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Shining Force Central Forums > RPG Gallery > Shining Force: The Chaos War Part III

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat May 26, 2007 5:05 am
"Leviathan," the Wizardess called, turning to the members of the squadron she was newly chosen to lead. Her heart was beating so hard she could feel it practically on her ribcage as it pounded between each worried breath she took. Bringing her eyes on each of them for a moment, she turned to face the battlefield once more. "Insurmountable odds seem nothing new for us," she spoke without turning. "Our charge this time may be the most important piece of the battle strategy; there is no room for failure. I will bring us to the designated location to set the stone, and from there...well, we will see." She turned. "We must not fail. I trust that you understand that, and I trust that you will stop at nothing to see that we do not."
Sorel's expression is placid and stern. He lifts his staff and swings it forward. "Move out!"
The group begins shuffling forward, moving deeper into the canyon.
"Enough, for doom or destiny, we act…" Cedric declares, drawing his mighty weapon with a grim light in his eyes, "Advance from the west and the south, let us strike down this foe of all that is good."
He then urges his steed forward.
Anri pauses for a moment, apprehension on her face as she grips the simple oaken staff she now carries with her.
"You all right?" Max asks.
"It's... fine. I'm fine," Anri says, moving forward.
As the group moves deeper in, a low rumbling is heard.
The canyon walls shake slightly before the sound lessens and you realize what the sound is.
Laughter.
The sound seems to come from all around, people turn their heads everywhere trying to discern the location.
Cedric glares at the mocking sound issuing from the very earth, yet he presses on undaunted.
"So predictable..." the voice murmurs in a mocking tone. "I knew you would come... And I see... you brought the mighty mage-queen..." the voice trails off into another dark chuckle. "Your blood... is MINE now!" the voice roars as a giant flaming form streaks from the sky to slam into the ground in front of the Megiddo door.
Xadoss rises and the flame around him dances with fury.
"As is your whole. Misbegotten. WORLD!"
Xadoss: http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Rusty/213outrageous.mp3

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 26, 2007 5:08 am
"Xadoss!" A voice cries out in defiance, the hammer of the paladin hold forth in challenge alight with sacred power, "How many times must you be beaten like a dog before your brother grows weary of stretching out his hand to preserve you?!" The champion of Mitula is wreathed by a shining aura, palpable divine might surging through his mortal frame. He urges his noble steed forward, lifting Storm's Wrath into the heavens as it erupts with lightning.
[Ride: 12 + 11 = 23 : Guide with Knees]
The mighty charger gallops towards the great evil before it, across the barren corrupted ground and through tangible waves of dread, with resolve matching that of its rider.
Cedric AND his horse fly back ten feet, knocked to the ground. Xadoss chuckly darkly, flames writhing across a stony fist as Cedric nears him.
[57 damage, 20 of which is fire]
[Knight said something about Mass Resist Energy(Fire) earlier but for now I'll take the whole bit waiting on a post.)
(I don't believe that Don would be opposed to this. I can certainly add in any flavor he wishes. Sorry for not waiting... But...I can't do the killing alone...)
That elven archmage whose name I cannot spell chooses this moment to teleport the unit under her command to before the Strife Lord.
[Castor now stands 25ft directly in front of Xadoss with the rest of the squad to his right.]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 26, 2007 6:07 am
Damas weaves magic about him, a chant on his lips. He speaks the final word of power and points at Xadoss. The area around him becomes unbelievably frigid, and sharp and pointed ice balls come at him from all directions. [Freeze 4 cast; SR Roll: 15 + 14 = 29
Damage: 8+2+5+7+11+8+4+5 + 24 = 74 cold]
-----
Kayla moves as far as she can towards Xadoss.
[Double move; Kayla moves 2 squares Northeast, 14 squares North, 2 squares Northeast, and 4 squares North.]
-----
Kethra moves to flank Xadoss with Lisa and attacks.
[Tumble: 5 + 21 - 10 = 16
Attack: 13 + 10 (BAB) + 4 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) + 2 (Flank) = 29
Damage: 7+4 + 4 (Str) + 10 (Orb) = 25 electrical
I doubt that hit but I posted damage just in case ^ ^]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat May 26, 2007 6:23 am
Anri moves forward, a chant on her lips as an icy wind begins to swirl around her. Her voice rising, she shouts the last word of power and points at Xadoss. A gleaming bluish white orb of energy forms at her fingertips. ((Save made, 27 cold damage to Xadoss after all reductions.))
Xadoss growls as the ice dampens his flame.
"Little witch, do you honestly think to stand against me?" Xadoss booms. "You can still feel the touch of our will on yours, can't you... Little queen..."
: "Still your tongue!" Anri shouts. "You and your brothers have destroyed my kingdom! You... You warped my mind!! Whether I die or live, I'm not your tool anymore!"
"Young queen... FOOLISH queen... We didn't destroy your kingdom... YOU did..." Xadoss rumbles. "Not that it matters... You'll be joining your dead subjects soon..."
:"Xadoss!" Lisa shouts, raising her sword high. The silvery blade glows with golden radiance, power crackling along its edges. "Pay for you sins!"
Lisa dashes forward, the glow from her sword growing in brightness as she reaches the titan and screams a battlecry, leaping into the air to bring her sword down on him. Lisa's sacred sword cuts a deep gash in Xadoss shoulder, causing the fiend to bellow in rage as golden light dances around the wound. The roar soon turns to laughter.
((Hit. 43 damage to Xadoss.))
"What is this? Is this a fight or a royal ball? I'm counting two queens, a prince, and a village chieftess among you. Hahahaha... Wonderful!" Xadoss booms.
: "Shut up! You think this is a joke? Your doom is here!" Lisa shouts, falling into a combat stance as she lands from her jump attack.
"Oh? My doom? Delightful. You couldn't defeat the Darkness, can you stand against me? I'm sure all your dead subjects have the utmost faith in you, or at least the ones stuck in that sword do," Xadoss says, chuckling.
: "I'm already standing against you, monster," Lisa hisses.
"Then come, queen of a dead star. Test your might..." Xadoss booms.
: "For Algol!" Lisa shouts, power crackling around her.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 26, 2007 6:33 am
A trail of blood running from his mouth, the battered holy knight struggles to remain on his steed as the warhorse strives to regain its footing after the mighty blow. The eyes of the paladin turn from glaring spitefully at the fell giant before him as the holy warrior leaps forward and launches her own attack. His eyes widen slightly at the words she exchanges with the fiend, a flicker of comprehension and sorrow appearing in his eyes, "…a dead star…"

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat May 26, 2007 8:38 am
((Oh ffs Temporary buff list Aurik Extended Elation (+2 STR/DEX, stacks with enhancement, +5' mov) Mass Shield of Faith (+4 AC)
Mass Bear's Endurance (Scroll)
Mass Bull's Strength (Scroll)
Divine Protection (+1 AC, stacks)
Divine Power
Rhizor
Mass Cat's Grace (Scroll)
Mass Resist Energy (Fire) (Ignore 10 points of fire damage)
Animal Growth
Nature's Favor
Bite of the Werebear
Summon Nature's Ally VII (3 Huge Orglashes)
Mahler
Silverbeard (don't ask how that works)
Mass Bull's Strength (Belt)))

Posted by: Alpha Sat May 26, 2007 1:03 pm
((*sigh* Buffs from Tanis Tanis will have got everyone to bundle together to drop a Mass Fire Shield on everybody in the southern group. It's a green, chill shield. So: You take only half damage from fire-based attacks. If such an attack allows a Reflex save for half damage, you take no damage on a successful save.
Also: Any creature striking you with its body or a handheld weapon deals normal damage, but at the same time the attacker takes 1d6 +15 cold damage. Score.
As that would have been cast last round, it's going to last 10 rounds. Enjoy your fire protection.))
((this turn's action to come))

Posted by: Aldur Sat May 26, 2007 3:09 pm
((Sulia casts Visage on the Diety on herself. Sulia gains the Smite Evil ability. Darkvision 60ft. energy resistance 20 to Cold, Elec and acid. DR/10 Magic.
SR 20.
As well as Eagle's Splendor on herself.))
Sulia stares coldly ahead of her as she watches the battle. She moves forwards quickly, attempting to close with Xadoss, knowing she can't use any of her usual spells yet. The others were in the way...and who knows what'd happen. I wonder if the other two will show up? Wait...what the King gave me. Yes I can use that.
((Sulia moves forwards 8 squares. 25 ranged thingy. 27 damage. Used The thing Nick gave her. Apologies for the vagueness, without certain needed things atm.))
**
((As per usual Kria has her See invisibility, Fell Flight, etc invocations.))
The last of her people, Kria Krystalpaw looks on at the Strife Lord in front of her. She stares sadly at the massive monster and shakes her head as she ascends into the sky, her dark wings glittering in the light around her. "I pity you." And so Kria begins another song. This one far more painful, far more vengeful...far more personal. And so she points at the Strife Lord, a spear of dark green energy lancing into Xadoss.
((Sing check: 13+2+6 =21.))
"I am pain
I am real. I'm not a dream.
I'm the chain around your neck as you scream!
Surrender now!
You can't beat death at his ruthless game!
Make your bow,
Hang your head in shame!
I am pain.
I am the wound that never heals.
It's all in vain!
No compromise, no deals...
I am pain!
I am the end, I am your wraith!
Nothing remains.
I'm the loss of your hope and faith.
You are nothing but violence and fury within!
You can't possibly win!"
((Ranged touch: 29. Hit. Damage: 20 acid damage to Xadoss, Vitrolic blast ignores SR. He also takes an additional 11 acid damage for the following two rounds.
Kria is fifty feet in the air.))

Posted by: Nightmare Sat May 26, 2007 7:04 pm
((Laika's Buff list Eagle's Splendor - Himself (6 minutes) Prayer - All (5 rounds, it woulld've been cast right before the map) Magic Weapon - Himself (6 Minutes) Bless Weapon - Himself (6 Minutes)
Owl's Wisdom - Graigus (6 Minutes)))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat May 26, 2007 8:25 pm
*** Many hours after the meeting in the grove, the sun begins to rise on a new day. Telanna emerges from the woods, to a clearing, where another figure sits, silver hair spread out over full plate. The druid sits nearby, and bows her head to pray.
If the paladin takes notice of the visitor, it does not show, the only hint of motion being the sound of slow, measured breath with the rise and fall of her lungs.
The two are still for a very long time. Telanna is the first to break the silence. "Are you afraid?"
"I can't be," she responds simply, not breaking from her stance. "That's not a part of me anymore."
"We're marching into a very dangerous battle and I can't feel afraid," Telanna says. "All I feel, all I've felt all night is angry. And I've been getting angrier and angrier and I don't know what to do about it."
"Anger is a powerful thing. It sharpens the focus, blocks out thoughts that would break it, and feeds itself. Some come to rely upon what it brings them." The paladin ceases for a moment, another breath being slowly drawn in. "It is the wrong kind of power. Its strength comes from wreaking the self, and in emulating it, one learns to destroy others. It only serves to make itself, grow, and spread until it dies. As for what you can do...I know no other cure than release. What has given you to this parasite of the soul?"
Telanna opens her eyes, and in the light of the rising sun her eyes are still red and raw with sadness. "My father," she says simply.
Gail's eyes snap open at the visitor's statement, moving to the origin of her voice. What she sees is an image of beauty, flame red hair tumbling onto bark brown skin. She lowers the clasped hands that had been held to her lips, sighing as she turned to the gold of the racing light beyond. "When I was young - a little younger than I am now - I ran away from home."
"So did he," Telanna says with a hint of bitterness. "After my mother died. I was the only one who stayed. Only one left." Telanna looks to Gail, and for the first time the paladin gets a look at her emerald green eyes. "Was it hard?"
A pang of guilt pricks her heart as she peers into eyes that seemed so familiar. After a moment, she composes herself, nodding solemnly. "Yes. I was a child, I didn't know how hard it would be. All I took with me was a map I couldn't even read, a waterskin, and..." a pitiful chuckle escapes as the memory comes, "...three dresses. When I arrived where I was going, I was starving, exhausted, and sick. It's a miracle that I made it there alive."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm glad you're here now," she says. "My name is Telanna'brielle."
"I know," the paladin says, her voice almost a whisper. She turns to the girl, brushing silver locks from her face to show a smile both so warm and so sad. "Gail Haubrekt."
"You're the leader of the group," Telanna says quietly, "along with him."
"I am," she states, the smile remaining though her head bows to the earth below them. "So you've spoken to him."
"He didn't say anything," Telanna says, "Just asked me to forgive him. Just wanted to make it go away. Never a minute of his life he's not trying to run from a problem."
"What did you think he would say? Did you think he would lie to you? Try to shift the blame to someone he loved?" She raises her head, looking the dryad child in the eyes. "How is asking his only family for forgiveness running away?"
"I expected him to have a spine," Telanna says vehemently, "I expected him to take responsibility for what he did, and to explain why he did it. Then, maybe, if he wasn't a cold-hearted bastard, then he could apologize." Fresh tears start to bud in her eyes. "But no, he just wilted, and let it go, and slinked quietly away. He's a coward, a worthless coward, who only keeps afloat by propping himself up on genuinely good people." Telanna shakes her head. "Like you. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to burden you with this."
Gail stares at the druid after her speech, her expression completely blank. The deafening silence that follows is disturbed slightly by a chuckle, sounding like a soft breeze when it started. The silver-haired girl brings a hand to her lips, tries to stop it, but fails, the laugh only gaining strength. Before long, it blooms into a full-blown cackle, full of sorrow and irony, hand over her eyes as the sound rends the air.
Telanna stares, confused, at Gail, tears still standing out in her eyes. "What's the matter with you?"
The paladin calms down, gauntlet moving to cover her mouth, showing her sky-colored, tear-stained eyes. "For as long as I've known Sorel...I've thought of myself as nothing but a burden to him."
"I bet. I bet he's given you sage advice and comfort, and been an anchor in your life since you met him. And I bet you've just felt more and more terrible the more you've gotten to know him, the more he pushes the bad things off onto other people to deal with. But I bet you assumed it was something else happening, something else hurting you, like the war or your own head. It wasn't. On my mother's grave, I know it wasn't." Telanna lets out a laugh of her own, short and harsh and bitter. "Graigus, even when he was telling me all the horrible, careless, greedy things Sorel's done to you, he couldn't make the connection. He couldn't see the cause."
Gail shakes her head somberly at the girl's acidic words. "No. I know what keeps me from comforting others, why my sleep is wracked with nightmare and darkness. Your father's words have not caused me pain...Indeed, the only time it has was when I turned a deaf ear." She turns to the distant dawn, now fully risen in its gold and sapphire glory. "It's no secret, what the cause of his actions are. He is scared and guilty and wants to absolve himself the only way he knows...only to constantly find himself failing." Her eyes close, a deep sigh provoked from hurting lungs. "I must sound so blind to you, who sees it all so clearly. Even if I had the words, I can't make you see what I do; it wouldn't mean anything to do so. I only hope that when your anger dies...that he'll still be there...That the chance won't be taken away from you."
Telanna draws her knees up under her chin, staring out at the rising sun. "I hope when you can see him for what he is, that you have something left of your own life to live."
The angelborn does not reply, simply watching the spectacle of the dawn, waiting for when the silence between them would be broken.
***
Sorel stares at Xadoss, his eyes picking up every detail of the battle nearby. "Charge carefully," he calls, "Xadoss is waiting for us to come to him for a reason." He raises a hand, pointing it accusingly at the Strife Lord, murmuring words of cold ashes and quenched heat.
((Fireward cast in the main clearing around Xadoss. All magical fire is suppressed and extinguished, no save, no SR))
Telanna braces herself for the teleport, and is stunned by the size of Xadoss up close. Suddenly, her form shifts to that of a giant lion.
((Dire Lion wildshape))
Zook brings ADAM a little higher in the sky, attempting to survey the rest of the carnage before he engages Xadoss.
((Spot 22, Kno Tactics 31. Gimme the lay of the battle from a Zook's eye view))

