Circle of Life's Red Hand of Doom IC Thread

[TekHed]

Auran glared at the massive hobgoblin, raising up to his full height and flaring the mane of spined fins surrounding his head.

"Save your breath fiend-lover!" he snarled as he brought his flaming weapon to bear. Anticipating the incoming volley, Auran stepped back, allowing Faien to take the vanguard and switched to his spear.

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Taking a swing: (1d20+15)[20] (24 with Action Point)
Damage: (1d10+7)[16] Bludgeoning and Piercing and (2d6)[4] fire
5 foot step back (switching with Faien, draw spear.

+2 AC vs ranged from deflection crystal.

[Fireheart]

Vaeri shrugs. "We will see who the Goddess favors."

She flings her hand in a magical gesture and 3 bolts of magic fly unerringly to strike at Koth.

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OOC:

Okay changed action.

reaches beside her and lets a drop of water fall from the waterskin. As it touches her hand, it forms into a icy knife which she lets fly at Koth.

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Cast Ice Knife, ranged touch

(1d20+5)[15] (taking the -4 for casting into melee)

dmg
(2d8)[13]

+2 pts Dex dmg if hits Fort Save DC16

If I miss, the knife shatters doing (1d8)[8] pts dmg to area (10ft radius burst) REF Save DC 16 for half. (I'll let you roll where it lands)

[Sallera]

"I would prefer to clarify your status, Koth," Faien says as he shuffles forward into the doorway, slicing upward and bringing his blade back to a forward guard.

"Is your aggression an act of war, or are you intelligent enough to risk only your own heads in this ill-advised action?"

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5ft step forward, swift to assign free essentia to sword.
Attack: (1d20+5)[15]
Damage: (1d8+3)[6] + (3d6)[8] fire

[OMG PONIES]

Roni Quickwing

Clutching his pendant once more, Roni takes up a new song on his mandolin. This melody is slower, more methodical and rhythmic. As his companions hear the strains of song, the clutter in their minds starts to fade away, allowing them to focus their attacks on Koth.

Swift action: activate Badge of Valor again (1/3 charges left)
Standard action: activate Inspire Courage. Allies get a +3 morale bonus to attacks and a +2 morale bonus to damage!

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Auran catches Koth with a lucky blow to the head. The hobgoblin staggers back a step and raises a hand to his face to dab gingerly at the long gashes left in his cheek and neck by the paladin's weapon. He gathers his wits fast enough to deflect Faien's blow with his staff, then glares in annoyance as Vaeri's spell is sucked into his holy symbol.

[You dare!] he roars angrily. [If you will not submit, you will die!] He snaps some orders in Goblin, and the three goblins to his left step back to let him get out of the line of fire before the three goblins farthest from the door loose bolts at Faien; the ones on either side of the door can't get a good shot from that angle, so they merely level their crossbows and wait.

Then Koth shoots you all a nasty grin, levels his staff, and sends a blast of bluish-black lightning crackling through the doorway. All of his spells have had the bluish-black-crackly-lightning look to them, but you discover that this one is actually lightning as it arcs between all of you, the bed, the desk, and any other potentially-conductive surface in his room.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the source of the approaching loud noises becomes clear as a hulking minotaur stomps past the goblins--who seem none too happy to see him and flinch away as he passes them--and takes up a position in front of the doorway. The massive brute is missing an ear and covered with scars, and his bulging muscles flex as he tightens his grip on the hilt of the huge axe he is wielding. He snorts loudly, scrapes at the ground with his hoof, and lunges forward to pound Faien with all his strength.

The magistrate braces himself against the minotaur's shove and its claws scrabble along the surface of his thick armor. Seeing Faien stand fast against his blow, Karkilan (as you assume that's who this is) hefts his axe and glares at Faien with murder in his eyes.

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Goblins vs. Faien
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[18]; Damage: (1d8)[5]
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[8]; Damage: (1d8)[6]
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[7]; Damage: (1d8)[2]

Ref saves vs. lightning bolt (DC 20)
Auran: (1d20+8)[13]
Roni: (1d20+7)[12]
Faien: (1d20+4)[14]
Vaeri: (1d20+4)[23]
EDIT: Rolled damage in the OOC. Vaeri takes 11, everyone else takes the full 23.

