Keep on the Shadowfell [Evil]

[Myshlaevsky]

It's a cold autumn day as you progress on the road towards Winterhaven - the most direct route to the Keep itself. The sun beats down from above, but its heat is scattered by the bitter, howling winds that wail about you. Dry, dead leaves whirl from the clumps of bare bush and tree that dot the old dirt track. Underneath your feet the mud is dry and crumbly, and beneath it lie ancient, indistinct cobblestones, weathered for unknown ages. The sky is bare, gradually slipping from blue to a dark and painted purple under the influence of an early sunset. It has been a week or more since it last rained.

On the road in front of your group stands a tall, armoured man. His black platemail is carven with the screaming faces of men and women, and the dying light catches on their gaping mouths and withered eyes. The man's skin is a dull hue of red, mottled and inconsistent, and marked with faded tattoos and old scars. He looks up as you approach, and seems to have been waiting for your presence.

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat steps to the front of the group. Dressed simply, he doesn't strike nearly as imposing a figure as the man before them. One hand slips inside his shirt, obviously grasping something before he speaks to the stranger. "Greetings stranger. Very interesting armor you have there."

[darkzucchini]

Ekkadain the Dispoiler

The armored man stands with his arms crossed over his chest and his head slightly bowed, as if in a deep thought. As the party approaches, he lifts his eyes, points of burning darkness within the twisted folds of his warped flesh, to look at you, though the lack of surprise evident on his face suggest that he already knew that you would meet there.

He ignores the compliment of the simply dressed man and address the group in whole in a low, deep voice that one must strain to hear, but when heard sounds of a thousand lifetimes of rage barely restrained, "I have been watching you for some time now. It seems that we tread upon the same path, and while our goals may differ, we may achieve them together with more ease than we would apart. He who aids me shall be rewarded in turn, as will he who wrongs me," the man holds his hands before him, thumbs touching and fingers spread out, in such a way that they take on the stylized form of a sun burst, "You may call me Ekkadain, and I am at your service, as long as you are at mine."

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For those of you who are trained in Religion, you may recognize that Ekkadain is spouting some bastardized form of the tenets of Pelor, and the symbol he creates is an ancient gesture used by Pelor worshipers of old.

[Awesomologist]

Denzik

Denzik looks at the armored man, examining him close with reptilian eyes. He looks to Barat, the Zehirian, who had hired Denzik.
"What you wanna do bossss? Thisss won't lower my cut will it?"

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat looks the man over curiously. At the question he raises an eyebrow at the stranger, but answers Denzik. "I'm not sure Denzik. Do you think we could use another in our little group?" He shifts focus to Ekkadain. "My friend here has a point. Why should we share anything with you? We know nothing about you, except perhaps that you know something of Pelor."

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Assuming I would know about the Pelor thing, but gonna roll just in case. If I fail, ignore that last bit of what I said

Religion (1d20+5)[12]

[stupnick]

Kragthor

The orc standing in the back eyes this human cautiously. Humans aren't to be trusted, Especially ones that worship Pelor. And with that the orc spits at the ground towards the human.

Turning towards Barat, Just give me the word and I will move him out of our way.

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religion - (1d20+8)[28]

sorry about that darkzucchini, Kragthor just HATES humans

[darkzucchini]

Ekkadain the Dispoiler

"Lets not fool ourselves, we did not choose this path for mere riches. We each follow a much higher calling. I will not ask you to reveal your intentions, we have dwelt too long in the shadows too long to trust another ever again. We need not trust each other, but we must be willing to work with one another to rich our goal. Don't get me wrong, I expect you to sleep with your eyes open, but then again, I've been sleeping with my eyes open for more years then I can remember now," the man's mouth twist upward in a gruesome grin, and his shoulders heave as a rasp that could be mistaken for a laugh escapes from his lips.

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat considers the man for a moment, then shrugs. "What you say makes sense of a sort. Just one thing first: You speak of living in shadows, and yet you give signs of worshipping Pelor. Just who do you worship?"

[darkzucchini]

Ekkadain the Dispoiler

"Some names are ineffable, to utter them in the light would be to bring destruction down upon us. All I can say is, what was once two now is one, the other forever hidden from the sun. I would think that you would understand why one would shy away from revealing the greater powers that one works on the behest of."

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat smiles as he nods. "True enough. Very well, you may join us if you wish. So long as you acknowledge that I am in charge of this little expedition. And once we reach the end, we'll divide everything evenly between us. Assuming everyone makes it of course."

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Roll Religion to know what he's talking about.
(1d20+5)[12]

[Belobog]

"And with another steady sword arm, those chances only improve," Agamemnon notes, shifting the shield on his back before he turns to examine the newcomer. "And out of all of us, I wouldn't worry about his chances." The warlord looks to his recruiter, continuing his flat monotone. "Shall we continue?"

[Myshlaevsky]

Barat:

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No such luck.

Denzik:

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This is when you hear the rustling in the bushes.

[stupnick]

Kragthor

with a small huff, the Orc backs down and knows when to lay low. Welcome aboard I guess, but realize I will be watching you. And just because we are working together doesn't mean I won't kill you if I catch you doing something you should be doing.

