The Black Shingle Fiasco

[YossarianLives]

One climber near the front is overwhelmed by the bats, their tiny teeth tearing at it relentless until, thoroughly exsanguinated, it falls dead to the pavement below. Brandishing swords, the rest of the hybrids clamber undaunted over the battlements and hurl themselves at the defenders, one taking a crossbow bolt to the shoulder - fortunately, space atop the tower is restricted enough that only five of them can assault you at one time. The hybrid's weapons are a whirlwind, slashing at every inch of unprotected flesh. The guardsmen throw down their bows, drawing swords and shields, but this is barely enough to protect them from the demon's punishment. One takes a long gash across the chest, screaming in surprise and pain, while another suffers a jab to the calf. Both warriors hang on grimly, knowing full well that if the line collapses, all is lost.

Adept Sycarus jogs up the stairs, clutching a dagger awkwardly in one hand. He stands close behind you, ready to provide magical support should the situation take a turn for the worse.

On the ground floor, things are not looking much brighter. The hybrid seems to be buying time for it's companions to bypass the barricade, and has adopted a defensive stance behind it's kite shield. Nevertheless, a brave gnome manages to get a lucky blow in under it's guard, ripping the monster's throat open. It dies writhing and squirming on the ground. The fight is far from over, as yet another hybrid replaces the first. It howls, and brings it's blade down on the same gnome's breatsplate, hewing it wide open and penetrating to the soft flesh within. The gnome goes down. Sarim and Andras try to retaliate, but the tight conditions reduce their efforts to ineffectual flailing.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Ten hybrids left on the ground floor, eleven up above. One gnome unconscious. For those on the battlements, note that the hybrids are now in melee, so any ranged weapons targeting them will fire at a -4 penalty.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Tossing her glaive at her opponent (naturally, to no effect), Andras draws her sword and slashes away.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

As far as I could tell from the fluff, the hybrids just got inside our polearm reach. Right? If not, then disregard what I said and consider the glaive still in use

Attack: (1d20+5)[16]
Damage: (2d6+3)[9]

On a 24-25
Attack: (1d20+5)[16]
Damage: (2d6+3)[11]

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric moves in to help the gnomes.

[Marlowe]

Teeth clenched grimly, Avita sidesteps in front of the Adept, continuing to concentrate upon the swarm.

Spoiler: Swarm Damage

Show

(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[1]
(1d6)[1]
(1d6)[3]

Saves and bleeding et cetera

[Kushina43]

Sarim steps in and swings his glaive at the closest hybrid, aiming to match their flurries of blades with raw strength.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack: (1d20+7)[9]
Damage: (2d8+4)[18]

Spoiler: On 27

Show

Confirm: (1d20+7)[10]
Damage: (2d8+4)[10] + (2d8+4)[13]

[YossarianLives]

Sarim and Andras both swing their glaives at the hybrid - their blows bounce off its shield, but distract the fiend enough for the guardsmen to throw down their pikes and draw arming swords. Two manage to plunge their blades into the hybrid's waist and thigh, respectively, leaving it hobbled but alive. Ygor steps over the fallen gnome, shouting encouragement, swinging his sword with no effect. "Come on, let 'em have it! For Senra! The Council!" The hybrid tries to retaliate, but its blade cannot penetrate the gnome's chainmail coat. The line holds, for now, leaving no space for more hybrids to scale the barricade.

The fight atop the tower is close and brutal. The gnomes, though physically inferior, fight with everything they have, managing to score a pair of small scratches on the hybrids. Recklessly joining the fray, Eric flanking a hybrid to provide a distraction. The demons continue their assault, but it is seriously hampered by Avita's indomitable cloud of bats. They relentless harass the hybrids, leaving all of the fiends bleeding and two unable to do more than swat at the little creatures. Clearly demoralized, the remaining hybrids slash at the gnomish guardsmen, with no effect.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

As far as I could tell from the fluff, the hybrids just got inside our polearm reach. Right? If not, then disregard what I said and consider the glaive still in use

The gnomes are standing in front of you, so for the moment you'll have to use polearms. Unless you want to switch spots, exposing yourselves to the demon's attacks. I wanted to avoid making that decision for you.

