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<blockquote data-quote="darkbard" data-source="post: 9220759" data-attributes="member: 1282"><p><em>The way to Dryope's Grove is not far, perhaps an hour or so more along the forest path, but a game trail, in truth. During the journey, Jendi peppers the conversation with occasional references to being so close to a site of great historical importance, how an opportunity for discovery and, perhaps, relics of wealth and power, should not be squandered.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Toriq leads the others with a mixture of confidence (over their success in driving off the loggers) and anxiety, for she should have heard from her beloved yesterday; something further must be amiss.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Just after crossing the sweet, babbling brook that signals the boundary of Dryope's domain, it becomes clear what that something is. A woman's scream rings out, and up ahead, at the base of an enormous chestnut tree, a beautiful Eladrin woman with flowing golden hair cowers. Surrounding her at some distance yet is an array of what can only be described as thorny brambles of vine and twisted twigs given humanoid form and life. Yet these plant creatures clearly radiate a malevolence and disturbance in the natural order.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>And they are not alone. A sickly gray-skinned figure in tattered black rags with wicked yellow claws and an impossibly long, barbed, black tongue that seems to flick in and out of its mouth with a mind of its own crouches menacingly as if to pounce.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>"Yes, grab her and claw her and blight her, my pretties," he commands the plant creatures in Elven </em>[comprehensible to those who speak it]<em>.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Then, its wicked tongue flicking past its chin in relish, and as if to itself in the Common tongue of humans, "Master will be pleased with Bauskaz when all the forest above is his to command."</em></p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p>Okay, assuming you do not leave Dryope to a dismal fate, this is a Level +2 combat encounter. Dryope is a Minion under your control for the duration, and her survival is your goal here, every bit as much as defeating these wicked foes.</p><p></p><p>Choose your starting squares from D-E-F-G-H/2 and/or O-P/1-2-3, roll initiative, and make Monster knowledge checks, if you like (Religion for the gray humanoid, Nature x2 for the twig figures), post that to Discord, and I will update the map accordingly. We'll proceed as before, by making combat moves on Discord, which I will transfer here once any interrupt actions are accounted for. As before, I will use red for Toriq's token, green for Nemo's, blue for Jendi's, and purple for Mylistra's.</p><p></p><p><strong>Creatures:</strong> Dryope (Minion ally; yellow circle), Ghoul x1 (black circle, HP 65; AC 16, Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 15), Twig Blights x2 (grey circles, HP 28; AC 16, Fortitude 12, Reflex 16, Will 14), Twig Blight Minions x7 (white circles, HP 1; AC 15, Fortitude 12, Reflex 15, Will 13).</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]340063[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>Dryope’s Grove (Encounter Level 3, L+2); </strong>grid runs left to right on the X-axis (A to Y) and bottom to top on the Y-axis (1 to 25), such that bottom left square is A1 and top right square is Y25. Any map details not specifically denoted below are incidental color.</p><p></p><p><strong>Giant Chestnut:</strong> The trunk of this massive tree is blocking terrain.</p><p></p><p><strong>Protruding Roots:</strong> Squares containing any roots of the giant chestnut are difficult terrain. Dryope is immune to this terrain (forest walk).</p><p></p><p><strong>Boulders: </strong>Squares E/5-6, F-G/10-11, K-L/3, S5, M-N/3, T/4-6, U4, S-T/15, U-V/8-9, are blocking terrain and can provide cover accordingly. They are 1 square high and can be climbed with a DC 12 Athletics check; this eliminates the blocking terrain effect.</p><p></p><p><strong>Foliage:</strong> These squares of <strong>brambleweed</strong> are heavily obscured and difficult/hindering terrain. Saving Throw: A creature can make a saving throw to avoid being forced into hindering terrain, whether it is pulled, pushed, slid, teleported, or otherwise moved against its will. On a successful save, the creature is knocked prone in the prior square adjacent to the brambleweed.</p><p></p><p><strong>Brambleweed</strong></p><p>Brambleweed has finger-length thorns, sharp and sturdy enough to rend flesh. The plant's thick vines spread across an area, hindering any who enter it.</p><p><strong>Effect: </strong>Brambleweed squares are difficult terrain. A creature that starts its turn in a brambleweed square takes 5 damage. A creature that ends its turn in a brambleweed square is restrained until the start of its next turn. Dryope is immune to these effects.</p><p></p><p><strong>Giant Puffballs: </strong>These enormous mushrooms, D9, L11, Q/19-20, and V/13-14, are difficult terrain and can be stunted with as single-use terrain. (Possible ideas: Blast attack that Dazes creatures in blast; create Area burst Zone that does initial psychic damage, then is heavily obscured, and so on.)</p><p></p><p><strong>Dryope</strong></p><p>[SPOILER]</p><p><strong>Dryope Level 3 Minion Controller</strong></p><p><strong>Medium fey humanoid (plant) XP 38</strong></p><p><strong>HP</strong> 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. <strong>Initiative</strong> +5</p><p></p><p><strong>AC</strong> 17, <strong>Fortitude</strong> 13, <strong>Reflex</strong> 16, <strong>Will</strong> 17 <strong>Perception</strong>+3</p><p></p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 8 (forest walk)</p><p></p><table style='width: 100%'><tr><td></td><td><strong>Standard Actions</strong></td></tr></table><p></p><p>➶ <strong>Dryad’s Plea </strong>(charm) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Ranged 5 (one creature); +6 vs. Will</p><p><em>Hit:</em> The target is dazed until the end of Dryope’s next turn and cannot willingly move closer to or attack Dryope (save ends).</p><p></p><p><strong>Move Actions</strong></p><p><strong>Treestride</strong> (teleportation) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Requirement:</em> Dryope must be adjacent to a tree or a Large plant.</p><p><em>Effect:</em> Dryope teleports up to 8 squares to an unoccupied square adjacent to a tree or Large plant. She does not need line of sight or line of effect from origin to destination square.</p><p></p><p><strong>Minor Actions</strong></p><p><strong>Deceptive Veil</strong> (illusion) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p>Dryope can disguise herself to appear as any Medium humanoid, usually a beautiful elf or eladrin. A successful Insight check (opposed by her Bluff check) pierces the disguise.</p><p></p><p><strong>Triggered Actions</strong></p><p><strong>Slip Away</strong> ✦ <strong>Encounter</strong></p><p><em>Trigger (Immediate Interrupt):</em> A creature enters a square within 3 squares of Dryope.</p><p><em>Effect:</em> Dryope uses Treestride (free action) without needing to meet its requirement and can make a Stealth check to become hidden at the end of the move if she has any cover or concealment.</p><p></p><p><strong>Grove’s Blessing</strong> ✦ <strong>Encounter</strong></p><p><em>Trigger:</em> Dryope drops to 0 hit points.</p><p><em>Effect (No Action):</em> Dryope is restored to 1 HP and teleports to an unoccupied square adjacent to the chestnut trunk.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills</strong> Bluff +12, Nature +10, Stealth +8</p><p></p><p><strong>Str</strong> 11 (+1) <strong>Dex</strong> 15 (+3) <strong>Wis</strong> 14 (+3)</p><p><strong>Con</strong> 12 (+2) <strong>Int</strong> 10 (+1) <strong>Cha</strong> 18 (+5)</p><p></p><p><strong>Alignment</strong> unaligned <strong>Languages</strong> Common, Elven</p><p>[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p><strong>Monster Knowledge checks:</strong></p><p>Jendi makes a Religion check vs the Ghoul, r(17)+8=25 beats Hard DC</p><p></p><p><strong>Bauskaz, Ghoul Zealot Level 4 Brute</strong></p><p>[SPOILER]Medium natural humanoid (undead) XP 175</p><p><strong>HP</strong> 65; <strong>Bloodied</strong> 32 <strong>Initiative</strong> +7</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 16, <strong>Fortitude</strong> 16, <strong>Reflex</strong> 14, <strong>Will</strong> 15 <strong>Perception</strong>+9</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 8 Darkvision</p><p><strong>Immune</strong> disease, poison; <strong>Resist</strong> 10 necrotic; <strong>Vulnerable</strong> 5 radiant</p><h3><strong>Traits</strong></h3><p><strong>Weakened Paralysis</strong></p><p>Whenever the ghoul takes radiant damage, one creature immobilized by the ghoul can make a saving throw against that effect as a free action.</p><h3><strong>Standard Actions</strong></h3><p>(⚔) <strong>Claw</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d6 + 6 damage, and the target is immobilized (save ends).</p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Prepare for Sacrifice</strong> ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature the flesh seeker has immobilized); +9 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d6 + 8 damage, and the flesh seeker knocks the target prone and grabs it. The target takes a -2 penalty to attempts to escape the grab and cannot stand up until the grab ends.</p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Render unto Orcus</strong> (weapon) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one prone creature grabbed by the flesh seeker); +9 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d8 + 9 damage.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills</strong> Acrobatics +8, Athletics +11</p><p><strong>Str</strong> 18 (+6) <strong>Dex</strong> 12 (+3) <strong>Wis</strong> 14 (+4)</p><p><strong>Con</strong> 15 (+4) <strong>Int</strong> 10 (+2) <strong>Cha</strong> 11 (+2)</p><p><strong>Alignment</strong> chaotic evil <strong>Languages</strong> Common, Elven</p><p><strong>Equipment</strong> dagger</p><p>[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p>Toriq makes Nature checks vs Twig blights and Twig blight Minions, r(9)+9=18 meets Medium DC for Twig blights and r(11)+9=20 meets Hard DC for Minions.</p><p></p><p><strong>TWIG BLIGHTS</strong></p><p>[SPOILER]<strong>L2 Lurkers</strong>, Small fey humanoid (plant); HP 28, AC16, F12, R16, W14; <strong>Vulnerable</strong> 5 fire; poison, illusion, chaotic evil</p><p></p><p><strong>Traits</strong></p><p><strong>Rooted</strong></p><p>When an effect forces the seedling to move through a pull, a push, or a slide, the seedling can move 3 squares fewer than the effect specifies.</p><p></p><p><strong>Standard Actions</strong></p><p><strong>(⚔) </strong>Claw • At-Will</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature), +7 vs AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 1d6+7 poison damage</p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Blighted Claw</strong> (poison) ✦ <strong>Recharge</strong> when the blight uses invisibility</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d6 + 8 poison damage, and the target is weakened (save ends).