[4E] Heroes of the Feywild [IC]

[Conundrum]

Dredge

Letting the 'piece of work' comment slide, Dredge calmly turns his ghostly eyes on the eladrin and nods politely. "Simply here for a drink, ma'am," he says, turning away slightly and giving a small wave to get the bartender's attention before continuing. "Who are the Bloodied Leaves? I hope I'm not intruding..."

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Bluff: (1d20+14)[26]
I'll buy a drink from the bartender too.

[Servbot]

Tajal

The Warlock does not even bother to hide his thoughts on Dredge's entry, and unceremoniously brings his palm to his face.

"Suppose we should set about following him..." the eladrin mentions to the rest of the party, but he makes no movement to actually do any following of anyone, content to stay outside for the moment.

[Nai_Calus]

Dredge:

The woman arches an eyebrow and gives you a disarming smile.

"My, you must be new around here, to have never heard of Salera Cernith and the Bloodied Leaves! Why, we're a charity organization. We help the poor and downtrodden to better themselves. Here, come sit with me and I'll tell you all about our work." She leads you to a table and leans across, her voice dropping dangerously.

"Let's cut to the chase, whoever you are. You know full well who we are and you aren't here for a drink." She crosses her legs and leans back in her chair languidly, one finger idly twirling a lock of her hair.. "But it's rude to assume beyond that. So, why are you really here? Business? These meddling imbeciles from the Council again? I do so hope it's the former. Despite our name, bloodstains are so hard to get out of the wood." Her smile takes on a predatory look.

Everyone else:

As you look up at the entrance, you notice the bouncer by the door take a sudden interest in affairs inside.

[Sol]

Rumble, Earthsoul Genasi Berserker

Wondering what's distracting the bouncers, and worried about her new friend's safety, Rumble makes her way up the spiral stairs and into the tavern.

[Nai_Calus]

As you make your way into the tavern past the distracted bouncer, you enter into a room full of hues that remind you of the subterranean fire of the worlds and the warmth of rock. You spot Dredge at a table with a black-haired woman clad in scarlet. Nobody seems to have resorted to weapons yet, but you notice hands on weapons around the room and a wary muttering quality to the conversations. The bouncer, a huge half-orc fully a head and a half taller than you dressed in incongruous eladrin-styled clothing that looks slightly ridiculous on him, notices you then; and so does the woman.

"We busy right now. You go now," he growls at you in a deep gravelly voice like layers of rock rubbing against each other as he lays a huge meaty hand on your shoulder. "No make trouble."

"Oh, relax for a moment, Thrunk," Salera says in a silky voice like flowing water, shifting languidly as she glances your way, though keeping an eye on Dredge.

"Well, what have we here? A corpse and a rock. Today just gets more and more interesting. Friend of his?"

[Conundrum]

Dredge

Without turning to look at Rumble, Dredge nods. "She's my... protection. After all, corpses can be so fragile, he adds, eyes blazing.

"You're right, of course - I'm here to do business. I find myself in need of some cold iron, and I've heard that you might be able to provide some... discreetly."

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(1d20+14)[34] Bluff again! And I think Rumble should try to aid me. The fact that she's not fey should help lend credulity, I think, so as long as the others don't burst in halfway through this should be believable enough...

EDIT: Hah! Never mind about the aiding, she's gonna have trouble insighting through that!

[Nai_Calus]

Salera smiles as she leans forward, sinuously draping herself onto her arms as she rests her chin on the back of her hand.

"Well, now. Perfectly sensible to bring protection. Hah, sorry about it, darling. I've seen your type before. Bit odd, but hardly your fault if some uppity god decided you were better off on this side of the veil. No offense meant." She waves a hand idly to the room, which relaxes as one, the bouncer removing his hand from Rumble's shoulder with an apologetic shrug. Salera folds her arms on the table and takes on a more business-like posture.

"Cold iron. Interesting request. We deal in it, of course. Though, we've got some rather big clients for it right now, so our supplies have become a bit limited, but we've still got a fairly decent stock. What exactly are you looking for? I'm sure we can get what you need and make a deal." She smiles winningly.

