Ancient of days! august Athena! where, Where are thy men of might, thy grand in soul? Gone - glimmering through the dream of things that were: First in the race that led to Glory’s goal, They won, and passed away - is this the whole? A schoolboy’s tale, the wonder of an hour! The warrior’s weapon and the sophist’s stole Are sought in vain, and o’er each mouldering tower, Dim with the mist of years, grey flits the shade of power. - Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto II (1812), Stanza 2.
After weeks of travel and danger, risking life and limb in pursuit of the Ashen Crown, it has come full circle. The party of adventurers, shaken but not yet beaten from the fight through the Dhakaani ruins in the Cogs, Ashurta's tomb has changed only slightly since the heroes last saw it. No bones linger in the alcoves, instead they are piled around the doors that the five used to get in, explaining why they needed to be forced. The cracking and shifting of the piles no doubt alerted the necromancer Demise to the heroes' presence but the elven woman continues with her chanting, unconcerned.
Mummified corpses with Aereni tattos lean in a few alcoves and the immense statue remains in the center of the room, though a silvery circle of arcane symbols surrounds it. Demise stands to one side of the circle, clutching her black staff.
Several hunched, ashen corpses tattooed with Aereni designs stand between the party and the necromancer. Behind the corpses, as if directing them, is the changeling Tikulti, the traitor who sold the heroes out and stole their pieces of the Ashen Crown. "Welcome," he says with his characteristically crooked smile, "So nice to see you again, though the decor is lacking."
To the side, Professor Gydd Nephret is slumped against Ashurta's sarcophagus, her hands bound to the stone block. She was the one who sent the party on this mission in the first place, and it looks as though she fell afoul of the Blood of Vol witch as well. "Thank the Host you've come," she says in a hoarse voice. She looks haggard and ill-treated. "Get me out of here!"
Vul Gan Shir, level 8 Goliath/Half-Giant, Monk Monk: Stone Fist style Theme: Escaped Slave Background: Skywatcher (from PHB2. Instead of watching for portents he went out and found his people's past) Languages: Common, Giant
ABILITY SCORES Str 18 (+1 at 4th and 8th lvl) Con 12 Dex 19 (+1 at 4th and 8th lvl) Int 10 Wis 13 Cha 10
AC: 23 Fort: 21 Refl: 22 Will: 22 HP: 65 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 16 Init:+8 Basic Attack: +14 vs AC, 1d10+6 Dex Based Attack: +11 vs
FEATS Level 1: Markings of the Victor - roll twice for first attack in encouter, use highest Level 2: Rapid Assault - +4 damage on first attack of encounter Level 4: Unarmored Agility - +2 to AC if unarmored or wearing Cloth Level 6: Improved Unarmed Strike - unarmed strike does 1d10 Level 8: Versitile Expertise - +1 to unarmed attacks and monk implements
RACIAL POWERS Powerful Athlete: roll twice for Athletics checks and take highest Mountain's Tenacity: +1 Will bonus Stone's Endurance: minor action to resist 5 all damage until end of next round
POWERS Monk at-will 1: Stone Fist Flurry of Blows - free action, on hit, add +7 damage to 1 targets (+9 if not the target of the original attack) Monk at-will 1: Dragon's Tail - Dex vs Fort, 1d6+Dexmod and knock down target, switch places with target Monk at-will 1: Five Storms - Close burst 1, Dex vs Ref, 1d8+Dexmod, shift 2 squares Escaped Slave encounter 1: Hidden Strike - Free action, make a Bluff check as part of an attack, if it beats the opponents passive Insight they don't think you did it and you are invisible to them until next round Monk encounter 1: Rising Storm - Dex vs Fort, 2d8+Dexmod thunder damage, adjacent enemies take Strmod thunder damage, fly your speed Monk daily 1: Masterful Spiral - Close burst 2, Dex vs Ref, 3d8+Dexmod damage, half on miss, assume Spiral Stance gaining reach +1 Monk utility 2: Careful Stride - Encounter, move, ignore terrain and walk on water Monk encounter 3: Eternal Mountain - Close burst 1, Dex vs Fort, 2d8+Dexmod damage and knock prone, gain resist all damage equal to Strmod until end of next turn and shift 2 squares Monk daily 5: Supreme Avalanche Combination - Dex vs Fort, 3d10+Dexmod damage, half on miss, until end of encounter gain +2 power bonus to damage against target and slide it 1 square Monk utility 6: Centered Defense - Minor, stance, gain +2 power bonus to all defenses Monk encounter 7: Titan's Step - Dex vs Ref, 2d8+Dexmod damage and push target Strmod squares, make athletics check to jump with +5 power bonus and considered running start
MAGIC ITEMS: Weapon: Blazing Arc Ki Focus +2 (at will change unarmed damage to fire) 8th (3400gp) Neck: Amulet of Health +2 (Resist Poison 5) 8th (3400gp)
Seeing their betrayer, all other details fade from view for Vul. Nothing cuts him deeper than the treachery of one who claimed to be a friend. He replies to the changeling "This place shall be your tomb backstabber!"
