Comic Book Battles - Episode 10: Avengers Vs. X-Men #4 pt. 3

Welcome back to Comic Book Battles!  Man, it has been...well, almost a year, but I'm back!  We're going to pick up right where we left off, in the middle of the biggest hero battle since Civil War!  This week, we have an AvX skirmish taking place in the middle of Dr. Doom's nation of Latveria!

The Comic Book

"Avengers Vs. X-Men (Part Four)"
Writers Jonathan Hickman
Pencilers John Romita Jr.
Inkers Scott Hanna
Colourists Laura Martin
Letterers Chris Eliopoulos
Editors John Denning, Lauren Sankovitch, Nick Lowe, Tom Brevoort

Here, again, we're seeing a skirmish in progress through the telepathic visions of Emma Frost, who is scanning the globe for Hope. 

The Battle

For this battle, I'm using the Latveria map from the AvX event.  It doesn't necessarily represent the battlefield depicted above, but it's interesting nonetheless.  As you can see below, it has our teams facing off from corner-to-corner.  In between are a couple buildings and a giant fountain statue of Dr. Doom himself!

Here are our teams:

X-Men

avx012 V Colossus

Team: X-Men
Range: 0
Points: 175
Keywords: Armor, Mystical, X-Men

(Improved) Mantle of the Juggernaut: Improved Movement: Ignores Hindering Terrain, Ignores Blocking Terrain and destroys Blocking Terrain as the character moves through it.

(Speed) I Believe In The X-Men: Colossus can use Charge and Plasticity. If he has two action tokens, adjacent friendly characters that can use the X-Men team ability can use that team ability as a free action.

(Defense) Steel-Skinned X-Man: Colossus can use Defend and Impervious.

wxm008 E Dazzler
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 6
Points: 75
Keywords: Celebrity, Excalibur, Mojoverse, X-Men

(Speed) Charge of the Light Brigade: When Dazzler has no action tokens, she can use Running Shot. When Dazzler has one or more action tokens, you may give her a free action and characters within 4 squares can't use Stealth until your next turn.

dp027 V Domino
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 89
Keywords: Six Pack, X-Corps, X-Force

(Speed) Infiltration Assassination: Domino can use Running Shot and Stealth. Give Domino a free action when she has no action tokens, and until your next turn decrease her speed value by any amount and increase her range by the same amount. 

  

And that comes out to 339 points.  Unfortunately, no theme team bonus since Domino isn't a member of the X-Men.  Colossus is the only one with a team affiliation as well, and it's X-Men, which requires another character with the X-Men team affiliation to be useful.  That said, Colossus is a monster, and Dazzler and Domino can provide decent ranged support.

Avengers

ffcw005 E Mockingbird
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 2
Points: 50

(Special) October 12th: When a friendly character named Hawkeye is adjacent to Mockingbird, they both modify their attack values by +1 if not already modified by this effect.

avx004e E Spider-Man
Team: Avengers|Spider-Man
Range: 5
Points: 100
Keywords: Avengers, Scientist, Spider-Man Family

(Special) Whatever a Spider Can: When Spider-Man is the target of a ranged combat attack, he can use Super Senses, but evades the attack on a result of 4 - 6.

dp015 V Daredevil
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 4
Points: 108
Keywords: Avengers, Martial Artist, Marvel Knights, The Hand

(Improved) Rooftop Acrobat: Improved Movement: Ignores Elevated Terrain, Ignores Hindering Terrain, Ignores Characters; Improved Targeting: Ignores Hindering Terrain

(Special) Ally of Heroes: At the beginning of the game, choose Enhancement or Empower. Daredevil can use that power this game. A Heroes for Hire themed team may include Daredevil and is still a theme team.

(Special) Radar Senses: Daredevil can use Super Senses.

cw037 V Spider-Woman
Team: Avengers
Range: 5
Points: 82
Keywords: Avengers, Detective, Hydra, Lady Liberators, S.H.I.E.L.D., Spy, S.W.O.R.D.

(Damage) Pheromones: Give Spider-Woman a free action. She may modify the attack value of an adjacent friendly character by +1 and she may modify the defense value of an adjacent opposing character by -1 until your next turn.

That comes out to 340 points.  This team features my favorite incarnation of Spider-Man that I've played in Heroclix, so I have high hopes.  Daredevil is pretty mean as well, and Mockingbird and Spider-Woman are great harassment characters that opposing teams can't afford to ignore, despite their cheap costs.  All of that, combined with four Avengers Theme Team Probability Control uses and Avengers team affiliations, means the X-Men have an uphill battle ahead of them in this one.

Before the game starts, Daredevil chooses Empower for his "Ally of Heroes" special ability, in case I need him to support Spidey or Mockingbird in melee.  

Avengers win the roll-off for first turn

Spider-Man moves to I19

Daredevil moves to I20

Spider-Woman moves to F14, making herself a tempting target that far out

Mockingbird moves behind cover at C14 to support her in case things get rough

Colossus wastes no time, picking up a super-heavy object and smashing through the buildings in his path, moving adjacent to Spider-Woman at F13

Domino moves to K9 in cover

Dazzler moves to O1, hanging back until a decent target presents itself

Daredevil moves to M14, since he has indomitable

Spider-Woman uses her Pheromones on Colossus to reduce his defense and increase her own attack by 1

Everyone else clears

Colossus uses that super-heavy object to great effect on Spider-Woman, hitting on a 17 for 7(!) damage.  Ouch!  Even with Spider-Woman's toughness reducing it to 6, that one hurt.  

Dazzler and Domino clear

Mockingbird moves to E14 to support her teammate against Colossus

Spider-Woman uses her pheromones again on Colossus

Spider-Woman uses Close Combat Expert to attack Colossus and give herself +1 attack and +1 damage.  She hits on a 17, but Colossus rolls a 6 on his Impervious roll, reducing the damage to 0.  Tough break!

Spider-Man uses Perplex to increase his own attack by 1 and Charges to G14, missing Colossus with a roll of 15.  So close!

Daredevil clears 

Domino uses Running Shot to move to K14 and attack Daredevil, hitting on an 18.  Daredevil rolls his Super Senses and gets a 6, evading the attack!
Dazzler moves to K9
Colossus clears

Spider-Woman uses Pheromones on Colossus, and gives the +1 attack to Mockingbird
Spider-Man perplexes Mockingbird's attack by +1 as well
Mockingbird uses Exploit Weakness on Colossus, hitting on a 17 for 2 damage.  It can't be reduced, so no impervious roll for big C.
Daredevil charges to L14, hitting Domino on a 19 with a Precise Strike, which Domino attempts to use Probability Control on, forcing a reroll.  The reroll is a 22!  3 damage is done to Domino.
The two Spider-peeps clear their action tokens

Colossus attacks Spider-Woman, but misses on a 16 thanks to her Combat Reflexes.
Domino and Dazzler clear

Spider-Woman keeps using those Pheromones on Colossus, giving Spider-Man the +1 attack.
Spider-Man uses Perplex to give himself another +1 attack
Spider-Man uses Precise Strike on Colossus, hitting on a 16.  Colossus has impervious, but Spidey still deals him one damage thanks to the Precise Strike
Spider-Woman uses Close Combat Expert to give herself +1 attack and +1 damage, but misses on a 14
Daredevil uses Precise Strike and hits Domino with a 21, dealing 3 damage, enough to KO her

Dazzler uses Precise Strike on Daredevil, hitting on a 19.  Daredevil misses his Super Senses roll, so he takes 2 damage thanks to his Toughness
Colossus hits Spider-Woman on an 18 for 3 damage, KOing her

Spider-Man uses Perplex to increase Mockingbird's damage by +1
Mockingbird uses Exploit Weakness, but misses Colossus with an 11
Daredevil and Spider-Man clear

Colossus and Dazzler clear

Spider-Man Perplexes Colossus' defense by -1
Spider-Man uses Precise Strike, hitting Colossus on a 16.  Colossus still has Impervious, though, and takes only 2 damage
Mockingbird uses Exploit Weakness, but misses Colossus with a 14
Daredevil moves to K9

Colossus attacks Spider-Man, but misses on a roll of 13
Dazzler uses Precise Strike on Daredevil, but misses on a 13 as well

All the Avengers clear

Colossus attacks Spider-Man, but misses on a 14
Dazzler clears

Spider-Man uses Perplex once again on Colossus, reducing his defense by 1
Spider-Man uses Precise Strike, hitting on a 19 for 1 damage thanks to Colossus' Impervious
Mockingbird attacks using Exploit Weakness, hitting on a 15 for 2 damage, KOing Colossus
Daredevil uses Flurry on Dazzler, hitting on an 18 with doubles, dealing 2 damage and knocking Dazzler back into a wall for another 1 damage.

