Characters

2nd level changes:
New Utility Power: Life Transference
New Feat: Implement Expertise (Holy Symbol)
Retraining: Divine Glow will be retrained for Exacting Utterance


Explanation of the changes:

Life Transference: Thematically, Life Transference was chosen because it makes Yrisz more like her mentor, who is a paladin (think of it as a beefy slow acting Lay on Hands). Game-wise I was thinking that we might be running short on healing surges during the next encounter, so Yrisz might be able to help characters who get low by offering her own.

Implement Expertise: Unfortunately, I think this feat is a no-brainer for 4e characters. I will not get back into the semantics on why I think this way, but it is as I said it. Also, I'm hoping that this will help Yrisz hit things, as she has been having a rough time of that even with modestly good rolls.
Thematically, I think that these encounters have been Yrisz's first real experience in actual combat. Oh there had been bandits on the road and stuff like that, but then she had a tough (higher level) paladin to rely on. Now she's acting without as much of a safety net (though I'm not saying that you guys haven't done a great job protecting her, as I've noted she hasn't been even nicked sense the fight with E). I think her prayers are now a good bit more genuine, she less rushed, and less likely to get panicked as she get caught up into the fog of war.

Exacting Utterance: I know I told you Umi that I would switch out Recovery Strike for Lance of Faith at this level. I stand by my disgust with post-Nurfed Recovery Strike (barley better then a basic attack), however it does lend Yrisz a paladin trained feel, so it works thematically (also she's all about healing). As for Divine Glow it is by far the best of the 1st level Cleric Encounter powers. Mass damage, minion control, and party buffing, what isn't there to love. But, it's hard as snot to use when you can't hurt Bloodied enemies (you guys almost always have somebody Blooded before it gets to Yrisz's 1st round turn). So I decided to switch it to something that I would/could use every fight. Notice you only have to 'attack' her hit target (regardless of whether you hit or not) to get the temp hit points. Keen I think.

I figure this is the thread (not OOC) to post additions/changes to a character. Here's what I was thinking:

Retraining howling strike (@will)[PH2] with howl of fury [PP]. I don't charge enough, and we lack on area attacks.

For 3rd level encounter power, taking shatterbone strike [PH2]. In short, it is 2[w] vs. AC and causes the target to have -3 AC until ENT.

Here is Ariellana as a companion to the party. I kept her Combat Leader trait, as it would be awkward to do otherwise if Cocoa rejoined in mid-combat. Please note that while she is a companion, she will not be providing bonuses to characters who spend action points, among other things.

Character Name: Ariellana
Role: Leader (Warlord-type)
Race: Eladrin
Size: Medium
Gender: Female
Height: 6’0”
Languages: Common, Elven

Ability Scores
Strength: 16 (+4)
Constitution: 10 (+1)
Dexterity:14 (+3)
Intelligence: 18 (+5)
Wisdom: 10 (+1)
Charisma: 10 (+1)

Skills:
Acrobatics: +3
Arcana: +7
Athletics: +9 (+11 with climbing kit)
Bluff: +1
Diplomacy: +1
Dungeoneering +1
Endurance: +6
Heal: +1
History: +12
Insight: +1
Intimidate +1:
Nature: +1
Perception: +1
Religion: +5
Stealth: +3
Streetwise: +1
Thievery: +5 (+7 for opening locks or disarming traps)

Trained Skills: Athletics, Endurance, History

Initiative: +5
Passive Insight: 11
Passive Perception: 11
Low-light Vision
Armor Class: 18
Fortitude Defense: 16
Reflex Defense: 18
Will Defense: 15
Hit Points/Bloodied: 32/16
Healing Surges/Surge Value: 7/8

Race Features:
Fey Origin
Trance - Extended Rests are only four hours and do not require sleep.


Traits
Combat Leader - Each ally within 10 squares who can see and hear Ariellana gains a +2 power bonus to initiative.
Eladrin Will - Save at +5 vs. Charm.

