Circle of Life's Red Hand of Doom IC Thread

[PairO'Dice Lost]

"Worgs aren't the sharpest blade in the armory, and would probably chase after some dancing lights on their own," Tolis says in reply to Vaeri's question, "but there's no way of knowing whether the others would fall for it. Those 'war adepts' that that Koth fellow mentioned probably know enough magic to recognize the trick and stop the worgs from falling for it. And stumbling on them would probably work better," he answers Auran, "but the fact that we just happen to be here when their mission is supposed to be a secret might make them retreat and notify their superiors instead of engaging us."

The sergeant begins picking at his moustache, probably a nervous habit or something he does when he's thinking hard, or perhaps both. "If these were normal Darguul troops or officers, or even auxiliaries, I'd have a better handle on what they can do and what might fool them, but with them coming from who-knows-where instead of the army proper, with who-knows-what training and who-knows-what standing orders, I don't know what sorts of tactics we can risk, here. What I wouldn't give for a proper battle-mage, and to Khyber with subtlety." Turning to Roni, the sergeant asks, "How about you? Do you have anything that might help? Anything at all?"

[PairO'Dice Lost]

When Roni explains that he can't take out the goblins at range or funnel them toward you, but that he can blind them with his glitterdust, the sergeant shrugs. "Well, that's better than nothing. At least it'll mean they can't use their superior night vision against us." He ponders some more, still fiddling with his moustache. "Okay, here's what I'm thinking. You said they're heading more-or-less in this direction already, so we can sit tight for now and hope they keep on the same path. At some point those worgs are going to catch our scent and things will get real hectic real fast, so Roni, you get ready to glittedust whoever's closest, Dorian, you get ready to counterspell any attempts to get rid of it or cast anything offensive, and the rest of us whale on 'em until they stop moving. If they change tack and start heading to a different point of the 'rail line, same plan, except we rush up behind them and do it. It's a simple plan, but it should get the job done. Sounds good to you folks?"

[TekHed]

Auran nodded.

"There is one further tactical decision we must make," he spoke up.

"All who remain within 10 paces of me, Bahamut's blessing will fortify...however any such grouping will be more vulnerable to area-denial spells, such as our own Quickwing's Glitterdust. What say you Sergeant, of such risk-reward...would you rather I stand ground with your men, or take a vanguard striking role?"

[PairO'Dice Lost]

"I don't think we can risk having everyone close together," Tolis says with a shake of his head. "These are deranged dragon cultists, right? I'd bet my last galifar that at least one of them has some sort of huge breath-weapon-like blasting spell prepared, and we don't want to give them a good target for that."

[TekHed]

"As you wish...let us fan out and get into positions."

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Is kinda sad I haven't been able to make much use of my auras yet. I needs people to buffs! :/

[Fireheart]

Vaeri nods and takes her position, waiting quietly.

[OMG PONIES]

Roni, too, gets into position and readies himself to blind his opponents.

[Sallera]

Faien nods, brushing the tips of his gauntleted fingers over his ethereal belt. Closing his eyes for several seconds, he slows his breathing, attuning his other senses to the forest's nighttime ambience in case stray sounds or scents should provide early warning of any surprises, before opening his eyes again and waiting calmly for the signal.

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Slowly, ever so slowly, the force of Red Hand saboteurs makes their approach. It's another fifteen minutes at least before they get close enough to be seen--fifteen long minutes of standing or crouching still, holding branches out of your faces, and trying not to breathe loudly.

Between the flickering illumination of the lightning rail and the steady light of the moons above, you can finally make out some more details of the advancing figures when they get closer. To your left, their right, are the squad of worg-riders, the worgs sniffing about and their riders tilting their heads this way and that, twitching their long ears. The other group of eight figures looks to consist of five hobgoblins in the front in soldier's gear, dressed and armored similarly to those you fought at Vraath Keep, and three in the rear wearing what looks like a slightly more practical take on a war-wizard's cloak. They are dressed similarly enough that you can't really tell which one would be the war adept and which ones the engineers, but it doesn't really matter since all three are your high-priority targets.

Sergeant Tolis gets everyone's attention as the goblinoids get close and indicates as best he can with hand signals and pantomime that he'll signal the attack as soon as they get close enough for the worgs to detect you, so that you don't lose the element of surprise. Specialist Dorian begins stretching his fingers and making a few mystic gestures to limber up, Specialist Strella gets out her holy symbol, the archers all nock an arrow to their bows, and the rest silently unsheathe their swords. Shortly thereafter, the breeze dies down, so that you're no longer downwind, and Tolis chops his hand down in the signal to attack slightly earlier than planned.