Dazzler uses Penetrating Blast on Daredevil, critically missing, dealing 1 damage to herself.  She wants to end this as much as I do, I think.

Mockingbird moves to I8
Spider-Man and Daredevil clear

Dazzler uses Precise Strike on Mockingbird, but misses on a 16

Spider-Man charges to J9, hitting on a 21 for 3 damage, KOing Dazzler.

Winner: Avengers

This fight was very one-sided.  It quickly became clear that while Colossus is really great, his teammates were not.  If I were to play this again, I might group my X-Men together so Dazzler and Domino could take advantage of Colossus' Defend ability.  Alas, I still think it would be tough for the X-Men to claim victory.  

I hope that you enjoyed this return to CBB.  Next time, we have another AvX skirmish in the Wundagore Mountains!

Cop and a Half: Episode 4 - Pill Poppin'

A few days had gone by since Lem and Valeros had taken down crime syndicate headed by Jubrayl.  The townsfolk had barely noticed, but Lem still felt a certain sense of satisfaction in the work they had done.  His partner from out of town had proven to be nothing if not capable, and he liked to buy Lem as much grog as he could drink down at the inn, so that was a plus.

Lem Starting Deck
Bracers of Protection
Amulet of Life
Sling
Aid
Lightning touch
Inflict
Cure
Archer
Burglar
Sage
BoG x4
BoIomedae

Lem wished he had some of that grog now, as he climbed the short steps to the Sheriff's office.  They were getting a new assignment this morning, and considering how the last one went, well, Lem wanted one more good drink before he died.  As he opened the door, he saw Valeros already inside, standing at ease in front of the Sheriff's desk.

"Ah, good, you're here.  It's about time." The sheriff announced, an open tone of annoyance in his voice.  "You should take an example from Valeros here, always on time and ready.  That's how every officer should be."  Lem thought he saw Valeros roll his eyes at that remark, but the Sheriff failed to notice.  "I'm sending you two to investigate rumors of a drug-smuggling ring that have started circulating amongst the villagers.  Start at the General Store and see what you can find out.  Dismissed."

Valeros Starting Deck
Crowbar
Spyglass
Crow
Sheriff Hemlock
Chainmail x2
Magic Leather Armor
Longsword x2
Warhammer
Longbow
Longspear
Bog x3

They didn't say a word to each other as they walked the short distance to the store.  There really wasn't much to say.  Lem was curious as to what kind of drugs might be moving into Sandpoint, though.  He hoped they were good ones.

As he entered the store, the shopkeeper was nowhere in sight.  Figured.  That guy was usually more interested in trying to keep his unruly daughters in his sight than he was in earning a living.  Lem wondered how the store managed to stay open. It was then that something caught his eye; something shiny!  He walked over to a gleaming longbow on a rack.  Well, he *would* have been more than happy to pay for it, if the shopkeeper was anywhere to be found.

Turn 1
Lem – BoTorag
General Store
Shock Longbow +1 – Cast Aid+Dex+Bog = D8+D6+D8 = 13 = success
Recharge fails

Meanwhile, Valeros stood over the counter, perusing several gleaming stones sitting under a glass case.  He gently opened the case, and pulled out stone glowing with a red, pulsating light.  Interesting.  He wondered if it could be used to kill something.  Holding onto it, he picked up another from the case that appeared to be made of some sort of obsidian.  As he gazed at it, the red stone began to slip from his grasp.
"Ah, shi--"SMASH, the stone shattered on the floor, gas spilling out from it in all directions.
Lem and Valeros ran as quickly as possible from the shop, coughing and gagging on the street as they struggled to catch their breath.
"What in the nine hells was that?!"  Lem said, spittle still falling from his mouth in disgust.
Valeros shrugged, shook his head, and began to move out into the town square.  Time to find this shopkeeper.

Turn 2
Valeros – BoG
Poison trap – Dex+Bog = 2d8 = 11 = success
Banish chainmail to close
5 items rolled for shop – Blast stone auto-acquired

Lem chased after him, still bleary-eyed from the gas.  As he did so, he ran into a young man sitting on the sidewalk.
"Whoah there, little dude, you OK?"  He said, as he sipped from a flask.  Lem coughed in response and the man held out the flask to him.
"Here, have some of this, looks like you could use it!"
As Lem took a gulp he was surprised to find that it was simply water.  Water?  Is this what kids were into these days?  He sighed and kept walking after Valeros.
"Hey!  Hey dude!  I need that flask back!"  The man yelled, as he chased after Lem.

Turn 3 
Lem – BoSarenrae
Town Square
Standard bearer – auto-acquired due to scenario bonus to ally checks
Discard standard bearer to explore
Holy Water – Divine = D10+1 = 9 = success
Discard sage explore
Detect Evil – Divine = D10+1 = 10 = success
Cast Detect Evil – Reveal Force Missile
Recharge fails

Valeros continued to push his way through the crowd.  This was a pretty small village, and there seemed to be more people than there were places to hold them.  What were all these people doing here?  His musing was cut short by a sudden commotion in a nearby crowd.  People were running away from something in terror.  Valeros unsheathed his sword in preparation for whatever horror this was, but the screaming crowd engulfed him before he was ready.  His sword was lost somewhere in the fleeing bodies, and someone had managed to take his warhammer as well.  Oh man, these people were asking for it.  No one touched his weapons.

Turn 4 
Valeros – BoIrori
Force Missile – Int = D6 = 5 = success
Discard longsword explore
Poison Trap – Dex = D8 = 2 = fail
Discard Warhammer
Valeros  Con check – D8 = 4 = fail = 1 damage
Lem Con check – D6 = 6 = fail = no damage

As the chaos died down, Lem managed to find Valeros.  Valeros looked angrier than usual, which was saying something.  Valeros shot a glare at him as he approached, and plucked the longbow Lem had "acquired" right from his shoulders.  Valeros continued past him without a word.  Typical.

It was then that Lem saw the source of the chaos.  A great ogre had wandered into the city, and was barreling straight for him.  Great, now ogres as well.  Didn't these guys live in swamps or something?  Lem tried to channel some lightning into the thing as it approached, but it didn't even phase the monster, and Lem was knocked aside.  He laid there for a moment, catching his breath as he saw the thing move deeper into the city.  He wasn't too worried, though.  Valeros would probably kill it.

Turn 5
Lem – BoIrori
Gives Valeros Shock Longbow +1
Ogre – Lightning Touch + Blast Stone + Valeros = D10+1+2d4+D4+D4 = 13 = fail = 1 damage
1 damage to Valeros from Ogre
Recharge fail
Cure – 5
Recharge success

Little did Lem know, however, that Valeros had found his own fun.  Following the ogre into the village was a small goblin.  Surely it was looking to loot whatever the ogre didn't break.  Well, he picked the wrong day for that, Valeros thought to himself.  Pulling out another of his longswords, Valeros turned the goblin into puree, and continued after the ogre.

Turn 6 
Valeros – BoCalistria
Goblin Warrior – Reveal and recharge longsword  + melee  = D10+3+D8+D6 = 17 = success

Lem was hot on the trail himself, seeing that Valeros was too busy taking down some wretched creature.  Hopefully not a citizen this time, Lem thought.  An arrow flashed out from his peripheral and buried itself into the ogre that Lem was chasing.  Risking a glance, Lem saw that it was another guard.  Good, it was about time those guys earned their keep.  Lem took aim with his sling and sent a stone deep into the thick forehead of the ogre, finishing it off.

Turn 7 
Lem – BoG
Treasure Map – Knowledge – D6+3 = 6 = success 
Reveals Ogre
Cast Detect Evil – Ogre – Recharge Archer + reveal and discard Sling + Valeros = D8+D4+D6+D4+D4= 20 = success
Recharge Success

Valeros stooped over the ogre, inspecting the body.  A few other townsfolk had also come out of hiding.  One turned to Valeros and said, "Excuse me, sir, do you know what this is?  It looks like the ogre was holding it."
Valeros looked and saw that the man held another one of those accursed gas-stones.
"Hey!  No!  Put that down this instant!" Valeros yelled gruffly at the man.  The man did exactly as Valeros instructed, and dropped the stone.  Valeros was already running before it hit the ground, though.  He could hear the gagging and coughing from the townsfolk behind him.  That would teach them to interfere with a crime scene, he thought.

Turn 8 
Valeros – BoTorag
Troubador – Diplomacy + Scenario = D6+4 = 10 = success
Discard longbow explore - Village Square ability
Poison Trap – Dex  + Recharge Troubador = D8+D6 = 7 = success
Banish BoG to close
Lem and Valeros each recharge due to closing effect

Lem ducked into a nearby house to escape the gas, and found himself in what appeared to be a very shady hostel of some sort.  As he moved into the dank lobby, a man stepped out of the shadows towards him.
"We don't like lawmen in here, runt."  He wheezed.
"Well, I don't like scum in my city." Lem replied, and reached out to the man, fingertips dripping with negative energy.  Unfortunately, Lem had misjudged the man's fortitude.  He pushed Lem away with a toothless grin.
"Nice try, kid." He said with a cackle as he drew his blade and approached the halfling.

