BK
01
CH
10
SC
08

The Mouth of the Sleeper
The Bloody Seer

…continues from Book #01, Chapter #10, Scene #07

Synopsis

1st Day of Tarsakh in the Year of the Sudden Journey
Battling at the summit of the white face adorned hill in the Coilwood, the heroes manage to overcome a force of orcs and the reappearance of strange black creatures. Exploring the domed chambers within they force open a secret door, and are besieged by a statue. Dusting themselves down they continue to explore further below and stumble upon a bloody figure. The eyeless figure seems to have more than thoughts in its head.

For a chapter summary please see Chapter #10 Summary.

For an appendix detailing the locations of “The Mouth of the Sleeper” and a full map, please see Chapter #10 Appendix.

Cast List

Khalin Grundokri

7th Level Male Dwarven Marshal (Warlord)

Kireth Majere

7th Level Male Half-Elven Arcanist (Wizard)

Tradden Aversward

7th Level Male Human Weaponmaster (Fighter)

Zero Uhlit

7th Level Male Human Scoundrel (Rogue)

Beltak Ancaron

Scribe of Pelor (NPC)

Scene Length

This scene starts on Monday 22nd September 2014 and is expected to be completed by the end of Wednesday 31st December 2014.

Players are expected to be able to post at least once a day.

SEP
22

Combat
Initiative Block

I

Round #07

Combat Encounter Completed


Creatures in Play:

[29] Kireth HP: 48/48 48

[20] Tradden HP: 42/63 60,63,57,43,36,31,62,55,51,44,37,54,37,63,41,26,13,46,42 5 temp hp

[19] Khalin HP: 56/56 54,56,42,56

[16] Zero HP: 40/55 55,45,40

[15] Beltak HP: 45/47 45


Removed from Play:

[24] Black Creature #01 Dmg: 103 0,13,22,41,54,92,103

[18] Black Creature #02 Dmg: 107 0,6,17,30,41,60,65,76,83,94,107

[Sp] Black Creature #03 Dmg: 99 0,13,23,40,55,78,82,99

[Sp] Black Creature #04 Dmg: 86 0,13,23,34,43,60,65,81,86

[Sp] Seer Dmg: 77 0,17,36,49,59,77

[Sp] Black Creature #05 Dmg: 90 0,6,17,41,61,75,82,90

SEP
22

Combat
Battlemap

BM
Battlemap: The Bloody Seer
SEP
22

Combat
Features of the Area

AF

Illumination: Torchlight.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth, who had been monitoring Khalin’s bumbling questions with mild amusement, was first to react to the new threat. Perhaps because he was almost certainly expecting it to turn out this way… why wouldn’t it?

Over the shoulder of Zero and round the side of Tradden and Khalin he could see the threat quite clearly. Thankful that there were three chunks of meat between him and the foe, he opened up his account with a bang.

[Force Orb]

[Primary Attack vs Seer’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 28] - hits!

[Damage: 2d8+5: 17]

[Area Burst 1 centred on Seer] with [Damage: 1d10+5: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 28] - hits!

[Damage: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 18] - misses!

A ball of force shot from Kireth’s staff and exploded in the man’s chest with a crackle. It knocked the figure backwards, leaving it standing only by the virtue of the chains that held it in position.

Slivers of the ball cascaded outwards, slicing into the table and the black creatures that surrounded the figure. The one to the south seemed unharmed, but cuts of black amorphous flesh were stripped from the one to the north, the pieces slapping against the wood and iron of the torture pieces around the room.

Combat
Black Creature #01

Barely noticing the impact of Kireth’s spell the creatue to the north began to form into a more solid shape — humanoid at best, perhaps mimicking an orc at worst, with one arm a long length of black, solid and sharp at the edges like a sword.

It took one quick stride forwards, trying to gain ground.

[Shift: E]

Settling itself between Khalin and Tradden it pulsed and glistened before bringing its newly-formed sword arm down on the young fighter.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14: 22 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - misses!

Khalin saw the attack coming long before Tradden had his own swords ready and nudged the young fighter to the left with his shield. The black extrusion passed inches from Tradden’s shoulder and slapped into the stone floor with a ring.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Starting to move sideways, Tradden chided Khalin as he brushed behind him.

[Pass Forward]

[Move: N, NW]

‘If this kind of thing is going to happen every time you speak to someone, maybe I should do the talking from now on?!’

The fighter punctuated his sentence by striking out at the creature, banking on the fact that it was now flanked and so would be exposed.

[Melee Basic Attack - Frost Longsword]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #01: 1d20+12+2: 27] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+7: 9] and [Marked]

Tradden’s sword cut across the creature’s back as it whirled to face him.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

‘I’m not in a position to argue,’ sighed the dwarf as he raised his shield once more and wound up his hammer. Turning towards the creature to his left, Khalin delivered his opening salvo…

[Melee Basic Attack - Craghammer]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+10: 16] - misses!

Distracted by the sudden appearance of the black creatures, Khalin’s initial swing was wide of the mark, smashing down into a wooden torture table, splinters flying everywhere.

Combat
Black Creature #02

The black creature in front of Khalin dropped from the table, circling warily in front of the seer, with its arms held out in before it.

[Shift: N]

As it moved its left arm thinned, solidified, and lengthened, before it whirled and struck out at the warlord.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14: 17 vs Khalin’s AC (22)] - misses!

Khalin’s raised shield took the blow, sparks flying off the metal as the thin arm swept around.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Zero fumbled a bolt quickly into his crossbow, taking a quick step forward before pulling the trigger…

[Fleeting Spirit Strike]

[Shift: W]

[Primary Attack vs Seer: 1d20+9+2: 22] - hits!

[Damage: 2d6+4: 10] plus [2d8: 9 sneak damage] and [Bloodied]

[Shift: SW, S, SW]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 34] - critical success!

[Zero is hidden from all enemies and gains Combat Advantage]

Barely before the bolt hit home, thudding into the frail figure’s shoulder with a sickening crunch, the rogue was off, darting between a table strewn with stained leather straps and pools of dark dried liquids and what was likely to be an iron maiden, slightly ajar.