</p><p><em>Miss:</em> Half damage, and the target is weakened until the end of its next turn.</p><p></p><p><strong>Invisibility</strong> (illusion) ✦ <strong>Recharge</strong> when the blight uses blighted claw</p><p><em>Effect:</em> The blight becomes invisible until the start of its next turn.</p><p> [/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p><strong>TWIG BLIGHT SEEDLINGS</strong></p><p>[SPOILER]<strong>Twig Blight Seedling</strong> <strong>Level 1 Minion Skirmisher</strong></p><h3><span style="font-size: 15px">Small fey humanoid (plant) XP 25</span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>HP</strong> 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. <strong>Initiative</strong> +5</span></h3><p><strong>AC</strong> 15, <strong>Fortitude</strong> 12, <strong>Reflex</strong> 15, <strong>Will</strong> 13 <strong>Perception</strong>+6</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 5 (forest walk), climb 5 Darkvision</p><p><strong>Resist</strong> 5 poison</p><p></p><p><strong>Traits</strong></p><p><strong>Rooted</strong></p><p>When an effect forces the seedling to move through a pull, a push, or a slide, the seedling can move 3 squares fewer than the effect specifies.</p><p></p><h3><strong>Standard Actions</strong></h3><p>(⚔) <strong>Claw</strong> (poison) ✦ <strong>At-Will</strong></p><p><em>Effect:</em> Before the attack, the seedling shifts up to 2 squares.</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 3 poison damage, or 5 poison damage if the target is granting combat advantage to the seedling.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills</strong> Stealth +8</p><p><strong>Str</strong> 7 (-2) <strong>Dex</strong> 17 (+3) <strong>Wis</strong> 12 (+1)</p><p><strong>Con</strong> 9 (-1) <strong>Int</strong> 5 (-3) <strong>Cha</strong> 10 (0)</p><p><strong>Alignment</strong> Chaotic Evil <strong>Languages</strong> Elven[/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong></p><p>Twig blights (grey), 27</p><p>Dryope (yellow), 23</p><p>Mylistra (purple), 13</p><p>Ghoul (black), 13</p><p>Nemo (green), 12</p><p>Jendi (blue), 7</p><p>Twig blight Minions (white), 6</p><p>Toriq (red), 4</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND 1</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>[ATTACH=full]340100[/ATTACH]</em></strong></p><p></p><p></p><p><em>The</em> <em><strong>TWIG BLIGHTS</strong> are quick to obey their master's command: one rushes Dryope from the near side with intent on a mortal blow, but the Dryad disappears in a blink, reapparating in some brambleweed nearby. The Blight searches around confusedly for a moment before catching sight of her and reversing course.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Meanwhile, the farther Blight stalks across the Grove, ending beside its fellow.</em></p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>TB1</p><p>Standard: Charge Q9 to O14: <strong>TRIGGERS D SLIP AWAY</strong> Encounter Power: Immediate Interrupt; Trigger: A creature enters a square within 3 squares of Dryope. Effect: Dryope uses Treestride to Teleport N15 to T7. Makes Stealth check to become Hidden, r(6)+8=14. Fails to surpass enemy Passive Perception. TB1 finishes move, returning to Q12.</p><p></p><p>TB2</p><p>Double Move: F21 to P11.</p><p></p><p><strong>(⚔) Claw</strong> • At-Will</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature), +7 vs AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 1d6+7 poison damage</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: T1 in Q12, T2 in P11</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: TB1 28/28, TB2 28/28</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na (edited)</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>After instinctively slipping away from the large twig blights, <strong>DRYOPE</strong> attempts to dazzle one of their smaller fellows, to no avail. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Desperately looking around, the dryad sees to her immense relief her beloved enter her grove. The hand she extends towards Toriq looks less like the eladrin she resembles at the moment and more her usual leafy green self. With a pulling motion, the dryad strides through the greenery - to arrive near the warden's aura of comfort, strength, and protection ... and to hide herself from her attackers.</em></p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Dryad's Plea vs. M (O7): r(5) + 6 = 11 vs. 13 Will/Miss</p><p></p><p>* Move Action: Treestride: Teleport to Q2 and make stealth check to hide: r(14) + 8 - 22/Succeeds vs. Passive Perception of all three types of antagonists</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Q2</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1/1</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden vs. G, TBs, & Ms</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>MYLISTRA </strong>looks around with disgust at the unnatural blights invading her friend's grove and at the ghoul controlling them. <This will not stand,> the witch murmurs to herself, thinking of her own poisoned homeland. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>She strides forward and - bringing her arm forward to catch one's attention - gives a violent stare and makes a sign in the air. Normally this action would leave a faint and temporary mark on a creature's forehead. In this case, however, the mark ignites and causes a conflagration. The marked twigblight burns into cinders which then float away in the breeze.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Mylistra looks around for more fodder for her power.</em></p><p></p><p>* Move Action: 6 squares to J4.</p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance vs. M (J6): r(16) + 4 = 20 vs. 13 Will/Hit. <strong>M (J6) Killed.</strong></p><p></p><p>LOCATION: J4</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: <strong>M (J6), Killed</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 24/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 7/8; 1 AP remaining</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>THE GHOUL</strong> whips his head around as your band enters the scene. "Ah, the Lord of Undeath will relish new sacrifices in His name! But, oh, how my own hunger grows! Perhaps He will allow me to suck the marrow from one of your bones ... starting with <strong>you</strong>, infidel!" It points at Mylistra, then it whips its head in Dryope's direction. "There, in the shrubbery! Slay her so that my Lord can bring the glory of undeath to this forest!"</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>With preternatural speed and strength belying its emaciated form, it crosses the clearing in a nonce and rakes a nasty wound across Mylistra's arm with its claws. And then she feels it ... the paralyzing touch for which such undead creatures are feared spreading across her body.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Perception check to find Dryope, r(15)+9=24. Succeeds vs D'S 22 Stealth. D no longer hidden from G.</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge 6 squares G11 to J5, Claw attack vs M, r(18)+9+1=28vs 17 AC. Hit, r(6,4)+6=16 damage and Immobilized (SE). <strong>M BLOODIED</strong></p><p></p><p>LOCATION: J5</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 to M, <strong>M BLOODIED</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M Immobilized (SE)</p><p>CURRENT HP: 65/65</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The young fighter, trained in guerilla tactics, moves forward to defend the besieged witch against the foul grey creature. The ghoul does sense his approach and attempts to keep him from entering the fray, but <strong>NEMO</strong> counters his attack and parlays his position into advantage for himself and for his companions.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The ghoul is left dazed and shaking its head to clear its ... mind ... for the moment, while Nemo looks for another moment for further attack. He jabs the ghoul a second time with his dagger.</em></p><p></p><p>* Minor Action: enter Duelist's Prowess (Daily) Stance; Effect: Until the stance ends, each time an enemy hits or misses you, you can use the Duelist’s Prowess Attack power against it.</p><p></p><p>* Move Action: 6 squares to J6: <strong>TRIGGERS OA FROM GHOUL</strong>: Claw r(10) +9 = 19 vs 21 (Nemo's AC vs OAs: 21)/Miss</p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Sly Flourish vs. Ghoul: r(18) + 9 + 2CA = 29 vs. 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r(2) + 7 + (1,2) Sneak Attack Damage = 12 HP</p><p></p><p>* No Action: Low Blow (Enc): Trigger: melee attack hits a creature granting combat advantage to Nemo. Effect: The creature (Ghoul) is dazed UEoNNT.</p><p></p><p>* Action Point: Sly Flourish vs G, r(13) +9 +2 CA = 24 vs 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r(2) +7 = 9 HP</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: J6</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: G: 21 HP</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: G Dazed UEoNNT</p><p>CURRENT HP: 24/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>JENDI </strong>watches Mylistra blithely stride forward into danger and incinerate one of the twig blights ... blighting the landscape. He smiles slightly, thinking of how he often imagines his mother's assistant as the personification of his Goddess, the witch's present actions being a particularly vivid reflection thereof.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Then the young warlock is filled with horror as the ghoul attacks her ... in the name of Orcus?? The Goddess of his dreams and power fills him with rage and disgust. He feels an inner push into combative action and obeys it immediately, feeling his body slip into shadow as he moves forward. His punishment of Mylistra's attacker is swift and mighty, deftly guided by his Goddess's hand.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Coming back to himself, Jendi realizes his tenuous position and whips some powerful and beguiling strands at the nearby blights, hoping to annihilate those he can. Sadly, only one succumbs to his deadly distractions. At least it is the blight closest to him.</em></p><p></p><p>* Move Action: 4 squares to L7; triggers Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNT</p><p></p><p>* Minor Action: Warlock's Curse on Ghoul (closest enemy)</p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Hand of Blight vs. Ghoul: r(15) + 4 + 2CA = 21 vs. 16 Fort/Hit; Damage: r(7+1)Child of Sorrow + 4 + r(2 )Curse + r(8)FellMight = 22 Psychic AND Necrotic (negates Ghoul's Resist 10 Necrotic); <strong>Ghoul BLOODIED</strong></p><p></p><p>* Action Point: Beguiling Strands (Enc.): CBL5: 7-11, M-Q: all enemies in blast: M(M10): r(2) + 3 = 5 vs. 13 Will/Miss; M(O7): r(19) + 3 = 22 vs. 13 Will/Hit; TB (P11): r(8) + 3 = 11 vs. 14 Will/Miss; Damage: 3 Psych: <strong>M(O7) KILLED; </strong>Forced movement negated by Rooted Trait.