Turn 9 
Lem – BoG
Village House
Mercenary – Inflict = D10+1+D6 = fail = 1 damage 
Amulet of life
Recharge fail  for Inflict
Recharge success for Amulet

Valeros looked around the village square.  Where the hell had his partner gone?  Well, he supposed he would just have to look for the worst possible place that the halfling could have gone, and start there.

Turn 10
Valeros – BoG
Village House
Mystic Inscription – Int + BoG + Lem BoG + Lem Aid = D6+D6+D6+D6 = 14 = success
2 spells acquired – Lightning Touch and Mending
Lem recharge success

"Look buddy, you don't want to mess with me.  I'm a cop."  Lem said, trying not to stammer as he backed slowly towards the doorway.
"Yeh, I know who you are, little man.  You killed my employer, Jubrayl, and I don't appreciate being out of a job." The man was inches away now.

Turn 11
Lem – BoGorum
Explore – BoCalistria – Divine – D10+1 = 5 = success

Valeros stepped into the dirty hostel to see Lem backing slowly towards him.  He then looked up and saw the dirty mercenary with his blade at the ready.  Valeros smiled.  The day was looking up.

Turn 12 
Valeros – BoDesna
Give Lem Lightning Touch and Force Missile
Force Missile – Int = D6 = 6 = Success

Lem sensed movement behind him and decided that it was now or never.  He leapt towards the Mercenary, unleashing everything he had on the poor man.  Waves of electricity coursed through him, and he smelled the familiar stench of ozone and burned flesh.  Daring to look down, he saw the man's toothless grin was now blackened.  Turning to face the new threat in the room, Lem found himself looking at Valeros.  Was...was Valeros smiling?

Turn 13
Lem – BoIrori
Night Watch – Diplomacy + Scenario – auto-acquire
Discard Night Watch Explore – Mercenary = Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+1+2D4+D4 = 10 = success
Recharge success

Valeros had to admit, the kid could do good work sometimes.  He hadn't ever been very good with the magics, but he appreciated those that were.  Came in handy in a pinch.  As long as this kid kept his hands off the weapons, Valeros could see them getting along just fine.

Turn 14 
Valeros – BoSarenrae
Give Force Missile to Lem
Archer – Diplomacy + Scenario = D6+2+2 = 5 = fail

Just then, a door burst open and a squat, fat human nearly bowled Lem over as he ran past.  Lem cursed and fired force missiles after the man as he fled.
"Freeze!  Police!"  He yelled as the man ran into the street, and toward the city gate.

Turn 15
Lem – BoSarenrae
Pillbug – Force Missile + BoG + Valeros = D10+1+2D4+D4 = 13 = success
Recharge success
Location Closed

Valeros was one step ahead of Lem, and trained his shiny new bow on the robed human.  As he fired, he could see the arrow fly like a lightning bolt towards the man, but it suddenly erupted in sparks some distance before hitting him.  Valeros frowned.  Was this thing broken?  Maybe that's why Lem hadn't used it.

Turn 16
Valeros – BoG
City Gate
Ghost – Reveal and recharge Shock Longbow +1 = D10+3+D8+1+D10=20 = Success
Spyglass – reveals Ambush and Blast Stone

Lem ran out into the street, past Valeros.  He was getting pretty good at running, he had to admit.  Unfortunately, he wasn't very good at looking where he was going yet, as a gaseous cloud erupted beneath his feet.  The man he was chasing must be responsible for these things!  Lem held his breath as best he could, and plunged through the poison cloud.

Turn 17
Lem – BoG
Ambush – Dex + BoCalistria = 3D8 = 4 = fail
Reveal  next monster = Pillbug = BoG + Sheriff Hemlock +Valeros = D4+D6+D4 = 10 = fail = 1 damage

Valeros licked his finger, and held it up to the wind.  About 10 miles per hour, north, northwest, he thought.  He unsheathed his longspear, and threw in the direction he had last seen the man run.  A shriek sounded in the distance.  Valeros smiled.  He hadn't lost his touch.

Turn 18 
Valeros – BoG
Blast Stone = Int = D6 = 1 = Fail
Discard Crow Explore – Enchanter – 1 damage – Reveal Longspear = D10+3+D8 = 15 = Success = 1 damage

Lem barreled out of the poison cloud and sent lightning out from his hands, directly onto the buttocks of the fleeing man.  There was a short cry of pain, and the man dropped to his knees, unconscious.  Lem was glad that was over, and that no one had gotten seriously hurt.

He looked over his shoulder to see Valeros calmly stride out of the poison cloud, frowning and cleaning some blood off of his longspear.  Lem was glad that guy had his back.  Who knows what nasty monster he had just taken down with that thing.

The Sheriff placed the man, who called himself "Pillbug" into a cell in the village jail, and looked the pair of them over.
"Looks like you boys did some good work today.  It's a shame we couldn't have stopped this guy before he wrecked the General Store and killed dozens of people in the city streets, but you brought him to justice in the end.  Know that you have my thanks, and the thanks of this village for that."

As they walked out of the Sheriff's office, Valeros spoke without warning.
"Grog?"
"Grog." Lem replied.

They had earned it.

Postgame Analysis

Ah, much better this time.  I'm not sure whether I've just found the rhythm of the two-player game, or just got lucky with my draws in this session, but either way it worked.  Unfortunately, I missed out on a sabre-toothed tiger at the city gate, but hopefully I can grab that later.

On the bright side, I managed to snag the shock longbow, as well as a new blessing, which is always nice.  Not much else in the way of notable items, but I feel like these guys are getting more powerful, slowly but surely.

I'm very excited to wrap this next adventure up, and get to the Adventure Path proper!

Cop and a Half: Episode 3 - Brigandoomiest

Lem woke to the sounds of birds chirping.  He yawned and stretched, squinting against the sun rising overhead.  Where was he?  How did he get here?  He glanced to his right and saw the smoking remains of a farm.  Oh, right.

Starting Deck 

Burlgar,Archer, Sage, Amulet of Life, Blast Stone, BoG x 5, Cure, Lightning Touch, Detect Magic, Inflict, Sling

Valeros took a deep breath.  He loved the smell of destruction in the morning.  Looking over his shoulder, he saw Lem start to rise from his slumber.  Good, it was time they got moving.  The Sheriff probably wanted some kind of update on the situation.

Starting Deck 

Crowbar, Spyglass, BoG x3, Sherriff Hemlock, Crow, Longsword x2, Longspear, Warhammer, Longbow, Chainmail x2, Magic Leather Armor

Lem sifted through the ashes on their way through the fields.  He was surprised to find some really nice looking bracers amidst the debris.  He reached down to pick them up, and was surprised to see they were attached to something.  As he pulled them harder, a fully formed skeleton erupted from the ash.  Backing off quickly, Lem planted a stone through it's skull with his sling.  He was in no mood for this nonsense today, but hey, it wasn't a shadow at least.

Turn 1
Lem – BoCalistria
Woods
Bracers of protection – Arcane = D10+1 = 3 = successBoG exploreSkeleton = Sling + Valeros = D8 + D6 + D4 = 12 = success

Valeros also found something in the field that looked interesting.  It was a vial filled with a strange liquid.  Upon determining that it was in no way alcoholic, however, he threw it into the distance.  Had he been assigned to a dry county?  Seriously, where was all the booze?

Turn 2

Valeros – BoCalistria

Potion of Ghostly Form – Intelligence = D6 = 2 = fail

Lem stood admiring his new bracers.  As he did, he was struck from behind by some force.  Spinning as he fell, he saw a very angry woman stomping towards him across the field.  She was shouting something about how they would pay for destroying her farm, and how she was going to bring a whole team of lawyers down on them.  Well, Lem did a quick "What Would Valeros Do?" in his mind, and electrocuted the woman.  Whew, he thought, crisis averted.

Turn 3

Lem – BoTorag

Enchanter – 1 Damage – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+1 + 2d4 + D4 = 17 = success = 1 Damage

Recharge success

Valeros was nearing the bridge that he had cut down the day before, and saw some idiot attempting to repair it.
"Hey!  Someone could get hurt on that thing!" He shouted to the man.
As the man turned, Valeros recognized him.  This was the same guy who got away last night!  Well, no one escaped Valeros.  He unsheathed his sword and chased the man across the newly repaired bridge.

