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!

Cop and a Half Episode 30 - Thassilonian Sins

They wandered the myriad hallways for what felt like an eternity.  Lem and Valeros had both lost count of the times they had turned a corner or entered a room, only to find it was one they had already traversed.  Lem hated to admit it, but he was starting to lose hope that they would ever find their way out.

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
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Heaven and Earth
Incendiary Cloud
Haste
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Merchant
Saber Toothed Tiger
BoPharasma x2
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoIrori

Valeros was itching for a fight, as usual.  Why did these monsters and masterminds insist on hiding away behind labyrinths and inane traps? Let's face it, it wasn't a winning strategy for them, historically speaking.

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+4 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
Grizzled Mercenary
Burglar
Charmed Red Dragon
BoCalistria
BoGorum
BoTorag
BoAbadar

Lem rounded yet another corner in the maze of hallways, and found himself face to face with a horde of zombies.  Well, at least this was new.  He could hear Valeros breathe an audible sigh of relief as he unsheathed one of his many weapons.  Even their new tiger companion was itching for a fight.  Together, they dove into the mass of living corpses.  All too soon, for Valeros at least, their enemies were dispatched.

Turn 1
Lem - BoGozreh
Shimmering Veils of Pride
Restoration - Divine = D10+5 = 12 = Success = recharge a card
Restoration - Lem
Discard Merchant explore - Zombie Nest - Each character summons and encounters a zombie henchman
Lem - Holy Light + Valeros = D10+5+2D12+D4+4 = dead zombie = recharge a card
Valeros - Yep, dead zombie
Zombie Nest banished forever
Recharge Holy Light = Success = recharge a card
Discard Saber Toothed Tiger explore - Greatsword = auto-fail

Fortunately for him, the sound of their battle had roused other nearby abominations.  A zombie giant charged towards him, followed by what appeared to be a werewolf.  As expected, they were no match for Valeros' martial prowess.  He sincerely hoped there were some deadlier foes ahead, when he suddenly heard a noise coming from the next room.  It was laughter.

Marching into the next room, Valeros saw a rotund giant on a throne.  From it's chest sprouted tentacles of some kind.  Valeros didn't really want to think about it too much.

"So, you have defe..ACK" This, followed by a gargling sound, was the last the fat giant would ever make as Valeros caved in it's skull with his club.  He was done with the monologues these idiots tried to make.

Turn 2
Valeros - BoNorgorber
Shimmering Veils of Pride
Zombie Giant - Mokmurian’s club = D10+7+D10+2 = 19 = Success = recharge a card
Discard BoTorag explore - Jordimandus - summon and encounter a random monster
Werewolf - Mokmurian’s club = D10+7+D10+2 = 14 = Success = recharge card from discard and recharge a card from hand
Mokmurian’s club + Lem recharge + Wand of Enervation = D10+7+D10+2+D4+3 = 27 = no need to roll for wand
Recharge wand = Fail
Location Closed

"You know, I think I'm starting to figure this place out." Lem said as he inspected the throne room.

"Oh?" Valeros replied, wiping his club on giant's robes.

"Yeah.  So this guy, Karzoug, and the other Thassilonians, they are fueled by sin, right?  So, if this runewell is a source of his power, then maybe each of the sins is represented here.  Like, for example, that succubus?  Lust.  This guy? Sloth.  I don't know.  It makes as much sense as anything."

"Well, I hope you're right, because it means I have at least a few more people left to kill in this place."

Turn 3
Lem - BoNorgorber (these things come in packs, apparently)
Ravenous Crypts of Gluttony
Goblin Dog - Lightning Bolt = D10+5+3D6 = Auto-success = banished forever
Recharge lightning bolt = Success

They entered the next chamber and found another giant, resting on a pile of furs, surrounded by gems and gold.

"OK, so this is almost stereotypical at this point, but...Greed?" Valeros said calmly, visibly unimpressed at the slender giant.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoBorgorber (seriously?!)
Ravenous Crypts of Gluttony
BoGozreh - Fail
Emerald Codex - Consecration, Augury, Sanctuary
Augury - Villain - Ordikon on top of deck

"Yeah, I guess so." Lem fired a crossbow bolt before the giant could even speak, which lodged itself in the massive chest of the creature.

"Hah, you will need to do be..." His words were cut off by another bolt, this time through his mouth.

"Man, you seriously hit on something there with that whole 'cutting them off during their monologue' thing.  Why didn't we ever think of that before?" Lem asked while casually inspecting the treasure that surrounded the fallen giant.

