Rescue at Rivenroar (Game Thread Continued)

[VennDygrem]

With a renewed surge of vitality, Dunor thrashes at the remaining zombie with his weapon, summoning his last reserves of strength in order to fight the thing off. At the corners of his vision, his old, lost friend flickers in and out of sight; while he is visible, he seems to point out the most vulnerable parts of the creature.

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I go into a Berserker Rage...

So, despite being prone and grabbed, the walking corpse is also prone and should grant CA, canceling out my -2 to attack and allowing me to get sneak attack damage in.

To that end, I'll use Riposte Strike to attack Walking Corpse 4:
Attack: 1d20(15)+9=24
Damage: 1d6(6)+2d6(4,4)+6=20 damage and if he hits me or an adjacent ally (Vigilante Justice Style), I can make a Strength-based attack in retaliation.

By the way, if an attack of mine makes my foe bloodied, I'll use Press the Advantage as a free action to make another attack:
Attack: 1d20(12)+9=21
Damage: 2d6(1,3)+6=10 damage

And I'll ACTION POINT!
Funneling Flurry vs. Walking Corpse 4:
Attack: 1d20(7)+8=15
Damage: 1d6(4)+5=9 damage, and I slide the enemy 1 square (to M8 if grab doesn't disallow forced movement)
Hit or miss, I'll mark the enemy.

If I am allowed to slide it with Funneling Flurry, I'll stand up. If not, no big deal.

I'll also use Sneak in the Attack as a minor action;
Until the start of my next turn, any ally who has CA against the enemy and hits it deals 2d6 bonus damage to it.

[Melblen_Cairn]

The savage nature of the swipes drives the mindless undead creature backward. The break of the zombies grip on the large warrior allows him to stand back up uneasily.

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Confirmed the forced move does end the grab. The first attack bloodied the zombie so you second attack is allowed.

Thespias channels all his emotions of the day into a building storm. Unleashing the furry into a burst of lighting at the remaining undead. The forking energy blasts the Zombie into sever parts and sends it flying into opposite corners of the room.

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Standard Action = Lightning Strike on Zombie (vs REF) [1d20+5] = 13+5 = 18 for damage [1d8+11] = 2+11 = 13

Honor Guard Fight Ends!

Map of the Honor Guard's Patrol

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Zombie
Medium Natural Animate (Undead)

Zombie Lore
Most zombies are created using a foul ritual. Once roused, a zombie obeys its creator and wants nothing more than to kill and consume the living.

Ghoul
Medium Natural Humanoid (Undead)

Ghoul Lore
Humanoids that indulge in or resort to cannibalism become ghouls when they die. Ghouls are also created through rituals. When a creature transforms into a ghoul, all the cares, concerns, and goals of its former life are washed away in an undead pulse of ravenous longing.

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Zombie
Medium Natural Animate (Undead)

Slam (standard; at-will)
+6 vs. AC; 2d6 + 2 damage.
Zombie Grab (standard; at-will)
+4 vs. Refl ex; the target is grabbed (until escape). Checks made
to escape the zombie’s grab take a –5 penalty.
Zombie Weakness
Any critical hit to the zombie reduces it to 0 hit points instantly.

Zombie Lore
Most zombies are created using a foul ritual. Once roused, a zombie obeys its creator and wants nothing more than to kill and consume the living. Corpses left in places corrupted by supernatural energy from the Shadowfell sometimes rise as zombies on their own. These zombies have no master and generally attack all living creatures they encounter.

Ghoul
Medium Natural Humanoid (Undead)

Claws (standard; at-will)
+12 vs. AC; 1d6 + 4 damage, and the target is immobilized (save
ends).
Ghoulish Bite (standard; at-will)
Target must be immobilized, stunned, or unconscious; +10 vs.
AC; 3d6 + 4 damage, and the target is stunned (save ends).

Ghoul Lore
Humanoids that indulge in or resort to cannibalism become ghouls when they die. Ghouls are also created through rituals. When a creature transforms into a ghoul, all the cares, concerns, and goals of its former life are washed away in an undead pulse of ravenous longing.

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Zombie
Medium Natural Animate (Undead)

Immune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant

Slam (standard; at-will)
+6 vs. AC; 2d6 + 2 damage.
Zombie Grab (standard; at-will)
+4 vs. Refl ex; the target is grabbed (until escape). Checks made
to escape the zombie’s grab take a –5 penalty.
Zombie Weakness
Any critical hit to the zombie reduces it to 0 hit points instantly.