Scampering between a pair of them, he slid behind the table, ducking down to take a breath.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

With Zero clearing the way, Beltak moved quickly alongside Kireth, and then past the mage, his symbol out before him in a steel grip.

[Move: W, W, W]

‘Back you abominations!’ he called with a voice as steady as his hand. ‘Back to wherever you come from, shrivel before the light.’

As he neared Khalin’s back a burst of searing radiance exploded from the symbol, covering everything within the chamber.

[Beacon of Hope]

[Close Burst 3]

[Burst Attack vs Seer’s Will: 1d20+8: 12] - misses!

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Will: 1d20+8: 25] - hits!

[Weakened until end of next turn]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Will: 1d20+8: 21] - hits!

[Weakened until end of next turn]

[Tradden regains 3 hit points]

[Khalin regains 2 hit points]

[Healing powers for Beltak provide additional 5 hit points healing]

It burned into the black creatures, steam rising from their pulsing flesh, and they both looked to stagger.

The wave swept over the others in the room, but instead of heat or pain, it drove energy and vigour into their bones.

Combat
Seer

The seer shrieked with the pain from Zero’s bolt, trying to search out the rogue with sightless eyes. He pulled at his chains with little effect as he attempted to lurch to his right, sniffing the air between his cries.

With a sharp tug he yanked out the bolt from his shoulder, shouting in pain. He did not cast it aside, but brought it to his nose and lips. With a shudder of revulsion he cast it down, letting it skitter away across the floor.

‘It is…’ he began to rasp, before another wrack of pain cascaded across his body. It pushed him forwards, bending over, as his back transformed into a black cloud of shimmering flesh.

Three great polyps of black boiled out of the seer’s back, tumbling onto the floor behind him, before rising up from the ground.

They were smaller than the ones that had leaped from his eye sockets, but looked more nimble and swift.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Despite the ongoing battle, Kireth allowed himself a wry smile as Beltak had pushed passed him. He admired the cleric’s abilities, they were not just impressive but essential to the group’s survival.

Yes, he respected the “ability”, but not the faith. Faith like his was blinding, so absolute, it closed itself to all other possibilities. “Shrivel before the light”? Pah, did the fool not realise it was light such as his deity’s that helped create the shadows that creatures such as these crawled from.

Kireth understood that all too well.

Still… Kireth raised his staff. ‘Try this light.’

[Shock Sphere]

[Area Burst 2 centred on G4] with [Damage: 2d6+5: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Seer’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 28] - hits!

[Damage: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 19] - misses!

[Half Damage: 6]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #04’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 13]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #05’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 11] - misses!

[Damage: 6]

A shaft of crackling electricity arced around the side of his comrades and shattered against the desk behind the seer, exploding in a cascade of energy.

The seer took the brunt of the force, along with the creatures behind him, the tendril of lightning running up and down their black torsos.

Combat
Black Creature #01

Thin arcs of lightning still curled around the shoulders of the creature nearest Tradden, casting an eerie glow across the room. It seemed to be little disturbed by the energy, concentrating on its shape and lengthening the weapon at its side before swinging it around in a lazy arc at the young fighter’s legs.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14: 26 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d10+4: 12]

[Damage reduced to 6 due to Weakened]

Tradden did his best to leap the blade arm, but the creature caught him just the same. The blow was soft, though, weakened by the prayers that Beltak had summoned, and barely took the young fighter out of his stride.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Tradden had big plans. Great plans in fact. They basically involved using some trademark fancy footwork to lure the creature nearest to him closer to the iron maiden, whilst jumping up on the nearby table, then leaping off, planting two feet on the creatures chest, forcing him back into the spiky torture device before casually slamming the lid shut. All with his usual panache, of course!

However, then all these other creatures had shown up and suddenly it seemed a lot of work to, maybe, get rid of one of them, and something tugged at the back of his mind — a fast developing tactical voice which urged him to look at the bigger picture.

‘Ugh!’ he exclaimed, in frustrated teenager fashion, before moving towards the centre of the throng, abandoning as he did his previous flanking position.

[Pass Forward]

[Move: SW]

Brandishing Narcissus, his elegant frost longsword, high into the air he bellowed a challenge to the room at large.

[Come And Get It!]

[Close Burst 3] with [Damage: 1d8+3: 10]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Will: 1d20+12: 16] - misses!

[Marked]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Will: 1d20+12: 13] - critical miss!

[Marked]

[Burst Attack vs Seer’s Will: 1d20+12: 21] - hits!

[Cannot Pull] and [Damage: 10] and [Marked]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Will: 1d20+12: 25] - hits!

[Pull: E, NE] and [Damage: 10] and [Marked]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #04’s Will: 1d20+12: 20] - hits!

[Pull: E, NE] and [Damage: 10] and [Marked]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #05’s Will: 1d20+12: 28] - hits!

[Pull: NE] and [Marked]

The clean, white light of the sword seemed to enrage some of the creatures, the seer straining at his chains with a scream and the smaller black creatures swarming over the furniture to get at the young fighter.

The larger two creatures seemed unconcerned with the whirl of Tradden’s sword, but the others were so intent on reaching him that he was easily able to cut across them in a simple arc.

Combat
Black Creature #03

One of the smaller creatures, now in close range of Tradden, thrust out an appendage, a black arm-like writhing tentacle, that quickly solidified into a short, but sharp, point. It had the young fighter flanked, the larger of its brethren behind Tradden.

Whilst Tradden gradually realised his predicament and went on the defensive, the thing slipped past his defences and aimed a low strike.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 22 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5] plus [2d6: 9 sneak damage]

The thrust went under Tradden’s blade and cut across the top of his thigh, a stinging blow that drew a yelp.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin surveyed the scene. Impressed by Tradden’s flurry of attacks the dwarf adjusted to trap one of the monstrousities between himself and the young fighter.

[Shift: NE]

Winding up Aecris, Khalin swung the mighty craghammer. The spiked head of the weapon arcing gracefully but brutally up towards the target’s exposed back.

[Warlord’s Strike]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #01: 1d20+10+2: 21] - hits!