Posted by: Rusty Sat May 26, 2007 9:27 pm
((Faralon buffs: Snowsong: (+4 morale bonus to CHA, +4 morale bonus to attack rolls [negated by bardic music, basically], +4 insight bonus to AC, fast healing 1, resistance to cold 15, and +1d6 cold damage to all melee attacks) - 140 minutes Faralon, and every ally within 30' of him. (You can move towards Faralon and gain these benefits. The only thing enemies get is a 20% chance of spell failure, negated by a WILL save of a DC of 24)
Sonic Weapon: (+1d6 sonic damage on all weapon damages) - 14 minutes
Merkass (That bow)
Cedric (That hammer thing. Also, it's Hammer Time.)
Zook (Silence's rifle)
Starmantle: (immune to non-magical melee and ranged weapon, and said non-magical weapons/ammunition break if they come into contact with the creature that this is cast upon. REF save DC 15 to take half damage from magical melee and ranged attacks) - 14 minutes
Laika
Lisa
Displacement: (benefit from a 50% miss chance) - 14 rounds
Ashathel
Harmony, then Inspire Courage (+4 morale bonus to attack and weapon damage, +3 to saves involving fear or charm effects) - duration, 10+ rounds (depending on when he stops playing)
Basically every ally should be affected, if I'm not mistaken. (Note that this is a mind-affecting ability.)
Ombligo buffs:
Greater Mighty Whallop: (+3 size category's worth of weapon damage. For example, 2d8 becomes 6d8.) - 12 hours
Mahler (2d8 -> 6d8)
Graigus (1d6 -> 3d6)
Cedric (1d10 -> 4d8)
Enlarge Person: (+1 size category's worth of damage, +2 size bonus to Strength, -2 size penalty to Dexterity, -1 penalty on attack rolls, -1 penalty on AC) - 12 minutes
Graigus (now has 4d6 for this spell's duration)
Haste: (+1 to attack rolls, +1 to AC, +1 to REF saves, up to 30' more movement) - 12 rounds
Mahler, Gorrik, Gail, Graigus, Max, Farain, Kria, Langston, Kayla, Ignatius, Gilliam, Ombligo))
---
((I'll edit this later as I have to leave soon. Faralon is singing/playing his song for everybody this round and moving to the east a good 30'.))
---
((Ombligo is moving north 40' and casting Assay Spell Resistance. [Move/swift action] and I'll be casting Magic Missile and Lightning Lance via Arcane Fusion on Xadoss. I'll roll when I return later tonight.
Edit: Rolls made in chat. MM poofed and LL went through and dealt some decent damage.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat May 26, 2007 10:19 pm
Isyndel teleports Leviathan as ordered, allowing someone else to set the stone I suppose. Placement is exactly as Kai noted. "Show's gotta go on!" Langston quickly barrels around his allies and makes for the right wall, scampering up carefully and continuing his trek forward.
((140' double move, climb up the right wall. I think I have him roughly four squares south of Zook but on the right instead of the left, the thin cliff spacing..))
((k, tying up the rest of my loose ends. I didn't level Langston from before, so:
Langston becomes an Uncanny Trickster!
HP increases by 8!
REF increases by 2!
Twisted Charge (Trick) learned.
Walk the Walls (Trick) learned.
Bonus Trick: Acrobatic Backstab learned!
Acrobatic Backstab becomes a favorite trick!
Remaining points placed into skills.
And then Isyndel's Brave Apple Level:
HP increased by 4!
WILL increased by 1!
Storm of Fire and Ice learned!
Summon Monster VII learned! (Remaining Spot used for Plot Spell Greater Seal Shatter)
Remaining skill Points spent in Knowledges
Then Isyndel's Prepared Spell List:
0 - Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Disrupt Undead
1 - Mage Armor, Protection from Evil, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Magic Missile
2 - Mirror Image, Invisibility, Scorching Ray, Scprching Ray, Acid Arrow
3 - Dispel Magic, Freeze 2, Bolt, Bolt, Wind Wall
4 - Dimension Door, Stoneskin, Orb of Force, Orb of Force, Freeze 3
5 - Energy Shield, Teleport, Teleport, Bolt 2
6 - Storm of Fire and Ice, Greater Dispel Magic, Disintegrate
7 - Radiant Assault, Radiant Assault, Greater Seal Shatter
Minor Spell Storing - Haste
Major Spell Storing - Summon Monster VII, Haste))

Posted by: Nightmare Sun May 27, 2007 3:17 am
Breathe. The Werewolf thought to himself as he inhaled deeply, eyes closed. Use your anger, and end this. Laika's eyes shot open as he looked to the skies, letting out a ferocious howl that could shake the resolve of the bravest of soldiers. With Volcanon's rage flowing through him, Laika takes off to rip and tear every last piece he can off of the Giant standing infront of him.
((Laika rages, Rage lasts for 10 rounds
AC: 29
HP: 188/188 [160/160]
Attack: D20(13) + 12(STR) + 12(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 2(Charge) + 1(Prayer) + 3(Smite) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) -12(PA) = 37
Damage: D8(8) + 12(STR) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 6(Smite) + 4(Music) + 12(PA) = 44
Attacks count as good alligned for DR purposes.))
------
Gorrik huffs and puffs as his legs carry himself up the battle field.
((Move as close to Xadoss as he can without getting an AoO.
AC: 40
HP: 168/168))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun May 27, 2007 4:52 am
*Aurik reaches within a compartment of his brilliant, scintillating armor and removes a piece of parchment.* : And the disbelievers and false prophets were cleansed in the wake of holy flames. The destroyers became destroyed, and all that was left was the rebirth!
*All those present to hear the ever troubled, yet determined cleric's words feel inspired to new heights. All believers of Volcanon are empowered with the frenzy of a fueled bonfire, prepared to do what is necessary in his name.*
((Aurik casts Recitation! He auto-succeeds concentration if it's an issue.
All allies gain a +2 luck bonus to AC, attack, and saves.
This increases to +3 if you worship Volcanon.))
*The orglashes quickly move into position, floating above the ground 30 feet from Xadoss. Simultaneously, each releases a frigid blast upward, angling toward Xadoss' upper torso and head.*
((Cones of Cold.
15d6 = 1 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 4 = 51
15d6 = 4 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 1 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 5 + 5 = 56
15d6 = 3 + 1 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 58))
*Xadoss. Since they had last fought, Merkass had learned much and gained much in the way of skills. The entire canyon is filled with his foul stench, causing Merkass' nose to curl in hatred for the immense evil Xadoss represents, and out of hatred for everything Xadoss had caused. This time the burning stone would not get away so easily. Merkass quickly knocks three glowing white arrows and sends them sailing at the gargantuan monster.*
((Manyshot
1d20 + 23 + 11 - 6 (MS) = 16 + 28 = 44.
Damage
1d8 + 1d6 (Nemesis) + 1d6 (Exit Wound) + 3d6 (Rancor) + 1d6 (Sonic Weapon) + 2d6 (Holy) + 7 + 1 (Prayer) + 4 (BM) + 1 (FE) = 1 + 6 + 2 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 13 = 51.
1d8 + 8d6 + 13 = 2 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 13 = 53.
1d8 + 8d6 + 13 = 2 + 6 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 13 = 43.))
*Mahler fumes at the sight of Xadoss. It would be now or never. He wishes he could fly in now, but he could not. Mahler quickly moves up the area and around the ridge.*
((Mahler moves... aw f*ck it, TUM knows where
Note for later: 15,10,20 (19),12. 92.))
*This lumbering oaf stood between the force and Megiddo? While a testament of might, Rhizor is duly unimpressed with his intellect and mannerism. As others seemed to be doing, Rhizor readies a cold spell and sends it hurtling toward the patsy of the Strife Lords. The spell impacts with more force than he had anticipated, an enormous shaft of ice penetrating through and through Xadoss' shoulder.*
((Rhizor casts Ice Lance
1d20 + ... = 20 + ...
THREAT: 1d20 + > 12 + 4 (BM) + 6 (CG/El) + ... = 8 + > 22 > 30.
Damage
(6d6)*2 = 3 + 6 +3 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 44.
SR: 18 + 14 = 32.))

Posted by: Sighrus Sun May 27, 2007 5:42 am
Castor scoffs at the moving mountain's speech, barreling straight ahead to carve a deep gash across the chest of the "god" with a mighty thew of his legendary axe. [Attack: 1d20(17)+11(BAB)+9(STR)+5(weapon)+1(haste)=43. Damage: 1d12(9)+14(STR*1.5)+22(PA*2)+9(bane)+15(Powerful Charge)=69.]
~~~~~
[Final Gail buff list: Blessed Aim - +2 to all ranged attack rolls to everyone in the southern force. 5 minute duration.
Bless Weapon: weapon counts as magic, good to overcome DR. All critical attacks automatically confirm. 4 rounds.
Fell the Greatest Foe: 1d6 damage added to all attacks on the target for each size category above the caster(1d6 for Large, 2d6 for Huge, etc.).]
Gail trudges across the field, stopping right before the taunting titan.
[Run 150' north.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun May 27, 2007 6:24 am
The monk felt the power of his allies surging through his veins, like a living, breathing thing... all meant to bring the flaming Strife Lord down. And so, as he was used to, he charged towards Xadoss, not stopping until his staff had rocked the mountainlike foe a half-dozen times.
((Autopass Stagger, so I can charge to the big ugly and pretty much kick the holy crap out of him. Flurry, plus haste and two off hand attacks make the six.
Attack: 1d20 +7 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -2 (twf) = 41
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +9 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 64.
Attack: 1d20 +7 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -2 (twf) = 40
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +9 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 53.
Attack: 1d20 +7 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -2 (twf) = +34
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +9 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 51.
Attack: 1d20 +7 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -2 (twf) = 31
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +9 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 48.
Attack: 1d20 +2 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -2 (twf) = 35
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +4 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 40.
Attack: 1d20 +7 (bab) +6 (str) +1 (wpn) +1 (wpn foc) +2 (spikes) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +2 (recitation) +2 (charge) -7 (twf) = 32
Damage: 4d6 +1 (wpn) +4 (str) +10 (spikes) +10 (brambles) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 40.))
=====
Roaring his challenge, Gabriel bounded across the field to lay into his foe.
((Gabe is raging and also Primeval. Coupled with Animal Growth, he's the same size as Xadoss. So he charges, jumps, and utterly rapes him.
Jump: 1d20 +9 (ranks) +2 (syn) +25 (str) + speed mods = 36 + mods, more than enough to cover the distance.
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 49
damage: 2d6 +25 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 67
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 20, crit threat
Confirm: nat 1. regular hit
damage: 2d6 +25 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 65
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 1, Miss threat.
Confirm: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 57. regular miss
Bite: 1d20 +13 (bab) +12 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 45
damage: 2d6 +12 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 50
Grapple: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) = 52
Rake damage: 2d6 +12 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 50
Rake damage: 2d6 +12 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 50
=====
"Well, now, let's see if we can avoid dying, shall we?" Ashathel said, just barely dodging th notice of the Strife Lord before attacking. "I mean me, of course, not you..."
((Move to help flank someone somewhere and shank the bitch.
Tumble: 1d20 +14 (ranks) +2 (syn) +7 (dex) = 31. No AoO
Attack: 1d20 +13 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) = 48
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 60))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun May 27, 2007 7:21 am
Damas' and Anri's spells combine to dampen the roaring fire that surrounds Xadoss while Sulia's divine ray causes him to rumble in irritation. Kria's acid runs down his shoulder, dissolving a little of the rock but not having that great an effect. Laika's claws scrape off an especially hard slab of rock without effect. As for the Orglashes, one of the cones of cold fizzles out as it reaches the demigod's flames. The others act in concert with the other cold spells, dampening the fire further.
Merkass' arrows pierce and stick inside the massive find, sending out small bits of pebbles as they burrow into the Strife Lord's hide. Castor's charge leaves the Atlas Axe buried deep in Xadoss' left shoulder. The Lord of Strife roars as Castor pulls the weapon out.
Ashathel rolls into position, a well placed slash taking off a chunk of flaming stone from Xadoss. At the same time, Graigus charges across the canyon with amazing speed, battering the archfiend with his staff.
Finally, Gabriel pounces on top of Xadoss, ripping and tearing with his fangs and claws while trying to pin the rocky foe. He finds his efforts unsuccessful, though.
"Big cats... It'll take more than that to kill me!" Xadoss booms before laying into Gabriel with his fists. The first blow knocks Gabriel back off of the demonic being, and shatters the lion's great ribs. The second blow smashes his left shoulder to pulp. The third breaks a leg. Then Xadoss raises his clenched fist high over his head and crushes Gabriel's skull with a final strike. The fist continues on to punch Castor in the gut. The minotaur coughs up blood even as Gabe's body falls to the ground.
((Hit, Hit, Hit, Hit. 304 damage to Gabriel. Cleave to Castor. Hit. 76 damage to Castor.))
"A lion and a bull... You send a zoo to kill me?" Xadoss asks, slamming the ground with a fist.
A loud rumbling shakes the area as massive hunks of stone tear themselves free of the canyon walls and floor. Assuming a humanoid shape, the huge beings of earth let out a rumbling roar and slam their fists together in preparation for attack.
Ombligo's lightning crackles across Xadoss' stone hide, crumbling some of the outer "skin".
Next turn!
Deadline for posting is Monday afternoon.

Posted by: Sighrus Sun May 27, 2007 10:26 am
[Hmm...looks like I forgot to calculate a good deal of buffs for this round's action...] Castor recoils as the blow impacts against his ribs, sending a rush of blood tumbling out of his mouth, the scent of copper racing across his nose and invading his taste buds. Gasping for breath to refill his now wracked lungs, the minotaur stops, the grinding of stone against stone signifying that the titan had called reinforcements. Sneering at the twisted man of charred stone and vitriolic flame, he spits, a red splash staining the ground before he pivots, allowing the others to assail their common foe as he smashes the elemental to nearly to dust.
[5' step south, clobber the elemental.
Attack 1: 1d20(10)+9(STR)+5(weapon)+1(haste)+1(prayer)+4(music)=30.
Damage: 1d12(9)+14(STR*1.5)+22(PA)+4(music)+2(fire)+1(cold)+1(prayer)-10(DR)=43.
Attack 2: 1d20(13)+9(STR)+5(weapon)+1(haste)+1(prayer)+4(music)=33.
Damage: 1d12(10)+14(STR*1.5)+22(PA*2)+4(music)+5(fire)+2(cold)+1(prayer)-10(DR)=47.
Attack 3: 1d20(6)+9(STR)+5(weapon)+1(haste)+1(prayer)+4(music)=26.
Damage: 1d20(4)+14(STR*1.5)+22(PA*2)+4(music)+6(fire)+6(cold)+1(prayer)-10(DR)=47.
Haste Attack: 1d20(7)+9(STR)+5(weapon)+1(haste)+1(prayer)+(music)=27.
Damage: 1d12(9)+14(STR*1.5)+22(PA*2)+4(music)+5(fire)+2(cold)+1(prayer)-10(DR)=47.
Also, if Tanis cast the Cold Fire Shield before the CWII group teleported, Xadoss takes 1d6+15 cold damage when he slams Castor.
69/145 HP. 28 AC.]
~~~~~~
Gail turns at the clack of stone whirling around stone, watching as colossi of clay of granite rise from the earth, splitting the group apart with their presence. Gail considers going back, charging through the elementals to help her companions, but she checks herself, realizing they were than capable of handling such threats themselves. Instead, she turns back to her own current threat, watching the elemental carefully as she intones prayers and edges closer to her goal, her blade taking on a blood-red sheen.
[Gail casts Divine Sacrifice to add 5d6 to her first attack over the next 5 rounds, making a concentration check to avoid an AoO from the elemental, then moves up 5' north to prepare for next turn. Also, if Lisa could move 5' to the right, that would be swell.
Skill check: 1d20(16)+12=28. I think she passes.
HP: 129/139. 30 AC.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun May 27, 2007 2:52 pm
((Just something to keep in mind, Marine, since you missed or didn't know certain things: [1] Isyndel teleported the lower group to within 25' of Xadoss (Kai's post). There's no one who couldn't reach him.

