==Seeking==
There was little time to lose. As the party conversed, the enemy was preparing for an assault on Kred. Thoven interjected that his contacts may have useful information, and the rest quickly agreed--he set out immediately to gather whatever he could. Kib left the Inn shortly after, to procure a disguise for Thed, and some other incidental supplies. The rest sat in wait for information, spending the time as they were wont: Thed idly musing, Gil destroying property, and Zeal getting shamefully drunk on Dwarven ale.

Thoven went post-haste into the usual haunts, pressing coin into hand and asking pointed questions. He located his one-time informant, One-Eye, and quickly made way to his hovel. Arriving, he set about to knocking on the door, trying to rouse the dilapidated shack's occupant. There was no answer but a hasty shuffling from within, so Thoven rapped hard once more. Still achieving no response, he shouted to the inside, "Open up! I bring dire tidings that threaten this city, and the shipping routes it enables!", but to no avail. Apprehensively, Thoven opened the door and entered, peering into the grim darkness.

Suddenly, he was beset from all sides! A rude cudgel connecting with his arm, Thoven reacted immediately to jump back, another two makeshift weapons whizzing through the space he once occupied. Reacting without thought, Thoven unleashed a flaming torrent from his hands, the red, flickering light showing three surprised Kobold faces! None of the trio managed to escape the onslaught, and as quickly as it had begun, the battle was over. Thoven's troubles, however, continued, as the blaze had managed to catch the dirty rat-trap aflame, racing currents of fire catching the rickety, wooden walls like torchwood. Thoven shouted hoarsely for help, and managed to extinguish the flames, but could not save the hovel, nor any trace of what information it may have contained. The three Kobolds were more than enough indication to Thoven, though, so he returned to share his new insights with the group.

Meanwhile, Captain Kleptinax returned to report to the Kitten Bone Inn, accompanied by his guards. Facing a rude reception from the two visible party members (the third, Thed, immediately hiding himself from view upon hearing Kleptinax's knock), he sat in wait for Kib, his main contact, while Zealeus continued drinking, and Gilerl enjoyed a bowl of kitten stew. A full hour passed in this manner, and Kleptinax stood impatiently to leave, when the front door burst open and Kib returned, laden with the procured goods. Greeting Kleptinax cordially, he set aside the bundle to hear what he had to say.

"The false Halflings entered the city some while ago, as you said, and we have been tailing them, since," Kleptinax stated, flatly. "They have yet to join with the main force, wherever it may be, and we wish not to tip our hand until the bulk of the infiltration party can be found."

"That is wise," replied Kib, "and Thoven is pressing his investigation into their location, but we are hindered with a lack of knowledge of the city's layout."

"You are not alone in that, my friend," said Kleptinax, "for this is an old city, and full of passages far more ancient than the oldest among us can remember. A Dwarf could explore for his entire life, and not reveal them all."

"Hear, hear!", interjected Zealeus, in a haze. Kib and Kleptinax glanced puzzledly in his direction, while Gil worried a corner of the central table with his axe. In the silence, a light snore erupted from Thed's bed.

"Ah, that's where you are!", exclaimed Kib, who strode across the low-ceilinged room to poke the slumbering Gnome, who awoke with a start. "Here, take these, and put on th--", Kib continued, but was then interrupted by the door slamming open. All eyes turned that way as Thoven rushed in, panting, his face flushed.

"The Kobolds have infiltrated the bowels of the city," he gasped, losing no time. "My contact is slaughtered, and his comrades surely suffer the same fate."

Silence, punctuated by Thoven's sharp breaths, filled the room, as each absorbed this new information.

"Where is this?", inquired Kleptinax.

Thoven described the area, still short of breath.

"But that area adjoins the aqueducts! Their point of entry could be anywhere in that maze," said Kleptinax. "We're no closer to finding our enemy, and precious time has been lost!"

At this point, Thed spoke up.

"But last time we were there, we saw an entry-way, didn't we? And, I mean, that's all well and good, there could be many... But that wasn't all, was it? I mean, we turned on a light, and there were Halfling boaters there. But there were no lights, right? I mean, we brought one down, and they got us to quench it."

"You're sure of this?", Kib asked.

"Well, it would make sense," Thed answered. "The smugglers have been hit first, and they were using that tunnel for ages."

"Smugglers?". Kleptinax leaned forward, voice raised. "Just what kind of contacts are you--"

"Captain," interrupted Kib, "if what he is saying is correct, we haven't much time. Thoven, Thed, you can remember how to get to this place, correct?"

Both nodded their assent, and each filling the other's gaps, gave a hasty description.

"Then that will be where we will strike," said Kleptinax. "You're right, we can waste no time. Assemble in my office in thirty minutes time. I will see you then." He rose, signaled his guards, and headed out without another word.

==Discussing==

Thirty minutes later, the group arrived at the office. Kleptinax was there, standing with four other Dwarves. One's regalia immediately identified him as Thane, another as Kred's Hadriarch. The two others wore no identifying insignia.

"Gentlemen, you have arrived. Your Majesty, I wish to introduce Kib Absold, and his companions, Thed, Thoven, Gilerl and Zealeus, who have warned us of this threat," said Kleptinax.

Kib bowed deeply to the Thane. "It is an honor, Your Majesty." Zealeus, remembering his manners, did the same, while Gilerl picked his nose.

Kleptinax continued his introductions. "This is our Hadriarch, (insert name here), and these gentledwarves are Buttl (maybe?) and (yeah, I don't even know the other dude's name)."

"The blessings of Alexandria guide you, Hadriarch," Kib said, bowing once more. "And also with you, my Son," the Hadriarch responded. Zealeus followed suit.

"Well, then, as time is of the essence," said Kleptinax, moving behind his desk, "let's get down to business". Arrayed on the desk was a rough map, with two areas marked. "This is the location that you have described, and by our best guess, marks the area of the infiltrators' main force. If your earlier reports are correct, it will consist of a fighting force of between fifty and a hundred Kobolds, with little or no magical support."

"Fifty or a hundred, minus three," said Thoven.

"Yes," continued Kleptinax. He indicated one of the areas. "And here," he said, "is where we have tracked the disguised Kobolds you tipped us off to earlier, a force of twenty to thirty adepts." He indicated the other marked area.