[Shadow_Elf]

Baruk
Seeing Rumble enter the tavern, Baruk is more at ease. He turns to the companions who remain outside. I think it best we not raise more questions by entering the tavern. I do not know what story they have concocted to please this lot, but I'm not going to be the one to ruin it.

[Sol]

Rumble, Earthsoul Genasi Berserker

As Rumble makes her way across the tavern to stand behind Dredge, a miniature sandstorm begins to swirl around her. She reaches the table just as the woman says, "Rather big clients," and notes her smile. Rumble does not smile at this.

Hoping beyond hope that this doesn't lead where she thinks it does, she opens her mouth and echoes, "Big in quantity, or big in stature? I'll not stand by while the Fomorians hollow out another Mountain, be that literal or figurative!" As if to punctuate her conviction, a massive, cruelly weaponized pick solidifies into existence strapped to her back.

"Ah, sorry," she says after a moment of cool silence. "I forget myself, and jump to conclusions too fast when it comes to those foul beasts. I'm sure no fey would risk arming the giants below when they're already gathering too close to the surface for comfort. No good could come of that, no long term profits. I, ah, sorry, mountains are best seen and not heard, I suppose."

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The vortex of sand is my Defender Aura. Intimidate check to pair with her outburst: (d20+12)[25] Also, you stole my color!

[Chainsaw Hobbit]

Tabita, Shadar-Kia Skald

Tabita listens in but does not say anything. Instead, she quietly orders a drink and sips it while leaning against the counter and watching the others.

[Nai_Calus]

Salera recoils from Rumble as weapons are unsheathed throughout the tavern.

"You think we're behind that? Please. I want to own this city, what do I gain by destroying it? We're not selling to them, so if they're getting it it's through an intermediary. I have no control over it if my clients happen to be passing it on to them. Perhaps mountains are better seen than heard, though I don't see any here. An overgrown rock perhaps."

Tabita:

The drink is actually pretty good. The bouncer didn't hassle you much on your way in, but he seemed to be more busy watching the table with the others than the entrance. The bartender is an older winter eladrin who chills the glasses through some innate cold magic he possesses, and he leans in and whispers at you.

"It might get a bit ugly, my dear. Might want to keep ready."

[Chainsaw Hobbit]

Tabita, Shadar-Kia Skald

The young woman whips out her soungbow, pulls the arrow back, and points it at Salera's head.

[Shadow_Elf]

Baruk
Hearing Rumble's outrage, Baruk scowls. Perhaps he should not have been so relieved that Rumble had gone up after all. Tajal, Sparrowhawk. Our companions may soon need us above; we should ascend, but remain discreet if at all possible. With that, Baruk climbs up the ramp to the door. When he approaches the bouncer, he gives him a tusked grin. I have been told this place is a good spot for a tired half-orc to find good food and drink. May I enter, sir? asks Baruk, hoping to catch the bouncer off-guard with his Mithrendanni court manners.

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Diplomacy: (1d20+13)[24]

[Sol]

Rumble, Earthsoul Genasi Berserker

Rumble bursts out into a deep rumbling laugh. "Oh, I quite like you," she says to Salera. "I do hope we can be friends.

You're quite right about my current state being less mountain than rock, but I have the Fomorians, and to a lesser extent the Unseelie to thank for that, so you can see why they upset me so. I do apologize for the scare.

I ordinarily wouldn't dare ask a lady of business to share her client list, but if there's a chance your buyer is working as an intermediary, wouldn't you rather know about it? I would gladly look into it for you, and without charge."

Rumble eyes Tabita warily, and shifts such that she is between Salera and the Skald. Ah, and that would be my protection. There's no need for that bow, I trust?"

[Conundrum]

Dredge

Dredge looks around carefully as the situation degrades. With an almost detached calm, he puts one hand on Rumble's arm, and shoots a meaningful glance at Tabita.

Then he chuckles. "Tensions are running a bit high around here these days, aren't they?" he asks, grinning. "Obviously it's not your fault if the cold iron is being on-sold to the Fomorians, but it would be in all our best interests to ensure that it's not, correct? As you said - noone here wants to see the city destroyed."

After a thoughtful pause, he adds, "But really, it's none of our concern. Once we get what we need we'd be moving on anyway, so I suppose there's no real need for us to get involved..."

