Ghostfoot's Tearing of the Weave IC

[DrK]

Jumping back as he stands on the sleeping figure Krag readies his fists and stands ready for the fight. As none materialise - a surprise given the recent few days - he nods stroking his beard and introduces himself. "I be Krag, a dwarven student of magic searching for lost scrolls of knowledge."

Looking at the two newcomers "How did you come to be lying in the woods? Did the fey folk trick and attack you as well? Or perhaps the the needlefolk?"

[Dimers]

"Well, I ..." The trash-heap human pauses and concentrates a moment. "I can't say that I was attacked, knowing me as well as I do. I imagine I was at least somewhat a willing participant. Never saw a reason to avoid a good revel, and my goddess would have me share beauty and love widely. But I don't seem to be able to recall more than snippets of the last ... several days? Two weeks? I see images of at least a few days and nights, but all I recall clearly is one sylph-like creature leading me through the trees, and one grand twilight dance. Mayhap more will come back to me later."

The man's eyes focus back in the here-and-now, and after a sort of where-do-I-know-you-from look at Turnsval, he addresses the horseman Anthony. "As to my goals. Since ... turning my heels to my homeland of Sembia (and good riddance to the lot), I've sought to build my reputation and possibly some seed wealth as an itinerant righter-of-wrongs. I've done little of consequence in that time, sad to say, though I had just the right skills to aid one group of cottagers in investigating a long-abandoned church and graveyard. I know I heard rumors of ghostly goings-on here in the Hullack Forest ... at least I hope I'm still in the Hullack?" Seeing nonverbal signs of confirmation, William continues, "And I have a firm certainty I didn't come here alone. But I've lost all the particulars for a good while." He shakes his head in wonder.

"Gentlefolk, if it's not asking too much, may I cast a small spell to rid my skin of this garbage and reek? And it would be quite a blessing to regain any of my belongings that might still be here and intact. Perhaps those too will show up in this midden."

[u-b]

Anthony listens, casts his small spell, focuses for a few moments staring around, then nods.

"Fine. Cast your spell. The stuff you are looking for is at least partially in there." - points at some specific part(s) of some heap(s)

"Now, gentlemen, as to our goals here... The people of the town of Thunderstone are beset by some musical-and-magical emanations coming from this forest for quite a few weeks already. As the effect is unpleasant... for those in the town... it is considered undesirable, and we, as agroup, are authorized by civilian administration of the town, as represented by Hurm Thiodor, to venture in and sort the things out. Presumably, in four neat heaps of good, bad, dead and irrelevant. If you" - looking at William - "came here with a similar mission some time ago, I'd say our prospects do not look particularly promising, but I am not going to give up as of yet." - turning to the other man - "As for the darknesses of varying greatness, I have absolutely no idea why any of us would be related to any of them. The Netheril is that way" - points - "and we, as far as I know, have nothing to do with it whatsoever." - a glance at Krag here - "We do intend to cause some destruction, if required, but I wouldn't call our plans anywhere near "great". Maybe your spirits have brought you to the place?"

In fact, Anthony is somewhat worried about the notion of a "great darkness that would bring death and destruction throughout the land", whatever that means, but he is not showing it.

Spoiler

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Casting Detect Magic. Concentrating in general direction of William. Pointing at where the gem and the scroll are detected. Then concentrating in general direction of Kilus. Not sensing anything of interest.

Spellcraft to recognize what William casts: (1d20+7)[16]

[Dexam]

"Well, I ..." The trash-heap human pauses and concentrates a moment. "I can't say that I was attacked, knowing me as well as I do. I imagine I was at least somewhat a willing participant. Never saw a reason to avoid a good revel, and my goddess would have me share beauty and love widely. But I don't seem to be able to recall more than snippets of the last ... several days? Two weeks? I see images of at least a few days and nights, but all I recall clearly is one sylph-like creature leading me through the trees, and one grand twilight dance. Mayhap more will come back to me later."

Temiryl eases the tension on her bowstring and lowers the weapon, though she raises an eyebrow as she does so; William would notice that her eyes are rather peculiar - they are completely green, lacking whites and pupils.

"Oh, wonderful," the dark-haired elf maid says sarcastically, "a willing victim." She then mutters something in Elven that is clearly not complimentary.

Spoiler: Elven

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"Just when I think that my opinion of human men could not get any lower, along comes this one to send it off on a grand quest to explore new depths..."

Kilus
"As the badger spirit that advises me would say, patience and a kind word often go farther than one might think... but I think you have fought recently and your blood is up."