"I propose, as you no doubt surmise, that we strike each independently, before their force can be joined. We have the element of surprise, and the more time we waste, the more time the infiltrators will have to swell their ranks.

"One of these groups will be led by myself," Kleptinax continued, leaning forward, "and the other will be led by you, Kib."

"What? This is outrageous!", shouted (whatshisface). "It is Dwarven blood that will be spilled, and it must be Dwarves who will lead them in!"

"Kib Absold has proven that he and his are team more than capable, and I cannot spare our leadership from our part of the offensive," retorted Kleptinax, voice raised.

"But he is an outsider! He can have no appreciation for our customs, or our people! He can have no understanding of what it means to bring Dwarves to the charge! He-"

"Enough!", stated the Thane, his powerful voice reverberating in the small chamber. "I have already accepted Kib's appointment, on Kleptinax's recommendation."

(whatshisface) closed his mouth, abashed. The Thane continued, turning to face Kib.

"Kib and his group have demonstrated their loyalty to us, and by all accounts, have shown themselves more than up to the task. I have no doubt that Kib will lead our Dwarves as he would lead his own, and with the same regard." He turned once more to (whathisface). "My decision is final."

Kib bowed low, once more. "Your faith in my abilities deeply honors me, Your Majesty."

"Then you accept", said Kleptinax. "Good. Now, I wish your input on tactical considerations. You know best the strengths of your team--which threat do you wish to address?"

Kib thought for a moment, then replied, "It is my belief that the specialized force should meet the specialized threat. We will attack the adepts."

"You are certain," Kleptinax returned. "This is no inconsiderable danger, and the magical ability already displayed by this force has been significant."

"I am certain," Kib said. "We should also engage with a few in melee, while the bulk of the force attacks from a distance."

"Very well, mostly crossbowdwarves, and a couple of axedwarves. It shall be done. You will need magical assistance, which the Hadriarch, and (his? her?) acolytes can provide."

"Name the spells you will need, and you will have them," said the Hadriarch, in deep, rich tones. "All non-Dwarves will, of course, be provided with dark sight for this mission, but you must have other requests."

Kib thought some more, then spoke: "A magical shield, to ward against magical missiles, and magical armor to ward against more mundane attacks." He pondered for a bit more, then added, "and protection from fire."

"Then these will be provided," said the Hadriarch.

"Very well. It is settled. We must hurry. I will assemble the teams, and we will rally here." Kleptinax indicated a place on the map. "Go there directly, and we will meet you."

Kib nodded, and bowed once more to the Thane and the Hadriarch in turn. "Omnity guide us all," he said, and turned, leaving with the rest of the group.

Some while later, at the rally point, the party met Kleptinax. He handed a stone and a scroll to Kib, and spoke.

"This stone will allow you to communicate. Speak into it, and I will hear. The scroll contains a spell that will give speed to any four of your allies."

Kleptinax gestured behind him, and eight Dwarves detached themselves from the rest of the force.

"Six crossbowdwarves and two axedwarves will accompany you. They are now under your command."

The Dwarves saluted Kib, who returned the gesture.

"Good luck. Alexandria guide you," said Kleptinax. He saluted, turned and, with a few short orders, left with the rest of his squad.

"Alright. Let's move," Kib said, and the force departed into the tunnels.

==Fighting==

The party, nine Dwarves, three Gnomes, and a lone Human, approached a long-abandoned cemetery. A high wall, overgrown with strange fungi common to those wet tunnels, blocked all view. From within could be heard the sounds of muffled conversation.

"Alright," said Kib. "This is it. Gil, Thed: Peek over that wall, if you can. Axes, be ready to charge with me. Crossbows file in after, and keep distance if possible. Zealeus, stay behind the first line and provide assistance where you can."

He turned to Thoven and handed him the scroll. "Use this when we have engaged the enemy. Once that is done, support as you are able."

At this point, Gil and Thed returned. Thed, rubbing his shoulder, stated, "They are all there, with some others. We saw the bulk of the adepts on this side, toward the entrance, and some others farther back, toward the crypts."

Gil nodded. "Don't know we're here. Big surprised." He grinned widely and fingered his axe.

Kib responded, "Enthusiastic as always, Gilerl. Alright." He turned, and took up position in the front. "Gil will charge with me." Gilerl raced to his side, bouncing with mad glee. "Thed, support the crossbows. If possible, find a flanking position, although it appears they will have us effectively funneled in."

He slung forth his guisarme. "Alright! Now is the time. Now we strike! FOR KRED!", and, with this, he charged forward into the entrance. Charging the first Kobold he could see, he swept him up and dealt him a savage blow.

The Kobolds, though shocked, were well-trained, and responded immediately with chants and arcane motions. A host of magical bolts raced through the air, two for every adept, and shot towards Kib, only to explode harmlessly around him in a shower of sparks. Gilerl, coming shortly after Kib, raced to a Kobold, and promptly sliced him in half, laughing a mad laugh. The axedwarves came soon after, setting into their grim work with the stolid determination characteristic of their race. The Kobolds shouted in rage, and rushed to take defensive positions. The battle was joined.

TODO (basically, Thoven burned a lot of dudes while getting wailed on, Gil and Kib teamed up to whack Dan and the Professor down so that Thoven could finish them both off with spells, Thed finished off enemies here and there, and Zealeus kept everyone alive [especially Thoven])

== Post-Game ==

- From Forums
What started as a well planned, well coordinated attack ended a bloody slog in the mud, but the party carries the day! Dan finally collapses, and you take stock of the scene. Your twelve crossbowmen are all chard husks, victim of a flaming ball of fire from the one who called himself The Professor. One of your axedwarves dead, the other alive - only just - thanks to the last of Zealeus art, stabilized by feeble orisons of healing. But, despite the toll, you cannot help but rejoice. None of your friends fallen, and you hobble together as a group to take stock. You are battered, bloodied, covered in muck and gore, but all alive, and all conscious.