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Diplomacy to defuse the situation: (1d20+12)[16]
Also, let me know if you want me to roll something to make my reverse psychology work

[Servbot]

Tajal

The Warlock nods to Baruk, following him quietly and as casually as he likes to, his form distorting lightly as he walks. When Baruk addresses the bouncer, Tajal simply keeps quiet, though smiles a bit and points to Baruk to indicate he's with half-orc.

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The distorting form is shadow walk; seems a bit more appropriate given Star Pact. Shadow walk seems like it'd fit Infernal and Dark, but not quite the rest...

[Chainsaw Hobbit]

Tabita, Shadar-Kia Skald

The shadar-kia lets the arrow loose, targeting Salera's hip, as opposed to some vital area. She aims to incapacitate, not kill.

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Attack: (1d20+12)[17] vs AC.
Hit: (1d8+7)[15] damage.

[Nai_Calus]

As Tabita draws her bow, the tavern erupts into chaos. The bartender dives behind the bar, and many of the patrons make a beeline for the doors. A few, however, draw weapons.

"So that's how it's to be, then? Fine, then. But don't think I'll go easy on you!"

Map and key:

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Key:

Initiative:
PCs win initiative.

Tabita - P10
Dredge - N13
Sparrowhawk - M24
Tajal - L23
Baruk - K22
Rumble - L15

Enemies:

Salera - K14
Eladrin - I10, H13, O17
Elf - H7
Bouncer - K20

-

Salera laughs cheerfully as Tabita's arrow bounces off her armor.

"Is that the best you have?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Baruk
I had hoped it would not come to this... sighs the half-orc, casually strapping on his shield. Honour to the Seldarine! he bellows, stepping forward and punching the bouncer in the face. As his gauntleted fist flies forward, a bulkhead of radiant magic coalesces on it.

Minor Action: Strap on my Shield
Move Action: Shift to K21
Standard Action: 1A - Valiant Strike /w Holy Smite @ Bouncer

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Valiant Strike vs. Bouncer: (1d20+14)[20] vs. AC
Hit: (1d8+6)[7] damage and he is dazed until the end of my next turn.
Effect: 7 radiant damage.

[Sol]

Rumble, Earthsoul Genasi Berserker

Rumble sighs, frowns, and shakes her head, before turning to Salera. "I wished no violence to stand between us. My offer still stands, if you still stand when we are through with this stand-off. To demonstrate our worth, however, I shall pull no punches m'lady."

And with that, Rumble stomps on the ground, causing a small shockwave to emanate from her, knocking the table and chairs to the ground. As the resulting cloud of dust clears, you can see that a fresh layer of mud has coated Rumble's robes.

In a smooth movement, she spins her pick off of her back and swings it at Salera viciously, doubling the speed of the sandstorm orbiting around her, and sending a good bit of sand into Salera's eyes. "Still having fun?"

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The Sandstorm is, as mentioned earlier, Rumble's Defender Aura.
Move Action: Draw my Shadow-Wrought Heavy Warpick +2
Minor Action: Earthshock

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Close Burst 1 vs enemies touching the ground (just Salera in this case),
(1d20+9)[16] vs FORT.
Hit: She is knocked prone.
Effect: I gain 9 Temp HP (from the Primordial Surge feat).

Standard Action: Dangerous Presence vs Salera

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(1d20+12)[26] vs AC. If Earthshock knocked her prone, add +2 to this roll for CA.
Hit: (3d12+8)[37] damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Effect: Until the end of the encounter, enemies subject to my Defender Aura grant Combat Advantage.

[Conundrum]

Dredge

Dredge rolls his eyes - though it's difficult to tell - and suddenly a black light shimmers across his pale skin. He reaches behind him with one hand to grab the staff strapped to his back and stretches the other out to the side. Shadows race from the corners of the room to coalesce as a dagger in the outstretched hand.

He then turns calmly to face the elf with the bow, and a screaming bolt of multicoloured light bursts from the end of his staff.

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Wild Soul roll - (1d10)[6]
Which means I gain resist 5 and penetrate 5 necrotic until my next extended rest.

Move: Draw Staff of Ruin +2
Minor: Create Shadow-Wrought Weapon
Standard: Chaos Bolt vs Elf Archer
Attack: (1d20+10)[23] vs Reflex
Damage: (1d10+14)[18] psychic damage.

