Cop and a Half Episode 35 - Rise of the Runelord

The halls of the palace were dimly lit, at best.  Once his eyes adjusted, though, Lem was taken aback by what he saw.  Though clearly ancient and unused for years uncounted, this palace was every bit as magnificent as the golden exterior would suggest.  He gaped at the riches that littered every corner of this place.

Lem
Male Halfling Bard Charlatan
Card Feats: Spell x2, Blessing, Armor, Item
Skill Feats: Charisma +4, Intelligence +1
Power Feats: 
Light Armor proficiency 
Once per check, recharge a card to card to add 1D4+3 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman or villain
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Hungry Shadows
Ring of Protection
Incendiary Cloud
Bewilder
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Black Arrow Ranger
Charmed Red Dragon
BoPharasma
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoNethys
BoCalistria

Valeros saw no point in gawking at the litter of ages past.  He was here for one reason: to end the threat Karzoug represented.  This runelord had done enough damage already, and he had only recently been returned to this world.  He couldn't begin to imagine what Karzoug might be capable of at full strength.

Valeros 
Male Human Fighter Weapon Master
 Card Feats: Weapon x2, Item, Blessing, Ally
Skill Feats: Strength +4, Constitution +1
Power Feats: 
Hand Size 5
Add 1d4+5 to another character’s combat check at your location
You may use Melee in place of Ranged when using a weapon with the Ranged trait
Starting Deck
Fanged Falchion
Dancing Scimitar+2
Impaler of Thorns
Longsword +2
Scythe+1
Returning Frost Spear +2
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Chain Mail
Magic Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Wand of Treasure Finding
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Thieves Tools
Merchant
Zuvuzeg
Saber Toothed Tiger
BoGorum 
BoTorag
BoAbadar x2

Neither had much time to muse, however.  The clattering of bones approaching them was unmistakable.  The pair waded through the misshapen mass of reanimated bones that washed over them.  They had no reason to fear, skeletons were as nothing to them at this point.

Turn 1
Lem - BoSarenrae
Thassilonian Dungeon
Skeleton Horde - Everyone gets an ancient skeleton to fight
Lem - Bewilder - evaded - hmm do I explore again?  Probably not - draw a card
Valeros - Fanged Falchion - D10+7+2D4+2 = auto-kill
Bewilder recharge - Impossiburu
Skeleton Horde Banished Forever

Valeros did spy a shortspear amidst the undead that looked usable, however, and snatched it from it's host...along with the host's arm.  Valeros gave a grim smile as he tossed the bones aside.

Turn 2
Valeros - BoGorum
Thassilonian Dungeon
Shortspear +3 - Melee + Lem recharge = D10+7+D4+3 = 18 = Success
Discard merchant explore - Reflecting Shield - Consitution + Lem recharge = D8+2+D4+3 = auto-acquire
Discard Tiger explore - Haste - naaaaah
Discard Zuvuzeg explore - Cultist - how are these still in the deck!? - so incredibly dead - banished forever

Lem also discovered some arcane parchment in the debris.  Given time to properly explore this place, who knows what incredible treasure might await them?

Turn 3
Lem - BoPharasma
Magic Spyglass - Divine - D10+5 = 12 = Success
Discard magic spyglass - Sneak, disintegrate, enfeeble - sneak on bottom, rest on top
Discard BoPharasma explore - Disintegrate - Arcane + BoCalistria = D10+5+D10 = 14 - YES
Discard Black Arrow Ranger explore - Enfeeble - Arcane - auto-acquire 

Skeletons were not the only foes waiting for them in this place.  Cultists devoted to the runelords, and other humanoid scum also lie in wait for the pair.  Valeros made them regret their decision to defend Karzoug.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoErastil
Sneak - Fanged Falchion - D10+7+2D4+2 = 17 = Success

Even what appeared to be Karzoug's elite guard stood no chance against them.  A heavily armored woman disintegrated before Lem's eyes as he mouthed the incantation he had found earlier.  Well...that was gruesome, but this spell could certainly prove useful, he thought.

Turn 5
Lem - BoSarenrae
Viorian Dekanti - DISINTEGRATE + Valeros - D10+5+4D6+D4+5+2+2D4 = 41 = Success = draw a card
Recharge Disintegrate - nossir
Arcane check to close - D10+5 = 8 = Success
Location closed

They reached what appeared to be a throne room, where another horde of reanimated skeletons barred their approach.  Valeros didn't bat an eyelash as he danced through the undead until none were left standing.  Karzoug would need to try harder than this to stop them.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoSarenrae
Throne Room
Skeleton Horde - c’mon man, well at least it’s just Valeros this time - it’s dead - banished forever
Discard BoTorag explore - Diseased Rats - Fanged Falchion - auto-dead - banished forever

Lem took a moment to scour the throne room for clues as to where the master of this palace might be.  If Karzoug was not on the throne, he might be anywhere in this labyrinth.  If Lem knew Valeros at all, he knew that the longer it took to find this runelord, the more pissed off Valeros would become.  He didn't envy Karzoug if he chose to hide from them.