Experience:
The Apprentices' Camp
CR 12 Encounter. [Party's ECL was 6 with their backup]
XP : 4,000 XP

Now, you realize there is nothing to do but wait from word from Kleptinax. What has he found down in the Aqueduct? Anxious and nervous as the adrenaline runs its course, you search and pile the Kobolds' bodies, allowing the cart-turned-pyre of the crossbowmen to burn. Zealeus performs last rites over the fallen, while the rest of the party scavenges the scene. It is disturbing for another reason, as well: Goblins and Kobolds, fallen together. Swingin' Dan, the Goblin chain fighter, even spoke Kobold as he fought to the last. Cooperation of Goblins and Kobolds is all but unheard of, especially in Gildenhome, where the two races are separated by task and good sense. This strange new abolition movement has just gotten stranger: not only does it seem to be orchestrated by members of the Goodly Races, it now seems that it involves not just Kobolds and Goblins alike, but in concert. It seems impossible, and yet here is the proof. Goblins working to free kobolds?

The Gnomes' ability to detect magic makes quick work of the looting, and you find yourself unsurprised at the outfitting and sophistication of the group. The Goblins were all armed with masterwork equipment [MW leather and longsword], of Fresian make, while the apprentices were without arms or armor. The leaders of this group, however, you find to be laden with treasure. On The Professor, you find a magical monocle, a wand, and a magical ring. He has many empty parchments, once scribed with powerful illusions that kept his apprentices masked as Halflings. Swingin' Dan has his signature spiked chain, along with masterwork studded leather, also of Fresian make. Among the bodies you find a small collection of coins: 4 platinum, 198 gold, 2,430 silver, and 1,111 copper.

After what seems like hours, your communication stone activates. Kleptinax has been successful! His force, consisting of the bulk of the Kred guard, encountered a large force of Kobolds, close to 75. The battle was a difficult one, but they were able to use close corridors to their advantage and suffered only moderate casualties, and few deaths. The force was lead by a large Kobold with a wicked magical greataxe, which Kleptinax has claimed as a prize. He receives word of your own party's losses with sadness, but tells you that the fight is won for the day. You should rest and recuperate, and see him in the fortress on the morrow.

You fall asleep quickly, and sleep a dreamless sleep of exhaustion. In the morning, tense and sore, you eat a small breakfast (light on cat) and visit Kleptinax in his office. His own injuries, if they were sustained at all, have been healed up. The battleaxe he now carries is truly a fine thing: clearly of Dwarven make, and adamantium by appearances.

He tells you not to worry about the losses: if only he'd sent more than two axedwarves, or a dozen marksdwarves. His own losses were mild by comparison, and he easily could have spared the numbers, and so takes the blame for your heavy casualties on his own soul. He understands that you will probably be moving on soon, as - with the Masked Gnome captured and the infiltration thwarted - information should lead to the collapse of any remaining cells. The the City Guard will have things sorted out and the last of the cells busted up in the next few days and asks you, on behalf of the Thane, to stay on a couple of days. They would like to take the time to counter their grief with a time of feting on your behalf, and would see you properly rewarded before you go. You, of course, accept.

In that time, they heal your wounds and you are kept on at the Kitten Bone Crossbow, on the Thane's tab. A service that will always be extended, within reason, while in Kred. Additionally, the Banks are ordered to exchange your Wydmoor electrum for coins of your choosing without taking a percentage, despite nominal conventions to the contrary. In addition, they identify your remaining magic items for you.

Bric-A-Brak You Have But Not Identified:
- Masked Gnome's Armor : +2 Leather Armor, +5 Enhancement Bonus on Hide Checks
- Thoven's Mystery Wand : Wand of Light (46 Charges) (From the Masked Gnome's Lair)
- Thovens 2 Mystery Potions : Potions of Invisiblity to Undead (From the Masked Gnome's Lair)

From The Professor:
- Ring of Elemental Transmogrification (aka The Professor's Ring)*
- The Professor's Monocle (When Worn : -10 Spot, +5 Decipher Script, +5 Disable Device. If used for more than 10 rounds in a single day, causes massive headaches, aka 1 points of INT damage.)
- Wand of Haste (32 Charges) (Does what it says on the tin.)

You spend a few days in town (feel free to discuss something to spend money on/whatever downtime bullshit in this thread before we restart for chapter 2 in 2010 in this thread), and are called into a feast with the Thane before leaving for Draglet. [Unless you guys want to not go there, I assumed that would be where you go after Kred is wrapped up, which is it... for now, anyway. We could always visit the forthouse again, I guess, and put off the stuff below until after the next game.]

On your way out of town, you have dinner with the luminaries of Kred. The Thane, the Hadriarch, Kleptinax, and several others attend and celebrate your success. Song, drink, and talk flow endlessly, and by sundown you realize you're clearly not leaving town until at least the day after tomorrow. There are some self-congratulatory speeches near the end of the night, and a red-cheeked Kleptinax stands up. He indicates that, not only was the plot foiled, at least in this part of Gildenhome, but a secondary good came, as well. The entrances used by the Kobold advance force were unknown to the City Guard, and were a major corridor for smuggling. Thanks to Thoven's tip, the corridor has been shut off for good, and several smugglers put out of business. [Bridges with smuggling past pretty well burnt, pun very much intended. You're firmly one of the good guys now, mate. ;) ] The assault team had with them a great deal of masterwork Fresian weapons and arms, some of medium size (for the goblins, perhaps?), which are being used to resupply and rebuild the Kred City Guard. (small size ones being sold to the gnomes) He opines that whatever larger danger is afoot, it is arrested in Kred for now, and he has faith in your group to get things done.

Kib he singles out for praise. As the nominal leader of the group, he has led what appears to Kleptinax to be a <strikethrough>mouth breathing band of troglodytes</strikethrough> a very diverse and unpredictable band to great success against challenges far beyond their seeming measure. Since his arrival in Kred he has been a tireless supporter of the Dwarven race, and has risked and sacrificed countless times on their behalf, all without seeking individual reward or magical loot. Kleptinax says that is his great honor to present Kib with this token of esteem, and proof throughout Gildenhome that he is friend to Dwarves. It is his hope that it might aid Kib on his own quest, which he no doubt spilled a little bit of in a loose moment of drink around his table, if not before.