Minor Actions
Healing (2/Encounter; 1/Rnd) An ally within 5 squares may spend a healing surge.
Inspired Belligerence (Encounter) Close Burst 5 targeting one enemy granting combat advantage to Ariellana or an ally; all allies gain combat advantage against the target SNT

Move Actions
Speed 6
Fey Step (Encounter) Teleport 5

Basic Standard Actions
Javelin - Ranged 10/20; Basic Weapon +9 vs. AC; 1d6+4 dmg; 2 javelins
[Slingshot - Ranged 10/20; Basic Weapon +9 vs. AC; 1d6+3 dmg; no bullets]
Dagger - Ranged 5/10; Basic Weapon +10 vs. AC; 1d4+3 dmg; off-hand; 1 dagger
Improvised Slingshot - Ranged 5/10; Basic Weapon +7 vs. AC; 1d4+3 dmg; stones
Longsword - Basic Melee Weapon +10 vs. AC; 1d8+4 dmg
Javelin - Basic Melee Weapon +9 vs. AC; 1d6+4 dmg
Dagger - Basic Melee Weapon +10 vs. AC; 1d4+4 dmg; off-hand

Standard Actions
Commander's Strike (At-will) - An ally makes a basic melee attack at +4 damage against a target within Ariellana's melee range. This power does not grant the ability to make an attack outside of the ally's melee range.
Inspiring War Cry (Encounter) - Longsword Melee +10 vs. AC; 2d8+4 and one ally within 5 squares who can hear Ariellana makes a saving throw.


Equipment
Dagger (1 lb)
Leather armor (15 lbs)
Light shield (6 lbs)
Longsword (4 lbs)
Sling
2 javelins (4 lbs)
Adventurers’ Kit (33 lbs)
Climbing Kit (11 lbs)
Thieves' Tools (1 lb)
Rusted pieces of armor (2 lbs)
Documents and badges for weapons and armor worth 21 staters

Funds: 3 staters, 8 chaluns

Load: 77 lbs


Appearance
Ariellana is raw-boned and muscular. Her hair is fine and pale, nearly colorless, and trimmed short. Her eyes are usually the color of winter storm clouds, but at times can range from silvery to dark blue. Her skin is lightly tanned. She has numerous small scars and callused hands.


Personality Notes

• Considers all sides of a problem.
• Impatient with privileged, incapable, or deceitful individuals.
• Supportive of underdogs.
• Usually quiet, but prone to the occasional unwise outburst.

For players used to Fighters and the other formal Defender classes, please note that as a companion, Dolan may only mark enemies with his basic melee attacks, and does not receive any special abilities related to marked enemies.

Character Name: Dolan Derby of Gleann
Role: Defender (Fighter-type)
Race: Human
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Height: 5'9”
Languages: Common, Goblin

Ability Scores
Strength: 18 (+5)
Constitution: 11 (+1)
Dexterity:14 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+1)
Wisdom: 12 (+2)
Charisma: 13 (+2)

Skills:
*Acrobatics: +2
Arcana: +1
*Athletics: +9
Bluff: +4
Diplomacy: +2
Dungeoneering +2
*Endurance: +5
Heal: +2
History: +1
Insight: +2
Intimidate +2
Nature: +2
Perception: +2
Religion: +1
*Stealth: +2
Streetwise: +7
*Thievery: +2

*Add +1 to these skills when not wearing armor.

Trained Skills: Athletics, Endurance, Streetwise

Initiative: +3
Movement: 5 (6 when not in armor)
Passive Insight: 12
Passive Perception: 12
Hit Points/Bloodied: 38/19
Healing Surges/Surge Value: 9/9

Armor Class: 20
Fortitude Defense: 19
Reflex Defense: 17
Will Defense: 15

Race Features:
None


Move Actions
Speed 5
Get Over Here (Encounter) - One adjacent ally may shift 2 into another square that is adjacent to you.

