Underground Bandits
The party is ushered into the office of one of the dwarven guard captains. The lady herself is behind a desk piled high with various reports and looks rather harried, some strands of her silver-streak hair having escaped her tight braid. She peers up over the latest report and hrumphs softly "So this is what they sent me" she rumbles in a gravely contralto "Well have to make do. I have one of the damned elven delegations complaining about stolen goods, and with this damn summit I don't have the men to spare to hunt down some food and baubles for the damn long-ears. I can spare a guide to take you to where we think they were taken, rumours a goblin band is around there. Any questions?" she says rather curtly
At the back of the party, a Veyshanti woman stands straight and tall. Owing to the less-than-balmy conditions around most of Dun Mordren, she's draped herself in a large, shaggy hide as a means of keeping warm, with the side benefit of making her look like nothing but yellow-gray fur and faceless bone mask. "...We shall make do," the sullen voice behind the slyly curved eyeholes mutters.
Miruan is determined to get out and about and help people when not doing her thing quietly. She is unarmored, wearing her clothing and if she didn't seem serene and friendly, might pass for a street thug. The monk is likely towards the front or the middle, listening. "We'll do our best. Will we need to bring things back or will someone else once the area is investigated?" She asks. If anything is left, at any rate. But she seems amiable about this.
"Query," responds the large, gray, metal-shelled construct, "description of missing goods to enable positive indentification?"
Ketala is here with the tin man, the bone-crow, and well one could make an argument that Miruan was somehow related to a lion. All that is really needed is some sort of small dog. After all there is no place quite like home. The storm dwarf slowly raises a gauntleted hand, tapping it against her left pauldron slowly, twice. A short nod to what is likely a mountain dwarf before Ketala speaks. "Just get us into the right area."
"If I don't have guards to spare to hunt for these damn things, I certainly don't have them to spare as pack horses. You look sturdy enough" the grumpy Captain says grumpily. She turns sceptical eyes to the metal man, shaggy brows drawing together "Query: Do you speak tradespeak?" she says with a faint snort. That done she rummages through her paperwork and comes out with a rather finer piece of paper written in an elegant hand "Here is their report, although if you cannot tell elven from dwarven..." Shaking her head she raises her voice "Gloim, get your arse in here" and a few moments later a small and curiously sneaky looking dwarf sidles in "These are the folks, this is Gloim, he will guide you to where we think the caravan vanished." For his part the guide simply nods, eyes lingering over the party.
The pile of fur and mask grunts affirmation, turning to step out of the guard-captain's office to await the rest. standing against the wall, she can be heard carrying on a conversation... but with whom, isn't readily apparent. "...Yes I know. No, I do not. Trouble me not, morsel, and keep your teeth from my nose."
Miruan is quiet again a moment. She just nods, not seeming to mind the grumpiness. "Sure thing, thanks."
"Affirmative," the construct responds in its bass timbre vocalization. Its faceplate pans to shift line of perception to the unit designated as their guide. MAC-B1G studies the unit for a time before its focus traverses further and rests upon unit designate Alba and her conversation.
Ketala raises a hand, a closed fist. A salute of sorts, kindred spirits perhaps, this captain and her. And then she is turned on her heels, striding out after Alba.
MAC-B1G also follows unit designate Alba from the room, now its player properly parses her pose.
For her part the Captian goes back to paperwork with a distinct lack of enthusiams. The guide seems taciturn even by Dwarven standards, once the party is ready he simply heads off down one of the main highway tunnels. At the first guard post he exchanges a few words and the party is ushered through efficently despite the heavy traffic pf the summit going back and forth.
Alba follows behind the guide in silence, lacking even the sound of feet upon stone. Indeed, the way she moves, it could very well be that the witch is *floating* beneath the hide cloak. Once the guard post is past, Alba's mask turns enough to see over her shoulder. "...Your heads. 'Ware the low stone fangs, where we go. Unless close watch it kept, it may be that a quick step may lead to a cracked skull."
Miruan just - goes with it. Who is she to say? She's not sure. She walks pretty quietly, looking around as they go. "Huh? Oh, thanks," She offers politely to Alba. The monk is pretty easy going, it seems. And she prefers not to have her skull cracked (we're pretty sure she does use her brain), so it works out in the end. She's following the guide, glancing around.
Ketala grunts a little, near expressionless face looking to Alba. Like she wasn't four eight, and a dwarf. A small nod finally, and she silently, other than her armor and hair, follows the scout.
"Acknowledged. This unit now monitors for stone teeth..." The construct takes the advice to mind, albeit quite literally. It continues to move with its fellow units in the procession following the guide.
The guide turns off the main 'highway' such as it is, and down a slightly narrower and less used passage. At last he speaks "Pointy ears didn't listen. Used this as a shortcut" he mutters tersely "Never came out again" with that he shrugs and nods down the tunnel "Far as I go" and with that he starts to head off.
GAME: Alba casts Dancing Lights. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
"It is one tunnel?" Alba says, turning after the guide. A gusty sigh ruffles the fur around the edges of her mask, and after a moment's rustling and clattering, a pair of dark-skinned, young hands emerge from beneath the hide, bupping a white mushroom, topped with rot and fine blue hairs. Turning back, she lifts the cap to her mask, draws in a quiet breath, and blows hard. Despite the mask blocking the wind of her lips, a quartet of pale blue balls of light swirl and dance away from the mushroom, shedding light down the tunnel and revealing their path. "...Hn. We go," she says, pocketing the mushroom and gliding after the lights.
