The Black Shingle Fiasco

[YossarianLives]

You wait in the square for almost an hour, watching the proud Senrish soldiers arrive, bearing pikes and crossbows. The vast majority seem to be infantry, with only the officers and a handful of scouts mounted on ponies. Soon the humanoid soldiers are joined by a detachment of war-golems, immense creatures of stone and metal armed with halberds the height of five humans. Only five minutes before you are set to depart, the last band of warriors arrive. Some 500 dwarves in heavy suits of platemail, colourful red and blue plumes sprouting from their helmets, tromp into the square in tight ranks, each carrying an axe or mace. These are no doubt the mercenaries you have heard of. Compared to the local soldiers they seem to be comfortable, at ease, chatting arrogantly with one another.

Just as Captain Parker spurs his mount toward the new arrivals, Ygor turns from his squad and again approaches you, proffering a small paper map. "This is a map of the area,
and some locations of interest. You have more experience with this neighbourhood of Black Shingle than I - any recommendations?"

Spoiler: Map

Show

[Bartmanhomer]

You wait in the square for almost an hour, watching the proud Senrish soldiers arrive, bearing pikes and crossbows. The vast majority seem to be infantry, with only the officers and a handful of scouts mounted on ponies. Soon the humanoid soldiers are joined by a detachment of war-golems, immense creatures of stone and metal armed with halberds the height of five humans. Only five minutes before you are set to depart, the last band of warriors arrive. Some 500 dwarves in heavy suits of platemail, colourful red and blue plumes sprouting from their helmets, tromp into the square in tight ranks, each carrying an axe or mace. These are no doubt the mercenaries you have heard of. Compared to the local soldiers they seem to be comfortable, at ease, chatting arrogantly with one another.

Just as Captain Parker spurs his mount toward the new arrivals, Ygor turns from his squad and again approaches you, proffering a small paper map. "This is a map of the area,
and some locations of interest. You have more experience with this neighbourhood of Black Shingle than I - any recommendations?"

Spoiler: Map

Show

"No. Nothing I could recommend. The map is pretty straightforward."

[Marlowe]

Avita gives the map a long look. "The tower is surrounded by a fairly large open square, numerous alleys and side-streets leading from it. There is one door, barricaded and damaged when we left it. I would suggest holding the place means leaving the door as intact as possible." She meaningfully rummages in her pack and draws out he r grapple.

[YossarianLives]

The sergeant nods impatiently, shooting a glance towards the army, which is beginning to advance. "Yes, of course - but do you have any suggestions on how to reach the tower? There seem to be several roads we could follow. Or, as you pointed out, we could try to maneuver the alleys."

[Marlowe]

Avita sets her teeth. "Last time we went there we were led by one who has subsequently proved himself a sneak and a traitor. I haven't ruled out the possibility he was trying to kill us even then. He certainly wasn't that accurate with vital information.

"However, given we have some numbers and crossbows, I suggest we keep to the main streets. To one side of the main street, specifically, just on the off-chance it might help us miss the eyes of their flying scouts. Last time we went wandering in the alleys we got ourselves nearly bushwhacked by a lesser demon with some sort of vile cloud attack. Most noisome. I don't recommend we repeat it."

She closes her hand into a fist, little finger outstretched to point, and indicates the long, straight road leading to the tower. "Unless there's something I'm missing, I say we take the straight way. Open space. Fields of fire. Room to deploy. And all that. Getting clever risks a thousand little pitfalls, and we need to move promptly".

[Yes, I actually do point like that sometimes.]

