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The Citadel

Forming the Fists

DM Zach
Monday August 5th, 2013 11:34:10 AM
First Regimental Command Headquarters, Thankasis Citadel, on the coast between Rhaedell and Ham City. Thankasis Citadel is equal parts awe-inspiring and foreboding. Its massive, impregnable walls made of dark granite stand on a sheer rock cliff overlooking the Defile's Channel. The Citadel, as it is most often referred to, is approachable only from the south, as all other sides of the Citadel end with a sheer 300ft drop into the Defile's Channel.

The outer portion of the Citadel was created with little more in mind than how best to utilize the defenders martial prowess against any invaders. It has high walls with numerous arrow slits, and many siege weapons mounted throughout. The interior is much more practical, balancing the needs for storage, sleeping quarters, and training areas as well as various areas to properly handle any diplomatic or strategic matters as they may arise.

This has been your home for the last 3 years. Each of you are in your own private room, much better than the open barracks you spent the first 30 months of training in, preparing for the Regimental formation in the Citadel's famed Hall of Heroes. You each have about 10 minutes until muster and it is about at 5 minute walk from the Graduates Rooms to the Hall of Heroes. Being days away from Graduation, this will most likely be the Formation of the Fists Ceremony!

---------------
Please describe your character and your actions. Also, please note you are expected to wear your Academy Dress Uniform to the muster. Typically students do not wear their weapons unless attending a training session that requires them.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper
Monday August 5th, 2013 12:06:18 PM
Cameron finished the final polish on his boots and slipped his feet into them. For a Halfling this would be absurd, to wear boots. But the Fist expected uniform ranks of soldiers, that and growing up with Uncle Morgan for more than half his life had made him appreciate shoes. There was nothing more painful than helping out at the forge and having a stray spark ignite the fur on top of your feet. It had hurt for weeks and all of the other dwarves wondered why he couldn't just man up and deal with it. Uncle Morgan had understood though. It wasn't so much the physical pain, but the thought that the fur might not grow back and he would lose just that much more of his heritage. But it did grow back, thick as ever and he had learned to appreciate boots and their protective qualities.
He checked himself in the small mirror in his room and liked what he saw. A dashing young Halfling with curly light brown hair, a pencil thin goatee and mustache framing his mouth, and a determined look in his deep green eyes. Today he would be named to his Fist more than likely, and he didn't want to be late. He smoothed his dress uniform and patted the small dagger tucked into the small of his back. Father would approve. He never went totally unarmed, even to bed or so Cameron had been told. Cameron grabbed the beret that was part of the dress uniform and dashed from his room eager to be on time for this muster.

OOC
No armor worn, dagger only and it is tucked in the small of his back, as concealed as he can make it. I took liberties with the dress uniform since I have no idea what it looks like. Cadets wear berets, right? hint hint, nudge nudge.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker"
Monday August 5th, 2013 12:40:00 PM
testing

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday August 5th, 2013 12:59:18 PM
Daemar, called "Tinker" by everyone, looks about the Graduates Room he was assigned and settles his shoulders looking at the job well done. Workbench with locks and manacles is dusted neatly. Bed made so you can bounce a copper piece off the taut blanket, chest of clothes neat with a place for everything and everything in its place. Armor stand with leathers, crossbow, bolts, and urgosh with a backpack already packed and only needing to be slung over a shoulder to move out.

He glances at the mirror of polished metal on the back of the door. A clean young dwarf warrior in Academy Dress Uniform looks critically back. Only the awful beret that looks like an overcooked pancake flopping on his head mars the overall effect. Flecks of rust streak his dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Yes, he looks like he's ready for anything! Tucking his personal lockpick set in his belt pouch with his other immediate odds and ends, he steps into the corridor, and has to wait until little Cameron the Halfling dashes past.

Tinker trots to keep up with the exuberant fellow, his mind considering the best way to get out of that most recent set of manacles...

...................

ooc: Tinker has on his person everything listed under his Explorers Outfit under Equipment in his PC Sheet.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday August 5th, 2013 1:09:31 PM
Pru finishes her braid at last, and ties it off neatly with a piece of unobtrusive black thread. She stands, smoothing her braid back over her shoulder where it falls past her hips. Her hair has never been cut.

She looks around her room, which, as usual, is neat as a pin and ready for inspection. All in all, her training with the Fist has been enjoyable. She's met some interesting people, and much of her time was spent in classrooms, learning to better understand and control her magic.

The physical training on the other hand--well, that had been a nightmare of rain and mud and people yelling at her. No matter how hard she'd tried, she just couldn't keep up, and the sergeants had been merciless. She'd been worried, for a time, that she'd wash out and have to leave. She'd made it through at last, though, and if she never had to hear a sergeant yell Move it, Gundle! again, it would be too soon.

She glances down and smooths her tunic. Her dress uniform is not, alas, an actual dress. She's still getting used to her Mailed Fist uniform; still trying to reconcile the views of the sergeant (There are no sissy skirt-wearers in my unit, Gundle!) with her mother's strongly-held beliefs (Only a harlot would dress in men's clothes!). The tunic is as long as the regulations allow, falling all the way to her knees, but it's not a skirt, and it still feels odd.

She moves to the little shrine she set up next to her bed, lights a candle, and begins a prayer. This time, it's Domi she calls on, for the strength and courage to meet whatever challenges lie ahead of her. The prayer is heartfelt, but short. She does not want to be late. Scarcely two minutes after she lit the candle, she extinguishes it again.

She brushes (largely imaginary) dust from her tunic and trousers one final time, takes a deep breath, and heads out the door.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday August 5th, 2013 2:18:10 PM
Linden usually attends the muster promptly, but is clearly not much of a morning person.
Linden Brereburr's 23 year old centaur's blue eyes are alert. His pinto markings, red hair and bright blue eyes give him a youthful charisma. The cleric isn't physically intimidating, his lean form does however make him fairly graceful. In addition to his Academy Dress Uniform, the cleric wears his holy symbol of Flower. This was non-negotiable. He WILL wear it, citation and disciplines regardless. He is usually one of the first to muster, he is a bit of an insomniac.

Everyone knows this orderly and pristine look at the muster is in stark contrast to his normal disorganized and shabby look (think college student during morning classes). His reluctance to carry weapons has done nothing to impress the Fist.
He nods at all of his fellows as they show to muster.

Highlight to display spoiler: {Spell and Stuff List}

Carver AC 18, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15
Monday August 5th, 2013 3:29:04 PM
Carver, adjusted his tunic and poofy hat, what use a beret was, is beyond him. Probably someone thought it looked good, but even that was a lie as far as Carver was concerned, but no one asked him, so he kept quiet. Looking down, he made sure his hooves were polished and waxed to a high gloss, he had standards to maintain, even if they were his own.
Reaching over to a rack he with drew the Caparison with the Mailed Fist embroidered on it. He used it to cover the scars that marred his palomino coloring, over which he strapped on his saddle bags. He planned to leave most of his weapons and his backpack in the room.
He slipped his hands into his polished gauntlets and with that he decided he was as ready as could be expected.
Opening the door, he saw the others headed to the great hall, he made a quick detour to the temple and after saying a very short prayer he galloped across the courtyard and sedately entered the hall, not far behind the others, but before the time muster was called.

NikolaiAC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday August 5th, 2013 3:47:12 PM
Nikolai opens his eyes from his Meditation when his Sand Clock chimes, the little sand bucket tipping over and hitting a bell, then popping back and starting to fill again, letting him know it is close to Muster Time. The Sand Clock was a present from his mother who had grown concerned about his habit of loosing track of time while meditating. Once he is assigned into a Regiment and shipped out, he'd send it back, but he would miss it.

Taking his uniform off the hanger he quickly put it on. This he did with utmost precision in mere minutes, thanks to his father spending months getting Nikolai ready for the Fist's Initiate Training Camp. His father, a veteran Fist commander in the Wolf Regiment, would have pulled strings to get him into the Cavalry, but Nikolai convinced his dad that it was best that he be placed where his training commanders felt best for him. Alexi agreed, with a grin and a chuckle and a slap to the shoulder that nearly knocked young Nikolai over. His boy was a grown man now.

HIs first weeks in training went as expected and was actually fun. Not the work part, but watching all the new recruits bumbling around, especially a hafling. Much of their training was quite a challenge for the height-deprived members. He was born into the Fist and grew up around Fist activities and had seen many Enlistment Classes come and go so he knew what to do and how to do it. But actually doing it proved a challenge. He saw several drop out early, more later on. But that was the way of it. He knew he'd make it and he felt confidence in his classmates that persevered as well, even in the hafling.

He eye the room one more time. The weapon's rack on the wall was neat, his bed flawless, the room spotless. He closed the door and turned his 5' 8" half-elven frame down the hall. Others were moving out to the Hall of Heroes as well. Passing an opened window the sun hit his golden hair. A smile cracked his face. His family would be arriving soon to see his graduation. HIs friends would get to meet his father and mother, both veteran Fist members. He had made sure not to boast about them, but on Graduation Day, he would not be able to contain himself.

OOC: wearing his uniform, carrying no gear.

DM Zach
Monday August 5th, 2013 4:49:23 PM
OOC: Please note, for my sanity, please list your name in your header as well as your character name. It makes things much easier for me. Also, during combat I would really appreciate it if the basics such as HP and AC were included as well. Thanks for humoring me... you all rock. And as for the uniform, I did not really envision a beret... but hey, whatever the majority thinks. The academy uniform is a very dull grey however, with black trim and brass buttons.

Posts look great thus far.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday August 5th, 2013 4:57:59 PM
OOC: updating header as requested.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday August 5th, 2013 5:40:31 PM
OOC: Updating Header

Bliss (Cayzle)
Monday August 5th, 2013 5:53:50 PM

Bliss is up early, like always. He loves the earliest morning hours, the way the grey light makes everything seem soft and new, the way the dark of night turns into dim. In the early hours, Bliss has his tools arrayed out in front of him. An observer might think he is comparing them, polishing them, maybe meditating on his craft. In reality, a conversation is going on in the privacy of his thoughts. And he learned very quickly and very early to keep such dialog to himself.

He holds a large knife next to a similar but much smaller blade.

Mama! Mama! the little knife says. Mama, where are you going?

Don't worry, sweet one. Your people will take care of you. I have to go. Bliss passes the larger knife over the other tools, to one side, as if the larger blade is motioning to them.

The little blade hops over fast to the large blade and snuggles close to it. Mama, I miss you.

Be a good boy. Do what your teachers say.

I will mama. But it is not fair! Bliss actually murmurs the word, "fair."

Little edge, we obey even when it is not fair.

Yes, mama. I do, mama.

Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama.

Yes, child.

Mama. Mama. Will you play with me? Racing?

The mother knife agrees, and the two race back and forth on the hard cool floor.

