The Dragon Empire IC, Part III

[H. Von Studley]

Spoiler: OOC

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No kidding, my heart dropped into my stomach when I read the foot-chopping thing. This is intense.

Edmund looks on in horror as the badly wounded dwarf pulls the lever and blood gushes into the cage and pedestal. Ignoring the crossbow bolts and bursts of dark energy whizzing past him, he breaks away from the two elves and leaps atop the pedestal. He stomps one giant boot into the trough, spraying Rory's lifeblood all over himself and the onlookers, but trying to halt the flow before it can finish filling the magic runes.

Standing on top of the pedestal and towering above the room, he lifts his glaive in right hand above his head. The tattoo on his forearm glows white as a flash of divine energy lights up the room for an instant, healing everyone nearby.

He calls up to the melee up on the balcony. "Get down here! They don't have much time!" Gripping his glaive in both hands he stares down at the cultists from the higher ground, daring them to approach.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ed is going to move away from the elves up into the pedestal, aiming to stand with one foot in Rory's trough. I'm hoping that his enlarged foot will be big enough to stop or slow the flow of blood and interrupt the ritual.

Ed's movement will provoke from EA1.

Once he's up there, Ed will use his last channel energy to stabilise Rory and Angela. Unfortunately going to heal some of the cultists as well, but I've got no other ideas for saving them.

Channel Energy: (2d3)[3]

Last thing - RW, did you factor in Ed's DR 5/bludgeoning in those last attacks?

Spoiler: Stat block

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Edmund Grimace

Chaotic Good Human Fighter/Cleric (ECL 5)

HP 42/46, Initiative +4, Speed 25, BAB 4.
AC 16, Touch 12, Flat-Footed 14, CMB +8, CMD 20
Fort+8, Ref+3, Will+6
Masterwork Glaive +9 (1d10+6)
Throwing Axe +8 (Melee) +6 (Thrown) (1d6+4)
+1 Orcsbane Warhammer +9(+11) (1d8+7(+2d6+2))
Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Chain Shirt +4 (Light)

Effects Defending Bone DR 5/Bludgeoning (20/25) 5 hour duration - cast prior to entering Calistrian temple;

Spells (CL5): (L1) 0/4, (L2) 0/3
(D1) 0/1, (D2) 0/1

Maneuvers (IL3):
Encouraging Roar (X)

Abilities: STR 18, DEX 14, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 15, CHA 10

Special Abilities: Channel Energy 0/3, Ferocious Strike 0/5, Touch of Glory 2/5.

[Aeryk]

Sir Christof looks on from above horrified, but determined to help. "TO BATTLE!" he cries out, raising his sword in the air. Everyone nearby feels more invigorated and ready to take on the cultists. He takes a slight step forward to square off to the enemy who struck Asma.

Spoiler: OOC: Everyone near Christof

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Everyone within 30' who can see and hear Christof gains the Phalanx Fighter feat for 4 rounds. *Regardless if they qualify or not*
Standard: Tactician
Move: 5' step forward, between Rob and HF4

Spoiler: Sir Christof

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=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 43/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4)
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(+5 NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Lance +6 attack, 1d8+3(+5 NL) (2h) damage, x3 crit, reach, x2 damage on charging mount
Feats: Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Weapon Focus (Longsword)
Special: Challenge +2 1/day, Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) 1/day, Flat of the Blade
Skills (18): (Mod-Ranks-Trained-Misc)
Bluff = 6 (1+2+3)
Diplomacy = 7 (1+2+3+1)
Handle Animal = 6 (1+2+3)
Intimidate = 6 (1+2+3)
Knowledge (History) = 5 (0+2+3)
Knowledge (Nobility) = 5 (0+2+3)
Profession (Soldier) = 6 (1+2+3)
Ride = 6 (1+2+3)
Sense Motive = 6 (1+2+3)

[RandomWombat]

Edmund climbs atop the pedestal and stops the flow of blood from Rory's cage. The elf takes a jab at him, but only scrapes against the floating bones.

Christof rallies the forces on the landing and they surge forward to take the fight to the enemy. One of Christof's brothers in the knighthood steps forward with him and strikes the cultist attacking Asma. The Calistrians leap over the railing and move to confront the Asmodeans. Ardok leaves the fallen cultist where he fell and descends the stairs, hacking at the dwarf at the bottom. Lorey uses the bayonet on her own crossbow to strike the dwarf that rushed up the stairs to meet her.

Mindy takes another swing at the dwarf behind the cage. This time she hits him right in the side of the head and he falls to the floor. She walks past him to lock down the dwarven cleric.

Two cultists reload their crossbows and loose two bolts; Ed's bone and Mindy's shield see that they do not meet their mark. Another charges up the stairs to join the dwarf. The two of them take swings at Lorey with their knives, but she blocks them with the stock of her weapon. Another two go for the Calistrians, but they deflect both blows. The wounded one up on the landing takes a swing at the other knight, but is blocked easily.

One of the dwarves tries to pursue Edmund up onto the pedestal, taking out and flipping open a switch. He's already badly wounded from Edmund's last strike and not thinking clearly, leaving himself open. Edmund easily cuts down the dwarf, who falls back down to the floor, dead. The one by the bottom of the stairs stabs at Ardok, nicking the orc through his armor.