[YossarianLives]

The sergeant opens his mouth to reply, but is interrupted by a shout of alarm from the guards on the wall. You whirl around, and follow the pointing fingers of several soldiers to the sky above Black Shingle, where three of the slender scouts demons are hovering with their vibrant red and greens wings. Sensing their discovery, the demons start to flap away just as one of the nearby officers yells an order. Two dozen Senrish crossbows are raised, and a moment later the air is filled with bolts. Two of the demons fall, pierced by many shafts, but the other survives unscathed. The soldiers begin to reload, but before they can finish, the scout has vanished over the rooftops of Black Shingle. Organized chaos falls among the army. Any such hopes that the assault would take the fiends by surprise are dashed, and the officers are keen to give them as little time to prepare as possible. A minute later the Black Shingle gates swing open, making way for two squadrons of outriders. Banners fluttering in the wind, polearms held aloft, over six-thousand soldiers follow in serried ranks. Captain Parker and his cadre of officers remains somewhere near the rear, relying on messengers to relay instructions, while the war-golems and dwarven mercenaries serve as the vanguard. Sergeant Ygor beckons you forward, as he and his soldiers take up formation. Alongside them, you march out of Senra and into the war-torn abattoir of Black Shingle. The guards on the wall wave to you, some cheering. Others salute.

For five minutes, you march alongside the army unhindered. A few more scout demons circle overhead, but they are soon brought down or driven away by a volley of bolts. The burnt-out ruins are quiet, the rising sun casting long shadows. The first squadron of outriders returns, slightly fewer than when they departed. The Captain listens to their report impatiently, then dispatches them once more. You pass a handful of dismembered demon corpses, fresh blood still leaking from their wounds. Then, without a word, Ygor breaks off from the group, leading you and your companions down a modest avenue. The buildings here are mostly intact, mostly only sporting shattered windows and minor burns. What few bodies you do see are in an advanced state of decay. Ygor leads the way, sword in hand, accompanied by four of his subordinates his pikes - four more, each carrying a crossbow, take the rear. Face still impassive, the adept, Sycarus, drifts along in between the two groups. Behind you, through the twisting streets, you faintly hear shouts, battlecries, the clash of steel on steel. An unearthly roar.

Suddenly, you clearly hear the repetitive thumping of marching feet on cobblestones, getting steadily closer - by the noise, you would guess the approaching group to number between ten and fifteen people. Ygor holds up a fist, signalling a halt, and mutters an order to form ranks, but seems reluctant to take further action until he knows the identity of the marchers. The noise seems to be emanating from a nearby alley, a muddy alcove barely wide enough to walk three-abreast. The alley is situated between a large, three-storey inn and a half-collapsed house. Across the avenue, two more narrow alleys wind their way into the city's depths. A grate has been ripped out of the street, leaving an open manhole to the storm drains. Several wooden barrels have been stacked outside the inn, which seems to be securely locked, though the same cannot be said for it's cracked windows.

[Bartmanhomer]

"Captain, Sergeant or anyone who's in charge here. Is it ok can I scout to see if there's any enemies coming? After all, scouting is my specialty."

[YossarianLives]

Ygor gives Eric a sharp look, the cogs turning in his head. He seems to come to a decision, and gives a sharp nod. "Go. Be quick." At this, the drow slips down the alley as the sound of marching feet grows louder. For several seconds, he creeps down the filthy alley, hugging the wall, mud splashing onto his boots. Then, just before he reaches a junction, a dozen dark shapes leap out from a crossroads - prodigious height, hunched backs, and eyes the colour of a moonless night identify them as demonspawn. Each wears the crimson cloak of a Wheeler and clutches a crude melee weapon suited to hacking and smashing. Just in time, Eric is able to duck behind a stinking pile of refuse and cover himself with his cloak. The demonspawn catch sight of Ygor, his squad and the other members of your party. Their hesitation is only momentary - in moments, they are charging you at full speed, hooting and hollering, weapons raised.

