his stalwart if practically mute companion Karazi slowly works the wax seal loose as he takes his time with the note.
"No, I think we need to see if Ironjaw can find out a little more involving this rumor and in the meantime ...well, we've got to take care of business after all" As he gestures at the note in his hand before reading it out loud.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
The missive reads:
"Deployment Orders:
Karazi Strongstone
Taalkar Strongstone
To take command of a Hammar Company, and reinforce the standing guard of Citadel.
Report to me personally once supply arrangements are made.
Ironjaw"
Spoiler
Show
Hammar Companies are standby groups of one hundred soldiers, used as quick response troops and reinforcements. Like watch duties, their members are drawn from neumerous other forces by drawn lots, and change daily when not commissioned.
Also, you are unaware of any trouble brewing in Citadel, though it's a rough town, and the watch always needs more men.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar Strongstone
Finally the bald dwarf scratches his read, some action in this accursed place. Pounding heads together always brightens my day
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
"Ah but it's not all pounding heads, details brother, details are the difference between a work of art and a mere blade!"
Stepping from patrol he indicates to the watch command they need to be relieved.
Heading over to the Quartermaster's office he shows off the Order before asking "Can we get the supplies ready for a Hammar Company by the morn ?
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
Not pounding heads? Doesn't seem like fun to me. He falls in line behind his brother.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
The Quartermaster looks over your orders, then rings a bell three times.
"That's a fair trip. Citadel's about a week's march... You'll be taking D company. I can provision you for a month by the morn, but if'n ye need more'n that, I'll need more time... Or you can get gold from the higher-ups, and buy supplies as you need them."
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Thinking it over for a minute before responding "I believe a month's supplies should be fine, if we end up needing resupply I'm sure that can be taken care of later."
"Now I'd best get a move on, Ironjaw'll be expecting us"Nodding politely at the Quartermaster he sees himself out, heading to Ironjaw.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
You find the Ironjaw at his desk in the command post, busily mulling over a mess of parchments.
"Ah, Karazi, Taalkar, come in." He shoves a sheef of papers aside, making some room on his desk, before sitting back with a deep sigh.
"The book keeping they've got me doin' is going to drive me to an early grave. I can hardly remember the last time I hit somethin', either with an axe, or a pick, Ha!" He laughs heartily for a moment before growing serious.
"Listen, I know yer gnawin' the bit about this Noretan business, and believe me, I am too. But we 'aven't a stone to stand on yet, so I'm sendin' ya out o' town before ye do somethin' rash. Citadel's always got an excess of skulls that need smashin', so ye can burn off some steam. Hells, I'm jealous." He spits, before continuing,
The rider 'at came in said they were gettin' more pilgrim's tryin' to head south o'r the 'Way (which is right weird for this time of year) than they could easily deal with, an needed the extra men. So I know it ain't much, but I need you two to go solve all their problems, cuz they're too pissant to deal with them themselves, an' while yer at it, I'll try and come up with somethin' solid to pin on the Noretans. He leans forwards, pointing a thick finger at the both of you, "An' I swear, by all that's holy, and half o' what isn't, if you shirk this order and gallop off back to Mythril Keep, the Council will have your heads, and there won't be a lick that I can do about it. So get yer rations, and be gone by morning."
He picks up a thick sheef of parchments,
"An' get out o' my hair! Lest I make you fill the bleeding ledgers!" He shouts, dismissing you.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Plopping down on a chair in Ironjaw's office. "Well I'd like to think you know I wouldn't rush into something like that...but this hot-head over here..."
"Anyhow, we'll take care of this matter..but I don't need to tell you how important finding that information is to us, We'll only be put off for so long"
"We'll take care of this though, I spoke with the quartermaster and the supplies aren't an issue, we'll leave in the morning. I presume the Hammar company is ready to move at a moments notice, so we'll pick them up."
"We'll be on our way then" bringing up his fist in a sloppy salute he heads out the door.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
"Aye, I know you woudn't, an' I know 'e would, an' I know you'd follow 'im if'n ye couldn'a talk 'im down from it. So that's why I'm sayin', Ha! But I'll get to the bottom of this rumor, and send word to you as soon as I do, I promise you that.
The next morning, the quarter master has the company's supplies loaded onto a train of wagons and the company is ready to move out.
The trip to Citadel is uneventful, save for the flurries of early autum snows.
Citadel is a sight sight to see... Dark and forbidding, the hulking fortress sits forlornly on the cliffs over the Ancient's Way, it's scarred and stained walls tower over the roadway as you approach, and a dense cloud of smoke hangs over the area.
Bells are ringing out across the city, and for a time, you figure there must be some celebration going on... But something isn't right... The gates are closed, and the walls unmanned but for a single watchman high in a guardtower who dissapears at the sight of your banner...
A few moments later, the gates creak open, and the watchman runs out to meet you, shouting as he goes...
"THANK THE GODS YOU'VE COME!! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!! ARE THE REST OF YOU FAR BEHIND?!!"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Slow to react to the paniced shouting of the lone Gate Guard he comments almost to himself"Hum....Under attack you say. Well that's not good at all, nope...not at all."
Turning and looking behind him at the Hammar Company and wagons for a few moments before replying "Well, that appears to be all of us...no, I don't believe anymore will be coming at all"
Thinking to himself for a moment, glancing over at Taalkar quizzically before commenting after a moment "Well, I guess we ought to see what this attacking fuss is about, don't go charging off too far ahead though...you remember what happened at the Sandy Creek raid that one time"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Tallkar
Now we're talking! Taalkar shouts, rather enthusiastically, to no one in particular.
Get on a move on brother, there's heads to be bashin' He starts to charge forward a minute but remembers he is missing a crucial detail. Turning to the watchman, his impatience clearly evident, Who are we fightin' anyway and where are they? Quickly man quickly!
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Motioning the column forward they through the now opened gate.
"Lets find a place to secure the supplies first before we get into the thick of things, even if it's just right inside the gate."