Soon the horn sounds assembly, and Bliss knows that the muster is soon to start. He puts away his tools and dresses quickly in his dress uniform. He forgets to put on his seldom-worn beret, though. He sets his gear out on his bed, but takes none of it with him. As quietly as a mouse, he rushes to the Hall of Heroes. He forgets to put on his seldom-worn beret. At the hall, he stays in the back, still quiet.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday August 5th, 2013 6:04:30 PM
OOC: bets on whether the Sorting Hat will be a beret?
I'll toss 1 gp in the pot that it WILL be a beret.

:)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday August 5th, 2013 6:24:55 PM
OOC
Updating header
Heh I wanted a foofy Musketeer hat but thought that was a bit over the top for cadets. And the beret stuck. I can't believe you all put it in even though you hated it. I guess it pays to post first. 8). The power of suggestion.
I'll wager a gold that we get attacked at muster and Pru has to defend us all because she is the only one actually prepared.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday August 5th, 2013 7:56:53 PM
[OOC: Naw, we'll be fine. You've got your itty bitty knife. :) Besides, it's not like Nikolai can leave his hands behind.]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday August 5th, 2013 9:41:27 PM
OOC: Hey, us Centaurs are always armed, plus I brought my Gauntlets.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 12:00:56 AM
OOC: .....um, okay. Beret. Whatever. Linden will be sure to promptly lose it in the first combat. And continually lose them when replaced at the Quartermaster's. ;)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 10:01:38 AM
William's room is sparse, as he's not much for fancy adornments. His passion is his books and casting materials... However, he does keep a few of his better targets from crossbow practice, as those are a source of pride. After packing up his personal material, he leaves it in a bag near his entrance, intending on retrieving it before heading out on his first mission...

He checks his dress uniform, wipes away any dust and admires the sharp creases, shiny buttons and bright badges... Once he's content, he leaves the room and looks for his fellow class mates before heading to muster... He's determined to make his uncle Joshua proud, a brave knight who recently retired to great acclaim. His uncle's Lord gave him this title of Courageous, noting that the young William stood up to bullies and troublemakers who often outweighed him. They could tell that the boy would show no hesitation when facing "bad guys" and would rather go down fighting than tremble in fear...

William is a human of average height, blue eyes and blond hair. He's dressed in explorer's garb, though his outfit and spellbooks make it clear that he's a wizard...

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+5=25 ;
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 10:02:21 AM

On the parade floor of the Hall of Heroes, Bliss stands next to Cameron and whispers, "Hey, wanna see a trick?" He waits for the taller halfling to glance his way, and then shows off his latest bit of nonmagical prestidigitation.

Bliss takes a coin out of his pocket and spins it across his knuckles, flipping it over the back of his index finger, middle finger, ring finger, pinky finger, and then making it "disappear."

Sleight of Hand 25! Woo hoo!

The short halfling pulls off the trick effortlessly and even looks surprised himself! "Pretty nifty, huh?" he asks Cameron.

OOC: Friends, does your character have a nickname, or does he or she prefer the whole thing?

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 12:48:34 PM
OOC
Thats really up to the rest of you guys for me. Nicknames aren't made by the ones they name.... and like it or hate it they often follow you.

DM Zach -- Morning Muster
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 12:55:38 PM
Every person on the Citadel, save for the on duty sentries are begin gathering into the Hall of Heroes. The Hall of Heroes is even more imposing than the rest of the Citadel. It holds the history of Mailed Fists most honored and glorified members along its walls. Some are honored with paintings, others tapestries, and some of the most well known, even with large statues of their bust.

From the most senior instructor to the greenest recruit, all are present. Everyone gathers around for a moment, speaking to each other, and passing time as they will, whether through small talk, parlor tricks, or checking their uniform over for the 100th time.

After a few moments the lead hand to hand combat instructor, Master Sergeant Redforge, an older greying Dwarven Monk, walks to the front of the Regiment and bellows, "FALL IN!!!"

Everyone complies and falls in to their respective platoons. Everyone having a place. Your Platoon, the one that will graduate in 3 days time, has approximately 100 recruits remaining. Not bad, considering 3 years ago it had over 400. As it stands there are almost 1500 students in the massive Hall of Heroes.

Once everyone is ready and in position, Redforge bellows again. "REPORT!!!"

The Platoon Leader instructors respond in turn, "All present or accounted for, Sir!"

After receiving the reports, Master Sergeant Redforge about faces and stands at attention for a moment.

Moments pass, and the Hall of Heroes remains utterly silent.

Before long the sound of boot heels on stone floor can be heard, echoing through the Citadel, getting louder and louder. After what seems an eternity Field Marshall Major Pavillon Nuterius and his predecessor, Former Field Marshall Major Thankasis Fokos emerge. Thankasis stands of to the side, inumerable medals adorning his uniform. Pavillion moves to stand in front of Redforge they salute and say a few words before ending the salute and Redforge walks around to stand behind and to the right of Pavillion.

Field Marshall major Nuterius calls out, "At Ease!"

Once the shifting has ended he begins again. "Graduation is upon us, it is time for the Fists to be formed, and the final exams to begin. We will detail the final exams in a moment, but first, time to Form the Fists. As is customary, 4 graduating recruits will be place with a senior level sergeant who will be the Fist Leader. Two fists will form the 10 man team that will compete in each of the exams. The Fists will be as follows:"

With that Master Sergeant Redforge pulls out a long sheet of parchement and begins calling out names and who they are assigned. After going through a few teams he calls out, "Recruit Daemer, Recruit Gundle, Recruit Komonov, Recruit Linden, you are with Sgt Trimmack." gt Trimmack is a human male that stands at 6'3" 215lbs of pure chiseled muscle. His skin is dark as ebony aside from a few red scars that trace his skin. He speaks with an air of confidence, but is not cocky. He speaks as a man who has faced overwhelming odds and came through the victor. He beckons the group to him and says, "I look forward to working with each of you. What are your names and what are your strengths?"

Recruit Steelshaper, Recruit Carver, Recruit William, Recruit Bliss, you are with Sgt Helmbane. Sgt Helmbane is a dwarven male that stands at 4'8" 205lbs. He is very gruff and does not speak much. He comes across as very gruff and mistrusting. He is obviously a lifelong soldier that is new to command.
He beckons each of his recruits to him in a slightly different manner. "Get over here, now!!! Names!"

It is then said that Sgt Trimmack and Sgt Helmbanes Fists will be working as one team for the Final.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 1:12:29 PM

Bliss scrambles to put away his coin and hop to. It took him three solid years to learn to obey, without question or hesitation, but he has his lessons down by now. He hurries over to Sgt Helmbane and shouts ...

"Recruit Bliss, sir!" he pipes up.

(Bliss's shout is pretty much like a normal person's speaking voice.)

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 2:08:26 PM
Hearing her name called, Pru walks over to Seargant Trimmack, moving briskly, but not hurriedly, just as she's been taught.

When he asks for names, she replies, "Recruit Prudence Gundle, sergeant. Elemental sorcerer."

[OOC reply to Cayzle: Pru's friends call her Pru. Most of the Fist call her Gundle. She answers to both. :)]

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 2:08:41 PM
Tinker trots over to Sergeant Trimmack, for once sparked out of his reverie for mechanical objects by looking at the others in his Fist, his 'family'. A Human, Half-Elf, Centaur, and a Dwarf. A mage, monk, cleric, and rogue. Interesting. He looks over at the Fist that Sergeant Helmbane is commanding and they will be working together. Two Halflings, a Human, and a Centaur. A mage, archer, and two armored warriors. Tinker shakes his head, not understanding the reasons for how they were split but pleased that he knows everyone in the two Fists.

"Daemar, called Tinker, Rogue specializing in traps and devices, Sergeant!" Tinker stands straight, his head frozen facing straight and not looking at the Sergeant.

...................

ooc: shared PC Sheet with anyone who has the link. Everyone should be able to see now.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 2:49:48 PM
"Recruit Carver, Sgt Helmbane. Calvary specialist, Sir."
Carver doesn't shout it out, but does say it with gusto in a voice that is very deep, so it carries without much effort.

ooc: Carver is his nickname, and the only name anyone seems to know him by.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 2:56:11 PM
Cameron marches to his new Fist, just as he has been taught. When names are asked for he replies " Recruit Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper, sergeant." Unlike the other crew he was not asked for specialty so he doesn't include the information.
He looks around at his Fistmates and is glad that Bliss is one of them. He doesn't act like a halfling all the time, but neither does Cameron. A Centaur and a human as well, all shapes and sizes it seemed in this Fist. Finally a Dwarven Sergeant and an obvious veteran to boot. They were in for a whole lot of determined leadership if what Cameron knew of Dwarves was still true in the Fist.

Cameron's Spell List and Effects

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 3:35:41 PM
Hearing his name, William smartly marches forward, turns and ends up in front of the sergeant. Saluting as he was taught, he almost stops as he actually has to look down rather than up at his new platoon leader... However, he shows no hesitation and barks out, "Recruit William, Conjurer Wizard, Sergeant!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday August 6th, 2013 10:01:31 PM
Nikolai eases over to where his Fist is forming and waits his turn to announce himself. He snaps to attention and with measured force he states "Recruit Nikolai. My strengths are in my nimbleness and my fists, Sir!"

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 3:49:38 AM
Linden doesn't really have a nickname that he knows of, but he answers to pretty much anything.

The young centaur has a straight posture and moves to formation. The cleric looks up and down the line for his 'friends', which are few among the group. Formation has never been his 'thing', but hey, three squares, a place to sleep and people to talk to... isn't all bad.

He doesn't slouch, but doesn't really 'snap' to attention either. With a loud but chill voice, he responds. "I'm, like, Recruit Linden Brereburr, Cleric of Flower, dude, er, sir. My strengths, um, are negotiation, morale and healing... um, yeah, lets go with that." He smiles, but seems genuine. His eyes bright, a bit bloodshot, but bright none-the-less, staring straight ahead.

DM Zach -- Duality Amongst Sergeants?
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 9:09:39 AM
Sgt Trimmack nods as each of his recruits give their information... that is until Linden. In a a flat even tone that is neither loud nor soft, the Sergeant addresses Linden. "I am not a dude. My rank is Sergeant and I prefer to be addressed as such, though Sir is acceptable. Also, if your strength is in negotiations then might I suggest speaking clearly, perhaps dropping the like's, er's, um's, and what not." When the Sgt speaks he seems to be neither angry or upset, but demanding of respect with his actions more than his words.

"You all will be expected to move into your Team Quarters where you will live for the next few days until Graduation. The 10 of us will all be living together until graduation. After that, the two fists will go their separate ways. As of now there is nothing more to be done to day. You can consider yourself on liberty until tomorrow morning, at which time we will meet in regards to the up coming exams. I will be at the Last Assignment tonight and will buy the first round. Dismissed."