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Sat May 26, 2007 12:08 am)
[Castor now stands 25ft directly in front of Xadoss with the rest of the squad to his right.]

[2] Gabe got a +18 boost to con from the buffs - 9*13 or 117 hp gained, bringing him to 283 HP. He's not quite dead yet.
[3] Gabe's got AC 36 and DR 10/magic. I doubt the DR cuts down on the damage, but it'd be nice if you make sure all Xadoss' attacks beat that.
[4] Did Xadoss beat the 54 Str check? I hope you didn't add any size mods, because he's the same size as Gabe.
I'll post later, when I have a chance. Just wanted to mention these things before too many people posted, so that you could adjust your post as needed.))

Posted by: Alpha Sun May 27, 2007 4:05 pm
((Here's a retro post, as I actually couldn't post Tanis' action last turn - power cuts and internet failings :/)) Despite being nearly two hundred feat away, Xadoss is clearly in Tanis' sights, and range of his spells. Moving up the valley somewhat, he casts a spell that won't be affected by Xadoss' magical protection, and lobs the orb of energy towards the Strife Lord.
[Move 40' up, cast Orb of Force at Xadoss
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 5(bab) + 3(dex) + 1(elation) = 18
Damage: 10d6 + 4 = 3 2 1 4 6 3 5 2 3 6 + 4 = 39 force damage. no save]
((So Tanis is now next to Ombligo. And now for this turns action...))
Whirling around as the earth elemental erupts from the ground behind him, Tanis throws a ball of crackling energy to injure the construct.
[Cast Orb of Electricity at the south most earth elemental
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 5(bab) + 3(dex) + 1(elation) = 16
Damage: 11d6 + 4 = 3 2 1 5 3 4 5 5 3 6 2 + 4 = 43 electric damage. No save]
((AC: 27; HP: 92/92))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun May 27, 2007 6:45 pm
[Here is Damas' action. Kayla's and Kethra's to come later.] Damas gazes as the huge earth elemental in that is now in front of him and Sulia. With a chant on his lips, the sorcerer weaves magic about him. He speaks the final word of power and the temperature in the area the elemental inhabits becomes artic-like. Large balls of ice form and are blown into the elemental by gale force winds, causing them to shatter and cover it with ice.
[Damas casts an Empowered Freeze 3 spell, using a 6th level slot to do so.
Defensive Casting Check: 17 + 19 + 4 (Combat Casting) = 40. More than enough to pass. ^ ^
Damage: 2+2+8+8+5+7+4+4+4+6 + 10 * 1.5 = 90 cold
I think I did that right, but I'm not sure...]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun May 27, 2007 8:16 pm

QUOTE (Arcdragnbreth @ Sun May 27, 2007 2:52 pm)
((Just something to keep in mind, Marine, since you missed or didn't know certain things: [1] Isyndel teleported the lower group to within 25' of Xadoss (Kai's post). There's no one who couldn't reach him. [2] Gabe got a +18 boost to con from the buffs - 9*13 or 117 hp gained, bringing him to 283 HP. He's not quite dead yet.
[3] Gabe's got AC 36 and DR 10/magic. I doubt the DR cuts down on the damage, but it'd be nice if you make sure all Xadoss' attacks beat that.
[4] Did Xadoss beat the 54 Str check? I hope you didn't add any size mods, because he's the same size as Gabe.
I'll post later, when I have a chance. Just wanted to mention these things before too many people posted, so that you could adjust your post as needed.))

((>1< Isyndel teleported Leviathan squad, NOT the entire lower group.
>2< Very nice, I did indeed not know that. Xadoss redirects his final attack to Gabe, then. Edit change made.
>3< Xadoss' attacks count as magic among other things for DR.
>4< Yep, he did.
As a final note, this is an end of game boss. At least a small amount of losses should be expected. I'm going to say this to forestall inevitable wailing. Play through the mission before you complain. Seriously. Just play it to the end instead of leaping on something you think is unfair or unbalanced. ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun May 27, 2007 11:33 pm
*The orglashes remain steadfast, firing off another ultracold blast at the Strife Lord standing in their way.* ((3 cones of cold. SR checks: 30, 30, 24. 2 pass. 15d6 = 54. 15d6 = 72.))

Posted by: Aldur Sun May 27, 2007 11:38 pm
Sulia frowned, beginning to incant and then gasps, as she stumbles, the moment lost and the spell fizzling before her eyes. She sighs, shaking her head and gets into a combat position. ((Nat 1 on defensive casting. =() )) Kria moves forward swiftly, flying towards the Strife Lord, ignoring the elementals below her as she fires off another weak blast as she seeks to close with the Strife Lord.
((Forward 50 ft.
Blast.
RA: 24.
Damage: 21. Ignore SR.
5 additional acid damage. Last for 2 rounds after the 11 series, so after this round basically.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon May 28, 2007 12:23 am
((If Isyndel only teleported the CW2 chars down there, then Graigus wouldn't have been able to make it there last round. Assume his actions from last round take place this round.)) ===== "Cedric's not going to be happy about this," Ashathel said, going more on the defensive as he layed into the Strife Lord once more.
((Continue to wail on Xadoss.
Attack: 1d20 +13 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 56
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 55
Attack: 1d20 +13 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 48
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 52
Attack: 1d20 +8 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 43
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 48
Attack: 1d20 +3 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 46
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 48))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 28, 2007 12:52 am
Kethra attempts to strike Xadoss several times. [Attack 1: 16 + 10 (BAB) + 5 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 33 Damage: 4+2 + 5 (Str) + 10 (Orb) + 1 (Prayer) = 22 Attack 2: 15 + 10 (BAB) + 5 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 32 Damage: 4+1 + 5 (Str) + 10 (Orb) + 1 (Prayer) = 21
Attack 3: 13 + 10 (BAB) + 5 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 30
Damage: 5+6 + 5 (Str) + 10 (Orb) + 1 (Prayer) = 27
Attack 4: 6 + 10 (BAB) + 5 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 23
Damage: 6+6 + 5 (Str) + 10 (Orb) + 1 (Prayer) = 28
Attack 5 (Haste): 17 + 10 (BAB) + 5 (Str) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 34
Damage: 2+6 + 5 (Str) + 10 (Orb) + 1 (Prayer) = 24]
-----
Kayla narrows her eyes, as she now finds an earth elemental blocking her way. She moves forward and attacks. Her sword barely leaves a scratch on it's rocky hide, though.
[Kayla moves 35 ft. forward.
Tumble: 15 + 20 - 10 = 25
Attack: 6 + 6 (BAB) + 9 (Dex) + 1 (Weapon) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 24
Damage: 5 + 4 (Str) + 1 (Weapon) + 1 (Prayer) - 10 (DR) = 1
]

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon May 28, 2007 1:35 am
[No flavor this time I guess... I already lost this post once.] Fortune Cookie regains its feet, Cedric still mounted. The paladin uses the Staff of Life to resurrect Gabe. His steed moves closer to the Strife Lord. [Staff of Life on Gabe] [5 ft step to the right]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue May 29, 2007 2:09 am
Isyndel completes Leviathan's task by quickly moving two spaces to the northeast and setting the Dimensional Anchor Stone as instructed. When the elementals appear, Langston quickly changes direction -- turning on his heels, he immediately races toward the southernmost to support the casters. Charging, he breaks into an immediate dash, leaping from the top of the wall arms wide in a swan dive before landing, pushing off his hands with his momentum as he cartwheels casually past the Queen to cut at the Elemental.
((Acrobatic Charge, took 10 on Jumps and Tumblez.
2 + 6(Dex) + 6(BAB) + 5(Wpn) + 1(Haste) + 2(Charge) + 2(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Elation) = 26
Rapier: 2 + 5 = 7
Shadow Strike: 32))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue May 29, 2007 2:10 am
*His line of motion interrupted, Mahler is forced but to hold off on his impending rematch with Xadoss. The others would needs his aid, however. Mahler pivots on his heel, takes a step, and begins to pound away at the elemental.* ((Full attack, PA 5
1d20 + 14 + 4 (BM) + 1 (EL) + 1 (Haste) + 2 (Rec) + 1 (Prayer) - 5 (PA) = 10 + 18 = 28.
1d20 + 18 = 18 + 18 = 36.
1d20 + 18 = 16 + 18 = 34.
1d20 + 13 = 4 + 13 = 17.
Damage
6d8 + 9 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 5 = 1 + 3 + 2 + 7 + 5 + 2 + 20 = 40.
6d8 + 20 = 2 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 20 = 41.
6d8 + 20 = 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 20 = 39.
As a reminder, each arrow deals 1 CON damage, so in theory Xadoss should have 6 CON damage))
*Merkass launches another trio of arrows into Xadoss.*
: Damnit, Gabriel...
((Manyshot
1d20 + 28 = 13 + 28 = 41.
Damage
1d8 + 8d6 + 13 = 1 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 5 + 13 = 51.
1d8 + 8d6 + 13 = 1 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 13 = 39.
1d8 + 8d6 + 13 = 5 + 6 + 3 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 13 = 54.))
*Aurik presents his holy symbol forth against the Strife Lord*
: Light of the Eternal Flame besiege you, foul creature! Lux aeterna!
*A pointed, spearlike beam of light flies toward Xadoss at tremendous speed, impacting his cratered body as he had the ground below.*
((Lucent Lance. Concentration auto-succeeds for defensive casting.
To Hit (Ranged Touch)
1d20 + 14 (BAB) + 2 (DEX) + 2 (CG) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Elation) + 1 (Prayer) + 4 (BM) + 3 (Rec) = 13 + 28 = 41.
SR
1d20 + 16 = 13 + 16 = 29.
Damage
15d6 = 1 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 6 = 54.
Xadoss is blinded for 1 round
Xadoss is Dazzled for 16 rounds.
No save is allowed.
These effects occur even if the SR check fails.))
*Rhizor sends a twinkling, luminous mote of light hurtling toward Xadoss. It impacts, and his flames appear to flicker and fade slightly.*
((Rhizor casts Moonbolt.
SR check: 1d20 + 14 = 16 + 14.
Xadoss takes 4d4 = 4 + 4 + 4 + 3 = 15 STR damage. FORT save DC 23 for 7 STR damage.))

Posted by: Nightmare Tue May 29, 2007 2:40 am
Laika lays into the giant beast some more. ((Rage lasts for 9 rounds AC: 31 HP: 188/188 [160/160] Attack
Claw1: D20(11) + 12(STR) + 12(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 3(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) + 2(Flank) -8(PA) = 39
Claw2: D20(7) + 12(STR) + 12(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 3(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) + 2(Flank) -8(PA) = 35
Claw3: D20(8) + 12(STR) + 12(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 3(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) + 2(Flank) -8(PA) = 36
Bite: D20(13) + 6(STR) + 6(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 3(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) + 2(Flank) -8(PA) = 29
Damage
Claw1: D8(1) + 12(STR) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 4(Music) + 3(Recitation) + 8(PA) = 30
Claw2: D8(1) + 12(STR) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 4(Music) + 3(Recitation) + 8(PA) = 30
Claw3: D8(7) + 12(STR) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 4(Music) + 3(Recitation) + 8(PA) = 36
Bite: D6(2) + 6(STR) +1 (Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 4(Music) + 3(Recitation) + 8(PA) = 25
Claws count as good alligned for DR purposes.))
==========

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 29, 2007 2:47 am
*Ombligo turns around, sending three Lightning Lances into the earth elemental before him. I can't let that thing get after the others...* ((Lightning Lance: Rolled 15, 7, and 3. With all the buffs up, I only need a 2 to hit even Xadoss, so I definitely hit the Elemental.
Targetting the south Elemental with all three.
#1: (Meh.)
(1 6 1 = 8 untyped) + (3 1 4 1 1 5 5 6 4 6 = 36 electric) + 4 sonic = possible 48 damage. FORT save DC 23 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.
#2: (This one just makes me cry.)
(4 2 1 = 7 untyped) + (4 4 1 1 1 1 1 6 2 1 = 22 electric) + 4 sonic = possible 33 damage. FORT save DC 23 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.
#3: (Now that's what I'm talking about!)
(5 5 6 = 16 untyped) + (6 6 5 6 2 6 3 3 6 1 = 44 electric) + 4 sonic = possible 64 damage. FORT save DC 23 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Tue May 29, 2007 2:52 am
((I don't have my notes handy to make sure I'm doing it all right, so for right now I'm just taking in account damage buffs for now. Errors are highly likely here. If needed and this battle isn't updated, I'll edit this when I get a new power supply for the main comp if needed.))
As much as Van wanted to rush straight at the Strife Lord and do his part and striking down this evil, he knew the recently created thing next to him needed to be eliminated first to help clear the way for more of his allies to move up.
((Attack that elemental to Van's left.
Weapon (1)+ Haste (1) + Bard (4) + STR and STR buffs (8) + Recitation (2) + Prayer (1) = 17
Attack 1: 12+14+17 = 43
Attack 2: 10+9+17 = 36
Attack 3: 7+4+17 = 29
Haste Attack: 19+14+17 = 50
Damage...
Weapon (1) + Bard (4) + STR and STR buffs (8) + Prayer (1) = 14
Attack 1: 4+4+14 = 22
Attack 2: 2+3+14 = 19
Attack 3: 3+4+14 = 21
Haste Attack: 4+2+14 = 20
I know I forgot PA, but I don't have time right now to worry about it. Dodge to Elemental, it is also under Distracting Attack.))

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 29, 2007 3:05 am
*Faralon keeps his focus on Xadoss for now. He breaks his song, the effects not dying yet, and he moves forward, casting his most powerful spell at the Strife Lord.* ((Move to 5' to the right. Casting Orb of Sound on Xadoss, and activing the special Sonic Song.
Roll to hit...
15 + 9 [BAB] + 7 [DEX] + 4 [music] + 2 [Recitation] + 1 [Prayer] + ...well, you get the picture. Ranged touch. It hits.
Damage: 2 1 1 4 3 3 3 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 3 1 3 2 4 2 2 4 2 3 3 3 4 1 2 3 = 78 sonic damage. No save or SR applies to the damage, but there's a Fortitude save DC 26 (10 + 8 CHA + 4 spell level + 4 special) vs. deafening (lasts 1 round).))