Miruan is contemplating getting a torch out when suddenly, dancig lights! Okay, she can dig that. It's reassuring to see Mac about, too. He zaps things, these are true facts. She frowns faintly at the guide's words. Hmmm. Her eyebrows furrow. "I see. Thanks." She peers into the tunnel. Time to follow along.
Ketala nods her head once, then a glance to Alba. She had the lights, she decides who goes first.
"Acknowledged." The construct notes to the unit no longer their guide. It continues forward until Alba pauses to produce the fungus. MAC-B1G likewise pauses to avoid separating the taskforce.
"Dwarf," the witch says, turning to angle her mask down at Ketala. "If it will not anger you to ask, I would have your eyes before us. The belly of the land is not a place well known to me." A hand emerges from the wrap, palm up as she indicates further down the tunnel.
Miruan will likely move a little to the front - after all, it is her spot should something come up. She peers into the darkness, looking about as shadows flicker. She does pause when the others do, curious about the fungus. But when they move again, she too, moves.
"Khazad-Mornir" Ketala states, before her shoulders move into a shrug. A shifting of plate as she unstraps her shield from her back to move to her arm, hammer placed in the other hand, and the lead taken. Using her low light vision to perhaps give a little more range to spotting as she makes her way forwards.
MAC-B1G resumes its heavy steps down the tunnel. "This unit does not require light to perceive." It steps ahead of the smaller faceplated one, and possibly others. "Unit designate Alba is fragile. Imperative: Must not be touched." The construct assimilated her prior statements to it. In a fashion.
GAME: Ketala rolls perception: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Alba rolls perception: (11)+7: 18
GAME: Miruan rolls perception: (2)+8: 10
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+12: (2)+12: 14
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+12: (4)+12: 16
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+12: (9)+12: 21
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls perception: (10)+7: 17
You paged (MAC-B1G, Alba) with 'Soft noise from up ahead, a hint of small humanoids lurking in the shadows.'
Alba makes a sharp, sibilant noise, head turning over her shoulder. "Something waits, in the dark," she murmurs in Miruan's direction. "Perhaps in ambush. Better I am not between you and they." And with that, her hands emerge again, one holding a wide, curved silver knife. Slashing the pad of her thumb, she draws a mark across her mask in blood that glimmers with a strange, greenish light. "Go," she urges finally, as the protective magics settle into place.
GAME: Alba casts False Life. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Alba rolls 1d10+5: (2)+5: 7
Miruan nods, and will step forward to move into the front. That is where monks often go in order to punch things. She frowns at the news that something is waiting and looks around. She furrows her eyebrows, peering here and there, moving to - well, moving forward.
MAC-B1G focuses its cyan optical receptors at the dim as it takes two more strides forward before halting. "Warning: Possible threats detected." The cylindrical weapon on its scapular plate articulates up and over its shoulder, telescoping and caught by the manipulator on the same side. The other arms lifts to attachs the palm to the rearward portion of the weapon, port connecting and providing power. The tip begins to glow similar to its receptors and it vocalizes forward. "Unidentified units. Identify and approach light source in a non-threatening posture. You have ten seconds to comply."
Ketala doesn't see crap. Still Alba is warning, and so her shield swings in front of her, coming to a stop as she crouches behind it.
GAME: Alba rolls initiative: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 22
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 9
GAME: Ketala rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 11
GAME: Miruan rolls initiative: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 7
GAME: You roll initiative for DC1: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 17
GAME: You roll initiative for DC2: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 21
GAME: You roll initiative for DC3: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 20
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alba ended.
GAME: Alba casts Enlarge Person. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
The floating quartet of lights bob in the air, darting forward and spreading out to reveal small, hissing, disastrously unkempt humanoids. Gliding forward, Alba removes a tremendous stag beetle, the size of her palm, and with one sharp motion crushes it in her hand. As the shell crunches, the dripping ichor within begins to shine. The beetle corpse is dropped, the ick-covered hand spearing out and slapping against Miruan's back, turning to smear the glowing goo well into the poor monk's fabric. "Go, warrior," she cackles.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
One of the small and ragged creatures makes a gesture and suddenly the area around them is plunged into Darkness. This area of darkness moves foward, rolling over the party. Those with darkvision can see that two of the ragged figures move swiftly. Their ambush spoiled it seems they are rushing to hopefully take Ketala and MAC off-guard, but their daggers bounce off the armor of the two of them.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Ketala ended.
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+4: (11)+3+4: 18
GAME: Ketala casts Bless. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on MAC-B1G ended.
Ketala can't see. But she can still fight. Her voice still even, emotionless as she speaks in Khazad, the prayer flowing from her, infusing the air about her. Calling down Kor's fury and aid.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (9)+6+1+1+2: 19
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+1+6: (4)+1+6: 11
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 7.
It is now Miruan's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Miruan ended.
The threats closed more quickly than anticipated, and MAC-B1G cannot fire in close proximity. It pulls the power-supplying limb from its weapon and instead swings, battering the creature with its reinforced and armored forearm.
GAME: You damaged Miruan's Dexterity for -10 points. -9 total damage.