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I assume with my religion check about I know what he is talking about in his most recent post?

[Awesomologist]

Denzik

Denzik's tail flicks quickly as a sound from the side of road catches his attention. He tugs Barat's sleeve to get his attention, "Bossss... We'ss not alone out here..."

Denzik motions that he will go investigate, heading off the side of the road towards the nearest cover in the direction of the sound.

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Let me know if I should make any more rolls

[Myshlaevsky]

Denzik:

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You quickly realise you are not alone, as you peer through the bushes and detect the presence of multiple Kobolds like yourself, ready to spring, behind the boulders. There is not time to warn the others further.

Kragthor:

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Yes, you guess to what Ekkadain is referring. Read the character's backstory, and ascribe those bits of it concerning Malorian religion as IC knowledge.

As the Kobold moves towards the bushes, five javelins fly from the underbrush towards the black-armoured figure of Ekkadain. Four bounce off his armour; or clatter harmlessly on the muddy cobblestones beneath his feet, but one punches through a joint in the platemail and sinks into his shoulder. Seconds later, a ceramic ball smashes into the Paladin's armour, and a thick, gooey substances splashes out. The liquid quickly tightens and sets, stopping Ekkadain from moving without great difficulty.

Kobolds, creatures almost exactly like Denzik, surge forth from behind the rocks. They carry a motley assortment of sharpened javelins and rusty blades, and their rust-coloured scales glisten in the light of the setting sun.

Battle Map:

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__|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|
01|T|T|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B|
02| | | |T|T|T|T|T| | | | | | |B|
03| | | |T|T|T|T| | | | | | | | |
04| | |T|T|T| | | |S| | | | | | |
05| | | | | | | | | | |S| | | | |
06| | | | | | | | | |S|S| | | | |
07| | | | | | | | | | | | |S| | |
08| | | |B|B| | | | | | |S|S| | |
09| | | | |B|B| | | | | | | | | |
10| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
11| | | | | | |K|K| |B| |S|S| |R|
12| | | | |B| | |B|B|R|K|R|R|R|R|
13| | | |B|B| |R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|
14| | | |R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|K|R| | |
15|R|C|A|R|E|R|R| | | |S| | | | |
16|R|O|R|R| | |S|S| | | |S|S| | |
17|R|R| |D| | |K| | |K| |S|S|S| |
18|B|B| | | |S|S| | | | | | | | |
19| | | | | |S|S| | | | | | | | |
20| |T| | |K| | | | | | | | | | |
22|T|T|T|T| | | | |S|S| | | | | |
21|T|T|T|T|T| | | | |S| | | | | |
23|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | | | | | | |
24|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B| | |
25|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B| | |

Foilage (B&T): These areas are difficult terrain. They also count as lightly obscured and provide normal cover for people attacking into or from the area.
Stones (S): These provide concealment and possible cover for creatures hiding behind them. They can be climbed with an Athletics check, which costs 4 squares of movement, but cannot otherwise be entered. Creatures on a boulder can move to others as though they were difficult terrain.

R = Road
E = Ekkadain
O = Kragthor
D = Denzik
A = Agamemnon
C = Barat
K = Kobold
B = Bush
T = Tree
S = Stone

OOC:

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Ekkadain takes 9 damage and is immobilised (save ends). Roll initiative, folks.

[stupnick]

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i am not sure where the positioning is, as i got dizzy looking and trying to figure out that map...

Initiative - (1d20)[13]

[Myshlaevsky]

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Yeah, I'm sorry about the awful map. I'll work on getting together a better one soon. Labels are as follows:

R = Road
E = Ekkadain
O = Kragthor
D = Denzik
A = Agamemnon
C = Barat
K = Kobold
B = Bush
T = Tree
S = Stone

[Awesomologist]

Denzik

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Initiative: (1d20+4)[7]

I'll post my actions in order a little later tonight

[Belobog]

Agamemnon stares at the closest threat to the party, leveling a cold scowl to the bandit while he draws his weapon...

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Are we given a turn to draw our weapons? I'm guessing no.

Rolled correctly in OoC chat. Noting the result here: 23.

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat yells a prayer to Zehir and draws his weapon.

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Initiative (1d20+1)[15]

[darkzucchini]

Ekkadain the Dispoiler

"Blast it! Damn vermin caught us off guard," Ekkadain draws his sword and unslings his shield while trying to dislodge himself from the quickly solidifying substance that entangles his legs.

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Initiative - (1d20)[18]
Save - (1d20)[1]
I don't know precisely how saves work, if I get one this round or my first save is next round. Either way, it doesn't look like I will be moving this round.

[Belobog]

(OoC: I realized recently that Agamemnon gives everyone within 10 squares of him a +2 power bonus to initiative.

So, uh...make a note of that.]

Agamemnon charges forward, bringing his blade down upon one of the many kobold ambushers.

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Charge to G17, attack H17.