Posted by: Nightmare Tue May 29, 2007 3:51 am
((Van kills the elemental.)) : "Good job lads!" Gorrik shouts as the fighter takes down the elemental. Gorrik quickly surveys the battle trying to find where he's needed most. Catching a glimpse at the elemental over Faralon's shoulder, Gorrik charges forth to help take it down.
((Gorrik charges elemental to the east elemental.
AC: 38
HP: 168/168
Attack: D20(15) + 12(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 2(Charge) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 2(Flank) - 12(PA) = 37
Damage: D10(4) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 12(PA) + Cold D6(4) = 37 - 10(DR) = 27
All attacks count as good for DR purposes.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 29, 2007 5:48 am
Cedric's staff returns Gabriel to life, albeit weakened. ((Lose a level or a point of Con.)) Isyndel activates the stone, a series of glowing runes and complex patterns emanating out from the stone as it tugs itself free from Isyndel's grip and floats in midair. Xadoss snarls.
"Trying to trap me, eh? Well... Now you can't run either! Come, test your strength against mine! Power is the only thing that determines right and wrong, let's see yours!" Xadoss booms.
Castor chops deep into the stone body of the Elemental as Tanis' spell crackles along another elemental's body. Damas' spell coats his target in a thick sheen of ice, slowing Tanis' target's movements. Van then whirls his halberd around to smash into the Earth Elemental near him. The weapon collapses a stony leg and the monster falls to the ground, crumbling into rubble.
Ombligo's bolts of lightning blast apart the monster of stone in front of him, causing it to collapse without fanfare into the debris riddled ground.
Gilliam turns and fires a full two bursts into the earthern monster behind him. Though his attack chips away stone, the creature only dies when Anri turns and speaks a few words of power, crushing the elemental under a hail of diamond sharp ice. As the once mighty creature falls apart, Anri clutches her staff tighter, turning and moving towards Xadoss without a word.
((Hit, Miss, Miss. 10 damage after DR. Then Anri casts Maximized Freeze level 4, slaying the creature outright.))
Meanwhile, Ashathel hacks at Xadoss, slicing off more chunks of stony evil essence with his blade. Kethra's attacks bounce harmlessly off rocky hide, her strikes not able to find a vulnerable spot. Another trio of Merkass' arrows dig deep into the archfiend while Rhizor and Aurik's twin blasts of light impact him. Though bits of stone are blasted off, no other effect is apparent. Laika scratches his claws against the foe, but like Kethra cannot find an opening. A purple blast of energy strikes Xadoss, ripping off a small hunk of stone from his right shoulder as Ignatius grins triumphantly. The monster staggers back, growling from the combined attacks.
The southern elemental rumbles as Langston strikes it, purplish energy dancing across the monster and crumbling bits of it off.
Lisa leaps into the air again, her sword cleaving through Xadoss' stony form with ease, the weapon flashing silver with each strike. Lisa leaps backward, rolling into a standing position once more after she is finished.
Xadoss slumps for a moment, great cracks riddling his form, hunks of stone missing from his diminished body.
"Damn you... I... I can't lose... I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS DEFEAT! Xadoss roars, punching the earth as his fires roar higher and hotter. Part of his stone form crumbles to the side to reveal a skull shaped diamond. The diamond rips itself free from Xadoss' body and begins to orbit him, as a fell sickly green color tinges his fire. "Only fair that I use magic as well since you're toting all those TOYS around!"
Xadoss then turns and lashes out at Lisa. The paladin raises her shield, but the blow shatters it and the blade underneath to shards of metal, continuing on to impact her directly in the chest. The beautiful silvery plate mail is cruelly caved in and Lisa coughs up blood as she flies backward, impacting roughly on a canyon wall. Sliding down to the ground, she murmurs quietly.
http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Guest/Phantasy%20Star%20IV%20-%20Her%20Last%20Breath.mp3
: "Light forgive me... I... I have failed..." she whispers before slumping and closing her eyes.
((Lisa takes an upgraded critical at very high damage, slaying her.))
Howling with fury, Xadoss continues his rampage, smashing an open palm into Castor's gut and causing him to fly back a few feet and hit the ground hard.
((Hit. Castor takes 80 chaotic damage. Castor is prone.))
Graigus finds himself airborne as he is backhanded by a granite-like fist, striking Isyndel as he lands and causing both to fall prone.
((Hit. 80 damage to Graigus. Graigus is prone. Isyndel takes 5 damage and is prone.))
Finally, Laika is hit, the fur flying as he lands near Castor, both Van and Kayla ducking to avoid the anthropomorphic missiles.
((Hit. 82 chaotic damage to Laika. Laika flies back and is prone.))
The last remaining Elemental turns and smashes both fists into Damas, crushing bone and tearing flesh from the elf.
((Hit, Hit. 54 damage total.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Nightmare Tue May 29, 2007 7:14 am
((Gorrik hacks the shit out of the elemental. AC: 38 HP: 168/168 Attack Axe1: D20(7) + 12(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 2(Flank) - 12(PA) = 27
Axe2: D20(18) + 7(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 2(Flank) - 12(PA) = 33
Axe3: D20(20) + 2(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 2(Flank) - 12(PA) = auto-hit
Axe4: D20(15) + 12(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 2(Flank) - 12(PA) = 35
Damage
Axe1: D10(3) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 12(PA) + Cold D6(3) = 35 - 10(DR) = 25
Axe2: D10(3) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 12(PA) + Cold D6(4) = 36 - 10(DR) = 26
Axe3: D10(8) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 12(PA) + Cold D6(5) = 42 - 10(DR) = 32
Axe4: D10(9) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 12(PA) + Cold D6(1) = 39 - 10(DR) = 29
Elemental down due to 112 damage after DR))
: "HAHA!" The Dwarf belted triumphuntly, "Ye see tha' lad! I' never stood a chance!" Gorrik paused momentarily as he saw the frail Elf bleeding profusely. "Ye don' look to goo' there lad. Ye need te get some meat on yer bones." Gorrik let out a hearty chuckle in the midst of the battle, to let the Elf know he didn't mean it in an offensive way.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 29, 2007 7:28 am
Max yells a battle cry and charges, Chaos Breaker glowing brightly as he runs into battle. Xadoss snarls and brings his fist up to meet the hero, knocking him back before he can even close the distance. Max hits the canyon wall hard as the Chaos Breaker falls from his hands, lying in the dirt next to him. Max groans as he opens his eyes.
((AoO: Hit! 85 damage to Max. Max is knocked back 10'.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue May 29, 2007 7:33 am
Damas cries out as the elemental turns and smashes its fists into him, breaking bones and tearing flesh. The broken bones and terrible lacerations are very painful, enough most unconscious or dead. In fact, it is only by sheer force of will that Damas remains conscious and on his feet. The elf narrows his eyes at the elemental, even as blood dribbles from the corner of his mouth. He is about to cast a spell on the elemental, until Gorrik hacks it apart.
Damas wipes the blood from the corner of his mouth and looks at Gorrik.
"Oh, ha ha, very funny."
Damas coughs a bit but then he smiles despite his pain. A chant on his lips, he weaves magic about him once again. Speaking the final word of power, he invokes the most powerful ice spell he knows. Damas' smile turns into a frown when his spell has no effect on Xadoss.
"Damn it."
[Damas casts Freeze 4 on Xadoss, but he fails to bypass spell resistance.]
-----
Kayla moves forward a bit and starts making strange motions with her free hand. She succeeds in casting her spell.
[Kayla moves 2 squares Northeast and casts True Strike.]
-----
Kethra growls in frustration when her strikes fail to do any damage to Xadoss. Never one to give up, however, she just keeps trying. Like before, however, none of her attacks connect.
[I'm not even going to bother posting all of that stuff for attacks. I rolled 9, 3, 2, 3, 5 for my attacks. 'Nuff said.]

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 29, 2007 7:41 am
((Knowledge check...total 25!)) : "That...that's the Orb of Chaos! It's among the most powerful of orbs, not unlike Merkass's or Kethra's! Be careful...Xadoss alone is powerful enough without such an artifact - with it.....Fight on! We must take him down NOW!"
((Move to 10' to the right. Casting Orb of Sound on Xadoss, and activating the special Sonic Song.
Roll to hit...
17 + buffs = hit.
Damage: 3 2 2 4 2 1 3 4 4 3 1 3 2 4 1 2 1 4 4 2 2 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 4 1 = 74 sonic damage. No save or SR applies to the damage, but there's a Fortitude save DC 26 (10 + 8 CHA + 4 spell level + 4 special) vs. deafening (lasts 1 round).))

Posted by: Alpha Tue May 29, 2007 8:07 am
Extremely relieve the two elementals surrounding him had been reduced to rubble, Tanis continues up the field, growing dismayed at the condition he sees the combined Forces in. Summoning all of his energy, he throws a ball of pure cold at Xadoss, the orb radiating energy. It collides into the Strife Lord, causing significant damage.
[Move 45' north
Cast a enlarged, sudden empowered, sudden maximised Orb of Cold
Ranged touch: 27 to hit
Damage: (11x6) + (5d6) + 4 = 66 + (5 4 4 4 6) + 4 = 93 cold damage]

Posted by: Nightmare Tue May 29, 2007 8:12 am
Laika stands aside, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his glowing paw. The wolf sneers, gazing into the Giant's eyes, waiting for an oportunity to pounce. ((Stand up, Cure Moderate Wounds: 2D6(1,6) + 6(CL) = 13 HP: 106/188 [78/160]))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue May 29, 2007 8:20 am
Telanna tenses, lunging forward, only to get knocked back several feet by the crushing fist of Xadoss, who breaks several of her ribs in the process. ((eat 80 damage, fall down)) Sorel's eyes flare with anger as he sees Telanna knocked away like a rag doll. "You are a monster..." He begins to walk, picking up speed. "I can see you, Xadoss!" Sorel roars, coming down the canyon even as his form shifts. "Your fire burns hotter, but you can feel it eating you away. Your anger consumes you! It weakens you! So you lash out at innocents, at children, as if it will delay your destruction. It will not." The last words out of Sorel's mouth before he changes fully are, "I will not permit it."
((60' N, Dire Lion form))
"HEY XADOSS!" Zook roars, emptying the Silence's rifle into the Strife Lord. "HOW'S IT FEEL TO BE THE STUPID ONE! HOW'S IT FEEL TO KNOW SHAILTOR AND EREBEUS CALL YOU AN IDIOT WHENEVER YOU'RE NOT AROUND! HELL, THEY PROBABLY DO IT TO YOUR FACE! YOU'RE A WASTE, XADOSS. YOU'RE STUPID AND YOU'RE CLUMSY AND YOU'RE NOT EVEN THAT STRONG! YOU'RE STILL FEELING THE BEATING THE SHADOWBLADE GAVE YOU, AREN'T YOU?!"
((Crit, hit, hit. Crit negated. 3 hits. 96 damage))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 29, 2007 8:34 am
Xadoss snarls at the druid morphing before him. “I didn't ask to be born into this existence, but here I am, and I intend to stay. I can survive only by your suffering, so you must suffer. It is power that makes a thing right or wrong. You call me evil? Are you evil for swatting a fly or slaying a hunter's catch? How dare you. How DARE you, maggot. You can't even begin to comprehend what I and my brothers are. I won't go quietly into oblivion! I will fight and live, for that is the way of the world!” Xadoss' flame grows even brighter. "It took us ages to find this world, but we finally discovered its location... We won't just leave!"

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue May 29, 2007 9:18 am
His eyes widen as her body is brutally mangled, sacred armaments sundered as if glass, the champion and queen of a fallen star defeated with a single blow. There was an ancient power about her, an authority both sacred and fell, yet it had fallen to this fiend. He lets out a ragged gasp…his eyes turning to the Lord of the Burning Fist.
If the absolute commitment of his faith allowed doubt or fear, he would have felt it now.
In the face of the violence of the assault, he felt the outrage and sorrow which were now so familiar to him.
Another hope fallen.
Another dream crushed.
There was only one path to oppose this. There was only choice that could be made. Destruction. He let the staff of life drop of his hand, gesturing dully to the widow of his friend to retrieve it, then he firmly grips his hammer, his eyes alight with the smoldering flames of hatred, he spits out in outrage, “http://www.kaihaku.net/BGM/PS3Rhys1.mid”
[Ride: 3 + 12 = 15]
As if understanding his will, his noble steed breaks forward, closing on the towering archfiend. In the face of the waves of heat and power issuing forth from the mammoth, holy knight of Mitula lets out a cry of pain and rage, lashing out with all of his might.
[Attack: 11 + 22 + 11 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 1 = 61 – 10 (PA) = 51]
[Damage: 17 + 27 (STR/WB) + 6 (Smite) + 20 (PA) + 4 (bard) + 17 (DS) + 23 (Field) + 7 Sonic + 1 Elec + 6 Cold = 114 + 7 Sonic + 1 Elec + 6 Cold]
[As always, all damage is good aligned]
His hammer crackles with wrath, life force and holy power, lightning and thunder, ice and hatred empowering the blow.