No damage to your side, no casualties on either. Your turn.

[Bartmanhomer]

"Hey Ugly Hybrids. Pick someone your own size!"

Eric is trying to distract the hybrid even a bit more to help the gnome.

Aid Another: (1d20+4)[13]

[Marlowe]

Avita keeps concentrating on the swarm. Faster than I was expecting but these things are none too bright. Else they'd break through and gank me.

Of course, I probably look more like a rogue than a spellcaster right now, but you'd think something would have clicked,
the way I'm posing here with me hand out.

Her's hoping the Adept doesn't try to "heal" me and wind up killing me instead.

Spoiler: Swarm Damage

Show

(1d6)[1]
(1d6)[6]
(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[5]
Saves and bleeding. You know.

[YossarianLives]

Below, the melee continues, showing no signs of a decline. Andras takes another swing, not harming the hybrid, but leaving it vulnerable to a blow from Sarim. The dworc's glaive cleaves the demon clean in half, but there is no reprieve, as another hybrid leaps over the barricade to take its place, ignoring a graze from an opportunistic gnome's blade. Taking his sword in both hands, Ygor roars and hacks at the hybrid's side, ripping through the scales and leather plating. His efforts are rewarded with a cry of pain from the fiend. Taking a wide stance, it raises its shield in defense, while one of the spear carriers takes up position on the barricade, thrusting its weapon at a gnome. The guardsman deftly steps aside, barely avoiding the fatal blow.

Driven to unnatural bloodlust by sorcery, the bats throw themselves at the hybrids. Though many are swatted from the sky or sliced in half, their numbers are hardly reduced. One hybrid is swarmed, its flesh barely visible behind the flapping wings - when they retreat, only a perforated corpse remains. Another, though still alive, is buried by a mound of the flying beasts, unable to do anything except flail and screech. Capitalizing on the hybrid's vulnerability, the crossbowmen try strike back, only to find the foe is still more than capable of defending themselves. Only a single wound is scored on a hybrid, a light stab to the knee. The retaliation is swift, as a hybrid leaps over the wall to replace its fallen kindred. Hearing Eric's shout, a hybrid whirls around to face the drow, its sword aimed straight at his jugular. A quick duck from Eric is enough to save him. The gnomes are not so lucky. One guardsman, already weakened by a prior wound, brings her sword up a moment too late and collapses to the ground with a bloody gash stretching from the clavicle to the belly. Another loses a sizable chunk of his shoulder, the dark blade slicing through his armour with ease.

Sycarus runs forward, kneeling by the fallen gnome. A muttered incantation later and she rises groggily, the wound healed, fumbling for her sword, and rejoins the fight.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

One gnome goes down on the battlements, but is healed. 9 hybrids left on the ground, 10 up above.

Back to your turn.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric draws his shortsword. He tries to intimidate and attack the Demon Hybrid with his shortsword at the same time.

Intimidate: (1d20)[16]

Attack: (1d20+4)[12]
Damage: (1d6)[3]

Critical:

Attack: (1d20+4)[21]
Damage: (3d6)[6]

[Marlowe]

Avita keeps continues to chant under her breath, keeping the swarm together, watching very intently for any sign of the bats turning on her allies.

Spoiler: Swarm damage

Show

(1d6)[4]
(1d6)[4]
(1d6)[2]
(1d6)[2]

Saves and bleeding, yo.

[YossarianLives]

Eric thrusts his sword at the hybrid, but the blade grazes off it's leather breastplate - the demon is unharmed, but exposed to two foes. The gnomes rally, falling on the hybrids with great efficacy. One takes a blow to the chest, its scaly carapace caving in, and dies, while another is brought low by the combined efforts of two guardsmen. A pair of hybrids scramble over the battlements to replace the fallen, screeching enthusiastically, and try to strike back, but their ferocity is curbed by the bats, who continue to gnaw at them. No wounds are achieved.

