Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Ireth]

Cadell

When Baldhart enters the amphitheater, I follow her in silence, my gauntlet clamped around the handgrip of my bow. Liadan follows close behind, her breath tickling the back of my neck. I glare down at the drow woman with death on my mind, and ready an arrow to aim at her heart.

 

[SeverinR]

If anyone has any posts before the attack, this is only after Nissa signals the battlecry, so post away. Please specify if your post is before battle begins. (Just so we know.)

Aliron aims considers his aimed elven shot or the heartbow. The shot is not near perfect enough, so he will use heartseeker.
He waits for Nissa's battle cry, continuing his prayers for the coming battle.
Staring at the evil woman as she enjoys her last meal.

When Nissa's cry goes out Aliron calls out Heartseeker;
Heartseekerbow daily kill [1d8+5] = 8+5 = 13
<ahref=http://www.unseenservant.com/default.asp?do=showone&id=48122&macid=2205>Heartseekerbow daily kill [1d8+5] = 8+5 = 13</a>
The Unseen Servant
{wanted to make sure the roll counted ......YATZEE!}
The arrow shoots straight for her with incredible speed and accuracy. (Baring magic she will be hit hard.)
Aliron grabs the next blessed arrow for the next shot.

Bressel: Nissa's scream sets him into motion, he rushes so he is in range, aims atthe female (I believe the males might be in the way depending on the angle of attack, if they get hit no problem) he fires:
{(Not sure which crossbow it is, hand, light, or heavy.)So you can roll damage. Let me know so I can make a macro.}
Crossbow[1d20+3] = 9+3 = 12 (deity &level) 12, with four targets close together, I might not hit her, but might hit a male.
Bressel will quickly lay the crossbow downand draw his sword and complete his movement for this turn if any is left. His target is the female until she is dead, grappled by Baldhart, or if they flee away from him, then he will move to the children. If she is occupied or died, he will attack the first drow he encounters. (If Baltos and rider goes first drow with the kobolds, I don’t think he could strike that one, if all the kobolds join in. If they haven’t he will assist them.
After his shot, Bressel will do a battle cry as he runs.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

As Aliron's arrow strikes its target, I let mine fly toward the female drow as well, hoping it is anything near as accurate.

Beside me, Liadan does the same.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

Alin's in position, and now so is Baldhart. And the lady won't be for much longer, so it's go time.

So, battle-cry, right? As I take off, I see the kobolds—so many kobolds!—I stay on target and shout, "TARLACK IS FREEEEEEEEEEEE!"

I aim for the guy on the left, right up above his head, so all heads will turn to me—away from Baldhart!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Nissa shouts out, and I see the glowing arrow as I start to run full speed ahead! I remember what I learned in my training with Hanako. Focus on my goddess. I will not fail you, Brynhild…

I clobber the lady with a sidekick…

((first two rolls = monk stun skill))
​

((last roll = STR check, because that's how Baldhart charges))

​

…a legendary one, I dare say!

 

[Philster401]

I sneak into the amphitheatre get into to firing range draw my bow, notch an arrow, clear my mind focusing on only one thing aiming at the female spellcaster and then let loose the arrow.

((If wrong please correct me.))

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

I eye the newcomer suspiciously and just manage to keep myself from growling. Tense, fur bristling, I almost charge and would agree with Tarlack's actions if not for the man's calm demeanor and semi-unthreatening posture.

Saved yourself from having your throat torn out. I curl my lip back then turn to focus on the drow witch again. Once everyone is on the move, i prowl as quietly as I can to my designated position alongside Keit and, then the arrows are fired, charge down the steps with bounding leaps. I sight the other kobolds and release a deafening howl, muzzle curled back to expose large fangs. I bristle my fur out as much as I can to make myself look even bigger as I head straight for the male drow closest to the kobolds.

Once i hit the edge of the steps, where I will have to jump, i skid to a halt and throw my head back with a snarl at the drow, hoping Tarlack will make a show of this and do some sort of battlecry. Rallying the troops might not be such a bad thing, even though it feels silly to show off and be so dramatic.

(Maybe Tarlack will have better luck lol ^^)

Keitsumah

I nod, surprised by Baldhart's gift, but say nothing of it. Instead, I follow Batos to our position and follow him as fast as I can, careful to be alert for any spells cast by the with should the arrows not take her down. Or any spells cast by the other drow for that matter.

