[IC] Adventures in the Heartlands (4E)

[WaffleLord]

A short time later people begin filing in. Each is checked off a list by Eubin before being admitted. The room fills up quickly and without incident. You notice that many of the same people that were at the wake have been invited to the reading as well. Certain personalities stand out to you: the orc, the dusty, grey woman, the show-off wizard, the dwarf paladin.

Satisfied that all that need be here have arrived Eubin moves to the stage and gestures for silence.

"Thank you. Ahem. Thank you all for attending. Donal was an important businessman and member of the community. As such, he has requested that portions of his estate by dispersed thusly." He takes the thick bundle of papers out of his robe and looks through them, stopping and taking out one piece of paper in particular.. Placing the sheaf of papers on the podium, he places the single paper on the floor of the stage. He places his hand gently on the top of it and whispers quietly. The paper rustles and flaps then seems to unfold into a box, then a larger box. It keeps on expanding until a full sized chest is sitting on stage.

Eubin steps to the podium. "Ahem. First to barman Stevens. For his constant forbearance and patience, he leaves 2,000 gold pieces and his apologies for whatever may come." The large mustachioed man steps from behind the bar, surprised, approaches the stage to small applause and receives a small bag that Eubin removes from the trunk. He weighs it gently and begins to head back to the bar, but Eubin stops him. "I'm sorry, but the instructions are to escort each recipient out of the inn after they receive their gift. No exceptions." The stunned barkeep is led out the front door, flabbergasted.

This continues on for five, ten, fifteen, twenty minutes. People of the town receive small or moderate amounts for different reasons then are asked to leave. Some are eager to get away with their gift, other appear loathe to leave and miss what interesting things may come later. Most a gold endowments but there are a few odd items, mostly trinkets, that are distributed. A wooden necklace, two muddy shoes, an empty picture frame, a gem encrusted spoon, and a pair of woolen gloves are some of the more strange pieces.

Soon there are only four people left besides yourselves. They are definitely not townspeople.

[18th Avenger]

Unlike Harken, Sarvin took his place close to the stage as well. It seemed that they were all choosing places to sit that allowed them to be able to respond quickly.

And so for a relatively short period of time, they were audience as Clodfall gifted people his employer had known in life with either cash or items whihc could have been considered sundry. The tiefling had expected either the ones who had received the boots or the picture frame to raise a fuss, but things had been rather civil.

Now it was the high point of the evening and the four most outlandish-looking visitors (those hired as guards excluded) would finally receive their inheritances. Sarvin leaned forward in his seat to watch, his tail lightly twitching in excitement.

[firstclassmail]

Harken looked up, back leaning up against the staircase, arms crossed. His face took on scowl at the four strangers left in the bar.

And this is where the trouble starts, he thought.

[WaffleLord]

Eubin

"To Casaubon, my friend," Eubin reads from the paper. The cowled wizard's head turns and his body becomes rigid. "You were always first to dinner, always last to battle, and always where I needed you. Thank you. You are the apple of my eye." Eubin stoops to the chest and pulls out a golden apple. The wizard approaches, receives his gift and begins laughing a hearty belly laugh. By the time he walks out the door, he almost appears to be sobbing.

"To Kalad, the brave." The dwarven paladin stands, slightly red in the face as if slapped. Eubin clears his throat and continues. "There are those who know you and those who think they know you. Those who know you, need no proof. Those who think they know you, need not your time. Live well, good friend." Eubin reaches into the chest as Kalad begins to approach the stage. When he sees the rod in Eubin's hand, he freezes. It is a silvered rod with several jeweled bumps along its surface.

"That's not it," Kalad cries out. Eubin looks at him, wide eyes. "That's not it!" he calls louder. The orc gives a start, as if woken up. "He promised me proof! He said he had it! He promised me!" Kalad yells, growing louder, his hands balling into fists. "Give me what's mine!"

Eubin begins to look flustered and looks in your directions. "This..this is what is listed for...for you," he stutters, looking again at the paper. "I promise, that's what it says."