The battle rages below, just as fierce. Sarim and Andras both take another swing, but the hybrid's defenses are strong. It suffers a blow from Ygor's sword, and a nick from one of the pikemen, but holds fast. It takes a jab at the sergeant and misses, but does not seem disappointed - its friend, the spear carrier, drives its weapon toward one of the guardsman, landing a solid hit to the shoulder. The poor gnome screams in pain, nearly dropping his weapon, and instantly goes pale.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

9 hybrids left on the ground, 8 up above. Your turn.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric thrusts his sword at the hybrid, but the blade grazes off it's leather breastplate - the demon is unharmed, but exposed to two foes. The gnomes rally, falling on the hybrids with great efficacy. One takes a blow to the chest, its scaly carapace caving in, and dies, while another is brought low by the combined efforts of two guardsmen. A pair of hybrids scramble over the battlements to replace the fallen, screeching enthusiastically, and try to strike back, but their ferocity is curbed by the bats, who continue to gnaw at them. No wounds are achieved.

The battle rages below, just as fierce. Sarim and Andras both take another swing, but the hybrid's defenses are strong. It suffers a blow from Ygor's sword, and a nick from one of the pikemen, but holds fast. It takes a jab at the sergeant and misses, but does not seem disappointed - its friend, the spear carrier, drives its weapon toward one of the guardsman, landing a solid hit to the shoulder. The poor gnome screams in pain, nearly dropping his weapon, and instantly goes pale.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

9 hybrids left on the ground, 8 up above. Your turn.

Eric tries to intimidate the demon hybrid to lower it guard.

Intimidate: (1d20)[20]

[Marlowe]

Come on, you idiots. Keep coming.

No. Seriously. Keep coming. If you all ran away now it would be BAD.

Avita continues to sustain the swarm.

Spoiler: Swarm damage

Show

(1d6)[5]
(1d6)[6]
(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[5]

Saves. Bleeding et cetera.

Next time I'll use Ravens.

[YossarianLives]

The top of the tower is a mess of shouts, blood, flailing limbs, and bats. Both sides are on the brink of panic, but they fight on - for the most part, anyway. Engulfed by the mass of wings and teeth, two of the hybrids are pinned to the ground, able only to hiss in rage and indignation, kicking at the little mammals with their insectile feet. The guardsmen try to take advantage of the demons' weakness but their blows ding off the hybrids' shields or are congested in the stream of bats. Even the steadfast gnomes are tiring. Eric loudly taunts the hybrid's ineptitude, but the object of his insults just screeches and clacks its mandibles together, spraying the drow with foetid saliva, and brings its sword down on his arm, carving a nasty gash into his bicep. The other hybrid takes a slice at one of the gnomes, but misses.

The battle drags on below, Andras thrusting her glaive at the hybrid and missing, while Ygor and one of his soldiers are both able to score minor wounds on it. Sarim gathers his strength for a mighty blow on the hybrid: with a shout of satisfaction, his glaive lops it in half. Seeing its comrade go down, the spear carrier leaps down from the barricade onto the growing mound of corpses below, and thrusts its polearm at Sarim, who it recognizes as a greater threat than the pitiful gnomes. The blade misses his ear by inches.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

8 hybrids alive both on the ground and the battlements. Eric takes 10 damage. Your turn.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric tries to tumble his way out to avoid damage.

Tumble: (1d20+4)[15]

[Marlowe]

Avita is starting to feel a little bored, but continues with Concentrating on the spell.

But this is not a situation where I can afford to do anything silly. Why can't they just die?

Spoiler: Swarm damage

Show

(1d6)[6]
(1d6)[5]
(1d6)[6]
(1d6)[5]

Saves and bleeding! Bring out yer saves and bleeding!