Turn 7
Lem - BoErastil
Throne Room
Scout - D4-1 ranged damage - 0 - Frost Ray - D10+5+2D6 = 22 = Success
Recharge Frost Ray - Success
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 5

Turn 8
Valeros - BoG
Shortspear +3 - Melee - D10+7 = 11 = fail

As they moved to leave the throne room, a figure clad in ornate robes stepped from the shadows.

"I am afraid I cannot permit you to go further." he spoke softly as extended an outstretched hand towards them.  a blast of force and flame leapt from his fingertips.  Valeros raised his shield, and Lem sprang to one side, but they were still knocked backward from the force of impact.

"Our turn." Lem muttered through clenched teeth.  He unleashed lightning upon the robed man while Valeros took out his frustrations with his newfound spear.

With the threat ended, the pair pressed on.

Turn 9
Lem - BoDesna
Khalib - 2 force damage toooooo….Valeros - D4 fire damage to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 4 - reduced by 2 from reflecting shield
Lightning Bolt + Valeros - D10+5+3D6+D4+5+2D4 = 33 = Success
Diplomacy check to close - D10+7 = Auto-success
Location closed

They pressed onwards and came upon what Lem recognized as a runewell.  Perhaps they would find Karzoug absorbed in his magics.  At any rate, the well presented a fine opportunity for Lem to heal their wounds with a quick prayer.

Turn 10
Valeros - BoNethys
Runewell
Cloak of Elvenkind - Dex = D8 = 2 = Fail

Turn 11
Lem - BoG
Exchange Frost Ray for Mass Cure in the discard
Runewell
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 4
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Blizzard - Arcane + BoNethys - D10+5+D10 = 18 = Success
Discard Magic Spyglass - BoG, Magic Full Plate, Warden of Runes

While Lem was mouthing his incantations, he was interrupted by the thundering approach of another giant.  This one, covered in runes, was clearly the warden of this well.  Fortunately for them, they had had plenty of practice against his kin.  Valeros cleared a path for them with his trusty scythe, and they carried on their way.

Turn 12
Valeros - BoG
Bury a card
BoG - auto-acquire
Emerald Codex - Speed, Raise Dead, Detect Magic
Discard BoG explore - Magic Full Plate - Constitution + Lem recharge - D8+2+D4+3 = auto-acquire
Discard tiger explore - Warden of Runes - 1 electricity damage to both - 
Lem - Sihedron medallion
Valeros - eats it
Recharge medallion - Success
Reveal and recharge Magic Scythe +1 + Lem recharge = D10+7+3D4+1+D4+3 = 29 = Success
Location Closed

In the next room, they were speechless at the sight of a massive machine.  Cables led to a metal framework that housed a circular portal large enough to move an elephant through.  Guarding this device was a lamia with the lower body of a four-legged beast and the upper body of a woman.  She scowled at them as they entered.

"So, the master was right.  You have come at last.  Know that I will do everything in my power to stop you from entering this portal.

"You will try." Lem said as he pointed his wand in her direction.  Energies shot forth from it, wrapping around her form with spectral tendrils.  She weakened visibly as they took hold.  Valeros did not waste this opportunity to strike, charging her with his falchion.  He buried the blade in her lower body before deftly switching to a spear, which he threw directly into her skull.  It was an unexpectedly easy battle.

Turn 13
Lem - BoCalistria
Valeros Staff of Minor Healing - Lem 
The Leng Device 
Most High Ceoptra - Enfeeble
Recharge Enfeeble = Success
D4 tokens removed - 4

Turn 14
Valeros - BoAbadar 
Most High Ceoptra - Attack spells no-go - Reveal and recharge Fanged Falchion + BoG + Lem Recharge = D10+7+4D4+2+D10+D4+3 = 27
Wand of Enervation - -8 to check
2nd check - Reveal and recharge Returning Frost Spear +2 + Lem recharge + BoAbadar + Lem BoGozreh = D10+7+D8+2+2D6+D4+3+D10+D10 = 38 = Success

Scenario Victory!
Reward - Chellan, sword of greed, Maester Grump, Wand of Scorching Ray, Greatclub+3, Brodert Quink, Force Sling +3, Magic Shield, Toxic Cloud, Potion of Healing, Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2

They stood in front of the portal, and Lem would lie if he said he didn't dread what awaited them on the other side.  A being so powerful that he was essentially a god.  Immortal, and powerful enough to command aberrations from all manner of planes of existence.  A being that had built one of the most powerful empires the world had ever known.  Now, it was up to the two of them to end his evil once and for all.

Lem
Male Halfling Bard Charlatan
Card Feats: Spell x2, Blessing, Armor, Item
Skill Feats: Charisma +4, Intelligence +1
Power Feats: 
Light Armor proficiency 
Once per check, recharge a card to card to add 1D4+3 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman or villain
Starting Deck
Force Sling +3
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Hungry Shadows
Ring of Protection
Blizzard
Bewilder
Holy Light
Disintegrate
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Black Arrow Ranger
Charmed Red Dragon
BoPharasma
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoNethys
BoCalistria

Even Valeros was shaken by the fact that they had reached the end of their long journey.  He took a quick inventory of his weapons, ensuring that each was ready to be deployed at a moments notice.  There was no telling what awaited them on the other side of that portal.  He needed to be ready for anything.