POWERS Warlord at-will 1: Inevitable Wave Warlord at-will 1: Commander's Strike Warlord encounter 1: Warlord's Favor Warlord daily 1: Lead the Attack Warlord utility 2: Adaptive Stratagem Warlord encounter 3: Devastating Offensive Warlord daily 5: A Rock and a Hard Place Warlord utility 6: Reorient the Axis Warlord encounter 7: On My Mark
ITEMS Hide Armor, Light Shield, Adventurer's Kit, Standard Identification Papers, Githyanki Silver Bastard sword +2, Bag o' Holding
MONEY 1,600 golds ====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Seriously, though, you should check out the PbP Haven. You might also like Real Adventures, IF you're cool.
Knights of W.T.F.- Silver Spur Winner
4enclave, a place where 4e fans can talk 4e in peace.
"I wouldn't worry about not tidying up. I figgur we'll just be in and out," the dwarf says with a grin as the tip of his trident begins crackling with energy.
Ability Scores: +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom Languages: Common, Dwarven Skill Bonuses: +2 Dungeoneering, +2 Endurance Cast-Iron Stomach: +5 racial bonus to saving throws against poison Dwarven Weapon Proficiency: Proficient in throwing and warhammers Encumbered Speed: You move your normal speed even when it would be reduced by armor or a heavy load Stand Your Ground: If an effect would pull, push, or slide you, you may move 1 less square than specified. If an attack would knock you prone, you can make a saving throw to avoid falling prone Dwarven Resilience: Have the Dwarven Resilience power
Class Features Psionic Augmentation: 6 Power Points Psionic Study: Wild Focus Psionic Defense: Have the Battlemind’s Demand, Blurred Step, and Mind Spike powers
• At-Will Powers: Battlemind’s Demand, Blurred Step, Mind Spike, Vicious Cobra Strike, Concussive Spike, Lightning Rush • Lightning Weapon/Mark of Storms: All powers that hit slide target 1 square • Rushing Cleats: All pushes/slides for close or melee attacks increased by 1 • Polearm Momentum: Spear/Polearm attacks that push/slide 2 or more squares knock target prone at the end of the movement • Stand Your Ground: If pulled, pushed, or slid, can reduce movement by 1 square. If knocked prone, can roll save to avoid falling prone • Languages - Common, Dwarven
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ====== Eegen Baddenhobb, level 8 Gnome, Wizard (Arcanist) Arcane Implement Mastery Option: Orb of Deception Aundair (City) (+2 to History) Theme: Scholar
FINAL ABILITY SCORES STR 8, CON 10, DEX 15, INT 22, WIS 10, CHA 15
STARTING ABILITY SCORES STR 8, CON 10, DEX 13, INT 18, WIS 10, CHA 13
Encounter Powers [_] Second Wind [_] Grasping Shadows [_] Hypnotic Pattern [_] Repelling Sphere [_] Fade Away [_] Orb of Deception [_] Use Vulnerability [!]SpectralImage (spellbook)
Daily Powers [_] ArcaneWhirlwind or Phantom Chasm [_] Scattering Shock or Visions of Avarice [_] Feather Fall [_] Dimension Door or Invisibility [_][_]Magic Item (Robe of Scintillation)
• At-Will Powers:Magic Missle, Winged Horde, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation • +2 push/pull/slide (orb expertise, orb forceful magic • phantom echoes - combat advantage against target hit by illusion spell • far spell (+2 if range less than 10, +5 if range 11-20) • +1 attack with blast/burst if ally in area • reactive stealth- with cover/concealment at init, stealth to hide • Languages - common, goblin, elven, dwarven
Orand Tairn serves as Adjunct Professor of Comparative Language Studies at Morgrave University. Although he does devote a great deal of time to his research pursuits, his academic career has been frequently interrupted by field work. Most recently, these expeditions have involved extended travel in Droaam and Darguun, and on some occasions have resulted in political and legal incidents for the University on an international scale, although Professor Tairn has never been convicted of criminal wrongdoing. While he is a popular instructor with the student body, Professor Tairn's research contributions are sparse at best, and the committee has no choice but to determine that Professor Tairn's body of academic publication falls short of the standards set by this institution. Moreover, the committee questions Professor Tairn's connection to a Dakhaani artifact named the Ashen Crown. The connection between this object and the Emerald Claw terrorist organization has yet to be clarified, and the potential for this incident to damage the University's reputation is a concern. In considering future petitions for faculty appointment, the committee will diligently evaluate Professor Tairn's allocation of time between scholarly pursuits and reckless expeditions in search of antiquities of questionable legal status.