Kalad holds his head in his hands for a moment then looks up with stern resolve. "Donal promised me that proof would be mine! Do not deceive me, brother! I trust Donal's word more than my own senses!" He points an accusatory finger at Eubin. "What right have you to keep me from what is mine?!" His other hand moves, slowly but purposefully, to rest upon the sword at his side.

The dusty grey woman in the shadows by the wall begins to smile.

[Irish Musician]

Tak, Half-Orc Slayer

Tak immediately walks to a place behind the dwarf and point his Gouge at him, speaking in a strong and might voice. Not only to the dwarf, but to everyone else in the room as well. "You calm now. No trouble needed. Take and go." Then in giant, Tak speaks to Azktor, "Maybe trouble. Get ready for fight. Keep eye on others." Tak grips his gouge, waiting for the dwarf to make the next move, while keeping an eye on all the others around the room.

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Intimidate check (1d20+7)[6](13), to make everyone calm down and not freak out
Apparently Tak is off his game

[Azktor]

Azktor gets ready for what is to come, he gives a small look to Zau'nix to "stay alert" and then says with his Fullblade on hands "You better listen to him and back off..." Azktor says this with a serious face, ready to kill if necessary.

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Intimidation check: (1d20+7)[24]

[firstclassmail]

Harken leaves his spot by the stairs and walks closer towards the commotion. His staff drawn, he searches the room quickly with his eyes to see if there is anything other kind of trouble brewing.

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Perception Roll
(1d20+9)[19]

[Philemonite]

Ace smiled at the reaction of the other guards. Two half-orcs towering above a dwarf, who could keep a straight face. Still, he didn't feel the need to interfere, the dwarf was probably just blowing some steam. The worst thing that a dwarf can do is some property damage.
His gaze falls on the smiling woman in the corner.
"This one could be trouble, it's always the subtle ones you need to watch out for."

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Perception roll, checking out the woman.
(1d20+4)[5]

[18th Avenger]

Unlike the two half orcs and the human, Sarvin kept his hands away from his weapons. No sense to escalate things.

The tiefling closed with the armored dwarf as well. "I think you ought to keep your hand away from steel, friend," Sarvin murmured quietly. "Think hard, neighbor. There must be a reason for, " he flapped a hand at the proffered scepter. "Mercathy's last gift."

[WaffleLord]

The orc stumbles off his stool still clutching his flask. He stands between the two dwarves with his arms outstretched as if keeping them apart. "Holdd it, hol dit, hold it," he says slurring slightly. "Mazter Clodfall, we all know of Kalad's embarrassing situation though he would rather we not...know." The paladin blushes but stays where he is. "We know how Donal felt about it, and we all know that Kalad's word is impeecible...impekilible... we believe him. He deserves his proof. It is right for him to have it" He stands tall, wavering slightly.

Eubin raises his palms in supplication. "I would, but I can't." He stoops to the chest and begins taking out items: a scroll, a lumpy loadstone, five small bags of stones, and a silvered dagger and places them on the table in front of him. "It's not here. I don't have it."

When the dagger hits the table, it sounds a resonate note. The grey woman sit bolt upright, her eyes wide. The orc raises his arms high and bellows something tremendously loudly, dropping his flask.

Tak, Azktor, Harken

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In the language of orcs (giant) he yells, "NOW!!"

Everyone

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Roll initiative!

[WaffleLord]

When the orc's flask hits the ground, it shatters like glass and explodes in soundless light. Azktor, Kalad, Sarvin, and Tak wince from the pain shooting through their eyes. Spots and watering eyes keep them from seeing what is happening around them, but they hear a tremendous crash followed by growling and howling with many echoing footsteps stomping on the stage. When their vision clears there is a large hole in the wall behind the stage, orcs everywhere, Eubin is on the ground, and Modgrim is no where to be seen.

Ace and Harken

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You see the wall behind the stage collapse in smoke and flame. Orcs come barreling through trailing ash and glowing embers. They stalk the stage looking around. One of them clubs Eubin to the ground while another oogles the items on the table. Modgrim bounds upon the stage, completely sober, grabs the dagger, and strides victoriously through the breech in the wall. He calls imperiously behind him as he leaves.