Karkilan vs. Faien
EDIT: Rolled attack and damage for Knockback attempt in the OOC, Karkilan missed.
Bull rush attempt: Karkilan (1d20+12)[26] vs. Faien (1d20+2)[10]
If the bull rush attempt succeeds, Faien is pushed back and Karkilan 5-foot steps into his space.

Map--Round 4

[OMG PONIES]

Roni Quickwing

The older of the two spellscale siblings yelps as the electricity surges through his feeble frame. He had felt pain before, but never such raw, unadulterated power. As much as it hurt, he had to admit...he also enjoyed it. The prickling numbness made him feel alive in a strange way that no previous adrenaline rush ever had. Granted, he wished the adrenaline rush didn't come at the cost of seared flesh and nerve damage.

As his vision starts getting hazy, Roni realizes he has no other choice but to stop his song in favor of healing. He looks around to the others, squinting to make out the details of their wounds. Were any others more badly wounded than he was? If so, a small voice inside reminded him that healing them first would be the heroic thing to do. For once, Roni obliges that voice instead of squashing it.

Heal - (1d20+3)[19] to see if anyone is worse of than him (with 3 HP remaining). If not, the below healing is for himself.
Healing Belt - (3d8)[10] expending two charges (one remaining)

[Sallera]

The crossbow bolts clatter harmlessly from his breastplate, and the minotaur's blow is simple enough to deflect despite its strength. But even with his formidable defenses, Faien was under no delusions about his own mortality, and the lightning was a painful reminder of that. Still, magic that potent was a fickle thing, and he needed only endure while his companions recovered. Equally importantly, with the vast bulk of the minotaur between them, Koth was unlikely to try any similar spells.

Gritting his teeth as he lets his blade fall, Faien is forced to admit that preventing Koth from escaping had become secondary to surviving the battle. Healing energy flows upward from his belt, and his blade is in his hand again almost before he finishes, its essence reforming as he levels it at the minotaur's throat.

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Swift to reassign essentia from blade to belt.
Healing Belt, 3 charges: (4d8)[11] (So glad these things don't provoke. Looks like neither of us can roll anything approaching an average, though...)
Move action to draw sword again.

[TekHed]

With a swiftly uttered invocation, Auran's muscles bulged, adding another 6 inches to his already formidable height. Thusly fortified, the Dragonborn Paladin took careful aim and thrust his flaming spear through the door, aiming for Karkilan's eyes or nostrils.

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Swift: Cast Bull's Strength (Noted on sheet)
Standard: Longspear Minotaur through door...
Holding the Line!

(1d20+20)[34]
(1d8+13)[18] Piercing+(3d6)[7] Fire Damage

Eagle's Splendor: 46 rounds
Protection from Evil: 47 rounds
Bull's Strength: 50 rounds

Dragonfire Inspiration Expires at the end of Round 6
Inspire Courage Expires at the end of Round 8

[Fireheart]

"We need some room." Vaeri says, as another series of magical bolts fly from her hands toward the great minataur.

Roni, you okay? She adds, concern in her voice.

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(3d4+3)[11]

[OMG PONIES]

"Sure, sis," the elder spellscale lies, "just a little scratch. No bother."

Bluff - (1d20+15)[35]

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Karkilan lets out a great roar as Auran's spear slips in under Faien's arm to leave a nicely scorched and bleeding spot on Karkilan's side and Vaeri's mystical bolts whiz around Faien's head to strike the minotaur in the arm. He tries once again to knock Faien out of the way, snorting and stamping at the ground before slamming into him with the massive greataxe. Once again Faien braces himself and holds his ground, leaving the wounded minotaur to roar in frustration.

Meanwhile, the goblins to his rear frantically begin reloading their crossbows, looking between Koth and the intruders as if not sure whether the greater threat to their life is letting the intruders through to attack them or angering Koth by reloading too slowly. One of them giggles softly at the sight of the massive minotaur being thwarted by a puny human, but quickly ducks his head and keep cranking away at his crossbow when Karkilan whips his head around to glare at whoever dared do that at his expense.