Valeros 
Male Human Fighter Weapon Master
Card Feats: Weapon x2, Item, Blessing, Ally
Skill Feats: Strength +4, Constitution +1
Power Feats: 
Hand Size 5
Add 1d4+5 to another character’s combat check at your location
You may use Melee in place of Ranged when using a weapon with the Ranged trait
Starting Deck
Fanged Falchion
Dancing Scimitar+2
Impaler of Thorns
Shortspear +3
Greatclub +3
Returning Frost Spear +2
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Full Plate
Reflecting Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Magic Spyglass
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Thieves Tools
Merchant
Zuvuzeg
Saber Toothed Tiger
BoGorum 
BoTorag
BoAbadar x2

Lem looked to his friend and nodded.  They entered together.  Instantaneously, they were somewhere far from the palace on the mountain peak.  Somewhere far more dangerous.  A runewell stood in the center of a large circular chamber. Standing behind the well was Karzoug himself, and he was surrounded by all manner of his servants.

A giant covered in runes bounded towards them immediately, and was disintegrated on the spot by a gesture from Lem's hand.

Karzoug clapped slowly.  "Impressive, small one.  In time, you might have been a powerful magic user in your own right.  Instead, you will die here for nothing."

Turn 1
Lem 
Runewell
Bury a card
Warden of Runes - 1 electricity damage to both - lem ring of prot - Disintegrate + Valeros = D10+5+4D6+D4+5 = 33 = Success
Recharge Disintegrate - nope
Discard Toad explore - Consecration - Divine - D10+5 = 9 = Success
Discard BoNethys explore - Bastard Sword +1 = fail

Karzoug raised a finger and unleashed a torrent of flame upon the pair.  There was no way to dodge the column of flame, and both man and halfling cried out in pain as it washed over them.

Turn 2
Valeros 
Runewell
Bury a card
Emerald Codex - Swipe, Restoration, Aid - pretty good stuff!
Karzoug - D4+1 fire damage to both
Lem - 3 - ring of prot - 2
Valeros - 4
Fail and take all the damage, Valeros was out of cards anyway

Before they could recover, a blue dragon moved forward to attack, unleashing a blast of electricity from it's massive jaws.  Lem was able to gather his wits enough to throw lightning of his own back at the creature, and it was just enough.  The dragon fell smoldering to the ground.  They were still in trouble though, for Karzoug did not look as though he would relent.

Turn 3
Lem 
Bury a card
Enslaved Blue Dragon - D4+1 electricity damage to both
Lem - 2 - reduced to 1 by ring of prot
Valeros - 4 - reduced by 2 thanks to reflecting shield
Lightning Bolt + Valeros = D10+5+3D6+D4+5+2 = 25 = Success
Recharge lightning bolt = nope

Lem tried to cure them as he circled around for a better vantage point on Karzoug.  It wasn't much, but hopefully enough to allow them to finish this fight.

Turn 4
Valeros
Bury a card
Discard Magic Spyglass - Chime of unlocking, Frost Ray, Karzoug
Chime of unlocking- fail

Turn 5
Lem
Bury a card
Valeros restoration Lem 
Lem Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 2
Recharge Mass Cure - Success
Frost Ray = auto-acquire

Another wave of flame came without warning, and they could do nothing but endure as it consumed everything it touched.

Turn 6
Valeros
Bury a card
Karoug - D4+1 damage to both
Lem - 3 - reduced to 2
Valeros - 3

The flames would not stop.  The pain, unending and overwhelming, was all they could think about.  This was it.  This moment would determine whether they would fail the world, or save it.  Lem could not see Valeros, or vice-versa, but he knew that they both realized that this was the end.  Lem forced himself upright, and reached blindly for his sling.  He strained to recall where Karzoug stood, imagining through the pain where runelord was in relation to his own position.  Body aflame, and blinded by both pain and fire, he whirled his sling and sent a stone flying in the direction of the runelord.  He collapsed to the ground immediately afterward.

Valeros gritted his teeth and held his club tightly in both hands.  He took tentative steps forward, straining against the pain with each movement.  He could feel his flesh blistering and peeling under the onslaught of flame.  It was now or never.  A loud cracking sound, and a grunt of pain ahead prefaced the end of the torrent of flame.  Though still blinded, he knew this was his chance.  He ran forward with all the strength he could muster, club held high overhead.

He smashed into a body at full force, knocking it and himself to the ground.  With every remaining ounce of strength he smashed his club into the form beneath him.  It was enough.  It had to be enough.  His thoughts faded to darkness as he collapsed on the stone floor.

Turn 7
Lem 
Bury a card
Karzoug - shit - D4+1 damage to both
Lem - 3 - reduced to 2
Valeros - 2 - Bury Magic Half-Plate
Actually going to fight this time
Lem - discard Force Sling +3 + BoErastil + Valeros = D8+D6+3+2D8+D4+5+2D4+2 = 37 = Success
2nd check - Valeros - Mokmurian’s club + discard a card + BoGorum = D10+7+D10+2+D10+2D10+2D4 = 44 = Success
1 fire damage to Valeros

Turn 8
Valeros
Bury a card
BoGorum - strength = Success
Discard BoGorum explore - Magic Full PLate - Consitution - D8+2 = 4 = Fail
Valeros dies

Turn 9
Lem
Bury a card
Karzoug - D4+1 damage - 5 - 4 thanks to ring of prot
Every damage ever
Lem dies

Post-Game Analysis

Well, that was intense.  First off, I want to thank everyone who read or supported the series in any way.  This is definitely one of the longest-running things I have ever done, and I don't regret it at all.  I don't know right now whether I'll do a campaign like this for Skull & Shackles or Wrath of the Righteous, but I had a great time with this.