Azktor, Tak, and Harken

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You hear Modgrim say coldly, "Kill the witnesses, then follow me."

Your turn. The map is updated and the tracker is linked and ready.

Battle Tracker
Far Anchor Map

[Irish Musician]

Tak, Half-Orc Slayer

Tak grips his gouge tighter and readies for the battle at hand. "You no kill, Orc. You die! Come fight Orc-Coward!" Tak yells at Modgrim.

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Initiative (1d20+3)[12](15)

[firstclassmail]

Harken lets out a guttural cry as his skin begins to take on a bark like texture. His arms lengthen into branchlike appendages, his fingers curved viciously into sharp points. He runs forward and swiftly throws a walnut at the Orc in the back of the room. As it hits the Orc, it bursts into flames and surrounds the companions closest to him.

[WaffleLord]

The smell of singed, dirty hairy fills the room quickly. The two standing near the recipient of the flaming nut seem not to notice the small smoldering fires on their own shoulders.

[Irish Musician]

Tak, Half-Orc Slayer

Tak narrows his eyes and glares at the orcs that busted through the wall. Time fer killin', he thinks to himself....and charges up to the nearest one.

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Actions
Move - to H13
Minor - Berserker's Charge stance, +2 to charging speed, +2 to charge attacks
Standard - Charge to E12 against Battleaxe 3 (1d20+10)[3](13) (+1 for charging normally, +2 for my stance) Sigh a miss
Damage - (2d6+7)[6][2](15)
No action - If it doesn't kill him outright (and I hit), use Power Attack (2d6)[1][5](6)
Brutal Dice Rerolls - (8d6)[4][2][6][4][3][3][5][1](28)

And just an FYI, I have the Guardian's Counter power. Burst two, if an ally is hti in an attack and I'm not included, we shift up to two squares and I take the attack. I can then make an MBA on the attacker, it is an immediate interrupt power. Just letting you know Waffle.

[Azktor]

Azktor challenges the orc holding a club to attack him, using his divine powers. He and Zau'nix Move close to the orcs on the right side and he attack both orcs.

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I will also spend an Action Point:
Minor Action: Divine Challenge on Club 1 (E9) = -2 attack penalty and 3 damage if he does not attack Azktor.
Move Action: Azktor will move to F9 and Zau'Nix to G10.
Standard Action: Holy Strike on Club 1 (E9)
Attack vs AC: (1d20+7)[18] Radiant Damage: (1d12+6)[15]

Action Point: will use Blood of the Mighty on the BattleAxe 2
Attack vs AC: (1d20+7)[10] Damage: (4d12+4)[31] Also, I take 5 damage. Looks like a miss, but the power is not wasted since it is Reliable, but I think I still get the 5 damage.

[WaffleLord]

Azktor liberates the orc carrying the club from his miserable life with one swing. You sense that the other club wielder will fall as easily. Although Azktor misses the second, sturdier orc, the paladin still winces in pain from the exertion of his blow.

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Yes, you still take the 5 damage.
The clubbers are minions.

Go Astaroth and Sarvin!
PS You don't have to wait for my flavor to take your turn.

[Philemonite]

Surprise paralyzes Ace but he quickly regains his senses.
"So, it's time for the fun part?"
He quickly moves towards his allies and and points his harp towards one of the orcs.
"Let me play a little tune for you and my friend there."

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I'm sorry, but I can't access the map at the moment.

Move action:Moves closer to the orcs(5 squares).

Standard action:Staggering Note, orc closest to Azktor takes 4 thunder damage and moves away from Ace two squares. Azktor makes a MBA.
Charisma vs. Will
(1d20+4)[5]

[Azktor]

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MBA: attack (1d20+7)[25] ; damage (1d12+4)[7] if it hit I will also use furious assault for extra (1d12)[12] damage

[18th Avenger]

Stuff

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Minor: Draw Handaxe
Move: K9
Standard: Direct the Strike -> Azktor

Looks like Willie the barman gets to use his gift early.

Sarvin had been surprised by the orc's sudden treachery but not all that disappointed. On a whim, he read his mentor's notes on orcish warfare and saw that such deception, while uncommon, was one of the species' favored tactics.

