DM Kathy Thursday February 12th, 2004 11:05:52 PM
Conner asks, but there is no back door. The group leaves by the front door, but the man they saw earlier is nowhere in sight.
(That being the case I'm assuming Arm stays with the group for a time; if that's not right let me know.)
You begin the walk back to Saddler's Row--a trip that takes you through a narrow street that might as well be an alley. Thanks to some sharp eyes in the group--those belonging to Uriel, Arm, and Conner--you see the band of thugs before you have actually walked into their ambush.
Their leader, a big human woman in blackened chain, stalks down the alley toward you. "You've been snooping where you don't belong," she says. "We're here to remind you that bad things happen when people don't mind their own business."
So saying, she pulls out a sap and begins coming toward you. Behind her are two more thugs, a half-elf man and a human man. They likewise pull out saps and advance.
Uriel, Arm, and Conner also see the two up on the roof, ready to jump down and join the fray.
Party's initiative. Combat map on the way.
Kadaz Friday February 13th, 2004 12:37:36 AM
Kadaz eyes up the thugs coming to deliver their message. "I'll decide what's my business" he growls as he pulls his flail out and swings it. He steps up in front of the advancing woman and swings to disarm
Kadaz d20+10=20 d20+4=21 d8+3=10 Friday February 13th, 2004 12:42:05 AM
(OOC. Sorry, hit the wrong button in the middle of my text.)
Kadaz eyes up the thugs coming to deliver their message. "I'll decide what's my business" he growls as he pulls his flail out and swings it. He steps up in front of the advancing woman and swings to disarm her (attack roll of 20). If she leaves herself open by trying to pick up the sap he will swing again at her, this time to do real damage (attack 21, damage 10).
Uriel d20+4=9 d6+3=4 Friday February 13th, 2004 10:16:58 AM
Uriel also steps forward quarterstaff in hand. He says, "This will not go well for you if you try to hinder us."
{If any more come forward to attack, or if the woman picks up the sap, Uriel will also strike. Hit AC:9 Dmg 4}
Arm d20=12 Friday February 13th, 2004 3:20:19 PM
Arm's eyes blaze as he catches sight of the half-orc on the rooftop....dark memories return from his childhood of their grinning piglike faces as they ravaged his village and obliterated his family...even half-orcs are not immune to his blind hatred of them.
He unslings his crossbow and prepares it, hoping to cause grievous damage to that member of (to him) the most hated race in existance... {initiative=12}
Conner (AC=17) d20+4=9 d6+3=7 Friday February 13th, 2004 5:42:00 PM
Conner watches the ambush unfold with a wry smile. It was not a well implemented ambush he thought to himself. Those on the roof would have no clear line of fire and the ground force had revealed it's intent far too early.
"On the rooftops" he warns the others, and tightens the grip on his shield. Conner prepares to defend their flank. If the human above should jump down he will immediately charge him with his shield (held action, Hit AC=9 for 7 dmg), otherwise he will use the shield to provide cover from any projectiles that might rain down from above.
Mira d4+1=5 Sunday February 15th, 2004 5:58:58 PM
The sorcerer steps forward next to Arm. "Steady my friend," she says to the bard. His rage is evident on his face.
Mira prepares one of her favourite spells, and if the half-orc on the rooftop looks like he will fire on the party she will unleash her spell.
(Held action-Magic Missile for 5 pts dmg)
Evan d20+6=16 d20+4=21 d6+3=4 Sunday February 15th, 2004 6:48:42 PM
Evan spots the two targets on the roof. (spot-16) He wiftly draws his long sword and a throwing axe. Without thinking about it, Evan moves to a position so that he can protect Mira if need be but he does not impede any attack she may choose. As the sunlight reflects off the flat side of Evan's longsword, he studies his opponents seeing that thier primary weapons seem to be saps, which are great if your opponent doesn't know your coming but has a much shorter reach than his longsword.
Evan's shift in position leaves him standing to the right of Conner and in front of Mira. Due to the shape of the building next to Evan, his move places him so that he has a fine shot at the man on the roof of the building to his right. Evan flips his throwing axe up at the man, striking him. (hit ac21 4 pts dam)
DM Kathy d20+8=15 d20+4=8 d20+1=3 d20+8=23 d20+8=13 d6=4 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 2d6(1+1)+8=10 2d6(5+1)=6 Sunday February 15th, 2004 7:54:01 PM
Kadaz lands a solid blow with his flail, and his opponent is unable to hold onto her sap. It falls to the ground with a soft fwup!. The woman curses under her breath and fades back to regroup (five-foot shift). Birdie, meanwhile, edges up behind her master.
The half-elf and human who had been behind her now step up, saps at the ready. Uriel swings at the half-elf with his staff, but the thug dodges the blow easily and counters with a swing of his sap. His attack, too, goes wide.
Meanwhile, his human pal flails wildly at Kadaz with his own sap, missing badly.
Arm fires a shot at the half-orc, but the bolt bounces harmlessly off the man's scale armor (Len, we don't use initiative rolls in Wold combat, so I used your 12 as your attack roll).
Evan hurls his throwing axe, striking the human on the roof and wounding him.
The two on the roof jump down to join the fray. The half-orc lands cleanly and immediately brings his sap smashing down on Uriel's head (10 points non-lethal damage).
The human lands awkwardly and lays for a moment in the street. He appears to be conscious, but between the fall and Evan's axe he is badly hurt. Conner clonks him with his shield; the thug's eyes roll up and he goes limp.
(Mira's readied action did not go off.)
Conner realizes the ambush was not so much badly planned as sprung too quickly--forced, perhaps, by the keen eyesight of the party. The trap was meant to be sprung once the party was past, or even with, the two who were on the roof.