"Focus your rays on the giant!" Argyle commands, before opening his tome and beginning to recite from it. The room's temperature drops a fraction and the torches flicker. All of Asmodeus' clerics raise up the symbols of the Dark Prince, and crackling dark energy pours out at Edmund. The only one that doesn't is busy fighting Mindy. Blood runs from a minor injury to her arm, from the jagged edge of the cultist's sacrificial knife.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Ed provokes from EA1, who stabs him for 3 damage - which the bone absorbs. He heals himself, Argyle, DF2, and DF3, as well as Rory and Angela.
Christof gives Phalanx Fighter to Lorey, Asma, Huemes, Claudia, Rob, Dave, and Ardok. BR1 already had it.

Claudia, Dave, and Huemes jump down from the landing. They all avoid taking any fall damage.
Ardok slashes DF4 for 6 damage.
BR1 strikes HF4 for 7 NL damage.
Lorey jabs DF1 for 3 damage.
Mindy critically strikes DF3 for 20 NL damage, knocking him out. 3 damage loops over into lethal.

Reed and Dean enter. They were also close enough behind to gain the Phalanx effect.

HC1 shoots Edmund, dealing 4 damage. His bone absorbs the blow.
HC2 shoots at Mindy, but misses.
HC3 stabilizes.
HF1 charges Lorey, but misses.
HF2 attacks Claudia with his club, but misses.
HF3 swings at Dave, but misses.
HF4 swings at BR1, but misses.
DF1 attacks Lorey, but misses.
DF2 climbs onto the pedestal, provoking from Ed.
DF4 stabs Ardok for 4 damage.
Argyle recites from the book.
AH1-3 shoot their rays at Edmund. He takes 6, 7, and 11 negative energy damage. He may make a DC 14 Will save for each of those to halve them (round down damage for odd numbers).
AD1 shoots Ed for 8 negative energy damage. He gets another DC 14 Will save to halve this one.
AD2 slashes Mindy with a ceremonial knife for 5 damage. She is suffering 1 Bleed.

It is the party's turn. Here is the new map.

[H. Von Studley]

Edmund grits his teeth as the dark energy burns at his skin.

No idea what this will do, but if they're all trying this hard to kill me then I'm probably doing something right.

He jams his foot down even harder in the trough and spins the heavy glaive over his head, cutting down the dwarf behind him and sending the blade flying towards the closest cultist.

Spoiler: OOC

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Power attack for AD1.

Attack: (1d20+9)[26]
Damage: (2d8+12)[23]

Spoiler: Stat block

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Edmund Grimace

Chaotic Good Human Fighter/Cleric (ECL 5)

HP 22/46, Initiative +4, Speed 25, BAB 4.
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 13, CMB +10, CMD 22
Fort+8, Ref+2, Will+6
Masterwork Glaive +9 (1d10+6)
Throwing Axe +8 (Melee) +6 (Thrown) (1d6+4)
+1 Orcsbane Warhammer +9(+11) (1d8+7(+2d6+2))
Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Chain Shirt +4 (Light)

Effects Defending Bone DR 5/Bludgeoning (7/25) 5 hour duration - cast prior to entering Calistrian temple; Enlarge Person - cast at start of temple fight

Spells (CL5): (L1) 0/4, (L2) 0/3
(D1) 0/1, (D2) 0/1

Maneuvers (IL3):
Encouraging Roar ()

Abilities: STR 20, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 15, CHA 10

Special Abilities: Channel Energy 0/3, Ferocious Strike 0/5, Touch of Glory 2/5.

[Archemist]

Asma is finding the balcony crowded, but she knows only one way to make it less so. The sword is not her first choice of weapon, but there's no room for anything else. So she uses it in accordance with its purpose.

Asma ducks and slashes up with the sword, aiming right for the kneecap of the closer fighter. She's hoping that in the confusion he may not be looking down at her level, but at Lorey and Christof's.

Spoiler: OOC - Attack

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(1d20+3)[21] for (1d6)[5] vs HF4. Edited to add: Yay for rolling something not in the lowest 25% of the dice!

Spoiler: Asma

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HP: 16
AC: 16 / Touch: 14 / FF: 13 (Leather Armor +2)
Str 10 / Dex 14 / Con 12 / Int 10 / Wis 10 / Cha 11
Fort: +5 / Ref: +3 / Will: +1
Initiative: +2
Move Speed: 20 ft.
Attacks:
Longsword – +3 attack, 1d6 damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Sling – +5 attack, 1d3 damage
Feats: Dodge
Skills: 1 rank in Prof. Sailor, Climb, Swim, Intimidate

[brandnewb]

Robert watches with grim satisfaction as the man he shot goes down. He looks out across the room to see that Ed is now under heavy fire. He pulls his pistol up and level taking aim at AD1. With a smooth motion he pulls the trigger on his pistol letting out a loud BOOM! Smoke once again fills the air directly in front of him.