Turn 5
Lem - BoLamashtu
Ordikon - Venomous Heavy Crossbow+2 + BoErastil + Valeros = D8+D10+2+2D8+D4+4 = 28
Roll to see if defeated - 1 - undefeated and immediately encountered again
 Discard Venomous Heavy Crossbow+2 + BoPharasma + Charmed Red Dragon + Valeros = D8+D10+2+D12+5+D4+4 = 27 = Success
Dragon roll - 3
Location closed

They continued onward, and soon found another of Delvahine's sisters, a succubus which was easily dispatched by Valeros.  At least they were finally making progress again, Valeros thought.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoG
Festering Maze of Sloth
Succubus - Reveal and recharge Fanged Falchion = D10+7+4D4+2= 24 = Success

They were both feeling confident at this point that their journey through these halls would be an easy one.  Lem let his guard down, and paid the price as a blade pierced him from behind.  He sucked in an involuntary breath, and immediately felt his lungs filling with blood.  He turned as he fell, spotting his assailant: a wretched zombie clad in black rags and wielding a wicked curved blade.  It flashed a grin full of sharp teeth as Lem fell.

Turn 7
Festering Maze of Sloth
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 5
Valeros - has no cards in discard
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Swipe - Divine = auto-success
Discard BoPharasma explore - Scrying - Arcane = D10+5 = 6 = Fail
Discard Toad explore - BoCalistria - Divine = Auto-success
Discard BoCalistria explore - Xyoddin Xerriock - Swipe + Valeros = D10+5+D8+D4+4 = 15 = Fail = 3 damage (-3 to difficulty then +2 for his ability)
Recharge Swipe - Fail

Valeros tried to charge the zombie, but it was incredibly fast, disappearing down the hallway in a flash.  Valeros considered chasing it, but Lem needed tending to.  The wound was serious, possibly fatal if he didn't receive aid.

Turn 8
Valeros - BoG
Thieves Tools - banish forever
Discard BoCalistria explore - Cryptic Message - Fail - banish
Discard Grizzled mercenary explore - Archer - banish forever 

Valeros helped Lem to his feet and did his best to staunch the bleeding.  Fortunately, Lem was able to sputter out the words of healing that he so desperately needed.  He was not fully healed, but well enough to continue.

Lem was angry, mostly at himself.  He had been through so much, and grown so powerful, that it was almost an embarrassment to be so injured by a zombie of all things.  Following the path the zombie had taken, he saw more of the things brethren. Lem punched one of the zombies, and bile exploded from the thing's chest cavity, splashing onto Lem and Valeros both.

OK, that was it, Lem thought. No more Mr. Nice Halfling.  He blasted the room with frost and shattered each zombie, including the one that had stabbed him, one at a time.

Turn 9
Lem - BoDesna
Plague Zombie - Strength + Valeros + Recharge Saber Toothed Tiger = D4+D4+4+D6 = 9 = Fail = 2 damage
Recharge Hide Armor of Fire Resistance to reduce to 0
Banish zombie and each character makes a constitution check
Lem D6 = 2 = Fail = 1 acid damage
Valeros D8+1 = 5 = Fail 2 acid damage
Haste explore - Xyoddin - Frost Ray + Valeros = D10+5 + 2D6 + D4+4 = 24 = Success
Recharge Haste = Fail
Recharge Frost Ray = Success
Constitution Check to Close Location + BoGozreh = 3D6 = 8 = Fail

Valeros let his friend do what he needed to do while he moved on.  He came to a room where yet another giant sat upon an opulent throne.  In keeping with their new strategy of simply killing everything before it could speak, he charged and broke as many of the giant's bones as he could.  Satisfied, he returned to his partner.

Turn 10
Valeros - BoSarenrae
Vault of Greed
Goblin Warrior - Come on, so dead = Banished forever
Discard BoGorum explore - Azaven - Con check + Lem BoErastil = 2D8+1 = 6 = Fail = D4+1 cards from Deck discarded = 5
Mokmurian’s Club + Dancing Scimitar + Lem BoPharasma = D10+7+D10+2+D6+2+D10 = 31 = Success 

"All right, so we've got greed, gluttony, sloth, lust...where are the others?" Valeros asked his friend, who had his hands on his knees, panting from his exertion in punching every zombie in the room to pieces.

"Hmm...maybe they died already?  I guess we'll find out."

Scenario Victory!
Reward - Staff of Hungry Shadows, Summon Monster, Ordikon’s Staff

Post-Game Analysis
That was a really quick one.  It was nice to not have to chase the villains around for a change.  Kill and move on, just the way Valeros likes it.  Not much really happened this time around, and even the loot at the end was sub-par.  The only one I kept was the staff of hungry shadows, and even then I can't make the damn thing work for me.  Ah well, got another episode coming tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Cop and a Half Episode 29 - The Halls of Seduction

The first thing that struck Lem as they crossed through the portal was the heat.  It was oppressive.  Stifling.  Especially considering that they had been on an icy mountaintop only moments before.  He coughed and knelt for a moment, trying to take in his new surroundings.