This theory is all but confirmed by the late arrival of the two who were clearly supposed to seal off the exit. The human man and elf woman are out of breath and a little disorganized--but each is holding a sap.
Party's initiative. New combat map en route.
Mira Sunday February 15th, 2004 8:24:07 PM
Mira spins around, but doesn't step forward. She keeps her back close to Evan's so that no one will creep up on her and utters the words templa pilini releasing a missile of magical energy unerringly at the individual closing in from behind the party.
(Magic Missile aimed at H2. Damage as per last roll, or rolled again by DM, if re-roll required!)
Uriel d20+4=24 d20+4=24 d6+3=8 d6+3=4 Monday February 16th, 2004 2:12:41 AM
Uriel decides the stinking half orc requires immediate attention and swings his staff hard at him, striking him a solid blow to the body.
{OOC: AC:24 but natural 20 and on the confirmation another 20+4 - dmg is 12 points (8+4)}
"They are trying to seal the exit off - look out behind you!" Uriel says as he strikes.
Conner d20+5=10 d20+4=24 d20+4=24 d6+3=9 d6+3=7 d20+5=6 Monday February 16th, 2004 7:32:46 AM "Now this is more like it" thinks the fighter as he watches the thug's eyes roll back in his head.
If the half-orc still stands, Conner moves into a flanking position and attacks, first with his longsword to distract the brute [Hit AC=10]and then follows up with a vicious slam of his spiked shield to his opponents face. [Hit AC 24 (nat 20; critical) for 16 dmg].
If Uriel's attack has already dropped the half-orc, Conner will slide up the right flank and engage the thug (H3) attacking Kadaz [Hits AC=6].
Kadaz d20+10=21 d20+4=13 d8+3=11 d20+1=14 d20+2=11 d4+1=2 Monday February 16th, 2004 8:33:31 AM
Kadaz moves to his right to be directly in front of the human and swings to disarm him of his sap. (attack roll 21). If this is successful Kadaz will be on guard and ready to attack the human directly if given the opportunity (attack roll 13, damage 11).
Kadaz also yells to Birdie "Attack", the emotion clear in his voice (handle animal check 14) and the dog springs into action. Birdie moves up next to the human Kadaz is attacking and snaps at the man's leg (attack roll 11, damage 2).
Kadaz eyes the opposing force. He doesn't want to resort to bloodshed as long as they are using saps. But if it starts to go ill for his new friends Kadaz will have do drop his flail and unstrap the axe tied to his back.
Arm d20=18 d8=3 Monday February 16th, 2004 8:59:46 AM
Arm seems a bit perturbed at the fact that other people are attacking "his" target, but whirls about and fires a second bolt at the elf approaching from the southern end of the alley. {AC=18 dmg=3} {OOC: Sorry, Kathy, I misunderstood when you said "party initiative" in your previous post...I thought you meant you wanted us to roll...still can't shake the "old school"..LOL!!}
Evan d20+4=21 d6+3=5 Monday February 16th, 2004 8:28:00 PM
Evan palms his second throwing axe, watching as Kadaz, Conner and Uriel weave a dance in front of him. Unfortunately, this dance prevents him from being able to choose a target in front of him so he whirls so that he is standing shoulder to shoulder with Mira and flings the axe at the attacker coming up from behind.
(hit ac 21, 5 dam to H2)
DM Kathy d20+4=19 d20+9=17 d20+8=16 d20+9=24 2d4(2+2)+6=10 d20+2=3 d20+2=9 d20+4=15 d8=1 d20+5=14 Monday February 16th, 2004 9:14:25 PM
Mira whirls and unleashes her held Magic Missile. It strikes the human, who lets out a grunt of pain but remains standing.
Uriel clobbers the half-orc with his staff and the man goes down.
Conner walks up next to Kadaz and strikes out at the human. His sword stroke goes astray, but a particularly nasty bash from his shield lays the thug out flat.
Kadaz had intended to disarm the human, but Conner just laid him flat on the cobblestones, so Kadaz (I assume) turns his attention to the half-elf. Almost the thug manages to retain his weapon, but Kadaz's expert use of the flail knocks it free.
Unable to reach any currently active antagonists, Birdie barks and growls from her position behind her master.
Arm whirls and fires a crossbow at the elf coming up from behind, wounding her slightly.
Evan sends his other throwing axe at the same target Mira hit earlier, landing a solid hit.
"So, you want to play for keeps," snarls the human woman, who seems to be their leader. She leans down and picks up a guisarme. "We can play for keeps, too!" She hooks the guisarme around Conner's ankle and attempts to pull him off balance, then slash him when he's down. (Conner, make a Strength or Dex check--your choice--and beat a 16 or be tripped. If you're tripped take 10 points damage from the follow-up attack.)
The half-elf, deprived of his sap, draws two short swords and slashes at Kadaz. Both attacks miss.
The human at the back drops his sap and aims a crossbow at Mira. The bolt hits, but the wound is minor (1 point damage).
The elf likewise drops her sap and advances on Arm and Evan, drawing a longsword. She aims a strike at Evan, but his armor deflects the blow.
Shakka, who has been trying to catch up with the group since they left the inn, appears at the end of the alley and rushes in to help (I hope. Jeff is really busy at work these days, so we're not sure if he'll be able to post).
Shakka Zul d20=8 d20=3 Monday February 16th, 2004 9:46:09 PM
OOC: Sorry about the lack of posts everyone. Work has been crazy, and I have been babysitting my 1-year old at night. Anyhow, it's good to be back.