Koth ignores his minions' amusement and raises a suddenly-flame-wreathed hand toward the room...then lowers it, the flame flickering out as he apparently decides that roasting everyone at the cost of obliterating his records and furnishings isn't worth it. Instead he merely angles his staff towards the doorway and takes a deep breath, waiting for an opportune moment.

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Karkilan vs. Faien
Greataxe (1d20+12)[22]; Damage (3d6+8)[18]
If the attack hits, Karkilan gets a free bull rush attempt: Karkilan (1d20+12)[16] vs. Faien (1d20+2)[22]

The goblins spend full-round actions reloading. Koth readies an action.

No new map this round because no one has changed positions. Karkilan is really hating the cover and squeezing rules right about now.

[TekHed]

Hearing the beast howl in pain fueled Auran's resolve and he smiled grimly. This was what he lived for...literally fulfilling the purpose of his resurrection...to seal the doom of the Adversary. He thrust again, seeking another vital point on the brute's body.

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IT'S STILL MOVING! KEEP STABBING IT UNTIL IT STOPS!

Round 5
(1d20+20)[26] Hmmm...an unfortunately low roll with such a great modifier but +8 from cover aside, Minotaur's aren't known for the highest AC's. I guess we'll see...
(1d8+13)[15] Piercing+(3d6)[15] Fire Damage

Eagle's Splendor: 45 rounds
Protection from Evil: 46 rounds
Bull's Strength: 49 rounds

Dragonfire Inspiration Expires at the end of Round 6
Inspire Courage Expires at the end of Round 8

[Sallera]

The flames around Koth's hand may have been an attempt to direct his strategy, but Faien was not especially inclined to take the chance, at the moment. He did have methods of dealing with fire, at least; with a deep breath, he closes his eyes for just a moment, exhaling a faint blue vapour that coalesces around his shoulders into a simple chasuble. An extended engagement seemed unavoidable at this point, and a little more preparation might increase his chances of surviving it - although the thought that he needed to continue keeping as much attention away from the others as possible doesn't fail to cross his mind.

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Rapid Meldshaping, shaping a Planar Chasuble in place of the unshaped Cerulean Sandals and shifting a point of essentia from the Wormtail Belt for fire resistance 15.

[OMG PONIES]

Roni Quickwing

The older of the two spellscale siblings realizes that his spells are having minimal impact and that he doesn't have much martial prowess to lend to the situation. Instead, he starts up yet another song. This time, his melody is staccato and jarring, enough to disrupt Koth's concentration. Hopefully, it would prevent him from completing whatever plan he currently had cooking, and soon--Roni couldn't keep the song going for long.

Standard Action: activate Spellbreaker Song (round 1 of 3). Enemy spellcasters within 30 ft take a 20% spell failure chance when casting any spell that has a verbal component.
Move Action: move just north of Auran (immediately next to Faien).

[PairO'Dice Lost]

The great minotaur lets out a massive roar despite his wounds, and moves to charge forward at Faien again--perhaps the third time's the charm. His roar dies down into a whimpering gurgle, however, as his charge introduces his vital organs to Auran's spear. Karkilan's bulging-eyed expression of shock makes him look comically like a cow for a brief moment before he thuds to his knees and collapses forward.

Koth and the goblins had been waiting for Karkilan to move his vast bulk out of the way and give them a clear shot, so a volley of crossbow bolts follows the minotaur's collapse. A streak of bluish-black fire follows the bolts through the doorway, but it never reaches its target as a particularly loud mandolin chord from Roni causes the energy to fizzle and disappear. Then there is a sudden silence as the goblins realize that the minotaur wasn't just crouching to get through the doorway but rather is, in point of fact, very dead, before all Khyber breaks loose: the goblins all throw their crossbows to the floor and run away screaming.

"Alkuur! Khuan alkuuleraal ghekhar!"

"Daaaaan! Mel'däl gher khur Karkilan!"

"Oltur'Luul, oltur'Luul, oltur'Luul, huuk'kel dräl...."