Map--Round 1

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The W's are the worgs and their riders, the purple H's are the hobgoblin legionaries, and the light purple L's are the leaders.

You all get a surprise round, then the worg riders go, then you all get your normal actions, so if your actions don't depend on what the worg riders do you can go ahead and post both rounds' actions at once (remembering of course that a surprise round is one standard, not a standard and move).

If you want to suggest any particular course of action for the NPCs, like the archers focus-firing someone or the like, you can mention that in dialog or request it OOC.

[Sallera]

The moment the attack is signalled, Faien pushes forward off his good leg, streamers of ethereal cobalt flowing from his belt to the layer of energy beneath his boots until he is almost skating through the undergrowth. Assuming they held true to form, both Auran and Roni would produce something bright and flashy in the next few seconds, so he keeps one eye shut against night-blindness as he goes. Even the unadorned mithral of his armour would suffice to draw the notice of either group once the light hit it; best to be among them before they could do much about it.

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Move essentia from belt to sandals for movespeed 25, single move three squares right and one up and right.

If the worgs don't get in the way on their turn, continue with a full move to the square three left of the centre H. If they do, I'll post something else.

[TekHed]

With a muttered prayer to Bahamut, Auran unleashed a firebomb of divine power, right in the center of their leadership cadre. A blast of blue fire exploded in their midst with a brilliant blinding flash. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Auran swooped in to a close tree, prepared to continue the fight.

Spoiler: Actions

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Waiting until the last few moments before striking to cast Bull's Strength, Eagle's Splendor, and Protection from Evil on himself, as well as Divine Vigor. About two rounds worth of time.

Surprise Round: Cast Holy Smite, 20' burst, centered to catch all of the Hobgoblin/Leader group.

Fire is for effect, but damage is actually untyped: (3d8)[14] plus blinded for one round. Will DC 18 for half for evil creatures. If any are neutral then half damage already and save for half again (one quarter)

Round after that, Double move (80' with Divine Vigor) up into the tree grove next to B. Preparing to Diving Charge them next round.

[Fireheart]

Vaeri takes a deep breath and then a knife of ice flies from her hands through the trees toward the hobgoblins.

Spoiler: Actions

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Surprise Rd
Ice Knife (range 400+ft)

Targeting the Leader closest to the bottom of the map (Vaeri's right, 4 squares from the edge of the map)

(d20+9)[10] ranged atk (not touch), SR applies, +4 bonus for spell

if hits
[rolld]2d8[/roll] cold dmg +2pt Dex dmg (Fort Save DC18) to avoid Dex dmg if hit

Regular Round
move/fly 30ft forward, same spell, same target.

(d20+9)[22] ranged atk (not touch), SR applies, +4 bonus for spell
[rolld]2d8[/roll] cold dmg +2pt Dex dmg (Fort Save DC18) to avoid Dex dmg if hit

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Twin flashes light up the night, one blazing white and one sparkling gold, and the scene erupts into chaos. The worgs all howl at the sight, but three of them are howling in confusion and irritation: the nearest three worgs are pawing at their eyes to clear the blinding dust from their eyes, with little success, and their riders are doing their best to keep a grip on their mounts with one hand and scrubbing their eyes with the other. The last two, unable to determine from what direction the attack is coming, break from their pack to protect their leaders to their left.

The group of hobgoblins, meanwhile, is faring no better. All but one of them cry out in panic and clap their hands to their eyes as they are blinded by the physical manifestation of Auran's righteous fury. The rearmost hobgoblin, one of the robed leaders, blinks a few times to clear his vision and calls out "Rhekän tuur, tuul'der! Muuch hürekhec ac dräklaac!" The legionaries calm at whatever he said and take up a defensive posture, pulling shields off their backs and cautiously stepping closer together to provide each other more protection, though their movements are hesitant and clumsy due to their lack of vision. The speaker nods curtly upon seeing his orders obeyed and raises his hands in a spellcasting posture, keeping a wary eye on Faien and Auran when they approach.