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: L7</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: <strong>G</strong>: 22 Necrotic & Psychic damage/<strong>BLOODIED; M (O7) KILLED</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: G: Cursed</p><p>CURRENT HP: 26/26</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Fell Might expended; Concealment (Shadow Walk)</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>THE TWIG BLIGHT SEEDLINGS</strong> act as one upon their master's command, searching for the Dryad with an innate natural intelligence. Yet because of that very nature, Dryope is able to foil their efforts to seek her out, all but the Blight nearest to her, that is. It lunges toward her, but Toriq pulls her out of the way at the last minute, swapping places with her in the brambleweed and taking the blow intended to end the Dryad’s life. The Halforc retaliates in kind, splintering the Blight into a thousand twiggy pieces.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Another Blight flanks Nemo, poisoning the young rogue with its thorns, while three others surround Jendi, one lashing the young Warlock with its thorny claws, injecting him with a stinging poison.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor: Perception checks to locate D, target DC = 22 Stealth. B12, r(3)+6=9. Fails. D14, r(12)+6=18. Fails. F19, r(14)+6=20. Fails. M10, r(19)+6=25. Succeeds. T20, r(5)+6=11. Fails. D is no longer hidden from M10.</p><p></p><p>M10</p><p>Move: 5 sq to P5</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge D <strong>TRIGGERS T GUARDIAN'S COUNTER</strong> Immediate Interrupt. Trigger: An enemy attacks an ally within 2 Sq. Effect: You & ally swap places, and you become target of attack. After resolved, make MBA vs triggering creature. Atk vs T, r(20)=CRIT. 3 poison damage. T MBA vs M10, r(16)+7=23 vs 15 AC. <strong>M10 DESTROYED</strong></p><p></p><p>B12</p><p>Move: 5 to G9</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge to J7, Claw vs N, r(8)+6+2 CA +1=17 vs 17 AC. * <strong>Immediate Interrupt</strong>: Duelist's Prowess Attack: <strong>Trigger: Enemy (Ghoul) attacks or misses Nemo</strong>: ATK vs. Reflex: r(2) + 9 = 11 vs. 15 Reflex/Miss. Hit N for 5 poison damage (CA).</p><p></p><p>D14</p><p>Move: 5 to I9</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge to K8, Claw vs J, r(9)+6+1-2 Concealment =14 vs 15 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>F19</p><p>Move: Run 7 to H12 (grants CA, -5 atk USoNT)</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge to K7, Claw vs J, Shift 2 sq to M6, r(18)+6+1+2 CA -2 Concealment -5 Run=20 vs 15 AC. Hit. 5 poison damage (CA)</p><p></p><p>T20</p><p>Move: Run 7 to M13 (grants CA,-5 atk USoNT)</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge to O10, Claw vs J, Shift 2 to M8, r(11)+6+1 +2 CA -2 Concealment-5 Run= 13 vs 15 AC. Miss.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: Ms in J7, K8, M6, M8, D in O2, T in Q2</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: T 3 poison, N 5 poison, J 5 poison</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: T in brambleweed at start of turn</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M6, M8 grant CA & -5 attacks USoNT</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Initially <strong>TORIQ </strong>struggles to pull away from the sharp brambles grabbing at her and her equipment, but a sharp cry of "Mylistra!" from her brother and an answering groan of pain from her friend give the halforc the impetus to pull herself free. The warden rushes into action, past her beloved, trusting that she will be able to protect herself.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As she races toward the ghoul threatening to make Mylistra into a sacrifice of defilement for its demonlord, she stares at it, marking its weaknesses. Toriq allows her anger to boil her blood into a frenzy to be unleashed on this unnatural undead monster. Her first attempt to slash at it carries with it too much frenzy and not enough focus: she is more controlled in her second strike and is able to turn it into a furious assault on the ghoul, causing its now truly dead carcass to fall to the ground.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Glancing toward more attackers, these threatening her brother and his little friend, she quickly steps past a twigblight attempting to scratch her and into a protective stance, her brother at her back. She smiles a challenge at the two she faces, letting them know she has her eye on them and is ready to put action behind her threats.... nay, her promises!</em></p><p></p><p>* Start of turn: take 5 Damage from Brambles</p><p></p><p>* Minor Action: designate Ghoul as Hunter's Quarry (Enc.) UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>* Move Action: 6 squares to K5 (avoiding any OAs)</p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Wildblood Frenzy (Enc): vs. Ghoul: r(5) + 7 + 2CA = 14 vs. 16 AC/Miss; Effect: Make the attack one more time against <strong>the same target</strong> or a different one: vs. Ghoul: r(20) = Critical; Damage: 8 + 7 + 6 = 21 HP</p><p></p><p>* Free Action: Furious Assault (Enc.): Trigger: You hit an enemy with an attack. Effect: The attack deals 1[W] extra damage if it’s a weapon attack or 1d8 extra damage if it is not a weapon attack: Damage: 8 --> total damage: 29 HP, <strong>GHOUL KILLED</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>* TRIGGERED ACTION</strong>: Jendi's Fell Might recharges</p><p></p><p>* AP: Move 2 squares to K7</p><p></p><p>* <strong>TRIGGERED ACTION</strong>: OA from J7: r(9) + 6 = 15 vs. 18 AC/Miss</p><p></p><p>* Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Effect: Once during each of your turns, you can mark each adjacent enemy. This mark lasts until the end of your next turn: J7 & K8 Marked by T UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: K7</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: <strong>G</strong>: 29 HP, <strong>Killed</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M(J7) & M(K8) Marked UEoTNT</p><p>CURRENT HP: 21/30</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/10; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter)</p><p></p><p><strong>Remaining foes: </strong>TB1 (28/28), TB2 (28/28), 4 Minion TB seedlings</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND TWO</em></strong></p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]340380[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em>Their master defeated, the <strong>TWIG BLIGHTS</strong> briefly seem unmoored. But the ghoul's last command must linger still, for one charges across the central clearing to where Dryope stands, defenseless for the moment, and drives its thorny claws into her midsection. The dryad lets out a gasp of pain, then, "Oh, Toriq!" and disappears in a twinkling flurry of fireflies and moths.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The second blight, seeing their quarry defeated, joins the fracas with your band, attempting to do in Jendi as its fellow did Dryope, but, still wrapped in shadow, Jendi is protected from its blighted claws ... to a degree. The poison coursing through his veins weakens the young Warlock.</em></p><p></p><p>TB1</p><p>Move: 5 sq Q12 to Q7</p><p></p><p>Standard: Charge, 4 sq Q7 to P3, Claw vs D, r(19)+7+1=27 vs 17 AC. Hit, r(4)+7=11 poison damage. <strong>D reduced to 0 HP. TRIGGERS D GROVE'S BLESSING</strong> Effect: D restored to 1 HP and teleports to square adjacent to chestnut trunk (N23).</p><p></p><p>TB2</p><p>Move: 4 sq P11 to L8</p><p></p><p>Standard: Blighted Claw vs J, r(8)+7 -2 Concealment=13 vs 15 AC. Miss. Half damage on Miss = r(3,7)+8=18/2=9 poison damage and Weakened UEoJNT. <strong>J BLOODIED.</strong></p><p></p><p>⚔ <strong>Blighted Claw</strong> (poison) ✦ <strong>Recharge</strong> when the blight uses invisibility</p><p><em>Attack:</em> Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC</p><p><em>Hit:</em> 2d6 + 8 poison damage, and the target is weakened (save ends).</p><p><em>Miss:</em> Half damage, and the target is weakened until the end of its next turn.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: TB1 P3, TB2 L8</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 poison damage to D, 9 poison damage to J</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: <strong>D KILLED (SORT OF)</strong>, J Weakened UEoJNT <strong>(BLOODIED)</strong></p><p>CURRENT HP: TB1 28/28, TB2 28/28</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>The dryad can feel her molecules reform, taking nourishment and instruction from the roots of her beloved Chestnut, and becomes <strong>DRYOPE </strong>once more. She takes a moment to breathe in the fresh green air through the canopy of the forest's tender leaves before taking in her surroundings, visual and aural.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The sound of the striking of metal on wood causes her to flinch before she realizes - from the calls and yells of her beloved and her companions - that it cannot be the threatened loggers. She "strides" to a nearby shrub of bramble to get a better look and to prepare a further defense, should she need one. She also attempts to hide her presence but has a niggling doubt that she was actually truly successful in this.</em></p><p></p><p>* Move Action: Treestride: Requirement: Dryope must be adjacent to a tree or a Large plant (her Chestnut Tree); Effect: Dryope teleports up to 8 squares to an unoccupied square adjacent to a tree or Large plant: square H21; Hide check using Stealth Skill: r(8) + 8 = 16/Fails against Twig Blights & Succeeds against Minions passive Perception (18, 16, respectively)</p><p></p><p>* Ready Action: Dryad's Plea on any enemy entering close burst 5 of her present location</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: H21</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Readied Action: Dryad's Plea</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1/1</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden vs. Ms</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Eyes closed, MYLISTRA murmurs the words of healing to herself and grits her teeth, drenched in blood, feeling the pain of the skin around her wounds knitting itself back together. Then she opens her eyes and readies to do battle.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The Ghoul itself may have been vanquished, but their ordeal is by no means over. She gives another violent stare at another twigblight - a larger one - and makes her marking sign. It may not be incinerating this one, but it is giving her allies something easier to hit. Smiling in grim satisfaction, she circles the crowd of combatants until she reaches the perfect point. The twigblight bearing her sign seems to feel her eyes upon it and turns its head 180 degrees to stare. Mylistra's smile widens and the symbol held in her hand seems to glow and reflect the silver lavender of her elven eyes. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>"Boo," she whispers, and the twigblight turns its head back around and takes off, running. Mylistra's satisfaction grows as she sees her plan fall into place: as the unnatural thing races past her combatants, both Toriq and Jendi are able to get their licks in and nearly fell it.