GAME: Miruan rolls Perception: (19)+8: 27
GAME: You damaged Miruan's Dexterity for 9 points. 0 total damage.
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (13)+5: 18
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (30): 30
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
Miruan blinks as her back gets thwapped. She's not aware of the beetle- that will be a surprise for laundry day. She moves forward, striding easily and fluidly. With that, she moves to take a swing and - whoosh! The shadows are difficult. "Okay, there's enough that some of us - about three- can move abreast but uh-" Yeah, it's dark.
GAME: Alba casts Touch of Fatigue. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
"I know," Alba mutters at an unseen speaker. "I know. I would, but... WILL ONE OF YOU END THE CURSED SPELL?!" Muttering dire imprecations in a crackling, harsh tongue, she tilts her head, a thick hank of black hair slithering free of its own accors, looping back and slithering past the edge of the mask. When it pulls free, it pulses with a dim, febrile green light, pale steam wisping from the lock's tip.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d3: (1): 1
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d3: (2): 2
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fort: (2)+6: 8
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 1 points. 33 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Miruan for 2 points. 20 remaining.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G's Strength for 2 points. 2 total damage.
You paged Miruan with '+roll fortitude'
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Fortitude: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged Miruan's Strength for 2 points. 2 total damage.
The creature that stayed behind moves forward, the raggedy thing seeming to have no issues with the darkness. It's dagger is stained with something dark as it sweeps out and gouges a shallow cut on Miruan. The other two continue their attacks, bouncing off the armor of the dwarf, but the last one manages to find a chink in the War-Golem's form and despite the shallow cuts they both feel a chill settle into their muscles.
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (10)+3+3+1: 17
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (14): 14
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+1: (1)+5+1+1+1: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
Ketala is not liking this. A grunt, and Ketala reaches over the top of her shield with a hammer. Trying for distance, or at least a good thump over the head.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 7.
It is now Miruan's turn! Alba is next!
MAC-B1G is unaccustomed to foreign chemicals in its systems. It is even less accustomed to adverse effects. It no longer states directives, it simply swings its arm again, this time impacting the wall of the tunnel with a resounding cacophony.
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+1: (17)+4+1: 22
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (66): 66
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
Okay, now Miruan is huge. Literally. Her eyes are a bit wide at all of this. And she lumbers forth, like an angry, greased turtle. "THAT REALLY HURT." She didn't and does not like this. Swing, and a miss. Alas. These shadows are tricksy.
GAME: Alba casts Web. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
Growling in frustration, Alba pushes up her mask, revealing a young adult's smooth face, and furious, too-wide eyes. The witch makes a strangled noise at the back of her throat, a fist-sized lump distending the flesh of her neck. Rearing back, she looses a wet, explosive cough, and a dense, slimy ball of tightly-packed fibers sails over the dome of darkness, landing on the far end and bursting out into a webwork minefield of sticky, cable-thick strands, as though a spider wove a nest of braided steel.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d3: (1): 1
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d3: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 1 points. 32 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Miruan for 2 points. 18 remaining.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (2)+3+3+1: 9
As the web descends two of the surprisingly agile creatures manage to glide through the sticky strands. The third however is caught, not that it makes two much difference as their daggers lash out again. Shallow cuts land across Miruan and Mac, but again Ketala's opponent bounces off the armor.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
Ketala is fighting back about as effectively. A growl deep in her throat as neither her, nor her opponent seem to be able to make headway.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fort+4: (3)+6+4: 13
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G's Strength for 2 points. 4 total damage.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (6)+4+1+1+2: 14
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14
MAC-B1G is awkward attempting to hold its pulse projector cannon while swinging the other arm. The swing misses once more, though not as dramatically. It then pushes up on the weapon, it retracts, and stows itself against its scapular plate once more.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 7.
It is now Miruan's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (15)+4: 19
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (42): 42
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
Miruan is frustrated, her eyebrows furrowing and a deep frown. She's less vocal, but that's not unusual from a monk. Even a normally cheerful and friendly one full of questions and also rice and beans. For now, Miruan does a kiai, "HAAAI!" And lunges sharply, to punch the little figure smack in its head.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d3: (1): 1
GAME: You damaged Ketala for 1 points. 27 remaining.
Hanging in the air, Alba looses another frustrated grunt, pushing her mask back into place. Throwing open the shaggy wrap, the witch clicks her heels together, the fur leg-warmers around her calves bursting into flame as she rockets through the field of pitch-black magic. Emerging on the other side, she pauses to scan their surroundings, her posture that of vague disappointment at finding nothing.
GAME: Miruan rolls Fortitude: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d2: (1): 1
GAME: Ketala rolls fort+2: (3)+6+2: 11
GAME: You damaged Miruan's Strength for 1 points. 3 total damage.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged Ketala's Strength for 2 points. 2 total damage.
The remaining two figures don't seem too disturbed by the loss of their compatriot. One manages to land a blow on the dwarf, the thin cut carrying with it the cold sting of poison. Mir is missed but the poison continues to work through her muscles.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
Ketala reaches out with her hammer. Just a light tap to the war machine. A grunt, as she calls on the power of Kor. "Go, get'em. I;ll hold here."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (8)+4+1+1+2: 16
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+4+1+1: (3)+4+1+1: 9
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (3)+4+1+1+2: 11
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fort+4: (7)+6+4: 17
MAC-B1G now has both arms free, to swing at another hostile creature. One pummels the threat, but the impact affects the second.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 7.