As soon as the un-blinded worgs have darted away, Rowan and Daniel advance, the former slinking through the nearest stand of trees to come at the worgs from behind and the latter staying in the open to have a clear shot with his bow. Bastian and Leric do the same on the other side, coming up on the hobgoblins from the flank. Roni begins playing a dramatic melody on his lute and flame erupts on Daniel's and Bastian's arrowheads as they streak towards their foes. Daniel grievously wounds his target, causing it to stagger and almost throw its rider off, while Bastian downs his own target, leaving a gap in their formation.

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Daniel vs. topmost worg
Longbow: (1d20+6)[21] vs. AC 12; Damage: (1d8+3)[11] plus (4d6)[18] fire

Bastian vs. Legionary 3
Longbow: (1d20+4)[7] vs. AC 16; Damage: (1d8+3)[11] plus (4d6)[17] fire
Longbow: (1d20+4)[22] vs. AC 16; Damage: (1d8+3)[10] plus (4d6)[18] fire

The speaker readies an action, the blinded hobgoblins spend their turns retrieving and equipping shields (in the case of the legionaries) or doing nothing (in the case of the leaders) and then 5-foot stepping closer together, and the blinded worg riders forfeit their actions since running at what they can't see is suicide. Only the blinded worgs are outlined in sparkles on the map for clarity, but the other two worgs are still covered in glitter.

They all just had to fail their saves, didn't they? Grumble grumble grumble....

The rest of your allies are hanging back to protect the lightning rail, and have readied actions for if the goblins or hobgoblins approach; it's the party's turn again.

Map--Round 2

[Sallera]

Sliding past the foremost worg rider, Faien approaches the hobgoblins' defensive formation, blue light flashing as he plants his good leg heavily. He draws his blade from the air in the same motion as his first strike, the ethereal sword's nature somewhat concealed by the entirely physical flames that engulf it as it appears.

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Move 2 squares SE and 2 E, drawing sword.
Shift essentia from sandals to blade.
Attack H: (1d20+8)[26]
Damage: (1d8+5)[12] + (4d8)[20] fire

[TekHed]

Their attention suitably gained, Auran spread his wings wide and they flashed with a golden light. A fierce wind whipped up around him and he launched himself forward, his speed vaulted by the divine gale. He aimed his spear at the commanding hobgoblin, and prayed Bahamut guide its point home.

Spoiler: Actions

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Swift: Rhino's Rush
Full-round: Diving Charge, attacking the one speaking (presumably the leader). With Divine Vigor I have more than enough movement, plus the velocity from the dive.

(1d20+20)[36] Action Point in occ...
Damage: (1d8+13)[18]x3 = 54

Not sure how attacking from flight works, if it just stops me in the square I hit from or if I complete my movement?

[Fireheart]

With a swish of her wings, Vaeri glides slightly closer and send her spell flying.

Spoiler: Actions

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move/fly 30ft forward, same spell, same target.

(d20+9)[17] ranged atk (not touch), SR applies, +4 bonus for spell
(2d8)[12] cold dmg +2pt Dex dmg (Fort Save DC18) to avoid Dex dmg if hit

[PairO'Dice Lost]

Faien easily slices through the nearest hobgoblin and his shield in one stroke, causing the worg rider nearby to flinch in surprise. The other hobgoblins are too well-trained to react so obviously to the death of one of their number...but they do react when Auran comes streaking by overhead, aimed straight at one of their leaders, looking up in awe at the fearsome sight. The dragonborn's target raises his arms and calls out "Häraan Tiamat ghaan huu--!" as the spear comes at him, and a stroke of lightning leaps from his hands to Auran's spear to Auran himself.

If he was hoping to kill Auran and stop the dragonborn's assault, though, he is immediately disappointed. Auran does, however, feel his spear nudged slightly off course by an unknown force, so that instead of being impaled through the chest and torn in half by the impact, the hobgoblin leader is "merely" heavily injured, and Auran sees dark red blood beginning to leak quickly from the hobgoblin's side as he staggers back and presses an arm against the wound. The robed leader next to him looks over in concern, but is struck by yet another shard of ice from Vaeri and ignores his companion to bark a couple of curses in Vaeri's general direction.

As the rest of you rush in to the attack, Roni hustles out of the trees where he'd been hiding and raises his bow, keeping an eye out for any goblinoid that might attempt to slip past you. This is quite fortunate, since after conferring for a moment the enemy leaders bark out some orders that send the worg rider nearest him darting forward through the trees. He lets fly with an arrow and catches the rider in the arm, who yelps in pain and begins patting at the arrow with one hand in an attempt to douse the flames. The one nearest Auran, meanwhile, carefully backs out of reach before turning and also darting off toward the lightning rail, while more barked orders cause the blinded worgs and their riders to carefully back away, farther from the lightning rail and hopefully out of danger.