-----------

Sgt Helmbane has a slightly different approach for his Fist. He goes off on a expletive filled tirade until he is red in the face then stops. From what you can pull from between the expletive's, he is a Sgt, not a sir, because he works for a living, if any of you disrespect him the way Linden just did Sgt Trimmack, he will throttle you within an inch of your life, and you are all to report promptly to the Last Assignment at 2000 hours for "roll call". He then stops away which you assume to mean you are dismissed.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=25 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=20 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 10:57:11 AM

Bliss grins when he realizes that he has SO much time and no jobs to do. He goes up to Linden Brereburr and says, "Lindy! Lindy! Hey Lindy! Can I have a ride? Come on, please?"

If the centaur agrees, then Bliss clambers up and says, "Lindy, pretend I'm your little brother and you are giving me a ride on your shoulders." Bliss climbs up on Linden's shoulders. Then he says, "Lindy, pretend we are in a dungeon far away, and we found an under ground hall, and we have to check out all these mysterious statues for traps and secrets!"

If Linden agrees, Bliss will direct him to the different statues throughout the Hall of Heroes, looking at each one carefully for traps and secrets from a loftier vantage point than he himself can manage.

Perception checks to search: 25, 28, 11, 20.

As they move about the hall, Bliss teases Linden. "Clop clop clop! Lindy, the monsters are going to hear you," he whispers loudly.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 11:20:50 AM
Cameron smiles as Bliss drags Linden off to play time. Something about that guy makes you believe that childhood can last forever. Cameron heads back to clear out his kit and move it to the new team barracks. As he walks he wonders at the question Sgt Trimmack had put to his recruits. What was his role in the Fist? Diplomatically he could probably win most debates, he had been trained to use his natural charm and small stature to seem nonthreatening and that made him able to diffuse awkward situations and get people to trust him. He had also been trained, both by his Uncle and the trainers here at the Citadel to use his short stature to stay out of most opponents reach while still being able to hit them effectively. Finally he was a dead shot with a bow. He could hit almost any target the trainers presented him with, moving or not and even for his small size he could hit where it hurt hard enough to overcome any disadvantage due to his size. But what was his real role?
Arriving at his room he packs his few training uniforms and prepares one for tomorrows final. He moves into the shared barracks and greets his new team mates and gets to know them (sharing anything in his background section). He also cleans and polishes his gear and makes sure everything in his kit is ready for tomorrow. At 2000 hours he reports to the bar in training dress, not fully sure what to expect. He ate a good dinner though and took a couple of slices of bread back to the room with him for just before this meeting. If their sergeant were true to dwarven form, someone would be leaving the bar tonight being carried by his teammates. Cameron did not plan to be that person.

OOC
Sheet updated for the Underfoot racial trait ( yay more AC). What is Alemi's caster level for that boon from the GG? Will we be using it for finals or saving it for a real fight... assuming there isn't a real fight as part of finals. Cayzle comments -- per Jerry, for us it is the minimum level to cast the spell, so what, 11th.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 12:21:46 PM
Team Quarters

Pru glances around at the rest of the Fist to which she's been assigned. All men. She looks over to the other Fist that will make up the other half of the team. Also all men.

Pru had lived in shared quarters when she'd first started training, of course, but she had lived with the handful of other female recruits in the small Women's Barracks. After that, of course, she'd been assigned to a private room.

Now, though, she was expected to live with nine men. Unseemly didn't seem to do it justice.

And yet, what choice did she have? She'd signed on, sworn an oath. If she'd been too naive to understand all that her oath had entailed, well, that was on her. It would be difficult, but she'd adjust. She'd have to.

By the time she snaps out of her short reverie, the odd halfling boy and they very relaxed centaur had already departed. She looks over and smiles at the half-elf called Nikolai. "Hi," she says. "I'm Prudence Gundle."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 2:56:57 PM
William snaps off a final salute once the profane tirade ends and he's glad inwardly that no member of his future squad would disrespect his leader in such a way as he just witnessed. After they're dismissed, he thinks, "Time to meet my future squadmates, and I hope we've got a solid group" as he walks over to Bliss, Carver and Steelshaper.

He recognizes them from his earlier training and offers his hand to each as a friendly form of welcome. If they're going to watch each other's back, then they need to start building trust and get to know each other better.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 3:13:39 PM
Bliss invites William to come along to see the Hall of Heros with him and Linden.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=27 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=15 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 3:49:29 PM
Tinker listens closely and when dismissed, comes to 'attention' and snaps a salute before jogging back to his private room and gathering his stuff. A chest, armor rack, and backpack isn't too heavy for the dwarf as he trots to the Team Quarters and selects a bunk on his new Fist's side of the room. Chest to the foot of the bed, arming rack at the head by the wall, and backpack on the floor. (Sleight of Hand DC 27 Highlight to display spoiler: {(and a dagger under the pillow.})

"Gundle, Nickolai", Tinker nods to both, and another to Linden when the Centaur arrives from his fun-filled frolic with Bliss. "Don't know much about you three, but I know Bliss, Carver, and Cameron from working in the Armory. They are good with their hands. I'm Daemar, but most people call me "Tinker" because of my unnatural curiosity for gnomish clockwork contraptions."

Tinker spends his afternoon with picking his favorite simple lock, but gets into a bit of trouble when he puts himself in a set of manacles. It takes a looooong time to get out, and he only has time for a quick splash of water before reporting to the Last Assignment for an anticipated round of ale.

................

Current Equipment: Explorers Outfit equipment only

Move chest with all other equipment - heavy load does not slow down a dwarf

Disable Device; Simple Lock (DC20) 13,11,15, all fail. Take 10 auto succeed

Escape Artist; manacles (DC30) take 20 fails (only 27). Tinker needs someone else to unlock manacles to get free.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 4:49:53 PM
[Second post, for roleplaying only.]

Pru turns to smile at Tinker. "We have met," she says in her careful schoolgirl Dwarven. "You asked me to hand you a tool."

[OOC: Were we actually told which of the team quarters we'd been assigned to? It's not in the post, but is it one of those minor details that happens offstage?]

DM Zach: Sorry, you would have been told which quarters and having been here for 3 years, you also would have known right where to find them. You can RP this, or just say it happened off stage.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 5:16:22 PM
"Yes, Sargent. Understood Sargent." He replies after the Sargent finishes his tirade.

Carver heads back to his quarters and gathers up his gear, as he looks it over, he notices that the majority of it is weapons...
He lays his armor and shield across his saddlebags, and then uses the sheath he has for his lance, straps on his scimitar, shoulders his bow and straps on the greatsword. He shoves the rest of his gear in the backpack and with a quick look around makes sure the room is ready for it's next occupant.

He trots over to his newly assigned quarters, finds them a bit cramped, but finds a spot to unload and organize his gear and most of all his weapons. He uses a wall area and hangs them just so, readjusting them until he is satisfied.

He spend most of the afternoon packing and repacking the gear in his bags until it's packed perfectly.
After dinner call, he makes sure his uniform is as close to perfect and his hooves are polished as well.

He heads out to the meeting so he will arrive a quarter hour early, remembering a quote from his parents. *Early is on time, on time is late, never be late.*

DM Zach -- Duality Amongst Sergeants?
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 5:50:22 PM
OOC: Please note, that at any time, any of you may make Knowledge rolls about whatever you like. Knowlege History or Local rolls for the Field Sgt Majors, or Knowledge Local to see if you remember hearing anything about the two Sgt's. If you want, you can ask around and try to gather more information. You all would have, at one time or another trained, probably extensively with MSgt Redforge. The two Sgt's are not instructors here and would have been recently promoted from their former Fist and just been given charge of these two new fists.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+1=2 ; d20+1=17 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+1=9 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 8:40:37 PM
"Sure, I guess your right, sir." He can't resist a smirk.

(Unskilled Knowledge checks, 2, 17, 9, 9)

When Bliss drops or rather bounces by, Linden lowers himself to a height which the halfling can climb up on his own. "Blissard, you know dude you can get a riiide. Most centaurs don't consider it proper etiquette, or whatevs, but 'kay. We have a stigma." He points to his saddlebags and his black hooves. "Like, we can handle it and stuff." He begins a trot, then with a slyness, surges to a gallop, forcing the halfling to hang on.

He comes to an abrupt stop, putting a hand up to stop Bliss from falling.
"Far out. A dwarf who tinkers with gnome toys. Weezy man."

He begins to think about the trio he's been placed with.
Prudence, Nikolai and Tinker.

Highlight to display spoiler: {List of Stuff}

He'll spend a few minutes writing a letter to his parents, describing what is going with graduation and which group he has been placed in. The letter consists mainly of doodles in the margins and half complete poem.
---------------------------
Here are some past interactions with the other Fist members, cus Linden is an open book, and his emotions are rarely hidden.
He has helped everyone, seriously, everyone, in the Mailed Fist. (Think merit badge wearing Boy Scout)

He nods to Carver in passing, and rarely speaks with him, but being another centaur, he shows respect, even though he is older than the young paladin.

He's said hello to Tinker several times, but still doesn't understand a dwarf who fiddles with gnomish mechanical things. His conversations often grow technical and boring, but oddly interesting. He knows things about mechanisms and pulleys, dials and gears, that couldn't possibly fit into Linden's head.

Bliss he clearly likes, even calls him a friend. They talk a lot, but Bliss chitters like the birds in the Whistal Trees at home.

Prudence is a mystery to him. He knows her, but she's very proper in his view. Cute for a human, but a tad scary. The cleric steers clear, most times, of the elementalist. When he does speak to her, he calls her Prudence, because he's not familiar enough to call her Pru, but Gundle isn't fitting either.

Cameron is an interesting fellow. He's a halfling paladin, which seems a bit strange. But the few times Linden's attended sparring matches as a healer, and Cameron is in attendance as a fighter, he has rarely had to heal the halfling. This scares Linden a bit. Little guys are supposed to physically less dominating, but the halflings in the Fist are a different breed.

William is human and a wizard. Linden doesn't know much about him, but he's bookish.

When he first met Nikolai, he thought he was an elf, but soon found out otherwise. He is contemplative and quiet.
---------------------------
Linden tends to spend most of his time, when possible, outside the compounds of the Fist school. He likes the underdogs and loners within the group and will talk with anyone who will talk with him.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=27 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2013 9:09:47 PM
"EEEEEEEE" says Bliss (holding on easily with a Ride check of 27). "It's like flying again!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 12:11:13 AM
Nikolai salutes appropriately when dismissed. A scowl crosses his face when Bliss asks Linden for a ride. 'How rude'. he thinks. He shrugged. 'He'll let the guy know how rude it was if he was offended. Oh well.'

He is about to turn to leave when Gundle aproaches him.
"Hi, Miss Gundle. Good to see you again." replies back, a little awkward. He looks around a little, not knowing what else to say, or what else Gundle expected him to say. Tinker helps break the ice somewhat and Nikolai chit-chats a little longer.
"I have a sand-clock I believe was made by gnomes," he states, and describes how it works.