Turning to one of the wagon drivers "Just pull in and find a somewhat secure spot to stash the wagon, then follow behind"
Once inside he hollers for the watchmen"HEY, get your ass down here and show us to some enemies !"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
The watchman nods, and motions for you to follow him.
"You'd best meet with Captain Bejal. He'll appraise you of the situation." He says, hurrying back towards the gate.
Through the gates, you find the city barren and desolate, save for a four man gate crew, and a few rats.
The bells continue to resound throughout the empty streets, and the watchman urges you and your company to move faster, north down the city's main street.
As you proceed, you encouter others, clad in piecmeal armors and simple weapons joining your progress towards the northern gate... These are not soldiers, but simple people bearing arms.
The further north you travel, the more people you encounter. Soon, more professional troops of soldiers and mercenaries become apparent, as you reach the square before the inner wall of the Northern gate.
Here, you order your company to halt and wait, while you follow the watchman up a winch cage to the top of the wall, and Captian Bejal's command post.
High atop the wall, the captain's tower holds a commanding view of the Ancient's Way, the wall and towers defending it, and the insane cliffs, plummeting down a thousand feet, upon which the fortress sits...
The sky is dark and stormy, and the sharp wind bites through your heavy furs, but that is not what chills you to the bone... The northern hordes have massed... Thousands of them... The beating of their drums and the blasts of their horns are but far off echos for the moment, but with each passing moment, they draw closer... Men, Orks, Trolls, Giants, and who knows what else, the barbaric forces of the Northern Reaches are marching on Citadel... And you only brought a hundred men...
After a moment, the Captain waives you over. He's tall and thick, even for a human, with long, salt and pepper hair, and a rough beard.
"Curse the gods, I was afraid my riders weren't making it through. Thanks for coming, none the less... I take it you haven't heard the news then, eh?"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
Taalkar stands near the edge of the wall, looking out over the horde that was assembled. I don't know about any riders, Taalkar scratches his head thoughtfully, But if I had gotten an invite to this party, turning to the captain and pointing a thumb over his shoulder towards the horde, I woulda been here sooner. A sudden grin spreads across his face.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Looking out at the horde massed against them for a moment before eventually replying to the captain "No, I belive we might have brought just a few more lads if we'd known the party would be this big."
"Commander Ironjaw didn't seem to think there was much going on, you should maybe include the word "Horde" when asking for more troops next time" he starts chuckling to himself.
"So what's the plan then Captain Bejal, we're not much but we're what you've got"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
"Aye, when I first wrote to Deep Mote, there wasn't much going on. Most of the traffic we get across the 'Way is trade, with a smattering of tribal pilgrims on the road to Beluvah... Beats me why they can't serve their gods from their own lands, but there you have it. With winter comin' on, the flow usually dies down almost completely. About two weeks ago, we started getting a rise in the tribals gathering across the 'Way. Not the usual sort either, more aggrivated and violent... Had a minor riot about a week ago. That's when I sent for more men to help keep the peace...
It was hardly a day later when the incoming trickle became a flood. We had to pull back from the Northern Landing, and I've been calling for reinforcements every day since... Quite a few tribals were through before I closed the gates though, and if they knew this attack was coming, I expect they've been picking off my messengers, as I've had no word from any since they left... And that's not the worst news...
... We know why their attacking...
... They knew before we did, but I didn't believe the stories untill I got word myself..."
He chews his lip for a moment, fingering a charm at his neck... A steel wrought coiled dragon... Bahumat.
"... Beluvah has fallen... They say a great wyrm erupted from the earth, laid waste to the city, and killed the high priestess. They say a great swarm of demons flooded out in its wake, completed the destruction it began, and now occupy the city..."
He looks over the battlement at the approaching horde,
"They intend to liberate the Holy City..."
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Nodding to himself at the current state of affairs as the Captain fills them in."Very troubling situation indeed...A great wyrm and demons to boot. But the closest crack must always be filled first as my Father used to say. So we shall just have to hold the 'Way as long as possible.
The message for our presence arrived sometime ago I gather, so I'd hope It's still possible a rider got through with information regarding this invasion after all."
Looking at the Company of Dwarves assembled before turning back to the Captain "Just find us a nice section of wall to defend and you'll see why the vaunted armies of the Great Gate themselves couldn't breech a defense manned by Dwarves"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Tallkar
Taalkar didn't feel the cold air as he looked out over the Ancients Way and the army camped in the distance. The heat of impending battle surged through his veins like molten gold warming from fingers to toes. A piece of the conversation behind him caught his attention, though.
Just find us a nice section of wall to defend
Like molten steel plunged into an icy stream, his euphoria ended.
Brother, he turned in a moment of almost panic. I'm hoping you didn't mean that we sit and wait. There's a lot of them, he points his thumb over his shoulder, and a few hundred of us, he stabs a finger from his other hand into the table.
These stones feel as solid as if I fit them myself but have you seen all the heads out there, again he gestures over the wall, I'm no good with numbers, but I bet its a lot.
He rubs his bare chin for a moment seemingly deep in thought. He knew that his brother wouldn't always listen unless he at least appeared to think it through.
Back home if we found a nice den of nasty critters we would send a few in to kick the nest and then lead them back to be slaughtered. Maybe we could do that here? They certainly don't seem organized or disciplined enough to resist it.
He was surprised it sounded so good when he said it. He had made up almost all of it, just hoping not to get stuck behind a wall to wait.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Nodding lightly, he continues to listen to Taalkar's "plan". Just like it always goes, who does he think he's fooling with this, I swear if I didn't keep an eye on him he'd pick a fight with a vegetable vendor for not selling gemstones
"Brother, Calm down...I'm sure we wont just be sitting and waiting around and you wouldn't be helping much to rile that horde up either. Maybe you should go look again, they're plenty annoyed and don't need a pissed off dwarf making it worse"
Barking out a work in Terran only to have Sid slide up from the stonework under him and put one of his giant stone arms over Taalkar's shoulder. "Now then why don't we just see what the good captain has planned for us...I'm certain we'll see action here soon enough. Until then, Sid'll just have to keep tabs on you."