Zombie Lore
Most zombies are created using a foul ritual. Once roused, a zombie obeys its creator and wants nothing more than to kill and consume the living. Corpses left in places corrupted by supernatural energy from the Shadowfell sometimes rise as zombies on their own. These zombies have no master and generally attack all living creatures they encounter.

Ghoul
Medium Natural Humanoid (Undead)

Immune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant

Claws (standard; at-will)
+12 vs. AC; 1d6 + 4 damage, and the target is immobilized (save
ends).
Ghoulish Bite (standard; at-will)
Target must be immobilized, stunned, or unconscious; +10 vs.
AC; 3d6 + 4 damage, and the target is stunned (save ends).

Ghoul Lore
Humanoids that indulge in or resort to cannibalism become ghouls when they die. Ghouls are also created through rituals. When a creature transforms into a ghoul, all the cares, concerns, and goals of its former life are washed away in an undead pulse of ravenous longing.

Status
Dunor @ L6 | Hit Points = 9/36 | Heal Surge = 2/8 | AP = 0 |  DMI = 3 | Misc : | Cond : Temp Hit Points = 3; Bloodied
Thespias @ K5 | Hit Points = 30/30 | Heal Surge = 3/6(7) | AP = 2 | DMI = 3 | Misc : Bold (+5 to save vs. Fear effects); Nimble Reaction (+2 to AC vs. AoO's); Storm Soul Resist - 5 (Lightning, Thunder) | Cond : Delaying until after Dunor Saves against stun;Temporary Hit Points = 2; Filth Fever (Initial Phase - 1 healing surge lost)
Tulugaq @ N5 | Hit Points = 35/35 | Heal Surge = 9/10 | AP = 3 |  DMI = 3 | Misc : | Cond : Temporary Hit Points = 4; Shadow Walk (Concealment)
Walking Corpse 1 @ K7 | Hit Points = Down 41 | Misc : | Cond : Regeneration 5; Dead (Again)
Walking Corpse 2 @ L7 | Hit Points = Down 45 | Misc : | Cond : Regeneration 5Dead (Again)
Walking Corpse 3 @ M6 | Hit Points = Down 46 | Misc : | Cond : Dead (Again)
Walking Corpse 4 @ M8 | Hit Points = Down 52 | Misc : | Cond : Regeneration 5;Dead (Again)
Intelligent Undead 1 @ K6 | Hit Points = Down 68 | Misc : | Cond : Regeneration 5Dead (again)
Intelligent Undead 2 @ M5 | Hit Points = Down 67 | Misc : | Cond : Dead (Again)
Shandien @ J6 | Hit Points = 23/34 | Heal Surge = 2/9 | AP = 1 |  DMI = 2 | Misc : Resist - 5 (Lightning), 2 (Cold, Fire, and Thunder); | Cond : Aegis of Shielding (Ghoul); White Lotus Repost; White Lotus Defense; Immobilized
Galadren @ K7 | Hit Points = 16/30 | Heal Surge = 4/7 | AP = 0 |  DMI = 3 | Misc : Low-Light Vision (negates concealment in dim light conditions); Wildstep (Ignore difficult terrain when shifting); | Cond :
Tanthalus @ M4 | Hit Points = 37/37 | Heal Surge = 3/7 | AP = 3 |  DMI = 3 | Misc : Low-Light Vision (negates concealment in dim light conditions); Wildstep (Ignore difficult terrain when shifting); | Cond : Temporary Hit Points = 4;

[Inspectre]

Galadren finally allows himself to relax as the last undead is blown apart and Dunor rises to his feet - looking the worse for wear, but still alive and in relatively one piece.

"Well, that certainly was unpleasant.  You alright Dunor?  Still in one piece?"

[Nanshork]

Tanthalus nods, satisfied with himself.  Another death would have been unacceptable.

[Melblen_Cairn]

"I think I speak for everyone when I say, lets get the nine hells out of this place!" Thespias blows a heaving sigh, "I definitely need a pint or three."

[VennDygrem]

Dunor heaves deep breaths as the surge of combat-induced frenzy subsides. Red fades to black around the edges of his vision.