Soon, however, he gets annoyed by the shinnanigans of Bliss and Linden in what he strongly feels to be hallowed halls, a rather disrespectful display of disrespect, and excuses himself to go pack up his things and move them to their new quarters.

The move does not take long and after he insures his old room is spotless, he closes the door for what had been his home for a couple of years. In his new home, he picks an empty spot and stows his gear in the footlocker at the foot of the bed.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=18 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+8=17 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 2:19:10 AM
Once Cameron has his things stowed he is able to watch and talk to the others. He sees Prudence
s look of concern when she gets to the room and realizes she is the only girl in a room full of boys. (Sense Motive 18) Looking around he notes that there is still a corner bunk. Since it has two walls already a curtain could be rigged in front of it fairly easily.
" Um, Prudence? Do you want the corner bunk? We could rig up a screen or something so that you can change without having to be in the same "room" with us if you want. Tinker It wouldn't be hard to set up would it?"
When he see's Linden writing home he gets quiet for a few minutes, wishing he had someone to write to. There was Uncle Morgan. Maybe after the finals were done. After dinner he heads straight to the Last Assignment. Once there he listens hard and asks a few questions to try and get some background on their two new Squad Leaders.

Perception 13 to overhear conversations
Diplomacy 17 to try and ferret out any tidbits

OOC
Using the skills I have since you can't make untrained Knowledge checks

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 11:14:30 AM
After the fun is done, of course, Bliss brings all his gear to the muster at 2000 hours.

DM Zach -- First Time at the Last Assignment
Thursday August 8th, 2013 1:20:39 PM
The group goes about their own business in different ways. Some horse around, others try to get to know their news Fist mates, while others practice and hone their skills. Regardless of how they spend their free time, they eventually all make their way into the new team barracks. They are nice, with each person having his own bed (do Centuars sleep standing up like horses?), foot locker, and wall locker. Some ideas are thrown about in regards to make Pru feel the most comfortable.

Cameron heads to the Last Assignment before the rest of the group in an effort to gather some information. This is his, along with the rest of the students first visit to the Last Assignment. It is typically for the instructors and full members of the Mailed Fist only, though it has always been a tradition that soon to be graduates are allowed to visit once they have been named to a Fist.

The Last Assignment is, just like the rest of the Citadel, made of stone. It is rather, simple, with no frills, but at least it has seating for Mercenaries of all sizes. There are three bartenders, all human, in uniform no less, serving drinks to quite a large number of patrons. Most are students that are easily recognized from your soon to be graduating company. There are also several instructors and quite a number of newly promoted sergeants at the bar as well.

Cameron can hear several conversations, though none are of any particular interest and certainly none are about his Sergeants. Most are about how the other students plan for their Team to be the Honor Team at the end of this years Exam. There is also quite a bit of rumbling about what this years exams might entail. Cameron will have to ask around to any number of non-students and see what they know. he is able to find table that will have enough seating for his entire Team if he wishes to hold it.

Nonetheless, it is only about 30 minutes until 2000 and his Sergeants and Teammates are sure to be coming soon.

OOC: Also, if you make some checks, please detail specifically what they are for.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 1:45:37 PM
OOC
I thought I did.
Oh well. I am trying to get any information on the Sergeants. The Dwarf Mr. Uptighty pants and the Human, Mr Respect. Students would probably be most comfortable talking to me, but I'll need to ask other instructors to get any real info since these guys were just promoted from the field. So I do, hopefully diplomatically.
Perception 13 to overhear conversations about my 2 Sergeants
Diplomacy 17 when I start asking direct questions about my 2 Sergeants

DM Zach: I was referring to some knowledge checks. I gave you some information about your checks, but didn't want to assume you we're going to start asking instructors about your Sgts without you saying it.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12 d20+4=5 ; d20+4=8 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 3:36:56 PM
William agrees to go visit the Hall of Heroes and chats with the others about their new sergeants, what the future might hold, etc.

When he has a chance, he asks around about their new squad commanders (their background, motivations, likes/dislikes, habits, etc.), as well as trying to remember any rumors he might have heard too... (Know Local = 5; Know History = 8)

Finally, he makes sure he's where he needs to be at 20:00...

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=18 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 3:52:18 PM

Bliss is glad to chat with William as they visit the hall.

Later, at the tavern known as the Last Assignment, Bliss looks around for his new teammates. He tries to find the two paladins, Cam and Carver; and the wizard, Will. He sees Cam, and follows him around until it is time to sit down.

Bliss does not say anything as he approaches and then follows Cam, just following quietly, and closely, but not too closely. If Cam talks to him, Bliss says in a quiet whisper: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Ssshhh! I'm pretending I am your shadow!"}

Stealth check to walk quietly behind Cam: 18

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=21 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 4:13:30 PM
Cameron spots Bliss, but doesn't say anything right away. From the corner of his eye he watches. Was Bliss copying his every move? He was, wasn't he? Cameron doesn't turn but whispers over his shoulder, Highlight to display spoiler: { " What the heck are you doing back there?}

OOC
Thing is, none of us probably have those knowledge skills. I will when I become a bard, but knowledge skills, by definition, can not be used untrained. If we don't have ranks, we have to come up with more invasive ways to get information, like moting any previous unit insignias on their uniforms and looking for matching ones in the bar. Which is an awesome idea that just occurred to me...

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=10 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=14 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 4:21:27 PM
While Bliss follows him around, Cameron wracks his brain trying to remember distinguishing marks from Sergeant Helmbane and Sergeant Trimmack's uniforms. They might still have old insignia on them that would help Cameron track down their old teammates and find out some info on them.

Perception 10, 11 to have seen and remembered the Sergeant's unit insignias.
Perception 5, 21, 3, 11 to notice any matching insignias in the bar .
Diplomacy 28, 23, 14, 14 to ask some questions without offending the soldiers if he does find old fist mates. ( though with some of those perception checks, I am not sure he could find the floor if he threw up.)

Because he is short,and he knows Bliss will have an idea how to do this better, he whispers to Bliss what he is looking for and asks him to look too.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 4:27:21 PM
Pru spends some time chatting with her fellow Fist members, then returns to her quarters to pack her things.

It doesn't take long, and soon she is lugging her pack, spear, crossbow, and other gear over to the team quarters. Once inside, she stops and surveys the space.

The oversize bunks would be for the centaurs, of course. No small bunks for the halflings, though there often weren't. And--

Cameron speaks up then, offering her the corner bunk. Pru smiles gratefully. "That would be great if nobody minds," she says. She begins lugging her gear in that direction. She hangs her spear and crossbow in the weapons rack, then stows the rest of her gear neatly in her foot locker. Which she has learned not to call "that little chest thing."

As best as she can, she changes out of the dress uniform and into a regular uniform [OOC: or does "at liberty" mean you can be out of uniform?]. She glances around at her new teammates.

She knows Linden, of course; the easygoing centaur seems to know everybody. She likes him for his relaxed attitude, and for the fact that he is a cleric.

William is the one she probably knows best; they've had several classes together. She gives him a friendly greeting.

She's seen Cameron at the temple a time or two, and of course she's tried to practice her Dwarven on Tinker. He just asked her to hand him things.

As evening approaches, Pru makes her way to the Last Assignment, wondering what the sergeant has to say to them.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=9 ; d20+2=16 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=24 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 4:57:31 PM
Tinker thumps his forehead with a calloused hand. "That's right! Pru the human who knows dwarfish." That earns Prudence a genuine smile from the dwarf. When Cameron suggests a blanket, Tinker looks at the corner critically, checking stone and joins carefully before pronouncing it wouldn't be a moment of work.

Learning that NIckolai has a sand-clock, Tinker's eyes just about glaze over, and the dwarf simply has to watch the contraption in action. "Ah, ah-ha, yes!", is all anyone can get out of him for some time.

Then he commiserates with the Fist about Sergeant Trimmack and Sergeant Helmbane, who they are also going to need to know. Not knowing much, he urges the Fist to get to the Last Assignment early. "We spread out and see if we can see Trimmack or Helmbane and who they are talking to. All these new sergeants are from Fists that got promoted right? So the people our sergeants are going to talk to will be either their classmates from when they were a cadet or members of their last Fist. If we wait until our Sergeants aren't with the group, and then walk by to see what they are talking about. And snap! we can learn about our leaders."

Putting action to words, Tinker moves about the Last Assignment, testing his theory on how to learn information.

...........

Profession (Engineer): 9 to hang a blanket for a privacy corner.

Intelligence Check: 16 know anything about Timmack

Intelligence Check: 12 know anything about Helmbane

Perception: 26 to identify Timmack's battlebuddies

Perception: 24 to identify Helmbane's battlebuddies

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20=10 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 5:10:33 PM
Carver arriving at the tavern, wears his duty outfit, not his assembly uniform.
He spots some of the others of his Fist (perc 10) and looks around for a table to claim for the group. He knows he's not very good at asking politely, now brow beating information he can do, and these people are people he might be working with in the future and that could cause trouble.

Once at the table he orders a pitcher of beer and one of wine. He knows some of the others don't care for the wine he likes. He asks for 10 goblets or tankards or whatever they use for drinking out of.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 5:37:49 PM
The centaur finishes up his letter and sends out that days post.

He makes an effort to make it to the last assignment on time, hoping all the while he didn't sleep through the lesson which was sure to be on the assignment. What time was it currently, 1945? Hmmm..... he might have to run to make it. He hopes that Bliss is paying attention to the time.... his short little legs certainly would make him late. He makes back to the barracks and packs up a few things he might need and tosses them haphazardly into his saddle bags. He dusts off his cleanest spare uniform, cus the one got scuffed with halfling foot prints, and makes it out of the barracks with minutes to spare. He's glad centaurs don't have to wear the regulation shoes and pants!

Spells and Things

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 5:40:01 PM
OOC: Never went to ROTC or military anything, I don't know what is what, duty uniform, assembly uniform... can't they just pick one?! ;)

DM Zach -- First Time at the Last Assignment
Thursday August 8th, 2013 5:42:58 PM
OOC: Liberty you can wear what you want.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+1=16 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=25 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 8:40:10 PM

As soon as Cameron asks Bliss for help, the smaller halfling quits his shadow play and starts the new matching game.

Raw Int check to recall Trimmack's insignia: 16 (or 23 if you prefer Perception)

Raw Int check to recall Helmbane: 16 (or 23 if you prefer Perception)

Perception checks to find people with the same insignias: 9, 27, 26, and 25 (one clunker of a roll, but the next three are keepers!)

If he sees anybody, he whispers to Cameron, "Cam! Cam! There's one there. And that guy, And that one."

If he picks out more than Cameron, he says, "It's okay, Cam. You can be the second winner." If he picks out fewer, he says, "I'm second winner! I'm second winner!" If they both find the same number, he happily offers to shake hands with Cameron and says, "We are both the winner!"