Musing to himself a moment "Who knows, maybe the Captain will like your clearly half-baked plan...but we wont be rushing off without orders"
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Captain Bejal smirks as the brothers go back and forth.
"Heh, you two'll do just fine here." He says, looking out over the wall.
"I'm not gonna send a troop out to kick the nest, I'm afraid, as it's suicide. It's not a bad plan, but it's suicide. I've seen these tribals' pull a number of tricks that would end such a maneuver in short and bloody order. What I do need, is a heavy troop to hold the gate, incase they manage to break it. There won't be a whole lot of action there, untill it becomes a real pile of dung, but most my men are skirmishers, and won't do well holding a line. So that's where I'll be putting your company.
As for the two of you, since you'll be wanting some action, I could use extra men atop the wall to repel climbers. To that end, you'll need to stay mobile, and go where the action is thickest. If we lose the top of the wall, our boys in the courtyard will have more to deal with than they can handle. I'd recommend putting yourselves in Point Tower to start, as it'll be the one to get hit the hardest."
The Map:
Spoiler
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This is an overview map of the main wall against the Ancient's Way. When we get into actual combat, it'll be more focused.
http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/...lNorthGate.png
Some Stats:
The Wall is 60ft tall, and 30 ft thick. Built of heavy stone blocks of such quality that you know dwarves must have had a hand in its creation.
Each of the towers is slightly taller (65ft), and boasts a pair of catapults and ballistas with crews to man them. The walls between are manned by archers, skirmishers, and ballista crews, ready to rain death upon the coming horde, and fight off climbers as nessicary.
The gate is heavy oak, bound and studded in iron. 30ft wide, 12ft tall, and over a foot thick. The passage beneath the wall is likewise 30ft wide, and 12ft tall, and 30ft long.
A number of troops man the courtyard, including your own Hammar Company.
Your men are all 3rd lv fighters, clad in dwarven Stone Plate, Large Shields, and weilding Dwarven Urgoshes, with axes and hammars at their belts for closer combat or ranged volleys.
In addition to your fighters, you have 3 mages (2 wizards and a sorcerer), all of whom are lv3. All possess the 'Still Spell' Feat, and are likewise clad in Heavy Stone Plate armor.
Behind the courtyard stands the Inner Curtain Wall. This wall is taller, but not as strong as the outer wall, built for it's commanding view rather than it's strength. Two bridges connect it to the outer wall, to allow for easy reinforcement from one to the other. A number of catapults are placed along it's length, aimed at the area before the gate, but little else possesses the range to be of use.
The Command Tower stands tallest of all surveying all action beneath it. It is here that Captain Bejal sits.
The Inner Gate is larger and flimsier than the outer gate, and stands open incase of need for retreat. It is still well built, and may hold against direct assault for a while.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Turning to look at the Hammar company before bellowing "Okay you lot, head for the gate and await orders. Sergeant Leadaxe is in charge if we ain't there"
Grinning he draws his ancient looking axe before responding to the Captain "Aye, I think we'll have a lovely time up on this wall of yours. Ain't none of them bastards'll get past us !"
Even Sid who had just been idly standing behind him looks ready to fight something at this point
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
What my brother 'ere is sayin' is you lot get to that wall and star bashin' in some heads. We're goin' up there to bash heads in. Don't let us two get more than you.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Thunder rumbles overhead as you take your places atop Point Tower. Beside you the catapult and ballista crews make ready their destructive devices, while along the walls, archers string their bows and footmen ready swords and spears. Many are of professional mercenary stock, just as many are clearly volunteered or drafted commoners lifting sheild and spear for the first time...
Far off, the horde covers the Ancient's Way like a moss. Creeping inexorably forward like lichen over the stone... As they approach, dim, massive shapes become apparent, standing high over the horde like bare trees in a wasteland.
One of the catapult crewmen, a young, sharp-eyed lad, peers out over the battlement...
"... They've got... Siege towers!?" He looks about at the rest bewilderedly, "It's only been two days since we lost North Shore! How could they have built siege towers?!"
And indeed, as the miles are swollowed up beneath the feet of the horde, the great structures become clear, pulled by straining teams of trolls and giants. And for every tower, there are perhaps fifty long ladders, carried on the shoulders of orks and painted men alike...
The wall on which you stand is tall and strong, but if more than one, or even just one, of those towers drops it's bridge over the battlements, you are going to be in a heap of trouble...
... And you have no cannons...
"Hold!!" A sub-commander shouts down the wall...
The beating of the tribal drums grows into cacophony, as the impossible mass approaches... There are just so many of them...
"Hold!!!"
Below, you catch sight of a giant pulling a great cart filled with massive stones...
"HOLD!!!"
In a sudden burst of chaos the horde charges, swarming forward in countless numbers, their mad battle cries fill the air in a defening howl...
"FIRE!!!"
As one, the archers loose their arrows, balliste release their bolts, and catapults throw their stones... The barbarians die by the hundreds, crashing to the earth like waves upon the shore, their warcries now mingled with the screams of the suffering and the dying... The catapult's great stones wreak devestation upon the multitude, and three of the great siege towers topple to the ground...
... But they are undeterred. One great giant catches a flung stone out of the air and hurls it back, smashing just beneath the battlement into your tower, and rocking the stone beneath your feet, as the horde floods forward over their fallen, and the first of the ladders reach the walls...
Spoiler
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If either of you have any big tricks you'd like to open with before close combat begins, now would be the time to use them.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Grimly looking over the mass of enemies approaching he takes a moment to pull a helmet out of his pack, tightening the straps and locking the carved stone faceplate into place.
At a glance he might appear to be a statue if not for the occasional gap in the armors coverage.
Opening his pack he nudges Taalkar "Now's a good time for some Bottled Fun, but just the once ! I'm not having you burn me again trying to hit some thrice damned squirrel because you think it's FUNNY"
After Taalkar retrieves the bottles he quickly tries to cast a few spells while there's time...perhaps he can make a bit of difference. While the Towers are still out there aways he 'aims' his shield and incants some short rough words in dwarven to activate the wand encased in it.