Basic Standard Actions
Improvised Ranged Attack - Ranged 5/10; Basic Weapon +7 vs. AC; 1d4+3 (crit 7) dmg
Broadsword - Basic Melee Weapon +9 vs. AC; 1d10+5 (crit 15) dmg and target is Marked until the end of Dolan's next turn

Standard Actions
Cleave (At-will) - Broadsword Melee +9 vs. AC; 1d10+5 (crit 15) dmg and a different adjacent enemy takes 4 dmg.
Tide of Iron (At-will) - Broadsword Melee +9 vs. AC; 1d10+5 (crit 15) dmg and push 1 if it is Large or smaller. Additionally, you may immediately shift into the vacated square, if you wish, as part of this action.
Dance of Steel (Encounter) - Broadsword Melee +9 vs. AC; 2d10+5 (crit 25) dmg and immobilized ENT.


Equipment
Chainmail (40 lbs)
Light shield (6 lbs)
Broadsword (5 lbs)
Battle axe (6 lbs) - taken from a goblin
Mundane Adventurers’ Kit (substitute torches for sunrods) (33 lbs)
Climbing Kit (11 lbs)
Journey Bread (10 days) (1 lb)
Badges for chainmail, light shield, and broadsword (allows them to be openly worn in Beilston) (0 lbs)
Documents for the above badges (worth 11 staters) (0 lbs)

Funds:
19 silver staters
19 bronze aeres
10 copper chaluns

Load: 103 lbs (light - no penalties)


Appearance
Dolan has pale skin, light brown, straight hair, and sports a small beard. His eyes are green and piercing. He's of middling height, but has a well-sculpted handsome body and often gives the impression of being taller than he is. His face is agreeable, and usually wears a friendly expression.


Notes

• Desires military fame and glory
• Interested in proving his martial abilities
• From western Aucothia
• Takes things in stride

Karu's proficiency with the executioner's axe is retained, as that is her signature weapon.

Character Name: Karu
Role: Defender (Fighter-type)
Race: Goliath
Size: Medium
Gender: Female
Height: 7'6”
Languages: Common, Giant

Ability Scores
Strength: 18 (+5)
Constitution: 15 (+3)
Dexterity:15 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (+1)
Wisdom: 13 (+2)
Charisma: 8 (+0)

Skills
Acrobatics: +3
Arcana: +1
Athletics: +12 (+14 with climbing kit)
Bluff: +0
Diplomacy: +0
Dungeoneering +2
Endurance: +3
Heal: +7
History: +1
Insight: +2
Intimidate: +0
Nature: +4
Perception: +2
Religion: +1
Stealth: +3
Streetwise: +0
Thievery: +3

Trained Skills: Athletics, Heal

Initiative: +3
Base Movement: 6
Passive Insight: 12
Passive Perception: 12
Hit Points/Bloodied: 42/21
Healing Surges/Surge Value: 11/10

Armor Class: 20
Fortitude Defense: 18
Reflex Defense: 16
Will Defense: 15

Race Features
Powerful Athlete - when making an Athletics Check to jump or climb, roll twice and use either result

Feats
Proficiency with Executioner's Axe

Minor Actions
Boundless Endurance (Daily) Regenerate 4 (2 + Constitution Modifier) while Bloodied EOE.
Stone's Endurance (Encounter) Resist 5 All ENT

Move Actions
Speed 5

Basic Standard Actions
Dagger (Thrown) - Ranged 5/10 Basic Dagger +10 vs. AC; 1d4+3 dmg (Critical 7); off-hand
Slingshot - Ranged 10/20 Basic Sling +9 vs. AC; 1d6+3 dmg (Critical 9); 20 bullets minus expended; load free
Dagger - Melee Basic Dagger +10 vs. AC; 1d4+5 dmg (Critical 9); off-hand
Executioner's Axe (Two-Handed) - Melee Basic Executioner's Axe +9 vs. AC; 1d10+7 dmg (Critical 1d10+19) and target is Marked ENT