I decided to lump the two last scenarios together because they were both fairly brief.  I knew what I was in for going into the final scenario.  Did the pair win?  According to the rules, no, they did not.  However, in my mind they definitely won.  Even if they died, they still defeated Karzoug.

I really hope you enjoyed this, and all the past episodes.  Keep playing, and I'll see you again with whatever crazy creative writing project I decide upon next.

P.S. Before anyone even says it, I don't know why I used Bewilder on some skeletons on the first turn of this one.  I know I can't.  I wonder what I was thinking, but it's been too long since I played for me to recall why I did that.

Cop and a Half Episode 34 - The Final Climb

There was no time to rest before scaling the massive cliffs and frozen outcroppings that rose to meet the palace atop the mountain peak.  Lem took a moment to secure his gear as much as possible, and steeled himself for the long climb ahead.

Lem
Male Halfling Bard Charlatan
Card Feats: Spell x2, Blessing, Armor, Item
Skill Feats: Charisma +4, Intelligence +1
Power Feats: 
Light Armor proficiency 
Once per check, recharge a card to card to add 1D4+3 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman or villain
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Hungry Shadows
Ring of Protection
Incendiary Cloud
Haste
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Father Zantus
Charmed Red Dragon
BoPharasma
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoNethys
BoCalistria

Valeros did the same, checking each of his weapons in turn to ensure that he would not lose any as they climbed.  Though the distance to the peak was daunting, they had come too far to consider failure at this point.  It was do or die.

Valeros 
Male Human Fighter Weapon Master
 Card Feats: Weapon x2, Item, Blessing, Ally
Skill Feats: Strength +4, Constitution +1
Power Feats: 
Hand Size 5
Add 1d4+5 to another character’s combat check at your location
You may use Melee in place of Ranged when using a weapon with the Ranged trait
Starting Deck
Fanged Falchion
Dancing Scimitar+2
Impaler of Thorns
Longsword +2
Scythe+1
Returning Frost Spear +2
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Chain Mail
Magic Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Wand of Treasure Finding
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Thieves Tools
Merchant
Zuvuzeg
Saber Toothed Tiger
BoGorum 
BoTorag
BoAbadar x2

Nearly as soon as they had begun their climb up the often-times sheer rock face, crossbow bolts began to fly in their direction.  It made sense that Karzoug would have scouts patrolling, especially since he knew the pair were approaching his lair.  Fortunately, Lem was able to maneuver his crossbow into a firing position, and end the immediate threat with a well-placed bolt of his own.

Turn 1
Lem - BoDesna
Death Zone 1
Goblin Commando - 1 ranged combat damage - Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2 + Valeros = D8+D10+2+D4+5 = 13 = Success = Banished forever

Valeros was similarly able to ward off more of Karzoug's henchmen with precision thrusts of his spear as they descended upon him.  If the enemy insisted on this continuous assault, at least time would pass quickly as they climbed.

Turn 2
Valeros - BoG
Death Zone 1
Cultist - Impaler of Thorns - D10+7+D8+2 = auto-success even if I rolled all 1’s = Banished forever
Emerald Codex - Augury, Consecration, Detect Evil
Detect Evil - BoG
Discard BoAbadar explore - BoG - auto-acquire
Discard BoG explore - Mercenary - Impaler of Thorns = D10+7+D8+2 = 23 = Success
Augury - Henchman - Black Arrow Ranger, Pit Trap, Warlord - all shuffled

Lem, as nimble as he was, was having little issue finding good hand and foot holds in the rock.  They also found that there were plenty of flat areas that served as areas of respite during their climb.  That's not to say it was easy, but rather that it was manageable for adventurers of their experience.

Turn 3
Lem - BoG
Trapped Spellbook - Divine + BoAbadar = D10+5+2D10 = 23 = Success = D4 random spells to hand = 2 = Bewilder, Detect Evil
Detect Evil - Leng Spider
Recharge Detect Evil = Success

As he dispatched another giant spider, Valeros reflected on the sheer scope of their journey.  It felt as though they had been working towards this final battle for years.  How long had it been?  He had truly lost track of time.  He was sure Lem felt the same.  He shook his head in disbelief and continued the climb.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoG
Leng Spider - D6 to see if I can play spells with attack trait - 3 - no attack spells, oh noes!
Reveal and recharge Fanged Falchion + Lem rechage = D10+7+4D4+2+D4+3 = 28 = Success
Wisdom check to close +Lem recharge + Lem BoErastil = 3D4+3 = 6 = Fail

As they continued, they found that not only were enemies a constant threat, but traps as well.  Explosive rune traps were well-placed all over the cliffs.  Lem supposed it made sense, since they were nearing the lair of a runelord, but it made them no less annoying to deal with.