Spoiler: rolls

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(1d20+8)[25]
Damage (1d8+1)[7]

[Aeryk]

Christof works with his Blue Rose brother with a moderated swing against the same footman. "Pick a fight with someone your own size!" he roars as he smacks him in the face with the flat of his blade.
With the rest of the group charging in, and people's lives on the line, Christof yearns to join the fray and hop down beside Claudia. However, with the chain shirt slowing his movement he realizes his chances of keeping his feet under him are not great, and good reason wins out. He stays to hold the high ground, preventing escape of the cultists, and protecting Rob so he can continue shooting at the leaders.

Spoiler: OOC

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Attack vs HF4:(1d20+7)[18]
Damage:(1d8+5)[9] NL

If HF4 goes down, Christof will step into his spot to flank DF1

Spoiler: Sir Christof

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=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 43/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4) +3 vs Evil
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1 +3 vs Evil
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(or +5 if NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Special: Challenge +2 1/day, Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) 1/day, Flat of the Blade

Effects: Phalanx Fighter 3/4 rounds (Bonus to AC and saves vs Evil creatures = #adjacent allies)

[RandomWombat]

Edmund spins his glaive and and delivers a nearly fatal blow to the dwarf on the podium, who stands in shock as he bleeds down his front. He raises his unholy symbol again and energy crackles around it, only for his last stand to be cut short. There is a loud boom and a new hole blooms in the dwarf's shoulder, as he falls over, bleeding on the wooden stage. The unholy symbol clatters to the ground next to him, the energy fading away harmlessly. At the far end of the room, Ed sees Robert standing triumphant.

Asma shanks the human on the balcony in the shins and he growls, only for Christof to strike him with the pommel of his sword. The man crumples to the ground, unconscious as Christof steps over him to threaten the dwarf with the switch. On the other side of the dwarf, the guard captain takes risky action to draw a wand from her bandolier and point it out over the battle, giving the two foes nearby an opening to attack her. She avoids the club swing from the human on the stairs, but the dwarf nicks her with his switchblade as a lance of strange white light launches across the room. The light punches into one of the human cultists as though it carries actual physical force. He looks like somebody dropped a sack of hammers on him. Seconds later, Claudia's whip wraps itself around his neck and strangles him. He falls to the ground as Claudia smoothly and professionally whips her weapon loose.

Reed pushes past Asma and takes a swing at the dwarf, but his blade hits at a bad angle and doesn't pierce the dwarf's protective gear. The Blue Rose Knight hops the railing to join the fight below, but fumbles and lands on his rear. Looking a little embarrassed, he scrambles to regain his footing. Dean moves up to the ledge where the knight hopped over and levels his crossbow, nicking one of the cultists that are still standing. The Calistrians move up, Huemes cutting into one of the Asmodean dwarves with a solid slash. Ardok follows up, driving his gandasa home. The dwarf is left barely standing.

Two crackling rays strike Mindy and Edmund respectively, but the third standing cultist steps away from Claudia and points at Edmund. "Kill." He commands forcefully. Claudia takes a brutal blow to the side, but she rolls with it, showing impressive durability for her appearance. Another strike from the dwarf up on the landing cuts Lorey, but she is not badly wounded yet. At the foot of the stairs, Ardok takes a hit as well.

Arrows and bolts fly across the room, and the knight who fell down grunts in pain as one thunks home. One flies past Ed, the other is deflected by his bone.

Argyle chants loudly in a hellish tongue, his voice reverberating across the room. Another wave of cold air blows through the chamber and the torches nearly go out, but the flames come back after it passes. Edmund feels a deep cold sinking into him as he continues to obstruct the altar. He feels it to his bones, and his body aches for warmth.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Edmund slashes AD1 for 23 damage. He is Staggered at 0 on the dot.
Asma cuts HF4 for 5 damage.
Robert shoots AD1 for 7 damage, dropping him.
Christof clobbers HF4 for 9 NL damage, knocking him out. He steps over the fallen man.

Lorey draws and uses a wand. She takes a jab from DF1 for 3 damage, but avoids HF1's AoO. She blasts AH1 for 20 NL damage, leaving him Staggered.
Claudia takes a 5-foot step forward and lashes AH1 for 4 damage, knocking them out.
Reed attacks DF1, but misses.
Dean shoots AH2 for 2 damage.
BR1 drops from the railing and takes 5 NL damage, falling prone. He uses his second move action to stand back up.
Dave swings at HF3, but misses.
Huemes slashes at DF4, critically hitting for 11 damage.
Ardok strikes DF4 for 7 damage. DF4 is badly wounded.
Mindy bleeds for 1 damage. She strikes AD2 for 7 NL damage.
Waspface enters.
Calistrian Elf 1 enters.

AD1 bleeds.
AD2 steps back and channels a ray at Mindy for 3 damage, after she passes her save.
AH2 shoots a ray at Edmund, one of which hits for 5 damage. He can make a DC 14 Will save for half.
AH3 casts Murderous Command on Edmund. He must pass a DC 14 Will save, or attack either Rory or Angela.
HF1 swings at Lorey, but misses.
HF2 thumps Claudia with a crit for 14 damage.
HF3 swings at Huemes, but misses.
DF1 jabs Lorey for 5 damage.
DF4 stabs Ardok for 5 damage.
HC1 shoots BR1, critting for 15 damage.
HC2 shoots at Dave, but misses.
EA1 shoots at Edmund, but misses.
EA2 shoots at Edmund, dealing 2 damage, which his bone absorbs.