So intent are the demonspawn on committing an act of violence, they pass Eric's hiding place without a second glance. Then another figure steps out from the same crossroad. Six feet tall, lean, the creature has the build of a human, but that is where the resemblance ends. Covered from head to ankle in large, dark green scales, It's limbs end in the flexible, toeless digets of an insect and multi-faceted compound eyes bulge from it's oval head. A long tail covered in tiny hairs sways through the air, seemingly with a mind of it's own, a strange fleshy orifice at it's tip puckering in and out. One hand clutches a curved sword made of dark metal, the other a kite shield of similar make, baring the crest of the Spiked Wheel. It surveys the alley, watching the courageous charge of the demonspawn, then turns to look directly at Eric, it's tail pointing accusatory in his direction. The demon leaps at him, a shrill cry escaping it's lips, and swings the sword at his neck - the drow rolls away just in time, avoiding the blade by inches.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eric:
Hide: 1d20+7, 12
Move Silently: 1d20+7, 19

At their current rate of movement, the demons will reach the main group next round.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric attack the hybrid with his short sword.

Attack: 9
Damage: 1

Critical:

Attack: 12
Damage: 3

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Marlowe]

Avita sidesteps in front of Adept Sycarus and looses an arrow at the hybrid, more in an attempt to take his attention away from Squishy Eric than actually injuring him.

Spoiler: Twang.

Show

Attack (1d20+3)[10]
Damage (1d8)[4]

Spoiler: Crit stuff if needed

Show

(1d20+3)[10]
Extra Dam (2d8)[9]

"Better bow. That might be nice. Still, let's bring the fun, boys and girls!"

[Kushina43]

Seeing the carnage about to take place between these forces, Sarim's hand initially goes to his axe.. But then he remembers Avita's previous advice and his resultant new weapon. He instead grabs hold of the cold iron glaive and, holding back his bloodlust for a moment, prepares to strike at the first demon that gets in range of his new weapon.

Perhaps, he thought, I oughta make better use o' things instead of rushin' in. Even I'd die if I got swarmed by all them buggers.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Sarim will take the Ready Action; the first demon to come within 10 feet of him will be attacked by his glaive.

Spoiler

Show

Attack: (1d20+6)[18]
Damage: (2d8+4)[17]

Spoiler: On 26

Show

Confirm: (1d20+6)[9]
Damage: (2d8+4)[9] + (2d8+4)[15]

[YossarianLives]

The gnomish soldiers form up a line at the alley's mouth, kneeling, pikes set against the demonspawn's charge. Behind them, the four other guards pull the switch on their crossbows, sending their bolts hurtling into the demonic lines. Three of the demonspawn scream and fall dead, while one more is wounded. Avita's arrow flies over their heads, clattering at the feet of the embattled hybrid. Meanwhile, Andras and the sergeant advance to the front of the line, ready to repel any demons who get past the pikes.

Coming out of his roll, Eric thrusts his sword at the Hybrid's throat, but it brings up it's shield and deflects the blow. Before Eric can recover, the demon flows smoothly into a slash below the drow's guard. Eric manages to dodge at the last second, avoiding a fatal blow, but still takes a gash on the hip. The hybrid's eyes bulge, saliva spitting from it's proboscis.

The demonspawn charge the line of pikes without hesitation, screaming battle cries in the tongue you are beginning to recognize as Abyssal. Three more end their lives skewered on the polearms, but it is not enough to break the assault. The demonspawn split up, each one attacking a frontline combatant. The soldiers hardly have time to throw their pikes to the road and draw arming swords. Sarim fewer troubles - the poor sod unlucky enough to get paired with the dworc is casually cleaved in half.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eric takes 7 damage. 5 demonspawn and the hybrid remain. Turn to you guys.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric got slash by the hybrid weapon.

"Is that the best you got?! Bring it!"

Eric attack the hybrid with his short sword.

Attack: (1d20+3)[12]
Damage: (1d6)[3]

Critical:

Attack: (1d20+3)[14]
Damage: (2d6)[7]

[wkwkwkwk1]

Andras swings at the demonspawn, hoping to get a decent hit in, while screaming at Eric to get away from the hybrid.