A look of relief and then concern washes over Shakka ebony face when he finally catches up with the band, but then realizes that they are surrounded and in some trouble.
Running full speed he witnesses the human that shot at Mira with a crossbow. He grits his teeth and attempts to jump kick the human in the back of the head (Stunning blow- 8). Upon landing, he goes into a quick spin, striking at the human with a back fist.
Uriel d20+4=22 2d6(3+6)+3=12 Monday February 16th, 2004 9:49:16 PM
"I wasn't playing for keeps before - but I will now," Uriel intones. He draws his greatsword and says to the half-elf with 2 swords, "You ignore me at your own peril." He follows his words with a strong thrust at the half-elf's torso. {Hit AC:22 Dmg:12}
Conner (AC=17, HP=12) d20+3=21 d20+3=22 d20+3=9 d8+3=6 d20+2=11 Monday February 16th, 2004 11:15:52 PM
Surprisingly nimble for one so large, the fighter deftly sidesteps the angry woman's attack. [Save vs Trip=21]
With a wide smile and tatoos glowing, the fighter swings at his attacker with his longsword, making the connection (Hit AC 21, for 6 dmg). He follows through with his shield (Hit AC 11) calling, "that was quick, woman, but not quick enough!"
Mira(AC 13, HP 9/10) d20+3=17 d3=3 Monday February 16th, 2004 11:36:41 PM
Mira grimaces as the bolt flys by, ripping the sleeve of her one good tunic. As blood slowly seeps into the fabric from the wound on her upper arm, the sorcerer's green eyes flash, and she raises her arm, pointing at the human who attacked her. With a cold, hard, look at her attacker, Mira utters the magical work, "Ostring" and a ray of frost shoots from her finger in the direction of the unfortunate.
Ray of Frost Hit AC 17 for 3 pts cold dmg - target H2
Arm d20+1=9 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 5:51:43 AM
Arm drops the crossbow, draws his longsword, and swings at the elf...unfortunately, due to his preoccupation with the proximity of the half-orc, his swing goes wide.
OOC: Kathy, does the masterwork crossbow do more damage than a standard one? I couldn't find a description in the PHB...if so, plz adjust the damage to the elf as you see fit. Thanks!
Kadaz d20+10=29 d20+4=23 d8+3=8 d20+2=16 d4+1=3 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 6:50:17 AM
Kadaz moves forward inside the reach of the guisarme and tries to knock it out of her her hands. (hit AC 29). "We're not going to scare" he shouts into her face as he puts his foot on the pole arm. Kadaz is ready to follow up with an attack on her if she isn't careful (hit AC 23, damage 8).
Birid follows Kadaz forward and turns to snap at the half elf attacking Kadaz's back (hit AC 16, damage 3)
Evan d20+4=13 d8+3=11 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 9:14:54 PM
Seeing Mira hit by the crossbowman fires off a cold anger within him. However, the elf has closed with him and must be dealt with before he can rejoin Mira. Evan lashes out at the elf, hoping that his anger will not cause him to misjudge his swing.
(hit ac 13, 11 dam.)
DM Kathy d20+9=13 d20+9=23 d20+8=22 d20+9=10 d20+2=16 d20+2=17 d6+2=5 d6+5=7 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 9:46:17 PM
Shakka comes charging at the human thug, aiming two quick blows which unfortunately miss. The man is forced, however, to turn his attention away from the more vulnerable Mira to address this new threat.
Uriel takes his greatsword to the half-elf, scoring a sound blow and wounding the man badly.
Conner lands a solid hit on the leader, although his follow-up with the shield goes astray.
Mira aims a Ray of Frost at the fellow with the crossbow, and manages to hit him even though he's in combat with Shakka. The thug appears badly wounded.
Arm takes a wild slash at the elf, but misses (Masterwork weapons do normal damage).
Kadaz succeeds in disarming the woman as Birdie sinks her teeth into the half-elf.
Evan aims a decent blow at the elf, but she ducks nimbly out of the way.
The leader retrieves her guisarme, which provokes an attack of opportunity from Kadaz. She grunts in pain as his flail connects, then steps back to give her weapon room. "Try me, little man," she sneers, and hooks the guisarme around one of Kadaz's ankles. (Kadaz, make a Strength or Dex check and beat a 22--don't forget dwarves get a bonus.) Her follow-up blow is weak and poses no threat to Kadaz's armor. (OOC for those interested in combat minutia: the rules say that when a character drops a weapon, it falls into that character's square. While this seems a bit absurd for a reach weapon, I took them at their word and determined that the leader could retrieve her guisarme. Picking up an object is a move-equivalent action, and does provoke an Attack of Opportunity, which Jeff was kind enough to roll in advance. But, she was still able to take a five-foot shift and make her normal attack. And since she has Improved Trip, she'll be able to follow up with a regular attack if she succeeds in knocking Kadaz down. Just demonstrating that I sort of know what I'm doing. :) )
The half-elf also takes a step back, then slashes at Kadaz with his short swords. His first blow is turned aside by Kadaz's armor, but the second one hits for 4 points damage.
Trapped against the building by Shakka, and clearly on his last legs, the human at the back (H2) drops his crossbow and flees (Shakka may take an Attack of Opportunity if he chooses).
The elf woman appears to be made of sterner stuff. She strikes at Evan again with her longsword, but misses.
Party's initiative...
Conner d20+7=15 d8+3=10 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 10:35:09 PM
While the woman attempts to trip Kadaz, Conner makes a move to slip behind her and assume a flanking position. He then swings out with his sword (Hit AC 15 for 10 dmg).
The fighter calls out, grunting from his effort, "Kadaz! Keep her between us!"