It is the decision of this committee not to award a full faculty position to Professor Tairn at this time. Sincerely, Thalaen Canatar Department Chair
Orand is a gifted scholar of linguistics and avid treasure hunter. He grew up on the streets of Sharn, but he soon realized that his knack for getting into trouble with the law would not take him nearly as far as he could with legitimate hard work and the right education. With his dedication and intellectual talent (and no small amount of charm), he quickly proved his abilities as a scholar and was hired on as a university researcher in the Department of Linguistics. In the last few years, though, Orand has leaned away from the cramped towers of the University complex and has spent ever more time in the field. There, his old roguish talents have proven invaluable at hunting down artifacts and uncovering knowledge locked away in Khorvaire's ancient dungeons.
What most don't know is that Orand Tairn is actually a changeling named Shem who has taken on the guise of a human from Wroat in order to shed his past. During his first semester at Morgrave University, Shem's older siblings Prax and Djae fell in with the Tyrants, selling dreamlily and roughing up customers of rival gangs. Although Shem had left behind his family's troubled relationship with the City Watch, Prax and Djae tried to pressure him into helping them avoid arrest. When they landed in jail, Shem disappeared and re-entered the school under a new identity. Few at Morgrave know his secret, but Orand could not have achieved his current level of success without the help of his trusted friend Mennin Tyne, in whom he has confided his true identity.
Connections:
Prax, his older brother and Djae, his older sister. Currently in prison. Although they don't know his current alias, they could probably find Orand without difficulty if they tried.
Dalyn Neskus (human), a friend of Shem's from his early days at Morgrave, who currently teaches at the Arcane Congress, while performing research into dragonshards on the side as a consultant for House Orien. Dalyn knows Orand's true identity.
Haliar Santira (gnome), a colleague of Orand's who studies magical fauna at the Library of Korranberg. He owes Orand a favor ever since Orand translated an old collection of Xen'drik texts for him: The Nine Sojourns of Iojae, written by a stone giant warlord named Xachad-Al.
The necromancer Demise is wracked by a sudden assault that momentarially distacts him. Looking across the expanse, he notices the resolve in the dwarf's eyes.
The shock of the scene before him jars Eegen to action. Tikulti working with Demise and Gydd in trouble?!? Gydd! That wonderful professor! Eegen knew they had to act quickly.
Raising his blueish orb before him, Eegen concentrates and then quickly recites a magical incantation, "Musht eedeh hawznee akeet kel!" The orb flares a bright blue which is soon echoed by a similar burst of light from behind the nearest ghoul. Radiant streams azure radiate from this burst and pull on each of the enemies, tugging them towards the blue glow.
His voice then continues on with a second invocation. "Shataatbul kereshni" As he shouts these words, his magical orb's colour swirls with black and gray. Misty Shadows reach up from the stone floor to grasp at the grouping of creatures.
Eegen hopes his spells have slowed the enemy's response. Trusting that his companions can keep the enemies busy, the gnome then dashes towards Gydd, hoping to rescue the trapped professor.