The tiefling drew one of his handaxes and readied his shield, but didn't advance into the melee. He left the dwarf and looked to Harken. "With me," he ordered as he went to find a better vantage to the battle. The tiefling found it a bowshot from the breach and turned to the battling crowd.

"One of you get Clodfall out of there!" He ordered. "The rest of you, press them back to the breach!" Sarvin roared at Azktor.

Direct the Strike

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The target makes a basic attack as a free action against an enemy of your choice that you can see and is within 10 squares of you.

[Azktor]

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MBA on battleaxe 2: attack (1d20+7)[14]; damage (1d12+4)[6]

[WaffleLord]

Orcs

After the Azktor tornado slows down, another orc with a battleaxe steps for ward to engage the paladin, while a club-armed orc adds to Tak's misery.

The two battleaxed orcs use teamwork to both score hits upon Azktor. The wounded orc roars with victory and seems less concerned about his wound. Tak easily blocks the battleaxe but catches club to the side.

The orcs standing in the rear with bellybows let loose a barrage at Harken in return for their scorched hair, still smoking. The druid sidesteps one bolt but the other lands on his shoulder, sending him stumbling back a step with its force.

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Moves
Minion 2 to D13
Battleaxe 1 to E9

Attacks
Battleaxe 1 vs Azktor AC (18) - (1d20+6)[18] HIT
Damage - (1d10+3)[8]
Battleaxe 2 vs Azktor AC (18) - (1d20+6)[24] HIT
Damage - (1d10+3)[7] and heals 9 points

Azktor is bloodied.

Battleaxe 3 vs Tak AC (17) - (1d20+6)[14] miss
Damage - (1d10+3)[5]
Minion 2 vs Tak AC (17) - (1d20+7)[20] HIT
Damage - 5 damage

Bolt 1 vs Harken AC (15) - (1d20+8)[16] HIT
Damage - (1d12+2)[6] and pushed 1
Bolt 2 vs Harken AC (15) - (1d20+8)[11] miss
Damage - (1d12+2)[7] and pushed 1

Top of the order: (feel free to change your order as convenient.)
Tak
Azktor
Ace
Sarvin
Harken

[Irish Musician]

Tak, Half-Orc Slayer

Tak successfully dodges the battle axe one of the orcs swings at him, but the other hits him with a club in the side. Instead of having the effect he wanted, Tak growls at the orc and swings his gouge at it.

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Actions
Minor - Battle Wrath, stance. I gain +2 to Dmg with my attacks
Standard - MBA (1d20+7)[14](21)
Damage - (2d6+9)[4][6](19)
Brutal Dice - (6d6)[1][3][3][1][1][2](11)

If the minion dies, Tak shifts to D13, in its spot

Tak smiles with satisfaction as he cleaves the puny orc in half. "You be next, weakling!", taunting the orc in front of him.

[Philemonite]

"You brainless sack, that's not very nice. Dodging my attacks makes me look bad, and we can't have that. Now, let's try this again, without the dodging part."
Ace plays his music again, hopefully more successfully this time.

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Move action:Move to I8
Standard action:Staggering Note, Club 1 takes 4 thunder damage and moves to E11. Azktor makes a MBA.
Charisma vs. Will
(1d20+4)[22]
Minor Action: Majestic Word-Azktor can spend a HS and recover 4 extra HP. He can also slide 1 square, if he wants.

[Azktor]

Azktor sundenly starts to feels better and with the guidance of Astaroth he makes a new attack and then moves surrouding the Orc. He seizes his good momment in battle to make another attack on the Orc, now with tactical advantage over him. He finishes challenging the orc close to Eubin to attack him.

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MBA: Attack (1d20+7)[10]; Damage (1d12+4)[14]
Azktor recover his HP and is now with 25! and I will slide to E10.

