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Post by Badasterysk on Jun 8, 2009 8:14:42 GMT -5
Atop the argosy’s balcony, Devon witnesses first hand the devastation of the ant swarm. Though the argosy’s defenders manage to slay dozens of ants upon their initial contact, it seems two are ready to take the place for every one that falls. From this vantage, the telepath can see the gore and hear the screams of men being crushed by massive mandibles.
At her side, the drive-master’s brow is furled in exertion and sweat pours down his face as he tries to keep the mekillots under control. Below, she notices the area in front of one of the argosy’s two entrances has been breached, and several ants rush inside. Attempting to stem the flow, the telepath summons an ectoplasmic being to block the passage.
On the blood soaked ground, Drog and Harakhty continue to swing at the onrushing vermin. This time though, the swarming, frenzied ants cause a bit of confusion for the guardsmen, and neither manages to land a solid strike. And although Harakhty is able to fend off the ants, the much larger Drog has more difficulty, and one slips past his guard, delivering a painful bite. Focusing, the half-giant is able to control his heart rate and stem some of the bleeding.
Inside the argosy, slaves rush to the back to receive weapons to fend off the swarm. Awaiting his gear, Dorian quickly focuses his mental strength around himself, creating a barrier. No sooner are weapon and shield in-hand when the ants breach the argosy, easily biting through and climbing over those unfortunate slaves who had yet to reach the arms storage.
Wanting to reach the stairs to the upper level, Dorian reacts quickly. With but a thought, the red haired man focuses his mind, forcing into being a large gout of flame. The flame leaps forth with a loud Bwoosh! and strikes the lead ant solidly, cooking the vermin in its chitin shell. Upon impact with the lead ant the firey missile splits in two and streaks at the pair behind it- they are engulfed the same as the first.
The hallway momentarily clear, all rush for improved position. Having been wating for the opportunity, Silver is first up the stairs, making it to the top. Behind her- and still on the stairs- is Dorian, who listens to his sister’s psicrystal’s frantic message.
“Devon is being attacked! She is in danger! You must follow me!” The message is indeed dire, but Dorian already suspected such. Not because of their current situation though, but because his sister’s psicrystal was prone to embellishment and exaggeration, if not outright lies.
Dropping to the staris, it heads to the second level. “Quickly!”
At the bottom of the stairs, Dastan faces the argosy’s exit, awaiting more invading ants. To his surprise, T’chai- the strange bug-man- streaks past the stairs and bolts ou of the argosy before he can no longer be seen. And although things are momentarily calm on this side, sounds indicate that the opposite side of the argosy isn’t fairing nearly as well.
T’chai notes that there isn’t much room outside the argosy- a sea of clacking black envelops almost all of the mantis-warrior’s vision. Thankfully, the red-man created fire to give a small opening to allow T’chai the moment he needed to try to help the fire-maker’s clutch mate. Once outside, T’chai- with the quickness and strength legendary of the thri-kreen- springs mightily from his four legs and launches himself into the air and atop the argosy, mandibles clacking behind him in vain attempts to bring him down.- Devon- summons Astral Construct.
- Dorian- manifests Inertial Armor (previous round) and (Fire) Missile before moving to stairs. Ants Reflex saves: 9, 18, 20- one fail two successes. The two successes don’t have enough HP to take even ½ damage. All three dead.
- Silver- delay then move. She is at the top of the stairs- level 2. Also, I’ll say you were already psionically focused- cause I’m good like that.
- Dastan- move into position near bottom of stairs.
- T’chai- move out of argosy and jump to the roof. Jump check: 45- wow! That’ll get you to the roof.
- Drog- attack: 14, miss.
- Harakhty- attack: 14, miss.
- Ants- attack vs. Drog: 5, miss; 19, hit. With DR, 2 points of damage.