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor Action: cast Healing Word (Enc) on self: spend surge (6 HP) & gain r4 add'l HP; +2 ATK UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance vs. TB2: r8 + 4 + 2 HW = 14 vs. 14 Will/Hit; Damage: r8 + 4 = 12 psychic damage; allies: +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT</p><p></p><p>Move Action: 6 squares to I10, avoiding any OAs</p><p></p><p>AP: Cause Fear (Enc) vs. TB2: r16 + 4 + 2 HW = 22 vs. 14 Will/Hit; TB2 moves speed + 2 away from M (7 squares) to S4</p><p></p><p><strong>TRIGGERED ACTION</strong> (Jendi): OA vs. TB2: MBA/Eldritch Strike: r9 + 7 + 1 GoD = 17 vs 16 AC/Hit; damage: r4 + 4 = 8/Weakened = 1/2 damage = 4 HP <strong>TB2 BLOODIED</strong></p><p><strong>TRIGGERED ACTION</strong> (Toriq): OA vs. TB2: r18 + 7 + 1 GoD = 26 vs 16 AC/Hit; damage: r5 + 4 = 9 HP</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: I10; TB2 in S1</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB2: 12 psychic, 13 damage = 25 Total HP, <strong>TB2 BLOODIED</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Allies +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT (GoD)</p><p>CURRENT HP: 18/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK UEoMNT (Healing Word)</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 6/8; 0 AP remaining</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong>NEMO</strong> delays until after Jendi's turn</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>JENDI </strong>snarls a curse at one of the smaller twigblights still threatening him, the blood dripping down his forehead somehow making even more ferocious. The warlock is young, but when in his element he looks dangerous and ageless: severe wounding makes his appearance almost feral. He seems fearless as he reaches out a hand to touch the blight, to further curse it. Perhaps this is why the small unnatural creature shrinks away, avoiding his touch.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Jendi continues to stare menacing at it as he obeys a summons from his small friend, asking to switch places.</em></p><p></p><p>Minor Action: Warlock's Curse on M(K8)</p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Hand of Blight vs M(K8): r4 + 4 = 8/Miss</p><p></p><p>Move Action: shift 1 square to K6</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: K6</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M(K8) cursed by Jendi</p><p>CURRENT HP: 12/26 <strong>BLOODIED</strong></p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Fell Might recharges (Ghoul killed); Concealment ends</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>NEMO </strong>slips into place to make his attack, sensing Jendi's sister attacking the unnatural tree creature he left behind. Now, time to use more of the tactics Beppa taught him: he notes the location of the three creatures around him before tumbling into action, dagger in hand.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>He can see their strange eyes following his movements, distracted by his braids, his dagger, his feet. Then, the dagger shoots out at each as he somersaults past, slicing at limbs of wood, poking into those weird eyesockets, removing branchlike arms. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Coming to rest, the young halfling looks at the carnage he is the author of: kindling everywhere, but of an unnatural hue, possibly unusable.</em></p><p></p><p>* Move Action: Move 2 squares to L7</p><p></p><p><strong>TRIGGERS OA</strong> from M(J7): r11 + 6 = 17/Miss</p><p><strong>TRIGGERS IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT</strong> from Toriq (marked): Warden's Fury vs. M(J7) r8 + 7 = 15 vs. 12 F/Hit; <strong>M(J7) Killed</strong></p><p></p><p>* Standard Action: Acrobat's Blade Trick (Enc): vs <strong>M(K8):</strong> r18 + 9 = 27 vs 15 AC/Hit, <strong>KILLED</strong>; vs <strong>M(M8)</strong>: r6 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) = 17 vs 15 AC/Hit, <strong>KILLED</strong>; vs <strong>M(M6</strong>): r19 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) = 30 vs 15 AC/Hit, <strong>KILLED</strong>; Effect: After the attack, Nemo can shift a number of squares equal to the number of enemies he hit with the attack (3). During the shift, Nemo can move through squares occupied by enemies you hit with this attack: Shift 3 squares to O5.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: O5</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: <strong>Ms in K8, M8, M6 all KILLED by N; M (J7) KILLED by T</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 19/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance; +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT (GoD)</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter)</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>TORIQ</strong>, with a quick glance at the carnage of timber at Nemo's feet, turns and immediately charges to where she last saw Dryope and where their wounded foe has fled. Concentrating on picking off their opponents one by one, she hopes she is not falling into wishful thinking when she senses the return of the dryad's essence moments before, near her beloved's treasured tree.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>On her way to her wounded prey, the halforc begins to rush past the as-yet-unwounded twigblight on her way, then stops. "You may serve as my prey," she growls, slamming it heavily with her sword, greatly disabling it by snapping one of its wooden legs. </em></p><p></p><p>Move 4 squares to O4</p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Weight of Earth vs. TB1: r15 + 7 + 1 GoD = 23 vs 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r4 + 4 = 8, and TB1 is Slowed UEoTNT</p><p></p><p>Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Marks TB1</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: O4</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB1: 8 HP</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: TB1 Marked by T & Slowed UEoTNT</p><p>CURRENT HP: 21/30</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +1 ATK VS. TB2 UEoMNT</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/10; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter)</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>END OF ROUND; ENEMIES REMAINING: TB1 in P3 (20/28, Slowed, Marked by T), TB2 in S4 (3/28)</em></strong></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong><em>ROUND THREE</em></strong></p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]340529[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><em><strong>THE TWIG BLIGHT</strong> nearest Toriq whispers something unintelligible to her, a raspy sound like dry leaves against a dead branch, "Dreeadari kuth maleeni!" [The others understand it completely, despite its unusual intonation of Elven: "Your Dryad will die!"] Then it simply fades from sight. Reflexively, Toriq stabs out with her longsword where it stood but seconds ago, but it has moved off, closer to its objective. Toriq's keen ears and Mylistra's elven sight can discern evidence of its location.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Meanwhile, the <strong>SORELY WOUNDED BLIGHT</strong> also disappears and moves into the bramblewood underbrush, hoping its foes will lose track of it. But the rustling of the underbrush gives way its location.</em></p><p></p><p>TB1</p><p>Standard: Invisibility: becomes invisible USoNT</p><p></p><p><strong>Invisibility</strong> (illusion) ✦ <strong>Recharge</strong> when the blight uses blighted claw</p><p><em>Effect:</em> The blight becomes invisible until the start of its next turn.</p><p></p><p>Move: 2 sq (Slowed) P3 to Q5 [location known to M & T]. TRIGGERS OA FROM T MBA r4+7-5 invisible=6 vs 16 AC. Miss. Stealth to hide as part of move, r(1)+10=11: exceeds J&N passive Perception scores, fails vs M&T</p><p></p><p>TB2</p><p>Standard: Invisibility: becomes invisible USoNT</p><p></p><p>Move: 5 sq S4 to R9. Stealth to hide as part of move, r(2)+10-5 move more than 2=7. Fails vs all passive Perception scores.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: TB1 in Q5 (hidden from J&N), TB2 in R9</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HPS: TB1 20/28, TB2 3/28</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Both invisible USoNT, TB1 Slowed and Marked by T UEoTNT, TB1 hidden from J&N</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>From her vantage point in one of the brambles on the other side of her Tree, <strong>DRYOPE </strong>can see the two blights blink out of view and feels a pit in her stomach. The dryad immediately strides her way closer - yes, to danger - but more importantly her allies and her beloved. They will protect her.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As she makes her strides, her anxiety causes her to rustle the leaves around her, and she can sense eyes on her, both visible and not.</em></p><p></p><p>Move Action: Treestride: teleport 8 squares to A14; Skill Stealth check to hide in brambles: r9 + 8 = 17</p><p></p><p>Move Action: Treestride: teleport 8 squares to D6; Skill Stealth check to hide in brambles: r4 + 8 = 12/Fail against most</p><p></p><p>CURRENT LOCATION: D6</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 1/1</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden from anyone with Passive Perception 12 or less</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Focusing on the spot where she is fairly certain the gravely wounded treeblight has moved to, <strong>MYLISTRA </strong>moves cautiously forward into place, prepared for any surprises. No surprises appear to be in order, so she makes her vicious glare at that space (only feeling slightly foolish) and makes her mark.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>There is a rustling sound of snapping branches, but the witch is not convinced she has succeeded until the broken body reveals itself. Looking up towards Toriq and the little halfling, she sees a flicker of movement as the branches are obviously brushing against something unseen. "There, child," she cries out to Nemo, "just step forward: it's between you and the brambles. You can't miss it! You won't miss it!" This last she says with her hand, palm up, beseeching her Goddess.</em></p><p></p><p>Move Action: 6 squares to N7</p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance on TB2: r13 + 4 + 2 HW - 5 total concealment = 14 vs. 14 Will/Hit; Damage: roll + 4 psychic = enough to kill: <strong>TB2 KILLED</strong></p><p></p><p>Minor Action: Favor of the Gods (Enc): CBU3, Target one creature in the burst: Nemo; Effect: next time N misses with an attack roll before the end of M's next turn, N can reroll that attack roll. N must use the new result, even if it is lower.