Of Fighting Influence - Memories of a Hero (IC)

[Chained Birds]

"You are a friend of Joah Clark then? How nice... How troublesome."

She is no longer speaking softly and actually turns her head towards the tent to shout.

"Falwood! What's the status on Ender?!"

A voice can be heard from the tent calling "Still Asleep... I think." The woman then turns back to Shura, with a newfound malice in her eyes.

"This game you play. Do you wonder how safe you really are?

I'll answer you your questions. We will rival the bandits that terrorized us for over two years; the same ones that Mr. Clark defeated and liberated us from. Joah Clark was a great man to be remembered, but he won't be unless we prove that he was necessary to stop evil from this world, and that no one else could do it.
We want everyone to say "If Joah Clark was still around, he would of stopped them."

No one remembers the hero, everyone remembers the villains! And by this logic, Joah will be remembered through our actions. Isaic Grim knows much of this world! He will lead us down our noble path and once we reach our goal, all will remember the name "Joah Clark"!"

The sounds of the other individuals around the fireplace whispering their thanks to Joah and Isaic can be heard in almost a chant or hymn-like manner.

[ereinion]

Wow, it seems to me Joah would have been better off recruiting a cleric with a specialty in headcases than us. I wonder what he could possibly hope we can do against these lunatics.

While Cohel is baffled by what he can hear of the conversation from the camp, he stays alert, ready to assist Shura at a moment's notice.

[Mokou-tan]

Shura gives a very unsettling smile to the woman.

"Oh, I know the game I play. Since a very young age I've had a close relationship with death. So, you've turned to villainy in order to make people remember Joah. I don't really think he'd have wanted that. By doing this, you defile everything Joah did for you and everyone else."

Shura pauses for a moment and laughs softly. It was time to use their own words. After all, she herself was once the villain. By their logic, she should be remembered.

"You say the villain is always remembered, right? Then do you know who I am? Please, tell me you remember the villain. Tell me, what is my name?"

[Chained Birds]

"Such a minor grunt. Just like how we (the ones here) won't be remembered in the end, you won't be either. Isaic Grim's plans are only halfway into completion."

She nods to her sleepy companions, who moan and grunt with annoyance.

"I have entertained your questions. Eventually one of our patrol will find us and have a whistle on them, so we need not leave you to mock our actions."

The woman keeps eye contact with Shura as the others crack their hands and shoulders, and begin to rise up. Things are not looking well for Shura now.

[Mokou-tan]

Shura's smile gets wider.

"It took Joah to stop me. Villains are only remembered if you record their existence."

She starts laughing as her whole body lets off a black aura. In an instant, the aura envelopes everything within 30 feet of her.

"My heart is Malice."

Her guardian draws his shield and scimitar to defend his master.

Spoiler: Action

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Channel Negative energy: (2d6)[7] negative energy damage, DC19 Will save for half damage.
Initiative: (1d20-1)[9]

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus

These Lowlanders are crazy. And their leader more so. Crixus could understand battle madness. But this kind of strangeness...not easily.

He gets ready to skewer the first of the bandits that makes a move against Shura.

Spoiler

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Ready action: Atk Amenta Javelin (1d20+9)[13] dmg [roll]1f6+5[/roll]

[ereinion]

As Cohel sees things go balls up in the camp he fires an arrow at one of the cultists, then begins to run towards them while drawing his weapons.

Spoiler: Battle actions

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Initiative: (1d20+12)[19]

Ranged attack:
Attack: (1d20+8)[22], Damage: (1d6+1)[5]
Crit confirm (20/x3): (1d20+8)[10], Damage: (2d6+2)[9]

[Starbin]

Darsalla sighed inwardly as the gambit failed and the strange priestess did something that rippled in the air and seemed to hurt the people around them. With her sword already drawn, the tiefling waited a few moments, wondering what surprise awaited them. There was still this Ender they had spoken of ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Initiative - (1d20+4)[19] ... waiting for a moment to see what happens before Darsalla rushes out there.

[Chained Birds]

The negative energy flows through the area, harming some of the people who are rising up from their seats; some drawing some metal cylinders from their robes. In a flick of the wrist, the middle two cause their cylinders to extend, like a telescope, with several sharp spikes protruding from the tip. Essentially, they seem to be holding some rather intimidating looking spears that seem to drip with a green ichor.