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+2 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Staff of Heaven and Earth
Incendiary Cloud
Haste
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Merchant
Acolyte
BoPharasma x2
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoIrori

Valeros, on the other hand, was hardly fazed by the transition to this new environment.  He held his falchion in one hand and longsword in the other, ready for whatever horrors might await them.  His grip on his weapons tightened involuntarily as he gazed around him.  They appeared to be inside an immaculate stone structure gilded with gold, silks, and other similarly opulent trappings.

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+3 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 Throwing Axe +1
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Chain Mail
Magic Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Holy Candle
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Grizzled Mercenary
Burglar
Charmed Red Dragon
BoCalistria
BoGorum
BoTorag
BoAbadar

"Welcome, my darlings.  I'm so glad you could join me." a voice purred from the other end of the room.  In the flickering torchlight from the sconces that lined the walls, Lem could see the outline of an incredibly attractive humanoid woman.  The only oddities were a pair of horns sprouting from her head, and batlike wings that adorned her back.

A succubus; a foul demon that Lem had read about in several ancient texts.  He wasted no time in blasting the figure with a ray of frost.  It had been a while since Lem had been with a woman, but not that long.  The woman lithely dodged the blast and fled the room with a high-pitched giggle.

Turn 1
Lem - BoG
Academy
Levitate - Banish forever
Discard Boirori explore - Mistress Delvahine - Divine check 12 or no spells can be played = BoErastil = 2D10+5 = 14 = Success
Wisdom 12 check = fail = damage random character = attack spells + weapons in hand = Valeros = 1 damage = recharge magic shield to prevent
Frost Ray + BoPharasma + Valeros = D10+5+2D10+D4+3 = 32 = Success
Recharge Frost Ray = Success
Location Closed

Lem and Valeros followed after her, down a narrow hallway lined with cages.  Valeros couldn't begin to guess the purpose of those cages, nor did he care.  He had his quarry in his sights, and every step was a step closer to ending this once and for all.

Turn 2
Valeros - BoG
Iron Cages of Lust
BoIomedae - Charisma = D6 = 2 = fail
Discard BoTorag explore - Spyglass - Wisdom = D4 = 1 = Fail

from the opposite entryway, a corpse clad in the wrappings of a mummy shuffled towards them.  Lem didn't even break stride as he blasted it to ash with lightning.  This succubus was going to have to try a lot harder than that to stop them.

Turn 3
Lem - BoGorum
Iron Cages of Lust
Mummy - Lightning Bolt + Valeros = D10+5 + 3D6 + D4+3 = 30 = Success
Recharge Lightning Bolt = Success
Discard BoPharasma explore - Burglar - Banish forever - discard item per location effect

Valeros had caught up to the succubus, and swung his massive club; intending to crush her skull in one blow.  Instead, the stone wall fragmented in all directions.  This demon was agile, he gave her that much.  The fact that she continued to run told him that she knew she was no match for them, though.  Where was she leading them?  Valeros sprinted after her as she skipped into the next room.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoAbadar
Mistress Delvahine - Fail Arcane/Divine check - Fail Wisdom Check - random damage - Valeros - 3 damage from weapons in hand
Mokmurian’s Club + discard a card from hand + Lem recharge = D10+7 + D210+2 + D4+2 = 28 = Success = recharge random card
Location closed

As Lem hurried after his friend, he spotted movement in one of the nearby cages.  A low growl escaped the bars as Lem leaned closer to inspect it.  It was a tiger, a saber toothed one to be precise.  It was beautiful, almost regal despite being trapped behind bars.

"If I let you out, will you help us?  We intend to destroy this place." Lem said as he reached a hand towards the bars.  The tiger responded with what almost appeared to be a nod.  Whether it understood him or not, the growling had stopped.  What the hell, Lem thought.  What's the worst thing that could happen?  He opened the cage and the tiger stretched before lowering it's massive frame before Lem.

"Do...do you want me to get on?"  Lem asked cautiously.  The tiger only gave a curt growl in response.  Lem carefully climbed atop the massive beast, and then found himself holding on for dear life as it sprang down the hallway after Valeros and the demon.  Well, this was an interesting turn of events, Lem thought.

Turn 5
Lem - BoG
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 3
Valeros - 2
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Shimmering Veils of Pride
Saber-Toothed Tiger - Wisdom + BoPharasma + Valeros BoCalistria = 3D6 = 12 = Success
End turn per Scenario effect

Valeros skidded to a halt in what appeared to be a hub room of sorts.  Several hallways branched out from this place, and he wasn't sure which one the demon had gone down.  Fortunately, he didn't need to worry about that at the moment.  Another demon sat on a throne padded in velvet and lined in gold.

"Very well, if Delvahine will not simply end you, I suppose I shall." the demon spoke as she rose from the throne, completely bare but no less dangerous.