Aiming at the base of the towers hoping to entangle it enough that those pulling might tip it...at the very least slow it down.
As they close even closer he switches tactics, communing with the stone for a moment before gesturing at a tower, generating a sphere of rolling fire inside of it. Controlling it with his gestures he tries burning as much as possible before it winks out of existence.
As the ladders approach he takes a look at Sid standing next to him, nodding lightly he again reaches for his connection with the earth causing a sprout of crystals to grow under his armor, covering the few gaps and protecting him even more. Even as he gets coated Sid starts growing extra crystal plating as well.
Still as a statue he rests for the last moments until this fierce battle gets underway.
Spoiler
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Mechanically that's a couple 2 entangles from a wand on 2 siege towers. (if it does more than slow them, he'd do more)
A CL5 flame Sphere DC 15, casting that inside one of the towers and just moving up and down to catch it thoroughly on fire. If another tower is close enough maybe it jumps over (if the first is obviously torched).
And finally the "crystalline" armor is refluffed Barkskin. I just couldn't see my guy wearing stone armor, turning his skin wooden :/
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
Waiting was never a strength. Taalkar anxiously paces back and forth near where he believes a siege engine would attack, occasionally shouting obscenities at their slow approach. What kind of battle was this, waiting for an enemy that took its sweet time.
I should already be ten heads into this battle he mutters under his breath.
He stops and glances at his brother, noticing him casting spells and plotting. Useless nonsense he mutters and resumes pacing.
He stops in his tracks, studying the speed of the siege engines approach. A slow smile creeps across his face, an eager tint in his eyes. He moves to a wall on the opposite side and lines up with the closest approaching engine.
Brother, it's gully jumpin' time
Spoiler
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Basically, when a tower gets within 15 feet I am making a running jump to land on top of it. It will be a DC 15 jump to clear 15 feet and I can tumble if I have to jump down more than 10 feet.
Jump Check DC15 [roll0]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Hearing his brother's comment about jumping a gully he pauses a moment before turning towards him...only to see him already running off towards the combat !
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR CORRODED MIND ?!" he shouts as Taalkar manages to surprise the hell out of him yet again.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi's spells set one tower alight, and buy precious seconds off another, as the tide of barbarians floods up the ladders, many being staved off and falling to their deaths below, only to be replaced by still more cresting the parapets.
A hail of arrows arcs over the wall, finding homes in the flesh of attackers and defenders alike, and clattering off your stone mail, as the attacking archers return fire...
With a mad gleam in his eye, Taalkar takes three quick steps and launches himself from the battlement, sailing like a stone over the roaring masses below, and smashing into the side of the approaching siege tower, burying his longaxe deep into the wood, and scrambling up over the edge to the shocked faces of the four orks manning the roof...
With cries of rage, the four drop their bows for crude, jagged axes and blades, and charge the lone dwarf.
Spoiler
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I'm afraid I'm trapped away from my computer today, so the map is hand-drawn. Hopefully you'll find it sufficiently legible.
The Map:
As you can see there is a fair bit going on. As such, I'm not going to bother with Initatives. Simply take your actions, and I'll adjust the scene.
Your characters are noted by their first initial. 'T' for Taalkar, atop the eastern siege tower, and 'K' For Karazi, atop Point Tower.
Along the wall, the fighting is fairly pitched, with the guards killing more than they are losing, for now.
Each round, however another barbarian shall crest the wall from each ladder.
If a siege tower reaches the wall and drops its bridge, it will unload 20 troops in its initial round, and an additional 5 troops each round there after untill it is brought down, or conquered.
You've got 3 rounds before Taalkar's tower reaches the wall, and 10 rounds before the other tower reaches the wall.
Please take your actions.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Spoiler
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Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Tallkar
He pulls himself over the edge and grins at the stunned orcs on the siege tower.
I bet ye dint see that one comin' he nearly cackles in glee. He siezes up his combatants an almost dissapointed look on his face. He yells over his shoulder, Why dint you tell me there was only four up here!
He brandishes the long handled hammer at the end and with a twist, swings the blade at the closest ork. Using that momentum he expertly twists the axe handle to attack the next one.
Spoiler
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I am using the Steel Wind maneuver which allows me to attack two enemies. I am also using Power Attack +3 so my weapon now has reach until the next turn. I want to attack B2 and B1 (if in range else B3) I am assuming from the description they are orcs.
Attack 1
ToHit(-3 PA +1 Racial vs. Orcs:[roll0]
Damage: (+3 PA) [roll1]
Attack 2
ToHit(-3 PA +1 Racial vs. Orcs:[roll2]
Damage: (+3 PA) [roll3]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Shaking his head at Taalkar's insane leap for a moment, realizing there isn't much he can do to help him.
Quickly he focuses on his hand, flames quickly start dancing around in a mesmerizing pattern. Gesturing lightly a segment of the flames flash towards a nearby ladder attempting to catch it on fire.
Afterwards a quick gravelly comment in Terran keeps Sid from rushing off into the midst of battle..
Spoiler
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So many tactical options...and I just go for a weak lil flame attack.
Playing it safe though :P alot of Orcs to survive after all.
Produce Flame on the close ladder to the right
Ranged Touch Atk[roll0]
Damage [roll1]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Kackling like a madman Taalkar caves the skull of the first ork, and slashes open the throat of a second, while the other two close in on him slashing maddly with crude, heavy axes...
Spoiler
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Ork3 attacks Taalkar:
[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
Ork4 attacks Taalkar:
[roll2]
Damage:[roll3]
... Flames leap from Karazi's hands, setting one ladder alight. The weakened wood cracks under the weight of its climbers, and it tumbles to earth, sixty feet below, with all hands...
Only to be soon replaced by another, and then another...
Suddenly, thunder rumbles overhead... A blinding light, and a deafening crack...
... Back on the wall towards the gate, two soldiers drop dead, as more three more ladders arrise, and the siege towers inch ever closer...