Koth yells at them to come back and fight like real men--er, real male goblins--but the panic has already set in, and the sounds of other goblins panicking and running can be heard from other nearby rooms. Koth turns back and glares at you, barks out an angry order, then barks a single word in Draconic.

In a flash of blue light, the hobgoblin disappears from sight. You're safe...for now.

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For Koth's readied action, he casts a spell as soon as Karkilan drops
Failure chance from spellbreaker song: (1d100)[19]
Touch attack vs. Faien: (1d20+13)[15]; Damage: (4d6)[14] fire
Touch attack vs. Auran: (1d20+13)[17]; Damage: (4d6)[16] fire EDIT: His spell is countered, darn.

Goblins vs. Faien
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[5]; Damage: (1d8)[7]
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[13]; Damage: (1d8)[5]
Crossbow: (1d20+3)[4]; Damage: (1d8)[3]

On Koth's turn, he casts another spell
Failure chance from spellbreaker song: (1d100)[90]

No map this turn once again, since there aren't any bad guys to show on it.

Spellcraft

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DC 17

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Koth's first spell was scorching ray

DC 19

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Koth's second spell was dimension door

Listen

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DC 15

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Not all of the sounds in the fortress are of retreating goblins--it sounds like there are some larger figures hustling towards you, maybe half a dozen or so.

DC 20

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You judge there to be eight figures coming towards you, most likely hobgoblins from their weight.

DC 25

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You can faintly hear the sound of a large beast roaring, coming from far above and in front of you but closing fast.

Goblin

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"Impossible! He's supposed to be invincible!"

"Ruuuun! They killed Karkilan!"

"Ohmygodsohmygodsohmygods, we're gonna die!"

[Sallera]

Letting his blade fade away, Faien shoves Karkilan's corpse out of the way and shuts the door. "Koth hasn't gone far. He'll have fallen back to gather the rest of the keep's forces. Not knowing exactly where - although I could guess - I believe waiting here may still be preferable." Glancing at the lingering strands of webbing, he frowns.

"The upper floors are barred to us, but we have time to heal. Anyone who can't help with that, clear away as much of the web as you can."

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Standard to move the corpse, move to shut the door, or something like that.

[TekHed]

Auran nodded stoically, and stowed his shield. From his bracer sprung a wand which he caught in his hand before proceeding to use it to heal Faien, Roni, Vaeri, and finally himself.

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Let me know how many lesser vigors y'all need. I can give one per round, so it's up to Dice how many rounds I'll be able to get off. Just let me know and I'll mark off the charges.

Eagle's Splendor: 44 rounds
Protection from Evil: 45 rounds
Bull's Strength: 48 rounds

[OMG PONIES]

Roni Quickwing

"Not far?" Roni asks with an arched eyebrow. "The bastard could still be in the room." He thought back to his Arcana overview course, particularly the introduction to the various schools of magic and how to tell them apart. If he recalled correctly, it was that conjurations left the scent of ozone, while illusions carried a trace of vanilla...or was it the other way around?

Roni shook his head, unable to remember what he had actually learned in class. He remembered quite clearly the comely brunette who had taken the seat next to him, with the small mole nestled in the crevices of her eye. He had spent far more time studying her than any of the coursework.

"Invisibility? Dimension door? Baddie go bye-bye? Damned to Dolurrh if I know. Either way, keep your eyes and ears peeled...he's still around here somewhere. Don't let your guard down." His words turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as he hears the sounds of footsteps on the wind. "Staccato...sounds like 7, maybe 8 sets of hobbo hoofs. Something else is with them, something big. We've got some time, but not a lot."

Spellcraft - (1d20+7)[8]
Perception - (1d20+9)[27] boosted via Cunning Knowledge 2/2 for this encounter

[Sallera]

"A Dimension Door," Faien clarifies. "He would only be hampering himself if he tried to get behind us in this webbing, I suspect. He is cautious; he would rather lose more soldiers than risk his own person further. He will have retreated to collect more minions - his manticore, I would assume, along with the soldiers you hear."