Valeros held his club as a batter might and gestured to the demon, "Come then, witch.  See if you can do what your mistress could not."

Instead of attacking, she simply strode towards him in an unsettlingly alluring way.  Valeros felt the tugging in the back of his mind.  He knew what this demon was trying to do, toying with his mind.  He had seen too many shopkeeper's daughters in his day to fall for that.  He swung with all of his might, and did not even glance at the broken body as it flew lifeless against the wall.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoCalistria
Throne Room
Alu-Demon Sister - Fail Arcane/Divine check - Mokmurian’s Club + Discard a card = D10+7+D10+2+D10 = 25 = Success
Diplomacy check to close Location - D6+2 = 3 = Fail

Lem was finally nearing the room that Valeros was in when his eye caught something glimmer in the torchlight.  "Whoah there," he called out, gently pulling on the tiger's mane "Might be something useful here."

Turn 7
Lem - BoG
Wand of Treasure Finding - Wisdom + Valeros BoGorum = 2D6 = 7 = Success
Bury Wand of Treasure Finding - Find a Bastard Sword+1 - No sign of Henchman or Villain

Valeros saw his companion down the hall he had entered from, and returned to him.  "What...where did you get that?" Valeros gestured to the massive cat that slinked around him, sniffing his approval at Valeros' bloodied club.

"Not important, check this out." Lem called to him.

Valeros saw there a sword, as large as he was.  Unfortunately, it was still attached to a corpse.  Well, that would be easy enough to remedy.  He batted the corpse away with his club and pulled free the sword.  It was surprisingly light for a blade so large.  Yes, he would have to make room for this.

Turn 8
Valeros - BoIomedae
Shimmering Veils of Pride
Bastard Sword+1 - Melee = D10+7 = 16 = Success
Discard BoGorum explore - Plague Zombie - Mokmurian’s Club + Lem recharge = D10+7+D10+2+D4+2 = auto-success = banished forever = recharge random card from discard

The corpse he had sent flying down the hall was not alone, however.  Valeros had disturbed a whole horde of zombies from their rest.  He glanced to Lem, who rolled his eyes at the warrior.  Valeros just shrugged.  Moments later, the hallway was clear once more.  Valeros cleaned his new blade, and the cat cleaned it's claws before moving onward.

Turn 9
Lem - BoGozreh
Zombie Horde - both fight a zombie henchman
Lem - Frost Ray + Valeros = D10+5 + D4+3 = auto-kill
Valeros = for real do I need to list it out at this point?  = auto-kill = recharge random card from discard
Zombie Horde banished forever
Recharge Frost Ray = Success

"You are both very rude guests, do you know that?" the now-familiar voice purred from the end of the hall.  "Come now, how will you make it up to me?"

Valeros winked subtly at his partner and began to walk casually towards the demoness.  "Yes, that's right.  Come to me my lovely." she called to him.

As he neared, hands outstretched towards her, she smiled a toothy grin at Valeros.  Just as he reached her, he smiled a grin of his own and swung with his bare fist like lightning.  Some of her teeth were sent flying as Lem let out an audible "Ooohhhhh" from the end of the hall.  That had to hurt.  She screamed in pain and rage, and fled away from the pair once again.

Turn 10
Valeros - BoGozreh
Mistress Delvahine - Fail Arcane/Divine check - random damage equal to attack spells and weapons - 5 damage lol - Strength + Lem Recharge + Lem BoAbadar + Wand of Enervation = D10+7+D4+2+D10 = 21
Wand = -6 to difficulty = 19 = really surprising success
Recharge wand = Success
Location Closed

Lem followed her to the throne room and saw her there, spitting out a few more of her razor-sharp teeth that Valeros had knocked loose.  The tiger stalked towards her, fur-raised and growling.

Turn 11
Lem - BoNorgorber
Throne Room

Valeros arrived moments later.  He hoped that the succubus would not flee down one of the many hallways that lined the room.  Perhaps his punch had knocked some of the sense out of her.

Turn 12
Valeros - BoNorgorber
Throne Room
Half-Plate - Banished Forever
Discard BoAbadar Explore - Longsword - Banished Forever

"Come now, little one, you do not wish to harm me, do you?" she whispered to Lem through bloodied gums.  "We could have so much fun together."

Lem hesitated, then stopped altogether.  Why would he want to harm her?  They could have a really good time here.  There was no need to fight.

Turn 13
Lem - BoNorgorber (yes, again)
Mistress Delvahine (#%!@) - Divine + BoGozreh = 2D10+5 = 13 = Success = can play spells
Random Damage = Lem = 1 damage 
Save myself some time and just bury a blessing and end my turn

Valeros rolled his eyes.  Sometimes, this halfling could be such an amateur.  Valeros strode past his frozen ally and planted a spear into the demon without effort.