</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: N7</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB2: at least 4 HP/<strong>TB2 KILLED</strong></p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 18/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK ends; Nemo Favor of the Gods</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 6/8; 0 AP remaining</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em><strong>JENDI </strong>hears Mylistra's melodious alto call out instruction to Nemo and looks over to where she says the remaining blight is. Scanning around the landscape and mentally thinking through his bag of tricks, he decides to try one of his newer "tricks," using the bramble bush as the focus. He's fairly certain he won't accidentally hit his diminutive friend!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Holding his staff aloft, he sweeps his free hand in a wide arc, ending with a finger pointing at the spot around which he plans the shower of blue-white molten metal droplets to fall and catch any invisible creatures attempting to hide from them. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Watching the argent rainshower and hearing the sizzling of burning plant matter - not to mention smelling seared wood - assures him that his ardent rain hits its mark. Smiling with satisfaction, he takes a few steps toward his muse and into his own concealment.</em></p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Argent Rain: ABU1 within 10 squares: R6; Target each creature within the burst; ATK vs. TB1: r18 + 4 = 22 vs. 16 Ref; damage: r3 + 4 + 5 Vulnerable Fire = 12 Fire Damage; effect: the burst creates a zone that lasts USoJNT. Any creature that enters the zone or ends its turn there takes 5 Fire damage. A creature can take this damage only once per turn.</p><p></p><p>Move Action: Move 4 squares to N10, activating Shadow Walk concealment UEoJNT</p><p></p><p>LOCATION: N10</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 Fire Damage to TB1</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 12/26 BLOODIED</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment UEoJNT (Shadow Walk)</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><em>Startled when he realizes that the elegant dark elf is addressing him, <strong>NEMO </strong>looks at the brambles ahead of him and the strange silver metal rain falling and takes a step forward. He immediately is able to sense a creature in front of him, although it is still hidden from his sight. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>But something in the air tells him that luck is on his side: his mother used to claim he couldn't actually sense such a thing, but whenever she scolded him about it, the boy would look to his father who'd lay a finger to the side of his nose and give Nemo a wink and a smile of solidarity. And now he sensed it again. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>With a sly flourish of his dagger, the young halfling finds his hidden foe and - as he did earlier, but with less fanfare - he slices and dices, slashes and ... smashes? Well, he has never claimed to be a poet ... yet! And soon, there at their feet is a small pile of scorched twigs and broken sticks, along with a lingering sense of magical animation dispersing.</em></p><p></p><p>Move Action: Shift 1 square to P5</p><p></p><p>Standard Action: Sly Flourish vs. TB1: r17 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) - 5 total concealment = 23 vs. 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r1 + 7 + r3,6 Sneak Attack = 17 HP; <strong>TB1 KILLED</strong></p><p></p><p>LOCATION: P5</p><p>DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB1: 17 HP/KILLED</p><p>CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na</p><p>CURRENT HP: 19/24</p><p>CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance; Favor of the Gods UEoMNT</p><p>SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP remaining (O available this encounter)</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p>Before the party takes a short rest, <strong>MYLISTRA</strong> casts Healing Word on Toriq: 7 (Surge) + r2 = 9 HP healed.</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p><strong>COMBAT OVER.</strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="darkbard, post: 9220759, member: 1282"] [I]The way to Dryope's Grove is not far, perhaps an hour or so more along the forest path, but a game trail, in truth. During the journey, Jendi peppers the conversation with occasional references to being so close to a site of great historical importance, how an opportunity for discovery and, perhaps, relics of wealth and power, should not be squandered. Toriq leads the others with a mixture of confidence (over their success in driving off the loggers) and anxiety, for she should have heard from her beloved yesterday; something further must be amiss. Just after crossing the sweet, babbling brook that signals the boundary of Dryope's domain, it becomes clear what that something is. A woman's scream rings out, and up ahead, at the base of an enormous chestnut tree, a beautiful Eladrin woman with flowing golden hair cowers. Surrounding her at some distance yet is an array of what can only be described as thorny brambles of vine and twisted twigs given humanoid form and life. Yet these plant creatures clearly radiate a malevolence and disturbance in the natural order. And they are not alone. A sickly gray-skinned figure in tattered black rags with wicked yellow claws and an impossibly long, barbed, black tongue that seems to flick in and out of its mouth with a mind of its own crouches menacingly as if to pounce. "Yes, grab her and claw her and blight her, my pretties," he commands the plant creatures in Elven [/I][comprehensible to those who speak it][I]. Then, its wicked tongue flicking past its chin in relish, and as if to itself in the Common tongue of humans, "Master will be pleased with Bauskaz when all the forest above is his to command."[/I] [HR][/HR] Okay, assuming you do not leave Dryope to a dismal fate, this is a Level +2 combat encounter. Dryope is a Minion under your control for the duration, and her survival is your goal here, every bit as much as defeating these wicked foes. Choose your starting squares from D-E-F-G-H/2 and/or O-P/1-2-3, roll initiative, and make Monster knowledge checks, if you like (Religion for the gray humanoid, Nature x2 for the twig figures), post that to Discord, and I will update the map accordingly. We'll proceed as before, by making combat moves on Discord, which I will transfer here once any interrupt actions are accounted for. As before, I will use red for Toriq's token, green for Nemo's, blue for Jendi's, and purple for Mylistra's. [B]Creatures:[/B] Dryope (Minion ally; yellow circle), Ghoul x1 (black circle, HP 65; AC 16, Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 15), Twig Blights x2 (grey circles, HP 28; AC 16, Fortitude 12, Reflex 16, Will 14), Twig Blight Minions x7 (white circles, HP 1; AC 15, Fortitude 12, Reflex 15, Will 13). [ATTACH type="full" alt="1702666507533.png"]340063[/ATTACH] [B]Dryope’s Grove (Encounter Level 3, L+2); [/B]grid runs left to right on the X-axis (A to Y) and bottom to top on the Y-axis (1 to 25), such that bottom left square is A1 and top right square is Y25. Any map details not specifically denoted below are incidental color. [B]Giant Chestnut:[/B] The trunk of this massive tree is blocking terrain. [B]Protruding Roots:[/B] Squares containing any roots of the giant chestnut are difficult terrain. Dryope is immune to this terrain (forest walk). [B]Boulders: [/B]Squares E/5-6, F-G/10-11, K-L/3, S5, M-N/3, T/4-6, U4, S-T/15, U-V/8-9, are blocking terrain and can provide cover accordingly. They are 1 square high and can be climbed with a DC 12 Athletics check; this eliminates the blocking terrain effect. [B]Foliage:[/B] These squares of [B]brambleweed[/B] are heavily obscured and difficult/hindering terrain. Saving Throw: A creature can make a saving throw to avoid being forced into hindering terrain, whether it is pulled, pushed, slid, teleported, or otherwise moved against its will. On a successful save, the creature is knocked prone in the prior square adjacent to the brambleweed. [B]Brambleweed[/B] Brambleweed has finger-length thorns, sharp and sturdy enough to rend flesh. The plant's thick vines spread across an area, hindering any who enter it. [B]Effect: [/B]Brambleweed squares are difficult terrain. A creature that starts its turn in a brambleweed square takes 5 damage. A creature that ends its turn in a brambleweed square is restrained until the start of its next turn. Dryope is immune to these effects. [B]Giant Puffballs: [/B]These enormous mushrooms, D9, L11, Q/19-20, and V/13-14, are difficult terrain and can be stunted with as single-use terrain. (Possible ideas: Blast attack that Dazes creatures in blast; create Area burst Zone that does initial psychic damage, then is heavily obscured, and so on.) [B]Dryope[/B] [SPOILER] [B]Dryope Level 3 Minion Controller Medium fey humanoid (plant) XP 38 HP[/B] 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. [B]Initiative[/B] +5 [B]AC[/B] 17, [B]Fortitude[/B] 13, [B]Reflex[/B] 16, [B]Will[/B] 17 [B]Perception[/B]+3 [B]Speed[/B] 8 (forest walk) [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD][B]Standard Actions[/B][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] ➶ [B]Dryad’s Plea [/B](charm) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Ranged 5 (one creature); +6 vs. Will [I]Hit:[/I] The target is dazed until the end of Dryope’s next turn and cannot willingly move closer to or attack Dryope (save ends). [B]Move Actions Treestride[/B] (teleportation) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Requirement:[/I] Dryope must be adjacent to a tree or a Large plant. [I]Effect:[/I] Dryope teleports up to 8 squares to an unoccupied square adjacent to a tree or Large plant. She does not need line of sight or line of effect from origin to destination square. [B]Minor Actions Deceptive Veil[/B] (illusion) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] Dryope can disguise herself to appear as any Medium humanoid, usually a beautiful elf or eladrin. A successful Insight check (opposed by her Bluff check) pierces the disguise. [B]Triggered Actions Slip Away[/B] ✦ [B]Encounter[/B] [I]Trigger (Immediate Interrupt):[/I] A creature enters a square within 3 squares of Dryope. [I]Effect:[/I] Dryope uses Treestride (free action) without needing to meet its requirement and can make a Stealth check to become hidden at the end of the move if she has any cover or concealment. [B]Grove’s Blessing[/B] ✦ [B]Encounter[/B] [I]Trigger:[/I] Dryope drops to 0 hit points. [I]Effect (No Action):[/I] Dryope is restored to 1 HP and teleports to an unoccupied square adjacent to the chestnut trunk. [B]Skills[/B] Bluff +12, Nature +10, Stealth +8 [B]Str[/B] 11 (+1) [B]Dex[/B] 15 (+3) [B]Wis[/B] 14 (+3) [B]Con[/B] 12 (+2) [B]Int[/B] 10 (+1) [B]Cha[/B] 18 (+5) [B]Alignment[/B] unaligned [B]Languages[/B] Common, Elven [/SPOILER] [B]Monster Knowledge checks:[/B] Jendi makes a Religion check vs the Ghoul, r(17)+8=25 beats Hard DC [B]Bauskaz, Ghoul Zealot Level 4 Brute[/B] [SPOILER]Medium natural humanoid (undead) XP 175 [B]HP[/B] 65; [B]Bloodied[/B] 32 [B]Initiative[/B] +7 [B]AC[/B] 16, [B]Fortitude[/B] 16, [B]Reflex[/B] 14, [B]Will[/B] 15 [B]Perception[/B]+9 [B]Speed[/B] 8 Darkvision [B]Immune[/B] disease, poison; [B]Resist[/B] 10 necrotic; [B]Vulnerable[/B] 5 radiant [HEADING=2][B]Traits[/B][/HEADING] [B]Weakened Paralysis[/B] Whenever the ghoul takes radiant damage, one creature immobilized by the ghoul can make a saving throw against that effect as a free action. [HEADING=2][B]Standard Actions[/B][/HEADING] (⚔) [B]Claw[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 2d6 + 6 damage, and the target is immobilized (save ends). ⚔ [B]Prepare for Sacrifice[/B] ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature the flesh seeker has immobilized); +9 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 2d6 + 8 damage, and the flesh seeker knocks the target prone and grabs it. The target takes a -2 penalty to attempts to escape the grab and cannot stand up until the grab ends. ⚔ [B]Render unto Orcus[/B] (weapon) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one prone creature grabbed by the flesh seeker); +9 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 2d8 + 9 damage. [B]Skills[/B] Acrobatics +8, Athletics +11 [B]Str[/B] 18 (+6) [B]Dex[/B] 12 (+3) [B]Wis[/B] 14 (+4) [B]Con[/B] 15 (+4) [B]Int[/B] 10 (+2) [B]Cha[/B] 11 (+2) [B]Alignment[/B] chaotic evil [B]Languages[/B] Common, Elven [B]Equipment[/B] dagger [/SPOILER] Toriq makes Nature checks vs Twig blights and Twig blight Minions, r(9)+9=18 meets Medium DC for Twig blights and r(11)+9=20 meets Hard DC for Minions. [B]TWIG BLIGHTS[/B] [SPOILER][B]L2 Lurkers[/B], Small fey humanoid (plant); HP 28, AC16, F12, R16, W14; [B]Vulnerable[/B] 5 fire; poison, illusion, chaotic evil [B]Traits Rooted[/B] When an effect forces the seedling to move through a pull, a push, or a slide, the seedling can move 3 squares fewer than the effect specifies. [B]Standard Actions (⚔) [/B]Claw • At-Will [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature), +7 vs AC [I]Hit:[/I] 1d6+7 poison damage ⚔ [B]Blighted Claw[/B] (poison) ✦ [B]Recharge[/B] when the blight uses invisibility [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 2d6 + 8 poison damage, and the target is weakened (save ends). [I]Miss:[/I] Half damage, and the target is weakened until the end of its next turn. [B]Invisibility[/B] (illusion) ✦ [B]Recharge[/B] when the blight uses blighted claw [I]Effect:[/I] The blight becomes invisible until the start of its next turn. [/SPOILER] [B]TWIG BLIGHT SEEDLINGS[/B] [SPOILER][B]Twig Blight Seedling[/B] [B]Level 1 Minion Skirmisher[/B] [HEADING=2][SIZE=4]Small fey humanoid (plant) XP 25[/SIZE][/HEADING] [HEADING=2][SIZE=4][B]HP[/B] 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. [B]Initiative[/B] +5[/SIZE][/HEADING] [B]AC[/B] 15, [B]Fortitude[/B] 12, [B]Reflex[/B] 15, [B]Will[/B] 13 [B]Perception[/B]+6 [B]Speed[/B] 5 (forest walk), climb 5 Darkvision [B]Resist[/B] 5 poison [B]Traits Rooted[/B] When an effect forces the seedling to move through a pull, a push, or a slide, the seedling can move 3 squares fewer than the effect specifies. [HEADING=2][B]Standard Actions[/B][/HEADING] (⚔) [B]Claw[/B] (poison) ✦ [B]At-Will[/B] [I]Effect:[/I] Before the attack, the seedling shifts up to 2 squares. [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 3 poison damage, or 5 poison damage if the target is granting combat advantage to the seedling. [B]Skills[/B] Stealth +8 [B]Str[/B] 7 (-2) [B]Dex[/B] 17 (+3) [B]Wis[/B] 12 (+1) [B]Con[/B] 9 (-1) [B]Int[/B] 5 (-3) [B]Cha[/B] 10 (0) [B]Alignment[/B] Chaotic Evil [B]Languages[/B] Elven[/SPOILER] [B]Initiative:[/B] Twig blights (grey), 27 Dryope (yellow), 23 Mylistra (purple), 13 Ghoul (black), 13 Nemo (green), 12 Jendi (blue), 7 Twig blight Minions (white), 6 Toriq (red), 4 [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND 1 [ATTACH type="full" alt="1702690137330.png"]340100[/ATTACH][/I][/B] [I]The[/I] [I][B]TWIG BLIGHTS[/B] are quick to obey their master's command: one rushes Dryope from the near side with intent on a mortal blow, but the Dryad disappears in a blink, reapparating in some brambleweed nearby. The Blight searches around confusedly for a moment before catching sight of her and reversing course. Meanwhile, the farther Blight stalks across the Grove, ending beside its fellow.[/I] [HR][/HR] TB1 Standard: Charge Q9 to O14: [B]TRIGGERS D SLIP AWAY[/B] Encounter Power: Immediate Interrupt; Trigger: A creature enters a square within 3 squares of Dryope. Effect: Dryope uses Treestride to Teleport N15 to T7. Makes Stealth check to become Hidden, r(6)+8=14. Fails to surpass enemy Passive Perception. TB1 finishes move, returning to Q12. TB2 Double Move: F21 to P11. [B](⚔) Claw[/B] • At-Will [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature), +7 vs AC [I]Hit:[/I] 1d6+7 poison damage LOCATION: T1 in Q12, T2 in P11 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: TB1 28/28, TB2 28/28 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na (edited) [HR][/HR] [I]After instinctively slipping away from the large twig blights, [B]DRYOPE[/B] attempts to dazzle one of their smaller fellows, to no avail. Desperately looking around, the dryad sees to her immense relief her beloved enter her grove. The hand she extends towards Toriq looks less like the eladrin she resembles at the moment and more her usual leafy green self. With a pulling motion, the dryad strides through the greenery - to arrive near the warden's aura of comfort, strength, and protection ... and to hide herself from her attackers.[/I] * Standard Action: Dryad's Plea vs. M (O7): r(5) + 6 = 11 vs. 13 Will/Miss * Move Action: Treestride: Teleport to Q2 and make stealth check to hide: r(14) + 8 - 22/Succeeds vs. Passive Perception of all three types of antagonists LOCATION: Q2 CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 1/1 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden vs. G, TBs, & Ms [HR][/HR] [I][B]MYLISTRA [/B]looks around with disgust at the unnatural blights invading her friend's grove and at the ghoul controlling them. <This will not stand,> the witch murmurs to herself, thinking of her own poisoned homeland. She strides forward and - bringing her arm forward to catch one's attention - gives a violent stare and makes a sign in the air. Normally this action would leave a faint and temporary mark on a creature's forehead. In this case, however, the mark ignites and causes a conflagration. The marked twigblight burns into cinders which then float away in the breeze. Mylistra looks around for more fodder for her power.[/I] * Move Action: 6 squares to J4. * Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance vs. M (J6): r(16) + 4 = 20 vs. 13 Will/Hit. [B]M (J6) Killed.[/B] LOCATION: J4 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: [B]M (J6), Killed[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 24/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 7/8; 1 AP remaining [HR][/HR] [I][B]THE GHOUL[/B] whips his head around as your band enters the scene. "Ah, the Lord of Undeath will relish new sacrifices in His name! But, oh, how my own hunger grows! Perhaps He will allow me to suck the marrow from one of your bones ... starting with [B]you[/B], infidel!" It points at Mylistra, then it whips its head in Dryope's direction. "There, in the shrubbery! Slay her so that my Lord can bring the glory of undeath to this forest!" With preternatural speed and strength belying its emaciated form, it crosses the clearing in a nonce and rakes a nasty wound across Mylistra's arm with its claws. And then she feels it ... the paralyzing touch for which such undead creatures are feared spreading across her body.[/I] Minor: Perception check to find Dryope, r(15)+9=24. Succeeds vs D'S 22 Stealth. D no longer hidden from G. Standard: Charge 6 squares G11 to J5, Claw attack vs M, r(18)+9+1=28vs 17 AC. Hit, r(6,4)+6=16 damage and Immobilized (SE). [B]M BLOODIED[/B] LOCATION: J5 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 16 to M, [B]M BLOODIED[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M Immobilized (SE) CURRENT HP: 65/65 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na [HR][/HR] [I]The young fighter, trained in guerilla tactics, moves forward to defend the besieged witch against the foul grey creature. The ghoul does sense his approach and attempts to keep him from entering the fray, but [B]NEMO[/B] counters his attack and parlays his position into advantage for himself and for his companions. The ghoul is left dazed and shaking its head to clear its ... mind ... for the moment, while Nemo looks for another moment for further attack. He jabs the ghoul a second time with his dagger.[/I] * Minor Action: enter Duelist's Prowess (Daily) Stance; Effect: Until the stance ends, each time an enemy hits or misses you, you can use the Duelist’s Prowess Attack power against it. * Move Action: 6 squares to J6: [B]TRIGGERS OA FROM GHOUL[/B]: Claw r(10) +9 = 19 vs 21 (Nemo's AC vs OAs: 21)/Miss * Standard Action: Sly Flourish vs. Ghoul: r(18) + 9 + 2CA = 29 vs. 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r(2) + 7 + (1,2) Sneak Attack Damage = 12 HP * No Action: Low Blow (Enc): Trigger: melee attack hits a creature granting combat advantage to Nemo. Effect: The creature (Ghoul) is dazed UEoNNT. * Action Point: Sly Flourish vs G, r(13) +9 +2 CA = 24 vs 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r(2) +7 = 9 HP LOCATION: J6 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: G: 21 HP CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: G Dazed UEoNNT CURRENT HP: 24/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP [HR][/HR] [I][B]JENDI [/B]watches Mylistra blithely stride forward into danger and incinerate one of the twig blights ... blighting the landscape. He smiles slightly, thinking of how he often imagines his mother's assistant as the personification of his Goddess, the witch's present actions being a particularly vivid reflection thereof. Then the young warlock is filled with horror as the ghoul attacks her ... in the name of Orcus?? The Goddess of his dreams and power fills him with rage and disgust. He feels an inner push into combative action and obeys it immediately, feeling his body slip into shadow as he moves forward. His punishment of Mylistra's attacker is swift and mighty, deftly guided by his Goddess's hand. Coming back to himself, Jendi realizes his tenuous position and whips some powerful and beguiling strands at the nearby blights, hoping to annihilate those he can. Sadly, only one succumbs to his deadly distractions. At least it is the blight closest to him.