The two in the far back draw bows from behind their seats, and ready arrows with a similar color liquid at the tip of each arrow head.

The ones in the front (One being the woman Shura had spoke with) do not seem to draw weapons. The woman actually chuckles a bit as the negative energy washes over her. She makes a small nod to the man closest to her (the one seated opposite to her and the second closest person), as he raises his fist into the air.
A symbol of some wiggling serpent with many tails appears on his hand, as he then strikes the ground causing a wave of positive energy to wash over the area (1d6)[1] Living Creature Heal (Will DC 13 Half). The woman, mimics his action, as an arrow hits her in her side, but otherwise does not interrupt her action. (1d6)[5] Living Creature Heal (Will DC 14 Half)

Spoiler: Battle Positions

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There are:
- 2 with bows, about 25ft from Shura's position.
- 2 brandishing some rather wicked spears, about 15ft from Shura's position.
- 2 wielding no weapons but are capable of Channeling Energy (Positive), about 10ft from Shura's position.

Everyone who is not Shura, is about 40ft from Shura's current position and cannot really charge in unless that are capable of moving without going in a straight line as part of their charge action, or are unhindered by natural terrain (Otherwise, you can move normally).

Spoiler: Initiative Order

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Cohel
Darsalla
Enemies
Shura + Skele-Bro
Crixus

[ereinion]

Cohel suddenly bursts from the undergrowth close to the clearing, skipping and tumbling to avoid the obstacles in his path, like a veritable Tarzan. Upon finally arriving in the site of the failed negotiations, he turns to Shura with a wicked grin on his face.

"Told you I'd be here to assist you!"

With that and a wink, he lunges forward in an attempt to skewer the woman Shura was talking to.

Spoiler: Combat rolls

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Normal attack:
Attack: (1d20+9)[16], Damage: (1d6+2)[7], Sneak attack: (2d6)[6]
Crit confirm (18-20/x2): (1d20+9)[20], Damage: (1d6+2)[6]

Oh, and Tarzan exists in the setting, right?

[Starbin]

Seeing Cohel rush out to Shura's aid, she almost laughed out loud. The boy seemed quite the would-be hero, leading the way with the head of his ... sword. Shaking her head, she decided a more subtle approach. With a wave of her off hand and a whispered word of power, Darsalla disappeared from sight, moving quickly around to approach the archers.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard - cast vanish. Move Action - circle around (as necessary) up to 30ft to close within five feet of the archers.

Status
HPs 29/29; AC 20; F +6 R +5 W +4
Arcane Pool: 7/7

Spoiler: Spells

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0: detect magic, acid splash, arcane mark
1: vanish, shocking grasp, color spray
2: mirror image

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus
HP 40 AC 18

Crixus decides that the time for swinging games is over. He breaks cover and runs towards the second caster, bellowing.

'I will break you, little man!'

As he goes, his large sword swings in wide arcs.

Spoiler

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Charge at the second caster

Atk (1d20+12)[27] dmg (2d6+14)[18]

[Chained Birds]

The rages on.

Cohel swings in and delivers a decent blow to the unarmed channeler, while Crixus rushes in and delivers a devastating blow on the male channeler. Though they do fall quite yet.

The male channeler simply tries his best to mitigate some of the damage he took, before taking a 5ft step away from the brawny ranger. Channel Energy (Positive): (1d6)[3]

The two men with spears wander towards Crixus, both stabbing with their eerie weapons seemingly trying to land even he smallest of blows, regardless of how weak the attack might seem.

Spoiler: Spears VS Crixus

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Attack 1: (1d20+7)[18]
Damage: (1d8+3)[5]

Attack 2: (1d20+7)[8]
Damage: (1d8+3)[8]

If 1st or 2nd Attack hit:
- DC 14 Fort Save: Fail = (1d2)[1] Con Damage

If Both Attacks hit:
- DC 15 Fort Save: Fail = (1d2)[1] Con Damage

The female channeler reaches out towards Cohel; her hand emanating a Blue-ish glow.

"Let me grant you a gift."

Spoiler: Blue Hand VS Cohel

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Touch Attack: (1d20+3)[8]

If hit: Cohel gains a +2 on all Skill Checks; but a -2 on all Saves and Attack Rolls for 3 rounds.