No other wild magic funsies though, since I don't need a saving throw.

[Servbot]

Tajal

With a quick gesture, the warlock produces his staff, pointing it towards the bouncer with a mumble. "S'pose I can't really have you approach the others," he says, placing a curse on the bouncer shortly before releasing a blast of energy at him.

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Move Action: Draw Staff of Ruin +2.
Minor Action: Curse bouncer.
Standard Action: Eldritch blast against bouncer.
Attack roll: (1d20+11)[31] vs Reflex, +2 if he is dazed and I get CA. No prime shot, regrettably.
Damage roll: (1d10+12)[18], Curse damage: (1d6)[5].

[Servbot]

Tajal

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That's a crit. 22 damage from eldritch blast. Don't think curse damage gets maxed.
Crit damage roll: (2d10)[12]

Also, do tell me if you'd prefer I edit my post or post this sort of stuff in OOC in the future. Not quite used to critting.

[Nai_Calus]

The companions spring into action, bringing their weapons and magic to bear against the Bloodied Leaves, who quickly retaliate.

Sparrowhawk fires a beam of arcane energy at the half-orc bouncer but misses.

The Eladrin scattered around the tavern spring into position, moving to attack the intruders. One teleports next to Rumble, one rushes Tabita, and one comes up to Baruk, all drawing weapons and attacking. The eladrin attacking Baruk misses badly, but the other two find their marks. (7 damage to both, Rumble is knocked prone)

Salera hisses in rage and draws her longsword, attacking the offending Genasi. She strikes a glancing blow followed up by an attack from one of her henchmen, but the attack misses and she quickly retreats, teleporting away.

The bouncer roars in pain and shifts to take advantage of the eladrin's positioning, his greataxe thudding into his fellow half-orc with a sickening thunk. (14 damage)

The archer lets an arrow fly at Dredge, seeing the shadar-kai who'd started this mess engaged for the moment and wanting revenge. The arrow sinks deep into the revenant's chest, leaving him disadvantaged. (25 damage, granting CA save ends)

Map:

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Status:

Tabita - P10 - 7 damage
Dredge - N13 - 25 damage, granting CA(Save Ends)
Sparrowhawk - M24
Tajal - L23
Baruk - K21 - 14 damage
Rumble - L15 - 19 damage, prone

Enemies:

Salera - K14 - 37 damage
Eladrin - I10, H13, O17
Elf - H7 -18 damage
Bouncer - K20 - 47 damage

Dice rolls:

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Sparrowhawk:
Illusory Ambush vs Bouncer: (1d20+10)[14] vs Will, on hit (1d6+6)[7] and he takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until EONT

Eladrin 1 vs Baruk: (1d20+11)[14] vs AC, 7 damage.
Eladrin 2 vs Tabita: (1d20+11)[31] vs AC, 7 damage
Eladrin 3 vs Rumble: (1d20+13)[26] vs AC, 7 damage and knocked prone

Salera vs Rumble: 35 (+20, see OOC) vs AC. On hit: (2d8+7)[12] and Eladrin 3 makes an MBA adding 4 to the damage roll, too bad E3 is a minion and doesn't make them: (1d20+13)[24] 7 damage

Elf archer vs Dredge: (1d20+16)[23] vs AC, (4d8+8)[25] and Dredge grants combat advantage, save ends. Possible EA reroll: (1d20+16)[27]

Bouncer vs Baruk: 31 (+13, see OOC) vs AC, (1d12+8)[14] damage

[Conundrum]

Dredge

As the arrow impacts Dredge's side, his eyes flash with rage. He moves rapidly to Salera's side, and his shadowy dagger flickers with lightning as it moves faster than the eye can follow, inflicting numerous small cuts on the eladrin woman. He then closes his eyes for a moment, before sending forth a painful eruption of psychic energy.

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Move: Move to I10

Minor: Lightning Cuts vs Salera.
Attack vs Reflex: (1d20+13)[23]
Damage: (2d4+6)[11] lightning damage.