Argyle advances the ritual. Edmund feels the air around him grow intensely cold, and must make a DC 14 Fortitude Save or take 5 NL cold damage.

It is the party's turn. If Ed failed his save against the Murderous Command, he must spend his turn attacking either Rory or Angela, as they are equally close. Here is the updated map.

[H. Von Studley]

Edmund grits his teeth as the negative energy burns against his skin and a wave of deathly cold settles in his bones. He lifts the glaive, ready to step forward and strike down Argyle, when the cultist's spell overwhelms him.

Ed's eyes roll back into his head and his face turns cold and expressionless. Without hesitation he turns and stabs through the bars of the cage.

Spoiler: OOC

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Will Ed's glaive fit through the bars of the cage? Keep in mind that he and his weapons are currently Enlarged. If not, he may be able to reach and attack with his dagger. Maybe that's just wishful thinking though.

I really don't want to kill Rory, but I don't think it's fair that I get to choose. I'll roll a d4. If it's 1-2,
Ed attacks Rory. 3-4, Ed attacks Angela.

(1d4)[2]

Attack: (1d20+9)[28] (-1 if dagger)
Damage (glaive): (2d8+7)[17]
Damage (dagger): (1d6+5)[7]

Spoiler: Stat block

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Edmund Grimace

Chaotic Good Human Fighter/Cleric (ECL 5)

HP 17/46, (5 NL) Initiative +4, Speed 25, BAB 4.
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 13, CMB +10, CMD 22
Fort+8, Ref+2, Will+6
Masterwork Glaive +9 (1d10+6)
Throwing Axe +8 (Melee) +6 (Thrown) (1d6+4)
+1 Orcsbane Warhammer +9(+11) (1d8+7(+2d6+2))
Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Chain Shirt +4 (Light)

Effects Defending Bone DR 5/Bludgeoning (5/25) 5 hour duration - cast prior to entering Calistrian temple; Enlarge Person - cast at start of temple fight

Spells (CL5): (L1) 0/4, (L2) 0/3
(D1) 0/1, (D2) 0/1

Maneuvers (IL3):
Encouraging Roar ()

Abilities: STR 20, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 15, CHA 10

Special Abilities: Channel Energy 0/3, Ferocious Strike 0/5, Touch of Glory 2/5.

[RandomWombat]

Edmund suddenly stabs Rory through the cage bars. The wound isn't immediately deadly, but Rory is looking extremely worse for wear.

[Aeryk]

Christof takes a swing at the dwarf.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Christof attacks DF1, flanking with Lorey
Attack:(1d20+9)[24]
Damage:(1d8+5)[13] NL

Reserving move action, pending the actions of the rest of the group

Spoiler: Christof

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=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 43/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4) +3 vs Evil
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1 +3 vs Evil
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(or +5 if NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Special: Challenge +2 (x1/day), Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) x1/day, Flat of the Blade

Effects: Phalanx Fighter 2/4 rounds (Bonus to AC and saves vs Evil creatures = #adjacent allies)

[Archemist]

Asma stabs at the cultist again, glad for all the friendly company. She, a bit like Christof, is hoping to make quick work of him and then head down the stairs to help the Captain and others.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Attack on DF1: (1d20+3)[9] for (1d6)[1].

Spoiler: Asma

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HP: 16
AC: 16 / Touch: 14 / FF: 13 (Leather Armor +2)
Str 10 / Dex 14 / Con 12 / Int 10 / Wis 10 / Cha 11
Fort: +5 / Ref: +3 / Will: +1
Initiative: +2
Move Speed: 20 ft.
Attacks:
Longsword – +3 attack, 1d6 damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Sling – +5 attack, 1d3 damage
Feats: Dodge
Skills: 1 rank in Prof. Sailor, Climb, Swim, Intimidate

[brandnewb]

Spotting the cultist who is casting spells on Edmund Robert decides to focus fire on them now. He reloads his pistol quickly then levels the weapon toward the enemy. With a smooth motion he pulls the trigger once more.

Spoiler: rolls

Show

(1d20+8)[19]
(1d8+1)[6]

[RandomWombat]

Christof and Asma engage the dwarf, who manages to dodge Asma's swing, but not the flat of the blade that strikes him hard across the back. Frustrated by his earlier miss, Reed roars and brings his sword down with all his might. He's only able to graze the dwarf with his blade, which further angers him. Dean leans out over the railing to get an angle at the human on the stairs and fires a bolt from his crossbow, scoring a solid hit. Lorey stows her wand away and takes a jab at the dwarf with her crossbow's bayonet, but he sees it coming and bats the bow aside. There is a crack as Robert shoots one of the cultists from behind.

The newly arrived Calistrians follow the others, leaping over the railing and landing smoothly below. Waspface points and chants at one of the Asmodeans firing rays at Ed, who suddenly screams in abject terror. The elf with her chants and points at the cultist Huemes and Dave are fighting, who shakes off whatever effect was being cast. Perhaps spurred on by the attempt, the cultist easily weaves around Huemes and Dave's blows. Ardok, however, is able to get a swing in and brings the dwarf down.