[roll]1d20+6[/roll]
[roll]1d8+3[/roll]

[darkzucchini]

Ekkadain the Dispoiler

Raising his blade, Ekkadain eyes one of the kolbolds just out of his reach and waits for his chance to smite one of scaly vermin.

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Save - (1d20)[9]
Delaying attack until a kolbold is within range or until all kolbolds have acted.

If kolbold comes into range, Mark it, and attack it.

Enfeebling Strike
Cha vs. AC - (1d20+6)[7]
Damage - (1d8+3)[10]
If target is hit, -2 to attacks until the beginning of my next turn.

[Myshlaevsky]

Agamemnon strikes down one of the Kobolds, cutting across its throat with a fierce slash. The thing gives a strangled, wet cry, then collapses lifeless on he rock. The remaining Kobolds sling more javelins in the direction of Ekkadain, then fall back, their colleagues ruging forward. One more of the thrown spears hit Ekkadain, piercing beneath his armour.

A burly, armoured Kobold appears from behind the rocks, confronting Agamemnon and wickedly slashing at him with a sword, flat-bladed sword. The strike misses, but the shield-bearing Kobold stays close.

OOC:

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Ekkadain takes another 4 damage, Agamemnon is marked.

Battle Map:

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__|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|
01|T|T|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B|
02| | | |T|T|T|T|T| | | | | | |B|
03| | | |T|T|T|T| | | | | | | | |
04| | |T|T|T| | | |S| | | | | | |
05| | | | | | | | | | |S| | | | |
06| | | | | | | | | |S|S| | | | |
07| | | | | | | | | | | | |S| | |
08| | | |B|B| | | | | | |S|S| | |
09| | | | |B|B| | | | | | | | | |
10| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
11| | | | | | | | | |B| |S|S| |R|
12| | | | |B| | |B|B|R|K|R|R|R|R|
13| | | |B|B| |R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|
14| | | |R|R|R|R|R|R|R|R|K|R| | |
15|R|C| |R|E|R|R| | | |S| | | | |
16|R|O|R|R| | |S|S|K| | |S|S| | |
17|R|R| |D| | | | | | | |S|S|S| |
18|B|B| | | |S|S| | | |K| | | | |
19| | | | | |S|S| | | | | | | | |
20| |T| |A|K| | |K| | | | | | | |
22|T|T|T|T| | | | |S|S| | | | | |
21|T|T|T|T|T| | | | |S| | | | | |
23|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | | | | | | |
24|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B| | |
25|T|T|T|T|T|T| | | | | |B|B| | |

Foilage (B&T): These areas are difficult terrain. They also count as lightly obscured and provide normal cover for people attacking into or from the area.
Stones (S): These provide concealment and possible cover for creatures hiding behind them. They can be climbed with an Athletics check, which costs 4 squares of movement, but cannot otherwise be entered. Creatures on a boulder can move to others as though they were difficult terrain.

R = Road
E = Ekkadain
O = Kragthor
D = Denzik
A = Agamemnon
C = Barat
K = Kobold
B = Bush
T = Tree
S = Stone

[stupnick]

Kragthor
HP 26/26
AC 14
F/R/W 13/13/14

Kragthor seeing the opportunity for battle, a large smile appears on his face, swinging his walking stick into the air and grasping it in two hands, he get's ready for the fight. Quickly moving across the grass towards the middle of the kobolds, the orc smiles and utters something under his breath. A large 'BOOMING' sound is heard eminating from his feet, then barrels itself outwards towards all the Kobolds near him. Pelting them with both rocks and debris, as well as a ringing in there ears.

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Minor action, "draw quarterstaff"
Move action, move to H18
Standard action, Thunderweave attack
Close burst 3, hits all 4 kobolds.
Kobold E20 - (1d20+3)[21]
Kobold H20 - (1d20+3)[8]
Kobold I16 - (1d20+3)[5]
Kobold K18 - (1d20+3)[5]

Damage - (1d6+3)[8] and they get pushed 2 squares.
E20->C20
H20->H22(H21 as the numbers of not in order)
I16->K14
K18->M18

[stupnick]

AP to do that one again, i feel ashamed.

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Standard action, Thunderweave attack
Close burst 3, hits all 3 kobolds.
Kobold H20 - (1d20+3)[11]
Kobold I16 - (1d20+3)[9]
Kobold K18 - (1d20+3)[23]

Damage - (1d6+3)[4] and they get pushed 2 squares.
H20->H22(H21 as the numbers of not in order)
I16->K14
K18->M18

wow.. my rolls are bad : (

[Ipphli]

Barat

Barat mutters a prayer under his breath before pointing at the large kobold that is obviously in charge.

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Lance of Faith Wis vs Ref (1d20+3)[10]
Damage (1d8+3)[8]

And Ag gets a +2 power bonus to attack it if it hits

[Awesomologist]

Denzik

Denzik growls at the shield bearing kobold and moves in for the attack with his dagger.

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Move Action: Move to E19
Minor Action: Shifty- Shift to F20
Standard Action: Torturous Strike
Attack: (1d20+10)[17] (+2 Combat Advantage from flanking added) vs AC
Damage: (2d4+7)[12] + (2d8+3)[15]