[/I] * Move Action: 4 squares to L7; triggers Shadow Walk Concealment UEoJNT * Minor Action: Warlock's Curse on Ghoul (closest enemy) * Standard Action: Hand of Blight vs. Ghoul: r(15) + 4 + 2CA = 21 vs. 16 Fort/Hit; Damage: r(7+1)Child of Sorrow + 4 + r(2 )Curse + r(8)FellMight = 22 Psychic AND Necrotic (negates Ghoul's Resist 10 Necrotic); [B]Ghoul BLOODIED[/B] * Action Point: Beguiling Strands (Enc.): CBL5: 7-11, M-Q: all enemies in blast: M(M10): r(2) + 3 = 5 vs. 13 Will/Miss; M(O7): r(19) + 3 = 22 vs. 13 Will/Hit; TB (P11): r(8) + 3 = 11 vs. 14 Will/Miss; Damage: 3 Psych: [B]M(O7) KILLED; [/B]Forced movement negated by Rooted Trait. LOCATION: L7 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: [B]G[/B]: 22 Necrotic & Psychic damage/[B]BLOODIED; M (O7) KILLED[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: G: Cursed CURRENT HP: 26/26 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Fell Might expended; Concealment (Shadow Walk) SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP [HR][/HR] [I][B]THE TWIG BLIGHT SEEDLINGS[/B] act as one upon their master's command, searching for the Dryad with an innate natural intelligence. Yet because of that very nature, Dryope is able to foil their efforts to seek her out, all but the Blight nearest to her, that is. It lunges toward her, but Toriq pulls her out of the way at the last minute, swapping places with her in the brambleweed and taking the blow intended to end the Dryad’s life. The Halforc retaliates in kind, splintering the Blight into a thousand twiggy pieces. Another Blight flanks Nemo, poisoning the young rogue with its thorns, while three others surround Jendi, one lashing the young Warlock with its thorny claws, injecting him with a stinging poison.[/I] Minor: Perception checks to locate D, target DC = 22 Stealth. B12, r(3)+6=9. Fails. D14, r(12)+6=18. Fails. F19, r(14)+6=20. Fails. M10, r(19)+6=25. Succeeds. T20, r(5)+6=11. Fails. D is no longer hidden from M10. M10 Move: 5 sq to P5 Standard: Charge D [B]TRIGGERS T GUARDIAN'S COUNTER[/B] Immediate Interrupt. Trigger: An enemy attacks an ally within 2 Sq. Effect: You & ally swap places, and you become target of attack. After resolved, make MBA vs triggering creature. Atk vs T, r(20)=CRIT. 3 poison damage. T MBA vs M10, r(16)+7=23 vs 15 AC. [B]M10 DESTROYED[/B] B12 Move: 5 to G9 Standard: Charge to J7, Claw vs N, r(8)+6+2 CA +1=17 vs 17 AC. * [B]Immediate Interrupt[/B]: Duelist's Prowess Attack: [B]Trigger: Enemy (Ghoul) attacks or misses Nemo[/B]: ATK vs. Reflex: r(2) + 9 = 11 vs. 15 Reflex/Miss. Hit N for 5 poison damage (CA). D14 Move: 5 to I9 Standard: Charge to K8, Claw vs J, r(9)+6+1-2 Concealment =14 vs 15 AC. Miss. F19 Move: Run 7 to H12 (grants CA, -5 atk USoNT) Standard: Charge to K7, Claw vs J, Shift 2 sq to M6, r(18)+6+1+2 CA -2 Concealment -5 Run=20 vs 15 AC. Hit. 5 poison damage (CA) T20 Move: Run 7 to M13 (grants CA,-5 atk USoNT) Standard: Charge to O10, Claw vs J, Shift 2 to M8, r(11)+6+1 +2 CA -2 Concealment-5 Run= 13 vs 15 AC. Miss. LOCATION: Ms in J7, K8, M6, M8, D in O2, T in Q2 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: T 3 poison, N 5 poison, J 5 poison CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: T in brambleweed at start of turn CURRENT DE/BUFFS: M6, M8 grant CA & -5 attacks USoNT [HR][/HR] [I]Initially [B]TORIQ [/B]struggles to pull away from the sharp brambles grabbing at her and her equipment, but a sharp cry of "Mylistra!" from her brother and an answering groan of pain from her friend give the halforc the impetus to pull herself free. The warden rushes into action, past her beloved, trusting that she will be able to protect herself. As she races toward the ghoul threatening to make Mylistra into a sacrifice of defilement for its demonlord, she stares at it, marking its weaknesses. Toriq allows her anger to boil her blood into a frenzy to be unleashed on this unnatural undead monster. Her first attempt to slash at it carries with it too much frenzy and not enough focus: she is more controlled in her second strike and is able to turn it into a furious assault on the ghoul, causing its now truly dead carcass to fall to the ground. Glancing toward more attackers, these threatening her brother and his little friend, she quickly steps past a twigblight attempting to scratch her and into a protective stance, her brother at her back. She smiles a challenge at the two she faces, letting them know she has her eye on them and is ready to put action behind her threats.... nay, her promises![/I] * Start of turn: take 5 Damage from Brambles * Minor Action: designate Ghoul as Hunter's Quarry (Enc.) UEoTNT * Move Action: 6 squares to K5 (avoiding any OAs) * Standard Action: Wildblood Frenzy (Enc): vs. Ghoul: r(5) + 7 + 2CA = 14 vs. 16 AC/Miss; Effect: Make the attack one more time against [B]the same target[/B] or a different one: vs. Ghoul: r(20) = Critical; Damage: 8 + 7 + 6 = 21 HP * Free Action: Furious Assault (Enc.): Trigger: You hit an enemy with an attack. Effect: The attack deals 1[W] extra damage if it’s a weapon attack or 1d8 extra damage if it is not a weapon attack: Damage: 8 --> total damage: 29 HP, [B]GHOUL KILLED * TRIGGERED ACTION[/B]: Jendi's Fell Might recharges * AP: Move 2 squares to K7 * [B]TRIGGERED ACTION[/B]: OA from J7: r(9) + 6 = 15 vs. 18 AC/Miss * Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Effect: Once during each of your turns, you can mark each adjacent enemy. This mark lasts until the end of your next turn: J7 & K8 Marked by T UEoTNT LOCATION: K7 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: [B]G[/B]: 29 HP, [B]Killed[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M(J7) & M(K8) Marked UEoTNT CURRENT HP: 21/30 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/10; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter) [B]Remaining foes: [/B]TB1 (28/28), TB2 (28/28), 4 Minion TB seedlings [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND TWO[/I][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1702844114303.png"]340380[/ATTACH] [I]Their master defeated, the [B]TWIG BLIGHTS[/B] briefly seem unmoored. But the ghoul's last command must linger still, for one charges across the central clearing to where Dryope stands, defenseless for the moment, and drives its thorny claws into her midsection. The dryad lets out a gasp of pain, then, "Oh, Toriq!" and disappears in a twinkling flurry of fireflies and moths. The second blight, seeing their quarry defeated, joins the fracas with your band, attempting to do in Jendi as its fellow did Dryope, but, still wrapped in shadow, Jendi is protected from its blighted claws ... to a degree. The poison coursing through his veins weakens the young Warlock.[/I] TB1 Move: 5 sq Q12 to Q7 Standard: Charge, 4 sq Q7 to P3, Claw vs D, r(19)+7+1=27 vs 17 AC. Hit, r(4)+7=11 poison damage. [B]D reduced to 0 HP. TRIGGERS D GROVE'S BLESSING[/B] Effect: D restored to 1 HP and teleports to square adjacent to chestnut trunk (N23). TB2 Move: 4 sq P11 to L8 Standard: Blighted Claw vs J, r(8)+7 -2 Concealment=13 vs 15 AC. Miss. Half damage on Miss = r(3,7)+8=18/2=9 poison damage and Weakened UEoJNT. [B]J BLOODIED.[/B] ⚔ [B]Blighted Claw[/B] (poison) ✦ [B]Recharge[/B] when the blight uses invisibility [I]Attack:[/I] Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC [I]Hit:[/I] 2d6 + 8 poison damage, and the target is weakened (save ends). [I]Miss:[/I] Half damage, and the target is weakened until the end of its next turn. LOCATION: TB1 P3, TB2 L8 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 11 poison damage to D, 9 poison damage to J CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: [B]D KILLED (SORT OF)[/B], J Weakened UEoJNT [B](BLOODIED)[/B] CURRENT HP: TB1 28/28, TB2 28/28 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: na [HR][/HR] [I]The dryad can feel her molecules reform, taking nourishment and instruction from the roots of her beloved Chestnut, and becomes [B]DRYOPE [/B]once more. She takes a moment to breathe in the fresh green air through the canopy of the forest's tender leaves before taking in her surroundings, visual and aural. The sound of the striking of metal on wood causes her to flinch before she realizes - from the calls and yells of her beloved and her companions - that it cannot be the threatened loggers. She "strides" to a nearby shrub of bramble to get a better look and to prepare a further defense, should she need one. She also attempts to hide her presence but has a niggling doubt that she was actually truly successful in this.[/I] * Move Action: Treestride: Requirement: Dryope must be adjacent to a tree or a Large plant (her Chestnut Tree); Effect: Dryope teleports up to 8 squares to an unoccupied square adjacent to a tree or Large plant: square H21; Hide check using Stealth Skill: r(8) + 8 = 16/Fails against Twig Blights & Succeeds against Minions passive Perception (18, 16, respectively) * Ready Action: Dryad's Plea on any enemy entering close burst 5 of her present location LOCATION: H21 CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Readied Action: Dryad's Plea CURRENT HP: 1/1 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden vs. Ms [HR][/HR] [I]Eyes closed, MYLISTRA murmurs the words of healing to herself and grits her teeth, drenched in blood, feeling the pain of the skin around her wounds knitting itself back together. Then she opens her eyes and readies to do battle. The Ghoul itself may have been vanquished, but their ordeal is by no means over. She gives another violent stare at another twigblight - a larger one - and makes her marking sign. It may not be incinerating this one, but it is giving her allies something easier to hit. Smiling in grim satisfaction, she circles the crowd of combatants until she reaches the perfect point. The twigblight bearing her sign seems to feel her eyes upon it and turns its head 180 degrees to stare. Mylistra's smile widens and the symbol held in her hand seems to glow and reflect the silver lavender of her elven eyes. "Boo," she whispers, and the twigblight turns its head back around and takes off, running. Mylistra's satisfaction grows as she sees her plan fall into place: as the unnatural thing races past her combatants, both Toriq and Jendi are able to get their licks in and nearly fell it.[/I] Minor Action: cast Healing Word (Enc) on self: spend surge (6 HP) & gain r4 add'l HP; +2 ATK UEoMNT Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance vs. TB2: r8 + 4 + 2 HW = 14 vs. 14 Will/Hit; Damage: r8 + 4 = 12 psychic damage; allies: +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT Move Action: 6 squares to I10, avoiding any OAs AP: Cause Fear (Enc) vs. TB2: r16 + 4 + 2 HW = 22 vs. 14 Will/Hit; TB2 moves speed + 2 away from M (7 squares) to S4 [B]TRIGGERED ACTION[/B] (Jendi): OA vs. TB2: MBA/Eldritch Strike: r9 + 7 + 1 GoD = 17 vs 16 AC/Hit; damage: r4 + 4 = 8/Weakened = 1/2 damage = 4 HP [B]TB2 BLOODIED TRIGGERED ACTION[/B] (Toriq): OA vs. TB2: r18 + 7 + 1 GoD = 26 vs 16 AC/Hit; damage: r5 + 4 = 9 HP LOCATION: I10; TB2 in S1 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB2: 12 psychic, 13 damage = 25 Total HP, [B]TB2 BLOODIED[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: Allies +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT (GoD) CURRENT HP: 18/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK UEoMNT (Healing Word) SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 6/8; 0 AP remaining [HR][/HR] [B]NEMO[/B] delays until after Jendi's turn [HR][/HR] [I][B]JENDI [/B]snarls a curse at one of the smaller twigblights still threatening him, the blood dripping down his forehead somehow making even more ferocious. The warlock is young, but when in his element he looks dangerous and ageless: severe wounding makes his appearance almost feral. He seems fearless as he reaches out a hand to touch the blight, to further curse it. Perhaps this is why the small unnatural creature shrinks away, avoiding his touch. Jendi continues to stare menacing at it as he obeys a summons from his small friend, asking to switch places.