Mira d20+2=4 d4+1=5 Tuesday February 17th, 2004 10:59:32 PM
Mira takes a step backward and turns with her back to the wall of the building. She surveys the scene to see if any of the unconcious attackers show any sign of regaining conciousness,(Spot=4) but she is distracted by the she-elf embroiled with Evan.
Noticing that Arm is also ready to attack the female, Mira holds her spell. Should their adversary gain the upper hand, Mira is prepared to use a spell that never misses.
Held action Magic Missile for 5 pts dmg to E.
Uriel {AC:16 HP:2/12} d20+4=22 2d6(2+5)+3=10 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 1:25:20 AM
Uriel continues to press his attack, stepping forward to strike at the half-elf again. "You were warned," he says.
{Hit AC:22, dmg:10}
If he falls, Uriel will drop the sword and pull out his short bow. "Ask for mercy or be cut down where you are," he says to the female leader.
Shakka Zul d20=1 d20=15 d20=14 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 3:35:27 AM
Shakka can't clear the image of Mira getting hit by the crossbow bolt, so he attempts a spinning punch as the man runs past (AOO). However, as he spins he looses his footing slightly, which causes him to miss badly (1... fumble?).
Shakka then sets his sights on the elf with its back turned to him. He takes a 5" step in the direction of the elf... careful this time to properly balance himself before making his attack. Clearing his mind, Shakka thinks not of the result of his action, but rather the action itself... He snaps off two punches. This time with much better technique than before (15, 14)
Arm d20+1=7 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 5:52:04 AM
Arm swings again at the elf, but manages to miss yet again, his rage at the nearness of the half-orc still paramount in his mind....
Kadaz (HP 9/13) d20+7=17 d20+2=4 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 6:45:59 AM
Kadaz wavers as the hook of the guisarme snags his ankle. His arms flail about as he tries to maintain his balance but then the half-elf's sword bites into Kadaz's side. Kadaz instinctively moves away from the sword and that overcomes his efforts to remain on his feet. (strength check 17). He goes down hard onto the pavement of the alley.
"Trouble now" he thinks to himself. He knows full well what happens to those who lose their feet during a brawl. He tries to roll backwards, away from the guisarme and half-elf. If he can put just a little distance between him and the woman he may be able to stand up without being attacked.
Seeing his master coming at him Birdie moves sideways next to the alley wall. He then bites at the humans standing in front of him but misses. (hit AC 4)
Evan d20+4=14 d8+3=10 Wednesday February 18th, 2004 8:13:44 PM
Evan breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Mira's attacker go down, freeing him to pay more attetion to the elf in front of him. Evan strikes out once more, attempting to slash the elf. (hit ac14, dam. 10)
DM Kathy d20+9=18 2d4(2+2)+6=10 d20+9=26 d20+8=15 d20+9=27 2d4(3+1)+6=10 d20+5=24 d20+5=11 d8+2=7 Thursday February 19th, 2004 1:12:17 AM
(OOC, sorry this is late; I had people over this evening)
Connor attempts to slide around the leader to flank her. His move provokes an Attack of Opportunity; the leader slashes him with her guisarme for 10 points. His own stroke is deflected by the woman's chain armor.
Mira retreats a short ways, and holds a Magic Missile ready to hurl at the elf should the fight turn against the group.
Uriel drops the half-elf with one blow of his greatsword, then pulls his bow on the leader. (Note that if Conner stays where he is, any ranged attack on the leader will be at -4. Also, since H1 has reach, if you use the bow from where you are now you'll provoke.)
Shakka misses his attack on the fleeing human, so that one gets away. His attacks on the elf are better, but even while flanking they're not good enough to penetrate her armor.
Arm, too, misses the elf, clearly distracted by not having been the one to take out the half-orc.
Kadaz hits the ground and instantly realizes the percariousness of his situation. He takes a full round just to inch back a painstaking 5 feet. Standing up will have to wait until next round. Birdie slides over next to the wall, and moves forward to attack. (Ordinarily, this would provoke, but H1 already used her Attack of Opportunity this round). She misses, but she's now inside the leader's guard.
Evan strikes at the elf, but his stroke doesn't penetrate her armor.
"It is not I who should ask for mercy," the leader retorts, and hooks her guisarme neatly around Uriel's ankle. She attempts to trip him, then to slash him with a follow up attack. (Uriel, make a Strength or Dex check and beat a 15 or be tripped and take 10 damage from the follow up.)
The elf slashes again at Evan, and this time connects for 7 points damage.
Party's initiative....
Arm d20+1=21 2d8(8+8)+2=18 Thursday February 19th, 2004 5:13:30 AM
Perhaps comforted by Mira's words, Arm again swings at the elf, this time connecting solidly. {ac=21, dmg=18}
OOC: Woohoo!! max hit, max dmg....looks like I'm out of my slump!!! :-D
Shakka Zul d20=3 d20=7 Thursday February 19th, 2004 5:31:28 AM
Shakka remains on the elf's flank attempting to find a chink in her armor with a series of punches. Both fail to penetrate however.
Kadaz (9/13) d20+2=14 d4+1=3 Thursday February 19th, 2004 7:14:54 AM
This situation is getting extremely serious. Kadaz works his way to his feet and, as he does so, drops his flail to the ground. While glaring at the woman he reaches back and releases the ties that hold his war axe to his back. He grips the haft tightly and prepares to charge the leader.
Birdie is over excited and dancing back and forth in the alley. Hasn't been in a fight like this for a while and the smell of blood is overwhelming. He bites at the leader, trying to grab an ankle (hit AC 14, 3 damage).