[Damage: 2d10r2+7: 19]

[Allies gain +2 to damage against Black Creature #01 until end of next turn]

There was a satisfying noise as the hammer met its mark, but the cresture barely broke its stride.

Combat
Black Creature #04

Pulled in towards Tradden’s twin swords, the small black creature had little room to maneouvre.

The young fighter had it pinned atop a crumbling coffin with nowhere to go where it would be able to avoid the blades’s edges.

Its only option was to attack. Claws of sharp ebony began to lengthen and strengthen upon its arms and it swung at the fighter.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 20 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - misses!

Whether through luck or Tradden’s good judgement, the rotting coffin collapsed as the creature swung and the attack came up short.

Combat
Black Creature #02

The creatures were swarming all over Tradden now, black swirling fog enveloping the young fighter as he fended off the limbs and claws of the things.

One of the larger creatures drew back its huge arm and swung the sharp edge at the fighter as his attention was turned elsewhere.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14: 34 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - critical hit!

[Damage: 1d10+4: 14]

[Damage reduced to 7 due to Weakened]

If it had not been for the energy of Pelor’s gift running through Tradden’s veins, bestowed by Beltak, then the cut might have sliced the young fighter in two. As it was, he managed to slide to one side, turning it merely to a glancing blow.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Zero popped his head above the torture table, nose wrinkling at the stains before him. The black creatures were swarming all around Tradden and Khalin, but Zero’s eyes focussed on the frail chained figure, the Seer if he was not mistaken.

‘Maybe if I take that wretch down, the black things will disappear?’ he thought, before loosing a bolt.

[Gloaming Cut]

[Primary Attack vs Seer: 1d20+9+2: 15] - hits!

[Damage: 1d6+1: 6] plus [2d8: 12 sneak damage] and [Dead]

[Shift: W, W]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 33] - success!

[Zero is hidden from all enemies and gains Combat Advantage]

He was up and scampering to his left before the bolt hit home, sliding behind another of the stained tables. He knew the bolt had struck without looking, as the Seer’s piercing screams turned to a bubbling murmur and then to silence as the bolt punctured his throat.

Poking his head up briefly, Zero watched the Seer fall backwards onto the lectern, held in place by his chains, still and lifeless.

The black creatures did not, however, disappear, and the rogue cursed his luck.

Combat
Black Creature #05

Despite the fall of the Seer the black creatures continued to writhe and slash with their false blades.

The one furthest from the battle was drawn by Tradden’s taunts, clambering up onto the lectern and atop the prostrate Seer’s body with little care.

[Move: E]

From above it struck out with its arm, trying to avoid Tradden’s blades and cut the young fighter with one of its own sharp claws.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 24 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5] and [Bloodied]

He’sd been able to hold them off for a while, but now they were all around him it was difficult for the young fighter to stop the cuts and slashes from counting. A long red welt appeared on his cheek and Tradden could feel his strength waning.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

Despite the cloying attentions of the black creatures upon Tradden, Beltak was not undeterred.

‘The Light will help you, Tradden,’ the young scribe uttered, before taking a small step to the side.

[Shift: S]

Beltak began another prayer as he moved, holding out his symbol towards the young fighter, which grew with a divine radiance. As the priest fulfilled his prayer the light sprayed out in a web across the room, covering Tradden and the creatures around him.

[Light of Arvandor]

[Area Burst 1 centred on Tradden] with [Damage: 1d8+5: 11]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Will: 1d20+8: 20] - hits!

[Damage: 11+2: 13] and [Bloodied]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Will: 1d20+8: 20] - hits!

[Damage: 11]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Will: 1d20+8: 28] - critical hit!

[Damage: 13] plus [1d6: 4 critical radiant damage]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #04’s Will: 1d20+8: 22] - hits!

[Damage: 11]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #05’s Will: 1d20+8: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 11]

[Tradden and Khalin gain +2 AC until end of Beltak’s next turn]

The light cut into the creatures, fizzing and popping against their oily black skin. Black goo dripped from one of the larger creatures, but the rest still seemed to be strong.

Beltak kept his eyes on Tradden and mouthed another short prayer.

[Healing Word]

[Tradden spends a Healing Surge and regains 2d6+15+4+5: 31 hit points]

[Tradden is no longer Bloodied]

Vigour and strength flowed back through Tradden’s limbs once more as the web of light faded.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth could always tell when Tradden was in trouble, he “shut up”. The quiet determination from the young fighter informed Kireth that some help was very much needed.

The lad needed some breathing space and, if all went well, that was what the mage would try and provide. Closing his hand into a fist, he eyed up one of the black creatures and threw his best punch.

[Spectral Ram]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Fortitude: 1d20+9: 13] - misses!

[Push: W, W, W]

The pulse of force was visible from Kireth’s hand as it shot across the room — a shimmering sphere that punched into the creature’s chest.

It dissipated somewhat, however, just making the creature stagger back, stumbling over the wooden sarcophagi on the floor until it struck the wall, rather than it being blasted back with force as the mage had hoped.

Combat
Black Creature #01

The larger creature between Khalin and Tradden seemed to writhe and shake in frenzy after Beltak’s light had struck it. Its movements were quick and jarring, thrashing from side to side as a black haze slowly spread out around it.

[Berserker Aura]

It seemed to have no will to strike out at either the young fighter or the dwarf, but did not move away from its position lest Tradden strike it down.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

‘Whoa…; that’s odd…’ commented Tradden as everything went, well, fuzzy. Not dark as such, just a bit wobbly around the edges. Khalin might have been saying something but he couldn’t quite tell. Everything was muffled.

The fighter’s hands tightened around the pommels of his swords. ‘Focus!’ he hissed to himself.

This was all routine — you bring them in, and then force them back out again. Buy time for the others to do their thing…

[Sweeping Slash]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Reflex: 1d20+12+2: 23] - hits!

[Cannot Push] and [Marked]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+12: 20] - hits!

[Push: S] and [Marked]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #04’s Reflex: 1d20+12: 22] - hits!

[Push: NW] and [Marked]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05’s Reflex: 1d20+12: 18] - misses!

[Marked]

Two of the creatures staggered backwards as Tradden’s blade lashed out — one scrambling onto one of the torture tables and the other toppling over the empty coffins.