If nobody finds any insignias such as the ones they seek, Bliss complains, "Cam, this game is too hard!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20=6 ; d20+9=20 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2013 9:32:57 PM
OOC: I would think we are to be in uniform at all times. Maybe I've watched Gomer Pyle to much, but they were always in uniform, even when off base on R&R.

Nikolai sets up his Sand Clock for Tinker to watch. "Alas, I shall have to return it to my mother as it is too delicate to take on assignments."
Sand slips through an opening in the bottom of the bowl and starts filling up a bucket. The bucket is at one end of a lever, the other end has a counterweight. When the bucket is full, it dips and hits a bell, which in turn tips the bucket over emptying it into a small bowl. The sand then vanishes, ending up back into the top bowl.
"I can adjust the buckets to take more or less time to fill, as needed."

Nikolai notes Pru's dilemma and suggested solution. He has time, so he strides over to the Quarter Master and requisitions a large canvas. Not particularly a normal thing for a recruit to ask but he tries to explain the reason.
Dipl = 6
"We need to section off part of our barracks to give our female Fist member a little privacy. If you will, Sir."

If the section of canvas is given he salutes the Quarter Master and returns jubilant to their FIst quarters and presents the canvas to Prudence.

If the section is not given, he still salutes the Quartermaster but starts looking for alternatives. Any canvas laying around somewhere? covering some equipment? Anything?

Perc +9 (looking for spare canvas or other material that would serve) = 20

He also looks for a wooden pole to serve as anchor for the fourth corner and some rope.

If he finds the canvas, he tells his new Fist friends and works out a way with them to snatch it later on that night on their way back from the Last Assignment.

At the Last Assignment, as his friends talk about how to get information on their Fist leaders, Nikolai reminds them that their sergeants were from Fists out in the field, not at Headquarters. They could have come from anywhere, far or near. They have more likely seen many battles and their prowess is why they were chosen to lead a pack of Newbies.

"My father was..." he starts but then remembers not to brag about his family. He tries not to sound bragart when contines. "My father made sergeant after three years of full duty in the Wolf Cavalry Regiment. Three years may sound like a long time to make sergeant, but not so in the Cavalry. The turnover rate in the Cavalry is much less than in the infantry.

Nikolai turns to Carver and asks, "You mentioned you were a Cavalry specialist. Why join the recruits here in Thankasis instead of the Cavalry Headquarters in Ranashir?"

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Thursday August 8th, 2013 9:55:27 PM
Carver with a goblet of wine 3/4 the way to his lips, freezes and then looks at Nikolai, tipping his head slightly as he does so.
"I guess you haven't noticed the larger 3/4 of my body then. All Centaurs are Cavalry, there is really no choice in the matter. We may do other things, but Cavalry is in our heart and soul.
I grew up running the fields and outlaying areas of my tribal grounds, I even got myself into a bit of a sticky wicket a time or two, and then I was chosen at 10 to go on a raid, where I really got in trouble.
Coming here was not really an option, too many there would know of me and I would prefer not too be too noticed. At least not yet."
He then finishes the drink he was starting and refills the goblet afterwards.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 9th, 2013 1:25:23 AM
"Hey, Carv, man. Horses bite though, they're real mean... and it's harsh to get chomps from a horse. Centaurs are chilly cus we eat carrots in salads." He smiles like an idiot. "Snap! I'm hungry." He pulls a wheat bar from his bags and starts chomping.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday August 9th, 2013 1:56:53 PM
At the Last Assignment, Pru listens to her new teammates as they chat. "I'm afraid I don't know the insignias and stuff very well," she says. "William might know. He's pretty smart."

DM Zach -- Breaking Down the Uniforms
Friday August 9th, 2013 4:16:21 PM
Tinker quickly realizes that a few extra blankets off the empty racks and an easily found piece of rope makes a sufficient, if not pretty, divider for the lone female Fist Mate.

------------
Once everyone is together, it seems to be decided that finding as much information about their Sgt's... without the Sgt's knowing, is high on the list of priorities.

It takes a few moments, but with everyone working together, some information is pieced together.

First off, they are obviously wearing their old Insignia, as they have not been given their new insignia, nor have you received your first insignia. That means there are no official orders yet.

Second, both Sgt Trimmack and Sgt Helmbane were wearing identical Insignia. That means they were in the same Fist! Several of you note that is seems odd that two members of the same fist would be promoted at roughly the same time. Both had to have been promoted in the past year for them to have been assigned to a new fist like this.

Third, though it took some remembering on everyone's part, it is finally decide what they Insignia was. Tiger Regiment. Storm Company. D Troop. 1st Infantry. Danner's Fist.

The group also remembers hearing about the exploits of the Tiger Regiment. Storm Company. D Troop. 1st Infantry. Over the past 20 years, the 1st Infantry was known for taking on some of the toughest assignments and always seeing them through. Because of that reputation, much of the 1st Infantry is assigned to various parts of the Scab.

Looking around, the bar there are several Tiger Regiment members, a few are even from Storm Company. There are two from D Troop, but only one that can be identified as being from the 1st Infantry. He is rather large minotaur, even by minotaur standards, and is wearing an eye patch. He is obviously a newly promoted Sgt and is drinking at the bar with the 4 new recruits that belong to his Fist. The more you look at them, the more it looks as if someone is stacking the chips in their favor. Two are equally physically impressive Minotaurs with bad looking attitudes. One is a massive Half-Orc that would probably be the largest person in the room if Taur's were excluded. Oddly enough one is a Half-Elf female. By everyone's best recollection, she is a divine healer.

If the group wants information about their Sgt's, the brooding minotaur is going to be the best bet.

The group also thinks back to their Sgt's medals and ribbons as well as well as their Service Stripes. Sgt Trimmack had two service stripes which mean he had been in the Mailed Fist for at least 6, but not quite 9 years, as each Service strip is equal to 3 years of service. Sgt Helmbane had service stripes on his sleeve which would put him somewhere between 21 and 24 years of service. Oddly enough, out of all the medals on each chests, one truly stood out. It was a red and black medal and the medallion was made of adamantine. None of you had ever seen before. The best guess is that is wasn't give by the Mailed Fist. It also is higher than their other medals. What ever it is, it must be very important.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Friday August 9th, 2013 4:26:51 PM
OOC: Oh, kindly DM, can I double check what you are saying? Trimmack, Helmbane, and this minotaur were all in the same fist, and all three are now seargeants leading their own new fists?

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=6 ;
Friday August 9th, 2013 5:28:17 PM
OOC
No, but close. They were in the same grouping above Fist, which is Squad. It says 2-3 fists per squad so he is one of about 15 people that can tell us something about them.

IC
Cameron listens to what the others have pieced together and thinks for a minute. Then he come up with a plan, their first action together if you will.
" OK, so this is how I see this shaping up. That Minotaur Sergeant has one of the most physically tough fists here for the Final tomorrow. If it is straight up combat they may have no problem taking it. I doubt it'll be that easy though. What we need to be concerned about is tonight, the next few minutes in fact, before our sergeants get here. I suggest we buy their next round and deliver it to them. Hopefully this will favorably impact their view of us. Then we ask the sergeant straight up about our sergeants, what kind of assignments they had, where they served, how hardcore it is rumored they are all that jazz. If our friend Linden here can help me out without making them angry I think we can win them over that way and get some info from them. Sound good?"

"Oh and if things get physical, remember we are mostly unarmed and Minotaurs, like Centaurs come with included weapons that really hurt. They will be easier to hit out of armor and we, well some of us, will be harder to hit, but they will hit alot harder. So let's keep it from becoming a fight eh? Besides, getting tossed in the brig tonight could negatively impact our Final tomorrow. Just in case though, Tinker, do you have your tools on you and can you hide them effectively? Anyone think we can do better? I'm open to suggestions and or corrections."

Int check 6 does that badge( the adamantite one) mean anything to me having grown up with Dwarves? Is it a dwarf thing?

Does the bar have rules about fights breaking out? i assume it is frowned upon and I assume that leathal weapons get you in ALOT of trouble, so the taurs should be careful. ours and theirs.

We can wait to see if there are more ideas and we will get this party started 8).

Cameron's Spell List and Effects

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 9th, 2013 6:45:31 PM
Linden is doesn't care much which Sergeant comes from which regiment, etc, etc. They are officers now.

The centaur goes where his class goes to pass time. He doesn't get into conflicts and hopes to keep his classmates out of them too. He eats and avoids drink, though he wants to.

Spells and Things

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Friday August 9th, 2013 6:50:55 PM
"Let me make just a simple suggestion, we buy a drink for all of the other graduates. Then someone or someones go to each group and ask the same questions.
Do not under any circumstance let it come to a fight of any type. I'm not up for getting booted out of the Mailed Fist or being sent back into training."
Carver continues to work on his wine.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 9th, 2013 6:56:57 PM
Cameron watches Linden's attitude and trys to softly adjust it.
" Buddy, these new sergeants are going to be leading our Fists out in the field. We will have them for a long time and we need to know what sets them off so that we are not constantly in trouble. That Minotaur over there should know our sergeants and can tell us what will set them off, so we can avoid it. It is in our best interest to find this out."
"Oh, and sergeants are non-commissioned officers, they are grunts like us with alot more responsibilities and deserving more respect They are veterans and know alot that we can learn, if we can figure out how to get them to teach us."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday August 9th, 2013 7:07:34 PM
Tinker perks up, the thought of an opportunity to pick a lock that he hasn't before overcoming any common sense of not getting into a fight in the Last Assignment. "That I can, Cameron.", he says with confidence to the Halfling who knows more about dwarves than Tinker does himself. "And since their old battlemate is sure to tell Trimmack and Helmbane that we were pumping him for information, we'll either be praised for initiative or berated for snooping. Either way, we'll make an impression!"

Tinker is excited about working the scheme and helps carry the mugs over to the Minotaur Fist.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday August 9th, 2013 7:53:50 PM
Pru is interested by the fact that the sergeants share a background, but she doesn't see a need to press beyond that. "Maybe the whole unit got promoted," she muses aloud. "Has anybody heard where their last assignment was? Maybe they did something heroic."

Like Linden, though, she isn't interested in gossip. She mingles, chatting easily with her teammates and with other students, but doesn't try to find any particular information.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=22 ; d20+8=9 ;
Friday August 9th, 2013 9:02:40 PM

Bliss is too scared to buy drinks for anyone or to go talk to that giant. But he will hang around nearby and keep a low profile and listen to anything interesting he hears -- until 20:00 hours, that is. He has an order to be ready then, so he is careful to be at the table with his fist-mates at that time.

Stealth to avoid notice: 22

Perception to eavesdrop: 9! Ugh! Nat 1.