Kilus straightens his posture, raises his head, and thrusts his chest out. "I have left my home on a quest to stop a great darkness that would bring death and destruction throughout the land. I know not what it is, but the spirits are guiding me in the right direction. And now, they have brought me to you."

He relaxes and smiles.

"If you are having a problem with the fey folk, I can help. We have our place, and they have theirs. Perhaps it's why I have been guided here."

The slender elf woman approaches Kilus. "My greetings, I am Temiryl Alauthiel." She bows her head. "We've heard nothing of a 'great darkness'; and we have yet to confirm that this is the work of the Fey," she glances at Marshal and William, "though it is looking increasingly likely. If you are familiar with their ways, then perhaps you can help us; I would have this resolved peacefully if we could."

[razorback]

The towering Damaran visibly makes a face at the humanish popinjay, obviously from money and a carefree, Dionysian attitude as he wonders how reliable such a person would be and how long he would last in the wild.
The other one seems, a bit, slightly better.
Shaking his head and letting the others handle either sending them on their way or, possibly, recruiting them as he keeps an eye and ear out for trouble.

[Dimers]

"Oh, thank the Seven Heavens," William sighs in relief. He lowers his hands to a small belt pouch and draws from it a vial of some sort of faintly glittering powder, then casts a pinch to the breeze as he murmurs words from no language.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 15

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Prestidigitation -- not typically available to divine casters.

He runs his hands over his face and through his light hair. Filthy dust and bits of plant drift away at the touch, leaving a clean and fairly handsome look. He concentrates his gaze on the parts of his body he can see, and the same effect takes place there. As he twists his arms to continue applying the cleaning touch, it's clear that some of the difference in color wasn't from dirt -- there's a vague pattern of scales in a light ashen hue on his arms and back. The priest's heart seems to lighten as he cleans up.

Spoiler: Knowledge check?

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I suppose it should be Knowledge (Local) to recognize a silverbrow human, but Knowledge (Arcana) would say he doesn't look like a half-dragon and Knowledge (Nature) would do the same for yuan-ti. I don't know DCs at all.

The man nods his thanks to Anthony for the aid in locating his equipment. With a few minutes of digging (and using his continuing spell to clean items as they are found), he locates a nearly untouched pack, a few tools of war that look fancy as well as functional, and the remainder of his clothing. Minus one piece, apparently. "If you sense no more magic, Anthony, they must have taken the cloak. Damn. I paid a bitter coin for that thing, and it set off my armor perfectly." The other objects the knight sensed prove to be a little gem with a continual flamespell, set into a clasp on William's darkwood shield, and a single magical scroll. Other scrolls appear to have been used, torn to bits or wine-stained into uselessness by the fey revel; two empty potion bottles are in the litter as well.

William addresses all assembled in a rich and clear voice. "Good folk, even with my armaments present, I've no wish to walk these woods alone. Would it interrupt your quest or invalidate your standing with this Hurm Thiodor to allow me to travel with you until your return to town? I can be another sword-arm in case of trouble -- which one can expect in times of great darkness," he adds, glancing at the rustic seer. "And my wide experience has been helpful in surpassing all manner of obstacles."

[u-b]

"Sword." - Anthony nods slowly, as if being unsure and thinking of something - "And word." - ... - "It seems you are good with at least one of those. I am good with at least one too." - he glances around the clearing, frowning - "As if either of that would make enough difference."

"Let's go. Both of you, if you will."

The rider turns his horse around, ready to leave the place.

Spoiler

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No objections to discuss more stuff as we go along. Just not to waste the time.

Know(local): (1d20+5)[18]

[Ghostfoot]

Kilus
the spirits are guiding me in the right direction. And now, they have brought me to you."

Gods not more spirits thinks Fintan uncharitably, As if one wasn't enough. Mother? Mother! What have I got into. Get me away from these fools.

After taking the measure of each other and cautiously exploring each others explanations and motivation, the newly expanded group continues down the animal trail. Marshal Turnsval nervously leads the way clearly not comfortable about being so deep in the woods despite having an armed escort.

The trail runs for another three miles or so, the signs of fey revelry having quickly disappeared. All of a sudden the forest opens ahead and you see a fast-moving river cutting through the forest, a scattering of ancient willow trees and cattails lining both banks. Small rocks cause the water to gurgle and sputter with froth, spraying the air with a fine mist. Strangely, a fifteen-foot wide horizontal bridge of sturdy gossamer webbing spans the river, affixed to a willow tree on each bank. The web hangs five feet above the water and sparkles with incandescent dew as the light strikes it, the entire expanse shimmering with multi-coloured hue.