Brynhild...guide the soul of the child lost to a better place...and help us protect those who are trapped. I ask for healing, of both mind and body, for these poor innocents. I pray. I will keep my energy saved for healing others at the moment, rather than waste it on a combat spell when we have enough fighters to deal with the problem.

I hope.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((@Keit, I'd like to think Batos has hit and strength bonuses, so you probably did some damage. If he has level 2 fighter stats, that 10 is more like a 14 or 15 (+2 or +3 STR and +2 hit).))

 

[Keitsumah]

((That was a CHA check, just to be clear for everyone lol -Batos is trying to get the kobolds to attack the drow and keep him busy before he heads down the stairs.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((@SP, if the mage is clearly dead, Baldhart will still kick her as she falls. She's doing a right-leg sidekick which would have her body toward the one drow that's not being attacked by a PC. If she knows her target is dead, she'll face the middle male drow and let him get a good look at the head she's carrying in her left hand to [INTIMIDATE] him.

If the mage is still alive when Baldhart kicks her or if arrows kill her but Baldhart can't be sure, then she keeps her focus on the mage.

Either way, it's my understanding that the stun skill is used this turn whether the intended target is alive or dead. Baldhart wouldn't switch to Masama's target, feeling it would be disrespectful to him.))

 

[Steerpike]

When Nissa gives the signal, the room erupts in chaos. Aliron immediately lets fly with his arrow, which strikes the female drow in the shoulder and partly spins her around with the impact. She is still on her feet, however. She let's out a high, strained cry, looking wildly around the amphitheater, hearing the battle cries from various party members. She catches sight of Bressel just as he lets his shot fly, and the female drow manages to twist away from his attack. Cadell and Liadan fire from behind Bressel, but their shots miss as well, Liadan's arrow slicing neatly through the robes the drow is wearing. Bressel dashes through the room after he fires, heading toward the female drow.

Having called out the signal, Nissa swoops down on the drow male nearest the kobolds. He does not see her coming, and she lands a solid blow, causing the drow to shrink back and throw up his arms. He does not fall.

Batos reaches the bottom fo the stairs and lets out a terrible growl, Tarlack on his back shouting at the gathered kobolds. The drow Nissa hit scuttles back a couple of steps, eyes widening at the sight of the wolf. The kobolds scurry back as well, mouths agape, though a couple of them cry out "Tarlack!" and try to gather their own courage and that of the others, and a couple more turn their heads toward the charging Baldhart as she yells out Tarlack's name.

In the chaos of battle cries and the frenzy of avoiding arrow attacks, the female sorceress does not see the threat from Badlhart and Zoran's direction. Baldhart charges in fiercely, Zoran's arrow whistling past and striking the female drow across the thigh, slicing through clothing and skin. The female drow twists just in time to see Baldhart's looming figure, and then she is struck. She gasps out, the wind seeming to go out of her, and her body goes rigid as she is flung back onto the ground. The dagger skitters away from her, though she keeps an iron grip on her staff.

At the same time, Masama completes his own charge against one of the drow males, rushing in almost soundlessly but with great force.

Masama's charge" [1d20+7] = 6+7 = 13

It is all the male drow can do to hastily avoid the charging man, and the two drow next to him also skitter aside as Masama's momentum carries him forward.

Skivver and the smaller kobold both dash down the stairs into the amphitheater, though the latter is a step behind and looking more reluctant. They make straight for the group of shocked kobolds, crying out in their own language and pointing first at Tarlack and then at the drow. The grouped kobolds remain momentarily disoriented by what is happening around them, but it is clear they are rallying their courage.

The male drow Nissa attacked turns to follow Bressel, who has just rushed past him into the room. The drow's hands go to his side and he draws a rapier from the folds of his cloak. A glint of chainmail can be seen as the fabric of his covering parts.

The male drow Masama attacked dances a step back until his is just behind Baldhart, though his eyes are still locked on Masama. He is likewise going for his weapon. The male drow on the left, in the group of three, does the same. The middle male takes a step in the direction of the female drow, one hand coming up slightly, long fingers extended, and the bulk of the amphitheater floor is plunged into darkness. Those on the floor itself find themselves in an impenetrable darkness, except for some of the kobolds on the periphery who cry out when they see the darkness erupt into place. For those outside the perimeter of darkness, it is as though they are looking into the inky black of a starless night.

When the darkness hits, the children in the cage start crying out to be saved.