"You really need to work on your mental defenses, pal." he said as he yanked the spear free.  "You're going to get us both into trouble one day if you don't."

Turn 14
Valeros - BoIomedae
Mistress Delvahine (I shuffled, promise) - Fail arcane/divine check, random damage = Lem 2 damage
Impaler of Thorns + Lem recharge + Staff of Heaven and Earth = D10+7+D8+2+D4+2+D4 = 31 = Success

Lem shook off the effects of the succubus' words.  Well, that was embarassing, he thought.  What now?  What else might they find in this ancient and terrible place?

Scenario Victory!
Reward - Power Feat
Lem - recharge a card to add 1D4+3 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Valeros - 1D4+4 to a combat check performed by another character at your location

Post-Game Analysis

What's this?  Another session only a day after the last?  Yep, I decided that for these last 9 or so episodes, I wanted to put out one a day.  We're so close to the end, I can't wait another 2 months to publish all of them all.  So, expect to see a lot more Cop and a Half for the next week and a half.

This scenario was fun, and fairly short compared to the ones surrounding it.  Being able to pick up the tiger was cool, and another magic weapon for Val is always welcome.  Not really sure what I was doing on turn 13 spending a blessing to be able to cast spells, then not having any spells to play, but ah well.  It worked out in the end.  See you all tomorrow with another installment!

Cop and a Half Episode 28 - No Rime Or Reason

Lem had worked with the clerics in Sandpoint for weeks, studying the word-covered body of the madman that had attacked Sandpoint with a slew of summoned monsters.  Although much of the text was illegible, there was an unmistakable reference to "Runeforge" and "Rimeskull".

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+2 to a check attempted by another character at your location
Add 2 to your check to acquire an ally or defeat a henchman
Starting Deck
Venomous Heavy Crossbow +2
Wand of Enervation
Sihedron Medallion
Robe of Runes
Toxic Cloud
Haste
Holy Light
Frost Ray
Lightning Bolt
Mass Cure
Hide Armor of Fire Resistance
Toad
Merchant
Acolyte
BoPharasma x2
BoGozreh
BoErastil
BoAbadar
BoIrori

The Rimeskull Mountains were located far to the north, on the banks of Lake Stormunder.  Although Sandpoint's citizens had given them fast horses and ample provisions, it still took several days to reach their destination.  Fortunately, it gave the duo time to prepare and rest up before facing whatever awaited them at Rimeskull's peak.

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+3 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
Heavy Pick +1
Impaler of Thorns
Shock Longbow+1
Scythe+1
War Razor +1
Mokmurian’s Club
Magic Chain Mail
Magic Shield
Magic Half-Plate
Holy Candle
Emerald Codex
Staff of Minor Healing
Grizzled Mercenary
Burglar
Charmed Red Dragon
BoCalistria
BoGorum
BoTorag
BoAbadar

The climb was perilous, and freezing, but the pair managed.  After all they had been through, it would take more than some snowy mountain to stop them.  At long last, they reached the top of the Rimeskull.  Awaiting them there were 7 stone faces, gigantic in size.  The stone faces were long and ominous.  Behind them, Lem could see the yawning skull-like face that must have given the mountain its name.  They soon realized that they were not alone, however.  Lem caught movement in his peripheral vision, and signaled to Valeros to get down.

They watched as a humanoid warrior patrolled the entrance to the skull-like cavern.  Lem looked to his partner and nodded.  Valeros nodded in return and watched as a blast of lightning flew from the halfling's fingertips, leaving only scorchmarks where the man had been.  They moved cautiously forward.

Turn 1
Lem - BoG
Stone Head 1
Secret Stash - Wisdom + BoAbadar = 3D6 = 12 = Success = Mirror Image, Bracers of Protection, Mercenary = Shuffle Mirror Image into deck = Banish Secret Stash forever
Discard BoIrori explore - Mercenary - Lightning Bolt + Valeros = D10+5 + 3D6 + D4+3 = 29 = Success
Recharge Lightning Bolt = Success
Discard BoErastil explore - Bracers of Prot = Banish forever 

The electricity that Lem had discharged did not dissipate, however.  It lingered on the nearest statue, creating some kind of electrical field.  A field that grew in intensity.  Soon, lightning was flying from the statue in all directions, and a bolt struck Lem squarely in the chest.  Valeros knew his partner would be all right, and ran towards the statue with his scythe at the ready.  Would magic steel be a match for ancient magic stone?  Valeros intended to find out.  He swung with great force and was satisfied when chunks of stone flew from the stone face.  He swung again, and again, ignoring the danger of the wild lightning that surrounded him.  In a matter of minutes, the statue was reduced to rubble, and the lightning gone.