Despite the bizarre fogginess that had beset him, Tradden’s combat instincts still held up, telling him that the creature between him and Khalin was the weakest link here. That was the target. That was where the follow up must be.

[Sweeping Slash]

[Secondary Attack vs Black Creature #01: 1d20+11: 13] - misses!

[Shift: NE]

The follow up stab was wild, though, missing the black abomination by some distance.

Having done all that Tradden hopped up on top of the table to his left, hoping to limit the lines of attack to him, and knowing that Khalin would move in step to ensure the creature remained flanked.

[Pass Forward]

[Move: W]

Up on the table, Tradden grimaced at the stained leather straps and rusting iron buckles beneath his feet, kicking out and sending the straps flying into the face of the creature still before him.

Combat
Black Creature #03

Pushed back against the wall the aberrant appeared to seethe — limbs flailing and black skin pulsing.

Instead of charging back into the fray, however, it began to flick solid egdes of black away from its body as it moved slowly forwards.

[Dagger Dance]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 33 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - critical hit!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Shift: E]

[Secondary Attack: 1d20+13: 24 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

[Shift: E]

[Tertiary Attack: 1d20+13: 29 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Quaternary Attack: 1d20+13: 25 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Shift: E]

The thin slivers sliced into Tradden as the creature advanced, cutting into his back and haunches as he struggled to stay balanced upon the table.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

‘Stay with me, lad!’ called Khalin as he noticed Tradden’s concentration waver slightly under the flurry of strikes.

[Inspiring Word]

[Tradden spends a Healing Surge and regains 2d6+15: 17 hit points]

[Last Legion Officer: Tradden receives +2 to AC and Reflex until start of next turn]

As he spoke the dwarf sidled deftly to his left to flank the creature before him — the young fighter was continuing to develop a canny understanding of the dwarf’s tendencies in battle — time to make it count then.

[Shift: S]

Using his momentum to add power to his strike, the dwarf swept his mighty hammer round in a vicious arc towards the creature…

[Shielded Assault]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #01] - interrupted!

…but seemed to lose his direction as he turned. The dark haze around the creature flooded into Khalin’s nostrils, nauseating and disorienting the dwarf, spinning him in a couple of turns…

[Berserker Aura]

[Khalin targets a random creature]

[Odds to hit creature, Evens to hit Beltak: 1d2: 1] - hits creature!

’until he slammed into something solid, connecting with a great impact, flames shooting up his arms and billowing around the hazy figure before him…

[Shielded Assault]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #01: 1d20+10+2: 32] - critical hit!

[Damage: 2d10r2+7: 27] plus [2d8: 6 critical damage] plus [1d6: 5 flame bracer fire damage]

[+2 AC to self and adjacent allies until end of next turn]

As the fog in Khalin’s mind settled he was relieved he had managed to make contact with the black creature, and not the scribe at his back.

The creature’s skin fizzled and popped as the fire gradually faded, but the creature did not fall.

Combat
Black Creature #04

Righting itself from being pushed across the debris strewn across the floor, the creature furthest to the north flew back at Tradden.

[Shift: E]

Closing in on the young fighter, it circled around until it saw some advantage, the young fighter trying to defend against both it and the other larger creature at his back.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 15 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - misses!

Tradden span around with a flourish, though, slapping the creature’s clumsy attack away with his shortsword.

Combat
Black Creature #02

From atop one of the torture tables the other large creature leaped down with a crash before Khalin.

[Shift: NE]

With both Beltak and Khalin before it, it took a moment to decide whether to slash out at the scribe, that had caused such pain with his light, or the warlord, who’s hammer and fire had weakened its mate so severely.

The dwarf appeared to be the greater immediate threat and it swung out with its hardened limb.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14-2: 30 vs Khalin’s AC (22+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d10+4: 14]

The edge caught Khalin a little by surprise, cutting across his chest with a flourish of pain.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Buoyed from his last successful shot, Zero quickly loaded his crossbow from behind the safety of the torture table. There were a few scattered words and a shrill prayer from Beltak, but the fight was mainly a series of muffled thumps and clashes of steel.

Darting out from his hidey-hole, the rogue quickly mastered the scene. Tradden was under pressure and needed his help. Resting his arm on the stained table he quickly let fire…

[Gloaming Cut]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #03: 1d20+9+2: 23] - hits!

[Damage: 1d6+1+2: 4] plus [2d8: 11 sneak damage] and [Bloodied]

[Shift: NW]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 17] - failure!

The bolt buried itself deep in the creature’s back and it writhed, seemingly in pain. Stepping out from behind the table, however, was a mistake, the rogue’s boot crushing down on some flimsy bones and the nearest creature whirled in his direction.

Combat
Black Creature #05

The creature nearest Zero had the rogue in its sights. Zero’s mistake at coming from behind the table was pounced upon as the creature forgot all about the blades of Tradden and lurched towards the startled rogue.

[Move: W, SW]

Tradden was powerless to intervene as the creature headed off, its arm waving in front of it in a deathly arc. It was on Zero in a moment, slashing and cutting at the rogue’s chest and face.

[Dagger Dance]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13-2: 15 vs Zero’s AC (19)] - misses!

[Shift: SW]

[Secondary Attack: 1d20+13-2: 19 vs Zero’s AC (19)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5]

[Shift: SE]

[Tertiary Attack: 1d20+13-2: 25 vs Zero’s AC (19)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5]

[Shift: E]

[Quaternary Attack: 1d20+13-2: 14 vs Zero’s AC (19)] - misses!

It danced around as it struck the rogue, four swift cuts opening slashes in Zero’s silks and forcing him to stagger.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

With his back against a rusting iron maiden and one of the creatures in front of him, Beltak had little choice. Trying to move away from the abomination would surely draw a slash or two from the thing, and he couldn’t leave Khalin’s side in battle.

Drawing his mace back he took a swing’

[Healing Strike]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+6: 24] - hits!