Lesser Belt of Dwarvenkind
When worn, grants the following effects:
- Toughness Feat
- Darkvision, 40 Feet
- Stonecutting (+1 Bonus)
- Stability (+2 bonus)
- +1 Save vs. Poison
- +1 Save vs. Spell and Spell Like Effect
- +2 CHR Checks and skills with Dwarf, +1 CHR checks and skills with Gnome
- -1 CHR checks and skills with Human, Elf

Thoven is thanked for his part in breaking the smugglers of Kred, particularly for information about the secret lair, aqueduct smuggling path, and so forth. He receives from Kleptinax, taken from the loot of the other encounter the party opted not to take :

Bag of Holding (Type I)

Thed and Gil are celebrated for their part in the affair, and take the items won with the Thane's blessing. Zealeus is complimented by the Hadriarch for his part in the affair and given leave to follow this group "for the duration of its necessity."

Whole Party - Acquire Bonus Feat:
Solid Kred-entials
+2 to all diplomacy rolls made in Kred.

End, Chapter One : The Kobolds of Kred
Up Next for 2010:

Choices:
[1] Intermission : The Stonehouse Mines [Dungeon, unknown depth or duration.]
[2] Chapter Two : What a Drag(let) [Follow the Dwarf Brothers' letters]
[3] Sandbox : Press Triangle to open World Map and Move Freely.

Votes and scheduling info in advance?

Individual Awards:

Kib:
Master Tactician [50 XP]
"That spell that stops magic missiles cold? And maybe some fire resistance?"

Thoven:
Thoven the Bold! [20 XP]
Thoven Koboldsbane [25 XP]

PS --
Kred Fortress is left poorer for the experience, despite the defeat of the [SEIGE].
Kred City Guard.
[CHAIN] changes to [LEATHER]
[MARKSDWARF] changes to [SWORDSDWARF]

They'll be carving coffins for a week.

* Remember those Melf's Acid Arrows that weren't?

The Professor's Ring
Current Charges : 1 [Max Charges : 5]
Refill charges by expending spell slots on a 1:1 exchange . (3 cantrips or 1st level : 1 charge, 2nd level : 2 charge, etc.) When casting a spell, as a free action, you may expend a number of charges equal to the spell level of the spell to substitute one elemental type for another (ie: 1 charge will turn a Burning Hands into a Freezing Hands, or 2 charges will turn a Flaming Sphere into an Electric Sphere, or 3 charges would turn Fireball into Acidball**, etc. Sorry, only level 3 and below spells.)

**Remember I said it was lucky you guys had fire resist? Not cos of the piddly 2d4 burning hands. that 6d6 fireball could have easily come out something else, but he didn't know! He ended up using 4 of the charges on the 2 acid arrows (the first was electric, the second was cold)

PPS: CC'ed to our stand ins because they bought a share, and get a small bonus % for subbing.
PPPS: From the CC, not that you care, but -

Also: HELEN gets the Tapped Out achievement. (I think it is)
(Achievements track PLAYERS, not CHARACTERS. For exhausting all of Zealeus' spells - the last of the orisons went to save the last axedwarf) Congrats on a very rare achievement!

Also also: Thed gets Brinksmanship, managing to be the second of Team MeFight to achieve that distinction. They seem to like living on the edge.

[[Category:MeFight Session Notes]]

Team Mefight Tenth Session

2010-01-04T18:27:35Z

66.207.92.41: /* Fighting */

Team Mefight Tenth Session

2010-01-04T18:26:17Z

66.207.92.41:

==Seeking==
There was little time to lose. As the party conversed, the enemy was preparing for an assault on Kred. Thoven interjected that his contacts may have useful information, and the rest quickly agreed--he set out immediately to gather whatever he could. Kib left the Inn shortly after, to procure a disguise for Thed, and some other incidental supplies. The rest sat in wait for information, spending the time as they were wont: Thed idly musing, Gil destroying property, and Zeal getting shamefully drunk on Dwarven ale.

Thoven went post-haste into the usual haunts, pressing coin into hand and asking pointed questions. He located his one-time informant, One-Eye, and quickly made way to his hovel. Arriving, he set about to knocking on the door, trying to rouse the dilapidated shack's occupant. There was no answer but a hasty shuffling from within, so Thoven rapped hard once more. Still achieving no response, he shouted to the inside, "Open up! I bring dire tidings that threaten this city, and the shipping routes it enables!", but to no avail. Apprehensively, Thoven opened the door and entered, peering into the grim darkness.

Suddenly, he was beset from all sides! A rude cudgel connecting with his arm, Thoven reacted immediately to jump back, another two makeshift weapons whizzing through the space he once occupied. Reacting without thought, Thoven unleashed a flaming torrent from his hands, the red, flickering light showing three surprised Kobold faces! None of the trio managed to escape the onslaught, and as quickly as it had begun, the battle was over. Thoven's troubles, however, continued, as the blaze had managed to catch the dirty rat-trap aflame, racing currents of fire catching the rickety, wooden walls like torchwood. Thoven shouted hoarsely for help, and managed to extinguish the flames, but could not save the hovel, nor any trace of what information it may have contained. The three Kobolds were more than enough indication to Thoven, though, so he returned to share his new insights with the group.

Meanwhile, Captain Kleptinax returned to report to the Kitten Bone Inn, accompanied by his guards. Facing a rude reception from the two visible party members (the third, Thed, immediately hiding himself from view upon hearing Kleptinax's knock), he sat in wait for Kib, his main contact, while Zealeus continued drinking, and Gilerl enjoyed a bowl of kitten stew. A full hour passed in this manner, and Kleptinax stood impatiently to leave, when the front door burst open and Kib returned, laden with the procured goods. Greeting Kleptinax cordially, he set aside the bundle to hear what he had to say.

"The false Halflings entered the city some while ago, as you said, and we have been tailing them, since," Kleptinax stated, flatly. "They have yet to join with the main force, wherever it may be, and we wish not to tip our hand until the bulk of the infiltration party can be found."

"That is wise," replied Kib, "and Thoven is pressing his investigation into their location, but we are hindered with a lack of knowledge of the city's layout."

"You are not alone in that, my friend," said Kleptinax, "for this is an old city, and full of passages far more ancient than the oldest among us can remember. A Dwarf could explore for his entire life, and not reveal them all."

"Hear, hear!", interjected Zealeus, in a haze. Kib and Kleptinax glanced puzzledly in his direction, while Gil worried a corner of the central table with his axe. In the silence, a light snore erupted from Thed's bed.

"Ah, that's where you are!", exclaimed Kib, who strode across the low-ceilinged room to poke the slumbering Gnome, who awoke with a start. "Here, take these, and put on th--", Kib continued, but was then interrupted by the door slamming open. All eyes turned that way as Thoven rushed in, panting, his face flushed.