Bliss is distracted by some dust bunnies he finds in a corner, especially when a breeze stirs them and he imagines they are dancing hedgehogs.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+7=21 ; d20+3=16 ;
Saturday August 10th, 2013 12:29:35 AM
Linden shrugs. "Dude, whatever they are, they neeeed to chill some. That dwarf... I thought that vein on his forehead was going to erupt. At least Sgt Trimmack doesn't have a stick up his..." Just then he drops his mug of wine. "...duuude. I was enjoying that. Can I get another!" He raises his broken mug. "What was I saying?! Oh yeah. How do you guys think your going to do on the final? I just don't wanna come back next year." He retrieves his unbroken mug, filled with a light wine, probably basic white.

He maintain conversation with his classmates but he keeps his eyes open for anyone who looks like they might need a hand with a tray or down in the dumps about anything. He knows finals often bring on stress. He's got the cure.
(Sense Motive 21, Perception 16)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15, (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=7 ;
Saturday August 10th, 2013 1:30:18 AM
" So far it looks like you and me Tinker. Yeah, we will make an impression one way or the other. Can you tell what they are drinking from here? Either that or we can ask the server getting their drinks."
" Nikolai are you able to read those campaign ribbons ? At least the ones bestowed by the Fist? "
Maybe having most of them stay back would b best. That way if trouble broke out they would be able to claim innocence and be the good guys. Cameron felt a bit of his father's bravado welling up and he hoped it turned out well.
Perception 7 to tell what drinks to order for the table.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Saturday August 10th, 2013 1:49:30 PM
William listens to the various plans and the information they've gathered... He's not into starting a fight either, as he wants to ensure he'll make it through the final and is fully prepared for their 2200 meeting... He'll stick with drinking whatever non-alcoholic drinks they have so as to avoid affecting his best weapon, his mind...

However, whatever info they can gather would be good and he says, "Count me in... Let's see what these vets or others can tell us... " He takes his mug too and walks over the Minotaur Fist with the others, though he remains near the back, with his physical back near the wall so that he's not going to be surprised...

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+2=22 ;
Saturday August 10th, 2013 6:42:55 PM
Linden shakes his head and heads over to the minotaur. "Um, Sir. I have a bet going with myself, what are you drinking? I think its wine, but me thinks its beer. I have to buy you one if I'm wrong." The cleric smiles like an idiot, but his question is an honest one. (In Minotaur tongue, Diplomacy... woohoo! 22!)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+1=21 ;
Saturday August 10th, 2013 10:51:14 PM
Nikolai chuckles at Carver's retort about noticing or not noticing his equine physiq. He thought of severla nifty retorts of his own but knew they'd be misunderstood.

"Carver, you didn't quite understand me, but that's probably because you just don't know. But the Wolf Regiment has its own Companies of Centaurs. As you just said, Centaurs are natural Cavalry experts. What I meant, and was not clear about, was why not have joined one of the centaur companies? Centaur Archer-Cavalry are some of the most feared, and the Heavy Centaur Lance Company is nearly unstoppable. But oh well, you are here, for now."

When the conversation turns to trying to pry information about their sergeants out of the Minotaur Fist leader. Nikolai just sighs and shakes his head. "Bad idea, boys. it would be easier to get information on Helmbane through Sgt Trimmak. I'm sure Sgt. Trimmak can be relied upon to tell some good ol' war stories. But if Sgt. Helmbane gets wind of our snooping... well, I'm glad he's not my immediate sergeant."

Nikolai is asked if he recognizes the campaign ribbons. He takes a sip of his ale and thinks back on his father's and grandfather's ribbons and all the friends that would stop by...

Knowledge History +1 = 21! Alrighty! N20!

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=26 ;
Sunday August 11th, 2013 10:08:59 AM
Cameron's mind starts to churn as he tries to think of an approach to get the Sgt talking and waits for Nikolai to recall the ribbons. He settles on congratulating the new Minotaur Sergeant on his promotion and wishing the other Fist well on finals and then bringing up the connection between their sergeants as first company veterans and see where that leads. He signals the waitress and orders the round for the fist at the bar. All he needs now is the riddle of the ribbons. He is thankful that William and Tinker will be at his side and the others will be safely out of the way in case this goes badly.

Diplomacy to 'get in good' with the other fist 26

OOC
Waiting for DM post. Figured I'd get the diplomacy roll up so hee has something to work with. With Nikolai's roll we should get some good intel about their past exploits to run with

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Sunday August 11th, 2013 11:32:12 AM
"Well Nikolai, I may be young, but I've noticed that once someone is with a group of others, they tend to begin share the same opinions about things.
I have my own ideas about stuff, and it doesn't quite agree with most of the other Centaurs I've ever met. One of my ancestors, a great leader who sacrificed herself to save her raid, once said, to be yourself, you must first know yourself. Or at least that's how I heard it. Being among other 'Taurs would be a lot of influence to over come."
As he speaks about his ancestor, an almost glazed look comes across his face. It's like he is actually recalling a conversation.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Monday August 12th, 2013 7:48:36 AM
When he realizes that it is 20:00, Bliss starts and dashes to his group. He looks around, a little wildly, for his new commanding officer. He finds a seat, climbs up into it, and sits with his back straight against the chair back, legs out straight in front of him, hands clasped in his lap.

OOC: Morning Friends -- typing this from the hotel lobby as I'm away on an overnight vacation to a waterpark with the wife and kid. Just to explain lower than usual posting.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday August 12th, 2013 12:03:33 PM
OOC: Checking in.

DM Zach -- Breaking Down the Uniforms
Monday August 12th, 2013 12:38:44 PM
Cameron can't tell much about the Medal, but he is certain it is Dwarven in nature. How odd that Trimmack also has one.

Both Cameron and Linden have a conversation on the Sgt's vs. Officers.

Carver sips at his wine.

Tinker decides the group will probably be best served by getting what information they can. The Fist likes initiative... right?

Pru has a great idea... Perhaps the whole squad did something exceptionally heroic. She might be on to something.

Bliss hides out... watching some dust bunnies dance.

Linden walks over and in a very round about way... buys the Minotaur Sgt a drink.

William follows him over.

Nikolai recognizes all of the campaign ribbons. Most show distinguished service in the Scab and surrounding areas. Many of the Medals were high ranking for Bravery, Valor, and being injured in the line of duty.

------------------------

The Minotaur looks at Linden and the smile leaves his face. "That has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard..." however his smiles comes back to his face. "Of course, mama always said, don't look a gift horse in the mouth... I'll take any free drink I can get. And it beer."

The other Fist, once the beer starts flowing, begins talking it up with the group.

Only the halfelf does not drink.

"Ok, so why are you really here... not just to buy me drinks I am sure..."

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday August 12th, 2013 2:49:47 PM
"So, um, yeah, Sir, I was curious about your experience out in the real world, after school."

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday August 12th, 2013 3:44:27 PM
Pru drifts over to the half-elf woman, whom she vaguely recognizes. There aren't many women in the program, and they all started in the Women's Barracks three years ago [said the player, totally hijacking the narrative from the DM. :) ].

"Hi," she says. "I know I recognize you, but I'm afraid I don't remember your name. I'm Prudence Gundle."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=23 ;
Monday August 12th, 2013 5:41:21 PM
" Well my squad mate got ahead of the rest of us, but we were looking at your campaign ribbons and your unit insignia and were hoping you could tell us something about our new Sergeants since you had already served with them. Linden here serves under Sgt Trimmack and I am under Sgt Helmbane. Nikolai here says all your campaign ribbons are from the Scab and are all for Bravery, Courage and being wounded in combat. What did you guys run into that got so many of your Squad promoted? And finally I can tell that adamantite pin is Dwarven, but I can't place it. What is that one for?"

Diplomacy 26 ( I'll use the above roll from my last post if that's ok. If not 23 is my new one

Cameron waves the barmaid back over for refills and hopes that the Sergeants apparent good nature last long enough for him to tell them a few stories.

Cameron's bet is that they were named something akin to "Dwarf Friends" for their actions and are heroes among the Dwarves of the Scab.

Cameron;s Spell List and Effects

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday August 12th, 2013 5:43:27 PM
Cameron plays up the youthful enthusiasm angle as best as he can.

OOC
I go for a second eye surgery tomorrow morning. If I can't post I will talk to John and ask him to put something in for me.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday August 12th, 2013 6:04:57 PM
Carver, if the other table looks towards the table will raise his goblet in a toast like fashion.
"Nikolai, sorry for being defensive about my choices, but when one has an ultimate goal like the one I've set for myself, having to work against others who wish for nothing to change, would take too much of my time that I might be able to use to further those goals."
He still hasn't said what he is aiming for, but with his dedication to Gargul as a holy warrior, it can't be something evil, that much is at least obvious.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday August 12th, 2013 8:36:02 PM
Tinker brings a beer and passes it around, stopping when the elf doesn't want any. The dwarf shrugs, keeping two beers for himself. He looks around and doesn't see anything very interesting, so watches the swivels on the stools. All his questions were already asked by Cameron, so he simply waits to see what the minotaurs do.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Monday August 12th, 2013 9:18:00 PM
William introduces himself to the Minotaurs too, remaining thoughtful and attentive on the conversation... he does add, "Tell us about these finals coming up in a few hours and what's the best way to be successful? We heard good things about you and thought you'd have the right idea..."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=21 ;
Monday August 12th, 2013 9:59:15 PM
Nikolai responds to Carver with a nodd of understanding. "My father had issues too when he joined the fist, although he's not been vocal about it. I got from my grandmother that much." He takes another gulp of ale then lifts it when Carver lifts his.
"To success in our finals!" he exclaims to his table.

Having informed his friends what he knows about the ribbons, Nikolai would like to hold his breath while his friends are up at the bar with the minotaurs. But he can't do that and drink at the same time. He looks around for some other means to distract himself. A Bar Game would be nice to break the ice, he thought. He looks for a dart game or some other game of skill typical to bars.

Per +9 = 21

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:56:07 AM
Linden stokes up a pipe of a sweet and tangy aroma. "Yup, I'm with the big dude. What do you know about 'im? Is 'ee chill? Or do I got to worry? Will he douse me in oil and light me on fire...? cus that would NOT be copes!" He smiles, eyes a bit saggy. "Hey, yeah!! To FINALS!!!" He raises a glass, then puts it down and raises his own.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 8:17:59 AM

With everyone else at the minotaur's table. Bliss sits at his group's original table and worries. Is this the right table? Why did everyone go over there? Is it Twenty O'Clock yet? Where is that seargeant?

He also worries about what he should so. Should he go over with the people in his group? Or is everybody else wrong? Why is everybody drinking beer? Should he drink beer? He hates beer. Just a little bit makes him sick feeling.

Nervous, Bliss sits perfectly still and silent. If he were casting a still silent spell, it would look just like that, except with no magic actually happening.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 10:14:59 AM
OOC: i believe the minotaur sergeant is at the bar with his four fist members. Not all of us are at the bar. At least Nikolai and Carver are still at their own table, which, I presume, is the same one as Bliss.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 3:15:50 PM
Checking in...