Posted by: Sighrus Tue May 29, 2007 10:07 am
The acrid smell of pooling blood and burnt flesh crept across the field of battle, the price for removing the devourer of negative energy becoming clearer with every volcanic blow, every scream of pain that rent the air. Though companions new and old flung themselves at the incarnation of violence, he beat them back with equal ease, swatting each away with no more mind than brushing off a gnat. Then, the crumpled, bloodied form of a woman spun by, filled with hatred and pride, only to be shattered so easily, blood mixing in with the red clay beneath as the body fell inert. the paladin stares at the broken form, shocked at such strength disappearing so quickly, before her own form begins to shake and tense, hot anger trickling down her face.
"We are not so powerless," she says, gaze still fixed on the ruined warrior. "We are not toys for you to play with; we are not prey for you to chase." She turns to face the titan, fury flashing in her eyes as she stares him down. "We are your end, Xadoss."
"In the name of all creation - In the Light that makes up all - the fire that feeds you will perish."
Then, with a single step, she is there, blade raised above her, slicing deep into the fiend with a vermillion flash of holy flame that tears off a large plate of blackened rock. Plunging the sword into the newly created soft spot, she shifts, pivoting to bring her weapon around in an arc of white fire. The memento of Max is almost jarred from her hand, the impact bouncing off rock, and as sudden as she appeared, she was kicked away, skidding across the ground as she struggles to come to a stop, blood dripping past her lips.
[Gail moves 5' east, cast Knight's Move to move 5' Northeast, 10' north, and attack the Strife Lord. Smite and Divine Might on everything.
Attack 1: 1d20(7)+10(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+4(music)+3(misc)+10(Smite)=46.
Damage: 1d10(4)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+15(Divine Sacrifice)+4(music)+6(Cold)+10(Might)+10(Smite)+8(FtGF)+1(prayer)=70.
Attack 2: 1d20(12)+5(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+4(Music)+3(misc)+10(Smite)=46.
Damage: 1d10(3)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+4(music)+6(cold)+10(Might)+10(Smite)+7(FtGF)+1(prayer)=52.
Haste Attack: 1d20(1).
Confirm: 1d20(16)+10(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+4(music)+3(misc)+10(Smite)=55.
Due to the miss, Gail takes one AoO for 71 damage, and goes flying back 20'.
HP: 78/159. AC: 35.]
~~~~~
Castor struggles to standing, unsure of how he had managed to stay alive throughout the massive beating.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue May 29, 2007 1:06 pm
"Sorry, but there aren't any sad songs in Faralon's repetoire," the bladesinger said, eyes narrowing as he pressed the assault. "Tell it to someone who cares; I can assure you that that person isn't me." "There is no reasoning worth what you've done, and you're going to die here," he began, narrowly avoiding being crushed by a massive fist. "And no amount of throwing temper tantrums like a little child is going to save you."
((Continue to wail on Xadoss.
Attack: 1d20 +13 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 54
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 56
Attack: 1d20 +13 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 54
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 53
Attack: 1d20 +8 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 38
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 50
Attack: 1d20 +3 (bab) +7 (dex) +10 (wpn) +4 (bardic) +1 (haste) +1 (prayer) +3 (greaves) +2 (recitation) +2 (flank) -5 (com exp) = 40
Damage: 7d6 +2d6 (holy) +5 (str) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) = 45))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue May 29, 2007 3:25 pm
: No! Almost too late to help! *Mahler is torn as hero after hero is flung away from the monstrosity that is Xadoss. Without heed or halt, the stone golem accelerates increasingly until the wind follows him. His right fist begins to glow, and it is not long thereafter that Mahler impacts Xadoss' body with it. With his continued momentum, he throws his left fist into Xadoss as well while his right continues to surge with holy power. The right then impacts once more, sending stone amiss and fire extinguished, if only for a time. Finally, the second arm swings up once more, the crashing of what were once temple stones against blighted boulders clapping like thunder in the canyon.*
: If it is suffering you seek, then suffer you shall. In the name of Artibeus the Wise I bring charges against you from all those whose lives you destroyed and I could not protect. It is hope I carry that this will be your end. It is a false hope, for I hope no longer. I know, least of the three.
((This should have happened in round one, but it's probably more dramatic this way
Charge, Full Attack.
Also, I realized that I was looking at an old sheet on Mahler's last action.
SMITE: 1d20 + 18 + 4 (BM) + 1 (EL) + 1 (Haste) + 2 (Rec) + 1 (Prayer) + 3 (charge) = 15 + 30 = 45.
1d20 + 30 = 10 + 30 = 40.
SMITE: 1d20 + 30 = 20 + ... AUTOCRIT. FORTIFICATION CHECK: 1d100 = 92.
Check upgrade: 1d20 = 19. REGULAR CRIT
1d20 + 25 = 12 + 25 = 37.
Damage
6d8 + 20 + 4 = 1 + 7 + 1 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 24 = 51.
6d8 + 20 = 3 + 3 + 6 + 1 + 8 + 4 + 20 = 45.
(6d8 + 24)*2 = 1 + 3 + 6 + 4 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 7 + 8 + 3 + 3 + 7 + 48 = 101.
37 is apparently a miss.))
*The orglashes join in one final time, expending another bout of freezing energy. Again, one fails to pierce Xadoss' magical protection.*
((Cone of Cold x3. SR: 30 34 20.
15d6 = 56.
15d6 = 53.))

Posted by: Aldur Wed May 30, 2007 1:49 am
Sulia channels celestial forces into her battle beaten comrades, hoping that they'll keep fighting on for the glory of the world. ((Cure Mod wounds. Mass. 28hp. Everyone yay. Well, everyone in the upper area.)) Kria blasts the big rock monster again because alas, Aldur is very braindead from making an insanely complicated SFCWIV character.
((RAnged touch: 8+15 = 23. Hit.
Damage: 36. Maximised. Additional 12 acid. No SR allowed.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed May 30, 2007 1:53 am
((Langston moves forward like alot double move, 140'. Isyndel stands, Orb of Force Ranged Touch: 10 + bunch of shit SR Roll: 15 + 14(Caster Level) + 6(Feats/Robe) = 35 Damage: 6 1 3 4 3 5 4 2 5 3 = 36
Pretty up later.))

Posted by: Rusty Wed May 30, 2007 11:17 am
*Ombligo moves towards the Strife Lord, determined to defeat him. He casts Lightning Lance, throwing three lances into the hulking beast.* ((Move 30' north. SR check: 14 + 10 + 15 = 39. Roll to hit: 5 6 5 (5 3 3 = 11) + (1 2 6 2 1 3 2 1 1 1 = 20) + 4 sonic = possible 35 damage. FORT save DC 24 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.
(2 4 4 = 10) + (4 6 5 3 4 5 4 2 6 3 = 42) + 4 sonic = possible 56 damage. FORT save DC 24 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.
(4 1 1 = 6) + (1 6 6 4 5 5 1 2 3 5 = 38) + 4 sonic = possible 48 damage. FORT save DC 24 to halve the electric damage only. FORT save DC 23 to negate stunning effect from Thunderbolt.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu May 31, 2007 3:58 am
*The orb of chaos should not be allowed to exist in the hands of Xadoss, much less many people for that matter. The shot would be difficult, but it had to be taken. Merkass shifts his sights to the orb and fires a duo of arrows at it instead.*
((Manyshot.
1d20 + 30 + 1 (favored of companions bonus) = 19 + 31 = 50.
Damage (really just looking to knock it away, honestly)
(assuming Nemesis, FE, and Rancor will not apply)
1d8 + 12 + 3d6 = 2 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 12 = 27.
1d8 + 12 + 3d6 = 3 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 12 = 25.))
*Xadoss' power is undeniable, and his allies were strongly feeling its effects. To help undo the ill effects, Aurik calls down a wave of healing upon his allies imbued with extra aid.*
((Mass Cure Moderate Wounds
2d8 + 17 = 7 + 8 + 17 = 32 hp healed.
Maximized aid provided. Gain 13 temporary hp. There's a morale bonus to attack and saves versus fear but its superceded by Bardic Music. Also note that temporary hp are lost first when damaged.))
*While he wished to further pummel Xadoss, the others could do it well enough. Rhizor follows Aurik's lead and provides aid to his companions.*
((Mass Cure Moderate Wounds
2d8 + 14 = 3 + 6 + 14 = 23 hp healed.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu May 31, 2007 6:10 pm
Graigus stood up, staff in hand, on the defensive until he could strike at Xadoss once more. ((Stand, on the defensive.)) ===== Having learned from his spar with Van, the half-giant stayed on the ground, clawing and biting at the Strife Lord from his prone position.
((Gabe stays on the ground and full attacks.
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 51
damage: 2d6 +25 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 70
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = natural 1; crit fail threat
Confirm: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 46. regular miss.
Claw: 1d20 +13 (bab) +25 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 53
damage: 2d6 +25 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 69
Bite: 1d20 +8 (bab) +12 (str) +1 (haste) +4 (bardic) +4 (nature's) +1 (prayer) +2 (charge) -13 (pa) +3 (recitation) = 39
damage: 2d6 +12 (str) +26 (pa) +4 (bardic) +1 (prayer) +4 (nature's) = 54))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:26 am
Gorrik causes the elemental to crumble as more of Xadoss' form is blasted off by Faralon and Zook. Even though the flames were roaring higher, Tanis' spell and the assault of the ice spirits causes them to lower and dim somewhat, the potent cold settling over Xadoss. Ashathel's twin strikes then connect, carving out more chunks of stone even though two attacks miss. Isyndel's orb of force and Kria's acidic blast melt and tear even more stone from the giant. Massive chunks are now missing from the once imposing Strife Lord, though every bit of stone that is lost is replaced by flame.
Merkass' arrows knock the orb away from Xadoss, the skull diamond rolling down until stopped by a canyon wall.
Gilliam runs forward, firing his chest laser. The beam of energy pierces through a weakened section of Xadoss, creating a hole in the fiend. Anri strides forward, fury in her eyes. She forcefully yells out a chant, gesturing at Xadoss. Massive crystals of ice form around the Strife Lord, coming together to crush him in their icy grip. Xadoss roars as his flame begins to sputter and dim.
"I'll fight you to the end! My defeat can only be bought with blood!" Xadoss roars, slamming his fists down on the ground. The earth begins to shake violently as part of the canyon walls collapse and tumble inward, a landslide cascading towards everyone within. Merkass and Rhizor are swept off their feet by the tumbling rock, crashing into the ground below. When the dust clears, most of the Force lies pinned under great slabs of rock, the sides of the canyon worn away to expose yet more Ancient superstructure. Indeed, the millenia old girders, beams, and metal parts jut out from the sides of the canyon and the ground like the bones of some massive beast, giving the place a graveyard feel. Curiously, Lisa's body was shielded from the landslide by being under an overhang. Xadoss simply breaks through the rubble and stands, not damaged in the least by his attack.
((Everyone takes 30 physical damage, Ref save DC 25 for half. Everyone who was not flying is pinned by debris. DC 20 Strength check to break free. Those pinned take 1d6 nonlethal damage a round.))
Next turn!

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:37 am
The rubble bludgeons the fallen Telanna into unconsciousness. ((Lethal damage knocked her down to 4, nonlethal knocked her out)) Sorel struggles through the rubble, unable to avoid the worst of it. Zook unloads three more shots in Xadoss. ((34, 33, and 39 UV damage before DR))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:15 am
*Merkass nimbly rolls out of the way of the debris without so much as a thought. Rolling quickly back onto his feet, he sprints next to Faralon and fires off another trio of arrows.* ((Merkass passes because he didn't roll a 1. Evasion. 1d20 + 28 + 1 (PBS) = 12 + 29 = 41.
Damage
1d8 + 8d6 + 14 = 4 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 14 = 41.
1d8 + 8d6 + 14 = 5 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 14 = 48.
1d8 + 8d6 + 14 = 6 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 14 = 47.))
*Rhizor glides down after the rubble, surveying the aftermath for a moment.*
((Action to come))
*The orglashes aid in digging out those who were unable to move out of the way of the fallen debris quickly enough.*
*Mahler stands confused, because he could have sworn he did something last round, but maybe it was a dream.*
*Aurik is slightly battered by the falling debris but knocked loose and out of the way early on. He then prepares himself to finish this battle as quickly as possible.*
((Reflex: 1d20 + 8 + at least another 8 = 15 + 16 = 31. Pass, evasion. Action to come.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:57 am
((I did add teh damage for Mahler, I just forgot to describe it and move his icon up. Anyway, you do realize that even if you pass the save you're pinned under rock, right? Full action to STR check dig out and stand up.))

Posted by: Alpha Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:07 am
Feeling some form of relief that Xadoss was being beaten down, with their own casulaties still fairly low, Tanis prepares to move forward to get into range for some of his other spells. Suddenly though, rocks and slabs are beating down upon the warmage. Quickly swinging his shield above his head to prevent it being caved in, Tanis is beaten down by the rubble. Trying to escape from its push, he throws all his energy into an attempt to escape. Despite his efforts and despite the enchantments in place to aid him, he is unable to break free, and remains under the rocks.
((rolled a 1 on the reflex save and a 4 on the strength check. He's pinned 30 physical damage, 6 nonlethal. I'll pretty this up later))

Posted by: Sighrus Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:54 am
Hardly having time to collect herself, Gail drives her shield into the ground and presses up against it, the wave of crimson rock and ancient iron cascading around and over, absorbing most of the momentum before the paladin is buried. As the deafening roar of falling stone gives way to the quiet of the grave, the maiden reaches up with her hand and pushes, dislodging a boulder that had settled above, then continuing to excavate herself from the rubble.
~~~~~
The minotaur is unable to roll with the debris due to the slugging Xadoss had given him, a couple of good sized boulders impacting him head on and sending him to the dirt. Their smaller cousins finish the job, sealing him in completely. With a grunt, the bull attempts to free himself, only to realize his arms were pinned under the crushing weight above. Castor groans in frustration, momentarily contemplating the humiliation of being done in by a rock.
[Ref save: 1d20(15)+18=33. Pass.
STR Check: 1d20(19)+7=26. Pass.
HP: 157/159.
~~~~~
Ref save: 1d20(11)+13=24. Failure.
STR Check: 1d20(1). Failure.
70/167.]

Posted by: Nightmare Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:59 am
((Laika REF: D20(20) = Pass! STR: D20(9) + 12 = 21 = Pass! Laika takes 12 damage after DR. HP: 149/188 [121/160]
-----
Gorrik
REF: D20(6) + 2(Base) + 4(CHA) + 1(DEX) + 2(CG) + 1(Elation) + 2(Recitation) + 1(Haste) = 19 = Fail...
STR: D20(13) + 8 = 21 = Pass!
Gorrik takes 30 damage.
HP: 138/168))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:40 pm

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:57 am)
((I did add teh damage for Mahler, I just forgot to describe it and move his icon up. Anyway, you do realize that even if you pass the save you're pinned under rock, right? Full action to STR check dig out and stand up.))

((Sorry, I did not realize that. I thought the reflex save made it so we were not pinned. It seems I'm having poor interpretation skills this battle.
Orglashes and Rhizor are still free. The others I'll deal with. Does Escape Artist apply as well, or just STR?))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:18 pm
[Damas' Reflex Save: 13 + 10 = 23 Kayla's Reflex Save: 13 + 20 = 33 Kethra's Reflex Save: 8 + 19 = 27 Kayla and Kethra take 15 damage, and Damas take 30 damage. Damas' Strength Check: 4 + 2 = 6
Kayla's Strength Check: 6 + 4 = 10
Kethra's Strength Check: 1 + 5 = 6
Nonlethal Damage Taken: Damas 3, Kayla 5, Kethra 3
I wonder, too, if Escape Artist will help. If not, oh well. Also, I'm not sure if you wanted us the roll the nonlethal damage ourselves or not, so I just went ahead and did it. ]
Kayla and Kethra manage to avoid the worst of it but Damas is not as lucky as they are. Regardless of their quick reflexes, all of them find themselves pinned under slaps of rock and rubble after the landslide. Try as they might, none of them can muster the strength to escape from their predicament.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:49 pm
Ashathel nimbly dodges out of the way of the brunt of the falling rock, pulling himself out with little difficulty. The monk too is able to dodge most of the rock with his honed reflexes, and manages to pry himself free with some help from his staff. And the primeval barbarian also dodges the largest of the rock, the rest barely even scratching his thick hide. Standing up with a mightly roar, he shakes off the dust and rubble like water on his back, ready to face down the Strife Lord once more.
((= Ref save =
Ash: 1d20 +12 (ref) +7 (dex) +1 (haste) +2 (rec) = 25, pass. 15 damage.
Gabe: 1d20 +4 (ref) +10 (dex) +1 (haste) +3 (rec) = Nat 20, pass. 5 damage after DR.
Graigus: 1d20 +11 (ref) +6 (dex) +1 (haste) +2 (rec) = 25, pass. No damage after evasion.
= Str check =
Ash: 1d20 +5 (str) = 23, pass.
Gabe: 1d20 +25 (str) = I didn't roll a one, so pass.
Graigus: 1d20 +6 (str) = 20 on the dot, pass.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:20 am
Cedric is crushed by rocks and cannot break free of them. Noting the wounds of his steed, he sends it to blessed celestial plains with a thought. (Sigh.)

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:39 am
[Yeah, I know how you feel ]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jun 02, 2007 5:07 am
((I don't.))

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Jun 02, 2007 5:58 am
((Yeah, neither do I.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Jun 02, 2007 6:07 am
Gilliam shouts a litany of curses as he is buried under the weight of his own past, unable to break free. Kyoji too, seems imprisoned at first. Then the ninja vanishes and reappears on top of the rubble he had been under. ((Failed Str check for Gilliam. Ghost Step: Ethereal for Kyoji.))
Max tears the rubble away from him, breathing heavily as his head and upper chest emerge from the massive pile of stone. The wielder of the Chaos Breaker scrambles to stand, sword at the ready.
Meanwhile, further south, a large pile of loose stone and rock lifts itself from the ground and is thrown aside with no apparently source. Anri floats up after it, coughing and angry as her telekinesis spell frees her.
Xadoss growls savagely as he deals a mighty blow to Gabriel, Ashathel, and Cedric. The force of the blows is enough to knock Gabriel off his feet and into a canyon wall. Ashathel would find himself in the same predicament only his back is already to the wall. Two savage blows break some of his bones as the Strife Lord howls his fury. The final strike snaps a few of the elf's ribs and he tastes blood in his mouth.
((Critical Hit! Hit. Hit. 140 damage to Gabriel, Gabriel is knocked back 20' southwest. Ashathel takes 180 damage total. ))
Next turn!

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jun 02, 2007 6:43 am
((AC 39 and Displacement... if neither of those reduce the damage Ash is dead.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:11 am
Zook fires at Xadoss three more times. ((28, 27, 34 UV damage)) Sorel's eyes widen as he sees Telanna buried and unmoving beneath a mountain of rubble. With a roar he charges toward her, attempting to clear the debris. ((Move to Telanna, clear rocks as quickly as possible))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:50 am
[Power Surge - Passed] Cedric kicks the rocks free, recentering his strength.

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:53 am
: "Hold on li'l buddy, I'll ge' ye out o' there in a second lad!" Gorrik called back to the burried elf he had just saved from an elemental. ((Gorrik moves in, gets defensive, and attacks. Attack: D20(17) + 12(BAB) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) +2 (Recitation) + 1(Haste) + 1(Stance) - 6(PA) + 4(Smite) = 50 HIT!
Damage: D10(7) + 8(STR) + 2(Axe) + 4(Music) + 1(Prayer) + 2(Recitation) + 6(PA) + 5(Smite) + 1(Stance) + Cold D6(6) = 42 before DR
Good alligned.
----
Laika moves over the rubble known as Van and Kayla and attacks.
Attack: D20(7) + 12(STR) + 12(BAB) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 3(Recitation) + 1(Prayer) + 1(Haste) + 4(Music) + 2(Flank) + 3(Smite) - 6(PA) = 40 hit?
Damage: D8(1) + 12(STR) + 1(Magic Weapon) + 1(Prayer) + 4(Music) + 3(Recitation) + 6(PA) + 6(Smite) = 34
Good alligned.))

Posted by: Sighrus Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:02 am
Gail turns in time to watch the strife lord bring a massive fist down on one of her allies, and the urge to help is suddenly overwhelming, the sight of another comrade dying too much to bear. The torc glows red, heating momentarily before the bone-crunching force of the blow impacts Gail's ribs, trails of blood spilling over her mouth with the snapping of bones. Nevertheless, the paladin manages to stand, the sound of the final push of her friends drowning the sound of her heart beat in her ears. Whispering a quick prayer, her skin turns to the vermillion color of the clay below her. With that, she charges, the shield dropping to the ground as both hands clasp the hilt to deal one last blow against the self-proclaimed god.
[Take 80 damage for Ashathel, then cast Strength of Stone as a swift action and charge in. drop shield as a free action to two-hand the sword.
Attack 1: 1d20(19)+10(BAB)+11(STR)+5(weapon)+4(music)+3(misc)+10(Smite)=62.
Auto confirm.
Confirming x3: 1d20(20).
Confirming x4: 1d20(3)+10(BAB)+11(STR)+5(weapon)+4(music)+3(misc)+10(Smite)=45.
Damage: 1d10(3)+16(STR*1.5)+5(weapon)+3(cold)+3(FtGF)+4(music)+10(Might)+10(Smite)=50*3(4?)=150(200?).]
~~~~~
Castor continues to suffocate, alone, with his shame.
[Another roll of one on his strength check means Castor auto-fails.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:57 am
Zook's rifle causes a trio of tiny fractures to appear in the Strife Lord's left shoulder as Laika and Gorrik charge Xadoss. The archfiend can only howl an infernal battlecry as he sends both of them flying with a massive backhand. ((AoO: Hit, Hit. 52 damage to Laika and Gorrik, none of it is fire. Both of them are thrown back 20'.))
Grimacing, Max grips the Chaos Breaker and holds it before him, blue energy beginning to gather around the blade.
“Oh no you don't,” Xadoss mutters, turning and leaping at the hero. “Not THIS time!”
The Strife Lord impacts the Dragon Slayer just before the Chaos Breaker can complete channeling the energy for its attack. Xadoss' fist slams into Max's midsection and once more sends him into the Canyon wall, the hero slides down and has trouble getting up, groaning slightly as blood trickles from his mouth.
:“Max!” Anri screams. Xadoss begins chuckling deeply, turning.
“That little boy thought you could be saved... But he didn't know what burns in your mind...” Xadoss says, facing the fallen queen. ”You KNOW you'll never be able to escape us... or what you did.”
: “aaaAAAAAAAH!” Anri screams, charging at Xadoss as chill energies swirled around her, forming an icy blue aura with twinkling motes of gathering at the tip of her staff. The icy glow becomes blinding radiance as the queen swings her staff and shouts a final word of power. The light bursts into a thousand pieces, then streaks towards Xadoss, reforming into icy shards that drive themselves into the stony Strife Lord with all the fury of an artic blizzard. Xadoss growls with anger as his flame dims, nearly sputtering out. The growling turns to a roar as he raises a mighty fist and advances to strike the icy spellcaster down...
Then Gail charges, leaping into the air and bringing her sword down on the monster as holy energies channeled by the paladin cascade along the blade's length. The sword slashes downward, striking Xadoss' shoulder and cleaving into the core of the Strife Lord. Stone crumbles and fire sputters out as the blade cuts off Xadoss' left arm. The rock appendage falls to the ground, crumbling to dust as it touches the barren soil. Xadoss stumbles back, a deafening roar of pain coming from his expressionless face. Cracks riddle his body and grow as his flame suddenly roars back to life, consuming him and sending waves of terrible heat over the battlefield. The cracks spread over his entire being and a blinding light begins to shine from within as a massive rumble begins to sound.
Zook notices that he looks kinda like all those steam boilers he used to experiment with... right before they went boom.
"CLEAR OUT!" Zook roars. "HE'S GONNA BLOW!"
"But half the team is buried in rock!" Ignatius yells.
Sorel growls something guttural and a wall of crystalline material begins to coalesce around Xadoss.
Silvery shard of metal scattered around the battlefield begin to glow. The shards begin to glow brighter and brighter, matching Xadoss' own build up of radiance, until it's as if several shining stars lay among the rubble.
Zook lands ADAM
Xadoss crumbles apart as a massive explosions bursts from his body.
The shockwave hits the wall of Salt and crumbles it, crystalline shards buckling under the strain.
The glowing shards of Lisa's sword suddenly shatter with a tinkling sound, becoming countless motes of light that encircle the explosion in an instant. The glimmering motes swirl like gently falling snow, constrasted by the fierce destruction within their barrierl The glowing light restrains the blast even while the immense power behind the explosion pushes at the breathtaking shield.
Just when it seems the magic might buckle under the strain, the blast dies out and shirks, the barrier dimming and vanishing.
Where Xadoss once was, two vast and trunkless legs of stone stand.
Beside them, half sunk in melted sand, a shattered visage lies.
Nothing beside remains. Round the ruin of that collosal wreck, the barren rubble stretches far away.
((SFCWII characters gain 15,000 XP. SFCWIII characters gain 16,000. Gail learns her special.))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:13 pm
Tanis continues to struggle, to get out of the grip of the rubble pressing down on him, but his efforts are in vain. Coming to the conclusion that his strength won't get him out, the fatespinner opts for a different approach on getting free. Relaxing slightly, he taps into his power that lets him adjust probability. Using some of that spin power, he extracts himself from the rocks and slabs covering him. By sheer 'chance' it seems, he escapes the hold on him, always pushing on the right rocks to get free and always twisting his body in the right direction.
Soon, the battered catfolk is standing on top of the rubble that had just been covering him, surveying the scene before him whilst trying to get his breath back.
((Level up
Tanis gained a level in Incantatar! (Warmage 7/Fatespinner 4, Incantatar 1 ECL 13)
+6 hit points
Will save increased by 2
Gained a Bonus Metamagic Feat, Empower Spell
Gained the class ability 'Focused Study'. Tanis gave up the Enchantment school of magic.
Gained a skill point in Concentration, Intimidate, Knowledge (Arcana), Knowledge (Planes), Spellcraft
Gained access to level 6 warmage spells! Tanis learned Acid Fog, Blade Barrier, Chain Lightning, Circle of
death, Disintergrate, Fire Seeds, Freezing Sphere, Transformation.
Tanis can casting up to four level 5 spells per day! Gained one extra level 5 casting per day.
Gained the feat Versatile Spellcaster
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o297/AlphaAlec/Tanis_sheet.png))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:58 pm
[Damas' Strength Checks: 8 + 2 = 10, 19 + 2 = 20 Kayla's Strength Check: 18 + 4 = 22 Kethra's Strength Checks: 6 + 5 = 11, 12 + 5 = 17, 13 + 5 = 18, 4 + 5 = 9, 10 + 5 = 15, 11 + 5 = 16, 11 + 5 = 16, 11 + 5 = 16, 16 + 5 = 21 Nonlethal Damage Taken: Damas 5, Kethra 31]
Damas and Kayla manage to escape fairly quickly, and go around helping others that have not escaped yet. Kethra struggles for what seems to be forever in her eyes, but in reality it only takes her a minute or two to get free. Covered with dirt and newly forming bruises, she staggers a little as she stands. Even though she seems to be a bit disoriented, she goes around helping others that need it.
[Here are my level ups.
Damas gains a level in Frost Mage! (Sorcerer 10/Frost Mage 5; ECL 15)
Max HP increases by 4
1 rank each in Concentration, Knowledge (Arcana), and Spellcraft
Gains Knowledge: Conjure Ice Beast 2
Gains feat: Maximize Spell
Can cast one extra 6th, and 7th level spell per day
Learns new spells: Telekenis (5th level), Greater Dispel Magic (6th level), and Prismatic Spray (7th level)
Kethra gains a level in Monk! (Monk 15; ECL 15)
Max HP increases by 4
Base land speed increases by 10
All attack bonuses increase by 1, and an extra attack at +1
2 ranks in Jump, 1 rank each in Listen, Spot, and Tumble
Unarmed damage increases to 2d10
Gains class ability: Quivering Palm
Gains feat: Spring Attack
Kayla gains a level in Assassin! (Rogue 5/Assassin 6; ECL 12)
Max HP increases by 6
Base Attack Bonus increases by 1
1 rank each in Bluff, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Hide, Move Silently, Search, and Tumble
Resistance to poison increases to +3
Can cast one extra 2nd and 3rd level spell per day
Learns the spell Deep Slumber (3rd level)
Kayla gains a level in Assassin! (Rogue 5/Assassin 7; ECL 13)
Max HP increases by 9
Dexterity increases by 1
Base Attack Bonus increases by 1
1 rank each in Bluff, Disable Device, Hide, Move Silently, Open Lock, Search, and Tumble
Sneak attack increases by 1d6
Learns 4th level spells: Dimension Door, and Greater Invisibility
Can cast one extra 3rd level spell per day
Gains feat: Spring Attack
Kayla cannot actually cast 4th level spells yet though, since her INT bonus isn't high enough ]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:40 pm
((Sacred Strike is Exalted. Placeholder for level ups and postings to come this evening or whenever since I ended up spending like a week on CW4 stuff instead.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:48 pm
((Spring Attack it is, then))