_______________________________________ Initiatives: Devon 21, Dorian 8, Silver 8, Dastan 8, T’chai 8, Harakhty 6, Drog 6, Ants 3.] Conditions: Harakhty: 19/19 hp; Bless (round 2/20) Drog: 11/16 hp, Blessed (+1 attack, damage, fear saves), Biofeedback (DR 2/-; round 1/10) Devon: 18/18 hp, Blessed (+1 attack, damage, fear saves)- 16/19 PP Dorian: 18/18 hp - 15/19 PP Dastan: 25/25 hp Silver: 12/12 hp T’chai: 10/10 hp At, please note that the attack/damage bonus for the MS wooden short sword is +0/+0. And thanks to TheUdjat for prividing a map that I was able to pirate! Main Level: ____________
| ______ |
| /____| |
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[D | | ]
c] | | [
H| |_/__| |
B|__________| Second Level: ____________
| ______ |
| /____| |
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| |____/ |
| /____| |
|____ ____|
|d_| Roof: ____________
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|__________| KEY:D- Dastan H- Harakhty B- Drog K- Dorien (not on map as he is on the stairs) d- Devon c- construct (flying) T- T'chai ] [- staris down (exit) [ ]- stairs up (to second level) /- door
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 8, 2009 9:35:22 GMT -5
Pleased to burninate a few oversized bugs, Dorian continues on up the stairs after Silver, enjoying the view from below as he does so. Provided Dastan isn't in his way or something. He lets the psicrystal lead on. "Yes, I'm sure she's in dire trouble. Can we just get there already?" He'll carry the crystal if it seems the more expedient method to get to the top of the stairs. It's not a problem to burn down more ants, but he'd prefer to save his mental energy for the escape itself. Three ants down is nice, but as he recalls, they tend to operate in ridiculously large hives.
He'll call in advance of his arrival. "Devon! You up here?!"
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Post by at on Jun 8, 2009 11:36:21 GMT -5
Dastan pokes his head out the door as the kreen jumps past, sizing up the number of ants on this side of the argosy before dashing up the stairs after the others, throwing his shield behind him to foul the footing of any bugs that seek to follow. Turning quickly at the top he stands to the side of the staircase, knowing that the ant's stiff carapace would make it difficult for them to turn and attack while climbing while he could still thrust down at their backs. "There are a lot of bugs out there, but I think we could make a break for it if we can keep them interested in the argosy."Stab the first bug that tries to get close
[dice=20]+3
for
[dice=6][dice=6]+1
(11 damage)
Dastan's AC is now 15, with an additional +1 dodge against the first bug to attack [rand=696415277165806876332336279325912837414110143038738419762580365] |
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Post by Rojito on Jun 8, 2009 22:07:09 GMT -5
T'chai will quickly move to Devon, or whomever reacts as that might be her name when Dorien shouts it. He knows she probably cant understand him, so instead he will point at Dorien and motion for her to come with him. If any of the ants come close he will deal with them, if she resists... well hopefully that wont happen...
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Post by tork8342 on Jun 8, 2009 22:35:06 GMT -5
Drog's frustrations rise as he misses and is hit again. He focus's his emotions into his strikes. " OOC: activate rage" He swings with everything he has at the ant left there in front of him.
[dice=20]
+9
[dice=6]
[dice=6]
[dice=6]
+13
[rand=7591039999084783080391472792929570194797768229701968930221535017783] |
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Post by tork8342 on Jun 8, 2009 22:38:34 GMT -5
OOC: wow I'm a beast......if only i can survive for now!!!!! |
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Post by at on Jun 9, 2009 3:44:38 GMT -5
[OOC] OOC: wow I'm a beast......if only i can survive for now!!!!! Yep, a beast. But you have just fatigued yourself for a few extra points of damage against bugs you were splatting anyway. That high base land speed is going to come in handy for walking very quickly after us once the rage wears off  |
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Post by tork8342 on Jun 9, 2009 23:33:19 GMT -5
OOC: it wasn't for the damage. I Raged for the HP and the extra bonus to hit so that i can hit them easier. Damage was obviously not the problem, but your right I'm gonna have to use part of my rage to cut a way out of here so that i can out run everyone. |
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Post by menatkhufu on Jun 10, 2009 1:27:24 GMT -5
Harakhty is doing well defending himself up to now, but the ants are many as one, a harmonium of destruction, and show no signs of slowing down, while many a slave die victim to their brutality. In fact, he is alerted at the punishment the half-giant -unconsciously raging- and the other slaves are taking. Surely, the line was to break, and the remaining had to retreat to the upper floor.