Finally, the two Archers twirl their arrows around seemingly looking for a decent target. The 1st Archer Aims at Shura, and fires an arrow that seems to move through the crowded space to try and hit its mark. But it also seems the arrow is moving unusually slow for... an arrow.

Spoiler: Slow Arrow VS Shura

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CMB: (1d20+5)[13]

If Successful: Shura is knocked prone as the arrow shatters on her collar dealing no real damage.

The 2nd archer aims to take out the undead.

Spoiler: Slow Arrow VS Shura's Undead Ally

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CMB: (1d20+5)[12]

If Successful: Mr. Dead is knocked prone as the arrow shatters against his forehead dealing no real damage.

-----

The Enemies have finished. The Hero's begin anew!

[ereinion]

Cohel laughs at the female caster as her magic spells fail to reach him.

"I don't think I want any gifts from you, but here you have two from me!"

He quickly stabs at her, first with his rapier, then with his dagger.

Spoiler: OOC

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If possible he'll move into a flanking position with Shura's skeleton (if he isn't already) with a 5-foot step, and attack with his rapier and dagger:

Rapier:
Attack: (1d20+7)[24], Damage: (1d6+2)[7], Sneak attack: (2d6)[2]
Crit confirm (18-20/x2): (1d20+7)[12], Damage: (1d6+2)[3]
Dagger:
Attack: (1d20+5)[21], Damage: (1d4+1)[5], Sneak attack: (2d6)[8]
Crit confirm (19-20/x2): (1d20+5)[13], Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

Flanking bonus is not included, so please add that if it applies.

[Mokou-tan]

Shura goes wide-eyed as she falls, but her Guardian stands, unaffected by the arrow's feeble attempt to knock him down. Without missing a beat her arm began to glow again.

"Manifest, my hatred."

A scythe of black energy materializes next to one of the spear men fighting Crixus. It spins through the air wildly, trying to slash at it's target. While this happens Shura tries to get up.

Shura's Guardian Goes after the nearest opponent to his master, flanking if possible, blocking their path to her if not, and swings with his blade.

Spoiler: Actions

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Shura casts Spiritual Weapon, attacking a spear user.
Attack: (1d20+6)[9]
Crit confirm (20/x4): [roll]1d20+6[roll]
Crit Damage: (1d8+1)[9] Force Damage
Critical damage (add to normal): (3d8+3)[12]
Caster check against Spell Resistance: (1d20+4)[6]

Shura's Skeleton makes an attack at the opponent nearest to Shura, he moves after Cohel in initiative, so Cohel can get the flanking bonus still, if possible.
Attack: (1d20+6)[17]
Damage: (1d6+3)[5]
Crit Confirm (18-20/x2): (1d20+6)[17]
Crit Damage: (1d6+3)[7]

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus
HP 40 AC 16

Narrowsly avoiding what must be poisoned spears, Crixus now finds himself between multiple opponents.

How silly of them, to mess with a tall Toplander swinging a huge sword.

Crixus' swings become more wide and powerful, trying to hit and bounce the large, sharp piece of steel he wields.

Spoiler

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Using Cleave for a -2 to AC.

Atk1 (1d20+10)[20] dmg (2d6+14)[20]

If hit

Atk2 (1d20+10)[24] dmg (2d6+14)[20]

[Starbin]

With a final few step, Darsalla closed the distance to the archers, settling in between the two. She almost chuckled aloud before she struck, but she needed to even the odds a bit, before these two made pin-cushions out of the others. She raised her blade, focusing on charging it up and getting ready to lash out if one of the archers raised his bow to attack.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move action to close with archers, swift action to add +1 enhancement for 1 minute, readying to attack the first archer to try and fire. I think that would trigger two attacks ... one readied action and one AOO (but if not, just ignore the second attack)

Readied attack - (1d20+10)[26], Damage - (1d6+7)[11] vs flat-footed target?
AOO - (1d20+10)[23], Damage - (1d6+5)[7]

Status
HPs 29/29; AC 20; F +6 R +5 W +4
Arcane Pool: 7/7

Spoiler: Spells

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0: detect magic, acid splash, arcane mark
1: vanish, shocking grasp, color spray
2: mirror image

[Chained Birds]

The battle continues with the group doing a fairly powerful advance against the cultist-esque Joah guys.