Posted by: Aldur Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:20 pm
((Kria becomes a Warlock level 12(ECL 13) Hp+9! +3 ranks in UMD! +1 rank in Concentration! +1 to BAB!
Gains the Imbue Item ability
Gains the feat Improved Critical: Eldritch Blast
+1 to all saves
More to come))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jun 03, 2007 2:08 am
The last of the rubble falls away from Telanna as Sorel sweeps it aside with his paws. He retakes human form, and lays a hand on her forehead, whispering something. He brushes hair and dust from her face, and a soft white light passes over her. Sorel stands, turning to face the others.
: "It is time for us to heal our wounds."
((Sorel gains a level!))
Zook peers out from ADAM, looking about with a satisfied look on his face.
: "Well, that turned out better than I'd hoped."
((Zook gains a level!))
Telanna stirs, groaning in pain. She struggles to her feet, pulling herself up with the help of the nearby rocks. The spring child rubs her forehead.
: "Ugh, what happened? It feels like a mountain sat on me."
((Telanna gains like three levels since I forgot to level her before!))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Jun 03, 2007 6:16 am
A metal shod fist punches through the rubble as Gilliam emerges from a large pile of rocks, pulling himself free at last. "Well..." Gilliam says, observing the ruins. "I suppose I missed something." Zook clambers down from ADAM, looking over at the cyborg. "Wasn't much. Just destroying archfiends." He laughs despite himself. "Another day on the job."
--------
Fall: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/712/17
Cedric ignores the others as they pull themselves free, striding over the fallen form of Lisa.
Lisa's wounds are extensive and grave. Blood soaks her once immaculate and pure white cloak and hood, crimson staining the gold and silver of her armor.
Nothing should be able to survive the wounds she sustained. Despite all that, Lisa is breathing shallowly. As Cedric stands over her, she begins to stir.
The paladin lays a hand on her shoulder, channeling healing into her. The healing has no effect much to the paladin's surprise.
"C... Cedric..." Lisa says, grimacing as blood leaks from her mouth. "L... Listen to me."
The paladins drops to a knee beside her, a tormented frown on his face as he leans closer to listen to her gasped out words.
"I... I'm not long for this world, I fear..." Lisa says, swallowing hard as she struggles to speak.
"The only way I can talk to you now... is by the intervention of the spirits of my sword... but in moments I will pass."
"Can nothing be done?" Cedric asks, taking her hand in his.
Lisa smiles sadly, weakly. "No... This body of mine... Resurrected shell... works... strangely."
She frowns, coughing a little. "I... would've liked to live a bit longer... But... I suppose I should be happy I got a second chance at all.”
The paladin is silent, then he nods, "How shall we honor you?"
Lisa chuckles a little, then laughs briefly. Blood flecks her lips as she does so. "Been... honored for most of my life... Just win. That's what you... can do..."
Cedric smiles slightly at this, speaking sincerely, "You have my word."
Lisa frowns for a moment, as if recalling something.
“Take... take my ring... it will protect the bearer from evil. Take my backpack as well, its contents will aid you... Take good care of the ring and the sacred staff...”
The paladin nods seriously, "Rest in the assurance that we will complete your task for you."
Lisa smiles, her hand tightening slightly on Cedric's.
Cedric returns the smile sadly, then he glances back at the others, "Ashathel, escort the Ancient inside, secure those weapons..." He turns back to Lisa, "The rest of us will follow once healing is complete." The paladin does not leave the side of the queen until she passes on.
“There's... There's one last thing I have to show you...” Lisa says with a sad smile.
Cedric nods with a worried frown, giving her the whole of his attention.
The hand Cedric holds, the ring on it begins glimmering brightly, then shines with a blinding light.
She chuckles a little. “Heh... You... Promised a dance...”
For everyone else, nothing more happens.
For Cedric the light overwhelms his sight, all becoming white except for him and Lisa. The fallen warrior's wounds heal in the light, her face grows more youthful, unlined by cares. She drifts away, leading Cedric by the hand as the white reforms into a dazzling starscape.
Waltz of the Stars: http://djpretzel.web.aplus.net/songs/Phantasy_Star_2_Dezoris_Winter_OC_ReMix.mp3
Three planets orbit a central sun, one emerald green with forests and plains, one golden with desert, and one whitish blue with snow and ice.
Lisa guides Cedric to the first planet, flying down through the clouds over silvery cities and forests. Spires and towers touch the sky as the pair moves across the planet.
Lisa shifts in place, lifting Cedric's hand higher and drawing closer to him as she begins to move in a dance. In the backgroud, the planet moves still, granting glimpses of sparking ocean and coastal towns.
With practiced, courtly grace, Lisa dances with Cedric as the planets continue to move beneath them. As Lisa whirls in the dance, the pair rises towards the stars, flying to the second planet.
Golden and white dunes of sand fly beneath their feet, blue furred nomads clad in dusty robes moving across them. Gigantic, majestic worms break the surface of the sand, let out mighty roars and dive back in.
The dance continues as they arrive on the third planet, flying through ancient temples and grand mansions. Majestic crevices and canyons of ice yawn beneath their feet.
Drawing Cedric closer, Lisa guides the pair back to the first planet, to an old and stately castle. Through the halls they move until at last they reach the throne.
With a final spin of her toes, Lisa suddenly begins to lift into the air, breaking from Cedric's grasp as the illusion fades.
Cedric slowly comes to his senses, empty armor and robes where Lisa's body once was. A glimmering draws his eye to his hammer.
On the weapon's side there is now a symbol, three slim triangles radiating away from a central point with three small diamonds within the corners. The symbol shines with prismatic radiance as Cedric looks at it. The hammer itself seems to shine with new life.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jun 03, 2007 9:22 am
Cedric stares at the empty armor for a long moment, then with a grim sigh, he glances at the combined forces, "Heal up, even with this victory our deeds this day are not yet ended." He then begins gathering the gear of the fallen queen, sliding the ring on his finger and slinging the pack over his shoulder. He glances around after a moment, as if searching for something but then speaks in a worn voice, "Kyoji...help me gather the remainder of Lisa's equipment...and the staff of life."
"As you will..." Kyoji says, nodding his head. He pauses for a moment. "How are you?"
The paladin stares at the ground, his eyes deadened, "I...don't know..." He shakes his head, as if struggling to clear it, "I...need a moment to collect myself, once you retrieve the...items..." He slowly sinks to the ground beside the empty armor, sitting with a sigh, "Please bring the knight who dealt the final blow to me." He frowns for a moment, struggling through heavy emotions to remember, "Gail... I think her name is..."
"Very well," Kyoji says, turning to execute his orders.
The paladin leans aganist the rough rock, turning from staring at the discarded armor to the ring on his hand.
"You wanted to speak to me, sir?" the paladin says, standing to sharp attention despite her wounds.
Cedric jumps as if startled out of some thought and looks up at his fellow holy knight with a frown, "Please, don't be ridiculous, stand at ease..." He slowly gets to his feet and looks at her with concern, "Someone should attend to your wounds..."
"There are others who are worse that I am," Gail replies, not releasing her posture. "They need tending to, not I."
The paladin shakes his head disapprovingly beginning to say something more, then he sighs and instead turns to the empty armor, "I want to thank you for...avenging...my fallen comrade..." He looks back at her seriously, "...and defeating a great evil."
"I...I did nothing worth of such acclaim, sir," she says, shaking her head stiffly. "That strike could have easily been someone else's; his defeat should not lay squarely on my shoulders, but be among all who fought today." Her eyes then fall to the shattered body next to him, closing with a breath. "I'm sorry. I only wish I could have maintained the presence of mind to have prevented such an outcome..."
"Do you always demiss your efforts so freely?" Cedric questions with a frown after staring at her for a moment, then he shakes his head, "You dealt the finishing blow to one of the greatest evils of our time, there is no need for formality between us...not here...nor is there any need for apology, all mortals seem lacking in times such as these." Annoyance flashes in his eyes as he notes her wounds once more, an edge entering his voice, "This is not a troop review, stand at ease." He sighs then wearily, turning to the empty armor once more, "Lisa...was a kindred spirit...to me." His voice grows quiet and respectful, "You defeated the foe that fell her, she would wish you to be rewarded for that act." He turns back to the holy knight of the Light, holding out a hand to the armor, "Take her armor and reforge it, wear it with the pride it deserves. Nothing would honor her memory more than to have the warrior who avenged her, another swordswoman even more so, carry on her quest."
Gail's eyes widen at the offer, taken aback by the presentation of the affects of a dead comrade. To be expected to take from one that had fought with them...such did not feel right. Possessions were buried with the body, things that held important memories to the deceased, it felt wrong to go against such...and yet, she saw the wisdom in his words. She thought of the things she and her comrades carried; how much of it were from the opponents they had slain, those who had seeked to kill them, and they had just been better? Numerous, of course, far too much to count...to turn her back on this would be insulting to the memory of a person who fought with her, who served the same cause side by side...it would be calling her less than a devil. Turning her eyes back to Cedric, she accepts the legacy of the fallen warrior, grasping it tightly as it falls into her hands. "Thank you," she says, staring at the broken shell of stained silver, "I will give her cause to be proud." She then walks away, sitting the armor against the corroded metal and rock of the canyon before she resumes her work.
Cedric smiles slightly, wearily, "No...thank you..." He then stands and begins preparing for the next phase of the offensive.