[DrK]

Krag looks at the spiderweb suspicion raised. Eyes swivelling he glances about looking for any spider large enough to build it. I have never been one spiders. I dinnae like webs in my beard

Spoiler: knowledge

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(1d20+6)[11] arcana
(1d20+6)[18] planes
(1d20+6)[22] religion
(1d20+6)[22] history

[J-H]

Kilus
"That is a beautiful bridge. I see a few spiders around it, but...nothing large enough to need it. If we cross it, we should do so with caution, one at a time."

Kilus looks around to see if there's a trail leading to the bridge, any sorts of signs or markings, or anything else of interest.

[u-b]

Anthony takes his time to look at the other side of the river, starting with the bushes and other sites which he would have chosen to shoot from there to here, then both up and down the river.

Spoiler

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Spot: 10+1 = 11; eventually 20+1 = 21

Looking for any and all places to:
1. Ambush the party
2. Watch the party
3. Jump over the river (no more than 15 feet across, no less than 20 feet long and 10 feet wide running start; right over the bridge is fine)
4. Swim the river (anything up to and including rough water, with suitable banks)

[razorback]

As Savin sees the bridge, his hackles rise a bit at remembering him and his father being attacked by huge cave spiders while scouting out a mountain path.
"At least it not be dragons." the northerner says to himself. Pointing with his javelin. "So, what kind of fools will we be? The ones who cross the bridge or the ones that try to ford that river?"

[Dimers]

"I can't swim in this outfit," comments the dandy. "But I can trigger an ambush by subhumans as well as anyone, if we're concerned about giant spiders or ettercaps or the like. If I go forward to the near end of the bridge and nothing jumps out, we'll see whether the webbing would hold a person's weight and not stick to his feet."

Moving closer to the edge of the river, William squints to make out details on the far side.

Spoiler: Spot check

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Spot check: (d20+4)[17]

[Dexam]

"Well," says Temiryl, pausing to stare at the structure, "of all the things I might have been expecting, this is not one of them. It is rather pretty, though."

She furrows her brow, trying to recall any spell or creature she can think of that might produce such a creation, while she surveys the structure and its surroundings.

Spoiler: OOC

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Knowledge (Arcana): (1d20+7)[23]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering): (1d20+5)[10]


Also, because the situation warrants it:
Spot: (1d20+8)[16]
Listen: (1d20+8)[20]

If nothing comes to mind, Temiryl gathers a fallen branch from the forest floor and throws it onto the web bridge, just in case it proves to be an illusion of some kind, or the vibrations of the strike cause something to spring forth.

[Ghostfoot]

The trail does indeed lead to the bridge, and can be seen continuing in the woods on the far side. Looking around the area seems otherwise quite serene. Birds and insects flit through the trees and gentle breezes play through the leaves of the trees. The way that the light plays upon the water and spray is quite beautiful.

Not seeing anything of concern, Temiryl throws a branch onto the web bridge. It falls without anything unusual happening, resting on the web. Turning to comment to her companions she catches a hint of movement above and notices a strange creature very well obscured in the canopy of the tree 10ft above the party. It appears to be a cross between a gangly humanoid and a bloated spider, bright purple with yellow stripes. Long slender arms protrude from a round, fleshy body and gossamer wings fan its frame. It has a spiders head with a pair of multi-faceted black eyes that stare impassively as its head twiches from side to side.

Spoiler: More Knowledge checks

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Temiryl know dungeoneering (1d20+5)[11]
Temiryl know nature (1d20+5)[6]
William know nature (1d20+4)[21]
Kilus know nature (1d20+2)[19]
Anthony know nature (1d20+2)[7]
Anthony know dungeoneering (1d20+2)[3]
Savin know nature (1d20+2)[22]
Savin know dungeoneering (1d20+2)[15]

William, Kilus and Savin can sense that this creature, whatever it is, has hints of fey ancestry.
Savin more fully recognizes the creature as a half-fey ettercap (the mind boggles thinking about how that happened ), a cunning and evil predatory spider-creature that dwells in forests and hunts with webs. They exist only to eat and breed, and prefer to eat their prey while it is still alive.

[u-b]

Anthony notices some spider-y creature on the tree above him, but not quickly enough to do something before the creature acts.

Spoiler

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Anthony is ready to attack the creature if it moves in any remotely offensive manner. (lost the initiative)

...a strange creature very well obscured in the canopy of the tree 10ft above the party...

So, what happened? Did Temryl won the initiative, and alerted the party, and the party can see the creature and has the initiative?

Would it be correct to say that Anthony on Thunder occupies 2x2x2 squares and that he has 10ft of vertical reach from there when using a lance, for a total of up to 20 feet from the ground? Is it enough to reach the creature?