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I'm afraid I don't have an updated map for you yet, but you get the picture.
Take your actions, and I'll have a new map up tomorrow. If you need anything clarified, feel free to ask.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Quickly moving over to the other side of the Point Tower he takes stock of the situation for a moment before unleashing another blast of flame from his hand at a nearby Orc.
A short guttural word sends Sid in to another nearby, his great stony mass quickly rushing across the ground to close with a target.
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Attacking those nearby Orcs on the west side of Point, not sure Sid can actually reach anyone just yet. Trying to keep him within 30ft anyhow so he doesn't lose barkskin.
Produce Flames vs Orc
Ranged Touch Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
On the offchance Sid is in range of something due to the Barbs spreading out, I'll add in a combat set for him.
Attack (Slam)[roll2]
Damage [roll3]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
For Taalkar:
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Ooh, critical confirmation for ork4:
[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
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Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Taalkar grits his teeth as the heavy axe smashes into his arm, shattering some of the stone rings of his armor and nearly wrenching his own axe from his grip. He looks up from his arm at the orc There'll be none of that on my tower!
He glances past the orc at the nearby edge of the tower platform, a gleeful twinkle enters his eye as he looks back at the orc. You may have hurt my arm, but my shoulder is just fine. He suddenly springs at the orc, pushing him with powerful legs towards the edge of the platform.
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Bull rush attack an orc, towards (and hoefuly over) the edge of the platform. It's fine if I have to take an AOO from the other orc (I will avoid it if I can, though) In fact there is a 25% chance that he hits the orc instead!:smallbiggrin:
Bull Rush (IMP Bull Rush means Defender gets no AOO)
Opposed STR check (+4 STR, +2 Stonefoot Stance) [roll0]
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Ork3's Bullrush resist:[roll0]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Moving to the western side of the tower Sid charges before Karazi, grabbing up two of the barbarians and smashing their skulls togather as he aims his spell...
Suddenly the men of the artillery crews behind him shout and scream... A boulder, nearly as large as a wagon hurtles in a yawning arc over the wall, smashing into the top of the tower with devestating force, crushing two of the artillery pieces, before tumbling back of over the lined soldiers as they scramble to escape, and over the far edge, to fall amidst a militia company in the courtyard, decimating their number...
... The shower of gravel and the screams cause Karazi to miss judge his target, missing one barbarian, only to set another behind him alight.
Atop the approaching siege tower, Taalkar smashes into the charging ork, sending him tumbling over the edge to his doom, as the remaining beast smashes at his backplate...
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Ork4 AoO attack Taalkar: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Normal Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll=]1d8+5[/roll
Another flash, and a deafening crack of thunder, and 6 more men fall, under the blast of lighting... Trying to clear his head of the noise, Karazi spies one of the Barbarians, a man in a deer-skull mask, gesturing wildly with a stick...
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You have one more round before Taalkar's tower reaches the wall and drops its bridge.
The giant's tough hides are proving to be mostly impervious to the archer's arrows. Something more direct shall be required to deal with them. (They are serving as the hordes catapults.)
For Karazi, I labeled Sid with an 'F', for Familiar, since 'S' was already taken.
The Map:
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
As the tower shakes momentarily from the boulder smashing into the top of it, he yells a quick order to Sid who quickly smashes at the nearby enemies before following.
Weaving back over to the other side of the tower he takes cover alongside the huge boulder dropped there a minute ago. Taking stock of the situation Taalkar is in he activates a small stone charm tucked into his belt.
Stomping with his foot a second later a small shockwave of dust flies along the ground until swirling into a little dust devil, moment later a shrieking hawk comes flashing out into the sky, diving right at the last Orc on Taalkar's tower.
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First up is Sid attacking the Barbs. Then he follows Karazi, possibly taking some AOO's Sid's at 20 AC at the moment btw, from barkskin.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Moving to the right side of that boulder that dropped, using the Chronocharm of the Archmage to allow a stand action cast of spontanous Nature's Ally 3 to Summon a Giant Eagle.
Finally, the Eagle does a fly-by attack on the backside of last Orc by Taalkar
before starting to circle around.
Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Diving low over the tower, the Eagle's razor talons snap closed, latching onto the scruff of the Ork's neck, and carry him high off the tower to drop him again from the lethal hight.
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Eagle's Grapple: [roll0]
Ork's resistance: [roll1]
[/roll]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
Peering over the edge of the siege tower, Taalkar watches the orc he pushed over the edge fall to the ground. Hit something he mutters at the wildly flailing orc. The orcs arms and legs stop moving rather abruptly as he smashes against the rocky ground. Meanwhile, unseen by Taalkar a dark shape flashes out of the sky and takes the remaining orc with it.
Damn orc couldn't even fall right he curses turning towards the now empty platform. Taalkar glances around in confusion. Guess I scared em off he shrugs his shoulders and moves towards the opposite end of the tower. Taking a moment to assess the situation he begins hacking at the ropes attached to the towers drawbridge.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
A few good blows from Taalkar's axe severs the thick ropes, and the siege tower's bridge flops open prematurely...
Within, a hulking shape crouches, before leaping across the gap with a heavy, awkward gait...
Greenish gray, mossy skin, with three bulbous heads, and long apish arms, it lands heavily, smashing a ballista to splinters, and catching up a screaming soldier and biting his head off, before hurling the decapitated body into a group starting to rally before it...
Behind you to the west, the second tower inches closer to the wall. Suddenly a horrid shriek wells up from below, as a well appointed cauldron of boiling oil ends one of the giants pulling it, and some twenty others crowded about their feet...
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Troll's Jump check,DC 12: [roll0]
The Map:
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Taalkar
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HP: 34/45
Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Setting the axe down and letting the long handle rest on one one shoulder, Taalkar admires his handiwork, but only for a moment as the troll leaps on the battlement.
Trolls he sighs deeply Why did it have to be trolls? he grips the handle of his axe tightly. He sets his feet, every muscle in his body tensing like a coiled spring. He then springs forward with a mighty yell and swings the long handled axe at the troll.