Turn 4

Valeros – BoG

Jubrayl – Melee + Longspear = D10+3 + D8 = 11 = successClose check = Wisdom + BoG + Lem BoG = 3D4 = 8 = success
Lem was still admiring his bracers as he approached the wooden bridge.  It was nice to finally get some sort of reward for his service, even if he did find it in a pile of ashes...and attached to an undead monster.  Still, pretty sweet.  It was thoughts like these that caused him to not notice the shadow standing in his path.  It swarmed over him, smothering him, and when it was gone, Lem saw that he had lost his bracers as well as his Blast Stone he had found the day before.  Did...did he just get robbed by a SHADOW?  Lem scowled and dusted himself off.

Turn 5

Lem – BoG 

Wooden BridgeShadow – Melee + BoG + Blast Stone = D4 + D4 + D4 = 9 = fail = 3 damage = Recharge Bracers of protection = 2 damage
Valeros ran across the bridge, almost running headlong into some travelers as he did so.
"Watch it!  Out of the way!  Police business!" He yelled, as he pushed them aside.
As some of the travelers fell from the bridge, he nodded inwardly. He knew someone was going to get hurt on this damn thing.

Turn 6

Valeros – BoDesna

Standard Bearer – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 3 = fail
Lem had reached the bridge now, and tried to push some travelers that were there from his path.  There appeared to be some commotion, but Lem couldn't be bothered.
"Excuse me, police business!  Please let me through!"  He said as he pushed his way through.
One of the travelers produced a bow and aimed it at Lem.  Fortunately that man didn't make too much of a fuss when Lem sent negative energy coursing through him.  Lem stepped over the man and carried on his way.

Turn 7

Lem – BoPharasma

BoIomedae – Divine = D10+1 = 10 = successDiscard Blessing exploreTraitor – Archer Discard – Inflict + Valeros = D10+1 + D6 + D4 = 18 = success

Recharge fail Lem out of cards to draw, again.
Valeros shoved more peasants out of his way.  Was there some kind of festival around here or something?  Where were these people coming from?

Turn 8 

Valeros – BoDesna

Standard Bearer – Diplomacy – D6+2 = 4 = fail
Lem continued running after Valeros.  He was getting too old for this.

Turn 9 

Lem – BoPharasma

Nothing
Valeros heard some music in the distance.  Maybe there WAS some kind of festival.  Oh well, he didn't have time for that right now.  He had to keep moving.  Not even the promise of sweet festival alcohol would keep him from his quarry.

Turn 10

Valeros – BoPharasma

Satyr – Dex = D8 = 7 = fail = 2 damage
Lem kept running.  He considered a change in career.  Maybe something nice and relaxing, like an entertainer.

Turn 11

Lem – BoG

Nothing
Valeros had nearly caught up with the man now.  They were heading straight towards the waterfront.  Valeros laughed.  There was no escaping now!

Turn 12

Valeros – BoG

Jubrayl – Melee + Longspear = D10+3 + D8 = 14 = success
Lem's running became a jog, then a vigorous walk.  He wasn't getting paid enough for this.  Not by a long shot.

Turn 13 

Lem – BoG

Bury card to recharge Cure
Valeros moved into the busy Waterfront crowd.  He had no idea who this guy was, or what he was doing, but there was no way he was going to let him get away again.  He continued to shove his way through the crowd.

Turn 14

Valeros – BoG

Waterfront

Explore: BoGDiscard BoG to explore againArcher – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 3 = fail

Lem Cure – 4 

Recharge fail
Lem reached a building on the outskirts of the Waterfront, still dripping with sweat.  He really needed to get a wagon, or maybe a pony.  As he considered this, an incorporeal hand reached from the nearby wall, moving towards him.  Oh hell no, no shadow was going to get the drop on him twice in one day!  He unleashed lightning upon the hand, and was surprised to see that a fully formed ghost flew from the wall and dissipated in front of his eyes.  Great, now we have ghosts, he thought.

Turn 15

Lem – BoTorag

Waterfront

Ghost = Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+1 + 2D4 + D4 = 16 = success

Recharge success
Using the spyglass his burglar friend had given him, Valeros looked around the crowded waterfront.  Come to think of it, where was that guy?  Had Valeros killed him?  Maybe.  It was hard to keep track.

Turn 16

Valeros – BoG

Pot of Fort – Int = D6 = success

Spyglass – Mystic Inscription and standard bearer
Lem could not see Valeros anywhere.  What was with this guy?  Lem decided that it was time to take a break, and entered a shop on the wharf.  It was a small shop full of exotic wares.  A book on the shelf caught his eye.  "How to Make Friends and Stop the Undead" was the title across the spine.  Well, that seemed perfect.  After some brief haggling, Lem walked out not only with a new book, but a new friend as well.

As he walked, he read a passage from the book aloud.  He was surprised to see a great, spherical blue light engulf the space in front of him.  A spectre within, hit the walls of its new prison in anger as it stared him down.  Well, at least the book worked, he thought.  Money well spent.

Turn 17 

Lem – BoG

Mystic Inscription = Arcane + BoG = D10+1 + D10 = 12 = success

4 spells to hand – Aid, Mending, Mirror Image, Sanctuary

Discard BoG Explore – Standard Bearer = Diplomacy = D10+3 = 13 = success

Discard Standard Bearer Explore = Spectre = Sanctuary 

Recharge fail
Later that evening, Valeros made his way back to town.  He was exhausted, thirsty, and seriously ticked off.  Back in Magnimar, he had always gotten his man, or woman, or animal.  Point was, he got stuff, and not getting this mysterious guy was throwing off his mojo something fierce.

Maybe he could at least get a drink from someone out here, he thought.  Something to tide him over until he made it back to the inn.  He knocked on a nearby farmhouse door.  There was no answer.  He knocked again, louder this time.
"Yeah yeah, keep yer pants on."  A gruff male voice from within sounded.  As the door opened, Valeros' face turned from annoyance to delight, and he took the mans head clean from his shoulders.

Turn 18 

Valeros – BoTorag

Farmhouse

Jubrayl 

Lem Close check – Bandit Henchman = reveal and discard Sling + Aid + BoG = D8+D6+D4+D6+D8 = 23 = success

Jubrayl – Recharge pot of fort and crowbar, draw Sherriff and Chainmail = Longspear + Sherriff Hemlock = D10+3 + D6 + D8 = 15 = success
Valeros whistled as he strode into Sheriff Hemlock's office that night.
"Well, Valeros, there you are!  How is the investigation going?  Any leads?"  Hemlock said as he looked up from the stacks of papers piled on his desk.
"You could say that."  Valeros said.  "I got another one of those damn bandits today." and with that, he held up the head of the man from the farmhouse.

Hemlock's eyes went wide in surprise.  "Valeros, do you have any idea who that is?  That's Jubrayl Vhiski, a crime boss and wanted outlaw!  You're a hero!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know." Valeros said with a smile.

Scenario Rewards: Bracers of Protection, Tome of Knowledge
Postgame Analysis

Finally!  I thought I would never make it through that one.  It was very cool to chase Jubrayl through each location deck, though.  Just brought everything together thematically, and made for an enjoyable game.

Passing that Mystic Inscription with Lem was really nice also, and allowed him to get Aid, which will help quite a bit I think.  I decided not to stick with any of the others, because I still need cure, and a couple offensive spells at my disposal.

The items I got for a reward from the scenario were garbage, but I'm looking forward to moving on to Poison Pill!

Cop and a Half: Episode 2 - Brigandoomer

Day 2

Valeros awoke the next morning with the sunrise.  As he stared out the window of his room at the inn, he smiled.  This assignment was working out far better than he had hoped.  Back in Magnimar, he would have had to file reports, and fill out all kinds of incident paperwork each time he got into a brawl, but not out here.  He had simply walked in and told the Sheriff about the bandits and goblins, and told him he had it all taken care of.  The Sheriff actually thanked him for it.  Thanked him!  This was a dream come true.

Starting DeckLongsword x4
Longspear
Chainmail x3
Crow
Mattock
Crowbar
Standard Bearer
BoG x3

Meanwhile, across town, Lem woke up at the crack of noon, and nearly cried out as he tried to move.  His whole body was on fire.  Well, not literally, that was yesterday.  Today, his body was desperately trying to recover.  Unfortunately, he had to get to work before he lost his job.  He was certain his insane partner would want to get an early start on the mayhem that he seemed so with.  This was a nightmare.

Starting DeckSling
Caltrops
Amulet of Life
Burglar
Sage
Archer
Lightning Touch
Detect Magic
Cure
Inflict
BoG x5

The Sheriff was sending them to the Waterfront today, to question some of the workers there.  See if anything unusual had been going on.  Seemed easy enough.  As Lem walked down the pier, he noticed that there was a shadow trailing them.  Oh no, he thought, not again.  Without warning, he turned and unleashed lightning from his fingers upon the spot where the shadow was.  It withered and dissipated.  Lem looked at it for a moment, wondering if he was actually becoming accustomed to this insanity.  Would every day start with him attacking a shadow?