Keeping an eye on the line, he raises shield and hammer to take a defensive posture. If Drog is more severely wounded, he will heal him with the generous boon of the element. AC up to 20, fighting defensively till next round.
Delay to see if Drog is wounded more, and burn Heat Lash for spontaneous Cure if he is.
Heal +2 [dice=8]
Concentrate check +7 if needed [dice=20]
If not, attack the ant in front of him at +1.[dice=20]
And take a 5 foot-step closer to the stairs up if the one next to him dies. [rand=6397570085762497765851885513270976093607563930116243747801619861]
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Post by Yakumo on Jun 10, 2009 12:37:02 GMT -5
As Silver dashes up the stairs ahead of the pack she feels her ears burn, someone is thinking or talking about her. "Eyes to yourself, Dorian." She chastises, attempting to keep her clothes as modest as possible - difficult for the crummy rags they give the slaves.
Moving ahead a little bit, Silver concentrates, bringing up her Psionic defenses - in case she runs into someone she needs to lie to for them to get away. She calls out, "Umm, Devon! Where are you? We are leaving!" Spend one Power Point to Conceal Thoughts.
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Post by Jolith on Jun 12, 2009 8:34:01 GMT -5
It all happened so fast that Devon barely had enough time to keep up. She heard her voice being called out from multiple directions, which was odd in itself considering she only really knew her brother. Then a huge bug jumped in front of her, causing her to almost topple backwards as she stepped back in alarm. It made noises at her, one she didn't understand, but after getting a better look she realized it wasn't an ant but a thrikreen.Dorian, the people you make friends with.Yelling out towards wherever it was that her name was called, considering now she could barely see past the large insectoid. "Dorian! I'm over here! What took you so long!" Hearing the words, 'we are leaving' from a strange silver haired woman, Devon made sure to give Dorian a look that simply said 'Good job, you got a good one!'. "Wait, before we leave." Looking over the edge towards her Half-Giant 'protector' and the sun-burnt Mul. "DROG! We're getting out of here! Bring the Mul! The ant's are going to overrun us!" There that should do it, she thought to herself.Devon will try and use her Construct to give Drog and Harakhty a distraction so that they can try and escape the onslaught.
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Post by Badasterysk on Jun 18, 2009 12:56:19 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay, everyone.  The homestead's been a bit hectic this week. I'll have an update soon. |
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Post by Badasterysk on Jun 22, 2009 7:51:38 GMT -5
From her balcony perch, Devon commands her winged construct to defend one of the argosy’s entries alongside the half-giant Drog and the sun burnt mul. The construct mercilessly slams an ant, but its hard chitin protects the insect from the brunt of the attack.
Next to Devon’s ectoplasmic construct, Drog howls in rage- so loudly and angrily that the half-giant drowns out Devon’s warning shouts. Enraged, Drog brings his massive stone maul to bear, obliterating an ant as gore flies through the hot air. His raging assault has left him vulnerable, however, and an ant again painfully bites the half-giant- though he seems to barely register the attack.
Next to the half-giant, Harakhty brings his weapon to bear, striking an ant hard and heavy, instantly felling the creature. Looking to fall back inside the argosy, the mul realizes this one’s door isn’t large enough to accommodate the hulking half-giant. Suddenly, almost unexpectedly, an ant rushes past Harakhty and the winged construct and into the argosy. Both defenders try to strike the vermin as it passes, neither successful in the attempt.
From her vantage, Devon can clearly see the defense faltering. Within a few heartbeats, the defenders have been decimated, and the ants begin to overrun the argosy- already, several are making their way up the transport’s sides.
Atop the argosy, T’chai witnesses the same grotesque scene- ants everywhere, slaughtering everything. Moving to the front of the argosy, he spots a woman looking over the side of the balcony, screaming to those below her something that is undecipherable in cacophony of battle. The woman’s shouts cease as she and T’chai spot a pair of ants that have climbed the side of the argosy.
Reaching the balcony, an ant grabs the unsuspecting and defenseless drive master who is utterly focused on the now ant-buried mekillots. With a snap of its mandibles and flick of its head, the ant separates the psionicist’s arm at the shoulder as the man is yanked from the balcony and thrown screaming from the edge before landing in the sea of ants below. The other ant lunges at Devon, barely missing the woman as T’chai leaps to her side. Startled, the telepath stares in disbelief as the mantis-warrior says something unintelligible to the woman and points into the argosy before turning to face the intruding ants.