[YossarianLives]

The bats continue to swirl through the demonic lines, nibbling at the scales with their teeth. Several of the creatures target one hybrid, descending on its neck with brutality - they tear open the vulnerable flesh, leaving it to die messily on the floor. Nevertheless, they are undaunted - another hybrid vaults over the ramparts to join its kindred, and they all pile in to attack. Seeing the folly of sticking around to endure the renewed assault, Eric rolls out of the way behind the gnomes, avoiding a hybrid's sword. The guardsmen hack at their assailants, but the disadvantage imparted by their diminutive height is becoming more and more apparent, and they accomplish almost nothing. In return the hybrids slice and dice with their weapons, hooting enthusiastically, giving two gnomes nasty cuts.

Frightened by their proximity to the deadly spear, the guardsmen below try their best to bring down the hybrid. All but one successfully hit the spear carrier, chopping the fiend into several pieces. Waving a sword above its head, another hybrid scales the barricade and charges - straight onto Andras and Sarim's glaives. It is very dead.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

7 hybrids left up above, only 6 below! Your turn.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric try to hide from the demon hybrids to remain undetected.

Hide: (1d20+8)[15]

[Marlowe]

[Hey! We had 8 last turn! We just killed one and there's still 8?]

Avita continues to chant under her breath, sustaining the swarm as long as is required.

Spoiler: Swarm damage

Show

(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[2]
(1d6)[5]
(1d6)[6]

Saves and bleeding, et cetera.

[Kushina43]

The blood and gore of battle fills Sarim's nostrils and mind, and he continues to roar and swing his glaive with the greatest force he can muster at whatever hapless demons are foolish enough to be in his range

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Power Attack: (1d20+4)[10]
Damage: (2d8+10)[23]

Spoiler: On 24

Show

Confirm: (1d20+4)[13]
Damage: (2d8+10)[15] + (2d8+10)[21]

Spoiler: If target killed and another is in range

Show

Power Attack: (1d20+4)[17]
Damage: (2d8+10)[19]

Spoiler: On 24

Show

Confirm: (1d20+4)[16]
Damage: (2d8+10)[18] + (2d8+10)[13]

[YossarianLives]

Avita's summoned bats swarm the hybrids in a feeding frenzy, relenting only when all four lie on the ground as bloodless husks. The final three clamber over the wall and throw themselves upon the gnomes, but they are clearly desperate now. The guardsmen meet the invaders with grim resolve, the prospect of victory now seeming easily attainable. They swing their blades at the demons, but their focus is on defense more than anything, and only a single, grazing hit is scored. The hybrids have no such sensibilities, their only chance of survival lying in the total destruction of your party. While the others miss, one drives its sword into a guard's side with a wet crunch - the unhappy gnome screams and falls prone, now unconscious. Meanwhile, Eric rejoins the combat, taking up a defensive stance to distract the hybrids.

There is a momentary lull in the battle below, as another hybrid climbs the barricade and joins the fray, dodging blows from Andras and Sarim. Another spear carrier, bloodlust blazing from its compound eyes. Unfortunately, with their polearms discarded, the gnomes are unable to meet the demon's charge, and must try to weather the storm. A thrust of the hybrid's spear misses Ygor's face by inches, the sergeant's eyes widening momentarily in fear, before returning to his usual cavalier expression.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Three hybrids left above, six below. One crossbowman down. Your turn again.


The three climbing hybrids enter combat at full HP (22 hit points) and one takes a 2 damage wound from a gnome.

[Bartmanhomer]

"This battle is very long. More longer than the Dretch battle we have earlier."

Eric continues to fight defensively to stall the demon hybrid some time. Now Eric asked the gnomes a very important questions.

"Does any of you gnomes have any surprise abilities or powers other than weapons? Now a very good time to use it.

[Marlowe]

Avita ceases chanting and her voice rises to a shout. "Everyone, full defence guard, and GET BACK! The claws don't know you're friends!"

And then she moves into the downed gnomes positions in line, her hand flashing out toward the nearest Hybrid.

Spoiler: Attack Charnal Touch

Show

Touch attack (1d20+3)[18]
Damage (1d8+1)[7]

Spoiler: Crit stuff

Show

Confirm (1d20+3)[7]
Extra dam (1d8+1)[4]

The swarm continues attacking this turn and the next.