Claudia strides carefully forward through the battle, getting closer to Angela's cage. She whips the cultist Robert shot twice right across the bullet wound, causing the man to writhe in pain and nearly keel over. The Blue Rose Knight charges right past one of the footmen, his armor deflecting their club, and strikes the terrified cultist. Said cultist tries to flee, but Claudia and the knight easily bring him down before he can get far. Behind him the footman takes another swing, but the knight spins around and deflects it easily.

Up on the landing, the dwarf spins around and stabs Christof. The switchblade does not go deep, but it does do significant damage. The man on the stairs takes a swing at Lorey, but can't see her well enough. At the bottom of the other stairs, one of the humans clubs Huemes up the side of the head, sending him reeling. Two of the crossbowmen on the lower floor fire at Claudia and the knight, but the shots go wide. The two elves draw their bows and fire at Edmund, his bone intercepting. The second arrow snaps the bone in two.

The human cultist begins casting once again, and Edmund feels the dark magic creeping into the edges of his mind for a second time. The dwarf fighting Mindy takes another swing at her with his dagger, but she blocks it with her shield. Argyle's wicked chant echoes throughout the chamber, and several of the torches go out as a chill wind blows through it. From the stone pedestal, Edmund feels the cold creeping deeper into his body.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Edmund deals 15 damage to Rory, not quite enough to kill him.
Christof deals 13 NL damage to DF1.
Asma misses DF1.
Rob shoots AH3 for 6 damage.

Reed enters a Rage and attacks DF1 for 5 damage.
Dean shoots HF1 for 7 damage.
Lorey stabs at DF1, but misses.
Waspface casts Cause Fear on AH2, who is now fleeing for 1 round.
CE1 casts something, but HF3 passes the save.
Huemes attacks HF3, but misses.
Dave attacks HF3, but misses.
Ardok strikes DF4 for 8 damage, knocking him into negatives.
Claudia 5-foot steps and lashes AH3 twice for 11 damage total. He is nearly down.
BR1 charges AH2, HF2 misses an AoO. Deals 13 NL damage to AH2.
Mindy strikes AD2 for 7 damage, but she also bleeds for 1 damage.

DF1 stabs Christof, critting for 7 damage.
HF1 swings at Lorey, but misses due to concealment from the dim light.
HF2 swings at BR1, but misses.
HF3 swings at Huemes, critting for 9 damage.
HC1 shoots at BR1, but misses.
HC2 shoots at Claudia, but misses.
EA1 shoots Edmund for 1 damage, which the bone takes.
EA2 shoots Edmund for 4 damage, which the bone takes.
AH2 flees, provoking from BR1 and Claudia. Claudia deals 5 damage, and BR1 deals 13 NL damage, 6 of which rolls over into lethal. The cultist is down.
AH3 casts Command on Edmund, attempting to force him prone. DC 14 Will save to resist.
AD2 slashes at Mindy, but misses.
Argyle advances the ritual. The light throughout is now Dim. All attacks by characters without Darkvision are subject to 20% miss chance. Edmund takes 4 NL cold damage, plus 4 more if he fell prone on the pedestal since the cold will sink into more of his body.

Here is the new map. Party is up.

[Archemist]

Once again, Asma tries to help clear the bottleneck at the top of the stairs. With her sword. Without much subtlety. Given her simultaneous shout and scowl, you might even call it aggressively, violently, and/or emphatically.

Spoiler: Attack the angered dwarf!

Show

Longsword:
(1d20+3)[16] for (1d6)[6] damage.

[H. Von Studley]

Edmund's eyes come back into focus as he comes to his senses. He stares over at the newly wounded Rory in sick shock.

I have to get away from the prisoners. I can't risk them.

Ed shakes off another attempt at mind control, prepared this time. Seeing the others having a hard time working through the cultist lines, he leaps forward onto the podium.

Suddenly the world comes into focus as he feels a rush of ki flood through him. Ronaldo's lessons appear before his eyes in sharp relief. The crew, the Calistrians, they were his team. The cultists were the defenders. And Argyle was the flag.

"Drive them back! We must stop the ritual!"

Beaten and weary, he whips the giant glaive around his head and slashes down at Argyle.

Spoiler

Show

Ed will move to stand on the podium, where AD1 was. I think that position will cover a pretty decent number of baddies within his threatened area.

As a swift action he'll initiate the Encouraging Roar maneuver (+2 to attack and damage for all allies within 30' of Ed until Ed's next turn). I think that will cover Mindy,
BR1, Claudia, Huemes and Dave, and maybe Ardok.

Ed will power attack Argyle from the high ground (+1 to attack) and make sure at least one AoO is reserved to interrupt further casting.