[Marlowe]

Avita fumes. Then her hand flares black as she moves forward to attack the nearest Demonspawn.

Spoiler: Attack: Charnal Touch.

Show

Attack: (touch) (1d20+2)[12]
Damage (1d8)[8]

Spoiler: Crit stuff if required:

Show

(1d20+2)[3]
Additional Dam (1d8)[6]

"Damn you to the Cabal Macabre, Cottonbud! We have one true enemy here. And you are stopping us from shooting it! Get away from the damned freak!"

[YossarianLives]

The hybrid ducks gracefully under Eric's blow, then goes in for a bold lunge before springing back. The drow dodges at the last moment, skillfully avoiding death yet again and landing in a firm stance.

Andras joins the line of polearms, swinging her glaive - the targeted demonspawn notices, and manages to step out of the way with a yelp. Avita's baleful touch takes one of the fiends by surprise. With only a light swipe of her hand, it crumples to the ground in a limp mound. Sarim hacks at the nearest foe, felling it as one would a tree. With a shout of "Forward!" from the valiant sergeant, the Senrish troopers advance, putting an end to the remaining demonspawn.

Seeing the swift cessation of it's comrades, the hybrid shoots a look down the alley, but continues it's pursuit of Eric.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

No damage! Turn to you folks.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric runs away from the demon hybrid.

[Marlowe]

Avita takes a half-step back amid the cover of the massed polearms, and sends a green ray streaking at the Hybrid.

Spoiler: Ray of Enfeeblement.

Show

Ranged Touch Attack (1d20+3)[14]
STR Damage (1d6+1)[7]

[Kushina43]

Sarim roars a victory cry upon hacking the demon and, in an effort to save Eric, runs toward the hybrid ready to fight.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

If it's possible, Sarim will drop the glaive and draw his axe during the run. Otherwise he keeps the glaive for the fight

[YossarianLives]

Eric breaks away from the hybrid, running as fast as his legs will carry him. The demon anticipates the flight, and takes advantage of it, hacking at Eric's exposed back with it's sword, carving through the plates of fortified leather and drawing a gush of blood. Eric collapses to the ground, red ichor staining the pavement. But just as the hybrid stands up, looking about for another foe, Avita's spell strikes it directly in the chest, eliciting a shrill gasp as the demon's limbs nearly give way beneath it. Seeing Sarim's charge, turns tail and flees down the alley, which seems to extend forward for some time, serving as the gateway to a twisted maze of alleys and backstreets. Four of the guards release another volley of crossbow bolts, but only one finds it's mark in the fleeing hybrid's haunch. Ygor and the other guards loiter around the dead demonspawn, unsure whether to follow the dworc and his quarry.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eric takes 11 damage, reducing him to -5. The hybrid uses the withdraw action, avoiding an attack of opportunity but leaving it in charge-range of Sarim. Your turn.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Dropping into a mad rush, Andras lets out a battle cry, stepping on top of the demon corpses to get a running start, and sprints towards the hybrid, glaive pointed out in front.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Running towards the hybrid

[Marlowe]

Avita turns briefly aside to Ygor. "Sir, in for a penny, in for a pound. With your permission." And without waiting permission hustles off down the alley after Sarim and Andras. Her destination though is not to join the combat with the Hybrid, but rather Eric's downed not-quite-corpse.

Damn it, I never was any good with this stuff. Can never remember which wiggly bit fits in where. Not unlike a couple of ex-boyfriends. But someone's got to try bring the little suicide-monkey around.

[Avita will attempt an untrained heal check NEXT round. Can't get there in time right now]

[YossarianLives]

Sarim and Andras storm down the alley, the dworc with a sizable lead, spraying mud and gunk. Hobbled by it's wound, and seeing the speed of it's pursuers, the hybrid sheathes it's sword and begins scaling the drainpipe of a nearby house, making it almost to the house's second storey, where a large window has been smashed. A door to the same building opens onto the alley.