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Using Claw At the Moon maneuver to attack the troll. Requires a jump check with a DC of the targets AC and a melee attack. (I will be using the same check to clear the gap, which looks like a 5' gap so DC 10) If it hits and the jump check succeeds than it does +2d6 damage and gets a +4 to crit confirms for the attack, otherwise melee attack is as normal.
Jump Check (DC10 to clear 5' gap, DC of Trolls AC for +2d6 damage): [roll0]
ToHit: [roll1]
Damage: Melee [roll2]
Maneuver [roll3]
Also, I have an AC 25 vs giants (+2 for stance, +4 for Dwarf-ness)
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Flinching back a little from the massive troll's appearance on the wall, he quickly regains composure and starts barking out orders. Sid charges at the troll moments after he sees Taalkar jump at him.
Directing the Eagle to start plucking off folks from the other siege tower while he takes a few steps over to a couple nearby archers. Digging a few flasks of alchemist fire out he hands them over "Try to catch that tower on fire before it gets here !"
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Sid's Attack(Charge) [roll0]
Sid's Damage [roll1]
Eagles Attack (Flyby Grapple) [roll2]
Grapple [roll3]
Karazi himself is handing out 4 alch fires to the nearby archers/crew to try and burn that damned tower. Running out of ideas >_<
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Sid charges forward a little too hastily. As the troll swings around its overlong arm, it backhands the elemental with such force that he goes tumbling over the battlement to fall like a ton of bricks to the earth below...
In the next moment, Taalkar is there. Leaping back in a flying arc, and smashing into the troll's back, his longaxe burying itself deep in its shoulder...
There's a flurry of feathers and shafts, as a series of arrows smash into the troll as the nearby archers turn on it, bothering the beast for a moment before Taalkar wrenches his axe free, and with a hideous growl, the troll turns directly towards him... The grevious wound he dealt already beginning to knit itself closed...
Atop the other tower, the eagle dives and snaps its talons at the skull helmed barbarian, raking his arm, but failing to get ahold of him as he squirms away. A moment later, there is a blinding flash and a deafening crack of thunder, and as your vision clears, you can see the avian plummeting listless from the sky...
Karazi's flasks of Alchemist's Fire are well spent, however, as flames burst in several places around the tower and lick up its hights...
Far below, Sid's great weight crushes three barbarians to jelly before he disappears into the stone of the ground.
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Wow Dice, some rough rolls.
The eagle takes damage (electrical):[roll0]
The Troll regenerates 5 damage. (Fire or Acid attacks will not regenerate.)
For Karazi:
Sid uses Earth Glide as he impacts the ground, and so takes no damage. It will take him all of next round to return to the top of the wall, unless you give him orders to do something else.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Heart stopping for a moment as Sid plunges over the edge, moments later Relaxing somewhat as he gets the imagery of him squishing some barbarians and heading back up.
The giant eagle plummets for a few seconds before recovering and circling back around to try once more.
Seeing Taalkar's massive cleave into the troll leaves him grinning wildly though, eager to get into it himself he throws another stream of fire right at him.
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Sid heads back, I'm guessing that fall took him out of range so his Barkskin wore off :(
10's pretty shy of killing the eagle, so he'll return to trying to take out the guys on that tower. he's on round 3/5 now.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Grapple [roll2]
Produce flames had slightly less than 3m remaining. using another minute of it.
Ranged Touch Attack [roll3]
Damage [roll4]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
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HP: 34/45
Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Taalkar
Taalkar falls to the ground as he pulls his axe free, rolling back to his feet in a defensive posture. His watches the putrid skin of the troll begin to knit back together.
Finally he says with an exuberant smile something I can hit more than once.
He falls back on one foot and neatly pivots, swinging the axe in a sweeping circle. He yanks the back half of the haft with two hands into an overhead chop. The long wooden haft quivers with momentum as the blade slices through the air at the troll.
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5' step away from the troll. Attacking with Mountain Hammer manuever (+2d6 damage and ignores DR) and Power attack 3 (weapon now has reach).
ToHit:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
Manuever:[roll2]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
The troll bellows at Taalkar, slashing it's massive claws at him again and again...
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Troll Full Attack:
Vs. Taalkar:
1st Claw
[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
2nd Claw
[roll2]
Damage:[roll3]
If both attacks hit, then Rend damage: [roll4]
... But Taalkar manages to stay just mere inches ahead of the beast as its titanic blows crack the stone battlements rather than his bones. His frantic efforts to avoid the beast, however, put him between Karazi and the Troll just as the flames leap from his brother's fingers, searing over his armor, and nearly cooking him inside it.
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Taalkar, due to Karazi's botch, take the fire damage from his spell...
... Also, your beard catches fire, and will deal you an additional 1d2 fire damage each round untill you put it out(or cut it off), starting next round.
Edit/: Ack, I forgot you're the beardless wonder... Its a shame. I've never gotten to burn the beard off a dwarf, and I guess I won't get to today either :-P
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Grimacing at scorching the hell out of Taalkar he just shrugs a bit afterwards with a quick "Oops..you really gotta watch for that fire!". As he snaps off another burns of flame at the troll, hoping for the best.
Sid finally reappears, flowing up from the stone battlement right into another charge at the troll. all the more determined to squish him this time. In the distance the eagle circles around for yet another run at the tower.
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Sid 22/30hp 18 AC now (lost barkskin), Charging the Troll once again.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Eagle round 4/5 still harrassing tower.
Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]
Grapple [roll4]
Karazi's Produce flame
Ranged Touch [roll5]
Damage [roll6]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
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HP: 34/45
Readied Maneuvers:
Steel Wind,
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Claw at the Moon
,
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Mountain Hammer
, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Taalkar
Taalkar nimbly dances around the trolls savage blows. The grace of his movements are iin sharp contrast to his low squat form and heavy headed axe. One heavy, putrid limb crashes into the stone floor directly in Taalkar's path. Undeterred by such an obstacle, the dwarf lays the broad head of the axe on the ground and uses the long handle to vault into the air. He twists into a head first tumble pulling the axe in a spinning arc over his head. He quickly pulls his body out of the airborne roll, landing firmly on two feet. The axe however, continues its momentum which is expertly turned into a powerful, if a bit showy, overhead two hand attack.