Uriel d20+3=17 d20-1=14 d6=5 Thursday February 19th, 2004 10:51:05 AM
Uriel jerks his leg out from the hook of the guisarme {Check:17 - does this mean that the follow up attack does not work, or does it work anyway}
If the follow up attack succeeds, then Uriel drops down to the ground.
Otherwise, Uriel takes a five foot step back and fires his bow at the leader. (OOC:Not sure why the -4 for is in effect if Conner is behind the leader, but I also don't have my books here at work, Hit - AC:14 Dmg 5
Evan Thursday February 19th, 2004 7:31:42 PM
Evan gasps as a burning line of molten lava carves its way into his side. He falls back and drops to one knee, clutching his side tightly. With effort, he brings his sword up in a defensive postion.
(ac 19, hp 2/9)
Conner(AC 17, HP 2/12) d20+5=23(+2 Flanking)=25 d8+3=11 Thursday February 19th, 2004 8:06:26 PM
Conner grunts heavily from the impact of the guisarm and the pupils of his eyes contract with the pain. However, not one to give up the hard won advantage, he brings down his sword upon the woman (Hit AC 25 for ll points dmg).
(OOC: Aargh! It's Carla, posting for Bob, who is out of town. He'll phone tonight, but I don't want to hold up play. Can't find what to do about flanking dmg. Is it +2 as well?)
Mira Thursday February 19th, 2004 8:36:20 PM
From her position against the wall, the sorcerer can see that the dwarf and fighter are in a dire predicament. She aims her spell in the direction of the woman leader, and utters the magical words that release the magical energy.
Mira hopes they don't kill the woman, but she wants her knocked out. Later, when she's been disarmed, the party can question her.
(OOC: Magic Missile 5 pts damage to the female leader, or DM re-roll since new target chosen for held action.)
DM Kathy d20+9=11 d20+5=8 Thursday February 19th, 2004 9:08:31 PM
Arm finally lands a solid hit on the elf woman and she staggers from the impact.
(OOC: Everybody, a natural 20 is not an automatic critical in 3.5. If you roll a 20, you must then "confirm" the critical hit by rolling your normal attack again and beating the opponent's AC.)
Shakka Zul continues to strike at the elf, but his blows go wide.
Kadaz stands up and unlimbers his axe. Birdie tries to bite at the leader but can't penetrate her armor.
Uriel sidesteps the leader's attempt to trip him, then gives ground to try to shoot her. His shot bounces harmlessly off her chainmail. (She only gets the followup attack if she succeeds in tripping somebody; and may I say OOC, I'm soooo glad you made that check. :) )
Conner, still reeling from the blow, nevertheless manages to land a solid strike on the leader.
Mira follows almost immediately with the Magic Missile, and now the leader clearly badly wounded.
No taunting quip from the leader this time; she gives ground so that she's standing over one of her fallen companions, a look of grim determination on her face. She goes after Conner with the guisarme, but can't get the weapon to hook around his leg. (Gah! +9 to hit and she misses a touch attack. Gee whiz.)
The elf steps back away from Arm's deadly blade (five-foot step), and swings at Shakka. Her blow swishes past him.
Party's initiative...
Kadaz (9/13) d20+2=7 d4+1=5 Thursday February 19th, 2004 9:56:10 PM
Kadaz takes a quick look around and decides not to attack. He holds his shield up, ready to defend himself if attacked.
"You're surrounded and outnumbered" he says to the woman with the pole arm. "You were told to send us a message. We got it. Now, who sent you? Tell us and we'll let you go."
With Kadaz's attention focused on the woman Birdie takes the opportunity to bite at the unmoving human (H3) next to him (hit AC7, damage 5).
Conner d20+7=21 d8+3=7 Thursday February 19th, 2004 10:45:59 PM
Assuming he can move without provoking an attack of opportunity, Conner carefully steps to his right to be in a flanking position behind the leader of the bad guys, and opposite the paladin. At any sign of aggression from the woman towards his party, the fighter will bring his longsword crashing down. (Hit AC 21 for 7 dmg) Otherwise he waits for the woman to negotiate.
(Held Action)
Arm d20+1=20 d8+1=7 d20+1=4 Thursday February 19th, 2004 11:15:01 PM
Arm advances and presses his attack on the elf and again connects solidly {ac=20 dmg=7}
OOC: that last roll was to "confirm" my critical attack from the previous round, so obviously it wasn't critical damage...looks like I only did 9 pts dmg last round, but with this hit, I don't know if that matters or not...;-)
Shakka Zul d20=20 d20=20 d20=18 d20=7 Friday February 20th, 2004 3:17:09 AM
As the action continues, Shakka finds his movements becoming more fluid.
'Flow like the river', his master had said time and time again.
For the first time not only Shakka's mind, but also his body understood.
Rolling like a giant wave Shakka slipped past the elven woman, while going into a reverse spin which ended with a mighty jab with his staff, designed to crush the elven woman's windpipe (20 hit/ 20 critical/ 18 instant kill). Following through his spin, Shakka uses the other end of his staff to jab the elven woman again.
OOC: 5" step to one position below her. I believe this doesn't provoke an AOO. If it does, he will not move. I'm not sure if you play with the variant rule from DMG pg 28, but if you do... :)
Uriel d20-1=17 d6=5 Friday February 20th, 2004 5:20:28 PM
Uriel chooses to hold his action as well - {Hit AC:17 Dmg: 5} The bow creaks ominously under the pull of Uriels fingers. "Deliver your message now or we will cut you down."
