Shadows of Anmer IC

[mucco]

You meet just outside the inn, among the mess. Everyone is running around moving stuff to someplace secure, or going out of the houses. Nobody seems to be paying attention to you.

[Overlord Rion]

"Ah, wonderful, you're both safe. Now then, any ideas as to what's going on? Besides the burning buildings I mean."

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia looks around at the pandemonium passively.
"Goblin attack, perhaps?"
He straps on his spiked gauntlet, and loads his crossbow.
"If we seek answers, they are likely to be found near the town walls."

[PersonMan]

Selia shakes her head. I don't know about you, but if these goblins could infiltrate the city so thoroughly as to set each and every rooftop on fire they would have done something better with it. If they could do this, why not just steal whatever they want? No, I think this is that strange weather that was mentioned before. She says. But I think that getting somewhere where we can find out what's going on and provide assistance would b a good idea.

[Overlord Rion]

"This almost just seems purposeful to me." Rubido shrugged and grabbed for his sword.

"Let's head for the town walls."

[mucco]

As you reach the city walls, nobody bothers with you. Even most of the guards are too busy with water buckets and helping keep the population safe.

The city gates are open, and the Dark Wood lies ahead.

[Overlord Rion]

Since Rubido had been repeatedly assured that the roofs being on fire was normal for this place, he promptly put the matter in the back of his mind. So, who's good with directions?"

[mucco]

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Assuming you all prepare what you need to prepare - spells, maneuvers etc. Also assuming you have enough food for the whole trip, I'm not going to check that stuff.

You start your trek outside of the city. The day is warm and the sun shines, but the road is a bit difficult because it's not paved. Luckily, the caravan has left a bit of a trail, and it's not too hard to follow it - it looks like the prisoner gave you correct directions. The caravan passed just beside the first trees of the Dark Wood, so you walk for quite a bit in that direction. Nobody is around, aside from chirping birds.

After one hour, a couple of dwarves springs up from some undergrowth near the trees, at about twelve metres from you. They have peasants' clothes, but you can't tell whether they actually have any armor under the clothes - especially the male is cloaked in a long brown mantle. They seem to be armed, though. As the male starts speaking, you can easily see that the female has two cats on her shoulders, and is playing with them without paying much attention to you.

The dwarf goes: excuse me, kind adventurers, a friend of mine told me that you were interested in a peculiar... book back in Galsaff. His eyes stare at you in a meaningful way. If that is correct, I have news for you. Could you please confirm?

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia raises an eyebrow as the dwarves emerge, a rare display of emotion on his otherwise stoic face. He answers the male dwarf in fluent Dwarven.
<Dwarven>"Hail, stranger. You seem to have us at a disadvantage. We were interested in acquiring a certain volume of supposedly useful lore back in town, but the circumstances surrounding its acquisition struck us as unsavory, at best. We are pursuing other leads at the present moment."

[PersonMan]

Selia considers the dwarves. Perhaps these are the ones in posession of the arms that that man wanted...or they were his associates. While she doesn't say anything - there's no reason to, with Melchia having already explained the situation - she prepares herself for combat, her new confidence filling her.

[mucco]

Both dwarves smile. Oh, I'm glad to have found you. The message for you is that you need to be dead, and that we will take care of this.

The male dwarf pounces on Selia, displaying some impressive claws which he uses to try to slash her. Meanwhile, The female dwarf waves her hands and speaks a few words of power, pointing at Rubido. You, elf, flee!

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Attack roll for the claw: (1d20+6)[10] (crit (1d20+6)[15]) miss
Damage: (1d6+2)[6] plus (1d4)[4] nonlethal cold damage.
If hit, Selia must roll a Fort save: (1d20+3)[20] vs DC 14 or be Fatigued. didn't need to save

The other dwarf casts Command on Rubido. Rolled Spellcraft aside (forgot), Rubido is the only one who identifies the spell.
Rubido rolls a Will save: (1d20+1)[14] vs DC 13 or must flee at top speed from the Dwarf. saved

The dwarf scratches Selia's studded armor with his claw, but is in melee range of all three of you. The other dwarf, at 40 feet, draws her mace.

Initiative order

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Dwarf 1 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19 <- UP NOW
Rubido 18
Selia 12

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia

As the dwarves suddenly attack, Melchia takes a wide stance, his arms at his sides. A palpable aura of menace seems to radiate from him, as everyone 'hears' a faint keening in their minds. A familiar odor seems to fill the air for a brief moment, bringing back a half-forgotten memory. For Melchia, it smells like burning hair. With a single thought, he attempts to instill dread into the assailants, weakening them for further mental assault.

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If the dwarves are within 30 ft., and not near Melchia, he will manifest Demoralize on them, expending his psionic focus to boost the save DC by 1. They are entitled to a DC 15 Will save, or else be shaken for 2 minutes, taking a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

He will then move, keeping a distance of 15 ft. or more between himself and the claw-dwarf if possible.

[mucco]

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Only the claw-dwarf is affected, as the other one is further than 30 feet (40).
Will save: (1d20+1)[4] failed

As Melchia moves back, the claw-dwarf seizes his opportunity to strike him.