"Nonetheless, this remains our most defensible position. As long as Auran and I can guard the door, we can reduce the advantage of their numbers, and we have all of Koth's documents. They will not be able to risk leaving the keep to attack the Ferry, with us behind them, and if they attempt a siege, that only gives us time to recuperate and plan." Summoning his blade again, he sets another section of webbing aflame.

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Draw sword, burn square of webbing to the south.

9 rounds of Lesser Vigor remaining.

[TekHed]

As the bard's dancing dragonflame extinguished itself from their weapons, Auran moved to Roni...

Auran was enormous, risen up on his digitigrade legs and with the benefit of divine magic fortifying his frame, he stood nearly 8 foot tall...and that wasn't counting the still not quite fully-grown yet wings folded back and extending behind and above his shoulders.

The intimidating dragonborn looked down, blazing azure eyes glowing from within his great-helm; those cerulean orbs seared into Roni's, seeming to gaze into his soul. The feared gaze of a Paladin. Judgment.

And then...Auran cracked a smile, and place the hand of a comrade upon the spellscale's shoulder. "You did well young Quickwing. Both of you." He nodded at Vaeri.

Touching the white-birch wand to Roni, a tiny tingle ebbed into his arm. It was a small sensation, but warm, and Roni could feel the subtle energies slowly mending his wounds.

"A solid plan. A manticore thrives in open spaces where it can take to the skies and rain death...we shall not give it such an opening. Nice work blocking the Bull." he said to Faien, the faint trace of mirth his voice had gained with Roni had subsided once more into a grim focus.

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Checked off another Lesser Vigor for Roni

Inspire Courage Expires at the end of Round 8

Eagle's Splendor: 43 rounds
Protection from Evil: 44 rounds
Bull's Strength: 47 rounds

[OMG PONIES]

Roni instinctively draws his arm back, expecting a stabbing or burning sensation. He relaxes the muscle, though, when he feels nothing worse that a tingle. "Thanks, Auran," the spellscale says. "But the job's not done yet." With renewed determination from the dragonborn's compliment, Roni brushes himself off and draws his bow.

Ready action: cast Improvisation about 6 seconds before the next wave of enemies comes within shortbow range (60 ft).

[Fireheart]

Vaeri shuddered as the battle seemed to stop for a moment. She looked around anxiously, then took a deep breath and drew herself up.

"Well, that was...interesting." She drew her dagger and glanced at the webbed space. Taking a moment, she tries to cut another space free.

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OOC: I'm sorry for disappearing guys. Life got really rough there for a while and I just found it easier to not come by the forums! My deepest apologies. I'm happy to give this another try. Though I promise if I need to disappear this time, I'll try to let you know.

[TekHed]

Update:

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So healing for 4 rounds means Inspire Courage/DFI is now over.

Eagle's Splendor: 40 rounds
Protection from Evil: 41 rounds
Bull's Strength: 44 rounds

Auran uses a LV on himself: 10 rounds remaining

End of Round 9.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

As everyone takes a bit of a breather to heal and limber up, the sound of oncoming hobgoblins grows louder until it sounds like they are right outside the door. It seems like you won't have more than a few seconds to rest before they try to break down the door...but there is a pause once they reach it, then a loud whumph like something very heavy dropping out of the sky to land right outside.

"Dakän ac dagän," a muffled hobgoblin voice says through the door, sounding impatient. "Yes, I know," responds a booming, irritated voice with a bit of a sibilant hiss to it, presumably that of the manticore.

"Thar ac dagän, thal."
"Excuse me?"
"Tulaan, thar ac dagän, thal!"
"I heard what you said. Are you giving me an order?"
"Där'tec!"
"I see."

You hear the meaty thud of a body being slammed against the wall, repeated tshshing!s of sharp, pointy metal objects scraping against stone, and then several people shuffling away from something.

"Would anyone else like to try to order me around?"
"Kh-khuurer! Khuurer tök!"
"Khaal'dec, ter!"
"That's what I thought. Break down the door."
"...Togän huur Koth drüc?"
"Yes, we have his permission. Now break it down."

The voice has barely finished speaking when axes begin thudding into the door. Splinters fly off at every blow, and the tip of an axe blade actually penetrates the door at one point, but the door holds fast.