With the small help of Shura's skeleton ally, Crixus is able to decimate the male divine caster to the put where he cleaves the man's torso in a diagonal swing, leading his wet blade to one of the spear wielders who tried to nick him earlier. His heavy blade hits hard, but fails to completely finish off the relatively sturdy adversary.

Shura's materializes weapons simply dances in place as spiritual weapons tend to do. No one really notices it except for Shura.

Cohel is able to dig his daggers into the female divine caster, but feels like she is still able to fight back.

Darsalla positions herself amongst the chaos without skipping a beat, and readies herself to counteract the archer's skills.

-----

With a gruesomely defeated ally by their side, they seem to act as though their deceased friend simply tripped and fell on his face, snickering and making some mild chattering about how they figured he would be the first to go. But they still brandish their weapons and skill strike out at the group with malice and madness.

The divine caster in the front Cohel tries to touch him again with her eerie blue hand.

"It's fine... Accept the gift that we all share deep within our minds."

Spoiler: Blue Hand VS Cohel

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Touch Attack: (1d20+3)[4]

If hit: Cohel gains a +2 on all Skill Checks; but a -2 on all Saves and Attack Rolls for 3 rounds

The two spear wielders seem to nod to one another as one goes for Crixus's legs, while the other goes for his chest. Crixus can actually see that one of the back spikes on the spear lengthens slightly with a twist of the wrist, almost like the weapon was created for more uses than simply being a weapon.

Spoiler: Tripping swing VS Crixus's CMD

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Trip Attempt: (1d20+7)[15]

Success: Crixus is now prone.

Spoiler: Poisonous Spear VS Crixus's AC (-4 if prone)

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Spear Attack: (1d20+7)[16]

If hit:
- DC 14 Fort Save: Fail = (1d2)[2] Con Damage

Finally, the Archer seemingly aim for Cohel, but one is stuck by Darsalla's strike before he is able to fire a shot. That one instinctual rolls away and seems to spend some time figuring out what actually happened. The other is struck with an equal force, but is able to get off his shot at the last moment.

Spoiler: Poisonous Arrow VS Cohel's AC

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Bow Attack: (1d20+5)[24]

If hit:
- DC 14 Fort Save: Fail = (1d2)[2] Con Damage

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus

Spear fightong is a veritable tradition in the Highlands. Crixus has been getting tripped by spears . These sick in the head Lowladers are good but not good enough.

Crixus sidesteps the spear thrust in his feet and pushes it away with his sword. The move gives his room to swing in a wide arc.

"I will break you! In pieces!" he bellows.

Spoiler

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Again, Cleave

(1d20+8)[27] dmg (2d6+14)[21]

If it hits, hitting the second spearman

(1d20+8)[27] dmg (2d6+14)[21]

[Starbin]

Having revealed herself, Darsalla laid into the archer next to her with gusto, trying to take him down before he could fire another arrow at her companions. She lashed out with preternatural quickness, the blade whisking through the air in an attack that seemingly traced some strange symbol ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Full attack / spell combat (casting arcane mark) vs the archer next to me. Attack - (1d20+8)[18], Damage - (1d6+5)[9]; Spell Strike Attack - (1d20+8)[23], Damage - (1d6+5)[8] + arcane marked.

If the target falls with either blow, Darsalla will try to five foot step next to the other archer (if she's not already there).

Status
HPs 29/29; AC 20; F +6 R +5 W +4
Arcane Pool: 6/7
+1 enchancement to scimitar (1 min)

Spoiler: Spells

Show

0: detect magic, acid splash, arcane mark
1: vanish, shocking grasp, color spray
2: mirror image

[ereinion]

Cohel attacks the female cleric again.

Spoiler: Attack

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[B]Full attack:
Rapier:
Attack: (1d20+7)[10], Damage: (1d6+2)[6], Sneak attack: (2d6)[8]
Crit confirm (18-20/x2): (1d20+7)[24], Damage: (1d6+2)[4]
Dagger:
Attack: (1d20+5)[8], Damage: (1d4+1)[2], Sneak attack: (2d6)[4]
Crit confirm (19-20/x2): (1d20+5)[17], Damage: (1d4+1)[2]

[Mokou-tan]

Shura takes a moment to assess the situation. Seeing the spears, Shura gets a wicked idea. She sets her Spiritual weapon on the one that tried to trip and keeps her skeleton attacking whatever is closest to her. Gripping her tattooed arm, she waits for the right moment.