[Damage: 2d8+1: 13] and [Marked]

[Khalin spends a Healing Surge and regains 14+4+5: 23 hit points]

The mace smashed into the brute’s shoulder with a burst of light that lifted Khalin’s spirit.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth’s right hand slipped beneath his robe and quickly pulled forth a worn leather book. Despite its size, the half-elf handled it with the ease and dexterity of the very best “fast fingered” street conjurer, flipping it open and, as if by default, finding the exact page he required.

[Book of Undeniable Fire]

[Kireth swaps Wizard’s Fury for Fountain of Flame]

His eyes blazed over the page with speed, his lips mouthing the words silently. The mage’s eyes darkened for a moment, an acknowlegement to this new information, before slowly opening to reveal an almost flame like essence now burning within them.

‘Ektele Runya!’ he called above the noise of battle, pointing a bony finger over the head of Khalin.

[Fountain of Flame]

[Area Burst 1 centred on G6] with [Damage: 3d8+5: 23]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 23]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #01’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 15] - misses!

[Half Damage: 11] and [Dead]

[Burst Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+9: 19] - misses!

[Half Damage: 11]

[Kireth creates a zone of fire.]

[Enemies entering or ending their turn in the flame take 5 damage]

The flames in Kireth’s eyes were mirrored with a burst of flame from the middle of the black abominations. A cascading fountain of flame appeared from nowhere, bursting over their slick black bodies, spitting and popping where the fire met flesh.

The largest of the creatures fell, the flames consuming it within moments, whilst the screams of the others and the stink of their burning skin left everyone no doubt of the pain they were in.

Kireth’s magic left a burning floor, the flames slowly catching on the wooden sarcophagi.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

The magical flames leapt out of nowhere to suddenly fill Tradden’s whole view to his left. Was the fire hot, or cold?

Kireth had changed the battlefield and Tradden realised he had a split second to make an important decision’ However, first things first.

[Surprising Stab]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #03’s Reflex: 1d20+12: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 4] and [Grants Combat Advantage] and [Marked]

[Secondary Attack vs Black Creature #03: 1d20+11+2: 21] - hits!

[Damage: 2d6+7: 17] and [Dead]

Through the haze and swirl of the flame the creature saw a longsword cut out at head height, and dodged to one side — only to find Tradden’s shortsword already there and travelling in the wrong direction. A twist of the wrist and the stabbing motion became a gouging motion, and a large section of the fiend’s side was wrenched from its body.

It fell into the flames, now just food for the magical fire.

Tradden then made his decision. The decision to trust Kireth…

[Shift: SE]

Vaulting backwards off the table, performing a tucked half-pike in the process he landed squarely on two feet… in the flames at the edge of the inferno!

For a moment the flames coiled up around the young fighter’s calves, threatening to burn and singe, but only for a moment. Kireth’s dark eyes flashed and Tradden was free, revelling in the eerie glow of the flames that licked up around his legs.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin’s visage broke into a vengeful grin as he saw the enemy writhe and scream in the eldritch flames. And when Tradden vaulted into the midst of the blaze the warlord let out a roar of satisfied laughter.

Now no stranger to magical fire himself, Khalin ploughed into the inferno himself with unbridled glee. The satisfying strike moments ago had restored his self-confidence and he felt the joy of battle take hold once more.

[Shift: SW]

But while the red mist had descended the warlord had not forgotten the tactics of battle, and while the melee looked to be turning the allies’ way, the advantage must not be squandered. He angled his leap to the left of the nearest creature, neatly trapping it between himself and Tradden.

The mighty hammer Aecris felt like an extension of the dwarf’s arm as he swung it provocatively once more, letting it swing a full circle, goading the creature, before viciously launching the spiked head forward…

[Provoke Overextension]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+10+2: 31] - hits!

[Damage: 2d10r2+7: 19] and [Bloodied]

[Black Creature #02 must make a Melee Basic Attack vs Khalin]

[Khalin gains +3 to AC vs this attack]

[+2 AC to self and adjacent allies until end of next turn]

The blow caught the creature at its shoulder, dragging the black abomination close up to the dwarf where the warlord had left his shield to one side, his belly and chest too tempting a target.

The creature couldn’t resist and swung out its arm…

[Black Creature #02: Melee Basic Attack - Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+14-2: 26 vs Khalin’s AC (22+2+3)] - misses!

[An ally of Khalin may make a basic attack with +3 to damage rolls vs this target]

The feint by Khalin worked well, the dwarf swinging the shield across and into the flank of the creature as it struck, knocking it off balance and presenting Tradden with an opportunity too good to miss…

[Tradden: Melee Basic Attack - Frost Lomgsword]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+12+2: 15] - critical miss!

The young fighter did miss, though, swinging wildly through the fire and missing the creature by some distance.

Combat
Black Creature #04

Seemingly at the fringe of the melee, the creature to the north of the room made sure it was part of the action, skirting quickly around the table to confront Tradden from his rear.

[Move: E, SE]

As the young fighter was cursing his last clumsy swing, the creature pounced with a flurry of blows.

[Dagger Dance]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 22 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5]

[Secondary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 33 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

[Tertiary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 29 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

[Quaternary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 27 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

The blows were not heavy, but they came thick and fast, each one slicing across Tradden’s body and opening a thin river of pain.

Combat
Black Creature #02

Flanked by the young fighter and the warlord with Beltak to the side the creature had little place to go.

It squirmed for a moment as its black flesh rippled and then a mist of black seemed to spread out from its body, permeating the air and turning the flames at its feet into a sickly grey.

[Berserker Aura]

Kireth knew that his flames were unaffected, but could see that Tradden and Khalin looked unbalanced, nauseated and somewhat unaware of their surroundings. Even Beltak looked distracted and a little confused.

[Kireth: Fountain of Flame]

[Black Creature #02 takes 5 fire damage]

The flames licked around the black legs of the creature, its skin fizzing and popping.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

The barrage of blades was far too much for Zero. The rogue was already off balance and out in the open and he did not like his situation too much. The others were over the far side of the room, lit up by the eldritch flames that Zero supposed Kireth has summoned.

He felt he only had one option, to move, and to move quickly.

[Fleeting Ghost]

[Move: N, …] - interrupted!