Turn 5
Lem - BoNethys
Warlord - Frost Ray + Valeros = D10+5+2D6+D4+5 = 18 = Success
Recharge Frost Ray = Success
Discard BoPharasma explore - Black Arrow Ranger - Diplomacy = D10+7 = auto-acquire
Discard Black Arrow Ranger explore - Explosive Runes - Arcane + Valeros BoAbadar = D10+5+2D10 = 24 = Success

The traps were honestly pretty insulting, Valeros thought.  As though they would fall victim to a simple spell or hole dug into the ground.  To him, it was a clear sign of disrespect.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoIrori
Pit Trap - Dex + Lem recharge + Lem BoCalistria = 3D8+D4+3 = 23 = Success
Wisdom check to close + Lem recharge = 2D4+3 = 10 = Success

The sense of finality that Lem was experiencing only grew stronger as they climbed.  What would they even do after this?  Lem laughed as he realized that he had never given it thought.  Indeed, who would even believe their tale after this.  The whole journey felt like one absurd battle after another.

Turn 7
Lem - BoLamashtu
Death Zone 2
Trapped Locker - just take the damage and banish it forever = D4-1 = 1 card discarded from top of deck

Another spider descended upon Valeros.  This time, he didn't even have to react, as their tiger companion pounced from a nearby rock.  The cat was having no issues in scaling the rocks with the duo.  Valeros wondered if the cat knew where they were headed, or had any concept of what awaited them there.  Probably best if it didn't.

Turn 8
Valeros - BoIrori
Death Zone 2
Leng Spider - D6 or no attack spells - 1 nope, no spells - Impaler of Thorns + recharge tiger + Lem recharge = D10+7+D8+2+D6+D4+3 = 21 = fail = recharge impaler of thorns to reroll = umm wow so much worse.  16.  = all damage to----Lem - Bury Hide Armor of Fire Resistance to reduce to 0

A flash of metal was the only warning that a blade trap had been sprung in the rocks facing the pair as they climbed.  Fortunately, the metal could not penetrate the protection Lem's ring offered.  Nor could it pierce the magic armor that Valeros wore.  The pair sighed in unison and continued onward.

Turn 9
Lem - BoShelyn
Slashing Blade - No way in hell - D4 damage to both
Lem - 1 - ring of prot to avoid
Valeros - 2 - recharge magic half-plate to avoid

As Valeros sliced through another apparition sent to stop their progress, he cocked his head towards Lem.
"So, have you thought about what happens after this?"
"What, you mean the fight at the top?  Not really."
"Yeah, that, and what happens after that's over."
"Nah, you know me, I like to live one moment at a time." Lem chuckled and Valeros let it go at that.  He glanced upwards; halfway there.

Turn 10
Valeros - BoDesna
Ghost - Scythe+1 + Lem recharge = D10+7+2D4+1+D4+3 = 19 = Success = Banished forever
Discard Merchant explore - Spectre - Scythe+1 + Lem recharge = D10+7+2D4+1+D4+3 = 18 = Success = Banished forever

Lem was glad to know that he wasn't the only one coming to the realization that their quest was nearly at an end.  He thought back to when he first met the crazy man next to him, and smiled at the fact that he could never have imagined how close they would become over the course of the journey.  Valeros was like family now.  No, even closer than that.  Would they go their separate ways after this?

Turn 11
Lem - BoG
Collapsed Ceiling - Valeros discard Thieves’ Tools to defeat = Banished forever

Turn 12
Valeros - BoNethys
Staff of Minor healing - Lem 
Clockwork Librarian - Int + Lem recharge + BoTorag = 2D6+D4+3 = 0 = holy crap

They must be getting close now, Lem could hear the rumbling of giants above.  Sure enough, a hulking reanimated corpse descended upon them soon thereafter.  Magical fire was quick to end that threat, though.  It wouldn't be long now.

Turn 13
Lem - BoG
Zombie Giant - I admit, I almost used Bewilder, are you proud of me? :P - Incendiary Cloud + Valeros + Valeros BoGorum = 2D4+3D4+D4+5 = 19 = Success
Recharge Incendiary Cloud = Fail

They were up in the clouds that surrounded the peak now.  The lack of vision was frustrating, but nothing they couldn't deal with.  Ice crystals had formed on their clothes and packs, but Valeros didn't feel the slightest bit cold.  Maybe it was the exertion from the climb, maybe something less mundane, but Valeros wasn't concerned either way.

Turn 14 
Valeros - BoTorag
Slashing Blade - my archnemesis - Dex + Lem recharge = D8+D4+3 = 11 = Success! = Banished forever

Lem took a brief moment to heal the pair before their final ascent.  Neither spoke, other than the incantation that Lem muttered as he mended their wounds this one last time.

Turn 15
Lem - BoG
Exchange Bewilder for Mass Cure in discard
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 5
Valeros - 3
Recharge Mass Cure - Fail

Another spider fell to Valeros' club, as they neared the end of their climb.  The palace ahead of them was truly gargantuan. it shimmered with gold and other precious metals.  It was by far the most ornate and intricately-designed building that Valeros had ever seen.  It was otherworldy, and he would be lying if he said he wasn't in awe.