Standard Actions
Reaping Strike (At-will) Melee Executioner's Axe +9 vs. AC; 1d10+7 dmg (Critical 1d10+19); Miss: 4 dmg
Sweeping Attack (Encounter) Close Burst 1 targeting enemies that can be seen; Executioner's Axe +11 (including half Strength Modifier) vs. AC; 1d10+7 dmg (Critical 1d10+19)


Equipment
+1 cloak of resistance (4 lbs)
Scale armor (45 lbs)
Executioner's axe (14 lbs)
Sling
20 sling bullets (5 lbs)
Standard adventurer's kit, minus 1 sunrod (32 lbs)
Climber's kit (11 lbs)
Dagger (1 lb)
Documentation and badges for armor and axe worth 15 staters
A small piece of parchment with "YUCHGZGTO" written in the Common script
An ivory figurine of a hearth tender

Funds: 4 staters, 8 aeres

Load: 112lb

Heavy Load: 180lb
Maximum Load: 360lb
Push/Drag: 900lb


Appearance
Karu is tall (as are any goliaths amongst humans) and muscle-bound with a mottled dark gray complexion. Her dark hair is kept in small tight braids which are generally held back with a leather thong. Under her armor, her clothing is plain, and made for a cooler climate.


Personality Notes

• Fond of heroic tales.
• Raised in a sept and wishes to demonstrate that her people deserve respect.
• Acolyte of the Great Master.
• Interested in continuing her training as a warrior.

in case anyone is curious. Here are the following changes to zephyr:

Still waiting to retrain howling strike with howl of fury (noted above). Going to retrain my daily with life thane rage. It lets me use a HS and any ally near me gets temp hp while I rage. Nifty huh.

Also I upped my STR and CHA, and I took the Novice power multiclass feat. In short, I replaced shatterbone strike with flame spiral. Low dam, but it is a burst 2, and if an enemy starts its turn next to me (or enters a space adj), they get a dose of fire dam.

Polon
Half-Elf Striker Companion (Star Warlock)
Level 4 Skirmisher
Medium Natural Humanoid Male
Languages: Common, Elven, Primordial
Str 10 (+2) Con 16 (+5) Dex 14 (+4) Int 16 (+5) Wis 10 (+2) Cha 18 (+6)

Equipment
Clothing

Funds
None

Load: 4 lbs

Play Notes
Polon stands 5' 9", has a slender build, pale, reddish-blond hair, and blue eyes. The most striking physical aspects of Polon are his unearthly beauty and feminine appearance. He seems to have been born with the best features of both parents.

As part of his warlock's contract, Polon was imbued with the knowledge of a number of potent curses. While he has a basic idea of their use, he has never before cast any of them. He is intelligently cautious, but also very inexperienced, and will take risky actions when he feels he has no choice. He speaks diffidently, but sincerely. Polon should be played as a lawful good character.

Skills
Acrobatics: +4
Arcana: +10
Athletics: +2
Bluff: +6
Diplomacy: +8
Dungeoneering +2
Endurance: +5
Heal: +2
History: +10
Insight: +4
Intimidate: +6
Nature: +2
Perception: +2
Religion: +5
Stealth: +4
Streetwise: +6
Thievery: +4

Trained Skills: Arcana, History

Traits
(Dilettante - can cast Illusory Ambush as an encounter spell)
(Half-elf Skill Bonus - gains +2 to Diplomacy and Insight)
(Ritual Caster - has mastered the rituals Comprehend Languages and Make Whole)

Group Diplomacy - allies within 10 squares gain +1 to Diplomacy Checks (Group Diplomacy does not stack.)