Mira d20+3=17 Saturday February 21st, 2004 9:46:59 PM
Mira stays in place, her back against the wall. She is confident her friends will soon subdue their opponents. The sorcerer keeps an eye on the unconscious attackers, nervous that they might regain consciousness and re-join the fray. (Search=17)
Without looking away, she fumbles in her pack, and retrieves her silk rope.
Evan d20+4=15 Sunday February 22nd, 2004 11:33:04 AM
Evan remains kneeling but lays his sword down, keeping the hilt within reach. He tugs at the hem of his tunic, ripping it into long strips. Using the rest of the tunic as a pad, Evan attempts to bind the pad to the long gash in his side. (Heal-15)
DM Kathy Sunday February 22nd, 2004 10:04:13 PM
Kadaz, Conner, and Uriel hold their actions, waiting to see what the leader will do.
Arm scores another solid hit on the elf. She is badly wounded when Shakka hits her, and afterward she lays on the ground, unmoving. (OOC: I don't use the optional "instant kill" rule--which is just as well 'cause the bad guys would get it, too, and I'm pretty sure Uriel would be dead.)
Mira watches the fallen thugs intently, but they don't appear to be doing much of anything. Especially the one Birdie's chewing on.
Evan pauses to heal himself and manages to stanch the bleeding.
The leader hesitates, emotions clearly warring on her face, then she reluctantly brings her guisarme around to attack. Both Conner's and Uriel's readied actions go off, and the leader is cut down before she has a chance to make her strike.
You are left in the street with seven unconscious, dead, and/or dying thugs. It's an hour or so past midday, so you can expect the Guard to be here soon. Some of you are hurt. What's next?
Mira Sunday February 22nd, 2004 10:43:10 PM
With her rope trailing from her hand, Mira moves over to Kadaz, who appears sorely wounded. She offers him a vial, and says, "drink this*, it will have a restorative effect, and may staunch the bleeding."
The sorcerer looks over her shoulder to see how Evan, and the rest of the 'rear guard' are faring.
(*Potion of Cure Light Wounds-Sept. 29/03 L&B))
Shakka Zul d20=1 Monday February 23rd, 2004 2:07:14 AM
Seeing the woman lieing there, Shakka's battle trance is abruptly broken by the seeping spell that is guilt. Falling to his knees, Shakka kicks away her weapon and checks for vitals.
"Please don't die,"he whispers to himself hopefully, as he attempts to revitalize the elf (Untrained check= 1). Frustrated that is efforts seem to be having no effect, Shakka pleads to his companions.
"Please someone help the fallen. They may be evil-doers, but do they deserve to die?"
Arm d20+5=15 d8+1=3 Monday February 23rd, 2004 5:12:44 AM
Arm smiles grimly at Shakka's words, then says "One of them does.". After saying this, he advances on the half-orc and, not caring if it is alive or dead, confirms that latter by plunging his sword deep into it's repulsive face.
OOC: I'm unsure if rolls were necessary or not, but I did them anyway...:-)
Kadaz d20+1=20 d20+1=20 Monday February 23rd, 2004 6:05:36 AM
"Thank you very much Mira, but I am not as wounded as I look. I think you should save this for someone who is more injured."
Kadaz moves over to the leader and looks at her wounds. He pulls out a fancy looking thin seal and holds it up. "This is magical and will give us a chance to save these folks. We need someone to questions. Try to save them all. And then search them." Kadaz then opens the seal and gives aid to the leader. (heal check 20)
He happens to look sideways and notices Birdie gnawing on the leg of one of these thugs. "Birdie, stop that and come here." Birdie obediently stops his chewing and comes over to sit beside Kadaz. (handle animal check 20)
(Seal of Curing - This seal allows any and every character in the party to cast Cure Minor Wounds one time for a duration of one round as a standard action. This lets anyone stabilize a character who has fallen unconscious in combat.)
Uriel Monday February 23rd, 2004 8:13:33 AM
Uriel lowers his bow and shakes his head, overlooking the carnage, stopping at the troubador's defilement of the fallen half-orc.
He unstrings his bow and slings it. Picking up his greatsword he speaks to Arm, trying to catch his eye as he talks.
"By Domi's eyes, Arm. His face was already caved in from my staff. There is no need to mutilate the dead. We owe them at least that respect. Such rage is like a poison, it will destroy you if you do not bleed it out." Uriel wipes down his greatsword with a well-oiled rag and sheaths the sword across his back.
He steps up next to Arm and retrieves his fallen staff, putting his hand on Arm's shoulder. "If you ever need to talk in private of dark things, I will be there."
"For any that are unconscious that we save or revive - make sure you move their weapons out of reach."
Arm Monday February 23rd, 2004 9:15:31 AM
Arm turns to Uriel, and for a moment, his eyes once again blaze as they did when they first happened upon the half-orc. However, the anger subsides somewhat (but is not truly gone) as he says to him, "My friend, perhaps you know not what vile acts these creatures and their half-kin are capable of....it is because of this race that I lost everything I ever held dear as a child...my family, my friends, nay my entire life was torn asunder by them, but I was too young to do anything but hide like a cowardly dog...many a time during the three days of hiding following their attack did I think twice about hiding and wished that they had struck me down as well, but I swore on the graves of my village that, should I happen upon ANY of their vile species, either they or myself would not see the light of another day. I am sorry that my actions offend you so, but I shall not waver from my destiny. If you feel that I am as repulsive a beast as they, then pray strike me down now.". Saying so, Arm bows down on both knees, lowers his head, and offers his sword to Uriel should he wish to end Arm's life with it.