 

[Steerpike]

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
No safe target to shoot at, moves forward quickly, listening to the sounds to identify locations of people. He moves down to the arena. Moves halfway between the north stairs and the stairs he came down.(in the arena just down from the isle)
The cage is probably locked, he could pick the lock, but in the dark, Bressel might have a better chance breaking it.
He wants to make sure none of the drow try to escape.

"If you have a target, kill it. If not guard the exits. Make sure they do not escape. Let those in the darkness kill the darkness." Aliron yells to Liadan and Cadell.

Aliron covers north and west exits, LIadan and Cadell have the south, the majority of physical attack came from the east. They won't know that is the only open exit, since a wall of monks/paladin came from that way, and then darkness covered that fact. So I think we can prevent escape, while the fighters finish off those in the darkness.

Planned action: Poisoned arrow ready, will sneak attack(if they don't see him and he is close enough) with arrow. he will shoot any Drow the instant they step out of the darkness on his side.
If they continue to flee(after being shot at) will run after for backstab.

Bressel
He sees the Drow with the kobolds draw and follow him, but using his momentum he charges towards the drow, the female is down, so he hits the closest male in front of him. As he prepares the swing, it goes dark. He continues his course and swings hard.
2 hand sword to hit[1d20+4] = 15+4 = 19 damage[2d6+3] = 4+3 = 7 After the hit he moves facing his opponent, so he is between the drow and the cage(probably using the table/alter to know where he is). Also might have the drow following him, hit the drow he just swung at, since he can't see that Bressel moved.
"I am next to table and cage!" Bressel announces to the group, beware my sword it long."

How high up does the darkness go? Is Nissa able to fly over it?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((I'm making an attempt to grapple thinking that Baldy was focused on her opponent who is stunned and within five feet of her; otherwise, I wouldn't expect Baldhart to find her in the dark. I'm using a hold because I believe Baldhart has a chance of finding her opponent's neck, where for a slam, Baldhart would need to see the slab, the ground, etc. to perform the move effectively. I can tell you from my experience 30 minutes ago, it's possible to grapple semi-blind in a hall full of crazed teenagers. Hitting is not so easy, which may explain why the punch in my direction was harmless.))


I watch the lady fall, stiff, but likely not dead. That would be too easy, and what fun would that be?

I'm ready to pounce, but of course the lights go out.

[COMBAT SENSE] I'm too well trained to lose an opponent a few feet in front of me, at least one who is in no shape to move. I'm not sure how long she'll be down, so...

I grab her...

((Well... good thing she's stunned, or her DEX would beat this easily, I imagine!))

...I wrap my arm and legs around her, and roll over so as my hands find her throat, her men--should they intervene--will hit her instead of me.

If they hit me, then I know they are not blind. In which case I might be f.....




Nissa

((@SP, if it's okay with you, I'd rather ret-con Nissa's actions to follow your interpretation. I was in a hurry when I read, so I overlooked the part that the children were already calling out.))

As my opponent backs away from me, I fly to the children's voices. When I get close, I say, "Children, I am Nissa van Donk, a valkyrie. Do not be afraid. I need your voices to guide me to the door."

If the bars allow someone my size to get inside, I will enter the cage. I will guard the door.

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos
I do not heasitate as the darkness falls. Instead I lope forward, close enough for it to envelop me, and even as I am blinded I open my nostrils wide, tracking the scent of the Drow male. He is fearful. I can taste his sweat on the back of my tongue. His blood will be like a fine wine...when I feel his throat between my jaws i will chew and tear and rend him to pieces until he is no more than-

I shake my head and prowl forward on quiet paws. As soon as the scent is strong, I halt, ears pricked to catch any sound. I can hear the children crying, and with a snarl i charge and lash out at the spot where the scent seems strongest, aiming to clamp my jaws down on any part of the drow i can get at:

Keit

I grit my teeth as I see the darkness fall, and touch the necklace about my throat. With a twist of the ring at my finger, I feel warmth flood my body. Determined, i follow Batos down the stairs and move around the darkness, aiming for the children's voices.

"I come! I come!" I yell to them. "Stay low -and keep shouting so I can find you!"

(Keit now has +6 health)

 

[Philster401]

I put my bow back in holder, draw my shield then my sword, after that I say trying to taunt at least one of them to attack me, "You freak pointy eared devils. Are you guys so chicken, that you refuse to fight in the light? Ohhh... wait I bet I know why you guys hide in the dark it must be because you're so fugly."

(Add 1 or 2 points to that last roll I forgot to add level.)