Striker (round trigger - hits with combat advantage) attack inflicts +1d6 dmg

Move Actions
Speed 6

Basic Standard Actions
Eldritch Blast (at-will) Ranged 10 Basic Arcane +8 vs. Reflex; 1d10+6 dmg

Improvised Unarmed Strike (at-will) Melee Basic Unarmed +8 vs. AC; 1d4+2 dmg

Standard Actions
Conjure the Least Minion of Kromodtin the Ever-setting (daily - a sliver of essence from a dying, alien entity slowly circles the victim, burning its presence into the target's body and psyche) Ranged 10 Fear +8 vs. Will; 3d6+6 radiant (critical: 24 radiant) and immobilized ENT; Effect: -2 to Will (save)

Dire Radiance (at-will) Ranged 10 Fear +8 vs. Fortitude; 1d6+5 radiant (critical: 11 radiant) and if target moves closer to Polon on its next turn then it takes 1d6+5 radiant

Illusory Ambush (encounter) Ranged 10 Illusion +8 vs. Will; 1d6+5 psychic (critical: 11 psychic) and -2 to attacks ENT

Pelyasz's Unspeakable Utterance (encounter) Ranged 5; Fear +8 vs. Will; 2d8+6 psychic (critical: 22 psychic) and -4 penalty to Will ENT (1 + Int)

Stealth +4
Initiative +4
PP 12 PI 14
Low-light Vision
HS/SV: 9/10
AC: 19 Fort: 15 Ref: 17 Will 19
HP: 43/21

Zephyr
Half-Elf Striker Companion (Barbarian-Sorcerer)
Level 4 Skirmisher (Leader)
Medium Natural Humanoid Male
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven
Str 17 (+5) Con 16 (+5) Dex 13 (+3) Int 8 (+1) Wis 10 (+2) Cha 17 (+5)

Equipment
Hide armor (25 lbs)
Heavy war pick (8 lbs)
3 daggers (3 lbs)
Standard adventurer's kit (33 lbs)
Climber's kit (11 lbs)
8 sun rods (8 lbs)

Funds (less than 50 coins = 0 lbs)
13 staters
27 aeres
2 chaluns

Load: 88 lbs

Play Notes
Zephyr is six feet tall and muscular. He is completely hairless, and has striking, green eyes. Play him like Zephyr. Yukonhorror can fill in additional play notes as he sees fit.

Skills (including a -1 armor penalty where appropriate)
Acrobatics: +2
Arcana: +6
Athletics: +9
Bluff: +5
Diplomacy: +7
Dungeoneering +2
Endurance: +4
Heal: +2
History: +1
Insight: +4
Intimidate: +5
Nature: +2
Perception: +2
Religion: +1
Stealth: +2
Streetwise: +5
Thievery: +2

Trained Skills: Arcana, Athletics

Traits
(Dilettante - can cast Acid Orb as an encounter spell)
(Half-elf Skill Bonus - gains +2 to Diplomacy and Insight)

Favored by Spirits - allies within 10 squares gain +1 to Insight Checks

Group Diplomacy - allies within 10 squares gain +1 to Diplomacy Checks

Striker (round trigger - hits with CA) do +1d6 dmg

Free Actions
Savage Growl (encounter trigger - hits an enemy but does not down it) Enemy is marked ENT. A marked enemy inflicts and receives +1d8 additional damage with Zephyr.

Move Actions
Speed 6

Basic Standard Actions
Acid Orb (encounter) Ranged 20 Basic Acid +8 vs. Reflex; 1d10+5 acid (critical: 15 acid); note: Zephyr must have one hand free to cast this spell

Thrown Dagger (at-will) Ranged 5/10 Basic Light Thrown +11 vs. AC; 1d4+3 dmg; ammo: 3

Heavy War Pick (at-will) Melee Basic Two-handed Pick +10 vs. AC; 1d12+5 dmg (critical: 1d12+17 dmg)

Standard Actions
Escalating Violence (encounter) Melee Two-handed Pick +10 vs. AC; 2d12+5 dmg (critical: 1d12+29 dmg) and if Zephyr takes damage SNT, he gains +2 to attack and dmg for his next attack