Turn 1
Lem – Blessing of the Gods
Waterfront
Shadow – Lightning touch + BoG = D10+1 + 2d4 + D10 = 15 = success
Recharge success

Valeros didn't even break stride as his partner destroyed the incorporeal creature that stalked them.  He had something else in his sights.  Shelelu, the innkeeper, was speaking with a fish merchant on the waterfront market.  He decided to ask for her help in the investigation, since she knew everyone in town.  As he approached, she did a double take and finished her business hurriedly with the merchant before disappearing into the crowd.  Strange.

Valeros – Blessing of the Gods
Waterfront
Shalelu – Charisma + Lem recharge = D6+2 + D4 = 6 = failure

Just then, a disturbance broke out in the marketplace and two men fled from the crowd.  They were each carrying a couple of sacks in their hands, full of goods.  Shopkeepers yelled from the crowd for someone to stop them, but no one moved.  Lem sighed, and positioned himself in their path.  They paid the halfling no mind, which was a mistake.  Lem simply reached out and touched one, sending him to the ground with negative energy.  As for the other, Lem took careful aim with his trusty sling, and sent him to join his friend in the afterlife.  The crowd cheered.

Turn 3
Lem – BoG
Bandit = Recharge Burglar, draw BoG = Inflict + Valeros = D10+1 + D6 + D4 = 16 = success
Recharge Success
Close location = Bandit henchman = Recharge BoG, draw sage = Reveal and discard Sling + Valeros = D8 + D4 +D6 + D4 = 18 = Success
Lem discards sage, Valeros discards Chainmail from Waterfront closing

Valeros had to admit it, that was pretty smooth work.  He was glad this halfling wasn't nearly as useless as most of the rookies he had served with.  As they headed back to town across the wooden bridge that connected it to the waterfront, he noticed something at the far side.  Moving closer, he could see it was a chest.  Well, that was certainly no match for his crowbar.  Prying it open, he was pleased to see some average, but useful, weapons.  As he removed them, he heard a familiar voice from the road.
"Ah, Valeros, good, I was hoping to run into you.  How did the waterfront turn out?"  Sheriff Hemlock asked.
"Umm...good.  I would say, good.  We got a couple of bandits, anyway." Valeros replied absent-mindedly as he looked for a place to stow his newfound weaponry.
"Good, well I've decided to come along with you today.  I have to admit that sitting in an office all day really isn't my style, and as the newest member of our police force, I guess I should probably perform an evaluation."
Valeros sighed inwardly.  Great, just what he needed.

Turn 4
Valeros – BoG
Wooden Bridge
Large Chest = Melee + Reveal and discard Crowbar = D10+2 + 2D10 = 19 = success
Recharge Crowbar = success
2 weapons from chest = Quarterstaff and light crossbow
BoG explore  = BoG
BoG Explore = Sherriff Hemlock = Diplomacy + Lem BoG = D6+2 + D6 = 10 = success

Lem struggled to catch up with Valeros, who didn't even seem to notice him today.  What was with this guy?  As he jogged to keep up, he failed to notice his caltrops fall out of the pouch at his waist.  Wait, he thought, is that Sheriff Hemlock talking to Valeros up there?  I Wonder what that's about?

Turn 5
Lem – BoG
Plague Zombie – Banish caltrops = evade

Valeros was about to say something that could have gotten him fired, when he was interrupted by one of the guards in the village running towards them.
"Sir, it's the glassworks, someone has broken in and made a real mess of things.  We need you down there."
Hemlock frowned and turned back to Valeros.  "Well, I guess our bonding time will have to wait till another day.  Here, why don't you take this, it should help out some."  He said as he reached into his pack and produced a leather jerkin of remarkable quality.  Valeros nodded, and turned back to see what was taking Lem so damn long to catch up.

Turn 6
Valeros – BoG
Guard – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 4 = Fail
Discard Hemlock Explore
Magic leather armor = constitution = D8 = 2 = success

Lem had stopped, noticing his caltrops were missing.  He cursed to himself and he retraced his steps.  Those things weren't cheap!  Seeing a man coming towards him, he called out.
"Excuse me, sir, have you seeMMPPHH!" The thing was on him.  This was no man at all, but a damn zombie!  What was going on in this town?  Fortunately, he still had enough juice left him him to send electricity surging through the thing.  It's grip loosened and fell away, body burned to a crisp.  OK, that was just disgusting.

Turn 7
Lem – BoG
Plague Zombie – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+1 + 2d4 + 1D4 = 15 = success
Recharge – fail

Valeros was getting really tired of Lem not being able to keep up.  He was going to have to buy that guy a wagon, or maybe a pony.

Turn 8
Valeros – BoG
Soldier – Melee = D10+3 = 6 = fail

Looming over the corpse at his feet and catching his breath, Lem considered how best to loot this thing.  He had seen Valeros come away with some pretty sweet stuff, and it didn't look too hard.  This thing barely had anything resembling clothing.  Well...maybe it had eaten something worthwhile?  He took a small knife and begun to cut, when the things stomach burst open!  Rats poured out from it, swarming in all directions.  Lem was seriously tired of this crap.  He took his frustrations out on the rats in the form of electricity from his fingers.  Worst. Day. Ever.

Turn 9
Lem – B of Erastil
Exchange detect magic for lightning touch
Cure self = 2
Recharge = fail
Rat Swarm = lightning touch + Valeros = D10+1 +2d4 + d4 = 12 = success
Recharge fails

Valeros had given up trying to find his partner.  If he knew anything about halflings, he knew that Lem would find his way back eventually.  Still, he saw a man in the distance, and decided to call out to him.  The man started and turned, clearly surprised by Valeros.  Upon eyeing the walking weapon rack that was Valeros, he turned and began to run.  Valeros sighed and heaved a longsword at the man.  Why was everyone so afraid of him all the time?

Turn 10
Valeros – B of Erastil
Bandit – Melee + Reveal and recharge Longsword = D10+3 + D8 + D6 = 23 = success
Dex to close location fails

Lem, tired, angry and alone, began trudging his way back across the bridge.  Where the hell was Valeros?  Looking back behind him, he saw another shambling man coming towards him.  Could this day get any worse?  He channeled his frustrations into his fingertips and unleashed it upon the zombie that approached him.  It went down with a splat, right on top of its counterpart.

Turn 11
Lem – B of Desna
Plague Zombie = Inflict + Valeros = D10+1 + D6 + D4 = 14 = success
Recharge fails
Close location due to no more cards = Dex + BoG = D8 + D8 = 3 = fails

Valeros looked back at the bridge one last time.  That thing is seriously unsafe, he thought.  I should do something about it.  He shrugged and cut the ropes that held it upright.  There, he thought, that should ensure no one gets hurt.

Turn 12
Valeros – B of Iomedae
Dex to close = D8 = 8 = success

Lem almost shed tears as he turned back to the bridge.  Some asshole had cut the ropes!  Who would do that?!  He looked around, noting that the only way back to the village was through the surrounding forest.  He hated the forest.

As he neared the trees, he saw a very nice-looking longbow resting against a rock.  Awesome, at least something was working out for him.  He picked it up and tested the string.
"Hey, what gives man?  I go behind the tree for one minute, and you think it's OK to take my stuff?!"  A man emerged from the wood, and he looked mighty pissed.
"Umm..." Lem had to think quickly. What would Valeros do? Ah, right.  He set the bow down, retrieved his sling, and sent a rock into the mans head.  Wow, that was a surprisingly simple resolution to things.  No wonder Valeros took that route most often.

Turn 13
Lem – B of Iomedae
Woods
Longbow – Dex = 5 = success
BoG explore
Bandit = Reveal and discard sling + recharge archer = D8+D6+D4+D4 = 10 = success
Wisdom to close +Bog = 2D6 = 3 = fail
Lem draws his last card, but he's not out yet!

Valeros had reached the farms that surrounded the town, and saw a man working in the field.  Maybe this guy might have some information.
"Excuse me, sir, do you know anything about bandits?"
The man looked around, and promptly fled into the field.  Is this just how everyone reacts to questions around here? Valeros sighed, and heaved his newfound quarterstaff like a javelin towards the man.

Turn 14
Valeros – B of Gorum
Farmhouse
Sneak – Discard light crossbow – Melee + Reveal and discard quarterstaff = D10+3 + D6 + D6 = 18 = success

Lem wandered through the forest.  He hated the forest.

Turn 15
Lem – B of Gorum
Nothing

Valeros looked over the body, noting a flask.  He opened it and smelled.  Water?!  Why doesn't anyone carry alcohol, like a normal person?  He threw the flask aside.

Turn 16
Valeros – B of Gorum
Holy Water – fail

Lem was seriously lost now.  He REALLY hated the forest.