"The Kobolds have infiltrated the bowels of the city," he gasped, losing no time. "My contact is slaughtered, and his comrades surely suffer the same fate."

Silence, punctuated by Thoven's sharp breaths, filled the room, as each absorbed this new information.

"Where is this?", inquired Kleptinax.

Thoven described the area, still short of breath.

"But that area adjoins the aqueducts! Their point of entry could be anywhere in that maze," said Kleptinax. "We're no closer to finding our enemy, and precious time has been lost!"

At this point, Thed spoke up.

"But last time we were there, we saw an entry-way, didn't we? And, I mean, that's all well and good, there could be many... But that wasn't all, was it? I mean, we turned on a light, and there were Halfling boaters there. But there were no lights, right? I mean, we brought one down, and they got us to quench it."

"You're sure of this?", Kib asked.

"Well, it would make sense," Thed answered. "The smugglers have been hit first, and they were using that tunnel for ages."

"Smugglers?". Kleptinax leaned forward, voice raised. "Just what kind of contacts are you--"

"Captain," interrupted Kib, "if what he is saying is correct, we haven't much time. Thoven, Thed, you can remember how to get to this place, correct?"

Both nodded their assent, and each filling the other's gaps, gave a hasty description.

"Then that will be where we will strike," said Kleptinax. "You're right, we can waste no time. Assemble in my office in thirty minutes time. I will see you then." He rose, signaled his guards, and headed out without another word.

==Discussing==

Thirty minutes later, the group arrived at the office. Kleptinax was there, standing with four other Dwarves. One's regalia immediately identified him as Thane, another as Kred's Hadriarch. The two others wore no identifying insignia.

"Gentlemen, you have arrived. Your Majesty, I wish to introduce Kib Absold, and his companions, Thed, Thoven, Gilerl and Zealeus, who have warned us of this threat," said Kleptinax.

Kib bowed deeply to the Thane. "It is an honor, Your Majesty." Zealeus, remembering his manners, did the same, while Gilerl picked his nose.

Kleptinax continued his introductions. "This is our Hadriarch, (insert name here), and these gentledwarves are Buttl (maybe?) and (yeah, I don't even know the other dude's name)."

"The blessings of Alexandria guide you, Hadriarch," Kib said, bowing once more. "And also with you, my Son," the Hadriarch responded. Zealeus followed suit.

"Well, then, as time is of the essence," said Kleptinax, moving behind his desk, "let's get down to business". Arrayed on the desk was a rough map, with two areas marked. "This is the location that you have described, and by our best guess, marks the area of the infiltrators' main force. If your earlier reports are correct, it will consist of a fighting force of between fifty and a hundred Kobolds, with little or no magical support."

"Fifty or a hundred, minus three," said Thoven.

"Yes," continued Kleptinax. He indicated one of the areas. "And here," he said, "is where we have tracked the disguised Kobolds you tipped us off to earlier, a force of twenty to thirty adepts." He indicated the other marked area.

"I propose, as you no doubt surmise, that we strike each independently, before their force can be joined. We have the element of surprise, and the more time we waste, the more time the infiltrators will have to swell their ranks.

"One of these groups will be led by myself," Kleptinax continued, leaning forward, "and the other will be led by you, Kib."

"What? This is outrageous!", shouted (whatshisface). "It is Dwarven blood that will be spilled, and it must be Dwarves who will lead them in!"

"Kib Absold has proven that he and his are team more than capable, and I cannot spare our leadership from our part of the offensive," retorted Kleptinax, voice raised.

"But he is an outsider! He can have no appreciation for our customs, or our people! He can have no understanding of what it means to bring Dwarves to the charge! He-"

"Enough!", stated the Thane, his powerful voice reverberating in the small chamber. "I have already accepted Kib's appointment, on Kleptinax's recommendation."

(whatshisface) closed his mouth, abashed. The Thane continued, turning to face Kib.

"Kib and his group have demonstrated their loyalty to us, and by all accounts, have shown themselves more than up to the task. I have no doubt that Kib will lead our Dwarves as he would lead his own, and with the same regard." He turned once more to (whathisface). "My decision is final."

Kib bowed low, once more. "Your faith in my abilities deeply honors me, Your Majesty."

"Then you accept", said Kleptinax. "Good. Now, I wish your input on tactical considerations. You know best the strengths of your team--which threat do you wish to address?"

Kib thought for a moment, then replied, "It is my belief that the specialized force should meet the specialized threat. We will attack the adepts."

"You are certain," Kleptinax returned. "This is no inconsiderable danger, and the magical ability already displayed by this force has been significant."

"I am certain," Kib said. "We should also engage with a few in melee, while the bulk of the force attacks from a distance."

"Very well, mostly crossbowdwarves, and a couple of axedwarves. It shall be done. You will need magical assistance, which the Hadriarch, and (his? her?) acolytes can provide."

"Name the spells you will need, and you will have them," said the Hadriarch, in deep, rich tones. "All non-Dwarves will, of course, be provided with dark sight for this mission, but you must have other requests."

Kib thought some more, then spoke: "A magical shield, to ward against magical missiles, and magical armor to ward against more mundane attacks." He pondered for a bit more, then added, "and protection from fire."

"Then these will be provided," said the Hadriarch.

"Very well. It is settled. We must hurry. I will assemble the teams, and we will rally here." Kleptinax indicated a place on the map. "Go there directly, and we will meet you."

Kib nodded, and bowed once more to the Thane and the Hadriarch in turn. "Omnity guide us all," he said, and turned, leaving with the rest of the group.

Some while later, at the rally point, the party met Kleptinax. He handed a stone and a scroll to Kib, and spoke.

"This stone will allow you to communicate. Speak into it, and I will hear. The scroll contains a spell that will give speed to any four of your allies."

Kleptinax gestured behind him, and eight Dwarves detached themselves from the rest of the force.

"Six crossbowdwarves and two axedwarves will accompany you. They are now under your command."

The Dwarves saluted Kib, who returned the gesture.

"Good luck. Alexandria guide you," said Kleptinax. He saluted, turned and, with a few short orders, left with the rest of his squad.

"Alright. Let's move," Kib said, and the force departed into the tunnels.