He walked back to Lem and helped the halfling to his feet.  "Well," he said as he looked to the remaining statues surrounding them, "One down, six to go"

Turn 2
Valeros - BoG
Stone Head 1
Stone Head - Combat - Scythe+1 + Lem Recharge = D10+7 + 2D4+1 + D4+2 = 16 = Success
D4-1 Electricity Damage to each character
Lem - 3
Valeros - 0
Mirror Image - 3 = Damage reduced to 0
Recharge Mirror Image = Success
Location closed

Lem, careful not to disturb the area, inspected the nearest statue more closely.  "I wonder what these are for.  Maybe they guard the entrance to the runewell?  Are they some kind of key to opening it?"  The possibilities were endless.

Turn 3
Lem - BoDesna
Stone Head 2
Headband of Alluring Charisma - Charisma = D10 = 4 = Fail
Discard Toad explore - Half Plate = Banish forever

Valeros moved to join his comrade, but instinctively raised his scythe as he sensed movement near him.  Spinning with his blade towards the movement, he saw a faceless aberration stagger backwards, falling bloody into the snow.  Yeah, they must be close to this Runewell, if garbage like this lived here.

Turn 4
Valeros - BoErastil
Stone Head 2
Faceless Stalker - Fail wisdom check = Difficulty +2 - Scythe+1 + Lem Recharge = D10+7 + 2D4+1 + D4+2 = 29 = Success
Discard BoCalistria explore - Mace = Banished forever

Lem was still inspecting the stone head.  He had already looked for a secret button or trigger.  Convinced that there wasn't one, he tried pushing the whole statue instead.  "Hey, can you give me a hand with this?  I think we might be able to move it."  Valeros steadied his feet on the frozen rocky ground and joined his partner in pushing the great carved stone.  With the sound of grinding rocks, it began to move.  The sound prevented the pair from hearing the mechanism that sent blades flying outward from hidden openings in the rock.  Lem's halfling reflexes allowed him to avoid the blades, but not Valeros.  Ancient steel bit into his flesh.  He was more angry than injured, though.

Turn 5
Lem - BoIomedae
Raise Dead - Divine = D10+5 = 7 = Fail
Discard BoPharasma Explore - Slashing Blade = Fail dex check = D4 Combat Damage
Lem - 2
Valeros - 4
Lem recharge Hide Armor of Fire Resistance to reduce to 0
Valeros eats it

"You OK?" Lem looked to his partner.  Valeros said nothing but nodded, staring daggers at the stone head.  He began walking towards it with purpose.

"No, wait!" but it was too late.  Valeros had already triggered the trap again, and blades once again swung in all directions, hitting both of them and sending them reeling.

Turn 6
Valeros - BoTorag
Lem Mass Cure - 1d4+1 from discard to deck for both
Lem - 3
Valeros - 2
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Slashing Blade - Dex + Lem Recharge = D8+D4+2 = 6 = Fail = D4 combat damage to each
Lem - 1
Valeros - 2
Lem Sihedron Medallion = reduced to 0
Recharge Medallion = Fail

Lem had to shut this stupid trap down before it did any more damage.  It would be embarrassing for their epic journey to be cut short by a mere trap.  Studying the movement of the blades, he was able to locate the source of the mechanism and dismantle it.  He hoped that not every statue would be so annoying.

Turn 7
Lem - BoIomedae
Valeros Holy Candle - 3
Valeros Staff of Minor Healing - Lem
Slashing #$!%ing Blade - Dex + Valeros BoCalistria = D8 + 2D8 = 10 = BANISHED FOREVER

With the immediate danger resolved, Valeros wasted no time in charging the stone behemoth, tackling it with incredible force.  The statue shattered upon the hard ground.

"Two down."

Turn 8
Valeros - BoShelyn
Stone Head - Strength + Lem Recharge + Lem Wand of Enervation = D10+5 + D4+2 = 18 = defeated without me even needing to roll the wand
Recharge Wand = Success
Stone Head deals 1d4-1 lightning damage to each
Lem - 1
Valeros - 1
Mirror Image - 4 = damage reduced to 0
Recharge Mirror Image - Fail
Location Closed

Lem spoke a quick prayer to heal their wounds before turning his attentions to a rumbling sound approaching them.  An ogre crested the hill, no doubt summoned by the noise the pair were making.  Lem let loose a blast of holy light and send the creature tumbling back from whence it came.  He doubted that was the only monster to live on these peaks.  They needed to hurry.

Turn 9
Lem - BoGorum
Exchange Haste for Mass Cure in the discard
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both 
Lem - 5
Valeros - 3
Recharge Mass Cure = Success
Stone Head 3
Magic Leather Armor - Banished Forever
Discard BoPharasma Explore - Ogre - Holy Light = D10+5 + 2D6 = 18 = Success
Recharge Holy Light = Success

Valeros was certainly not wasting any time.  While his partner went about his business, Valeros was already hacking away at the third statue.  He watched with a grim smile as the stone head crashed back to the earth.