It is now Miruan's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Fort: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (14)+4: 18
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (57): 57
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
Deep breath. The poison coursing through her veins is hurting, making her muscles somewhat unresponsive - which is frustrating given her job. But she's taking it one kickpunch at a time. Miruan decides to go for broke and punch-punches at the next hostile creature. It avoids one blow, and then gets cracked in the jaw.
GAME: Alba rolls 1d20+2+3+1: (5)+2+3+1: 11
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
The flames surrounding the Witch's legs flickers and is out... but Alba swoops back, visibly frustrated, glowing hair seeking a target to release that frustration -- and her spell -- on, with a vengeance. Sadly, her writhing pigtail lashes out, but encounters only air.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1: (19)+3+2+1+1: 26
The raggedy things seem to be getting a little more desperate, one of them comrades down, and the two remaining trapped in sticky webs. Still they have their sharp knives, which prove rather ineffectual against Mac and Ketala, bouncing off their armor.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (72): 72
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
Ketala finally gets an opening, her shield swaying to the side for a moment. Giving her room to swing. Warhammer head meeting goblin kneecap with a sickening crunch.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+2+1+1: (18)+4+2+1+1: 26
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+2+1+1: (6)+4+2+1+1: 14
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+4+1: (8)+4+1: 13
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 7.
It is now Miruan's turn! Alba is next!
MAC-B1G has only its body as a weapon in close quarters, but this always proved adequate. It proves so, again as metal meets meat, which meat less sturdy. The wet impact partially covers the shattering of bone. One more threat neutralized.
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee: (4)+4: 8
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! DC2 is next!
Well, she was doing well for a little while! But the last monster is proving to be a slippery little git. Miruan tries another quick strikes, "KIAI!" And - ... whosh. Her face is sad for a moment. For she is a sad monk.
GAME: Alba rolls weapon2: (19)+0: 19
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (63): 63
GAME: Alba rolls 1d20+3+2+1-5: (15)+3+2+1+-5: 16
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (6): 6
GAME: Alba rolls 1d4-1: (4)+-1: 3
GAME: Alba rolls 1d3+3: (1)+3: 4
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 21.
It is now DC2's turn! DC3 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 20.
It is now DC3's turn! DC1 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 17.
It is now DC1's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13
And now it can be heard in her voice; the Witch has Had Enough of This. With a high, bubbling shriek, she hacks at the creature, her hair thrashing as though to get its own specific aggression out... and both come away bloody. Stunned at the success, Alba tilts her head, staring at the blood dripping from her dagger. "...Huh."
Wounded, and with both of it's companions dead the small raggedy man seems to decide that running away is the best part of valor. Sadly he manages a step before being entrapped by the web, a serious of nasty sounds comming from him as he slashes around with his knife.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1: (2)+3+2+1+1: 9
GAME: Ketala rolls ref: (17)+2: 19
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 9.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Miruan is next!
Ketala target down, move forwards, watch the webs. Still, no luck on the impact, to dark, far to dark.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls ranged+1: (11)+4+1: 16
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 2d6+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Rakim removes the timestop.
Timestop by Rakim has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
When the threat attempts to withdraw, MAC-B1G re-deploys its pulse projector cannon despite the fact that the withdrawl does not get it far. The tip glows with cyan energy before discharging a bolt into the threat at point blank range. Hair is burnt, soft tissues flash-boiled, and the threat is neutralized.
With a snap of her fingers, Alba dismisses the webbing, letting it flake away to nothingness and drop the broken, charred, mangled corpses where they lay. "There is nothing I see, that speaks of long-eared wetlander goods," the witch mutters, throwing her hide cloak open for better mobility. Thus, they are likely to be further in, where our things would be hoarded had we fallen."
Ketala straightens herself up, shield dropped to a rest posistion. Hammer to her side. She simply nods. "Didn't expect the caster."
Miruan looks around her. "I see," She winces. She rubs at her arms a bit, likely quite a bit sore. Her eyebrows furrow.
"All immediate threats neutralized, " the golem announces the obvious as it retracts and stows its weapon. "This unit confirms the conclusions of unit designate Alba; no stolen property apparent.
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d20+3: (7)+3: 10
You paged Miruan with 'What are your attack and perception rolls?'
Ketala picks up her shield again, settling it on her arm. It and her hammer at the ready, moving on to find some elves stolen hostess cakes.
GAME: Ketala rolls per: (19)+per: 19
GAME: Miruan rolls perception: (19)+8: 27
GAME: Alba rolls perception: (11)+7: 18
GAME: Ketala rolls perception: (16)+4: 20
MAC-B1G resumes the search for the missing property and its forward motion. As it is not so impaired by the ambient light (or lack thereof) and armored, it remains at the forefront.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls perception: (4)+7: 11
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+1: (12)+1: 13
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+-1: (8)++-1: 7
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+-1: (5)++-1: 4
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+-1: (11)++-1: 10
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+-1: (2)++-1: 1
"Then we go," Alba grunts, folding her arms and hanging in the air, clearly waiting for everyone else to precede her. The lights, at least, drift along with the party, bespeaking of some attention paid to the needs of her compatriots.