Attack: (1d20+12)[13]
Miss chance (above 20 is a hit): (1d100)[31]
Damage: (2d8+15)[18]

Spoiler: Stat block

Show

Edmund Grimace

Chaotic Good Human Fighter/Cleric (ECL 5)

HP 17/46, (9 NL) Initiative +4, Speed 25, BAB 4.
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 13, CMB +10, CMD 22
Fort+8, Ref+2, Will+6
Masterwork Glaive +9 (1d10+6)
Throwing Axe +8 (Melee) +6 (Thrown) (1d6+4)
+1 Orcsbane Warhammer +9(+11) (1d8+7(+2d6+2))
Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Chain Shirt +4 (Light)

EffectsEnlarge Person - cast at start of temple fight

Spells (CL5): (L1) 0/4, (L2) 0/3
(D1) 0/1, (D2) 0/1

Maneuvers (IL3):
Encouraging Roar (X)

Abilities: STR 20, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 15, CHA 10

Special Abilities: Channel Energy 0/3, Ferocious Strike 0/5, Touch of Glory 2/5.

[brandnewb]

Robert watches as the figure attempts to cast another spell on his old captain. He is revealed when it appears to have failed. He pulls his pistol up once more, targeting Argyle as well. He pulls the trigger sending the room echoing with a boom failing at life.

(1d20+8)[9]
(1d8+1)[5]

[brandnewb]

Robert pulls the trigger and the gun releases a ineffectuall 'click' failing to go off. The man curses loudly staring at his weapon in fury. He quickly hurries to clear the jam so that he can continue to put fire onto the enemy.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Robert will spend 1 grit point to use the quick clear deed as a move action. The weapon is no longer broken.

[Aeryk]

Christof grinds his teeth in pain as the dwarf manages to get the small blade into a weak spot, then returns another swing at him.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Assuming Asma hasn't taken him out, Christof is going for DF1 again. If he's down, he'll swing at HF1 instead.

Also, I believe this is the last round of Phalanx Fighter before it wears off.

Attack:(1d20+9)[18] (includes flanking. if targeting HF1, -2 from this)
Damage:(1d8+5)[11]NL

Spoiler: Christof

Show

=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 36/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4) +3 vs Evil
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1 +3 vs Evil
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(or +5 if NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Special: Challenge +2 (x1/day), Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) x1/day, Flat of the Blade

Effects: Last round of Phalanx Fighter! (Bonus to AC and saves vs Evil creatures = #adjacent allies)

[RandomWombat]

Edmund steps smoothly onto the podium, but Argyle sees his swing coming and steps aside as the massive glaive rebounds off of the stone floor where the dwarf had been standing.

On the landing, Asma and Christof finally bring down the dwarf standing in their way. Lorey steps back and levels her crossbow, lodging a bolt in the footman blocking the stairs. Reed tries to move in and follow up, but his eyes haven't adjusted to the cover of darkness and he growls in frustration when his sword hits the stone railing. Another of Dean's bolts barely nicks the man, but he's looking worn out. One of the other halflings from the Fog launches a sling bullet over the railing, but it clatters off the floor. Beside him, a Stalling guard takes out his shortbow and lets it loose, nicking the last standing human cultist.

The man on the stairs tries to hit Reed, but he's finding it just as hard to see.

Below, the Calistrians press the attack against the Asmodeans. Claudia and the Knight step forward, closing in on Argyle. Before them, two more of Evil's soldiers fall. Mindy circles around her foe, delivering another solid hit. The fight is not over yet, however. The Asmodeans hold their ground and fight back, with Mindy taking a nasty beam of crackling energy to the side. Argyle, rather than shying away from Edmund, takes a step forward. Raising a gleaming blood-red morningstar, he swings it at Mindy. It flares up with flames as it bashes into her, leaving her barely on her feet as she gasps for air after the hard hit.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

I forgot the two units arriving last round. Fog Halfling 1 and Human Guard 1 arrived.

Asma slashes DF1 for 6 damage.
Christof hits DF1 for 11 NL damage and knocks him out.
Robert misfires and clears.
Edmund misses Argyle.

Lorey shoots HF1 for 9 damage.
Reed swings at HF1, but misses due to the poor lighting.
Dean shoots HF1 for 2 damage. He is badly wounded.
hf1 moves up and launches a sling at AH3, but misses.
HG1 moves up and shoots AH3 for 2 damage. He is barely hanging on.
CE1 swings at HF2, clubbing him for 3 damage.
Dave swings at HF3, but misses.
Huemes slashes HF3 for 6 damage.
Ardok cuts HF3 for 6 damage.
Waspface whips HF2 for 4 damage.
Claudia whips AH3, critting for 9 damage and taking him down.
BR1 crits HC2 for 29 NL damage, dropping him in a single strike.
Mindy strikes AD2 for 7 NL damage, and she takes 1 bleed damage.

HF1 swings at Reed, but misses due to dim light.
HF2 swings at CE1 for 8 damage.
HF3 swings at Huemes for 7 damage. Huemes is badly wounded.
HC1 shoots at CE1, but misses.
EA1 shoots at Edmund, but misses.
EA2 shoots at Edmund, but misses.
AD2 channels energy at Mindy, for 7 negative energy damage.
Argyle 5-foot steps and swings at Mindy, hitting her for 12 damage and 5 fire damage. Mindy is badly injured.

HG2 and BR2 enter.

Here is the new map, with the party going next.

[Archemist]

Jumping up and down a tiny bit, not really being able to see how the battle below is going with all the tall people in the way, Asma says to Christof, "Toss me!"