"That's three."

Turn 10
Valeros - BoShelyn
Stone Head 3
Headband of Inspired Wisdom - Fail
Discard BoTorag explore - Stone Head - Heavy Pick+1 + Lem Recharge = D10+7 + D6+1 + D4+2 = 21 = Success = Stone Head deals D4-1 damage to all
Lem - 1
Valeros 2
Lem Sihedron Medallion = reduced to 0
Valeros bury Magic Chain Mail = Reduced to 0
Medallion recharge = Success
Location Closed

It appeared that Valeros had the stone heads well in hand, so Lem turned to the rubble, searching for any clues held within the statues themselves.  To his surprise, he found a staff in one that radiated with magical energy.  What might the others hold?

Turn 11
Lem - BoIrori
Stone Head 4
Sling = Banished Forever
Discard Merchant explore - Wooden Shield = Banished forever
Discard BoIrori explore - Staff of Heaven and Earth - Divine = D10+5 = 8 = Success
Discard BoAbadar explore - Battered Chest - Banish forever

"FORE!"

Lem was shaken from his reverie by the shout from Valeros.  He barely had time to dodge out of the way of the huge chunk of stone that flew through the air towards him, as the rest of the statue tumbled down nearby.

"Hey? watch it, will you?"  Lem yelled even as he sifted through the rubble of the newly fallen statue.

Turn 12
Valeros - BoLamashtu
Stone Head 4
Stone Head - Reveal and Recharge Scythe+1 + Lem recharge = D10+7 + 3D4+1 + D4+2 = 21 = Success = D4-1 damage to both
Lem - 1
Valeros - 3
Lem Mirror Image - 2 = Damage reduced to 0
Valeros Bury Magic Half-Plate = Damage reduced to 0
Recharge Mirror Image = Success
Location Closed

Lem loosed a lightning bolt at yet another mountain-dweller come to prey upon them.  So far, they had only attracted small, lone creatures.  How long would their luck hold out?

Turn 13
Lem - BoPharasma
Stone Head 5
Sneak - Discard a card - Lightning Bolt = D10+5 + 3D6 = 25 = Success
Recharge Lightning Bolt = Success

Valeros saw the glint of metal amidst the rocky carnage he had loosed upon the mountain.  He stooped to examine it and his eyes lit up like a child's.  Weapons!  He immediately began searching for ways that he might carry his newly found arsenal.

Turn 14
Valeros - Boirori
Stone Head 5
Large Chest  - Melee + Lem Recharge = D10+7 + D4+2 = 21 = Success = D4 random weapons to hand = 4 = Returning Throwing Axe+1, Longsword+2, Longbow+1, Starknife
Discard BoGorum explore - Eyes of the Eagle = Banished forever

Lem had moved onto the next statue.  Perhaps brute strength was not the only way to subdue these rocky giants.  He raised his arms and muttered an incantation.  The statue literally melted before him, leaving no trace on the mountaintop that it had ever existed.  Wide-eyed, he turned to Valeros. Had he seen that?

No, of course he hadn't.  He was still fumbling for a way to carry his fifteenth melee weapon.  At least the guy had a hobby, he supposed.

Turn 15
Lem - BoG
Lightning Touch - Banished forever
Discard BoPharasma explore - Stone Head - Bury Toxic Cloud - Defeated
Location closed

Satisfied that he had achieved maximum weaponage, Valeros moved towards the sixth statue.  Maybe this one would be full of armor! Before he had the chance to find out, though, he found himself tumbling into a pit concealed in the mountaintop.

"Aw, c'mon!" He shouted at the gods from the rocky hole he found himself in.  All of his precariously packaged weapons were strewn about him, mocking him.

Turn 16
Valeros - BoG
Stone Head 6
Pit Trap - Dex + Lem BoErastil = 2D8 = 5 = Fail = D4 damage = 1

Lem moved to the pit and readied his crossbow as a swarm of rats emerged from tunnels in the rock.  What did those rats eat when they couldn't get fresh Valeros?  Lem would never know, as he loosed bolt after bolt at the vermin.

Turn 17
Lem - BoG
Stone Head 6
Rat Swarm - Venomous Heavy Crossbow+2 (+4 difficulty) + Valeros = D8+D10+2+D4+3 = 18 = Success = Banished forever
Discard Toad explore - Disintegrate - Arcane = D10+5 = 13 = :’(

Satisfied that the rats were dealt with, Lem helped his partner up from the pit and healed their wounds again, though no spells could heal Valeros' pride.

Turn 18
Valeros - BoShelyn
Lem Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Lem - 3
Valeros - 2
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Valeros Emerald Codex - Fiery Weapon, Cure, Detect Magic
Valeros Cure - D4+1 = 4
Detect Magic - Dancing Scimitar +2 = Melee + Lem Recharge = D10+7 + D4+2 = 12 = Success
Breastplate of Fire Resistance - Constitution  D8 = 7 = Fail

"OK, Val, check this out."  Lem walked to the sixth statue and spoke arcane words aloud.  The statue vanished much like the last one had.