Miruan is just behind Mac, moving quietly and easily. Best just to focus on the moment and pay attention in lieu of grumping at monsters. Dark blue eyes gaze here and there.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+10: (7)+10: 17
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+10: (18)+10: 28
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+10: (9)+10: 19
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
"Hsst," Alba says, drifting up to join the rest of the party as the muttering grows quiet. "They know. Hold... An idea, have I." The mushroom comes out again, and the Witch blows off another clot of luminescing spores... but these don't swirl and drift, instead clumping together in a rough approximation of a humanoid shape. "Hold, and ready, and watch," she whispers, as the shape sets off for the tunnels, and the blind corner, with the sort of bouncing strut one would see in a mockery of a happy, unobservant city-dweller.
Ketala stops at Alba's command, crouching, shield up, behind it. Waiting.
GAME: Alba casts Dancing Lights. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
MAC-B1G halts at the directive to do so. It did not detect any unusual vibrations, though metal stumps upon stone can drown out less intense sounds. It holds, stands ready, and observes.
It seems someone, or someone's have an itchy trigger finger for as the not terribly convincing illusion marches around there are several twangs and hisses as at least four arrows fly through it, to break against the ground. This is followed by a few moments of confused silence then high pitched gibbering in what sounds like Goblin perhaps, soon silenced by a low pitched growling voice.
Alba cackles loudly, her voice high and mocking, as the arrows fly fruitlessly. "Stupid little bandits," she says, very clearly enjoying herself. "Think you so clever, that a corner hides you from sight?" The glowing figure, having only the requisite arms and legs in generally the proper configuration, can't make a terribly rude gesture... but it can approximate one well enough. "Clever, clever little creepers, what do you now?" ....And now the lights are wiggling its best effort at a butt at the tunnel around the corner.
Ketala takes a moment to look over her shoulder, arcing an eyebrow up at Alba.
This time only one arrow flies out, the growling voice barks again and the sound is punctuated by a heavy sounding thud of flesh on flesh. Then silence once more.
MAC-B1G is aware of the vibrations, now, as it is stationary. This includes the sounds of weapons fire. Its primary weapon system deploys, but there is no accompanying challenge or call for threats to stand down. It may not move quietly, but it can utilize tactics.
GAME: Alba rolls bluff+3: (7)+2+3: 12
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (4): 4
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (11): 11
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (6): 6
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (15): 15
Alba holds up her knife, and taps it against the part of her mask where the side of her nose would be. Looping backwards in the air, she hovers right next to the ground. "That is what I thought," she calls. "Clever cowerds, al--" And suddenly she brings the pommel of her dagger against the ground with a sharp *CRACK,* throwing tiny chips of stone outward as the illusion of the humanoid-shaped light disappears in a puff of glowing spores. "OH MY FOOT! IT IS BROKEN, OH NO! I HAVE FALLEN, AND ALL OF MY GOOD FRESH MEAT AND SHINY GOLD HAS FALLEN UPON THE COLD, HARD GROUND! OH THIS IS THE WORST!"
And it is met by dead silence. The sounds of injury and alarm may translate but the tradespeak perhaps not quite so much. After a moment there is however a growl, then another thud. A little bit more silence and then a goblin very cautiously pokes his, twice bruised, face around the corner of the tunnel.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rakim has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Rakim to instruct you further.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Ketala looks back at Alba. And for that one, that one glorious moment, compelled by Alba's oscar performance (She will get it over Leo), even she shows emotion. The look of sheer, and absolute utter disbelief. Head thrust forwards some, eyebrows creased together, and lips lightly parted. Noone, absolutely NOONE was /that/ dumb.
GAME: Alba rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 5
GAME: Ketala rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 11
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 22
GAME: Miruan rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 9
GAME: You roll initiative for GA1: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 10
GAME: You roll initiative for GA2: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 19
GAME: You roll initiative for GA3: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 22
GAME: You roll initiative for GA4: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 9
GAME: You roll initiative for G: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 8
GAME: You roll initiative for GD: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 16
GAME: There is already a 'GD' in the order.
GAME: You roll initiative for GD2: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 21
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GD2 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on MAC-B1G ended.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls wisdom: (9)+1: 10
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls ranged+1: (10)+4+1: 15
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (22): 22
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 2d6+2+1: (4)+2+1: 7
GAME: ga1 removed from initiative list.
MAC-B1G is suddenly very surprised. It seems that the plan unit designate Alba has failed. She is damaged! She is fragile! She was touched! She was adamant that these facts and imperatives were inviolable.
Thus, it reacts by immediately locking upon the target that appears and discharging its primary weapon in a bolt of crackling electricity. The bolt strikes the threat-faceplate, superheats saliva, blood, and intercranial fluids. The heat produces steam, and the steam pressure. Pressure that is released suddenly with when the skull reaches point of failure.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 21.
It is now GD2's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 19.
It is now GA2's turn! GD is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
Some excited sounding noises in goblinoid sound out from around the corner, then they fall back into silence. No motion or movement in something of a Goblinoid standoff.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Ketala ended.
GAME: Ketala casts Bless. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Miruan ended.
"You have got...." Ketala shakes her head, sighing and slumping her shoulders. Finally her prayers start, ending with. "Alright, by Kor's hairy testicles, lets clear these idiots out for the sake of average intelligence."