Maneuvers granted: (1d5)[2] (1d4)[3]

upd: Also, does Thunder seem to be aware of the creature? The creature should register on Thunder's sense of scent (generally within 30 feet; more or less depending on the wind). It would be strange and interesting if it does not.

[Dexam]

Temiryl's eyes widen in alarm at the sight of the creature in the overhead canopy. She hisses "Beware!" to her companions, gesturing as she takes a step back and away from the thing.

What spells might be effective against such a creature? Should I just use weapons against it? she frantically wonders.

[J-H]

Kilus

Kilus takes a step back and his eyes widen. "That is pretty foul, even for a nature spirit. BEGONE!"
The air ripples out around him; to those with him, it's a momentary rush of wind, but it slams into the fey ettercap like a hammer.

Spoiler

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Chastise Spirits, 30' radius. (2d6)[12] damage, Will DC half
1 Chastise Spirits used, 6 remaining

(standard action, Chastise Spirits; move action, draw bow and ready an arrow; 5' step back so Kilus isn't under it)

He takes another step back and readies his bow.

[Dexam]

Temiryl decides to chance a spell. Chanting and gesturing, she dips her fingers into her component pouch and then raises her hand up towards the creature. A fan of whirling, clashing colours sprays from her outstretched fingers and washes over the monstrous half-breed.

Spoiler

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Casting Color Spray, Will save DC 15 (16 if target is flat-footed or denied Dex to AC) negates.
Angling the 15' cone so that Anthony is not in the area of effect:

2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious).

3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.

5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.

Unconscious: (2d4)[3] rounds.
Blinded: (1d4)[1] rounds.
Stunned: 1 round.

Move action: move 30' away from the Ettercap, parallel to the river.

[Ghostfoot]

At the sight of the foul fey creature Kilus calls on his powers to rebuke the thing. The air ripples and its arachnid exoskeleton crumples as it rasps in pain assaulted for 12 damage. Colours lash out at it in a spiral from Temiryl and it's faceted head twitches and swivels in confusion...Kilus and Temiryl both step back grabbing bows and drawing a bead on it.

Spoiler: OOC

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ettercap Will vs chastise (1d20+7)[10] Fail

ettercap Will vs colour spray (1d20+7)[9] Fail

Spoiler: Initiative - Round 1

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Character	Initiative	Health	Notes
William	13	18/18
Kilus	8	13/13
Temiryl	8	14/14
Ettercap	6	12 damage	Stunned
Anthony	5	17/17
Krag	4	19/19
Savin	2	22/22
Fintan & Marshal	-	-

Spoiler: Map

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=> William

[Dimers]

William takes advantage of the creature's bewilderment and pain, stepping up to deliver a hearty swing of a rather grim-looking morningstar. "The tables are turned, I see! Now it's I who dance and you who knows not up from down!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Move action: Draw morningstar if it's not in hand.
Free action: 5' step, from AP22 to AQ21.
Standard action: Quotidian attack. (d20+3)[6] against its Dex-denied AC minus 2. A hit deals (d8+2)[8] of cold iron bludgeoning and piercing.

William's first strike goes wide as the creature sways randomly.

[Dexam]

Temiryl, bow in hand, darts sideways and sends an arrow sailing at the ettercap.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move: 10' to AU17.
Standard: Attack with longbow.

Attack: (1d20+2)[10] (includes -4 firing into mêlée, +2 attacking stunned target)
Damage : (1d8)[7] plus skirmish (1d6)[4]

[Ghostfoot]

The stunned arachnoid wavers and falls back off the tree branch, wings flit fleetingly to break its fall. William steps forward, swinging his morning star but only smashing bark as the ettercap sways about. Temiryl, bow in hand, looses an arrow but it flies wide of the creature.

Alarmingly the forest behind Temiryl comes to life! Two gangly stick-like humanoids, or even plants, burst into motion. With jerky puppet-like steps they swiftly close and then lash their limb-branches forward. A hail of thorny needles assaults Temiryl, the multitude of barbs piercing her for 9 damage as she ducks for cover!

Spoiler: OOC

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2 Needlefolk vs Temiryl
Needles (1d20+2)[17] Hit damage (1d12+1)[9]
Needles (1d20+2)[3] Miss damage (1d12+1)[9]

Spoiler: Initiative - Round 1-2

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Character	Initiative	Health	Notes
William	13	18/18
Kilus	8	13/13
Temiryl	8	5/14
Needlefolk	6	Uninjured
Ettercap	6	12 damage	Stunned until its turn
Anthony	5	17/17
Krag	4	19/19
Savin	2	22/22
Fintan & Marshal	-	-

Spoiler: Map

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=> Party

[u-b]

"Don't just stay there, Marshal. I gave you a sword. Use it!"