Standard: Bedeviling Burst against Salera and Elf Archer
Attack Salera vs Will: (1d20+10)[27]
Attack Elf Archer vs Will: (1d20+10)[27]
Damage: (1d10+14)[19] psychic damage.
Pull or slide incoming, depends on result of attack roll. Stupid wild magic haha.

Edit: Damn, odd. Ok, push Elf Archer to H3, and push Salera to M5.
EDIT again: Actually, since the push is optional, I'm gonna leave them where they are. And hope one of them goes down this turn ;)

Potential Elven Accuracy reroll: (1d20)[15]
(Not using this).

Saving throws: 10 and 4 (see OOC). So I should no longer grant CA.
Also gain +1 AC until the start of my next turn from Chaos Burst.

[Sol]

Rumble, Earthsoul Genasi Berserker

As Rumble stands, she scoops up some of the mud that has fallen from her robes and packs it tightly into her wounds.

She turns her head towards Eladrin 3 and cheerfully bellows, "Goodbye!," as she charges full speed at Salera before he can react.

"Did you miss me, friend? I didn't miss you!," Rumble echoes at Salera after lodging her Pick in the Eladrin's shoulder.

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Minor Action: Stoneskin Cloth Armor Encounter - I gain 5THP
Move Action: Stand Up
Standard Action: Charge Salera (to J10)

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This does not provoke from E3 due to my badge of the Berserker.
Charge attack with CA
(1d20+15)[34] vs AC
Hit: (1d12+8)[18] damage.

Rumble is at 52/62 HP with 5 Temps. Enemies in her Defender Aura are granting CA.

[Shadow_Elf]

Baruk
The half-Orc grins. Elves and orcbloods working together! The Old One smiles upon you, he laughs, referring to his opponents. Problem is, he smiles upon me more! With that, an aura of red and blue magic begins to shine around Baruk as he whirls and rams his head into the bouncer's face.

Minor Action: Defender Aura On
Standard Action: Valiant Strike + Holy Smite + Furious Smash vs. Bouncer

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Attack: (1d20+14)[32] Vs AC.
Hit: (2d8+6)[12] damage and dazed uemnt.
Miss: Do not expend furious smash
Effect: 7 radiant damage.

[Shadow_Elf]

Baruk
As his headbutt shakes the half-orc bouncer's focus, Baruk capitalizes on the opportunity. I thought we two half-orcs might settle our differences through a fistfight. Since you're so determined to kill me, however, I feel I must reciprocate, he says, doubting the dizzied bouncer even understood what he said. He draws the sword belted at his right hip and brings it around for a horizontal chop.

Minor Action: Draw broadsword
Free Action: Spend Action Point
Standard Action: Valiant Strike @ Half-Orc

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Attacl: (1d20+15)[31] vs. AC
Hit: (1d10+6)[13] damage.

[Servbot]

Tajal

The Warlock strides forward, mirroring himself as he does so to disturb anyone attempting to take aim at him. He reaps the rewards of his curse while imposing a new one on Salera, and invokes an eldritch sign over the archer.

"Not too fond of arrows, see," he quips. "Rather see you not shoot us so."

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Move: to J-17. This activates my shadow walk and I have concealment against all enemies.
Free Action: On bouncer getting bloodied, I invoke bloodied pact boon. This removes his curse and grants me a +1 bonus to attack.
Minor: Curse Salera.
Standard: Sign of Ill Omen on the archer.
Attack: (1d20+11)[29] vs Will, +1 if bloodied boon was triggered. On a hit, the archer takes a -4 penalty to attack rolls and rolls twice when he attacks, taking the lowest result.
Damage: (2d6+8)[13] damage.

[Lemonus]

Having been distracted for a while with how he was going to turn his skin invisible, Sparrowhawk hadn't noticed the fight around him. When he notices, he pulls out his orb, a small piece of crystal, and begins shouting in what he thinks is a deep voice, but is actually very high-pitched. "Fools! I am Sparrowhawk, the greatest wizard ever! You have angered me, and must now pay the price!" He then creates the illusion of several creatures attacking the bouncer.

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Minor: Pull out Orb
Illusory Ambush on the Bouncer.
(1d20+9)[22] VS Will
Hit: (1d6+6)[7] damage, and the Bouncer takes -2 to attacks and grants CA to me until EONT.