 

[Steerpike]

((OK, I think I have everyone where they are meant to be. Aliron has moved into position. Cadell and Liadan are at the east end of the arena, assuming they followed Baldhart. I've placed them where they can look down into the arena)).

 

[Steerpike]

With the darkness shrouding the bulk of the arena floor, Aliron moves into position, shouting orders to his comrades. Sounds of movements and calls in both the common tongue and the unknown drow language emanate from within the dark.

Bressel continues with his attack, striking out where he saw the drow before darkness descended, but his fierce blow meets only with that darkness and does not find the foe.

Moving in the direction of the cage, Nissa finds the stone slab at first, but she is able to feel her away along its surface to the cage, aided by the cries of the children within. Her hands move across the bars of the cage and find them too close together to allow entrance. She also feels a sturdy lock on the door of the cage. The children cry out louder when they hear her at the edge of the cage, and small hands reach out to tug at her.

Baldhart manages to grope for the stunned sorceress, finding first her legs and then working her way along the sorceresses body so that she is able to roll onto her back with the female drow on top of her, her arms locked around the drow's neck. Throughout most of this process, the drow remains immobile, still stunned by the blow the took. Once Baldhart has her around the throat, the drow starts to regain some of her senses, a slender hand rising briefly to grasp at Baldhart's arm. The hand falls away and the drow goes still again.

Batos can smell the drow, even in the dark, and though it is not as good as seeing them, the scent gives the wolf enough to go on. Tarlack cries out, either in fear or as a battle cry, as the wolf leaps into the dark. Batos snaps at the source of drow-scent, and his bite connects, but unfortunately his teeth find only a length of cloak and hard chainmail underneath to bite down on, and no flesh to sink his teeth into. Batos can feel Tarlack slashing out blindly from atop his back while screaming commands in the kobold tongue.

The kobolds who were being held in the room swarm out of the darkness when it descends, and Tarlack rallies them around before he plunges into the darkness with Batos. The kobolds stare at the darkness in open-mouthed astonishment when Batos disappears into it, Tarlack on his back, and then begin gesturing toward the dark and yipping loudly at one another in their tongue.

From outside the arena, Cadell, Liadan, and Zoran see the kobolds scramble into the light and hear the chaos coming from within the dark, but for the moment there is nothing else to be seen. Aliron, too, sees the kobolds gathered at the southern edge of the darkness, apparently arguing about whether to charge in after their leader. Zoran calls into the darkness, seeking to taunt the drow into emerging to attack him. His voice is loud, and carries in the large room, but no drow emerge from the darkness to seek him out.

For those in the darkness, no attacks come. Where Masama is is also unknown. The large monk is not prone to battle cries or calling out, and his movements are not particularly loud. All that is known to those outside the darkness is that no one has yet emerged.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

They are blind, or they'd have saved her. I remain silent. The sleeper hold is working, but this one is strong. She survived quite a beating. I better tighten my grip.

Nissa

"Remain calm, children. You will be saved."

I fly up where I can see. I shout from the center of the room, where acoustics are best.

"I need someone strong to get the children out of that cage! Keit, stay close to the cage door! Anyone who fails to announce himself will taste your spear!"

I tell the kobolds, "Cheer your brave leader, Tarlack! He fights for your freedom! Skivver, I need you and your friend UPSTAIRS—with the items I had you carry!"

Then to all archers, "Archers! Keep arrows readied for the man who raised his hand. He has a pebble that emits darkness. As soon as he closes his fist to bring light, KILL HIM!"

That'll give them an incentive to keep that dark, or if someone shoots the darkness guy, he might drop his dark rock. I don't hear our people screaming, so maybe this darkness is to our advantage, not theirs.


Chancing I can unnerve him and get him to drop the object that makes the room dark, I fly over the exact center of the darkness and drop my glow-rock.

That won't hit him, but maybe it'll scare him.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

At Nissa's call, I quickly ready another arrow. I hold the string taut, but don't loose the shaft unless and until the darkness dissipates.

((Really, rolz? *headdesks* I would say to add +1 or +2 to that shot depending on which way the drow is facing relative to Cadell, but it wouldn't help either way. ._.))

Liadan

I ready an arrow as well, and murmur a prayer to Fraxinus to bless my arrow. He is the lord of the hunt, after all, and what better quarry to hunt than those who do evil?

((Again, not sure if this counts as a flank or rear attack; add relevant bonus if so.))