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Garrin's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alba ended.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (89): 89
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d100: (69): 69
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4: (1): 1
GAME: You damaged Alba for 1 points. 22 remaining.
GAME: Alba rolls 1d20+5+3: (13)+5+3: 21
GAME: Alba casts Pox Pustules. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GD2 is next!
Apparently some of the things that Alba had been saying were, if not minor fabrications, complete government statements. As soon as the goblin's head finishes exploding, the Witch darts down the tunnel, bilious green light surrounding one of her hands. As she rounds the corner, a single dagger manages to scratch at her arm, and she hurls the energy... but to no apparent effect, and her muttering semi-internal monologue now sounds a bit more on the concerned side.
As Alba sticks her head around the corner there are three remaining goblins with shortbows scattered in a rough semi circle around an impromtu but very messy campsite. Beyond them stands a humanoid type hyena figure with two nasty looking rat like dogs. The three goblins had arrows prepped and ready and as soon as they spy a target they loose. Two smash into the wall around Alba's head, the third manages to graze the side of one cheek.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 21.
It is now GD2's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2+2: (10)+2+2: 14
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 19.
It is now GA2's turn! GD is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
"Unit designate Alba. You are damaged." The construct states with certainty in its perceptions. It moves quickly to follow, and more, its pulse cannon retracted as it rounds the corner. Into what was the original ambush.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2+2: (2)+2+2: 6
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+1: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
As the war golem appears the Gnoll barks an order and one of the rat-dog things charges foward, then a moment later the other one. They both converge on Mac, their jaws snapping and slavering but one bounces off his armor and the next misses entirely. The gnoll throws a spear hard, and manages to almost hits his own hunting hound.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
GAME: Ketala casts Aid. Caster Level: 3 DC: 16
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d8+3: (2)+3: 5
Ketala reaches out, her prayers still going, slapping Miruan on the back with an outburst of magical energy "Go."
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Acrobatics: (18)+7: 25
"..." Sigh. Miruan wasn't quite fast enough but she is relieved as Mac does his thing. "Well done," She offers with a nod. Then suddenly, Ketala joins in on whacking her back and Miruan boggles for a moment. She'll take a deep breath, taking a sinuous, strange and almost dance-like stance. Time. To. Get. FLIPPY. The monk launches off easily, flipping over one of the hounds and flanking the other one now.
"I feel really awful kicking someone's dog but you're trying to eat my friend, so..." CUTE DOG STATUS: REVOKED. Time to take a swing at - a hound. She's going to take care of homeless dogs later to make up for this.
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (12)+4+2: 18
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3
And hit the dog she does. This feels so bad. So, so bad.
GAME: Miruan rolls Fortitude: (10)+5: 15
As the young monk hits the rather disgusting beast a cloud of skin flakes, fir and other appaling things rises up in a cloud that engulfs her, but she seems to fight off the effects.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Garrin's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
GAME: Alba casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (15): 15
Threading an arrow through a melee is not the easiest thing, but at least the Goblin archer manages that. It is not a good hit however, smashing on MAC's armor to no obvious effect.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GD2 is next!
"Wup." Ducking back behind the corner as the arrow grazes her cheek, she turns to look at the dwarf, pushing her mask up. "There is a large battle this way, why are you not here already?" Still facing Ketala, the witch pulls a small, dried beetle from her pouch, and noisily crunches down on it. How it is that this is magical is utterly unclear, but a shimmering, transparent field envelops her, vaguely reminiscent of armor made from chitin.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2+2: (1)+4+1+1+2+2: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2+2: (16)+4+1+1+2+2: 26
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+4+1: (5)+4+1: 10
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 21.
It is now GD2's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (9)+2: 11
With one threat now distracted by Miruan, the construct focuses upon it. Unfortunately, the shattered remnants of the arrow splintered upon its armor momentarily obstruct its vision. The first swing of limb is wild. The second, after the splinters fall, slams heavily into the quadruped.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 19.
It is now GA2's turn! GD is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (17): 17
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (18)+2: 20
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 5 points. 27 remaining.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+3+2: (15)+3+2: 20
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d8+3: (1)+3: 4
Grr, Argh, Grr. The disgusting rat dog thing launches into a slavering attack on the large War Golem, but whilst it gets its jaws on MAC it has little effect on the metallic being. The archer has better luck with the back of Miruan presenting a tempting target. The arrow thuds in, but fortunately doesn't pierce the holy protection surrounding the monk. The other hound sinks fangs in the metal of Mac's leg, managing to pierce it, as with a laughing hyena sound the gnoll moves toward to plunge a spear into Miruan's back, a graze getting through the holy protection.
GAME: You damaged Miruan for 1 points. 17 remaining.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (5)+3+3+1: 12
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (13): 13
"And miss you?" Ketala offers to Alba. But then her armored legs are carrying her forwards, into the melee.
Oh look a new target, as Ketala trundles into view one of the archers takes a potshot, and bounces off her armor.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (8)+4+2: 14
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (9)+4+2: 15
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Miruan rolls Fortitude: (19)+5: 24
Okay, owch. Miruan is not liking being hit by a spear. She grunts hard. She hisses through gritted teeth and holds her ground. In a hail of quick left-right punches, she manages to knock the rat dog down and well, out.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 8.