Posted by: Nightmare Sun Jun 03, 2007 8:42 pm
(( Gorrik gains a Level! Level 5 Paladin / Level 2 Fighter / Level 6 Dwarven Defender Gorrik gains 14 HP! Gorrik gains BAB +1! Gorrik gains FORT +1!
Gorrik gains REF +1!
Gorrik gains WILL +1!
Gorrik gains DR3/-!
Gorrik gains Uncanny Dodge!
===
Laika gains a Level!
Level 4 Werewolf/Level 2 Barbarian/Level 2 Fighter/Level 7 Champion of Gwynharwyf
Laika gains 14 HP!
Laika gains BAB +1!
Laika gains Immune to Charm and Compulsion!))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Jun 03, 2007 11:16 pm
Sorel approaches Cedric, holding a heavy gem in his hands. He stretches his arms out to the paladin. "Please take this." The paladin turns to the elder druid with a slight frown, after examining the gem for a moment he reaches out a hand and takes it, "This is...the orb the Archfiend used aganist us?"
"Yes," Sorel says calmly. "I believe it would serve as a potent weapon in our hands, if what your bard said was true. But I am unsure who could best use it between our two forces."
"We are armed with many potent artifacts." Cedric states after a moment's consideration, "Including two orbs similar to this in nature, perhaps it would be better suited to empower your force?"
Sorel nods, frowning, as he scans the battlefield for someone who could put it to use. His eyes stop on Kria. "Kria!" he calls. "Come here, please."
Kria blinks as she descends. "Yes?"
Taking the orb from Cedric, he extends the massive, glittering skull-shaped diamond out to Kria. "Take this," he says, "I believe you will have the most use for it."
Kria reaches out and takes the orb, staring at it. "...Like...ew." She frowned. "Like...well ok. It feels kinda warm."
Sorel murmurs in agreement, considering the matter closed.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:32 am
Arbeiten approaches Sorel. : "I am sorry to say it, but our paths must split here." Sorel looks surprised at Arbeiten's declaration. : "Why?" The half-giant looks over the area.
: "A feeling, perhaps from Mitula, perhaps not. But the land has been touched deeply here. Xadoss died here. Lisa made her sacrifice here. I have never felt land calling to me to be sanctified so strongly before."
: "I do not know how easily a land can be sanctified while devils war over it," Sorel says. "But if you are called elsewhere, then it is your path to follow. What do you intend to do?"
: "I will fashion the stones here. Beyond that, I cannot say. But it may be that in the future, you and our other friends have need of a place to rest." Arbeiten smiles gently. "I always hate to predict the will of the gods, but I feel safe in saying that they will shelter any who stay here."
: "I fear that rest will be long in coming," Sorel replies. "But you are right. A sanctuary on a battlefield is like an oasis, a sacred, healing place. Your effort is worthy." He pauses. "But I will be sorry to see you go."
: "As will I. But who knows? It may be that my work is finished before your own is." He smiles again. "If that is the case, I will seek you out. You do seem to leave enough signs," he adds, looking around at the destruction, "for a blind man to follow. Perhaps I will manage as well."
: "You are always welcome among us. You have been a great help, and a true ally. It is strange," the old man notes, "That we cannot seem to hold onto our healers."
: "Mitula would not call me away," the half-giant notes with quiet conviction, "unless there were someone to replace me. There will be another."
Sorel lifts his eyes to the heavens, to a sky filled with smoke and battle.
: "I pray they come soon."
: "It is always darkest before the dawn." Arbeiten notes. "In the meantime, may heaven smile upon your path, the stones lie flat before your feet, the wind press gently at your back, and the sun sing within your heart."
Sorel inclines his head in a nod.
: "May your work be a beacon of light in darkness." He looks up. "Until we meet again."
Arbeiten nods, and then turns and walks away.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:57 am
CINEMATIC LOADING... 0% Complete. ((Boy, this game sure takes a long time to load some time, eh? While you wait, please post comments on what you liked/didn't like about number III.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:38 am
Likes...

- The characters. Overall, I think the characters in III were the best yet, and the interaction and roleplaying are also improved over II. There weren't nearly as many social rejects, and everyone got along really well, even when they didn't. There was a much more 'Shining' feel to the group dynamic in this one, because it wasn't just a pile of people with their own interests who happened to be working together (aside from a couple bothersome exceptions).
- The focus. Going along with the first one, this game seemed to be character-centered as opposed to a plot-centered II. Whereas in II there were NPCs tagging along who made most of the executive decisions (we didn't even really have a leader until halfway through II), CWIII was more about the decisions of the players and their characters. Including mistakes, which weren't just swept away, and had actual consequences. I might be alone here, but I liked that. The fighting's no fun if there's no danger.
- The NPCs. I thought the NPCs (especially the villains) were very well done, from the one-shot grunts to the recurring bosses to the villagers we had to pester for aid. It's good when the people you're fighting (and the people you're fighting for) have some personality and depth to them.
- The settings. By and large, I found the places and the ways battles were fought to be a lot more inventive and interesting than they were in CWII. Even when things got a little repetitive (see below) it was never so bad that I didn't want to go on.

Dislikes...

- The players' behavior. A couple times (once significantly) people just completely stalled the game because something they didn't like happened, and instead of trying to resolve it in character, they decided to complain constantly OOC. It was annoying and frankly more than a little sad. I did it too, more than once But it really detracted from the game.
- Repetitive battles. Yeah, I get that the Devil Army loves ambushes (even though they lost every single time), but there were seriously ten or twelve out of the 16 or 17 battles were surprise attacks, that we were unable to forsee even when we had scouts posted. It got really boring after a while to hear, "Surprise! The force is surrounded."
- Not enough for skillful people to do. I get that the battles are supposed to be massive and sweeping and epic, but there was really almost nothing for rogues to do aside from try to flank (and then complain when things weren't sneakable). When the closest thing you get to using rogue skills is throwing a rope at a flying warlock, maybe it's time to throw them a bone. This wasn't a problem in CW2 -- I played a skillmonkey and there was never a shortage of things for me to do, in battle or out.
- Too many goddamn buffs. This is probably more a conceit of high level D&D games than anything else, but it is a colossal pain in the ass to try and keep track of all the buffs from across 90 different sourcebooks people try to cast.

Overall, I think this was a marked improvement over SFCWII, which is a game I already liked quite a bit. The only real general criticism is that at times it seems like things got a little too unwieldy, both for the players and for you.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:38 pm
[DELETED]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:31 pm
The copycat thing is really getting old. Liked: - Overall layout of most battles. The terrain was prime for climbing and hiding and all that other stuff; failure to make the best of it lies in the player, not the campaign. Langston was not useless without Sneak Attack; he soaked up hits and got to climb and tumble and jump like a nutcase.
- I wasn't privy to all the discussions of the matter, but it seemed like you allowed the game to bend about more this time around. I got the impression you made more concessions than you did in II. Maybe 'concession' isn't the right word. You seemed more reflexive in countering how we chose to go from place to place or handling particular events. I think it was appreciated even if it wasn't always noticeable.
Dislikes
- Early on there was just too much pointless chatter. I realize that there's going to be a lot going on in IV, but if there's ever another game I'd like to see you do a bit more between battles to drown out some of it. Thankfully this alleviated once the game got to about the halfway point, but in the beginning it was just tiresome. Take that with a grain of salt however, as I know alot of the cast prefer to RP as opposed to not doing anything at all. Beyond that, I think once you got to a point in the story where things began to happen even between battles, it sort of forced this out somewhat.
- Needed more opportunities for Use Rope, clearly the best skill in the game. Rope save the Queen. I'd like an exalted Rope feat as my special, and I dislike the fact that my Rope didn't have its own experience bar.
- Not that I was around much anyway, but I like the fact that we've done a little bit in IV before 10PM EST. It's been nice to be able to participate; a majority of CWIII took place after I went to bed.
Yeah, it was pretty good overall. Most of the things I disliked can be attributed to the lack of time I was willing or able to devote for it.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:01 pm
Vox said what I was going to say, more or less. *Sigh*

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:56 pm
What to say. This is the first real D&D campaign as well as one of the first forum RPGs I joined. There's nothing I really disliked about it on the whole but what I certainly could have enjoyed, I didn't due to my inexperience and lack of good enough RPing capabilities. I also wish I had taken a fairly active part to the adventure but all I did when I was offered an occasion was screwing up totally and not in a very bright way. Not that it matters now. At least CWIV character won't be so much restricted RP-wise.
Other than that I quite liked the game even for the little time I was in it. I must say a few battles seemed hopeless but this was for the best at the end, though this one battle at the devil fortress was quite heavy in NPC action... I don't know what to think about that.
But ultimately I learned a lot about RPing and D&D from this campaign which is good.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:37 am
This is probably going to be a copy of a couple things that have already been said, but I'll say them anyway. I'll probably add more later as I think of it. <}-{ Positives }-{> (O) We could play rogues, and warlocks, and a bunch of other stuff! It was refreshing to finally face enemies that were subject to critical hits. Sure, it might seems like a purely mechanical thing, but the fact that you wern't limited to "power builds" and highly optimized characters meant that we got a greater range of classes, abilities and personalities to go with them.
(O) The roleplaying. I was pleased with the fact that we could have three rogues, and have them all function completely differently both inside battles and out of them. Yes, at times I'll admit that we could have probably gone overboard, but the fact that we felt compelled to go as deep into our characters as we did (especially Kria) more than made up for it.
<}-{ Negatives }-{>
(O) While the feasability of using less "powerful" characters in battle increased, many of the outside functions which make classes useful outisde of fights was very much lost. I would suggest actually using things like Survival checks in the desert - not to be tedious, but more of a basis for roleplaying. In fact, honestly, I think we could benefit from more uses for other skills and abilities which haven't at all found any use in the CW arena, because people may feel more connected to and be more interested in their characters.