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This is actually a straight attack with a bit of panash. I need the flourishy bit to regain my maneuvers.
ToHit:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
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[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
The troll lashes madly as Taalkar dances about it, one great arm slamming into the earth just as the dwarf brings down his axe in such a forceful blow that it severs the limb clean off the creature...
The beast roars in agony, even as Karazi's flames seer up its body and cauterize the wound... But in his moment of victory Taalkar eases too soon, as the troll shakes himself, catching up its fallen limb, and smashing in into the dwarf's chest with such force that it sends him flying back, crashing into the parapets of Point Tower, and collapsing in a heap... A moment later, Sid erupts from the stone battlement. Flying upwards his earthen fist connects under the troll's jaw in a crushing upper cut that sends the beast sprawling over the battlement and back to earth, crushing one ladder and all those on or beneath it...
Within the tower, Barbarians are beginning to reach the wall, leaping over the gap to join in the fray... Many fail to make the jump, and fall to their deaths below, but just as many succeed and pile onto the defenders, as more and more stream up the ladders...
The wall's defenders are beginning to stuggle to stem the tide...
Atop the approaching siege tower, Karazi's great eagle swoops and dives, sending one barbarian falling to his death, and catching up the skull-masked man... Suddenly, though, vines and roots erupt from the man's person, twisting about and binding the man to the bird as the pair hurtles through the air over the teaming masses far below...
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I sort of screwed up my roll postings here, so that's why there's the extra post.
(Troll gets 3 attacks with a full attack, but I only rolled two above.)
His Limb was lost from the botched roll above, this is his final attack, to hit Taalkar with the severed member...
Attack:
[roll0]
Damage:
[roll1]
Druid casts Plant Growth, and [Rapid] Entangle.
Edit/: Gack! Karazi, you've far too many minions! I keep forgetting to include them. Edited above.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Seeing how rough his brother is looking he pulls out a wand from his sack before quickly snaping a spell off at Taalkar. Meanwhile Sid attempts to keep the oncoming barbarians off of him in the meantime.
Struggling with this horned barbarian the eagle tries to wriggle the plant-man free only to realize the futility and just starts to fly as high and far as he can manage with this dead weight clinging to him.
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Wand of lesser Vigor on Taalkar, give him a little juice.
Sid'll attack whatever looks nearby and dangerous to Karazi.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
And I'm a little unsure on how this is functioning, you make it sound like the eagle is still flying though...entangled the way he is I'd have thought he'd be dropping like a rock. So I'll just have him fly the guy up and away, This is his last round and he's unsummoned...hopefully that horny bastard'll drop to his death :P But I'm guessing he wont be..heh
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The troll out of the picture, things are looking up for the defenders. The broken bridge has severely slowed the progress of attackers coming over the wall from the Eastern Siege Tower, and the fires on the Western Siege Tower are getting sufficiently out of hand that the barbarians are begining to abandon it, and as the spiritual energy of the eagle disipates, the horned man is cast to his doom amidst the swarming masses below.
Even as the fighting leans against the defenders upon the wall, reinforcements are approaching from East Tower, and across the East bridge, and things should be well in hand soon...
... Another volley of boulders sails overhead from the catapults upon the inner curtain, and as Karazi surveys the situation, he catches sight of a large group of giants charging towards the Gate, an crude ram of immense stature slung between them...
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
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HP: 22/45 (Vigor Healed 1, 14 rounds remaining)
Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Taalkar picks himself up and gets to his feet with what he hopes is a only a slight wobble. Warmth begins to fill his aching joints as his brother casts a spell. He picks up his axe and looks around to assess the situation.
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If I read the narrative correctly, barbarians should be jumping into range from the siege tower. If they are I will strike at them, else I will head into combat.
ToHit (If I can attack something): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
If there are two in range I will use Steel Wind to hit a second
ToHit: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Sorry for ambiguity, I am still trying to sort out the battle here.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Watching the troll sail off the side of the battlement with a slight grin on his face and seeing the troops start to rally he finally starts to relax just a tad.
The giants weilding that massive battering ram however put a stop to that right quick, as the unease builds he shouts over to Taalkar just wildly chopping at everything that moves it seems.
"Time to join our troops brother..they'll be through that gate in notime with a ram that size !" Looking over at Sid he hollars again over the din of battle seeing a lack of reaction by Taalkar "Just grab his crazy ass, we gotta move !"
Heading down to the gate quickly he just hopes they don't get there too late.
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Taalkar de-legs one attacker and plants his axe in the chest of another, before Sit catches him up by the scruff of the neck and stuffs him into the winch basket.
The ride down to earth takes only a few moments, but with the situation so dire, each wasted second feels like an eternity.
Finally reaching the ground, you race back to the gate. Your company stands at the ready in the tunnel beneath the wall, and your wizards pass among them, distributing charges from wands and other enchanted items.
A large arcane seal has been placed over the gate, and the sounds of countless hammars and axes can be heard echoing on the far side, though none have managed to crack the heavy wood yet.
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Give your orders, take your actions.
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Racing into the tunnel behind the gate, Taalkar has bear moments to order the Hammar Company to fall back a step so that Karazi can work his magic on the stones of the ceiling before the ram first impacts the gate...
*BOOM*
On the far side of the gate the blow lands with such concussive force that, even behind the gate, you are nearly knocked off your feet from the palpable blast that almost ripples through the stonework...
*BOOM*
Under the second blow the arcane seal shatters, the great oaken bars crack and splinter, and the gate caves visibly...
*BOOM*
With the third blow, the massive gate cracks... Iron bindings wrench and screech as immense hands tear open the narrow gap, and the first of the giants wrestles his way into the tunnel, along with a flood of barbarian tribesmen, moving like mice around the giant's ankles...