Turn 17
Lem – B of Gorum
Nothing

The flask that Valeros had thrown had caused a cry of pain from the fields.  As Valeros moved closer to investigate, he felt his limbs start to move uncontrollably.  He heard a faint music, but could not move himself to find the source.  He slapped himself out of it and resolved to get back to town as quickly as possible.  He needed a drink.

Turn 18
Valeros – B of Erastil
Satyr – Dex = D8 = 8 = fail = 1 damage

Was, was this the BRIDGE?!  How did Lem end up back at the bridge?!  This day sucked.

Turn 19
Lem – B of Desna
Move to Bridge
Bury burglar to recharge cure using bridge closed ability

Valeros saw a strange creature moving in the distance as he neared town.  Lem had been ranting and raving about some seal shark thing that had attacked him yesterday.  Could this be that creature?  Valeros used his longsword to investigate further, but the creature was...resistant.  It slapped him around and waddled away.  Oh hell no, that did not just happen.  Valeros picked himself up and charged after the creature.

Turn 20
Valeros – B of Calistria
Lem Cures himself = 2
Recharge success
Valeros explore – Bunyip = fail wisdom = Melee + Reveal longsword + D10+3 + D8 = 7 = fail = discard mattock and magic leather

Meanwhile, Lem descended once again into that dreadful forest.  As he did so, he could feel eyes on him.  He had had enough of this for one day.  Time to take his bad mood out on whatever was watching him.  A stifled cry of pain sounded as a goblin fell from the trees.  Lem considered looting the body, but then recalled what his last experience in looting had taught him, and moved on.

Turn 21
Lem – B of calistria
Woods
Goblin commando = 1 ranged damage = amulet of life
Recharge success
Inflict = D10+1 + D6 = 13 = success
Recharge success

Valeros ran after the...whatever this monster was, and plunged his sword deep.  After he was satisfied that the thing was no longer breathing, he carried on his way.

Turn 22
Valeros – BoG
Lem Cure = 5
Recharge fails
Valeros explore – Bunyip – fail wisdom – Melee + reveal longsword + BoG = D10+3 + D8 + D10 = 19 = success

Lem moved deeper into the woods.  As he did so, he could hear something that sounded like thunder in the distance, drawing closer.  What was that smell?  It was a nutty smell, slightly tinged with rancid, oh no, was it more zombies?  Lem prepared himself as the sound drew ever closer.  What emerged from the trees was a horrifying creature unlike any he had seen.  A zombie giant.  He summoned everything in his being, and struck the monstrosity down with a blast of lightning.  Nope, this day could not get worse.  Could not.

Turn 23
Lem – BoG
Zombie Giant – Lightning Touch + BoG = D10+1 + 2d4 + D10 = 18 = Success
Recharge fails

Valeros saw another man in the distance.  Preparing his longsword for another throw, he called out.
"Excuse me, know anything about bandits?"
The man turned, eyeing Valeros up and down.
"Yep, need one?"
Well, that was an unexpected reaction.  Hmm, maybe this bandit could prove useful to the investigation.  He could always murder the man later if he needed to, he supposed.  Sheathing his sword, he approached.
"I sure do, pal.  I sure do."
"Great, well there's plenty of stuff here to steal.  Here check it out."  The man said, as he handed Valeros a spyglass.

Turn 24
Valeros – BoG
Burglar – Diplomacy = D6+2 = 6 = success
Discard standard bearer explore
Spyglass = Wisdom + BoG = 6 = success
Discard spyglass to reveal Warhammer and treasure map

Lem backed away slowly from the zombie giant.  He could see movement in the things stomach, and his mind flashed back to the rats from before.  No way, there could not be that many rats in there.  Well, he was right, because as he thought this, a horde of skeletons burst forth from the thing like the result of some horrific zombie c-section.  Lem ran screaming, shooting energy at them as he did.  He broke from the trees, spotting a farm in the distance.  Maybe he could hide there!

Turn 25
Lem – BoG
Skeleton Horde
Lem – Inflict = D10+1 + D6 = 16 = success
Recharge success
Valeros – Melee + Reveal Longsword – D10+3 + D8 = 6 = fail = 2 damage = recharge chainmail to reduce by 2

Valeros saw Lem  through the spyglass.  Running them and screaming like a lunatic.  What the hell had gotten into that little guy?  From the trees behind Lem, Skeletons emerged.  A lot of skeletons.  Valeros handed back the spyglass to his new companion and braced himself.

Minutes later, Lem was panting at Valeros' feet as he surveyed the carnage.  Bones lie scattered in all directions, and Valeros was covered in bone dust.  He snatched a Warhammer from the pile of debris, and tapped Lem on the head with it.
"Come on, lazy, can't be sitting around all day like this."

Turn 26
Valeros – B of Shelyn
Warhammer – D10+3 = 8 = success

The bandit was kind enough to share a map with them that showed a treasure buried nearby.  Lem followed the map, and was pleased to find a blast stone in the nearby field.  As he held it in hand though, he began to hear strange music coming from the fields.  He didn't like the sound of that one bit, and ran back to join Valeros and their new companion.

Turn 27
Lem – B of Irori
Farmhouse
Treasure Map – Knowledge + recharge sage = 2d6 + 3 = 12 = success
Reveals Blast Stone and adds it to hand
Discard archer to explore
Satyr – Dex + BoG = 2D8 = 8 = fail = discard longbow

Lem relayed to Valeros what he had heard in the field, and Valeros' brow grew dark.  Damn hippies playing their music in these poor farmers' fields.  Not on his watch!  He walked towards the field with flint and tinder, lighting it on fire.  That would teach those pesky trespassers.

Turn 28
Valeros – Bo Torag
Satyr – Dex + BoG = 2D8 = 14 = success

Lem stared at the fire in disbelief.  If he hadn't already been assaulted by zombies, rats, giants and gods knew what else today, he had half a mind to report this incident to the Sheriff.  As it was though, he was just really tired.

Turn 29
Lem – BoG
Woods
Masterwork tools – Dex + BoG = 2D8 = 5 = fail

Valeros watched the field burn as the sun set behind him.  Man, it was beautiful.  These townsfolk would definitely congratulate him for this.  This must be why people liked these small towns.  You really feel like you can make a difference.  As he mused on this, a man and goblin ran out of the fire, on fire, straight towards him.  The man, stopped immediately upon seeing Valeros, and threw his goblin companion at him.  Valeros swung his longsword, cleaving the creature in two in midair.  They should make a sport of that, he thought.  He would certainly be pretty good at it.  His attention eventually drifted back to the man, who was now a distant speck on the horizon.  Well...shit.

Still, it had been a pretty good day.

Turn 30
Valeros – BoGorum
Jubrayl –
Lem attempt close = fail
Valeros – reveal and recharge Warhammer + Melee = 15 = Success
Defeat monster to close = Goblin commando = recharge chainmail = reveal and recharge longsword + Melee = D10+3 + d8 + d6 = 14 = success

Postgame Thoughts

Whew, man this scenario is rough.  Poor Lem just got accosted left and right.  With only one weapon, it makes it something of a challenge to do so much combat with him.  I don't feel comfortable putting more than two attack spells on him, as I need room for Cure.  Detect Magic is admittedly not as useful as I would like in a 2-player situation, though, so that will probably get dropped soon.

I don't know what I would have done without the wooden bridge closed ability.  It was the only way I could get Cure back into Lem's hand there towards the middle of this scenario.

Also, I hate the Satyr and Bunyip.  Really, really hate them.

Cop and a Half: Episode 1 - Brigandoom

Day 1

Valeros hated this assignment already.  As though being a cop in times like these wasn't hard enough, the Magnimar chief of police had reassigned him to some village called Sandpoint.  To top it all off, his new partner there was a rookie.  The chief had mumbled something about Valeros' excessive drinking and chastised him for carrying around 4 swords and a spear at the same time.  The chief obviously didn't understand that weapons tended to get stuck in things, and that drinking helped Valeros obtain information on the low-lifes in Magnimar.  Whatever, he thought, how bad could Sandpoint be, anyway?

Starting Deck
Longsword x4 Longspear
Chainmail x3
Crowbar
Mattock
Crow
Standard Bearer
Blessing of the Gods x3

Lem chuckled to himself softly as he leaned back in Sheriff Hemlock's chair.  This was going to be the sweetest job he could have imagined.  Free room and board, free booze, yes sir, this was the life.  Nothing ever happened in Sandpoint outside of the occasional fire or serial killing.  Lem was in the lap of luxury, and he hadn't even met his new partner, some girl named Val.  This was going to be sweet.