"I... I'm done w-with this... p-place... It's t-taken too much... I think... I think... I'm done..."

The warrior drops his weapon to the ground. The two blades, which had previously been bound hastily together to support its function as a double-sided sword, had mostly come unraveled as combat tested the tensile strength of the bindings. The clatter rings dully on the stone floor as the steel of the blades fall by the man's feet.

He then staggers a step forward, immediately falling to his knees and hands. Sweat and blood drip hotly against the stone, and the warrior struggles to hold his frame up. Fatigue grips him, wrenches the strength from him. The blackness bleeds further into his vision.

Looking up into the middle distance, as time stretches out in this otherwise brief moment, Dunor sees Dalanath. His friend, fallen in combat not long ago, says nothing. The figment nods once to Dunor, deeply and solemnly, before sheathing its blades and turning, then walking away into a distance that seems to stretch far further than the edges of the room.

The blackness consumes the rest of Dunor's surroundings as the remainder of his strength gives out, and he collapses to the ground.

[Nanshork]

Tanthalus rushes to Dunor as soon as he collapses and checks his vital signs.  He looks to the others, obviously relieved.  "He's not dead, just weak from what he went through.  He needs better care than he can get in this place."

[Melblen_Cairn]

Shandien moves to the warriors side and motions for someone else to help with the larger warrior and with Sertanian's body, "Lets get him up and out of here. We have other people to take care of as well"

[bhu]

Ill keep an eye open for bad guys

[Melblen_Cairn]

The group makes its way slowly through the catacombs, retracing their steps the find the stairs up and eventually reaching fresh air. Even the extreme warmth of the recent heat wave is a welcome change to the damp darkness below. You quickly find the camp you set aside for the haggard prisoners you liberated.

Collapsing to the ground for a much needed rest the group sits around a low fire generated from the magical flint Galadren holds. You recount the loss of Sertanian to the expectant former prisoners.

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You may take an Extended Rest here. If you have anything to do during the rest please make note of it. Everyone affllicted with Filth Fever must make Endurance checks after the rest to see if they get better or worse * I think this is just for Thespias and Mirtalla the baker).

After the rest everyone's EXP is at 2024. I am assigning the quest exp right now too so it doesn't have to wait until later only to have you add it. So you are just shy of level three due to some missed exp early on in the adventure that some of you weren't around for. We can take care of that in the start of the next adventure.

[Melblen_Cairn]

Eightday, First Ride of Eleasis

After a night of rest around the low fire and Tanthalus' attentions does much to mend the party's body and spirits, even Dunor seems in better shape than his near death experience would indicate. The dawn sees a slight sunlit drizzle and much cooler temperatures than has been seen in the past couple weeks, as if something in the cosmos has been put right again. Still the journey back is slow going with this many folk unaccustomed to such treks in the wilds and carrying the dead.

Eventually your troop begins to see signs of civilization again. A farm dotting the landscape here and there. You take refuge for the night before making the final leg of the journey into Loudwater.

Nineday, First Ride of Eleasis

A few hours travel this morning and you arrive at the gates of Loudwater. Word spreads quickly of your return and soon many gather as you return the townsfolk to their homes and families.

Councilman Troyas and his assistant, as well as the acting Guard Captain, guessing your destination to return the stolen artifacts meet you at the Hall of Great Valor. A few of the others on the town's council have also turned up amongst the crowd that has gathered. As you approach Eoffrym  Troyas address the gathering.

"Our heroes return to us victorious, returning both our friends and neighbors as well as our artifacts and treasures." he calls out loucdly

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Tanthalus Heal Check (Treat Disease) on Thespias [1d20+11] = 8+11 = 19

[Nanshork]

Tanthalus took care of his companions and the rescued townspeople as well as he could, knowing that the death of Sertanien is on his hands and trying to ensure that he is not responsible for the death of anyone else.  He's grimly proud that Dunor is still alive, though it took every last ounce of the power he channels from Amaunator.  He knows that Dunor will get over his near death experience and the life he continues to live is worth more than any afterlife he might enjoy.  His satisfaction also extends to purging the ruins of the evil that was within it.

During their travels back to Loudwater he pays special attention to Jalissa in an attempt to help her regain her independence.  She is a lovely young woman, but he has found his calling and she is too soft and gentle to be a part of it.  Perhaps if Sertanien hadn't died due to his hubris....