In that last moment, Karazi releases his spell... A lifetime of shaping the living stone of the mountain under which the Mythril Keep sat, carving away the tunnels into the spaces between those that upheld the mountain and gave it it's strength, the mortal made structure of the Wall proves little different... At his will, the stones above crack and fall in a rushing avalanche that buries the onpouring barbarians, and drives the giant to its knees...
From behind, a volley of arrows smashes into the great man, but his tough hide proves all but impervious to the flimsy projectiles, as he roars, regaining his feet, and charging the dwarven phalanx...
The Map:
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http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/...1354694230.jpg
A few notes:
In an attempt to make things a little more legible, this map is done in x2 scale. i.e. each square represents 2.5 feet, and so 2x2 square groups represent 5ft squares... (I admit, this makes things a bit more complicated than I hoped, but there it is. If you can't get it to make sense, just let me know and I'll re-draw it in normal scale.)
T- Taalkar
K- Karazi
F- Sid (Familiar)
D- Dwarf Fighter
W- Dwarf Wizard
Sc- Dwarf Scorcerer
A- Archers (mostly 1st lv Fighters)
The letters A,B,C off to the left indicate the rows of Dwarves, so you can indicate them if you'd like to give any one (or group of them) specific orders.
Obviously, you've got more dwarves, but given the cramped tunnel, they don't all fit. The rest are standing by to move in an reinforce your possition as necissary.
The Giant has an AC of 20, and a Touch AC of 8, and 102hp.
Next round barbarians will start spilling in.
You've got three rounds before the next Giant gets in.
It's your turn.
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Karazi
Eyes wide at the massive giant shrugging off the collapsing ceiling and the sheer mess it made of the smaller orcs. Noting the lack of effect the arrows had on the giant he hollars back at his archers "READY YOURSELVES FOR THE ORCS MEN, KEEP THEIR NUMBERS DOWN"
Looking over at one of the wizards to his right, clad in a fine stone plate he gives a short nod and the Wizard quickly chants his spell, Greasing the rubble at the entrance thoroughly.
Sending Sid in ahead, he charges along halfway in the ground, passing by the feet of the dwarves just surfacing late enough to smash into the giant.
Muttering a quick prayer he pulls an acid flask from his pack and tosses it best he can at the giant.
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I don't have all the spell info for the wizards yet, Barthac left me mid conversation on figuring that out so I just went with the one we both completely agreed on so far. I woulda loved glitterdust...damn dwarf spellcasters don't need to run around in armor >_<
Having the Archers Ready an Attack for Barbs pouring through, I'll leave the melee dwarf command to Barthac. Hopefully the Grease will help a good bit in there.
Sid's Power Attack (-2 atk) Charge Attack [roll0]
Sids Damage [roll1]
Karazi's crappy Throwing of Acid
Ranged Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
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HP: 43/45
Readied Maneuvers: Steel Wind, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer, Iron Heart Surge
Active Stance: Stonefoot Stance: +2 to Strength Checks, +2 AC vs. Larger Foes
Taalkar watches as the door splinters and cracks. Wait for it he tells the dwarves around him.
He watches as the first giant pushes through the door, rending the once strong oak into splinters, Wait for it
He watches as the rubble of the ceiling falls on the invaders and fills the tunnel with a cloud of dust and debris, Wait...
He sees the first giant emerge from the dust seemingly unscathed Just a little more ...
He watches as the first barrage of arrows bounce off the giants thick skin. Suddennly, it's time. NOW, attack.
He gathers his legs underneath him, his muscles pulled taut like the mighty ropes of the now silent ballista above him. Where's that spell, finger waggler
He springs into the air with a mighty scream swinging his axe above his head at the giant. In an instant the once seemingly cavernous tunnel shrinks to the size of a regular room as the sorceror's spell finally takes hold. His long axe swinging through the air suddenly grows to a size that more closely matches the head of its intended target.
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Taalkar uses claw at the moon (a leaping attack) on the giant. The sorceror used an enlarge person on him which (for epic-ness sake) hits him in mid-jump. Also, the other wizard is using his Wand of Ray Of Enfeeblement on the giant.
Enlarge gives the following +2 Strength, -2 Dexterity, -1 AC, -1 ToHit, Weapon is large (1d12 damage to 3d6 damage), 10Ft reach, 10Ft space
My AC is 17 (23 vs. Giants) (-1 Dex Bonus, -1 Size)
Melee tohit is unchanged (str +1 size -1)
Axe Damage is 3D6+7 (Str +1)
and I am roughly 9Ft tall (Time for the NBA)
ToHit:[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Claw at the Moon:
Jump Check vs. Giant's AC:[roll2]
Extra Damage if succeed on jump check: [roll3]
Sorceror's Ray of Enfeeblement
Str Damage: [roll4]
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Re: Something Wicked this way Comes...
Grown to immense size, Taalkar's axe sinks deep into the giant's shoulder. The colossal man shrugs away the blow, however, smashing into the massive dwarf with such force that he is nearly plowed over... His boots skid and scrape against the floor, however, and he just manages to prevent the giant from stomping the dwarven lines to jelly, as the two grapple and wrestle for footing...
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Giant Slams Taalkar:
[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
If hit, initiate Grapple. Resist with a Strength Check, DC above roll.
If you fail, take additional Damage:[roll2]
Through the gate the tide is released, as swarms of barbarians pour through the crack, skittering under your feet like cats, slipping and scrambling over the greased rubble and each other, and smashing into the dwarven line, even as another volley from the archers thins their numbers...
The dwarves are unshaken by the onslaught, locking their shields and lashing out with axe and urgosh, the barbarians meet a wall of steel, and die by the dozens.
Karazi's flask shatters, splashing the vitrolic concoction over the giant and sizzling it's skin, though it hardly appears to notice.
Sid erupts from the earth beneath, only to be batted aside as the giant and Taalkar wrestle.
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2 rounds untill the next giant. The current Giant is at 73 hp.
Your Dwarves are idealy positioned, especially with how you've altered the terrain, and should be able to hold the line for awhile against the horde... Still, it won't take much for things to get out of hand.