Turn 16
Valeros - BoG
Leng Spider - D6 for attack spells - 4 ATTACK SPELLS HOOOOOO! - Mokmurian’s club + Discard a card + Lem Charmed Red Dragon + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D10+5+D4+3 = 35 = Success
Dragon Roll - 10
Wisdom to close + Lem recharge + BoNethys = 3D4+3 = 9 = Fail

Turn 17
Lem - BoG

One final zombie giant stood between the pair and their destination.  The duo did not hesitate, bringing the giant down with ease.  This was it.  Time to see what was on the other side.  They strained and pushed open the palace doors easily four times their size, and entered.

Turn 18
Valeros - BoG
Zombie Giant…..again - Mokmurian’s club + Lem recharge - D10+7+D10+2+D4+3 = 26 = Success
Discard Zuvuzeg explore - BoIomedae - Charisma - D6 = 6 = Success
Wisdom close check + Lem BoGozreh + BoIomedae + Lem recharge = 5D4+3 = 17 = Success 

Post-Game Analysis

Hello again, everyone, and welcome to the penultimate scenario!  This one is one of those scenarios that is a lot scarier to play through the more characters you have in your party.  With two, it wasn't so bad.  I never really felt pressured or endangered.

I wanted to convey some reflection on the part of our characters for this installment.  They never really get a chance to think about the things they are doing, or the obstacles they have overcome to reach this point, so I thought it might be fun to explore that a bit.

There won't be any wait for the final installment.  It's on the way today!

Cop and a Half Episode 33 - Do you know the way to Xin-Shalast?

Lem did not sleep.  Not really, anyway.  Any time he closed his eyes, his mind summoned nightmarish images that sent adrenaline surging.  The bitter wind whistled through the dilapidated cabin that they had chosen to spend the night in, which didn't help things.  All he could do was count the seconds before the sun rose once again.

Lem
Male Halfling Bard Charlatan
Card Feats: Spell x2, Blessing, Armor, Item
Skill Feats: Charisma +4, Intelligence +1
Power Feats: 
Light Armor proficiency 
Once per check, recharge a card to card to add 1D4+3 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman or villain
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Hungry Shadows
Wand of Scorching Ray
Incendiary Cloud
Haste
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Merchant
Saber Toothed Tiger
BoPharasma
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoNethys
BoCalistria

Valeros slept like a rock.  He had been in placed far worse than this, and seen things far worse than any hallucination his mind could conjure.  This might be their last opportunity to rest before the final battle, and he was determined to make the best of it.

Valeros 
Male Human Fighter Weapon Master
Card Feats: Weapon x2, Item, Blessing, Ally
Skill Feats: Strength +4, Constitution +1
Power Feats: 
Hand Size 5
Add 1d4+5 to another character’s combat check at your location
You may use Melee in place of Ranged when using a weapon with the Ranged trait
Starting Deck
Fanged Falchion
Dancing Scimitar+2
Impaler of Thorns
Longsword +2
Scythe+1
Bastard Sword +1
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Chain Mail
Magic Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Wand of Treasure Finding
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Thieves Tools
Grizzled Mercenary
Zuvuzeg
Charmed Red Dragon
BoGorum
BoTorag
BoAbadar x2

Once the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the mountaintop, Lem woke Valeros up and got them moving.  As soon as they stepped outside, their tiger emitted a low growl as it sniffed the air.  Something was wrong.

Before they could react, a fearsome creature was upon them.  A long-haired bipedal beast, easily twice the size of Valeros.  Still, Lem was tired, but not that tired.  He and Valeros were like a well-oiled machine at this stage in their adventure.  He aimed his crossbow for the head of the creature while Valeros swept the leg.  The creature went down without trouble.

Turn 1
Lem - BoDesna
Mountain Peak
Wisdom Check from location - Wisdom + BoCalistria = 2D6 = 7 = Success
Ambush - Dex + Valeros Bobadar = 3D8 = 13 = Fail = search location for a monster card = Abominable Snowman - Reveal and discard Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2 + Valeros = D8+D10+2+D12+D4+5 = 31 (yes, subtracting 1 from each die) = Success
Discard BoNethys to examine top 2 cards - Heavy Pick +1 and Tickwood Boar - encounter heavy pick +1 - fail

They carried on along the mountain peak, working in the direction that they hoped Xin-Shalast lay.  The dwarven expedition that had built that cabin was fabled to have discovered Xin-Shalast as well, so it couldn't be too far.  Along the way, the pair encountered several varieties of unfriendly wildlife, but had no trouble dispatching it.

Turn 2
Valeros - BoGorum
Bury a card
Tickwood Boar - Mokmurian’s club - D10+7+D10+2 = auto-dead = recharge random card from discard
Emerald Codex - Detect Evil, Restoration, Invoke
Detect Evil - Headband of Epic intelligence
Restoration - Lem

Turn 3
Lem - BoPharasma
Bury a card
Headband of Epic Intelligence - Fail
Discard Toad explore - Entropy Shield - Fail
Discard Merchant explore - Ambush (again?!) - Dex + Valeros BoGorum = 2D8 = 4 = Fail - search for a monster - Bunyip - Wand of Scorching Ray = 4D6 = 13 = Success = Banished Forever
Recharge Wand = Success
Haste explore - Pit Trap - Dex = D8 = 7 = fail = D4 damage to both
Lem - 4
Valeros - 2
Recharge Haste = Success

At long last, the gates of Xin-Shalast came into view.  The tarnished brass filigree glistened in the early morning sunlight.  Even as they walked towards them, the gates began opening slowly.  Soon, the cause for their opening came into view.