Spoiler: Actions

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Spiritual Weapon Attack:

To Hit: (1d20+6)[20]
Damage: (1d8+1)[2]

Skeleton Attack:

To Hit: (1d20+6)[20]
Damage: (1d6+3)[8]
Crit confirm if needed: (1d20+6)[25]
Crit damage: (1d6+3)[5]

Shura readies a casting of Murderous Command for the one with a poisoned spear still if he survives Crixus' attack. DC 14 or they attack their nearest ally for 1 round.

[Chained Birds]

As the battle continues, it appears as though things are starting go well for our heroes.

Crixus's mighty swings and combined effects from Shura's skeletal ally and spiritual weapon dispatch the two spear wielders. Their lifeless bodies hit the dusty ground with a thud.

Darsalla also has some relatively good luck as she is able to strike down one of the archers. He gives out a painful scream before falling over with an arcane mark etched on his chest near his heart.

Unfortunately Cohel is unable to land a blow on the remaining cleric, as she grimaces at everything that has happened today.

- - - - -

"Man, why did you guys have to ruin our day! Ender is going to get away, and he is too dangerous to leave unchecked... But I supposes that's how things go sometimes."

She makes a whistling sound, causing the remaining archer to solemnly nod. They then suddenly try to run away.

Cohel may take an AoO against the cleric lady.

Darsalla may take an AoO against the archer.

They both split away in different directions away from the group and towards the brush. If not defeated by any connecting AoOs, they'll both be around 30ft from the group in two different directions. If not stopped further, they seem like they will enter the brush making it more difficult deal with them.

[ereinion]

"Wanting to leave already? I'm afraid we can't have that."

Cohel slashes at the cleric with his rapier, as she attempts to run away.

Spoiler: Attack

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Normal attack:
Attack: (1d20+9)[23], Damage: (1d6+2)[5], Sneak attack: (2d6)[8]
Crit confirm (18-20/x2): (1d20+9)[12], Damage: (1d6+2)[3]

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus

Seeing his prey attempting to leave, Crixus leaves his Greatsword down and gets out his javelin. He hefts it and with a mighty throw, sends it again one of the fleeing archers.

Spoiler

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Javelin (1d20+9)[19] dmg (1d6+5)[7]

[Starbin]

Darsalla smirked as she struck down one of the archers, turning to focus on the other. However, she was caught off guard when the archer turned to run instead of fight, and she missed as she belatedly swung at his fleeing back. Muttering under her breath, she sprinted after the fleeing foe, ready to strike ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Depends on how things go. If Crixus doesn't drop the archer, Darsalla will chase him down and attack. If, however, Crixus takes out the fleeing archer (who I think might have been injured before), then Darsalla will charged the fleeing cleric.

Attack - (1d20+12)[29], [roll=Damage]1d6+5)[/roll]

Status
HPs 29/29; AC 18 (charge); F +6 R +5 W +4
Arcane Pool: 6/7
+1 enchancement to scimitar (1 min)

Spoiler: Spells

Show

0: detect magic, acid splash, arcane mark
1: vanish, shocking grasp, color spray
2: mirror image

[Chained Birds]

The female cleric is stabbed before she can make it too far.

The archer is actually quite sturdy, but not sturdy enough to take a javelin to the back as he almost gets away.

The battlefield is now very silent. The natural state for a once peaceful area to camp out and greet wayward travelers. The two large tents off to the side russel slightly with the wind.

[ereinion]

Cohel kneels next to the female cleric, to see if there's any life left in her.

[ProudGrognard]

Crixus

As his javelin finds its mark, Crixus leaves out a loud "Hah!"

"You stupid lowlanders. I had warned you!"

Shaking his head, he goes on to reclaim his javelins and ready them. He then goes on to search the bodies and the tents, in a calm manner.

Spoiler

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Perception (1d20+8)[13]

[Mokou-tan]

Shura walks over to Cohel, one of her hands in a pouch that sounded a bit like a bag of rocks.

"Mind if I borrow that when you're done with it?"

She motioned to the body as she spoke, just to be sure they would be on the same page.