[/I] Minor Action: Warlock's Curse on M(K8) Standard Action: Hand of Blight vs M(K8): r4 + 4 = 8/Miss Move Action: shift 1 square to K6 LOCATION: K6 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: M(K8) cursed by Jendi CURRENT HP: 12/26 [B]BLOODIED[/B] CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Fell Might recharges (Ghoul killed); Concealment ends SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP [HR][/HR] [I][B]NEMO [/B]slips into place to make his attack, sensing Jendi's sister attacking the unnatural tree creature he left behind. Now, time to use more of the tactics Beppa taught him: he notes the location of the three creatures around him before tumbling into action, dagger in hand. He can see their strange eyes following his movements, distracted by his braids, his dagger, his feet. Then, the dagger shoots out at each as he somersaults past, slicing at limbs of wood, poking into those weird eyesockets, removing branchlike arms. Coming to rest, the young halfling looks at the carnage he is the author of: kindling everywhere, but of an unnatural hue, possibly unusable.[/I] * Move Action: Move 2 squares to L7 [B]TRIGGERS OA[/B] from M(J7): r11 + 6 = 17/Miss [B]TRIGGERS IMMEDIATE INTERRUPT[/B] from Toriq (marked): Warden's Fury vs. M(J7) r8 + 7 = 15 vs. 12 F/Hit; [B]M(J7) Killed[/B] * Standard Action: Acrobat's Blade Trick (Enc): vs [B]M(K8):[/B] r18 + 9 = 27 vs 15 AC/Hit, [B]KILLED[/B]; vs [B]M(M8)[/B]: r6 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) = 17 vs 15 AC/Hit, [B]KILLED[/B]; vs [B]M(M6[/B]): r19 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) = 30 vs 15 AC/Hit, [B]KILLED[/B]; Effect: After the attack, Nemo can shift a number of squares equal to the number of enemies he hit with the attack (3). During the shift, Nemo can move through squares occupied by enemies you hit with this attack: Shift 3 squares to O5. LOCATION: O5 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: [B]Ms in K8, M8, M6 all KILLED by N; M (J7) KILLED by T[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 19/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance; +1 ATK vs. TB2 UEoMNT (GoD) SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter) [HR][/HR] [I][B]TORIQ[/B], with a quick glance at the carnage of timber at Nemo's feet, turns and immediately charges to where she last saw Dryope and where their wounded foe has fled. Concentrating on picking off their opponents one by one, she hopes she is not falling into wishful thinking when she senses the return of the dryad's essence moments before, near her beloved's treasured tree. On her way to her wounded prey, the halforc begins to rush past the as-yet-unwounded twigblight on her way, then stops. "You may serve as my prey," she growls, slamming it heavily with her sword, greatly disabling it by snapping one of its wooden legs. [/I] Move 4 squares to O4 Standard Action: Weight of Earth vs. TB1: r15 + 7 + 1 GoD = 23 vs 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r4 + 4 = 8, and TB1 is Slowed UEoTNT Free Action: Nature's Wrath: Marks TB1 LOCATION: O4 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB1: 8 HP CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: TB1 Marked by T & Slowed UEoTNT CURRENT HP: 21/30 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +1 ATK VS. TB2 UEoMNT SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/10; 1 AP remaining (0 available this encounter) [HR][/HR] [B][I]END OF ROUND; ENEMIES REMAINING: TB1 in P3 (20/28, Slowed, Marked by T), TB2 in S4 (3/28)[/I][/B] [HR][/HR] [B][I]ROUND THREE[/I][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1702927681906.png"]340529[/ATTACH] [I][B]THE TWIG BLIGHT[/B] nearest Toriq whispers something unintelligible to her, a raspy sound like dry leaves against a dead branch, "Dreeadari kuth maleeni!" [The others understand it completely, despite its unusual intonation of Elven: "Your Dryad will die!"] Then it simply fades from sight. Reflexively, Toriq stabs out with her longsword where it stood but seconds ago, but it has moved off, closer to its objective. Toriq's keen ears and Mylistra's elven sight can discern evidence of its location. Meanwhile, the [B]SORELY WOUNDED BLIGHT[/B] also disappears and moves into the bramblewood underbrush, hoping its foes will lose track of it. But the rustling of the underbrush gives way its location.[/I] TB1 Standard: Invisibility: becomes invisible USoNT [B]Invisibility[/B] (illusion) ✦ [B]Recharge[/B] when the blight uses blighted claw [I]Effect:[/I] The blight becomes invisible until the start of its next turn. Move: 2 sq (Slowed) P3 to Q5 [location known to M & T]. TRIGGERS OA FROM T MBA r4+7-5 invisible=6 vs 16 AC. Miss. Stealth to hide as part of move, r(1)+10=11: exceeds J&N passive Perception scores, fails vs M&T TB2 Standard: Invisibility: becomes invisible USoNT Move: 5 sq S4 to R9. Stealth to hide as part of move, r(2)+10-5 move more than 2=7. Fails vs all passive Perception scores. LOCATION: TB1 in Q5 (hidden from J&N), TB2 in R9 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: na CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HPS: TB1 20/28, TB2 3/28 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Both invisible USoNT, TB1 Slowed and Marked by T UEoTNT, TB1 hidden from J&N [HR][/HR] [I]From her vantage point in one of the brambles on the other side of her Tree, [B]DRYOPE [/B]can see the two blights blink out of view and feels a pit in her stomach. The dryad immediately strides her way closer - yes, to danger - but more importantly her allies and her beloved. They will protect her. As she makes her strides, her anxiety causes her to rustle the leaves around her, and she can sense eyes on her, both visible and not.[/I] Move Action: Treestride: teleport 8 squares to A14; Skill Stealth check to hide in brambles: r9 + 8 = 17 Move Action: Treestride: teleport 8 squares to D6; Skill Stealth check to hide in brambles: r4 + 8 = 12/Fail against most CURRENT LOCATION: D6 CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 1/1 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Hidden from anyone with Passive Perception 12 or less [HR][/HR] [I]Focusing on the spot where she is fairly certain the gravely wounded treeblight has moved to, [B]MYLISTRA [/B]moves cautiously forward into place, prepared for any surprises. No surprises appear to be in order, so she makes her vicious glare at that space (only feeling slightly foolish) and makes her mark. There is a rustling sound of snapping branches, but the witch is not convinced she has succeeded until the broken body reveals itself. Looking up towards Toriq and the little halfling, she sees a flicker of movement as the branches are obviously brushing against something unseen. "There, child," she cries out to Nemo, "just step forward: it's between you and the brambles. You can't miss it! You won't miss it!" This last she says with her hand, palm up, beseeching her Goddess.[/I] Move Action: 6 squares to N7 Standard Action: Gaze of Defiance on TB2: r13 + 4 + 2 HW - 5 total concealment = 14 vs. 14 Will/Hit; Damage: roll + 4 psychic = enough to kill: [B]TB2 KILLED[/B] Minor Action: Favor of the Gods (Enc): CBU3, Target one creature in the burst: Nemo; Effect: next time N misses with an attack roll before the end of M's next turn, N can reroll that attack roll. N must use the new result, even if it is lower. LOCATION: N7 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB2: at least 4 HP/[B]TB2 KILLED[/B] CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 18/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: +2 ATK ends; Nemo Favor of the Gods SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 6/8; 0 AP remaining [HR][/HR] [I][B]JENDI [/B]hears Mylistra's melodious alto call out instruction to Nemo and looks over to where she says the remaining blight is. Scanning around the landscape and mentally thinking through his bag of tricks, he decides to try one of his newer "tricks," using the bramble bush as the focus. He's fairly certain he won't accidentally hit his diminutive friend! Holding his staff aloft, he sweeps his free hand in a wide arc, ending with a finger pointing at the spot around which he plans the shower of blue-white molten metal droplets to fall and catch any invisible creatures attempting to hide from them. Watching the argent rainshower and hearing the sizzling of burning plant matter - not to mention smelling seared wood - assures him that his ardent rain hits its mark. Smiling with satisfaction, he takes a few steps toward his muse and into his own concealment.[/I] Standard Action: Argent Rain: ABU1 within 10 squares: R6; Target each creature within the burst; ATK vs. TB1: r18 + 4 = 22 vs. 16 Ref; damage: r3 + 4 + 5 Vulnerable Fire = 12 Fire Damage; effect: the burst creates a zone that lasts USoJNT. Any creature that enters the zone or ends its turn there takes 5 Fire damage. A creature can take this damage only once per turn. Move Action: Move 4 squares to N10, activating Shadow Walk concealment UEoJNT LOCATION: N10 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: 12 Fire Damage to TB1 CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 12/26 BLOODIED CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Concealment UEoJNT (Shadow Walk) SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 8/8; 0 AP [HR][/HR] [I]Startled when he realizes that the elegant dark elf is addressing him, [B]NEMO [/B]looks at the brambles ahead of him and the strange silver metal rain falling and takes a step forward. He immediately is able to sense a creature in front of him, although it is still hidden from his sight. But something in the air tells him that luck is on his side: his mother used to claim he couldn't actually sense such a thing, but whenever she scolded him about it, the boy would look to his father who'd lay a finger to the side of his nose and give Nemo a wink and a smile of solidarity. And now he sensed it again. With a sly flourish of his dagger, the young halfling finds his hidden foe and - as he did earlier, but with less fanfare - he slices and dices, slashes and ... smashes? Well, he has never claimed to be a poet ... yet! And soon, there at their feet is a small pile of scorched twigs and broken sticks, along with a lingering sense of magical animation dispersing.[/I] Move Action: Shift 1 square to P5 Standard Action: Sly Flourish vs. TB1: r17 + 9 + 2 CA (Cunning Stalker) - 5 total concealment = 23 vs. 16 AC/Hit; Damage: r1 + 7 + r3,6 Sneak Attack = 17 HP; [B]TB1 KILLED[/B] LOCATION: P5 DAMAGE TO ENEMIES: TB1: 17 HP/KILLED CONDITIONS TO ENEMIES: na CURRENT HP: 19/24 CURRENT DE/BUFFS: Duelist's Prowess Stance; Favor of the Gods UEoMNT SURGES/ACTION POINTS: 5/7; 1 AP remaining (O available this encounter) [HR][/HR] Before the party takes a short rest, [B]MYLISTRA[/B] casts Healing Word on Toriq: 7 (Surge) + r2 = 9 HP healed. [HR][/HR] [B]COMBAT OVER.[/B] [/QUOTE]
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