Once they arrive, Tanthalus grits his teeth at being hailed as a hero who successfully returned the townsfolk.  It just twists the knife in the wound that is his failure.  He doesn't say anything however, waiting for one if his more brash companions to speak up first.

[Inspectre]

Galadren kept up the charade that Thurnan's father was still alive on the way back to Loudwater.
Considering that he had already told the boy that his father had gone on ahead back to town before them, it was easy to maintain the lie, but it ate away at him.
All he had to do was find a cleric skilled enough to return the dead back to life - it had been a relatively simple task back in Galadren's day, provided that the dead had only been gone for a few days.  He owed his old friend that much to at least try to reunite him with his son.
If it proved impossible, then he would tell the boy.

But first, it seemed that they needed to put on a show for the people of Loudwater - the heroes' triumphant return and all that.
Galadren was used to such ceremonies - enjoyed them even, provided they were not carried too far - and saw nothing wrong with all the townsfolk getting the comforting message that they were safe now.
So he played his part in the show to come for the town's benefit, and certainly took no joy whatsoever in being the center of attention for a little while.

Stepping forward, Galadren raises his hands, waving at the crowd as he approaches the councilman.

"Fear not people of Loudwater!  Your neighbors are returned home!  The enemy who threatened you is beaten - their leader slain, their warriors scattered, and their citadel cleansed!  You are safe once more!"

[bhu]

I lay low.  I am no one's hero, and I know it well enough.

[VennDygrem]

Dunor was quiet. He had taken to being quiet as of late, but his brush with death had cemented his dour mood by reminding him just how much he had lost in such a short period of time.

The man holds up a hand at the councilman's greeting, cautioning against overdoing the congratulations.

"Please, we have done what we could. I am only sorry to report it was not an ideal success. Any victory we enjoy today was hard-won, and paid-for in blood and heartache. We are happy to return some of your townsfolk and artifacts, but we have less to deliver than we had initially hoped."

His cold blue eyes scan the town's nearby buildings. He is in powerful need of a bath, and his equipment is either torn to tatters or taken directly from the dead. Aside from that, he decides, a warm meal would be quite welcome, indeed.

[Melblen_Cairn]

"Nonsense, You have done our town a great service." Troyas says aiming his comments not only at you but alos at the councilmen and women who opposed his initial ideas of using adventurers to solve their problem. "Please, let us move inside and replace the relics to their displays inside and speak further."

[Inspectre]

Galadren follows the council into the building, explaining as he goes.

"I'm not sure if we managed to recover all of the town's relics, but we searched their base of operations thoroughly.  So if something is not here, then it was carried off into the wilderness by one of the despoilers and left there."

[Melblen_Cairn]

"It appears you have brought back most if not all of what was missing. Though I am no expert. The only one that could identify those object was Sirtanien." Troyas says with a frown as you all step into the main hall where most of the displays are. "Loudwater needs to celebrate something. To bring spirits up. Their losses have been great over the last tenday."

Two guards appear with a chest from another door and approach the group.

"As promised, 200 gold pieces for the return of the prisoners and another 200 for the return of our relics from our past." the councilman says as Susteen opens the chest for your inspection.

[Melblen_Cairn]

"I will need a few days to figure out where to go from here anyhow. I will stay for your feast." Shandien puts in.

[Melblen_Cairn]

Troyas waits for the rest of your approvals. "Splendid. Susteen here will see to your arrangements. The councilman says before turning to his assistant, "Ensure those members of the village we lost have a proper burial and ceremony with the appropriate faiths."

Some townsfolk arrive to restore the relics to where they remember them being. It appears you have found them all as the shields, standard, ceremonial sword, dragon helm and gauntlets are all returned to display columns.

The few days go by in a hurry, with repairs to the town underway and autumn months not far off. Heroes of Delimbyr Vale day is celebrated with a large feast not only honoring those of the past Red Fist war but the new heroes of the day and remembering the fallen of both battles long past and recent. Noticeably absent from the event is Lady Moonfire when all the other Council members have turned out for the festivities. Also absent from town is the group of well known adventurers Blood's Brothers who were a few days before going to meet with her. Some revel long into the night. Some depart for their homes early. Eventually the party ends.

The next few weeks sees the town mostly restored and they prepare for harvests and other fall necessities. All of which would not have come to pass if it was not for the efforts of you brave few.