As soon as the farthest worg is near the lightning rail, the other two leaders step back out of Auran's reach, draw wands from within their robes, and activate them with identical chants. With a pop of displaced air, they disappear, and in their place appear the worg and worg rider, now next to each other instead of the latter mounted atop the former. "Look out, they're past our front line!" Sergeant Tolis calls, and he, Corporal Tarbin, and Private Alfred hustle over to them, going as fast as they can through the undergrowth. Private Joramy steps protectively in front of Specialist Dorian, who still has his hands raised in the event that either of the leaders casts something able to be countered, and looses an arrow at each of the two leaders. Both stagger back as the arrows strike true, and neither looks to be in particularly good shape.

The leader Auran attacked steps smoothly behind the lightly-scorched goblin and lets loose another bolt of lightning at the dragonborn, though this one seems less forceful than the previous one. He then motions towards Faien and barks another order, and the other hobgoblins surround Faien and attack him. They lay into him with a series of coordinated blows that would be much more impressive if more than one of them were able to get past his shield; he takes a small but painful gash to his chest through a gap in his armor, but the injury probably isn't noticeable to his foes, who seem discouraged that the magistrate can hold the three of them off with ease.

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Auran's Ref save vs. first lightning spell: (1d20+7)[25] vs. DC 17; Damage: (6d6)[26] electricity
Auran's Ref save vs. second lightning spell: (1d20+7)[10] vs. DC 17; Damage: (3d6)[11] electricity

Roni's readied attack against the worg rider: (1d20+5)[20]; Damage: (1d8)[2] piercing plus (4d6)[12] fire

Leader's Fort save vs. ice knife: (1d20+4)[18] vs. DC 18

Hobgoblin attacks vs. Faien
Longsword: (1d20+7)[23]; Damage: (1d8+3)[10]; Crit Confirm: (1d20+7)[11]
Longsword: (1d20+7)[27]; Damage: (1d8+3)[9]; Crit Confirm: (1d20+7)[11]
Longsword: (1d20+7)[8]; Damage: (1d8+3)[9]; Crit Confirm: (1d20+7)[18]

Joramy vs. Leaders
Longbow: (1d20+4)[17] vs. AC 15; Damage: (1d8+3)[7] plus (4d6)[11] fire
Longbow: (1d20+4)[13] vs. AC 13; Damage: (1d8+3)[4] plus (4d6)[18] fire

Spellcraft DC 18

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The leader is under the effects of a righteous fury spell, which presumably protected him from death thanks to the temporary hit points. The spell he cast at Auran was a lightning bolt.

The two leaders used wands of benign transposition to switch places with the worg and worg rider.

Map--Round 2

[TekHed]

Auran seemed entirely unfazed by the lightning that struck him. Indeed, only the second left a small scorch mark, which immediately faded away as he touched upon the ground. Dropping his spear, he drew his steel bastard sword and the shield from his back. Cross-stepping carefully, one foot behind the other, he moved into position, and clanged the outside of his shield with the flat of his blade. It was a common fighting taunt, meant to intimidate an opponent, but as he did so, the otherwise unremarkable shield began to glow with paladin's golden power.

"The Red Hand is betrayed, your plans revealed to us. More come marching to our aid, and you shall not win this day!" Auran said, full of vigor, as his sword slashed once, twice again at the hobgoblin spellcaster.

Spoiler: Actions

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5 foot step one square east, free actions to drop spear, draw sword and ready shield
Swift: Divine Shield, +7 to Shield AC (spend 1 Turn attempt)
Full Attack Leader! (1d20+18)[27] Damage: (1d10+11)[12], (1d20+13)[31] Damage: (1d10+11)[15]

[Sallera]

Ignoring the tiny scratch with the ease of long practice, Faien bats the offending blade aside with his shield and slices up under the hobgoblin's sword arm. His own travel range was too limited to deal with the forward saboteurs, so occupying their backup would have to do.

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1 damage, unless those weapons are [Magic].
Attack northern H: (1d20+8)[11]
Damage: (1d8+5)[7] + (4d6)[15] fire