==Fighting==

The party, nine Dwarves, three Gnomes, and a lone Human, approached a long-abandoned cemetery. A high wall, overgrown with strange fungi common to those wet tunnels, blocked all view. From within could be heard the sounds of muffled conversation.

"Alright," said Kib. "This is it. Gil, Thed: Peek over that wall, if you can. Axes, be ready to charge with me. Crossbows file in after, and keep distance if possible. Zealeus, stay behind the first line and provide assistance where you can."

He turned to Thoven and handed him the scroll. "Use this when we have engaged the enemy. Once that is done, support as you are able."

At this point, Gil and Thed returned. Thed, rubbing his shoulder, stated, "They are all there, with some others. We saw the bulk of the adepts on this side, toward the entrance, and some others farther back, toward the crypts."

Gil nodded. "Don't know we're here. Big surprised." He grinned widely and fingered his axe.

Kib responded, "Enthusiastic as always, Gilerl. Alright." He turned, and took up position in the front. "Gil will charge with me." Gilerl raced to his side, bouncing with mad glee. "Thed, support the crossbows. If possible, find a flanking position, although it appears they will have us effectively funneled in."

He slung forth his guisarme. "Alright! Now is the time. Now we strike! FOR KRED!", and, with this, he charged forward into the entrance. Charging the first Kobold he could see, he swept him up and dealt him a savage blow.

The Kobolds, though shocked, were well-trained, and responded immediately with chants and arcane motions. A host of magical bolts raced through the air, two for every adept, and shot towards Kib, only to explode harmlessly around him in a shower of sparks. Gilerl, coming shortly after Kib, raced to a Kobold, and promptly sliced him in half, laughing a mad laugh. The axedwarves came soon after, setting into their grim work with the stolid determination characteristic of their race. The Kobolds shouted in rage, and rushed to take defensive positions. The battle was joined.

TODO

== Post-Game ==

- From Forums
What started as a well planned, well coordinated attack ended a bloody slog in the mud, but the party carries the day! Dan finally collapses, and you take stock of the scene. Your twelve crossbowmen are all chard husks, victim of a flaming ball of fire from the one who called himself The Professor. One of your axedwarves dead, the other alive - only just - thanks to the last of Zealeus art, stabilized by feeble orisons of healing. But, despite the toll, you cannot help but rejoice. None of your friends fallen, and you hobble together as a group to take stock. You are battered, bloodied, covered in muck and gore, but all alive, and all conscious.

Experience:
The Apprentices' Camp
CR 12 Encounter. [Party's ECL was 6 with their backup]
XP : 4,000 XP

Now, you realize there is nothing to do but wait from word from Kleptinax. What has he found down in the Aqueduct? Anxious and nervous as the adrenaline runs its course, you search and pile the Kobolds' bodies, allowing the cart-turned-pyre of the crossbowmen to burn. Zealeus performs last rites over the fallen, while the rest of the party scavenges the scene. It is disturbing for another reason, as well: Goblins and Kobolds, fallen together. Swingin' Dan, the Goblin chain fighter, even spoke Kobold as he fought to the last. Cooperation of Goblins and Kobolds is all but unheard of, especially in Gildenhome, where the two races are separated by task and good sense. This strange new abolition movement has just gotten stranger: not only does it seem to be orchestrated by members of the Goodly Races, it now seems that it involves not just Kobolds and Goblins alike, but in concert. It seems impossible, and yet here is the proof. Goblins working to free kobolds?

The Gnomes' ability to detect magic makes quick work of the looting, and you find yourself unsurprised at the outfitting and sophistication of the group. The Goblins were all armed with masterwork equipment [MW leather and longsword], of Fresian make, while the apprentices were without arms or armor. The leaders of this group, however, you find to be laden with treasure. On The Professor, you find a magical monocle, a wand, and a magical ring. He has many empty parchments, once scribed with powerful illusions that kept his apprentices masked as Halflings. Swingin' Dan has his signature spiked chain, along with masterwork studded leather, also of Fresian make. Among the bodies you find a small collection of coins: 4 platinum, 198 gold, 2,430 silver, and 1,111 copper.

After what seems like hours, your communication stone activates. Kleptinax has been successful! His force, consisting of the bulk of the Kred guard, encountered a large force of Kobolds, close to 75. The battle was a difficult one, but they were able to use close corridors to their advantage and suffered only moderate casualties, and few deaths. The force was lead by a large Kobold with a wicked magical greataxe, which Kleptinax has claimed as a prize. He receives word of your own party's losses with sadness, but tells you that the fight is won for the day. You should rest and recuperate, and see him in the fortress on the morrow.

You fall asleep quickly, and sleep a dreamless sleep of exhaustion. In the morning, tense and sore, you eat a small breakfast (light on cat) and visit Kleptinax in his office. His own injuries, if they were sustained at all, have been healed up. The battleaxe he now carries is truly a fine thing: clearly of Dwarven make, and adamantium by appearances.

He tells you not to worry about the losses: if only he'd sent more than two axedwarves, or a dozen marksdwarves. His own losses were mild by comparison, and he easily could have spared the numbers, and so takes the blame for your heavy casualties on his own soul. He understands that you will probably be moving on soon, as - with the Masked Gnome captured and the infiltration thwarted - information should lead to the collapse of any remaining cells. The the City Guard will have things sorted out and the last of the cells busted up in the next few days and asks you, on behalf of the Thane, to stay on a couple of days. They would like to take the time to counter their grief with a time of feting on your behalf, and would see you properly rewarded before you go. You, of course, accept.

In that time, they heal your wounds and you are kept on at the Kitten Bone Crossbow, on the Thane's tab. A service that will always be extended, within reason, while in Kred. Additionally, the Banks are ordered to exchange your Wydmoor electrum for coins of your choosing without taking a percentage, despite nominal conventions to the contrary. In addition, they identify your remaining magic items for you.

Bric-A-Brak You Have But Not Identified:
- Masked Gnome's Armor : +2 Leather Armor, +5 Enhancement Bonus on Hide Checks
- Thoven's Mystery Wand : Wand of Light (46 Charges) (From the Masked Gnome's Lair)
- Thovens 2 Mystery Potions : Potions of Invisiblity to Undead (From the Masked Gnome's Lair)

From The Professor:
- Ring of Elemental Transmogrification (aka The Professor's Ring)*
- The Professor's Monocle (When Worn : -10 Spot, +5 Decipher Script, +5 Disable Device. If used for more than 10 rounds in a single day, causes massive headaches, aka 1 points of INT damage.)
- Wand of Haste (32 Charges) (Does what it says on the tin.)