DM Zach -- A Beer With the Sgt's
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 3:54:40 PM
Linden sort of "halfway" comes clean about why he is buying drinks. The Minotaur takes a swig of his beer and smiles... sort of... "I know what you are doing. Heck, I did the same thing when I graduated here. You want to know about your Sgt. I don't know who you are assigned but I am guessing it is either Trimmack or Helmbane since you are asking me... They are both Grade A. That's all you need to know. Thanks for the beer."

William chimes in and the other minotaur just shakes his head in response to both Linden and William and says "Dude, they are your Sgt's, not tyrants... they will watch your back. And I don't know what the finals are going to be... but I ain't sharin' secrets... we are competing against each other ya know."

Pru starts a friendly conversation with her female counterpart. j"I'm Ta'Nalia but everyone calls me Tay. I know you... or, I know of you. But nice to officially meet you."(You are right, you would have seen her and worked with her on a few occasions. You probably would have known each others names... had you though hard and long enough.)

Cameron asks his question of the Minotaur Sergeant and he gets a bit more out of him. "I'll tell you this and nothing more, That is the Dwarven League's Medal of Valor... one of the highest awards they give... the highest that can be given to a non-dwarf. We lost a lot of good men at Riddleport. Now, no more questions... ask your Sgt's if you want to know more... if they will talk about it."

Carver and Nikolai carry on a conversation between themselves and look for a bar game of some sort, but stop short when they see their Sgt's walking towards their table.

Tinker passes some beverages around and makes sure no fighting breaks out. So far everyone seems amicable enough.

Bliss seems lost in contemplation when his Sgt's arrive at the table where Carver and Nikolai are in conversation.

-----------------
Sgt Trimmack smiles to the three at the table and asks, "Will you round up everyone else please?" He seems to be genuinely friendly.

Sgt Helmbane immediately grabs the attention of a bartender and orders 10 mugs of The Lost Halls Porter. He has them waiting at the table for everyone when they arrive.

"Alright ladies, drink up... this is a team-building exercise, even if you don't normally drink you can at least do one..." The Dwarf holds his mug out and says "Cheers!" before downing the whole mug in one long drink.

Sgt Trimmack takes a sip of his porter then addresses the team. "Ok, who has any questions. Go ahead, get them all out in the open. I saw you talking to the good Sgt over there and I can only guess what you were asking him... go ahead, and ask... Better to get everything out in the open now than to worry about secrets in combat."

Cameron (John C posting for Dave F) d20+8=24 ;
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:08:52 PM
"We noticed that most of your ribbons were from the Scab, for Combat, Valor and Heroism. We were wondering just what it was that you did?
We also realized, well actually noticed that that three of you were promoted to Sargent, there must be a story behind it.
I also noticed you have a Dwarven medal for Valor, and was wondering about it.
If you could regal us about them, it may have some impact on the trial tomorrow."

diplomacy 24

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:15:02 PM
"Right! Tay, how have you been?" Pru smiles at the half-elf. "Is this your fist?"

The two don't have much time to talk, however, before the sergeants arrive. "Whoops! I have to go. It was good talking with you," Pru says, and returns to the table. She finds a seat as Sergeant Helmbane begins his instructions.

Alright ladies....

Pru rolls her eyes. One of those. She wonders briefly how Sergeant Helmbane would like it if people started using "dwarves" as an insult. She lifts her mug and takes a hearty swallow.

Sergeant Trimmack asks if there are any questions, and Pru's eyebrows raise a little at his phrasing. "Secrets? Are you keeping secrets from us, sergeant?"

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:31:12 PM
Carver lifts the mug and since he's already started drinking downs it in a couple chugs, Belching afterwards.

"What I'm interested in is the types of testing they do. What we can expect or at least what it was like when you were tested."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:33:28 PM
OOC: I read that as LAD - EES not LAY - DEES, which is correct Mr. DM?

DM Zach: It was the same as saying girlies. Yes, he is annoying.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 5:59:35 PM
Nikolai stands straight as their two sergeants enter. Althought The Last Assignment seems to dispense formalities, Nikolai just doesn't feel right slouching in front of superiors.

"Yes Sir!" he says when Sgt Trimmak asks to gather up the others. The effort was not really necessary as his teamates also saw when the two came in, but Nikolai had spied Pru talking to the half-elf woman at the bar and wanted to get a closer look.

"Err... uhm... is all he gets out as Pru turns and heads back to their table. He shifs a foot rather uncomfortably then follows Pru back to their table.

'Boy, that was just great,' he sighs.

NIkolai falls in with a big "CHEERS!" and a big gulp. Knowing dwarve's capacity for drink, he does not empty his mug, wanting to be rather sober for any bar games later, if they have time.

'Secrets?' Nikolai shruggs...

Nikolai speaks up.
"One of our first rules was to pay attention and notice who our superiors were and give them the proper salute. Extra duty for those that failed to do so. So it was natural that we noticed yours and that they were of the same unit and same campaign. It was also natural for us to wonder who or what you fought, what tactics you used to defeat the enemy, what weapons proved more effective, and so forth. We noticed that yon Sgt Minotaur had the same thing and impulsively went over there to ask about them without thinking about waiting for you. Sorry about that, Sirs"

OOC: Nikolai is not trying to Bluff or Diplomate here, just stating the facts as he 'perceived' it.

OOC: BTW. I'm leaving out of town tomorrow. I'll be at my parents through Sunday. I should have access to the Wold, it's mostly a matter of finding time and asking for permission to use their PC. If it looks like I'm not going to get a post in, feel free, anyone, to post something for me. Just don't get me drunk, just yet. :)

Thanks.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday August 13th, 2013 6:14:28 PM
Tinker becomes less distracted as Nickolai, Carver, and Bliss 'round' up the Fists and bring them to the table. "Social drinking is what dwarves do", he remembers his mentor say years and years ago, but curiously, Tinker never got used to that. He accepts the Lost Halls Porter and takes a bigger swig than Sergeant Trimmack, but smaller than a full-throated guzzle, and listense to the instructions. What questions to ask? He has to think through his response.

"Sergeant Trimmack, Fists work together, right? And we're all trained, so you aren't an instructor for us, but more like the boss. Now, we see that three of you are all from the same squad. And we can also assume that the Fist Leadership is smart enough to figure out that just because you can fight good doesn't mean you can lead others. So you each have some training in leading others and how to pick teams and stuff." Tinker seems to run out of beating around the bush and has to take a breath before plunging in. "So, why us together as Fists? Looking around, most of the other Fists are mostly like-type teams so they can ALL be in the shieldwall or ALL be skirmishers. But us? We look like the parts that got left over."

Once he gets to the point, Tinker seems to be particularly blunt. It just takes him a while to GET there! "Are we just a bunch of misfits?"

DM Zach: This reminds me of Bean talking to Graff about Dragon in Ender's Shadow.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 6:26:21 AM
The cleric looks at the minotaur and says, "umkaaaay, Well, I'magona go over here now." The centaur turns a shade of red. His tail swishes, a bit irritated.

The talk of competition sucks. This is the first he heard about it. These are his friends and comrades, not opponents.

"Misfit Leftovers." Answering the question.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 8:55:25 AM

"Hey!" says Bliss. "Don't call us names! That's not nice! I fit just fine!"

He looks around, glaring at Lindy and Tinker. "We got two big ones, two little ones, and four in the middle. What's wrong with that?"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 9:22:24 AM
Tinker looks a little surprised at Bliss' outburst, and shrugs. "I call 'em as I see 'em, Bliss. In every project, you put the pieces together for a gadget and there are pieces left on the workbench." The dwarf looks around, but is mostly blocked by the larger members of the Fists. "Every other Fist looks like it is built for something, something that fits with the Mailed Fist as part of a mercenary company. We look like the pieces that got left on the workbench and are cobbled together to be a paperweight."

Yep, Tinker sure is blunt!

DM Zach -- A Beer With the Sgt's
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 11:18:23 AM
Cameron is blunt and gets straight to the point. Trimmack sets his mug down and begins. "I can answer your first three questions at once. Sgt Helmbane and I were in Tiger Regiment. Storm Company. D Troop. 1st Infantry. Danner's Fist. We were assigned to the Scab for... as long as I care to remember. We had been pulling missions all over the Scab, mostly caravan escorts and the like. We saw more than our fair share of combat. Giants, orcs, duergar, and the like. Typical stuff for the Scab. Well, then we started encountering undead, and a lot of them. Our next mission was to one of the larger trading hubs in the Scab, Riddleport." Trimmack stops for a moment as if lost in thought. Even Helmbane sets his mug down and swears under his breath at the mention of Riddleport. After a few moments Trimmack continues. "The city was always bustling. Tons of people, going about their business. Anything that happened in the Scab went through Riddleport. We were on the outskirts of town, on patrol, just a simple assignment, mostly to keep any eye out for any undead. The next thing we know, there was an explosion... bigger than anything I've ever seen. The whole city in a matter of seconds was destroyed. So many people died. Even worse, many of those who died, were turned into undead. We went into the destroyed city and started killing the undead. We saved those that we could, we fought off scavenging pirates and finally, when we though all was lost, a company from the Dwarven League came and helped us escort the refugees to safety. The refugees said we were heroes. The Dwarven League agreed with them. We were given the Dwarven League Medal of Valor. We were ordered back here to be reassigned since we lost so many from our fist and squad. Instead, they decided to promote those of us who survived into new fists. Out of our whole squad... 15 good men... only the three of us survived. Well, technically I was field promoted to Sgt by Sgt Danner as he lay on the battlefield with a mortal wound."

Helmbane takes over and answers the last question about the final exams. "They change every year. There is always some kind of combat trial, some kind of stealth trial, and some kind of knowledge trial. There are always three. They are scored on a point system. Team with most point is the Honor Team. You never know when they are going to happen." The Dwarf looks around for a moment before finding the bartender and calling for another round of Lost Halls Porter. "Drink up!"

Prudence is worried about secrets.

Carver drinks some more and gives his compliments to the Bartender with a belch.

Nikolai seems to be worried about offending his Sgt's. Helmbane smiles to Trimmack, "I like this guy. Intense. That's good, just save some of that for the battlefield."

Tinker is also blunt, but in a different way. Linden also chimes in about Misfits. This seems to really upset Bliss. Trimmack answers in his typical calm and measured voice. "I don't see US as a bunch of misfits. Some fists are put together to focus on calvary only, others as infantry, and some for stealth. In our time in the field, we found that adaptability was the key to success. That is why Sgt Helmbane and I both requested a mixed until fist. We did not get to pick who we wanted, but I am happy with those we got. You are no misfits. When we win Honor Team, I hope you will all see this. If not, once we are in the field you will understand."

The drinks that Helmbane ordered arrive and he starts passing them around. "Drink up, any more questions?"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 3:55:10 PM
William's impressed with the story and if it's true, then these are sergeants truly earned their stripes in the field of battle... He has no love for undead either so he understands their actions...