Uriel Monday February 23rd, 2004 9:42:48 AM
"Arm, you mistake my words, for I am a poor wordsmith with a bumbling tongue. I was indeed shocked by your actions, by their vehemence, but I understand all too well what holding onto that kind of guilt can do to you. And think about it Arm, this was only a half-orc, a mixed breed. He may have been as much a victim of orcs as you..."
Uriel tries to coax Arm back to his feet, ignoring the sword offered up to him. "Some oaths made with our heart's blood roaring in our ears, should be considered differently when reflected upon in calmer times. Only think on this, I do not deem to judge you, nor do I think your actions worthy of death."
Kadaz Monday February 23rd, 2004 10:42:24 AM
Kadaz growls at those philosophizing "Less talk, more action. The guard will be here soon and we need to be far away. Or have you forgotten what happened last time we were arrested?"
Arm Monday February 23rd, 2004 2:06:26 PM
Arm arises, then, after wiping the blood and offal on the clothing of the now VERY dead half orc, sheathes his sword, retrieves and shoulders his crossbow, then says to Kadaz, "I agree, my diminutive friend. I think it best we forsake the rest of the day's investigations for some much needed rest and healing. Let us return to the inn for some food, then to the cottage where we can plan tomorrow's strategy.". After a moment's reflection, he continues, "Do you think it wise to question those that are still alive and risk re-arrest, or shall we continue on?".
Conner (HP=6/12) d8+1=4 Monday February 23rd, 2004 6:28:03 PM
When Kadaz breaks the seal the fighter places his hands over the deep wound to his thigh and tries to stem the flow of blood (CLW=4). The wound continues to seep.
DM Kathy Monday February 23rd, 2004 9:46:17 PM
Mira offers Kadaz a healing potion, but he shugs it off. Arm finishes off the half-orc thug, to Uriel's distress.
(OOC everybody, in case it should come up again, when you coup-de-grace a helpless opponent, roll damage as if you had made a critical hit.)
Shakka attempts to tend the wounds of the fallen elf, only to find that she has been killed outright.
Kadaz has more success with the leader; she lives although she does not look as if she will awaken for some time.
Thanks to Kadaz's seal, Conner is able to heal himself 1 point (the seal granted Cure Minor Wounds rather than Cure Light Wounds).
The Guard will probably take another minute or so to get here, but so far none of the attackers shows any signs of returning to consciousness.
Conner Monday February 23rd, 2004 10:01:19 PM
Conner picks up the leader and lifts her to his shoulder. "Like Kadaz says, best to be on the move. Let's take this one with us and question her somewhere more quiet. The rest of you, search all of them and strip them of their weapons and armour." If the rest are in agreement, the fighter will stoop to pick up the leaders guisarme and head back towards the apartment.
Uriel d20+4=18 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 12:33:19 AM
"The leader should come with us - while we might look for clues on the others, we probably don't have time to strip all their weapons and armor."
{OOC: Uriel will do a spot check amongst the things on those bodies closest to him, Spot:18 or if it is Search then 15}
"Would you like some help with either the pole arm or the hostage? Perhaps the guisarme if you are interested in taking it," he suggests.
Shakka Zul d20=5 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 2:14:53 AM
Shakka's heart almost burst when he realized that the elf was dead. He had prepared himself for this day, but never would he have imagined that this is what killing felt like.
Falling to his knees Shakka began scanning the elf for anything of importance (5), but the urge to hurl made it difficult to concentrate.
Giving up on the search Shakka stood up, and pried his eyes from his first victim. Somehow he knew he would never be the same.
Arm d20+2=12 d20+2=19 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 5:14:49 AM
Arm looks at Uriel and says, "Since I am the least injured of us (actually UNinjured), I shall carry the weapon back until such time that someone decides to claim it or we sell it.". After that, he takes the weapon and begins scanning both ends of the alley until the rest of the group is ready to move out {search=12, spot=19}.
Kadaz d20+1=11 d20+1=15 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 6:12:57 AM
"Good. Search quickly and leave. But we must not look conspicious while carrying this leader through town. How do to that?"
"And does anyone have a detect magic spell? That would be helpful in searching what we are leaving behind?"
Kadaz moves quickly to the human that Birdie had been chewing on (H3) and searches him. (search 11, spot 15)
Mira d20+3=4 d20+2=17 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 7:34:32 AM
The sorcerer snaps out of her daze, as she stares at the prone bodies of their attackers. She is disconcerted by the fact that some of them are dead, having only intended to disarm and subdue them. She applies her hand to her arm, using Kadaz's gift to heal her wound.
At the dwarf's suggestion, Mira performs a perfunctory search of the nearest body (Search=4) before adding "pile what you find in one place, and I'll see if I can detect the presence of any magical auras."
Mira looks about nervously to see if anyone is coming,(Spot=17) before adding, "I would feel more comfortable examining any items in the safety of our home."
Uriel Tuesday February 24th, 2004 7:51:37 AM
"Arm, thank you for taking the guisarme." Uriel uses the cure to zap a point of subdual dmg back. {OOC: Since it was subdual damage, the rest will go away over the next 9 hours right? 9 points = curing one per hour}
Uriel suggests, "Kadaz, sometimes hiding in plain sight is best. People get hurt here all the time, we could use the cover story that we were ambushed and we are going to help out one who fell during the attack."
DM Kathy Tuesday February 24th, 2004 9:33:20 PM
Connor stands and lifts the leader, while Arm picks up her guisarme.
The others survey the scene, some with regrets for what happened here.
(I misspoke (mistyped?) before; one of the attackers fled so there are only six down in the alley.)
The thugs don't have much on them in the way of possessions. Aside from their armor and weapons, there are a few silver and copper coins, and that's about it.