Inside the argosy, Dastan stands ready on the stairs as he sees an ant charge inside. Ready for such tactics, the man easily dispatches the ant, though he can now see more that have come from the argosy’s other entrance.
At the top of the stairs, Silver and Dorian shout.
"Umm, Devon! Where are you? We are leaving!"
The pair’s shouts are met by a pair of Urikite soldiers who, like the others, were awakened by the commotion. “Damn strait you’re leavin’. Now get yer asses back down them stairs and defend the argosy!” one commands.
Then, as if on queue, an ant moves in behind the unsuspecting soldiers and bites one soldier's leg clean off. The man falls to the ground in screaming agony as the other turns to face the vermin.- Construct’s attack: 15, miss
- Drog’s attack: 24, hit; 23 damage, dead. 5 ft. step.
- Harakhty’s attack: 21, hit- crit confirms with an 18. 18 damage, dead. 5 ft. step
- Construct and Harakhty’s AoO on ant entering argosy: 9, miss; 14, miss
- Dastan’s attack: 17, hit; 11 damage, dead
- Various Listen checks: Devon: 1, Dorian: 2, Silver: 11. The battle is too loud and no one can hear each other’s shouts.
- Ants attack: on Drog 20, hit- 2 damage, no damage with Biofeedback. On Harakhty 12, miss
Conditions: Harakhty: 19/19 hp; Bless (round 3/20) Drog: 11/16 hp, Blessed (+1 attack, damage, fear saves), Biofeedback (DR 2/-; round 2/10), Rage (round 1/10) Devon: 18/18 hp, Blessed (+1 attack, damage, fear saves), Astral Construct (round 1/3)- 16/19 PP Dorian: 18/18 hp, Inertial Armor- 15/19 PP Dastan: 25/25 hp Silver: 12/12 hp- 8/9 PP T’chai: 10/10 hp Main Level: ____________
| ______ |
| a/____| |
| a| | |
aa| | | |
ac[D | | ]
aH] | | [
aB| |_/__| |
aa|__________| Second Level: ____________
| ______ |
|aa/____| |
| u| | |
| S|____/ |
[K | | ]
| |____/ |
| /____| |
|____ ____|
a|dT|
a KEY:D- Dastan H- Harakhty B- Drog K- Dorian d- Devon c- construct (flying) T- T'chai S- Silver a- ant ] [- staris down (exit) [ ]- stairs up (to second level) /- door Plase let me know if I've forgotten something!
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 22, 2009 9:49:41 GMT -5
Plase let me know if I've forgotten something! [Initiative, I think. ] Dorian scowls at the Urikite soldier. "Downstairs? I think not." He lifts his hand and wills out another spray of flaming arrows, targetting not only the offending ants, but also the remaining soldier. He really has no desire to take chances today.
With that done, he continues to follow the psicrystal's instructions to reach his sister. [He can get there in 30' of movement, so I'm assuming he makes it.] When he comes on the scene, he is clearly surprised to see the thri-kreen there already, but does nothing more than widen his eyes and take in the rest of the visage below, the carnage of ants everywhere. He looks hopefully at the mekillot which, too, appears inundated with ants."Sis," he says, but not with nearly as much relief as he'd hoped. "Time to go. Any ideas? Ants are already inside." He turns back to see exactly how close said ants might be. He's running out of psionic will to muster in destroying them.
Dorian unleashes another (Fire) Missile, augmented to 3d6+3 as before. He targets the ants and the urikite soldier, and if there's another any more hostiles within 15', he hits those, too. Reflex Save DC 18 for half. [dice=6] [dice=6] [dice=6] Total: 16 fire damage [rand=66820564315304681515880529447921264234550529499955755860303842737] |
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 22, 2009 9:50:51 GMT -5
[Oh yeah, and PPs now at 12/19.]