On Hit Pull Up to 6 sqrs towards zone (4+1+1, base spell+orb expertise+orb of forcefull magic) If the primary target is then in the zone or adjacent to it, the primary target is immobilized (save ends). Ideal Pull: Ghoul B to F10 Demise to F9 Ghoul C to E9 Tikulti to F11 Ghoul A to E11 -- zone lasts until EONT, can use MINOR to sustain zone and redo attack
spend action point Grasping Shadows burst 1 centered at F10 Int vs Will (roll order Demise, Ghoul C, Ghoul B, Tikulti, Ghoul A) Grasping Shadows (1d20+13=16, 1d20+13=30, 1d20+13=29, 1d20+13=30, 1d20+13=32) **note forgot I have Phantom Echo feat which gives Combat Advantage against anything that was previously hit by my illusion spells (+2) **I think Pash's warlord grants bonus to hit after spending an action point? (+3?) i.e. should have another +5 to all to hit rolls for this attack?
On Hit Grasping Shadow Damage (1d8+8=14) +plus target is slowed EONT Effect: Shadows writhe in the designated area and continue until the end of your next turn. Any creature that enters the area of the grasping shadows takes psychic damage equal to your Intelligence modifier(6) and is slowed until the end of its next turn.
** FREE ACTION (IF APPLICABLE) IF target missed by Grasping Shadow attack and another enemy within 3 that wasn't targeted by this attack then use ORB OF DECEPTION (retarget new enemy within 3 with this roll Orb of Decpetion for Grasping Shadows IF APPLICABLE (1d20+13+2=24)
Encounter Powers [_] Second Wind [X] Grasping Shadows [_] Hypnotic Pattern [_] Repelling Sphere [_] Fade Away [_] Orb of Deception [_] Use Vulnerability [!]SpectralImage (spellbook)
Daily Powers [_] ArcaneWhirlwind or Phantom Chasm [X] Scattering Shock or Visions of Avarice [_] Feather Fall [_] Dimension Door or Invisibility [_][_]Magic Item (Robe of Scintillation)
• At-Will Powers:Magic Missle, Winged Horde, Ghost Sound, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation • +2 push/pull/slide (orb expertise, orb forceful magic • phantom echoes - combat advantage against target hit by illusion spell • far spell (+2 if range less than 10, +5 if range 11-20) • +1 attack with blast/burst if ally in area • reactive stealth- with cover/concealment at init, stealth to hide • Languages - common, goblin, elven, dwarven
The changeling's smug expression turns to dismay as he, the ghouls, and Demise are pulled towards the glowing ball of light created by Eegen. No sooner so the targets all reach the ball then shadow tendrils reach out to rip at them. Demise manages to pull away from the grasping shadows but her servants are not so lucky.
All hits with visions of avarice and you only missed Demise with grasping shadows. Great opening!
"You vile meddlers!" Demiseshrieks, fighting the force that keeps her rooted near the ball of energy. "This is far beyond your understanding, you have been pawns in my hands and you will die for this final mistake!" Fixating on Eberk, she levels her staff and hisses with anger. "I offered you amnesty once, dwarf, and you refused! The world will never understand your gift like I do and if you will not join me it is only merciful to kill you and stop all that pain." A noxious purple cloud races from the end of the staff, reaching like a finger of death towards the party and engulfing them all in a choking fog.
The cloud attack hits everyone and deals 9 poison damage as well as lightly obscuring the area. Anyone starting in the area takes another 6 poison damage.
Furiously swiping his rapier at the shadowy tentacles, Tikulti looks up with an angry expression and whips a shuriken at Vul Gan Shir, but misjudges in the choking fog. "This is a waste," he sneers as he tries again to pull away, "after your momentary distraction we'll finish what we came to do and I'll be immortal! A vampiric changeling... I like the sound of that. Take any form, lure any woman. I think you all will be my first snack!" The changeling's loyalty to Demise is obvious, but likely misplaced. Professor Gydd Nepheret trusted her as well when she expressed interest in the items the party had found in the Cogs. Both women were excited to track down more and the party eagerly agreed, especially with the encouragement of the King’s Citadel as well. Little did they know at the time that "Lady Dannae" was an Emerald Claw necromancer, nor that they would end up here with the good professor tied to a sarcophagus.