Ygor, following Andras' bold example, gestures at the fleeing demon with his sword and leads the four pikemen after it. Adept Sycarus, fingering his holy symbol, jogs toward Eric's prostrate form.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

If you want to climb after the hybrid, it will be DC 15. However, it is also still in range of Sarim's large glaive.

[Marlowe]

Avita grits her teeth a little. Curse the robust nature of modern urban construction. Okay,
looks like we've got a Cleric on the Cottonbud job. Time to get proactive.

"Blue-Eyes!" she calls to Andras she moves toward the door to the house. "Looks like we'll just be standing around gawping if we follow him directly. Let's cut him off on the inside!" She flings open the door of the house the Hybrid is attempting to scale, her hand flaring black as she peers into the interior for threats or a route to the room where the Hybrid is headed.

Spoiler: Spot, spot, spot into the dimly-lit interior....

Show

[roll]Spot (1d20-1)[6]
Listen (1d20-1)[11]

[Kushina43]

As the hybrid tries to flee, Sarim roars "Face me, cowardly demon!" and swings his giant glaive in a wide arc upwards, hoping to catch the demon with his new weapon's sheer range.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack: (1d20+6)[10]
Damage: (2d8+4)[11]

Spoiler: On 26

Show

Confirm: (1d20+6)[8]
Damage: (2d8+4)[7] + (2d8+4)[17]

[YossarianLives]

Sarim takes a swing at the climbing hybrid, and misses - the demon sees the blow coming and makes a leap for the window, barely catching the sill with it's fingertips. The hybird hangs there for a moment, legs dangling, before the burnt wood snaps in two, sending nails, splinters and one enraged demon tumbling to the street. Without stopping, Andras lowers her glaive and charges the prone hybrid. Hissing and spitting, it rolls away just in time, ending up on it's hands and knees at Andras' feet, covered in mud.

Avita makes a dash for the house, reaches the door, then sees the hybrid's fall and turns around.

Sycarus reaches Eric, kneels down, and passes his fingers lightly over the drow's lips, muttering the words invocation. There is a flash of light and Eric sits up, his wounds sealed and, by appearances, several weeks old.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eric regains 14 hit points, bringing him back to consciousness and 8 hit points.

[Bartmanhomer]

Sarim takes a swing at the climbing hybrid, and misses - the demon sees the blow coming and makes a leap for the window, barely catching the sill with it's fingertips. The hybird hangs there for a moment, legs dangling, before the burnt wood snaps in two, sending nails, splinters and one enraged demon tumbling to the street. Without stopping, Andras lowers her glaive and charges the prone hybrid. Hissing and spitting, it rolls away just in time, ending up on it's hands and knees at Andras' feet, covered in mud.

Avita makes a dash for the house, reaches the door, then sees the hybrid's fall and turns around.

Sycarus reaches Eric, kneels down, and passes his fingers lightly over the drow's lips, muttering the words invocation. There is a flash of light and Eric sits up, his wounds sealed and, by appearances, several weeks old.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eric regains 14 hit points, bringing him back to consciousness and 8 hit points.

"Thank you for healing me. Man, I must be the worst scout in history. By the way where is everybody?"

[YossarianLives]

Sycarus nods solemnly, stands, and points down the alley toward the fray.

[Kushina43]

Sarim grins wickedly at the hybrid in its vulnerable position, moving toward it while swinging his glaive. "We got ye now!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack: (1d20+6)[18]
Damage: (2d8+4)[15]

Spoiler: On 26

Show

Confirm: (1d20+6)[15]
Damage: (2d8+4)[16] + (2d8+4)[13]

[Marlowe]

Avita promptly finds herself surplus to requirements, so shrugs, strings an arrow, and moves back over to Eric and Sycarus. "Eric, from now on, stay with the group. Use your bow. This could be a very long day and we can't afford to have you use up all our healing"