You spend a few days in town (feel free to discuss something to spend money on/whatever downtime bullshit in this thread before we restart for chapter 2 in 2010 in this thread), and are called into a feast with the Thane before leaving for Draglet. [Unless you guys want to not go there, I assumed that would be where you go after Kred is wrapped up, which is it... for now, anyway. We could always visit the forthouse again, I guess, and put off the stuff below until after the next game.]

On your way out of town, you have dinner with the luminaries of Kred. The Thane, the Hadriarch, Kleptinax, and several others attend and celebrate your success. Song, drink, and talk flow endlessly, and by sundown you realize you're clearly not leaving town until at least the day after tomorrow. There are some self-congratulatory speeches near the end of the night, and a red-cheeked Kleptinax stands up. He indicates that, not only was the plot foiled, at least in this part of Gildenhome, but a secondary good came, as well. The entrances used by the Kobold advance force were unknown to the City Guard, and were a major corridor for smuggling. Thanks to Thoven's tip, the corridor has been shut off for good, and several smugglers put out of business. [Bridges with smuggling past pretty well burnt, pun very much intended. You're firmly one of the good guys now, mate. ;) ] The assault team had with them a great deal of masterwork Fresian weapons and arms, some of medium size (for the goblins, perhaps?), which are being used to resupply and rebuild the Kred City Guard. (small size ones being sold to the gnomes) He opines that whatever larger danger is afoot, it is arrested in Kred for now, and he has faith in your group to get things done.

Kib he singles out for praise. As the nominal leader of the group, he has led what appears to Kleptinax to be a <strikethrough>mouth breathing band of troglodytes</strikethrough> a very diverse and unpredictable band to great success against challenges far beyond their seeming measure. Since his arrival in Kred he has been a tireless supporter of the Dwarven race, and has risked and sacrificed countless times on their behalf, all without seeking individual reward or magical loot. Kleptinax says that is his great honor to present Kib with this token of esteem, and proof throughout Gildenhome that he is friend to Dwarves. It is his hope that it might aid Kib on his own quest, which he no doubt spilled a little bit of in a loose moment of drink around his table, if not before.

Lesser Belt of Dwarvenkind
When worn, grants the following effects:
- Toughness Feat
- Darkvision, 40 Feet
- Stonecutting (+1 Bonus)
- Stability (+2 bonus)
- +1 Save vs. Poison
- +1 Save vs. Spell and Spell Like Effect
- +2 CHR Checks and skills with Dwarf, +1 CHR checks and skills with Gnome
- -1 CHR checks and skills with Human, Elf

Thoven is thanked for his part in breaking the smugglers of Kred, particularly for information about the secret lair, aqueduct smuggling path, and so forth. He receives from Kleptinax, taken from the loot of the other encounter the party opted not to take :

Bag of Holding (Type I)

Thed and Gil are celebrated for their part in the affair, and take the items won with the Thane's blessing. Zealeus is complimented by the Hadriarch for his part in the affair and given leave to follow this group "for the duration of its necessity."

Whole Party - Acquire Bonus Feat:
Solid Kred-entials
+2 to all diplomacy rolls made in Kred.

End, Chapter One : The Kobolds of Kred
Up Next for 2010:

Choices:
[1] Intermission : The Stonehouse Mines [Dungeon, unknown depth or duration.]
[2] Chapter Two : What a Drag(let) [Follow the Dwarf Brothers' letters]
[3] Sandbox : Press Triangle to open World Map and Move Freely.

Votes and scheduling info in advance?

Individual Awards:

Kib:
Master Tactician [50 XP]
"That spell that stops magic missiles cold? And maybe some fire resistance?"

Thoven:
Thoven the Bold! [20 XP]
Thoven Koboldsbane [25 XP]

PS --
Kred Fortress is left poorer for the experience, despite the defeat of the [SEIGE].
Kred City Guard.
[CHAIN] changes to [LEATHER]
[MARKSDWARF] changes to [SWORDSDWARF]

They'll be carving coffins for a week.

* Remember those Melf's Acid Arrows that weren't?

The Professor's Ring
Current Charges : 1 [Max Charges : 5]
Refill charges by expending spell slots on a 1:1 exchange . (3 cantrips or 1st level : 1 charge, 2nd level : 2 charge, etc.) When casting a spell, as a free action, you may expend a number of charges equal to the spell level of the spell to substitute one elemental type for another (ie: 1 charge will turn a Burning Hands into a Freezing Hands, or 2 charges will turn a Flaming Sphere into an Electric Sphere, or 3 charges would turn Fireball into Acidball**, etc. Sorry, only level 3 and below spells.)

**Remember I said it was lucky you guys had fire resist? Not cos of the piddly 2d4 burning hands. that 6d6 fireball could have easily come out something else, but he didn't know! He ended up using 4 of the charges on the 2 acid arrows (the first was electric, the second was cold)

PPS: CC'ed to our stand ins because they bought a share, and get a small bonus % for subbing.
PPPS: From the CC, not that you care, but -

Also: HELEN gets the Tapped Out achievement. (I think it is)
(Achievements track PLAYERS, not CHARACTERS. For exhausting all of Zealeus' spells - the last of the orisons went to save the last axedwarf) Congrats on a very rare achievement!

Also also: Thed gets Brinksmanship, managing to be the second of Team MeFight to achieve that distinction. They seem to like living on the edge.

[Category:MeFight Session Notes]

Talk:Oracles

2009-12-06T04:20:29Z

66.207.92.41:

So, are the oracles actually children, or do they just take that form? -[[User:Slitherrr|Slitherrr]] 14:55, 5 December 2009 (EST)
: there are no longer oracles, there is not even that level of contact anymore. At the time they were just kids, snatched up from their famlies as soon as the connection was detected. -gm
::So the oracles didn't last very long, I suppose. -[[User:66.207.92.41|66.207.92.41]] 23:20, 5 December 2009 (EST)

Talk:Achievements

2009-11-17T00:00:02Z

66.207.92.41:

If anyone wants to pretty this up, I would be most super happy #1 panda. --sarah

Current Achievement Unlocked: 
ALL STARS: 6, for an average of 1 achievements per player. (Not counting Qa's death or myself) 
ALPHA TEAM: 5, for an average of 1.25 achievements per player. 
 