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Post by at on Jun 22, 2009 13:58:34 GMT -5
Dastan jabs down at the ants as more approach, but he can already hear more behind him "they're at the stairs, we need to find another way down!"Clambering up he grabs Silver's arm and pulls her towards the front of the argosy, towards daylight. Better they stand with their backs to the way out than with their backs to a wall. Hold action until the first of the ants gets into range, stab it (standard action), and then withdraw towards the front of the argosy(move action, 40' or 20' if tumbling required)
Attack[dice=20]+3
For[dice=6][dice=6]+1 piercing damage
Tumble if required to get away from the ants (if not killed)[dice=20]+11
Dastan's AC this round is 15, with a +1 dodge bonus against the first ant to attack him [rand=843557499651383937247953346368298438601146267285137333878580641] |
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Post by Yakumo on Jun 22, 2009 14:16:31 GMT -5
EDIT: I think At mistook himself for Dorian's position in the map. If not I'll edit and go along with it. Right you are.
Seeing the ants coming, Silver winces just before the man's legs goes snip. "Sorry boys, save the demands for the slaves because freedom is what's floating in my mind." Just before she is 'rescued' Silver prepares a mental assault that falters as Dastan grabs onto her. "Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. The twins are are down this way, let's go." Silver will make a full move towards Devon, Dorian, and the Kreen [rand=636640206320174399523833157678452453243477480434623906577452047206] |
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Post by Jolith on Jun 22, 2009 14:18:32 GMT -5
The chaos around her almost overwhelms her. If it wasn't for T'chai, who she'd have to thank later, her dazed attidue would have gotten her killed. Luckily, he was there to jump in between the oncoming ant and deflect it's pincers from coming down severing her in half, like the other Mekillot driver.
THE MEKILLOT!
The idea almost made her forget where she was. The caravan mounts were the answer. The ants would have a terrible time pulling those massive creatures down, they were huge, no bigger than huge!
Being stuck up on the top of the caravan keeping these creatures in line, she knew just how strong and gargantuan these creatures were. If they could somehow get on the back of the creature and sever the ropes holding them they would not only escape, but also stop the caravan, if they survived, from following. It was brilliant! At least Devon though it was.
When her brother finally makes it over to her, she first throws her arms around him. She had been extremely overwhelmed in this ordeal, and to finally have him close was very comforting. She lets go quickly knowing they only have precious moments before the ants completely overrun the argosy."Dorian! The Mekillot! We can all ride one out of here! Get on the back and breaks it's bonds, the ants would never be able to stop that thing from running off, especially not with us aiding it!" Her words are quick out of her mouth, and she hoped she hadn't talked too quickly, but considering the circumstances, she doubted he would blame her.
Even before she was finished yelling at Dorian, she was already commanding her construct back up to her for protection. If she was able to get the Mekillot free then she would come back for Drog, but for now, her brother and her safety were first. Sending the construct at the ant in front of T'chai it swings savagely with it's club like fists.
How far off are the Mekillots from the caravan? Would it be possible to get to them? How securely are they connected? Devon is looking out to see if it would even be possible to get onto the backs of them.
Also, here are the rolls for the construct.
Astral Construct's Attack @ +4
[dice=20]Total = 16
[Astral Construct's Damage @ +4]
[dice=6]Total = 10
Astral Construct
Medium Construct
Hit Points: 31 hp
Initiative: +2
Speed: 40 ft (20ft fly [Average])
Armor Class: 18 (+2 Dex, +6 Natural)
Base Attack / Grapple: +3 / +4
Attack: Slam +4 melee (1d6+4)
Space/Reach: 5ft / 5ft
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: One ability from Menu A (Wings), construct traits, darkvision 60ft, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +0
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 15, Con - , Int - , Wis 11, Cha 10
[rand=5975489355744492309218072703034030273738565672282947419858625219392]
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Post by at on Jun 22, 2009 17:02:52 GMT -5
yakumo : I think At mistook himself for Dorian's position in the map. I'm the big D on the staircase (on the lower floor map), about to run south along the upper floor, which would have left Silver alone at the top of the stairs since Dorian had already run off |
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Post by Rojito on Jun 22, 2009 18:55:33 GMT -5
T'chai will lash out at any ants that get anywhere near them. Hearing the sister say something about the Mellikots, he will look around and see what is available to aid them.
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The homestead's been a bit hectic this week. I'll have an update soon.