Unless he looks busy with the closer cultist. In which case she will just duck around to the other side of Reed and keep on attacking that guy too. At least the crew have the high ground on the stairs.

[H. Von Studley]

Edmund ducks aside as two more arrows fly past him, clattering against the wall. Surprised at Argyle's speed and ferocity, he whips his glaive around and levels another powerful swing down at the cultist.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Power attacking Argyle from the high ground.

Attack: (1d20+10)[13]
Damage: (2d8+13)[16]

EDIT: The dice gods really don't want us to win this fight.

Spoiler: Stat block

Show

Edmund Grimace

Chaotic Good Human Fighter/Cleric (ECL 5)

HP 17/46, (9 NL) Initiative +4, Speed 25, BAB 4.
AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 13, CMB +10, CMD 22
Fort+8, Ref+2, Will+6
Masterwork Glaive +9 (1d10+6)
Throwing Axe +8 (Melee) +6 (Thrown) (1d6+4)
+1 Orcsbane Warhammer +9(+11) (1d8+7(+2d6+2))
Shortbow +6 (1d6)
Chain Shirt +4 (Light)

EffectsEnlarge Person - cast at start of temple fight

Spells (CL5): (L1) 0/4, (L2) 0/3
(D1) 0/1, (D2) 0/1

Maneuvers (IL3):
Encouraging Roar (X)

Abilities: STR 20, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 15, CHA 10

Special Abilities: Channel Energy 0/3, Ferocious Strike 0/5, Touch of Glory 2/5.

[brandnewb]

Robert watches the chaos happening around the shrine. He reloads his pistol and takes aim at Argyle once more. He snaps off another shot with a grimace. Hoping that the next shot will not fail.

Spoiler: Rolls

Show

Attack
(1d20+8)[28]
Damage
(1d8+1)[5]

[brandnewb]

The pistol makes a loud boom and Robert grins with satisfaction as the round lands true.

Spoiler: Crit

Show

That equals out the misfire I guess.
Regain 1 grit point.
Confirm (1d20+8)[13] touch AC
The damage is 4x so yay! That is better than the miss. One I rolled before plus this.
Damage (3d8+3)[19]

[Aeryk]

Jumping up and down a tiny bit, not really being able to see how the battle below is going with all the tall people in the way, Asma says to Christof, "Toss me!"

Unless he looks busy with the closer cultist. In which case she will just duck around to the other side of Reed and keep on attacking that guy too. At least the crew have the high ground on the stairs.

Christof looks uncertainly at the halfling for a moment, but with no good way of getting himself down and closer to the main fight at the moment, he goes with it and picks her up, dropping his sword to the ground before tossing her over. (and hey, why not, right?)

Spoiler: OOC Shenanigans

Show

Not sure how you want to run this DM. Perhaps an attack roll with an improvised thrown weapon, with the same miss consequences as a splash weapon? AC 5, and on a miss, she goes a random direction (1d8). Or perhaps a bullrush maneuver? I would say it's probably a full-round action as well. She would likely have to roll acrobatics somewhere in there as well, or land prone. Anyway, I'll let you handle the mechanics/rolls, whatever you decide.

Spoiler: Christof

Show

=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 36/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4)
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(or +5 if NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Special: Challenge +2 (x1/day), Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) x1/day, Flat of the Blade

Effects: Nil

[Archemist]

Asma finds herself hurled through the air by Christof, as requested. She attempts a roll to soften the fall, but lands just a bit short of where she'd been hoping. She picks herself up and gets ready to charge back at the cultists.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

falling damage: (1d6)[2]

Spoiler: Asma

Show

HP: 8/16 (edited to include above damage roll)
AC: 16 / Touch: 14 / FF: 13 (Leather Armor +2)
Str 10 / Dex 14 / Con 12 / Int 10 / Wis 10 / Cha 11
Fort: +5 / Ref: +3 / Will: +1
Initiative: +2
Move Speed: 20 ft.
Attacks:
Longsword – +3 attack, 1d6 damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Sling – +5 attack, 1d3 damage
Feats: Dodge
Skills: 1 rank in Prof. Sailor, Climb, Swim, Intimidate

[RandomWombat]

Edmund's glaive sails through the air, but Argyle is able to twist out of the way. This leaves him positioned well for Robert's shot, which strikes him in the lower leg, just missing the knee. "I'm okay," Mindy insists, clenching her shield hand. Light glows in her palm and a few of her wounds knit together as she strikes Argyle in the flat of the back with the flat of the axe. A sling bullet and arrow clatter against the floor nearby.

Up above, another bolt sails past the man blocking the stairs. Reed yells and swings his sword around with both hands, cutting the man down and sending him rolling down the stairs. A second bolt does find its mark, striking the crossbowman at the bottom of the stairs in the side, and Reed marches down after his fallen foe. The knight and guardsman who just arrived move past those on the landing and hop down.

As the Calistrians fight against the desperately struggling Asmodeans, Claudia steps forward and lashes out with her whip. It wraps around the book in Argyle's hand while he's busy fighting and then tugs away, sending the book flying away from its owner. The knight fighting alongside her steps over the fallen and moves between Argyle and his tome, delivering a mighty blow to the dwarf's gut.