As the rogue moved away the creature swept an arm out across his midriff…

[Black Creature #05: Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 19 vs Zero’s AC (19)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 5]

The cut sliced across Zero’s side as he backed away, but did not stop the rogue’s movement.

[Fleeting Ghost]

[Move: …, NE]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 33] - success!

[Zero is hidden from all enemies and gains Combat Advantage]

Feinting to turn to the right, he pretended to trip, before ducking down behind the other side of the torture table, next to the lectern with the seer’s book. Rolling to one side he peered above the edge of the table at a confused creature, before letting fly with a bolt.

[Unbalancing Shot]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05: 1d20+9+2: 31] - critical hit!

[Damage: 2d6+4: 9] plus [2d8: 12 sneak damage] plus [1d6: 3 critical damage] and [Slowed]

The bolt struck the creature square in the chest. knocking it back a little towards the far wall. Its movements looked stilted as though the strike had knocked some important nerve.

Combat
Black Creature #05

Confused, staggered and stilted, the creature looked down at the bolt protruding from its chest. It was hard to tell if there was any expression upon its black and oily face, but perhaps the eyes grew even darker.

It looked around, spotting Zero at the far side of the table, but seemed powerless to close the gap quickly.

[Move: W, N]

Having to come around the side of the table in its stilted state prevented the creature from reaching Zero. A snarl erupted from its lips as the creature’s limbs refused to help it bridge the gap.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

Next to the flames, Beltak was struggling to clear his mind. The dark haze the surrounded the creature before him was clouding his judgement. It seemed unclear whether the creature was to the east of him or to the north.

The scribe knew Khalin was there somewhere and did not want to hit the dwarf, so stepped backwards to try to give himself room to think.

[Shift: SW]

As Beltak moved away his head began to instantly clear. He could see Khalin directly in front of him now, protecting him with his shield. One of the creatures stood in the centre of the fire between the dwarf and Tradden, and Beltak began to pray.

[Lance of Faith]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+8: 24] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 11]

[Tradden gains +2 to attack Black Creature #02 until end of next turn]

A brilliant ray of light burst from Beltak’s holy symbol and flared against the abomination’s shoulders. Sparkles of light hung around the creature’s torso, guiding Tradden’s view.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth considered the field of play as it now stood. He could certainly fan the flames a while longer but in light of how the foes had dispersed it would seem more of a hinderance than help right now.

[Fountain of Flame: Dispel Flame]

Casually waiving his hand before him he allowed the flames to die. The creature stood directly in front of Kireth seemed badly injured, so much so that a little nudge from the mage might be all that was needed to free up his colleagues for the remaining two.

[Magic Missile]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02] - automatic hit!

[Damage: 2+4+1: 7]

The ball of force slammed into the creature’s midriff, crackling against its black skin, but the creature still stood.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

All remained rather murky and groggy for Tradden. It was like being drunk at night, but in the daytime when you hadn’t actually drunk anything. That was no way to be at all.

However, the divine assistance from Beltak allowed him to focus on all that really mattered — the creature right in front of him. That said, perhaps the one behind him shouldn’t be ignored either…

[Dual Strike]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02] - interrupted!

But through the murk was that the creature in front of him or behind him? Or was that Khalin, or even Beltak. The young fighter wasn’t sure…

[Berserker Aura]

[Tradden targets a random creature within range]

[Tradden targets Black Creature #04]

…but it was too late for him to change his mind, the strike was already thrust…

[Dual Strike]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #04: 1d20+12: 20] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+3: 9] and [Bloodied] and [Marked]

[Secondary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+11+2+2: 29] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+3: 9] and [Marked]

The fuzzy, warming target marker worked a treat, lighting up the fiend just enough to Tradden to chop at it with his longsword.

Even if it was the wrong target.

At the same time, Tradden stabbed under his own arm with his shortsword, hoping to strike at the creature he knew was behind him.

Although it was in front of him.

The black haze that surrounded him was certainly having a strange effect.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin watched Tradden’s strikes with some shock, and the coin finally dropped. Raising his hammer in a defensive posture this time, the dwarf glanced to his left, where Zero had regained his own composure.

Now pointing the hammer at the reeling creature immediately before him, the warlord called out in a sonorous voice:

‘Zero! Dispatch this abomination!’

[Direct the Strike]

[Zero has a Basic Attack vs Black Creature #02]

From behind the lectern a portly face peered out briefly, followed by the thrum of a firing bolt.

[Zero: Ranged Basic Attack - Hand Crossbow]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02: 1d20+9: 29] - critical hit!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 10] plus [1d6: 1 critical damage]

The bolt took the creature at the base of the neck and the thing writhed with pain — the dark fog billowing out in clouds as it squirmed.

The dwarf saw Tradden was still on his feet if still dazed. ‘Keep it together, Tradden. Behind you!’

[Inspiring Word]

[Tradden spends a Healing Surge and regains 2d6+15: 27 hit points]

[Last Legion Officer: Tradden receives +2 to AC and Reflex until start of next turn]

There was a roar back from the young fighter and an over-elaborate twirl of his blades.

Combat
Black Creature #04

With Tradden squarely between itself and its comrade the black creature the north of the room spared no time, cutting swiftly at the young fighter’s back with a flurry of blows.

[Dagger Dance]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 23 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Secondary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 28 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

[Tertiary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 29 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Quaternary Attack: 1d20+13+2: 30 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

Before Tradden could swing his blades around to counter the blows the creature was in and drawing blood.

Combat
Black Creature #02

As the one creature distracted Tradden from the rear, the larger one pounced, slashing at the young fighter’s flank as he desperately fought to fend off the short, sharp blows.

[Swordarm]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+16+2: 32 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d10+6: 15] and [Bloodied]

Combined with the flurry of cuts from the first creature the second blow took the wind out of Tradden’s renewed vigour.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Still reeling from the creature’s attack, Zero scrambled backwards, through the middle of the two wooden sarcophagi and threw himself to the side.

[Fleeting Ghost]

[Move: N, N, NE]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 31] - success!

[Zero is hidden from all enemies and gains Combat Advantage]

For a moment he could see the confusion on the creature’s face as he peered above the wooden slats of the coffin and took his time to take a good bead.