It is now Garrin's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+3: (11)+3: 14
There is a nasty sounding howl that escapes the gnoll as his beloved rat-dog is cruely killed by the merciless monk. In his grief he thrusts his spear at her, and misses entirely.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
GAME: Cannot find 'gd1' in the initiative list.
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20: (10): 10
GAME: Alba casts Bestow Curse. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: You damaged Miruan for 3 points. 14 remaining.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GD2 is next!
With the battle in full swing, Alba pushes off the wall, rising just high enough to get a good, hard look at the Gnoll. One hand comes out, a finger stabbing toward the hyena-headed creature, and she roars out a single word: "INCOMPETENT!!" A bead of blackness darts from her finger, and streaks over the battlefield to stab the gnoll directly between the eyes. The spear nearly falls from his grasp as he shakes his canine head and recovers, but is very clearly not the same fearless leader he was before.
As their beloved rat-thing dies the goblin shifts his aim to Miruan. Firing through a veil of bitter tears the arrow flies true. It is not that large, or powerfully propelled but still it draws a line of blood across her side.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (1)+4+1+1+2: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (15)+4+1+1+2: 23
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+1+4: (3)+1+4: 8
MAC-B1G continues its assault on the quadrupeds. When one falls, it turns its focus and forearms upon the other. Somewhat wildly, initially, before one connects.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 21.
It is now GD2's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (16)+2: 18
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 19.
It is now GA2's turn! GD is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Cannot find 'gideon' in the initiative list.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
After a solid thumping the Goblin Dog looks rather worse for wear. Still it is feisty and doges around trying to sink yellowed fangs into MAC, but they skitter off his metallic skin. Just who the goblin archer was aiming at is unknown as the arrow flies over the melee and into the darkness.
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (7)+3+3+1: 14
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d8+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL)
Ketala swings out her hammer, reversing it midflight. Point end first into the top of the goblin-dogs skull. A pierce, then the shattering weight of the warhammer behind it. Her boot kicks out, holding the head in place to withdraw her weapon before she shifts, moving to Miruan, getting her cover from the archers as well as herself with her shield.
The goblin archers have had better days. This one manages to catch himself on the inside of his wrist with the bostring and the arrow almost winds up in the back of the gnoll's head. It mutters something that sounds like it could be an apology and nocks another one.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (7)+4+2: 13
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (12)+4+2: 18
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: gd2 removed from initiative list.
GAME: Cannot find 'gd' in the initiative list.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 8.
It is now Garrin's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+3: (3)+3: 6
Okay. She did kinda take out their hound and Miruan's not gonna fault someone for that. But she'll make it up later. "STOP POKING ME!" She shouts, now duly annoyed by the arrows and spearpokings. "HRRAAAAI!" PUNCH! She hits it pretty hard, a solid crack as it takes one to the head.
The gnoll strikes out blindly, the solid hit having him seeing stars as his rusty spear missies pretty much everything save empty air.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
GAME: Alba casts Touch of Fatigue. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
GAME: Alba rolls 1d20+2+3+1: (16)+2+3+1: 22
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+3: (4)+3: 7
With the front line steadily chewing away at the combatants, and the archers really having a poor showing, it's easy to miss the little things. Little things like a softly-glowing strand of hair, weaving under feet, and around flailing limbs, to poke an archer square on the nose. "Boop," says Alba with an audible grin, as the magic takes holf, forcing the archer's eyelids to droop.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+4: (2)+4+1+1+4: 12
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+4: (13)+4+1+1+4: 23
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+1+4: (3)+1+4: 8
GAME: Cannot find 'g' in the initiative list.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 19.
It is now GA2's turn! GD is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
MAC-B1G seems to have limited accuracy or control, but makes up for it with both arms swinging. Wild, connect. Wild, connect. The pattern continues as it steps up to the already battered gnome. The construct batters it more, and it finally falls under the combined pummeling.
Not the day for archery as the goblin aiming at the grtoss fl;ying witch manages only to hit the ceiling by her head.
GAME: Ketala casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d8+3: (8)+3: 11
GAME: You damaged Miruan for -11 points. 22 remaining.
Ketala quickly reaches out her hand, letting her warhammer momentarily drop, held by the leather thong around her wrist. A prayer to battle, and a soft glow as the monk was suddenly less hurty. "Go."
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4: (3): 3
And some luck at last, one of the little green archers manages to hit the flying witch. Sadly it doesn't seem to do much damage, well sadly for the goblin at least.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (5)+4+2: 11
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 8.
It is now G's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
Miruan watches the gnoll go down. "Thanks," She nods to the others. She does appreciate the help! It's awesome. And being less hurty is also awesome because while she's fairly stoic, she does wade into battle in her clothing. With a quick bit of footwork, she bolts towards the archer on his own. And woosh. "ARGH."
GAME: Alba casts Cause Fear. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20-1: (7)+-1: 6
GAME: Alba rolls 1d4: (4): 4
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GA2 is next!