Howl of Fury (at-will) Melee Two-handed Pick +10 vs. AC; 1d12+5 dmg (critical: 1d12+17 dmg) and Blast 3 targeting enemies except for the initial target; 3 thunder (Con)

Stealth +2
Initiative +3
PP 12 PI 14
Low-light Vision
HS/SV: 9/10
AC: 19 Fort: 19 Ref: 16 Will 18
HP: 43/21

One thing I would like to note is that Zephyr was the unofficial party bank--nearly all of the coins we found we gave directly to him. If and when Zephyr leaves the party, we'll want to make sure he leaves the appropriate amount with us.

--T

Konstansz
Tiefling Warlock Companion
Level 3 Skirmisher
Medium Natural Humanoid Female
Str 10 (+1) Con 20 (+6) Dex 10 (+1) Int 11 (+1) Wis 8 (+0) Cha 16 (+4)

Equipment
leather armor
gloves
rod
dagger
everburning torch
standard adventurer's kit (including 50' of rope, 2 sunrods, 10 days of rations, and an empty waterskin)

Load: 52 lbs

Play Notes

• Junior member of the Imperial bureaucracy
• Asked to search for Polon by his father, Duvek, yesterday

Skills
Acrobatics: +1
Arcana: +6
Athletics: +1
Bluff: +6
Diplomacy: +4
Dungeoneering +0
Endurance: +6
Heal: +0
History: +1
Insight: +5
Intimidate: +4
Nature: +0
Perception: +0
Religion: +1
Stealth: +3
Streetwise: +4
Thievery: +1

Trained Skills: Arcana, Insight

Traits
(Fire Resistance - Gain resist fire 5 + level bonus.)
(Tiefling Skill Bonus - Gain +2 to Bluff and Stealth.)

Bloodhunt - Gain +1 to attack bloodied foes.

Fate of the Void (trigger - cursed enemy is downed) accumulate a +1 to any single 1d20 roll ENT

Shadow Walk (trigger - moves 3+ squares away from starting square on own turn) Gain concealment ENT.

Warlock's Curse (round trigger - hits a cursed enemy with damaging warlock spell) deal +1d6 damage to triggering enemy.

Immediate Actions
Caiphon's Leap (encounter reaction trigger - hit by a melee attack from a cursed enemy) reduce damage by 3 (Cha) and teleport 2.

Free Actions
Infernal Wrath (encounter trigger - hit by an enemy within 10) triggering enemy takes 1d6+4 (Cha) fire.

Minor Actions
Curse (once per turn, at-will) the nearest seen enemy is cursed.

Move Actions
Speed 6

Basic Standard Actions
Eldritch Blast (at-will) Ranged 10 Basic Rod +7 vs. Reflex; 1d10+6 dmg (critical 16)

Thrown Dagger (at-will) Ranged 5/10 Basic Light Thrown +10 vs. AC; 1d4+1 dmg (critical 5); ammo 1

Dagger (at-will) Melee Basic Light Blade +10 vs. AC; 1d4+1 dmg (critical 5); off-hand

Rod (at-will) Melee Basic Improvised +7 vs. AC; 1d4+1 dmg (critical 5)

Standard Actions
Dire Radiance (at-will) Ranged 10 Fear Rod +7 vs. Fortitude; 1d6+6 radiant (critical 12 radiant) and if target moves closer to Konstansz on its next turn then it takes 1d6+6 radiant

Fortune Binding (encounter) Ranged 10 Psychic Rod +7 vs. Fortitude; 2d8+6 psychic (critical 22 psychic), end one effect on self that a save can end, and target gains that effect ENT

Stealth +3
PP 10 PI 15
Initiative +1
Low-light Vision
HS/SV: 11/10
AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 14 Will: 16
HP: 42/21
Resist fire 6