A massive giant stepped from the city and stood, one hand on it's hip, the other clutching a monstrous sword, staring at them as they approached.  Valeros exhaled sharply and began stretching.  He pulled out his falchion, a wicked curved sword, and began jogging towards the giant, with the tiger following just behind.

The closer he got the more his pace quickened, until finally he was at a full sprint when he reached the giant.  No words were exchanged, for there was nothing to say.  Valeros ducked underneath the blade of the giant, slashing at the back of it's knees.  With a thunderous noise, the giant fell forward and then it was the tiger's turn.  It ripped and tore at the neck of the giant in a brutal fashion until the form of the tiger itself was lost in a sea of red.  The gates were open and they were free to enter Xin-Shalast.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoErastil
Location Wisdom check - wisdom + lem recharge = 2D4+3 = 7 = Success
Warden of Runes - 1 electricity damage to both - Reveal and recharge fanged falchion = D10+7+4D4+2 = 25 = Success
Location Close check - Ghlorofaex deals D4+1 electricity damage to both 
Lem - 4
Valeros - 2
Valeros Wisdom +BoGorum = 2D4 = 6 = holy crap it’s closed
Examine City Gate - Crushing Door

They took a moment to clean off.  Fortunately, there was plenty of snow around to use as a water source.  No further movement or noise came from the city, which was disconcerting to say the least.  Was it abandoned?  Why would the giant be guarding it then?

Turn 5
Lem - BoIrori
Trade Haste for Mass Cure 
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 5
Recharge Mass Cure = fail
Examine Town Square - Wand of Shield

Valeros moved to inspect the corpse of the giant.  It appeared that this one was more well-armed than their previous opponents.  There were some magic items here that Valeros might make good use of.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoShelyn
City Gate
Bury Wand of Treasure Finding - Returning Frost Spear +2
Returning Frost Spear +2 = Dex + Lem BoPharasma + BoAbadar = 3D8 = 17 = Success
Discard BoTorag explore - Maester Grump - Diplomacy - D6+2 = 6 = Fail
Discard Zuvuzeg explore - Ring of Protection - Constitution - D8+1 = 7 = Success

Valeros gave to Lem a ring he had found with protective runes inscribed upon it, and then the pair continued into the city itself.

Turn 7
Lem - BoDesna
City Gate

Turn 8
Valeros - BoG
Give Lem Ring of Prot
Staff of Minor Healing - Lem
Goblin Pyro - Explode it - banish forever - 1 fire damage

As they passed through the gates, they began to close with incredible speed.  Whether this was a trap or a deliberate attempt to crush them, Lem couldn't be sure.  They managed to squeeze through before being crushed to a pulp, and breathed a sigh of relief on the other side.

Turn 9
Lem - BoNethys
Snake - Wisdom - D6 = 1 = Fail = Banish forever
Discard BoErastil explore - Crushing Door - Dex + BoAbadar + Valeros BoAbadar = 5D8 = 15 = Success

Turn 10
Valeros - BoG
Hellhound - explode it - banish forever - 1 damage to each - Lem reveals ring of prot

Awaiting them on the other side was yet another giant, appearing to be the same in all ways to their last opponent.  Lem leveled his wand and blasted the creature with a gout of flame before it could even react.  The stench was terrible, but the battle was over before it had begun.

Turn 11
Lem - BoG
Exchange Haste for Mass Cure
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 5
Valeros - 3
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Warden of Runes - 1 electricity damage to each - Lem reveals Ring of Prot - Wand of Scorching Ray + Valeros = 4D6+D4+5 = 23 = Success, and yes I realize my incredible luck right now
Recharge wand = Success
Location Close - Ghlorofaex - deals 1D4+1 to both
Lem - 4 - uses sihedron medallion
Valeros - 3
Recharge Medallion = Fail
Summon a Bandit Henchman - recharge a card - Strength + Valeros = D4+D4+5 = 10 = Success 
Location Closed

The buildings littering the city were ornate in structure and massive in size.  It was clear that this city was designed for, if not by, giants.  And it didn't take long for the inhabitants of the city to rush from these structures to meet them.  Lem blasted a stone giant with a holy light, sending it crumbling to the ground.

As seemingly easy as it was to dispatch these giants, they had no desire to stick around and meet them all.  They moved through the streets with a quickened pace, looking for a structure that would be the obvious place for Karzoug to rule from.

Turn 12
Valeros - BoGozreh
Town Square
Wand of Shield - Fail

Turn 13
Lem - BoGozreh
Exchange Frost Ray for Mass Cure
Town Square
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 2
Valeros - 2
Recharge Mass Cure - Fail
Stone Giant - Holy Light + BoGozreh (recharged) + Valeros = D10+5+2D6+D10+D4+5 = 29 = Success
Recharge Holy Light = Success

They cut down more of the city's inhabitants as they worked their way through the wide but winding streets.  There must be some kind of palace or notable structure here, but where?