Christof lifts up Asma and tosses her down to the level below, where she lands hard and falls to one knee. Getting back up, she holds her sword defensively.

"Damn you, Calistrian whore!" Argyle shouts at Claudia, looking between her, Edmund, and the knight between him and completing the ritual. With a vicious snarl he ascends the small step onto the podium and hammers Big Ed in the knee with his morningstar. Edmund feels the flames lick over the fresh wound and sear it, and senses a wrongness in the weapon itself, like it carries an evil aura.

Just as Edmund is struggling to regain his footing, an arrow embeds itself in his unguarded back and he falls to his knees, then to the floor.

At the foot of the podium, Mindy manages to sidestep another point-blank ray. Two of the Asmodeans panic and fumble, nearly dropping their clubs in the confusion. The third one levels his crossbow at Reed on the stairs, but pulls the trigger early and shoots the floor at his feet instead.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Edmund sings at Argyle, but misses.
Robert hits, but is too far away for touch AC - that applies only in the first range increment. He does do 5 damage to Argyle, however.

fh1 slings at Argyle, but misses.
HG1 shoots at Argyle, but misses.
Mindy uses Lay on Hands on herself for 5 and removes the bleed. She strikes Argyle for 6 NL damage.
Lorey shoots at HF1, but misses.
Reed hits HF1 for 11 damage and knocks him out. HF1 takes 3 damage from falling down the stairs.
Dean shoots HC1 for 9 damage.
BR2 jumps down, avoiding damage.
HG2 jumps down, taking 1 NL damage and falling on his ass. He gets up after.
Dave punches HF3 for 6 damage.
Huemes misses HF3.
Ardok shield bashes HF3 for 4 damage.
CE1 clubs HF2 for 8 damage.
Waspface misses HF2.
Claudia disarms Argyle of the black book and sends it flying.
BR1 crits Argyle for 23 NL damage.
Fog Sailor and Calistrian Elf 2 enter.

Christof throws Asma. She gets back up and guards.

Argyle steps onto the podium and strikes Edmund for 11 damage and 5 fire damage.
AD2 misses Mindy with a channel ray.
EA1 shoots at Ed, but misses.
EA2 shoots Ed for 3 damage, knocking him to -2 and unconsciousness.
HF2 and 3 roll 1s and fail to do anything. HC1 also rolls a 1. Amazing.

The party is up to act. Here is the map.

Edmund, make a stabilization check or take 1 damage.

[Aeryk]

Christof grabs his dropped longsword then points it at Argyle. His voice booms out commandingly through the room, "You there, cultist! Surrender now or face me! Your forces are overwhelmed, and your ritual has been thwarted! Anyone who stands down now will not be harmed, and will be treated fairly, you have my word as a Knight."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move action: Pick up sword
Standard: Offering terms of surrender as per an Order of the Blue Rose Challenge
Swift: Issue a Challenge (Cavalier)

Christof is challenging Argyle, which grants +2 to damage and +1 to attacks against Argyle, but a -2 penalty to AC against everyone except Argyle.

Spoiler: Christof

Show

=Rhedris Knight= Human Warrior 2/Blue Rose Cavalier 2
HP: 36/43
AC: 15 Touch: 11 FF: 14 (Chain +4)
Stats: Str 15 / Dex 13 / Con 14 / Int 10 / Wis 12 / Cha 12
Fort: +8 Ref: +1 Will: +1
BAB: +4
CMB: +6 (4 BAB + 2 STR)
CMD: +17 (10 + 4 BAB + 2 STR + 1 DEX)
Initiative: +1
Move Speed: 30 ft.
Attacks: Longsword +7 attack, 1d8+3(or +5 if NL) (2h) damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Special: Challenge +2 (x1/day), Tactician (Phalanx Fighter) x1/day, Flat of the Blade

Effects:
+2 Damage and +1 Attack vs Argyle
-2 AC vs everyone except Argyle

[Archemist]

Asma ducks out from behind the Calistrian, joining the line of battle between her and Reed. Asma stabs up at the human cultist nearby, not waiting more than a half-second to see if anyone responds to Christof by throwing down their weapon.

Hesitation to surrender on the part of the cultists is their own fault.

Edited to add: But she whiffs the attack anyhow, so no harm done, as it were.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack at HF2: (1d20+3)[9] for (1d6)[3]. She doesn't really have room to "charge" so it's just a step forwards and longsword attack.

Spoiler: Asma

Show

HP: 8/16
AC: 16 / Touch: 14 / FF: 13 (Leather Armor +2)
Str 10 / Dex 14 / Con 12 / Int 10 / Wis 10 / Cha 11
Fort: +5 / Ref: +3 / Will: +1
Initiative: +2
Move Speed: 20 ft.
Attacks:
Longsword – +3 attack, 1d6 damage, 19-20/x2 crit
Sling – +5 attack, 1d3 damage
Feats: Dodge
Skills: 1 rank in Prof. Sailor, Climb, Swim, Intimidate

[H. Von Studley]

Edmund feels darkness creeping around the edges of his vision before he crashes to the ground, unconscious.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Current HP: -3
Stabilise check: (1d20)[1]

EDIT: Yep. Ed loses another hit point and is still bleeding.