Spoiler: Swarm Damage

Show

(1d6)[4]
(1d6)[5]
(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[4]

Saves. Bleeding. You know.

[YossarianLives]

There is a brief pause as Avita relinquishes control of the bats, before they explode in every direction, squeaking wildly, attacking everything within reach. No longer a coordinated swarm, many continue their assault on the hybrids, some bite at the gnomes, forcing one of the guardsmen to step back form the melee, while others fly off over the city. Despite the threat to their safety, Eric, Avita, and the gnomes fight on. A brief touch from Avita's hand is enough to blast a hybrid with necrotic energy, eliciting a hiss of pain. While Eric, still maintaining a defensive posture, misses, one gnome pierces a hybrid's forearm with her sword. Between gritted teeth, she mutters "we're trying our best, elf." While even brief contact with the bats leaves the hybrids bleeding profusely, they fight to the last, swinging their blades wildly, to little effect.

Down below, Andras, Sarim, and the gnomes throw everything they have at the hybrid, determined to bring it down. While the aasimar misses, Sarim slams his glaive into the hybrid's neck, sending its misshapen head rolling across the floor. Another hybrid comes careening down the barricade, dodges the polearms, and swings its sword at one of the gnomes, missing horribly. A ragged cheer goes up from the gnomes.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

3 up above, 5 below. One hit from the gnomes above, dealing 4 damage. Back to you.

[Bartmanhomer]

"I hope Blue-Eyes and Sarim are ok. We really need all the help that we could get. Especially those two powerhouse fighters."

Eric continues to fight defensively to stall the demon hybrids more time.

[Marlowe]

Avita simply directs another punch of cool, black energy at the hybrid in front of her, her teeth clenched.

Spoiler: Charnal Touch

Show

Touch Attack (1d20+2)[14]
Damage (1d8+1)[6]

Spoiler: Crit stuff if needed

Show

Confirm (1d20+2)[5]
Extra Damage (1d8+1)[8]

The bats attack for the last time.

Spoiler: Swarm Damage

Show

(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[3]
(1d6)[5]

Saves and bleeding

[YossarianLives]

Despite the turning of the tides, the hybrids fight on both above and below, unwilling or unable to retreat, still the primary target of the bats. Skirting around the edge of the swarm, two gnomes swing their swords at the hybrids, one landing a solid hit. The wounded hybrid stumbles, covered in its own blood, but braces itself for a final stand - only to lose most of its face from Avita's blast of dark magic. The two hybrids try to strike back but are severely weakened, and completely miss. Eric takes a cursory jab at the closest demon, but misses, the attack having been aimed as a distraction.

Andras is resolute in her defiance of the demonic tide, taking a powerful swing at the hybrid, carving a long gash down its leg. Likewise, a precocious guardsman tickles the fiend's side with his sword, producing a drop of blood. Sarim tries to strike the hybrid as well, but it brings its shield up at the last moment. The remaining gnome's attacks are met with a similar defense, but it is becoming clear that the demon's days are numbered - the opposition is now too numerous.

Indeed, it seems the four hybrids still outside have abandoned the assault. While those below only hear clattering, insectile, footsteps, those manning the battlements see can the demonic warriors jogging back the way they came.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

1 hybrid below, 2 above, on 14, 12, and 12 hit points, respectively. Guess whose turn it is?

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric continues to fight defensively to stall the demons even more.

[Marlowe]

"Wisdom Sycarus!" shouts Avita has she steps forward onto the corpse of the Hybrid before her. "See if you can't stabilize the fallen! Then help anyone who got bitten! You know!" Then she swings another Charnal attack at the closest remaining Hybrid.

Spoiler: Charnal Touch

Show

Touch Attack (1d20+2)[12]
Damage (1d8+1)[6]

Spoiler: Crit stuff if required

Show

Confirm (1d20+2)[11]
Extra Dam (1d8+1)[7]