Turn 14
Valeros - BoGozreh (sigh)
Bastard Sword - Auto-acquire
Discard Grizzled Merc explore - Enfeeble - Banished
Discard BoTorag explore - Skinsaw Ritual - Each encounter a skinsaw cultist
Lem - Wand of Scorching Ray + Valeros = 4D6+D4+5 = 19 = Success
Valeros - Reveal and recharge Bastard Sword + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+D4+3 = dead cultist
Ritual banished forever
Recharge Wand = Success

Turn 15
Lem - BoG

Before that question could be answered, they were nearly knocked from their feet by a gust of wind.  turning to face the source, they both gasped involuntarily at the sight of a huge blue dragon.  It's scaled head reared back on a serpentine neck before blasting them both with it's deadly breath attack.  Valeros was able to dodge to the side just in time, but Lem was not so lucky.  He was alive, but hurting.

Valeros rose and met the dragon head-on with his scimitar while Lem conjured a great cloud of fire with one hand while leveling his wand at the beast with another.  The creature roared with enough force to cause snow on nearby peaks to cascade downwards in an avalanche.

Singed and bleeding, the dragon spread it's terrible bat-like wings and took to the skies.

Turn 16
Valeros - BoNorgorber
Warden of Runes - Banished and replaced by Ghlorofaex - D4+1 damage to everyone
Lem - 4 - ring of prot reduces it to 3
Valeros - 5 - Buries Magic Half-Plate to reduce to 0
Incendiary Cloud
Wand of Enervation - -8 to check
Reveal and recharge Dancing Scimitar +2 + Charmed Red Dragon + Incendiary Cloud = D10+7+2D6+4+5+2D4 = 30 = Success
Recharge Incendiary Cloud = Success
Recharge Wand = Fail
Dragon Roll = 8
Each Character Recharges and draws a card
Location Closed

Lem used his curative magic on himself and Valeros while they had the chance.  They then followed the dragon's flight, which led them out of the city and towards the largest peak on the mountain.

Turn 17
Lem - BoG
Exchange Incendiary Cloud for Mass Cure 
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 4
Valeros - 4
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Heptaric Locus

Turn 18
Valeros - BoIomedae
Heptaric Locus
Magic Chain Mail - Banish forever

Turn 19
Lem - BoDesna
Exchange Holy Light for Mass Cure
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 4
Valeros - 5

Another giant, this one riding a mammoth, stood between them and the dragon.  Valeros wasted no time, crushing one of the woolly beast's kneecaps with his club.  The beast moaned in pain and sent it's rider flying as it collapsed.  The giant was not able to recover before Valeros put his club to work on it.  Lem knew that in situations like this, sometimes it was best to stay out of the mans way and let him work.

Turn 20
Valeros - BoShelyn
Mammoth - Mokmurian’s club + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D4+3 = 23 = Success = recharge a card from discard
Discard BoAbadar explore - Sinspawn Axeman - Mokmurian’s club + Discard a card + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D10+D4+3 = 31 = Success = recharge a card from discard
Discard BoGorum explore - BoTorag = auto-acquire
Discard BoTorag explore - Warden of Runes - 1 electricity damage to both - lem reveals ring of prot to avoid - Mokmurian’s club + Lem BoGozreh + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D10+D4+3 = 31 = Success = recharge card from discard
Only Ghlorofaex left

They stopped for a moment to catch their breath.  By chance, Lem glanced upwards and saw the glint of gold from the mountain peak.  Slowly, the clouds surrounding the peak parted for a brief moment, and Lem grabbed his partner's arm and pointed upward.

"I think that's what we're looking for."  He said in awe.

Above them, a titanic palace dominated the entirety of the peak.  They had caught their breath.  It was time to finish that dragon and start their journey to the top.

Turn 21
Lem - BoG

Turn 22
Valeros - BoNethys

Turn 23
Lem - BoIrori
Exchange Frost Ray for Mass Cure
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 5
Valeros - 4
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail

The dragon itself was no match for the rested and prepared duo.  Valeros took no pleasure in felling such a magnificent beast, much to his own surprise.  He almost felt sorry for it.  The runelord on the mountain, though, he did not feel sorry for.  Only rage.

Turn 24
Valeros - BoShelyn
Ghlorofaex - D4+1 electricity damage to both
Lem - 3 - reduced to 2 from ring of prot
Valeros - 2
Mokmurian’s club + discard a card + Lem BoCalistria + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D10+D10+D4+3 = 40 = Success

Scenario Victory!
Reward - Each character chooses a type of boon and draws a random non-basic non-elite one from the box
Lem - Spell - Incendiary Cloud : /
Valeros - Ally - Father Zantus...

Post-Game Analysis

Here we are, in the final stretch.  My apologies for the delay, but we'll get there eventually :)  As mentioned previously, I've finished the AP at this point, so my only barrier is finding the time to post.
This one was close at points, mostly because I play so recklessly.  I did manage to snag a few really nice upgrades, like the frost spear and ring of prot (finally), and some really awful upgrades like Father Zantus (no offense, old man).  Let's hope I made good use of what I found in these final scenarios!