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The conversation takes 2 rounds, then they start attacking the door in round 3.

Damage rolls, round 3
(1d8+1)[2]
(1d8+1)[9]
(1d8+1)[4]

Damage rolls, round 4
(1d8+1)[4]
(1d8+1)[2]
(1d8+1)[2]

Knowledge (Arcana) 15

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Manticores are usually fairly reclusive and a bit dim. This one sounds much more intelligent and forceful (and therefore dangerous) than normal.

[Sallera]

Faien steps back into the doorway once more, preventing the hobgoblins from simply charging through the moment the door falls, but stays at least far enough from the wood to avoid being hit by a stray axe. Taking a slow breath to centre himself, he checks his balance, keeping his good leg back, and readies his sword to strike.

[TekHed]

Auran took up his position behind the wall of mithral that was the Magistrate, longspear ready to skewer the opposition, draconic blessings reciting at the tip of his forked tongue, ready to invoke the protections of Bahamut against the servant's of the Platinum Dragon's greatest foe.

His head snaking around to take in the room, the Paladin barked.

"Quickwings...upend the desk, take cover, and trust in our gods!"

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Eagle's Splendor: 39 rounds
Protection from Evil: 40 rounds
Bull's Strength: 43 rounds

Auran uses a LV on himself: 9 rounds remaining

End of Round 10.

[OMG PONIES]

Roni moves over and attempts to hoist the desk over, but is surprised to find just how heavy it is. He wouldn't say anything about it, but he exchanges a glance with his sister that's as pleading as it is fleeting.

STR check - (1d20)[15] to upend desk (Roni can lift 100 lbs over his head)
Knowledge Arcana - (1d20+9)[18]

"Manticore out there sounds..." Roni takes a moment to put his finger on it. At a loss, he finishes "...smart. Dangerous." Thinking quickly as he tries to hide a grimace from lifting the desk, he suggests, "should we push the desk against the door? It'll hold a little longer."

[Sallera]

"Also entirely capable of hearing you, I'd imagine," Faien remarks dryly. "For the latter, no. We lack the time." In truth, his refusal had more to do with the fact that he wanted this fight, but it would not do to inform the enemy of that.

[OMG PONIES]

Roni Quickwing

The elder spellscale nods firmly and, for the first time in a long time, follows orders. He and his sister tip the desk which he then crouches behind. "Down here, sis," he whispers, "and draw a bead on the door."

Roni closes his eyes for a moment, desperately wishing he had paid more attention in Humanoid Anatomy 203. What attention he had paid to anatomy was to the curves of the girl two rows in front of him--she might as well have been a succubus. He half-remembers a droning lecture about bile sacks, and it all starts coming back to him. To keep himself from falling asleep at the boredom of it all, he knocks an arrow and waits for the first enemy to peek through the door.

Ready action: shoot an arrow at the first hostile creature to enter line of sight.

Attack - (1d20+5)[19] (+1 if it's a goblinoid, +2 if it's the manticore)
Damage - (1d8)[6] (+1 if it's a goblinoid, +2 if it's the manticore)
Knowledge Local - (1d20+10)[15] boosted by Collector of Stories to recall info about goblinoids

[Fireheart]

Vaeri held her breath as she helped Roni tip over the desk. Sheathing her dagger, she ran through her spells trying to decide which one would work best.

"That seems to be an understatement." Vaeri whispers in reply to the intelligence of the Manticore...

She nods as he gestures her to kneel beside him.

She readies a spell, pouring a single drop of water into her hand. She shakes it as if trying to remove something yucky.

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Ready action: shoot her spell (Ice Knife) at the manticore as soon as it enters line of sight.

Attack - [roll]1d20+9[/roll] (ranged touch, +4 due to spell)
Damage - [roll]2d8[/roll] (+2 pts Dex Dmg, Fort DC 17 to negate Dex Dmg)
Knowledge Arcana - [roll]1d20+10[/roll] - any other weaknesses/info on the Manticore

OOC: Scream if I missed anything. :)

Edit: Dang...not sure why that didn't work at all...okay copy/paste into the OOC.