[Gloaming Cut]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05: 1d20+9+2: 23] - hits!

[Damage: 1d6+1+2: 8] plus [2d8: 12 sneak damage] and [Bloodied]

[Shift: W]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 19] - success!

[Zero is hidden from all enemies and gains Combat Advantage]

As the bolt struck, spewing black effluent from the creature’s neck, Zero rolled to the side and ducked down behind another of the coffins, hoping he was invisible to the thing’s next move.

Combat
Black Creature #05

Wildly shaking its head the black creature snapped the bolt from its neck and look around furiously for the rogue.

It stepped forwards, searching him out, but seemingly with no luck. It turned and looked over at the melee towards the eastern half of the room and gradually picked up speed, intent on breaking through the throng with the mage in its sights.

[Move: N, NE, E, E, …] - interrupted!

Tradden was wise to the creature’s movement, however, not even letting the thing get close to the mage, striking out as it tried to speed past.

[Tradden: Melee Basic Attack - Frost Longsword]

[Opportunity Attack vs Black Creature #05: 1d20+12+2: 28] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+7: 14] and [Marked]

[Black Creature #05’s movement is stopped]

The thing roared as Tradden’s blades barred the way and it turned its fury on the young fighter.

[Dagger Dance]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+13: 21 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - misses!

[Secondary Attack: 1d20+13: 23 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 7]

[Tertiary Attack: 1d20+13: 18 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - misses!

[Quaternary Attack: 1d20+13: 29 vs Tradden’s AC (21+2)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 6]

The creature’s arms slashed across his torso and Tradden no longer knew if it had been a good idea to stop the thing in the first place.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

At the back of the melee Beltak shouted ‘Hang on in there, Tradden!’ as he started to mumble a short prayer.

[Healing Word]

[Tradden spends a Healing Surge and regains 2d6+15+4+5: 33 hit points]

[Tradden is no longer Bloodied]

The flow of energy into Tradden’s limbs was immense, the light from Beltak’s holy symbol of Pelor flowing through the murky fog and filling the young fighter with renewed vigour despite the many cuts and bruises he had suffered.

Beltak kept on his chanting, though, lifting the symbol even higher until a brilliant beam of light spewed out from its centre and struck the largest creature upon its flank.

[Lance of Faith]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #02’s Reflex: 1d20+8: 26] - hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 13] and [Dead]

The light was far too powerful for the creature to resist and the thing shrivelled and withered, hissing and popping as it melted before them, the dark fog lifting.

Combat
Kireth Majere

For the first time in this encounter, Kireth moved down the corridor and into the small room.

[Move: W, W]

Quarters were fairly tight inside and many of the mage’s area affecting spells would surely cause as much injury to his comrades as they would his foes.

Surely the battle was entering its final stages anyway. The creatures were scorched, smashed and cut all over. There could be little fight left in them, although, he suspected, there would be no surrender.

‘To the end then,’ said the half-elf raising his staff.

[Magic Missile]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05] - automatic hit!

[Damage: 2+4+1: 7]

The missile exploded against the abomination’s chest and it staggered, but did not fall.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Tradden winced from the various cuts and slices he had been taking throughout the course of the battle. “Pincushion” was not the word for it. Actually, that was exactly the word for it. Ouch!

Something had to be done to get these creatures ended, sooner rather than later. What was it his mother had always told him his father had said, “High risks bring high rewards”? Something like that.

He slid past the creature in front of him, vaulting onto the table so as to avoid its long reach.

[Pass Forward]

[Move: ] - interrupted!

The only problem with that approach was that it left his back exposed to the other monster, which did not need a written invitation…

[Black Creature #05: Melee Basic Attack - Swordarm]

[Opportunity Attack: 1d20+14: 27 vs Tradden’s AC (21)] - hits!

[Damage: 1d4+3: 4]

Another puncture wound to add to the collection.

[Pass Forward]

[Move: NW]

Still, it got him where he needed to be, and with a yell of exertion Tradden leapt forward, both feet together and sole forwards. Planting them firmly in the chest of the twisted creature he pushed with all his might, thigh muscles straining to their maximum to force the creature back into the iron maiden!

[Bull Rush]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #04’s Fortitude: 1d20+7: 26] - hits!

[Push: E] and [Marked]

[Black Creature #04 receives saving throw to avoid dangerous push]

[Tradden shifts into the vacated space]

[Black Creature #04 Saving Throw vs Dangerous Push: 1d20: 1] - critical failure!

The thing shrieked as it was thrown back against its will.

[Shift: E]

Tradden tumbled off the table, landing unceremoniously in front of the torture device, the door open before him. He was just thinking about how he was actually going to close the door when it slammed shut of its own accord.

The shriek of the caged abomination changed in pitch as there was a definite and satisfying “squelch” as the spikes did their grim work, piercing its body from head to foot.

[Iron Maiden]

[Damage: 2d6+5: 17] and [Ongoing 5 damage] and [Restrained]

Perhaps the design of the machine seemingly was to close automatically when a certain weight was attached, perhaps it was the momentum of the creature landing it it — Tradden didn’t care, and simply let out a limp ‘Woo–hoo!’ with as much vigour as his body would let him.

Starting to get himself to his feet he called to the others. ‘Get the other one — I will try keep this fellow boxed up!’

The race was on — could he get to the door and brace it shut before the creature could get out?

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin couldn’t help but be impressed by the fighter’s spirit. Despite the hail of steel around him the young human was, as ever, irrepressible.

The fight was indeed turning, but it was not over yet. With the fog cleared the dwarf swung at the nearest creature once more, looking to shorten the enemies numbers once more…

[Melee Basic Attack - Craghammer]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05: 1d20+10: 15] - misses!

The creature somehow parried the blow, but the warlord used his momentum to carry him between it and Kireth before calling to the mage.

[Shift: N]

‘Kireth, I’ve got this one. Help Tradden!’

Combat
Black Creature #04

There was a fearful rattling from inside the iron maiden as the black abomination struggled against the door.