"Neat.  It's not as fun as breaking it into tiny pieces; but neat."

Turn 19
Lem - BoSarenrae
Exchange Haste for Mass Cure
Mass Cure - D4+1 to both
Valeros - 5
Lem - 3
Recharge Mass Cure = Fail
Stone Head - Bury Frost Ray - Defeated
Location Closed

Valeros and Lem moved to the last of the stone heads.

"All right, you want this one, or should I do it?" Valeros glanced down at his companion.

Turn 20
Valeros - BoG
Stone Head 7
Battleaxe - Banished forever

Before Lem could respond, yet another humanoid crested the peak.  This one was a humanoid woman dressed in rags.  Well, he certainly wasn't one to discriminate.  He loosed another bolt from his crossbow.

Turn 21
Lem - BoG
Stone Head 7
Cure - auto-acquire
Cast Cure - D4+1 = 3
Recharge Cure = Success
Discard BoGozreh explore - Chainmail of Cold Resistance = fail
Discard Toad explore - Hag - Fail check (no spells) = Venomous Heavy Crossbow+2 + Valeros + Wand of Enervation = D8+D10+2+D4+3 = 20 = Success = no need to roll for wand
Recharge wand = Success

"Well, looks like it's my turn then." Valeros smiled.  He pulled the emerald codex from his pack and read aloud one of the prayers to the phoenix lord.  The status melted back to the earth as the previous ones had.

Turn 22
Valeros - BoTorag
Potion of Gracefulness = Banished forever
Grizzled Mercenary explore - Stone Head - Bury Fiery Weapon (can I do that?) - Defeated
Location Closed

For a moment, nothing happened.  There was no sound or movement other than the whistling wind of the mountain.  Then all at once, the skull-like cavern began to shudder.  As it did, the earth beneath them quaked along with it.  As they tried to steady themselves, a great shadow grew until it swallowed them beneath it.

Looking up, their mouths gaped in awe at the sight of a great white dragon descending with incredible speed.  They dove to either side as it landed, shattering the ground beneath it.  The long, serpentine head whipped around to gaze at both of them in turn with cold blue eyes.

"You shall not enter the Runeforge, small things.  I shall freeze you here as a warning to any who would try."  The thunderous voice boomed from the great beast.

Turn 23
Lem - BoDesna

"Oh, I don't know, we've gotten pretty good at killing your kind." Valeros shouted to the creature.  "If you surrender now, I'll let you be my mount."

In a rage the dragon unleashed a blast of arctic air towards the pair.  This was going to be easier than Valeros had thought.  This creature was nothing but base instinct.  Predicting its attacks should be child's play.  They easily dodged the blast, circling the creature from either side.  Attacking from both sides, the lumbering beast was no match for their agility.  They clambered up either side even as the creature writhed and reared beneath them.

With a singular strike, Lem and Valeros attacked the neck of the beast with magic and steel.  The dragon continued to thrash beneath them, but they refused to relent.  Within minutes, the creature lie still on the windswept peak.

Turn 24
Valeros - BoCalistria
Sihedron Circle
Arkrhyst - Dex + Lem BoAbadar = 2D8 = 11 = Fail = D4 cold damage = 2 
1st check - Longsword+2 = D10+7+D8+2 = 22 = Success
2nd check - reveal and recharge longsword+2 + Lem BoPharasma = D10+7 + D8+2 + D6 + D10 = 29 = Sucess

They turned their attention to the cave, which had long since stopped it's shuddering.  Instead the black cavernous mouth was replaced with a shimmering vortex.

"Well, I guess that's how we get to the runeforge, eh?"  Valeros said as he sheathed his newly acquired longsword.  "Let's not keep this Karzoug waiting."

It felt good to finally be nearing the end of their long journey, Lem thought as they stepped into the portal.

Scenario Victory!
Reward - one random non-basic, non-elite boon from box of characters choice of type
Lem - Spell - Incendiary Cloud
Valeros - Weapon - Deathbane Light Crossbow+1

Post-Game Analysis

All right!  That was a really productive session.  Got something for everyone: new spells, new weapons, etc.  That Slashing Blade trap in the beginning...man I hate that trap.  I hated it just as much in my last playthrough of this campaign.  I was really sad to miss out on that Disintegrate as well, but what can you do?

Something that will quickly become a staple of this playthrough is Lem swapping spells for Mass Cure in his discard.  Without the ability to do that, all of these scenarios would be MUCH more difficult.  It's worth noting that at this point, I've finished all but the final four scenarios.  It's just a matter of typing them up.  Lots of good stuff to come!