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (2)+4+1+1+2: 10
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (13)+4+1+1+2: 21
There are battlefields that are slogs, and ones that are terrors. But in this moment, Alba is purely delighting in the relentless terror and misery she sows among the enemies. And even better, she's allowed to do everything that comes to mind! Her face hasn't even been bitten once! Leaning in close to the nearest hapless goblin, she claps her hands over her eyeholes, then removes them quickly with a loud "Boo!" Bloody light flares from the sly curves carved into the mask, and whatever the goblin sees... it's enough to make him reconsider his every last life choice.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 1d8+1+4: (6)+1+4: 11
GAME: ga2 removed from initiative list.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
MAC-B1G turns its focus to the next available target, which is one of the bowmen. Another pair of pummeling swings. Only one connects, but it is enough to neutralize the threat.
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (8)+3+3+1: 15
Ketala moves again, rushing this way and that. Kor tried to be everywhere, but she had short legs. Moving to engage another one, but not attack...yet.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+4: (9)+4: 13
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4: (3): 3
The goblin calmly steps back about 5 foot and unleashes an arrow into Ketala. Luckily for the dwarf the arrow is fairly small but it still sinks in painfull through a gap in her armor.
GAME: You damaged Ketala for 3 points. 24 remaining.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+4: (9)+4+4: 17
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 8.
It is now G's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 5.
It is now Alba's turn! GA3 is next!
Miruan is a hand to hand fighter. She needs to get to the thing to punch it. She grunts hard and takes off full-tilt. Rearing back, she introduces her fist to the archer's face. Hard. But it is still up.
GAME: Alba casts Bestow Curse. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20-3: (2)+-3: -1
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 22.
It is now GA3's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 22.
It is now MAC-B1G's turn! GD is next!
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (2)+4+1+1+2: 10
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls melee+1+1+2: (1)+4+1+1+2: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 16.
It is now Gideon's turn! Ketala is next!
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 11.
It is now Ketala's turn! GA4 is next!
Combat? Living enemies? Pf... there is a goblin bandit running for his life. That needs to be addressed. Pushing off the wall, Alba speeds down the tunnel after the runner, her hair lancing out and bringing him up short with a few bare, flimsy locks around his neck. Catching up, she dips down to whisper into the creature's foul ear. "Now," she whispers gleefully, as her hair ripples with shadowy threads, "never will you raid these mountains again. Should you seek to kill a thing, and take what is his? You will cry. You will cry, and you will tell all around you of this day, as great, fat tears roll down your cheeks. I promise, you will do this." A quiet, delighted cackle bubbles from her throat as she shoves the goblin away. "Go, clever coward!" she calls after the poor thing! "Run, flee, and cry until you have no tears left!"
MAC-B1G is not original, but it is generally effective. Nominally. Perhaps it is Alba rushing off once more. Perhaps this archer is especially numbl. Whatever the reason, the construct slams its forearms into the wall nowhere near the threat.
GAME: Ketala rolls 1d20+3+3+1: (8)+3+3+1: 15
Ketala alas, can't do it herself either. Perhaps there were just to many people trying to beat a small goblin. A grunt as she goes wide.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 9.
It is now GA4's turn! Miruan is next!
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d20+2: (17)+2: 19
GAME: Rakim rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6
GAME: No valid players found.
GAME: You damaged Ketala for 6 points. 18 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Ketala for -6 points. 24 remaining.
Surrounded by three much larger figures, with his small band and beloved dogs all dead or fleeing the remaining archer has had better days. Showing surprising courage for his size. Or perhaps not having any other options the small thing drops its bow and tries to hit Ketala, sadly bouncing off her armor.
GAME: Rakim advances the initiative order.
Round Seven - Init 9.
It is now Miruan's turn! G is next!
MAC-B1G has disconnected.
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (1)+4+2: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (20)+4+2: 26 (THREAT)
GAME: Miruan rolls Melee+2: (10)+4+2: 16
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Miruan rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3
GAME: Rakim removes the timestop.
Timestop by Rakim has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
Returning just in time to see Miruan batter in the head of the last surviving fighter, Alba chuckles, low and cruel in her throat. "...And now the tale of this day will spread beneath the mountain," she says, altogether way too satisfied with herself. "Perhaps it shall please the small Captain, that her work may be lesser for that one's tales. So! Where are the things we mean to claim?"
Miruan takes a deep breath. She looks faintly apologetic, but it was a thing of mercy, too. Besides, maybe the pacifist Goblin thing might work out. "Hopefully. And I'm not sure. I'm going to look around in here since I guess they were hanging out in here."
Well the containers of delicate food stuff are there, but they have seen better days. It looks like elven delicacies did not interest the goblinoids, nor their dogs. So it seems they were used mostly as a latrine, and it seems that whatever they dined on is broadly similar to Alba's potion ingredients. That were passed through a nasty digestive system. At least the baubles faired a bit better, scattered amongst the other loot of the camp.
"Life is conflict." Is all Ketala says in responce. Her shield moved back to her shoulder, warhammer looped at her hip. Nodding once, as she casts her gaze slowly about. "Wounded?"
"I do not yet bleed my own blood," Alba says, lifting a shoulder in a shrug as she and her hair begin to root among the heaps for the elven baubles, first. They did make a promise, after all, and it would be poor form to break it at the end of their travels.
Miruan pauses. She shakes her head. "I am fine, thank you. I was mended." She does seem duly appreciative and there's a wince at how the food was treated. Well, then. "I suspect the food is - unusable," Talent for Understatement. "We'll just recover what we can and go home." She'll help look a little, too. For the trinkets.
Adventurers return, sans spoiled food.