Starting DeckSling
Amulet of life
Caltrops
Sage
Burglar
Guide
Lightning touch
Cure
Inflict
Detect magic
Blessing of the gods x5

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Sheriff Hemlock stepped through, followed by a very surly-looking human carrying way too many weapons.
"Lem, I have told you a hundred times, don't sit in my chair!"  Hemlock said, Glaring at the halfling.  "I want you to meet your new partner, Valeros.  There's been reports of robbers, out at the farmhouses on the edge of town, and I want you to go to investigate.  Should be a good chance for you two to get to know each other, and you can show him around the city."

"Valeros?" Lem thought, "This isn't turning out like I thought at all."  He sighed and led the way to the farmhouse.  Valeros said nothing, and Lem wasn't going to push the issue.  Anyone who needed to carry all that crap around was clearly compensating for something.  As they approached the farmhouse, Lem could see shadows moving in the fields.  He stopped and motioned to the fields, Valeros nodded.  He too could see the movement.  Lem crept closer.

Lem leapt back as the shadow emerged from the field and reached for him.  What was this thing?!  As Lem was frozen in horror, a sword emerged from the chest of the creature.
"Do something!" Valeros shouted, as the shadow wrenched itself free of the blade.
Lem instinctively incanted a very basic spell, closed his eyes, and reached for the creature.  Sounds electricity filled the air, along with the stench of ozone.  As Lem slowly opened his eyes, the creature was gone.

Turn 1 – Blessing of iomedae
Lem
Farmhouse
Explore: Shadow
Blessing + Lightning Touch + Valeros = 2d10+1+3D4 = 17 = success
Recharge lightning touch = success
Detect Magic – reveal locked passage
Recharge fail
Reset hand

Valeros had to admit it, this halfling wasn't completely useless.  I mean, sure, he looked like he was going to wet himself when he saw that Shadow, but at least he managed to pull himself together in the end.  What a Shadow was doing at a farm, Valeros had no idea, but his curiosity was piqued.
 

Turn 2 – Blessing of Torag
Valeros
Recharge mattock on Locked Passage
Strength + melee + Lem recharge blessing = D10 + 3 + 1d4 = 9 = success
Reveals dagger, puts it on the bottom
Discard blessing to explore – Sneak
Fail wisdom check – discard crow – buried due to farmhouse
Reveal and recharge longsword + melee = D10+3+D8+D6 = 13 = success
Reset hand

Valeros took long strides toward the nearby barn.  It was locked, but fortunately, he was always prepared.  He removed a Mattock from his pack and struck the lock, breaking it easily.  Inside was a man in a dark cloak, who nearly fell over himself to get away from Valeros, dropping a dagger from his hand.
"Who are you?!"  The man cried, as Valeros unsheathed his longsword and strode towards him.
"I'm your worst nightmare", Valeros said coldly, as he plunged his longsword into the man's stomach.

"Umm..." Lem said as he entered the barn, looking in horror at the man dying at his partners feet.  "Shouldn't you have questioned him or arrested him or something?"  Valeros laughed to himself and wiped his blade on the dead man's shirt.  Rookies, he hated rookies.

Well, it wouldn't do to let this dead guy go to waste, Lem thought.  He leaned over the man and found a couple vials of liquid in a pouch.  Might come in handy, especially if it's booze, he thought to himself as he pocketed them.  A noise behind him made him spin around.  It was another man, dressed similarly to the one lying on the ground at Lem's hairy feet.

The man's eyes went wide as he surveyed the gruesome scene and he turned to run.  Lem wasn't about to let that happen though, as he channeled the energy of the whiskey he had drank this morning and unleashed it as powerful dark energy.  The man dropped lifelessly to the ground.  Valeros grunted in satisfaction.  Lem had had enough of this barn though, and walked through the doorway, stepping carefully over the freshly dead bandit.  Sudden pain nearly knocked him unconscious as a powerful blow hit the back of his skull.  As his vision slowly returned, Lem saw a truly strange creature shuffling away from the farm.

Turn 3 – Blessing of Irori
Lem
Potion of glibness –int =  D6 = 5 = success
Discard blessing to explore again
Potion of vision – Int = D6 = 6 = success
Discard blessing to explore again
Archer – Diplomacy – D10+3 = 8 = success
Discard archer to explore again
Bandit
Recharge Pot of Glibness, draw Cure from Scenario ability
Cast inflict + Valeros power = D10+1+D6+D4 = 12 = success
Fail recharge
Attempt to close – fight random monster
Bunyip – fail wisdom check, difficulty D10
Stength + Valeros = 2D4 = 6 = fail = 3 damage
Reset hand

He turned to Valeros to see that he hadn't even noticed, he was too busy playing with some glasses he had found on the man Lem had killed.  As the glasses broke easily in Valeros' hand, he frowned, and dropped them to the ground.  Looking up at Lem, he said, "Cmon, stop sitting around.  let's go see the owner of this place, he has some explaining to do."

Turn 4 – blessing of Torag
Lem cures himself = 1d4+1 = 4
Fail recharge
Valeros – Eyes of the eagle = Lem recharge + Wis = 2D4 = 4 = fail

Lem knocked on the door of the farm, and it swung open easily.  Inside, there were obvious signs of a struggle.  As he entered the doorway, he was hit in the side of the head from something foul, and on fire.  Lem had had enough of this crap.  He pulled out his trusty sling and fired a stone in the direction that the flaming projectile had come from.  A cry of pain resulted, and a goblin fell from it's hiding spot in the kitchen.

Turn 5 – Blessing of the gods
Lem – Goblin commando deals 1 damage to Lem - reveal + discard Sling + Valeros = D8 + D6 + 2d4 = 9 = success
Reset hand

Valeros stepped over to the goblin.  "Nice shot." he said as he reached down and took a dagger from the corpse.  Could never have too many weapons.  He looked up to see a very angry looking woman in the doorway.  She began chanting and waving her arms around in patterns.  Valeros was unimpressed.  He walked towards her, longsword ready.  He barely noticed the wounds opening on his flesh from invisible claws.
"That all you got, lady?"  He said as he brought his sword down, cleaving her in two.  Taking a deep, satisfying breath, Valeros turned to his partner.  "This house...is clear."

Turn 6 – Blessing of Gorum
Valeros explore – Dagger = D8 = 6 = success
Summon and defeat monster
Echantress – bury  armor to avoid damage – Melee + reveal and recharge longsword = D10+3+D6+D8 = 24 = success, takes one damage at the end
Location closed
Reset hand

The sun was setting, and Lem relaxed on the waterfront, watching it set.  Today was probably the craziest day he could imagine.  I mean, he had his first assignment, met his psychotic new partner, killed and looted some bandits, and got his butt kicked by some crazy seal shark creature that was mysteriously at a farm that had been taken over by a goblin and his magically powered human lover.  Or something.  It was wild, but at least he survived, he supposed.  He turned and saw a small dog coming his way.

"C'mere boy!" He said, patting his knee.  A dog could probably come in handy in their investigation!  As it came closer though, Lem squinted his eyes against the setting sun.  Something was wrong here, and this dog didn't look quite right.  He began to run.  As he did so, the dog began to chase him, spitting fire at Lem as he did so.  Lem hated this assignment already.

Turn 7 – Blessing of Erastil
Lem moves to waterfront
Explore - Hellhound – gets ass kicked
Group runs away

Postgame Analysis

This was my first two-player session of the game.  All of my other plays have been with a 6-person group.  The game plays very differently based on the number of players, so I found myself learning some important lessons this game.

First and foremost is that you simply cannot burn cards to explore every turn.  With two people, you have to make each deck last potentially 15 turns, and there's no way you can do that if you're burning cards every turn to explore.  Patience is the name of the game here.

Secondly, combat is a lot harder without the backup I'm used to expecting from party members in the form of blessings, spells and powers.

At any rate, I hope you enjoyed this first session.  I have a couple more to write up that I should be posting here soon.  See you then!

 

Earth-1874 All-Star Comics #2

All-Star Comics #2

Fall, 1942

The All Star Squadron had participated in Operation Torch, designed as an Allied invasion of North Africa via amphibious assaults at Casablanca, Oran and Algiers.  It had been a bloody conflict on both sides, but All Star Squadron had made it through the fighting intact.  They had supported the British and American troops in battles all along the coast, and the rumors of superheroes on the front lines spread to Axis and Allied forces alike.  Many of the troops had heard of the mystery men that now patrolled their streets back home, but few had ever seen one in the flesh.

For the Axis soldiers, to see a man take a tank shell and remain standing against them was enough to shake their resolve.  Most of the Allied troops were just thankful that these costumed heroes were on their side.  All Star Squadron had the Vichy defenders on the run as the Allies pressed inland.   Their weapons seemed useless against a squadron of men and women who could fly, cast magic, or move with superhuman speed.  As a result, many of the defending soldiers had abandoned their positions at the mere sight of these heroes.  