Advantage : ALPHA TEAM! (And we don't even GIVE RP awards!)
:Who is ALPHA TEAM? -[[User:66.207.92.41|66.207.92.41]] 18:56, 16 November 2009 (EST)
 
Also: Is this ALL the achievements? It seems short.
-gm

Bah, can't use style tags to define classes. Foo on that. -[[User:66.207.92.41|66.207.92.41]] 19:00, 16 November 2009 (EST)

Talk:Achievements

2009-11-16T23:59:49Z

66.207.92.41:

Achievements

2009-11-16T23:59:20Z

66.207.92.41:

===Player Achievements===
<style type="text/css">
.team-alpha{ color: red }
.team-mefight{ color: blue }
.all-stars{ color: green }
</style>

Key: Team Alpha,Team MeFight,Wydmoor All-Stars

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"
|-
!width="200"|Title
!width="400"|Description
!width="50"|GM Approved?
!width="50"|Reward
!width="100"|Proposed By
!width="100"|Winners
|-
| 1-800-222-1222 || Suffer the ill effects of poison on two different occasions in the same game session || Yes || 25xp || Matt Jones || Matt Allen
|-
| Actors Anonymous || Win role-playing award two games in a row. || Yes || 200xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Animal Shelter || Save a group of five or more animals at one time. || Yes || 100xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Bartender || Create 3 magical potions for three different players || Yes || 30xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Brinksmanship || Recover from -9 hit points. || Yes || 100xp || Matt Jones || Slitherrr
|-
| Cat Napper || Being rendered involuntarily unconscious twice in a single session. || Yes || 50xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Civic Pride || Become a government offical || Yes || 250xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Convert the Heathen || Get someone to worship something they originally were at best indifferent about. || Yes || 50xp || Trav ||
|-
| D&D B&E || Take at least 1000 gold pieces worth of items from someone's house. || Yes || 50xp || Matt Jones || Sarah, Daniel
|-
| Hearts and Crafts || Create a magical item worth at least 500 gold pieces || Yes || 50xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Holier Than Thou || Tithe to a church at least once a month for an entire in game year. || Yes || 120xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Insomnia || Go a two weeks without a full night's rest. || Yes || 140xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Lumberjackal || Chop down 10 trees. || Yes || 30xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Morituri te Salutamus || Defeat a creature or NPC at least equal to your level in single combat. || Yes || 10% bonus || Matt Jones || Slitherrr
|-
| Ninjastic || Kill an enemy without them ever knowing you were there. || Yes || 15xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Perfect Attendence || Witness the absence of every other player from at least one game, without missing a game yourself. || Yes || 250xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Ratachat Chat || Talk to a rodent for more than fifteen minutes. || Yes || 25xp || Mattie || Trav
|-
| Regicide || Kill a king, queen, princess, or prince. || Yes || 250xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Run & Hide || Successfully escape from a creature with hit dice equal to twice your level. || Yes || 5% of creature || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Soothe the Savage || Befriend a group of four or more animals that would normally try to kill you or your party. || Yes || 40xp || Mattie ||
|-
| The Guard Said WHAT || Make more than 5 typos in a row where you say something in character that you should have said OOC. || Yes || Embarassment || Matt Allen || Matt Jones
|-
| These Go to -11 || Die. || Yes || Condolences || Matt Jones || Jason
|-
| Thiefdom || Pickpocket or steal two things in a single game session without being noticed/caught. || Yes || 10xp || Mattie ||
|-
| Two Birds || Kill exactly two enemies with the same spell or attack roll. || Yes || 20xp || Mattie || TooMuchPete
|-
| Wealth Redistribution || Rich become less rich, poor become less poor. All for everyone's own good. || Yes || 25xp || Trav ||
|-
| Papers, Please? || Obtain a license, writ, citation, or diploma. || Yes || 15 xp || Matt Jones || Mattie, Sarah
|-
| Easy Come, Easy Go || Suffer the loss, disenchantment, or destruction of a magic item worth at least 1500 gold. || Yes || 150 xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Heroic Internship || Acquire a human or humanoid follower for at least three game sessions. || Yes || 25 xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Clean Up on Aisle 3 || Do maximum damage with a critical hit. || Yes || 10 xp || Matt Jones ||
|-
| Mistaken for Deer || Unintentionally inflict damage upon a teammate with something other than an area affect spell || Yes || 5 xp || Daniel E || TooMuchPete
|-
| Collecting Cobwebs || Neglect the use of an ability for an entire level || Yes || 5 xp || Daniel E || TooMuchPete
|-
| Come on, it'll be fun! || Convince a party member to do something contrary to their normal alignment || No || || Daniel E ||
|-
| Could be Handy, Someday || Use a character trait or non-typical skill (e.g. basket weaving) in a way that significantly helps the party || No || || Daniel E ||
|-
| That's What Your Wife Said || Unintentionally provoke an NPC to a negative reaction through poor role-playing or a botched roll || Yes || 10 xp || Daniel E ||
|-
| I'd Like a Dozen Munchkins || Instruct a party member on how to better use or increase a stat, skill, or ability without their askance || Yes || 5 xp || Daniel E || Slitherrr
|-
| Time for Plan B || Construct an elaborate course of action, plan, or trap which catastrophically fails due to a botched roll || Yes || 25 xp || Daniel E ||
|-
| Would You Like Syphillis With That? || Engage in sexual relations, in-game || Yes || 50 xp || Daniel E ||
|-
| Overachiever, and proud of it. || Make 5 or more rolls against your worst stat in one game, and succeed at all of them. || Yes || 50 xp || Travis ||

|}

2009-08-26T02:47:39Z

66.207.92.41: New page: So, it's spelled "Arek" several places, and "Arak" in others. Is Arak the spelling, or is there some subtlety here that is not being pointed out? - ~~~~

So, it's spelled "Arek" several places, and "Arak" in others. Is Arak the spelling, or is there some subtlety here that is not being pointed out? - [[User:66.207.92.41|66.207.92.41]] 22:47, 25 August 2009 (EDT)