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AoO! Will update attack rolls if shaken.
Attack roll: (1d20+4)[19] (-2) (crit: (1d20+4)[10]) hit
Damage: (1d6+2)[3] plus (1d4)[1] cold nonlethal damage. 3+1 damage
If hit, Melchia must make a Fort save (1d20+2)[22] vs DC 14 or be fatigued. Nat 20!

Lucky damage rolls!

The dwarf, despite being slightly frightened by Melchia's power, manages to sink his claw in the human's flesh, tearing a wound in his arm.

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19
Rubido 18 <- UP NOW
Selia 12

[Overlord Rion]

Wait, this Dwarf dared to ignore Rubido? Oh dear me, that simply won't do. Rubido raises his sword overhead, leaving an opening in his defense in return for some extra power. He'd make a quick, chopping motion at the Dwarf with the claws.

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Taking a swift action to enter Punishing Strikes stance. Gain an extra 1d6 on all my physical attacks while taking a -2 to AC.
Attack: (1d20+4)[15]
Damage: (1d8+3)[9] + (1d6)[1]

[PersonMan]

Selia moves out of the range of the clawed dwarf, raising one arm and unleashing a pulse of her new-found power. A slight distortion of the air around her outstretched arm was the only sign of the spell before a feeling of hopelessness washed over their enemies.

Actions:

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Casting Bane. I'm, IIRC, 45 or 50 feet from the spellcasting dwarf, so it'd hit both (range 50').
DC 14 Will save or they take a -1 penalty to attack rolls and saves vs fear.

[mucco]

Rubido sees the opening in the clawed dwarf's armor and goes for it, only to hit a particularly dense and hardy part of the dwarf's skin. The dwarf absorbs the hit without suffering.

The clawed humanoid lunges with full force at Rubido, who remains the only enemy in range. He tries to hit with both claws. Meanwhile, his companion makes haste with her mace toward Selia, almost reaching her.

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Selia's Bane
Will save for Claw-Dwarf: (1d20-1)[12] fail
Will save for Dwarf 2: (1d20+4)[14] saved

Two claw attacks. Bonuses will be lowered if the dwarf fails his saving throw.
Attack 1: (1d20+2)[4] (crit: (1d20+2)[10]) miss
Attack 2: (1d20+2)[16] (crit: (1d20+2)[21]) hit
Damage 1: (1d6+2)[3] plus (1d4)[4] cold nonlethal damage miss
Damage 2: (1d6+2)[3] plus (1d4)[2] cold nonlethal damage 3+2 damage

Rubido is fatigued: you can't run or charge, and have a -2 to Strength and Dexterity. Effectively, a -1 to attack, damage rolls and AC.

The dwarf misses by a wide margin with his first claw, and just barely connects with his second attack, slashing his shoulder. Rubido can feel a supernatural cold penetrate his bones, leaving him very tired all at once. Seeing as his attacks are barely penetrating your defenses, he concentrates for a split second and instantly his body becomes a bit thinner, and his claws sharper.

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19 <- UP NOW
Rubido 18
Selia 12

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia

Wincing from the bleeding wound on his arm, Melchia focuses his mental energy, trying to disrupt the attacking dwarves with waves of hostile thought.

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If both dwarves are in range of a 20 ft. cone, Melchia will try to hit them both with a Disable power, entitling them to a DC 14 Will save or else believe they are are 0 hit points for 2 minutes.

If only the closest dwarf is in range (likely the claw guy), Melchia will hit them with a Daze power, entitling them to a DC 14 Will save or else be dazed for one round.

Finally, Melchia will take a move action to keep himself within 20 ft. of the nearest dwarf, or else take a 5 ft. step away from the nearest dwarf to safely manifest his power.

[Overlord Rion]

Despite the surprising fatigue Rubido felt, he tore through it and would chop his sword again, this time taking in the opponent's fighting style and what he felt was an obvious weak point.

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Rubido will attempt to hit the Dwarf that went at him.

Going to use Sapphire Nightmare Blade. Also spending an inspiration point to add my a +3 to the roll.

Attack Roll: If the -2 strength doesn't affect the concentration check then the bonus is 1 higher. (1d20+9)[23]

Damage roll (Oh boy here we go, also spending another inspiration point to add +3 to my damage) : (1d8+2)[9] + (1d6)[6] + (1d6)[4] +3 from Int bonus

[PersonMan]

Selia makes a slight retreat from the front of the battle, falling back on a slightly more simple way to channel her power. This battle is nearly finished! Our foes are at the brink of defeat! She cries, imbuing her voice with supernatural strength.

Actions:(Important for everyone)

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Inspiring Courage! +1.

And 5' stepping if I'm within reach of the claw-dwarf.

[mucco]

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Disable it is. Here come the two saving throws.
Claw dwarf: (1d20-1)[5] fail
Dwarf 2: (1d20+4)[13] fail

Also, for the cats: (1d20+1)[10] fail, (1d20+1)[8] fail

Melchia feels no resistance from the dwarves' minds to her powers, however, the clawed dwarf seems to suffer no ill effect from his psychic attack. Dwarf woman and cats alike start coughing heavily and drop to the ground, panting.