Anthony glances at the very tempting target that is the spider-thingy, but instead rides away from it and attacks needlefolk.

Spoiler

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Assuming the trees are just ordinary single-trunk-some-height trees and no bushes or otherwise difficult terrain under them. Will act completely differently if this is not so.

Riding to AZ18-BA19. Lance against the needlefolk in AY16. Hoof against the needlefolk in AY17.

Lance (vanguard strike): (1d20+8)[16] for (1d8+5)[9] (includes +1 worth of knowledge devotion)
Hoof: (1d20+6)[17] for (1d6+4)[10]

Will threaten both of them with lance and shield bash. Iron guard's glare is active, so both needlefolk have -4 to attack anyone but Anthony unless they move out of the threatened area. In case some AoOs present themselves:

Anthony's AoO: (1d20+8)[14] lance (1d8+5)[10] or shield bash (1d4+5)[7]
Anthony's AoO: (1d20+8)[24] lance (1d8+5)[11] or shield bash (1d4+5)[7]
Thunder's AoO: (1d20+6)[25] hoof (1d6+4)[6]

All AoOs and all other attacks by anyone against the needlefolk in AY16 will be at extra +4 of vanguard strike hits. Anthony's AC will be at -2 as soon as he attempts a shield bash.

upd: Probably won't shield-bash because of movement (expecting the lance to trigger for that one step later), but will bash because of shooting or anything else.

[DrK]

Krag doesn't even begin to have a chance to stare at the strange creature waves of magic and bow fire rake the tree and the ugly winged beast falls out. As the needles start flying in a well executed ambush he mutters a few arcane words and a disc of glowing force appears beside him. Seeing the source of the needles he walks slowly towards them, a muttered Its smashing time. . under his breath.

Spoiler: Krag

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Move to AU24
Cast shield

[razorback]

Savin hearing Temiryl give out a gasp of pain, and seeing needlefolk assaulting her, lets out a growl, "Rrraagggh!" as he goes dashing forward, drawing his axe as he runs, limbs lashing against him as he seeks to bury his weapon in the foul ambusher.

Spoiler

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Savin
AC ~ 17; Current ~ 15
HP ~ 22; Current ~ 22

Full Round Action - Charge to AX-18, dropping javelin and pulling battleaxe on the way
(1d20+9)[10]

Damage (two handed)
(1d8+6)[10] +(1d6)[5] (Skirmish)

Critical 20/x3
(1d20+9)[24]
(2d8+12)[24]


Effects ~

Charge - +2 to hit & -2 to AC

[J-H]

Kilus
A wave of invisible pressure flashes out at the ettercap again.

Spoiler

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Chastise Spirits, (2d6)[7] damage, will DC 16 half.
2/7 CS used for the day.

[Ghostfoot]

Anthony spurs his horse forward, crashing through the undergrowth toward the strange plant creatures. Bark smashes as his lance strikes one for 9 damage and Thunder's hooves batter another for 10 damage. Krag strides forward, magic coursing, and Savin charges past him to hack and chop at the new assailants.

Back at the bridge of webbing Kilus again harnesses his powers to assault the strange fey ettercap batering it invisibly for 3 damage.

Spoiler: OOC

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ettercap Will (1d20+7)[17] Save

=> Temiryl & William (& Fintan & Marshal)

[Dexam]

Temiryl, pierced with a shower of needle-like thorns, cries out in pain. In an effort to both flee from the needlefolk and end the other threat, she runs towards the ettercap, drawing her longsword and slashing at its bloated body.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move: 15' from AU17 to AS19, drawing longsword.
Attack: (1d20+6)[13] (includes +2 flanking)
Damage: (1d8+2)[10] plus skirmish (1d6)[6]

[Dimers]

"A fine stroke of the blade, Temiryl!" Seeing the fey creature felled and twitching, William rushes in Savin's wake to capture the attention of the needlefolk away from the lightly-armored elf. He moves slower than the huge man, but manages to get his shield between the needlers and Temiryl before they can launch another barrage.

Spoiler: Actions

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Well, I can't charge and I can't quite reach melee range due to the heavy armor. So I'll double-move to AV 17 provide Temiryl cover from ranged attacks: +4 AC if they try to target her without moving significantly.

Ghostfoot, if you'll allow it, I'd like to get the +2 AC and -4 attack for "fighting defensively". By RAW it can only be applied if you make an attack roll. It's almost certainly all-gain-no-loss, since I'm unlikely to be making attack rolls before my next turn starts ... but it doesn't hurt to ask