[Iron Maiden: Ongoing Damage]

[Black Creature #04 takes 5 ongoing damage]

Tradden could spy a dark viscous liquid seeping underneath the crack at the bottom of the iron maiden’s sealed door and pushed with all his might. The thing shook with the violence of the struggle inside as the creature tried its best to push against the door and the weight of the young fighter to set itself free.

[Escape]

[Athletics Check: 1d20+10: 23 vs Tradden’s Fortitude (22+2)] - failure!

Tradden could feel his feet slipping beneath him as he pushed back on the thing. Bracing his leg against the table behind he just managed to keep the door shut and the creature trapped.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Zero breathed a sigh of relief as he eluded the black thing, but knew he had only made it angry. The door of the iron maiden slamming made him poke his head over the top of the coffins, and he could see only the creature that had attacked him in the middle of the melee.

Tradden was leaning against the iron maiden’s door — surely this was no time to take a rest?

Zero scowled and then took a shot at the last remaining creature.

[Gloaming Cut]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #04: 1d20+9+2: 14] - misses!

[Shift: W]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+14: 15] - critical failure!

In his haste the rogue fluffed the shot, sending the bolt spiralling towards the far wall, just missing Beltak, as Zero stumbled over the coffins sending splintering rotted wood across the room.

Combat
Black Creature #05

Battered and staggering, the creature in the centre of the melee seemed to pause, considering its options. Although it was vicious and seemingly uncaring about its own health, it was not without intelligence.

The dwarf was the nearest target, swinging wildly with his craghammer. Close by was a mage of sorts and a warrior to its north held its comrade captive. Somewhere was the fat crossbowman, probably near the coffins judging by the latest noise of breaking wood.

Getting its partner out appeared to be the most effective way to finish this, so the creature moved towards Tradden, avoiding Khalin’s swings.

[Shift: N]

The creature threw its weight against the young fighter, hoping to push him away from the iron maiden’s door.

[Bull Rush]

[Primary Attack: 1d20+10+2: 27 vs Tradden’s Fortitude (22)] - hits!

[Push: NE]

[Black Creature #05 shifts into the vacated space]

With Tradden’s attention on the door he didn’t see the creature coming, expecting Khalin to have pressed the wounded thing back. The creature barrelled into him, sending the young fighter flying back into the small brazier in the corner, scattering sparks and ashes.

The abomination grabbed the door and pulled it open.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

As the creature sprung forwards, pushing Tradden out of the way, Beltak knew he had to react. He quickly raised his symbol and uttered a prayer.

[Sacred Flame]

[Primary Attack vs Black Creature #05’s Reflex: 1d20+8: 20] - hits!

[Damage: 1d6+5: 8] and [Dead]

[Tradden receives 5 temporary hit points]

The creature exploded in the ray of light, sending splatterings of black inky flesh across the room. The light engulfed Tradden in the corner, lifting his spirits and reaffirming his resolve.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Combat was nearly always a fast paced, frantic affair but the last few moments seemed even more so: persons diving off tables, doors slamming shut, things going “squelch”, dwarves barking orders, little fat blokes randomly firing bolts, doors opening, and creatures going “poof”.

The thought of casting a spell in the midst of this madness was… madness.

[Move: NW, N]

Kireth launched himself the few feet across the room to occupy the space ever so recently vacated by the black abomination.

Staring at him out of the maiden was the remaining, slightly mangled, creature. ‘Crap,’ uttered the mage as he instinctively slammed the door shut.

[Iron Maiden]

[Strength Check vs Black Creature #04: 1d20+3+2: 20] - success!

[Damage: 2d6+5: 16] and [Ongoing 5 damage] and [Restrained]

The creature tried to resist but Kireth’s wiry strength somehow overpowered it.

Back now against it, heels forced into the floor, Kireth called upon his fellows. ‘Umm, a little help here?’

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Tradden regained his balance and shrugged off the effects of the push into the corner, stepping forwards to help Kireth.

[Move: W]

He look frantically at the front of the iron maiden, hoping for some sort of lock or bar, but could not find anything that looked particularly familiar. The tables might have worked at a push, but the young fighter decided that the best course of action was simply to try to hold the door shut with his brute strength.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

‘Nice work, Beltak,’ acknowledged the dwarf before hurrying across to aid Kireth.

[Move: N]

The warlord pressed his bulk against the doors, welcoming a break in the fighting despite the exertion.

Combat
Black Creature #04

Despite being restrained within the box the creature continued to thrash and pound inside, hoping to make its way out. The trio in front of the door kept pressing hard, though, and the abomination struggled to make any headway.

[Iron Maiden: Ongoing Damage]

[Black Creature #04 takes 5 ongoing damage] and [Dead]

After a few seconds, but what seemed like an eternity, the rattling and pushing stopped. A dark pool of the black viscous liquid began to gather around the bottom of the iron maiden, enough to make Kireth step out of the way to avoid the stuff despoiling his robes.

The others gradually drew back and the door swung open. Black oily flesh hung from some of the spikes, but most of the creature seemed to have been consumed by its thrashing and turned to the liquid.

Kireth sniffed, and turned back to the centre of the room as though the melee had been but a minor inconvenience.

‘So, what do we have here?’ he enquired, looking over at the lectern.

Combat
Completed

CO

[Combat Encounter Completed]

Combat
Short Rest

XP

Healing Surges

Healing Surges are applied.

[Khalin spends 0 healing surges (6 left) to get to 56/56 hit points]

[Kireth spends 0 healing surges (5 left) to get to 48/48 hit points]

[Tradden spends 2 healing surges (0 left) to get to 63/63 hit points]

[Zero spends 1 healing surge (5 left) to get to 53/55 hit points]

[Beltak spends 0 healing surge (1 left) to get to 45/47 hit points]

Encounter Powers

All encounter powers are recharged.

Milestones

Milestone reached, 1 Action Point Awarded.

Experience

Experience awarded.

[Khalin gains 427 xp to reach 12,395 xp]

[Kireth gains 428 xp to reach 12,382 xp]

[Tradden gains 426 xp to reach 12,403 xp]

[Zero gains 426 xp to reach 12,401 xp]

Levelling

No one is ready to progress.

Combat
Completed

End

[…continued in Book #01, Chapter #10, Scene #09…]