Rubido raises his blade and strikes as soon as the enemy lowers his guard for a split second. He opens a terrible gash in the chest of the dwarf, that screams wildly for the pain. His belly slashed apart, his ribcage showing, he doesn't drop. His eyes turn red, and he turns to you with renewed fury, to slash you once more.

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Two claws again.
Attack roll 1: (1d20+2)[13] (crit: (1d20+2)[11]) miss
Attack roll 2: (1d20+2)[13] (crit: (1d20+2)[10]) miss
Damage 1: (1d6+3)[8] plus (1d4)[1] cold nonlethal damage.
Damage 2: (1d6+3)[4] plus (1d4)[3] cold nonlethal damage.

You're already fatigued and it doesn't stack, so no more need for saving throws.

If the dwarf woman is not disabled, she charges Selia.
Attack roll: (1d20+5)[7] (crit: (1d20+5)[10])
Damage: (1d8+1)[3]

Also if the cats are not disabled, they attack Selia as well.
Attack roll: (1d20+4)[18] (crit: (1d20+4)[11])
Damage: (1d2-4)[-2]
Attack roll: (1d20+4)[12] (crit: (1d20+4)[19])
Damage: (1d2-4)[-3]

The clawed dwarf, in his rage, doesn't manage to aim well his attacks. He scratches Rubido's leather armor harmlessly twice more.

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19 <- UP NOW
Rubido 18
Selia 12

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia

Impressed by the clawed dwarf's tenacity, Melchia redoubles his efforts, focusing on his enemy's mind alone, lashing out with an invisible thrust of mental static.

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Move action to keep at least 20 ft. of distance between himself and Mr. Claws, 5 ft. step if needed to avoid AoO's.

Then, Melchia will manifest Daze on the dwarf. If he has 4 or fewer HD, he's entitled to a DC 14 Will save or be dazed for 1 round. Don't forget he's taking a -2 to saves from being shaken!

[mucco]

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Yeah, with no shaken effect he'd have hit both times on Rubido last round. It's a strong condition.
Will save: (1d20-1)[5]

The clawed dwarf this time recoils, holding his head in his hands, and screaming for the sudden headache.

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19
Rubido 18 <- UP NOW
Selia 12

[Overlord Rion]

At this, Rubido smiles. All he could see was Melchia moving around and the Dwarves moving about and recoiling from some unseen force. The sword looked almost as vicious as the smile plastered on Rubido's face.

Got to remember that for future reference. And I'll probably ask him about that.

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Attack Roll: (1d20+4)[12]

Damage: (1d8+3)[4] + (1d6)[6]

[mucco]

Rubido's aim is quite poor, and as he connects with the dwarf he hears the sound of a chain shirt absorbing the impact.

Rubido

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Remember, since you're a Warblade, that you can recover your maneuvers every round you do a full-attack and spend a swift action. This would have been a good round to recover your Sapphire Nightmare Blade.

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19
Rubido 18
Selia 12 <- UP NOW

[PersonMan]

Selia gives a suggestion about a different angle of attack for Rubido, the words themselves helping less than the magical energy filling them.

Actions:

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Moar, as they say, Inspire Courage.

[mucco]

The clawed dwarf spends his round shaking his head violently to keep off the pain. His eyes are full of rage.

The dwarf woman, coughing, casts a spell on herself. After that, she realizes she isn't hurt and runs up to Selia.

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Spellcraft checks
Rubido: (1d20+5)[16] Cure Minor Wounds
Selia: (1d20+2)[14] fail

Initiative

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Claw-Dwarf 20
Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19 <- UP NOW
Rubido 18
Selia 12

[CockroachTeaParty]

Melchia

Inwardly, Melchia cursed as the female dwarf broke free of the misconception that she was critically injured. Clearly, these two were not susceptible to such subtle tactics. Focusing on the clawed dwarf, he sends another wave of psychic pain his way, knowing that the fear in the dwarf's heart makes him more vulnerable.

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Move action to maintain safe distance as before, etc., then manifesting Daze on the dwarf again, DC 14 Will save.

[Overlord Rion]

Rubido was beginning to get tired of these Dwarves. However, he would have to settle for keeping them busy.

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Going to recover my maneuvers this turn. Swift Action there, and assuming the claw dwarf is still in my range, I'm going to attack.

And spending my last inspiration point for the encounter on my attack roll.

(1d20+6)[20]

Damage: (1d8+3)[10] + (1d6)[4]

[mucco]

Another mighty slash cuts the body of the clawed dwarf in two, instantly killing him.

Initiative

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Dwarf 2 19
Melchia 19
Rubido 18
Selia 12 <- UP NOW

[PersonMan]

Selia moves towards her comrades with the intent of making it impossible for the remaining dwarf to attack her without exposing herself to the freshly-bloodied blade of Rubido. She continues to spur the swordsman on with magically strengthened encouragement.

Actions:

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Move in a way that the dwarf can't get to me without provoking an AOO, if possible.

Keep Inspiring Courage.