Posted by: Sighrus Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:11 am
[Pros: - It's been said by nearly everyone so far, so I might as well echo the sentiment and say that the roleplaying and group mechanics were vastly improved this time. Not only was it greater in both quantity and quality, but it was far better on another, more important scale: everyone participated. Sure, it wasn't all the time, and there were those that were obviously less active than others, but everyone had a basic personality and the group work well, even when things went downhill. We had few outright debacles, and those we did have, we worked to fix. All in all, I'd say CWIII had the best group from a personality and teamwork stand point; I can only think of a few times where someone did something their own way, and ended up having the situation biting us in the ass.
- The variety of settings, also mentioned by others. While the previous parts felt like the places we visited were simply backgrounds for events, this time around they actually felt like places that existed outside of the events of the storyline. It was no longer "It's a dwarven mine" or "It's a fortress outpost of evil"; instead, it was "The ruined kingdom of Galam, devastated by its war with the Devil Army," and "The port town of Hassan, where those who followed Max's banner against the witch Mishaela settled when they could no longer march on the hero's crusade". Everything seemed more interesting this time around, and with that, it could have possibly encouraged others to get involved. The feeling that there was actually consequence for our actions [the rumours after the meeting with Paseran, deciding not to retreat into Granseal for the benefit of its citizens] and that a place felt living was certainly a modifier for me.
Cons:
- The movement of the game. While we had far fewer times when the game stalled outright because of gigantic battles or just party arguing, there were times when it felt we were being rushed to meet other events, just to keep the ball rolling so that it didn't stall. This feeling didn't happen often; I will agree with Vox that it had the best pace of all the parts so far, but there were times where I was lost because of its speed. I admit that that's been one of my problems with each game, and if it's not one thing, it's the other, so there might just be no pleasing me.
- I'd also like to echo the consensus on skills here. It seems to me that in order to have the game flow more smoothly, you tried to cut away extraneous elements that might bog it down; to me, it feels like the skill system was the cut-away aspect. Though a good amount of people did find ways to use what they had, they had to think of what and when, and even then, they weren't needed to do so. In CWII, there were times when skills were absolutely necessary, and those who had skills were doing something with them a good deal of the time. Here, that was stripped away to make sure the game was more accessible, and easier to move. Not sure which is preferable, since it seems to be a double-edged sword, but when we're prompting ourselves when situations arrive to use our skills...
All in all, I greatly enjoyed myself, and it seems the majority did, as well. Looking forward to IV, as it already seems to moving along nicely.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:21 am

QUOTE (Sighrus @ Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:11 am)
[Pros: - It's been said by nearly everyone so far, so I might as well echo the sentiment and say that the roleplaying and group mechanics were vastly improved this time. Not only was it greater in both quantity and quality, but it was far better on another, more important scale: everyone participated. Sure, it wasn't all the time, and there were those that were obviously less active than others, but everyone had a basic personality and the group work well, even when things went downhill. We had few outright debacles, and those we did have, we worked to fix. All in all, I'd say CWIII had the best group from a personality and teamwork stand point; I can only think of a few times where someone did something their own way, and ended up having the situation biting us in the ass.
- The variety of settings, also mentioned by others. While the previous parts felt like the places we visited were simply backgrounds for events, this time around they actually felt like places that existed outside of the events of the storyline. It was no longer "It's a dwarven mine" or "It's a fortress outpost of evil"; instead, it was "The ruined kingdom of Galam, devastated by its war with the Devil Army," and "The port town of Hassan, where those who followed Max's banner against the witch Mishaela settled when they could no longer march on the hero's crusade". Everything seemed more interesting this time around, and with that, it could have possibly encouraged others to get involved. The feeling that there was actually consequence for our actions [the rumours after the meeting with Paseran, deciding not to retreat into Granseal for the benefit of its citizens] and that a place felt living was certainly a modifier for me.
Cons:
- The movement of the game. While we had far fewer times when the game stalled outright because of gigantic battles or just party arguing, there were times when it felt we were being rushed to meet other events, just to keep the ball rolling so that it didn't stall. This feeling didn't happen often; I will agree with Vox that it had the best pace of all the parts so far, but there were times where I was lost because of its speed. I admit that that's been one of my problems with each game, and if it's not one thing, it's the other, so there might just be no pleasing me.
- I'd also like to echo the consensus on skills here. It seems to me that in order to have the game flow more smoothly, you tried to cut away extraneous elements that might bog it down; to me, it feels like the skill system was the cut-away aspect. Though a good amount of people did find ways to use what they had, they had to think of what and when, and even then, they weren't needed to do so. In CWII, there were times when skills were absolutely necessary, and those who had skills were doing something with them a good deal of the time. Here, that was stripped away to make sure the game was more accessible, and easier to move. Not sure which is preferable, since it seems to be a double-edged sword, but when we're prompting ourselves when situations arrive to use our skills...
All in all, I greatly enjoyed myself, and it seems the majority did, as well. Looking forward to IV, as it already seems to moving along nicely.]

((The copycat thing is getting old, Cy.
: P ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 09, 2007 1:40 pm
Comments

- The characters were leaps and bounds above previous incarnations of the campaign. Character history felt like it was more than just a sidenote or a means of attacking the character in question; especially with visiting hometowns and families. Interaction was also drastically improved. Vox pointed out to me that this was at least partially due to the lengthy flurry of roleplaying at the beginning of the campaign, not great in and of itself it did serve as a solid base to build upon in later more in-depth interactions.
- Aside from the standard drawn out battle and the aftermath there of, the campaign had the best pacing to date. There were a few situations where things were rushed but I think those were minor and far between. The situations were the campaign floundered and ground to a halt were, in my opinion, primarily due to the players.
- I got tired of the enemy constantly having the upper hand. When I suggested a siege in past commentary, my thought was a cornered entrenched beast not a force ten times larger than ours. That's not a siege, that's what should be a massacre. Also, when I mentioned ambushes, I meant the players making use of ambushes against enemy columns or, if skills allow, pulling off a surprise attack. I know this is difficult with a spy in the midst so...maybe I don't have room to comment but still. Occasionally, the leader pulling off a tactical maneuver that would allow the group a major advantage in battle or even avoid direct battle would be nice.
- Player complaints were more readily addressed than in previous incarnations. It was my impression that people felt taken more seriously and that helped to negate bitterness, even if their complaint was not rectified as they desired.
- Max was a problem. If you did him justice you would invalidate the PCs and if you held him back you invalidated his role. Weariness was not a strong enough reason for his unstable behavior. A legendary hero, at least a young and capable one, cannot take on the role that Lady Yeesha did with CW2, it doesn't work.
- Metagaming reared its ugly head less often than it had previously or so it seemed. Not to say that it did not remain a problem but it did seem to have less of an influence than in previous incarnations. While the situation has improved, I would say that more work still needs to be done in this area.
- Opportunities to play emotions other than awe and despair were much appreciated it and, I felt, added a great deal to character development. While this was primarily due to player initiative, it was possible to do so without being blatantly out of touch with the world. I would prefer to see a even broader range of interaction in the future.
- Enemies with personalities, not just cardboard cutouts, were a good addition, though they did not compel much in the way of sympathy. I felt that the increased interaction was beneficial to the overall campaign.
- There are times when balancing is needed and there are times players should be allowed to risk failing miserably. I think in certain situations you should have taken a step back and let the players handle the situation, primarily the assault on the fortress. The Liberation Army and the ninja were one matter, but having Oddeye show up was another. It felt contrived to save the players in a situation that they could not hope to win short of a miracle. Instead of a miracle or being forced to make a difficult decision, they were rescued by NPCs. That bothers me. It also destroys interest, at least for me, if an impossible situation I risk will be fixed by outside intervention. There was improvement in this area previous incarnations of the campaign, there definitely were failures allowed that had nothing to do with the DM, but I think in the future more responsibility for success or failure should be left to the players. It doesn't matter how freaking huge the battle is, if the group is going to win no matter what situation they go into it or no matter what stupid things they do, it feels kind of pointless.
- I disagree slightly with what has been said about skills. The large number of ambushes and decisions of the group were, for the most part, what determined the usage of skills in this campaign in my opinion. In CW2, Cedric sent out scouts, spies, and tinkers to do things. Scouts, spies, and tinkers generally do things involving skills. CW3 generally did not. An example of this would be when Dicem lead a small mixed group into the ruins and ended up in a fight, if he had sent a team of roguish types inside I think not only would skills have been used, the situation would have been resolved with less of a fiasco. Same with the Amelios situation, making use of stealth characters instead of trying to resolve the matter through direct force (challenge based or otherwise) might have lead to a different resolution. I noted that social skills (namely diplomacy and gather information) were put to use by the group and were fairly effective. Survival checks are one thing; but for the most part I think that skill usage should be decided more by the group.
- One of my frustrations is that often the only effective means of countering the enemy is physical damage. I think this encourages power gaming and the buff happiness that everyone has been afflicted with of late. More enemies with energy weakness, tactical exploitation of terrain, and situations where physical damage is lessened would all aid in this. The Tide Form battle was a step in this direction and I look forward to seeing more along these lines in the future. I would especially like to see a more innovative approach taken with boss battles. Protection by artifacts in the room that have a cool down time or can be deactivated by magician/rogue types, the classic multiple bodies that respawn until the head is killed (or all are killed within one round), barriers protecting the boss that have to be bypassed through various steps ala prismatic sphere, and such would greatly increase the teamwork necessary to overcome them without encouraging players to build the ultimate melee machine. So far, only Shailtor has manifested a counter to physical damage and "reflect any damage taken to a random source" isn't as fun as it sounds. Basically, more battles that need teamwork from a variety of builds would be great. Additionally, more enemies with crappy saves and high hitpoints would be nice occasionally for spellcasters not specializing in blasting things or buffing allies.
- I think that grumbling and complaining are part of the DnD experience. It's the fun aside while people wait for the game to move. However, I think it does need to be addressed as something that can get out of hand. If there's a serious problem, instead of getting passive aggressive, I think it would be great for people to talk it out with the DM privately. Also, I think sometimes playing through the troublesome scenario is the best way to alleviate frustrations....as opposed to letting them drag on.
- Magic radiation. The campaign needs magical radiation that slowly and painfully rots characters into twisted husks of their former selves. Individuals can ward off this terrible radiation if they can manage to avoid having more temporary (non-item) magical effects active on their person than 1/4 their HD.
- Langston is really cool. Everyone else sucks.
- Sorel died too often, got repetitive.

I know a few of my points may have overlapped with those that certain others may have made. Well, perhaps that could be see that as a sign of affirmation and agreement as opposed to mimicking.

Posted by: Rusty Sat Jun 09, 2007 10:31 pm

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Sat Jun 09, 2007 8:40 am)
[*] Magic radiation. The campaign needs magical radiation that slowly and painfully rots characters into twisted husks of their former selves. Individuals can ward off this terrible radiation if they can manage to avoid having more temporary (non-item) magical effects active on their person than 1/4 their HD.

If this is a serious suggestion, I would advise against this one. For one, it favors people with items - and as such doesn't really make sense. Secondly, I think a straight buff limit would be better, if you're going to add one at all. After all, the only purpose for setting a buff limit in the first place would be for balanace.
Now, this was the first campaign where I felt I could even initially make a direct difference in battle. Let me explain. Prestle, up until his death, was a mediocre fighter. This is partially because I had not gotten adjusted to 3.0/3.5, mainly on account of lacking books at the time. He ended up dying, and since then, he has obtained levels in cleric. He has served much as a buffer since, and while he does nowhere near the damage of Ivellas or Garudaos, he can hold his ground decently. Still, he seems something attached to glue, not the glue itself. Maybe that will change now that he has the shield.
Faralon was definitely a powerful bard, don't get me wrong. But, as a bard, he couldn't have a direct affect on combat, himself, aside from his bardic music. And I'm not saying that's really a problem, I'm just commenting. That's the way the bard works - and it wasn't like he wasn't useful for it. He was also one of the first characters with a semi-deep story, IMO. He wasn't perfect, and you could clearly see that. He wasn't a paper mache character that was always right. Still, as I found myself in a lot of RPGs, and around the end, I just sort of lost focus and a drive with him. Until we met the other group, anyway.
Ombligo was sending direct damage at enemies from the start and was continually useful. I had set his backstory up with Vox and Knight before SFCW3 began. Heck, I was thinking of Ombligo even as SFCW2 was beginning. I guess that's why he felt more complete than my other characters. But in this campaign, I felt I was, for the most part, making a difference, as compared to other campaigns where I felt I was relying on NPCs most of the time. The NPC issue still came up a few times, but it wasn't quite to the extent as before.
So, let's see...

- Pros:
  Different enemies. It was a breath of fresh air to see things that could be crit'd - even just different enemies altogether. Granted, it was still mostly fiends, but at least I saw some things from SF, and that was a good experience. In SFCW2, it
  was all undead or robots or constructs for the good first half, and then some. Still, I hope to see even more varied enemies in the next installment.
  As already stated, character interaction. I had a lot of fun when I was actually RPing. Maybe it was partially because of my character. I felt we didn't get enough opportunities, at times, for this, when we were rushed into the next battle. I realize you want the game to progress, though we can't always get the RPs we want done as we do have lives that sometimes prevent RPs from happening, and for me it just loses its drive when you make an RP post along with the battle post, intending it to have happened earlier. It just feels really misplaced.
  I concur with the settings.
  And speaking with NPCs was nice - in good ol' SF fashion. We need more of that.
- Cons:
  I didn't like seeing characters from other games enter the mix. *Cough.* Fire Emblem *Cough.* It sort of killed the setting and made it feel less like a Shining Force game - which saddens me, because along with SFCW1, this one felt the most like a SF game.
  Like Vox said, most of the battles were ambushes, and that got really old, really fast. I still don't really understand why they were putting so much focus on us before we got Max, yet we weren't ambushed much at all after he joined us.
  I really don't like when the group splits when we're not all present to choose who goes where and why. When we're doing things at like 3AM, or even just in chats, it's really not fair to anyone that is not present. I feel this unbalances the game a bit, as those involved get treasure and experience, while anyone not involved gets nothing at all. This goes along the lines with things being too rushed at times, too.
  While the difficulty was heavily toned down from SFCW2, at times it still seemed a little too difficult. The Fizzle Ball battle turned me into a Gilliam/Mahler healer, and thank goodness wands worked at all, or I may as well have just been named 'extra target'.

I think it might benefit us to use that RPG Discussion thread more often so that instead of finding out what we all liked/disliked about the games as a whole, we address the issues at hand as they appear and take them with a grain of salt. Just a thought.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jun 10, 2007 1:17 am

QUOTE (Rusty @ Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:31 pm)
If this is a serious suggestion, I would advise against this one. For one, it favors people with items - and as such doesn't really make sense. Secondly, I think a straight buff limit would be better, if you're going to add one at all. After all, the only purpose for setting a buff limit in the first place would be for balanace.

Rotting people with magical radiation was a joke.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:32 am
Gilliam finally finishes fiddling with the control panel. The mechanized door slides to the side with a pneumatic phwoosh and a metallic whine. Inside a long, dark hallway slowly is illuminated as emergency lights switch on. : "Door cleared... We can enter," Gilliam says, quietly.
The force slowly begins to enter the Ancient ruins of Megiddo, the place where the world ended, where it might end for a second time. The battle raging around the outside of that place still boomed omniously in the background as the brave warriors entered the ruins. The sounds of battle served to remind the group that though they'd accomplished much, they still had even more to do.
The Theme of Ending: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/2745/17
Xadoss was dead, his stone corpse lay crumbling in the dirt within the canyon. Though only a single soul was claimed by the archfiend before his demise, the loss was still felt keenly by a few. Empty armor and a shattered sword and shield was all that was now left of the enigmatic warrior known to the Force as Lisa... and known elsewhere as Alisa Landale. The mysterious rune that now burned on Cedric's hammer was her last legacy. Amidst the jutting concrete and steel bones of the destroyed and unearthed section of Megiddo, Alisa's last remnants, small scatterings of dust, would find rest.
Still, this was a massive accomplishment. One of the Strife Lords was dead! The two forces had accomplished something together that neither could have been able to alone. This unity would be the key to victory, but would the two teams work together or break apart as they went on?
Only time would tell.
In the meantime, memories of all that had led them to this point flitted briefly through the minds of those who had chased after the hero Max. The first commission by Derrik. The siege of Hassan. The battle on the river. The joining of Ignatius. The abduction of Kayla's mother and the child. The discovery of Max in the shrine. The attack of Kria's mother, Amelia. The assault on the Devil Base. The encounter at Guardiana... the battles to get here, then finally the death of Xadoss. The group has weathered much...
And weathered it as a team.
CREDITS
Design, Plot, and Map Production: TheUnknownMarine
Map Hosting: Shinola, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Arcdragnbreth, VoxPVoxD, Rusty
Music Hosting: Shinola, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Arcdragnbreth, VoxPVoxD, Rusty
Cast
Sorel- VoxPVoxD
Gail- Cyrus
Graigus- Arcdragnbreth
Doctor Coventry- Kaihaku
Astrid- Kaihaku
Max- TheUnknownMarine
Adam- TheUnknownMarine
Gilliam- TheUnknownMarine
Ignatius- TheUnknownMarine
Kria- Aldur
Mahler- Knight_019
Nail - Critical Mass
Telanna- VoxPVoxD
Kayla- Nightshade Goddess
Ombligo- Rusty
Dam Dicem- Arcdragnbreth
Tanis- Alpha
Morgan- Lord Oddeye
Farain- Tarethan
Langston- DragonmasterDon
Gorrik- Nightmare
Amelios- Aldur
Arbeiten- Wandering Dezorian
Taklinn- FreedomJu
Thank you for playing.
THE END

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