The elf woman was killed outright, and the half-orc, of course, has been finished off. The human Birdie was biting has likewise expired, and it appears that the half-elf bled out while the battle was finished. Aside from the leader, then, only one of the human men is still alive.
From a distance, you hear the faint sound of shouted instructions and running feet. The Guard is approaching.
(OOC: yes, subdual damage heals at 1 point/hour. Uriel will be completely healed by tonight.)
Uriel d20+4=20 Tuesday February 24th, 2004 11:14:56 PM
{OOC: At least at first level - the rate was 1 per hour per level}
"Whomever sent these people against has much to answer for..." Uriel looks around at the others, "we must be making someone nervous. Let's hurry back so we can help our captive."
Uriel will take to the back of the group to see if anyone is trying to follow. {Spot:20}
Shakka Zul d20=5 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 5:42:51 AM
The sound of the guard breaks his trance.
"We should get out of here as quickly as possible", he says.
Shakka then looks left to right for a quick exit (Spot 5). After determining the best exit, he will move in full speed in that direction.
Kadaz Wednesday February 25th, 2004 6:18:14 AM
"Let's get out of here. And walk normally because running attracts suspicion." Kadaz bends over to wipe the blood off Birdie's jaw, then straightens his clothing, trying to hide the blood stains. He and Birdie start walking out of the alley, towards home.
Arm d20+2=7 d20+2=16 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 6:25:36 AM
Arm looks around as they prepare to move out, but a sudden wind blows some dust into his eyes, causing him to blink it away {spot=7}. Also, he is trying to determine from which end of the alley the sounds are coming from, so that they do not run headlong into the guard {listen=16}.
Conner Wednesday February 25th, 2004 5:12:43 PM
Conner follows Kadaz, the body of the unconcious leader slumped over his shoulder. He tries to be relaxed and unobtrusive.
"If anyone can use that healing wand, I would be thankful for some aid" the fighter directs his comments to the party as a whole. [OOC at 3 of 12 hp]
Mira d20+2=19 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 5:24:59 PM
The green-eyed sorcerer walks closely behind Kadaz and Conner, keeping a careful watch for trouble [Spot=19]. As she follows she rummages through her pack and withdraws the wand of Cure Light Wounds. "What about you bard?" she asks, "I've heard that some of your ilk can prepare healing spells. Are you able to use this wand?"
Uriel d8=7 Wednesday February 25th, 2004 8:42:31 PM
{OOC: Unless this has changed with 3.5, since the cure light wounds spell is on my spell list, I should be able to activate it... If Kathy agrees then:}
Uriel says, "I can activate the healing in the wand. Shall I use the wand on Conner." As long as no one disagrees, Uriel will use the wand on Conner's wound.
{OOC: Does the wand's spell activate at a certain level, if so, then the spell heals d8 + 1 per level up to +5 - heal does d8=7 + any wand caster level bonus}
DM Kathy Wednesday February 25th, 2004 9:20:01 PM
Carrying the leader and her weapon, you beat a hasty retreat from the alley. You are gone before the Guard shows up.
You get a few strange looks from people as you move through midday traffic carrying an unconscious person, but nobody stops you. You reach your lodgings without incident. On the way, Uriel uses the wand on Conner, healing 8 points of his damage.
(OOC: yes, both Uriel and Arm can use the wand. A standard Cure Light wand is at 1st-level strength, so it would heal 1d8+1.)
Shakka Zul Thursday February 26th, 2004 12:53:16 AM
Shakka begins to remove everything from the leader, except his clothing. He does a complete and careful search for weapons (take a 10?) and then asks if anyone has rope to bind his hands."
"Maybe now we can finally get some answers", he says.
Arm Thursday February 26th, 2004 5:46:49 AM
Arm turns to Mira and says, "may we borrow your silken cord for the time being?". Upon reflection, he adds, "then again, perhaps we should use regular rope, as she may slip out of the silken rope too easily.".
Uriel d20+2=18 d8+1=7 Thursday February 26th, 2004 9:35:01 AM
Uriel waits for Shakka Zul and Arm to remove any weapons and other equipment and to secure the leader. {OOC:The leader is a woman, Shakka - FYI}
Uriel says, "We should also bind her wounds and remove that arrow." {Heal check, I forget the skill level I have in this but it is at least 2 - Roll=18} Afterwards, "Should we use the wand to speeden her healing?"
If everyone is in agreement, then Uriel will use the wand again to cure her. {Wand Cure=7 points}
Kadaz Thursday February 26th, 2004 10:32:50 AM
"I will keep watch outside just in case we were followed and her friends try a rescue attempt." Kadaz picks up his axe and goes outside with a sharpening stone. He picks a comfortable spot to watch from and starts honing the axe blade. Birdie lies at his feet sleeping.
Mira d20+4=19+10 circumstance bonus +2 silk rope = 21 Thursday February 26th, 2004 6:00:22 PM
Mira looks over her shoulder, to see if Evan is okay, and following the party.
Back at the flat, she uses her silk rope to bind the leader (Use Rope=21) while others tend to her wounds. To Arm she responds, "actually, with this silk rope, I can tie a better knot." Grunting from the effort of manipulating the unconcsious woman, Mira adds, "Uriel, since you and Arm can best use the wand, why don't one of you carry it?"
(OOC: The wand of Cure Light Wounds had 20 charges at the start. Should have 18 (-1 for Conner, -1 for the captive.)
Conner Thursday February 26th, 2004 6:40:29 PM
After laying the leader of the thugs on one of the beds, Conner watches as the other's secure her arms and legs and search her. He takes a seat across the room and waits for her to be revived and ultimately questioned. "What have you found on her?" he asks.
LOG ON