And so it was that the reputation of All-Star Squadron had begun to grow and spread to friend and foe alike.  The inspiring sight of Captain America’s shield or the Crimson Avenger’s signature red trench coat was enough to bolster morale in a way that few things could.  Many of the allied soldiers who had been fighting in the early stages of the war wished that these superheroes had shown up earlier, but were grateful nonetheless.  For now, heroes and soldiers alike were camped in the port of Algiers, awaiting further orders.

*********************************

Captain America laid the map down on the table that rested in the middle of the dining room.  Allied officers had turned one of the least-destroyed buildings in Algiers into a War Room.  It was here that the missions to push into Tunisia were being planned.  A few kerosene lanterns lit the otherwise barren room.  Most furniture and other goods had been destroyed or looted in the battle.  The chatter of distant gunfire sounded in the distance, but otherwise, things were quiet.

“Orders from the top, lady and gents.  Direct from General Ryder himself.”  He let that sink in for a moment as he regarded the team he had assembled.  Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman stood before him, in full costume as always.  “He wants me to lead a small strike force into the port of Tunis to gather intel and sabotage the emplacements there.  You’re my strike force.”

“Good, I was starting to get bored.” Wonder Woman said with a half-smile.  Out of the entire squadron, she was always the most eager for combat.  Namor came in at a close second, but Steve didn’t entirely trust the ousted Atlantean king to follow orders.  Namor’s temper was outmatched only by his arrogance.  Yes, Wonder Woman was definitely a better choice any potential combat they might run into.

Batman stooped to get a better look at the map.  “This is the central port for all of Tunisia.  I wouldn’t be surprised to find heavily fortified.  It makes sense that they would send a small force before the main strike.  Do you mind, sir?”  He gestured at a pencil on the table.  Steve waved his hand, and Batman immediately began drawing on the map.  “I would expect emplacements here and here, with possible snipers here.  If we enter through this channel, we should be able to sneak through undetected.”  The kid’s mind was a steel trap, and Steve had to admit that he loved watching him in action.

“Great, there’s our entry point settled then.  The defenders should be Vichy troops like those we've encountered so far.  Intel says that, so far, the krauts have left them alone.  We can expect that to change soon, which is why we need to hit Tunisia fast.  We’re heading out in a small patrol boat tomorrow at oh-four-hundred.  The boat is going to drop us a few miles off the coast, and we’ll swim the rest of the way there.  Any questions?”  He looked from the map to his team. “Dismissed.  Get some rest before we leave.”

The team left the room, but Superman lagged behind.  “Something wrong, Kent?” Captain America looked at the boy as he slowly turned to face him.  Superman had quickly lost his taste for adventure and excitement once he saw real war.  It was something that happened to most, if not all the men in time.

“No, sir, nothing’s wrong.  I guess...I guess I’m just not sure why you chose me for this mission.”  Superman’s eyes rose to meet the Captain’s, and Steve could see the uncertainty in them.

“You have incredible abilities, and you’re a natural leader, you just don’t know it yet.  That’s why I chose you.” He paused and crossed the room until he was face to face with Superman. “You may not like what you’re doing over here, and I can’t say I disagree with you, but we’re doing it for the right reasons.  People with our abilities have a responsibility to use those them for the benefit of others.  There’s no question that the people we’re fighting represent pure evil, and if we don’t stand up and fight against it, we don’t deserve the gifts we've been given.  That’s what I believe, anyway.”

Superman’s face brightened slightly and he nodded.  “Thank you, sir.” He then turned and went out into the war-torn streets of Algiers.

  ********************************

The waves crashed against the port with incredible force as early morning rain pounded down along the coast of Tunis.  The water was freezing, but the swim to shore was easy enough.  Captain America and his team crouched behind the rocky outcroppings of the port.  Batman and Superman put their capes on, having taken them off for the long swim.  Wonder Woman took a moment to take in their surroundings.

Even in this early morning hour, the port was alive with activity.  Captain America could see the outlines of several patrols moving around the port, while workers and technicians moved gigantic crates from ships in the port.  There were more troops here than he expected.  That was fine with him, that’s why he had brought the best.
“OK, Wonder Woman, you create a distraction down on the beach while we move up into the port.  We need to find out what their loading, and trash anything we can along the way.  Once we've done enough damage, we meet up back here and head for the boat.  Clear?”  His team nodded and moved out.

Batman, Superman and Captain America clambered up the rocks to the port itself while Wonder Woman went around the rocks to the beach.  As soon as Captain America crested the rocks, he could see a patrol about fifty feet away.  Between the darkness and the rain, they would have plenty of cover.  He waved his team up and began a low run towards one of the crates that littered the port.  Prying it open with his shield, he was confronted with what looked like a giant metal arm.  Some kind of robot, maybe?  He was about to inspect it further when a voice cried out “Achtung!”  followed by energy blasts directed at their position.
“Get down!” he yelled, and dropped prone.  Germans, robots, and laser weapons...this mission was definitely not going according to plan.

Wonder Woman heard the firefight above in the port, and ran down the beach.  Another squad of German soldiers were there, and they were moving to attack her team.  She charged into them, knocking several aside.  She continued her assault, not allowing the troops to recover.  They began to scatter in all directions, panicked.  She hoped it was enough to help the rest of her team.  She chased those that fled towards the port, hoping to stop them from joining the assault.

Captain America picked up the crate containing the robot arm, using it as a mobile cover.  With any luck, the krauts would do some damage to it along the way.
“That’s far enough, Captain.” a female voice sounded behind him.  He spun and saw a woman with a pistol leveled at him.  Her accent was vaguely European, but he couldn't place it.
“Sorry, lady.  No time to chit-chat.” he said, throwing the crate at her.  She screamed as the crate hit her in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground.  Batman was there as she fell, delivering a chop to her neck that took her out of commission.

“You may have taken down Viper, Captain America, but you will find that Johann Schmidt is not so easy to stop.” Captain America turned to see a man in a long German trench coat.  He had an entire squad behind him.  “Fire!” The man yelled and Captain America was showered with laser blasts.  He staggered back, finally raising his shield to deflect further assault.  These new weapons packed a punch, that was for sure.

Wonder Woman had nearly reached her team.  She could see Captain America crouched behind his shield as laser fire poured down on him.  “NO!” She cried as she charged towards the Germans, but she quickly realized her mistake.  The laser fire turned on her, and she was sent tumbling down the rocky cliff, unconscious.  The fire then turned back to Captain America.

Fortunately, all of the German attention was focused on the Captain, which allowed Batman and Superman to flank their position.  Batman took down one soldier with a chokehold from behind while Superman punched another one into his comrade .  Even though they were taking the squad down one man at a time, it wasn't fast enough to save their Captain.  He was knocked backward onto the rain-slick port, unmoving.

Johann turned his attention to Batman and Superman.  “Fire at will!” he cried.  But it was too late.  Superman charged him, throwing a punch that knocked Johann ten feet away, and into one of his own men.  Incredibly, Johann picked himself up.  “A fine punch, Superman.  Perhaps if you survive this, I will give you one of my own.”  He turned and began to walk away as he commanded his troops “Finish them.”

The laser fire was too much for Batman, who went down in a single volley.  Superman, however, was just getting started.  He dove into the squadron, swinging in all directions.  The energy blasts from their weapons didn't seem to have much of an effect on him.  Within a matter of minutes, he had knocked them all unconscious.
“Couldn't...have done that...a little sooner?” Batman grumbled weakly as he picked himself up.
Superman was grateful to see that his friend was still alive.
“You help Wonder Woman, I’ll get Cap.” Superman said, “We need to get out of here.”

********************************

Days later, back in the Allied base in Algiers, Superman walked to the makeshift infirmary.  He and Batman were able to carry Wonder Woman and the Captain to the rendezvous point.  His team was recovering, but he felt awful that they had been hurt so badly.  Batman was right; he should have been faster.  If he was, he could have saved them all and stopped Johann as well.

Johann; intelligence said he was part of the fuhrer’s special Hydra Deep Science Division.  He was tasked with exploring new and experimental technology.  Those laser rifles they had been packing showed that he had been busy.  Superman was certain that this wasn’t the last that they would see of him.

Entering the infirmary, he saw his teammates resting in their beds.  Batman had a broken arm, Captain America several rib fractures, and all of them had third-degree burns from the laser weapons.  All of them but Superman.  Captain America smiled as Superman entered, nodding to him in greeting.  Superman walked to his bedside and knelt down beside it.  “Captain, I’m so sorry.  I’m sorry I couldn't save you all and stop Schmidt.”
“Son, you saved our lives, and we accomplished our mission.  Now that intelligence knows what the Germans have cooked up over there, we’re going to be better prepared next time.  You should be proud.”

Superman didn't feel proud, though.  He felt ashamed.  Angry.  Next time, he would do better.  He would be better.