Also will take my turn
Standard: Ardent Strike on the Battleaxe 1
Attack vs AC: (1d20+9)[11] (with +2 from CA granted by Zau'nix); Damage (1d12+4)[14] Extra Effect: the target is now subject to divine sanction, is the same as divine challenge without the "engage" clause.
Minor: Divine Challenge on the BattleAxe 2.
Move: None


Damn 2 misses! And now just BattleAxe 2 is marked with Divine Challenge. So will take -2 attack and 3 damage if he attacks someone besides Azktor.

[firstclassmail]

Harken winces at the arrow in his shoulder. Listening to the tiefling, Harken moves towards the warlord.

Grinning evilly, Harken makes a throwing motion with his branchlike arm towards the archers in the back. His arm extends quickly over the battle, a giant thorn whipping at its target.

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Move action : To K11
Standard action: Thorn Whip at bolt 1 (1d20+6)[10]
Damage if it hits: (1d8+4)[12]
Also, if it hits I will be pulling him into melee combat with Azktor. (hopefully reducing his accuracy with a bow)

[18th Avenger]

Either the orcs were much stronger than they thought or today wasn't their day.

A fire lit in Sarvin's breast as we watched the action on the stage. The tiefling watched the battle's ebb and flow and made a few quick decisions. To start, he moved closer to the stage, setting himself up in the relative eye of the storm.

Move Action: H12

"You there, Tak! Are you going to let him play you as a chump!" The tiefling roared at the half orc they recently met. "Show us your strength and let 'im have it!"

Standard Action

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Direct the Strike -> Tak

He could also see Azktor beginning to flag from being the center of attention. "Hold fast, Azktor!" yelled Sarvin. "They see you as a threat! Prove them right! All of you, keep at it! Up an' at them!"

Minor Action

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Inspiring Word -> Azktor
Heal your surge and add 1d6 HP

[Irish Musician]

Tak, Half-Orc Slayer

Tak nods at the tiefling and swings at the orc in front of him.

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Action - MBA (1d20+7)[1](8)
Damage - (2d6+7)[1][4](12)
Brutal Dice - (6d6)[6][6][1][5][6][5](29)

[WaffleLord]

Orcs

Emboldened by their opponents apparent lack of skill, they rally themselves into a wild fury. The bellybowman change targets with a nod, directing the bolts at Astaroth. The dragonborn has plenty of time to catch both bolts with his shield.

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Bolt #1 vs Astaroth AC (17) - (1d20+8)[14]
Damage - (1d12+2)[9] and pushed 1 square.

Bolt #2 vs Astaroth AC (17) - (1d20+8)[10]
Damage - (1d12+2)[4] and pushed 1 square.

One of the wild orcs with the battleaxe leaps over the table, under which Eubin now cowers, and off the stage. Planting his feet solidly, he dashes for Harken, bringing his axe down as he reaches his target. Harken lightly dances out of the way, as a leaf might swirl around a passing zephyr.

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Opp Attack from Azktor if he wants it.
Charge vs Harken AC (15) - (1d20+7)[11]
Damage - (1d10+3)[8]

The orc kept in flank by Azktor and Zau'Nix looks to both, then swings his battleaxe two times in quick succession aiming for both Azktor and his dog. The first swing catches the paladin off guard, slipping under his blade to make contact with his torso. As the axe blade flies towards Zau'Nix, the orc suffers a blinding blast of radiant energy, interfering with his aim, completely missing the hound. Angered by the miss, he steps carefully away for the dog.

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Savage Strike vs Azktor AC (18) - (1d20+6)[24]
Damage - (1d10+3)[5]

Savage Strike vs Zau'Nix AC (16) - (1d20+4)[9]
Damage - (1d10+3)[6]
Takes 3 radiant damage himself.

Shifts to E9.

Tak's foe eyes him up and down, spits at his feet, and mumbles, <<"Long pig,">> in giant before swinging his axe. His extra fury and disdain improve his eye as his axe finds its way past Tak's defense and connects solidly with the slayer's ribs. The armor prevents the cut, but the blow may have broken something.

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Battleaxe vs Tak AC (17) - (1d20+6)[26]
Damage - (1d10+3)[11]

Go:
Tak
Azktor
Astaroth
Sarvin
Harken

[Azktor]

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OA: attack vs AC (1d20+7)[24] damage (1d12+4)[12]