He is curious about that explosion and people being raised from the dead and asks questions about if any necromancer types were seen, what sort of mages or wizards were present, etc. His goal is to find out who might have done the raising and what they used to do it...

He sticks with drinking tea, not alcohol, as he doesn't want to cloud his mind for the tests coming up... He's more of a listener than talker, but with sincerity, he says, "We'll do our best to win the honor squad for you sergeant and I'm proud to be a part of your team."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 5:13:49 PM
Tinker likes the straightforward answers, both as to their Sergeant's history and that the two groups are specifically set up to be "Utility Fists". He tries it out on his own tongue. "Utility Fist. Like we are ready for anything and can work where the normal Fists can't." He drinks more of his first ale before setting it aside and reaching for another. "I like the sound of that!"

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 5:26:11 PM
Pru listens, wide-eyed, as Sergeant Trimmack tells his tale. It sounds as if his former Fist had indeed been heroic, and had paid a terrible price.

When she hears about all the people who died and became undead, she closes her eyes and offers a quick prayer to Gargul to have mercy on them.

She accepts a fresh drink, and takes a hearty swallow of this one, too. She can hold her liquor better than she looks--which isn't saying much, granted. She figures she can get nicely buzzed tonight and not feel the effects too badly in the morning.

She nods agreement to Tinker's assessment. "Me, too," she says. "A good Fist should be able to cope with all kinds of situations."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 6:14:16 PM
Carver takes another drink of his wine, finishing the goblet off.
"Being well versed for almost anything is a good thing, but I also hate to be a mother hen.
I think we should shy away from too much more drinking, but I think I will invest ion a couple more rounds on the other new fists."
He looks at his Sgt. "You said it can be at anytime tomorrow, that means in under 4 hours if you think about it, tomorrow starts at midnight, and getting the others drunk sounds like fair game, because they have that option as well...."
He looks at his fist mates to see what they think of getting the other testees drunk before the test starts...

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 6:23:51 PM
The usually very happy centaur, even with pipe in his mouth and mug in hand, grows a bit morose. "I don't like the idea of undead. Trimmack Sir.... you have officially harshed what mellow I had." The blue eyes are sad and bit teary. "How can I be inspired after a story of so much death?!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 7:18:18 PM
" ,Linden man, if you can't get inspired by that then you are broken. They went from patrol to the middle of a war zone and managed not only to live but shepard civilians out of that mess. That is totally inspiring."
" Carver, I'm with you, but make sure they get plenty more booze. Cameron tosses Carver another gold for the bar's drinks.
" We however should slip out and get geared up and catch a few winks. Any objections Sergeants?"

OOC
Still can't see too well. kinda hunt and peck here and the browser is turned up to about 1 word per line.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 7:44:10 PM
"But so many died. How is that inspiring?"

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 8:56:58 PM
"So many died, yes, But so many were saved by so few is the inspiring part."

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 9:01:41 PM
"The fact that any died..."

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 14th, 2013 10:40:33 PM

Bliss is focused less on the stories and more on the orders. First, the seargeant says, "Alright ladies, drink up... this is a team-building exercise, even if you don't normally drink you can at least do one..."

Bliss looked again at the huge mug in front of him. For a fellow who weighs only 32 pounds sopping wet, the sheer volume of the pint is daunting, to say the least. Then the other seargeant says, "Drink up." And then again he says, "Drink up, any more questions?"

Bliss does not have any question. He has been given the same direct order three different times. And if there is one thing he has learned to do over the last three years, it is to follow orders.

He takes his first sip. Then another. He's never liked the taste of ale. But then, he did not like crawling on his belly in mud, or running ten miles with all his gear, or swimming naked in an icy lake, but he learned to follow those orders too.

Bliss takes another sip, and another. The alcohol begins to have an effect on him. He takes a deep gulp. The mug is hardly dented.

He notes that William the Courageous is drinking only tea. He must have courage to disobey a direct order. Bliss takes several more gulps. He notes that the the level in the mug is a quarter down. He looks at William. "William! How come your disobaying n order like that you are? You gotta obay ordrs right sure you do. Sarj thair sez you gotta 'drink up! dsrink up!' You goota drinkem up like me!"

Bliss reaches for his mug, misses, reaches again, and chugs another quarter mug. "Seee thair!"

The little fellow valiantly tries to follow his order, lifting the heavy shaking mug with both hands. "That's a good mug. Stay still mug," he says, talking to the vessel. He drinks more, then dropping the mug to the tabletop, and only a few drops dash out.

Bliss hears several people mention death. "Aaaa taint soo bad," he says, taking another sip. "I been dead. Kinda peace, uh, peace, uh, uh, peachy. Don fill bad fr ded fokz."

Bliss drains the last of his mug at last. He crawls onto the table and tries to stand at attention. "I did it sarje! Did!"

Bliss falls down on his face.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 2:32:57 AM
The centaur just stares at Bliss, on his face, against the stained floor. He clops over to the little halfling, "C'mon friend." He drags the halfling onto his back and makes for the door. "This isn't a fair test man. He's tiny. The pint is half his size. Harsh... seriously."

(OOC: Need a ruling. I would like to use Sacrificial Bond on Bliss, but it seems vague. It says I can transfer damage and accompanying effects to myself as an immediate action.)

DM Zach: For this, I will allow it.

DM Zach -- Helmbane Shows... Remorse?
Thursday August 15th, 2013 11:21:01 AM
The Sergeants take in all that is said and remain somewhat solemn about the their story.

When Bliss passes out they pay attention. Helmbane shakes his head in disgust, but seemingly more with himself than anyone else. "Bah, such a good little soldier. Took my words literally and as an order. I'm sorry about that. I meant nothing by it... I forget not everyone likes drink as much as me... You are all dismissed to do as you please. Sleep would be my suggestion. Sgt Trimmack and me... we'll be staying in the Team Barracks with ya'll until graduation."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 12:47:04 PM
Much uplifted by the sergeant's pep talk and learning more about his shieldmates, Tinker takes SGT Helmsbane's advice and stops drinking. He lifts up Bliss and tosses the little fellow over a shoulder after putting a bartowel as a pad. "Don't think he'll stay up on your back," he tells Linden. "And better he vomit over the towel than your fur.

Tinker, waits for as much of the Fist Team that is going directly back to the barracks before starting out, keeping together as a group. He helps undress and tuck Bliss into his bunk with a bucket just in case before cleaning himself off and tossing his hairy body on his own bunk in only his smallclothes.

Before going to sleep, Tinker reaches a hand beneath his pillow and ensures his dagger is still there. "G'night. No telling how long we'll have before the final tests!"

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 1:18:00 PM
Pru watches the halfling kid's performance in amazement, then alarm. "Hey," she says, a couple of times while he's drinking. "Hey, slow down, kid." Drat! What was the kid's name? Something happy....

Then he passes out, face down on the table. Pru reaches out and shakes him lightly by the shoulder. "Hey!" she calls. "Hey--" darn it! Joy? Felicity? Jolie? "hey, Bliss," she says, remembering at last, "are you okay?"

But Linden and Tinker seem to have things under control, so Pru sits back and picks up her mug again. Some of her Fist-mates are leaving, but it's early yet and she's having fun.

"Thank you for the drink, sergeant," she tells Helmbane.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 2:05:42 PM
" Damn, he did better than I did when Uncle Morgan took me on my first bar crawl. I didn't manage to finish the first pint before I gave it back to the table. Yeah, lets get some rest and hope Bliss is ok for tomorrow."
"Sergeants, it took alot of courage to do what you did back then, and to tell almost total strangers about it now. I look forward to being under your commands. Thank you."
Cameron extends a hand to each sergeant and then a salute before helping get Bliss to bed. He gets his gear ready to the point he can roll out of bed and into his gear when the need arises.

Cameron;s Spell List and Effects

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 2:11:32 PM
OOC
John has a bunch of Dr appointments today, so I'll post for him. I can't switch his header for mine though cuz I can't see well enough to not mess it up. Sorry Ken. As for me the eye Dr put a big contact in my eye to keep the abrasions from irritating me so I can see better, but still not reall good. Glad I learned how to zoom my browser..

IC
CARVER
carver takes his money and the gold that Cameron gives him, plus any other money donated by the others ( do the sgt's want in?) up to the bar and tells the barkeep to keep the drinks flowing for anyone that wants to drink for as long as the gold lasts. He then quietly walks out and heads back to their bunks for some rest after he makes his gear ready for wake up.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Thursday August 15th, 2013 3:26:27 PM
William laughs at his friend questioning his beverage, and shakes his head, "You got me on that one Bliss... On the other hand, you've drunk enough for both of us, I'm sure. We'll just count them together and say that I gave you mine..."

When Bliss passes out, he gets up and helps the Centaur move him out of the room..."Let's get him back to the barracks and then we'll both have a good night's sleep... When do we need to report in the morning?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 5:01:35 PM
Nikolai listens to their sergeants' story quietly. Their actions show they care about others, a quality one has to have to be a good leader.

Sorry to see Bliss pass out so early, Nikolai looks for those bar games again.
"They'll more likely drink more if we can engage them in some bar contest," he states.

OOC: if there are no bar games (darts, bean bag toss, etc) he will challenge anyone to an armwrestle contest. Looser buys the drink for the winner. If he looses often anough, the winners will be drunk. :)

to DM: if you feel you don't have time for this, I guess skip it.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 15th, 2013 6:37:26 PM
Thanking Tinker for the towel, Linden gets the halfling onto his back, trying to avoid jarring movements, then he says a quick prayer to Flower. He holds his symbol tight. "This sacrifice is made." The cleric goes still for a moment. (OOC: DM Zach can take it from here if he wishes. Otherwise, I'll just play it out, as a pint MIGHT effect a centaur. :))

Bliss (Cayzle)
Friday August 16th, 2013 9:53:23 AM

Bliss would be so grateful for the care of his friends, were he awake to be aware of it. But then he is awake! Linden has taken the worst of the ale's effects from the small halfling. He sits up in bed, rubs his eyes, and says, "Wowsy, I just had the strangest dream. Lindy, you were in it."

Bliss looks around at his friends. "And you -- and you -- and you -- and you were there."

"But you couldn't have been, could you?"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Friday August 16th, 2013 11:11:21 AM
Checking in

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 16th, 2013 1:29:14 PM
"Course not Blizzard. That's 'bout as crazy as me havvin' horns!"

DM Zach -- Go Time.
Friday August 16th, 2013 5:44:01 PM
Most of the group heads back for the night. Linden feels a little nauseous but for the most part... he is no worse for the wear.

Nikolai stays at the bar and plays some bar games. Darts and arm-wrestling seem to be the two favorites. He wins more than he loses at darts until he realizes that losing would get others to drink more. Several members of several fists are still drinking, even though many had the bright idea to head back early like your fist.

Nikolai finds that those that are still here are inebriated enough that his departing will have no effect on them at this point.

With the Team, complete with its Sergeants, safely tucked in for the evening, thoughts of what tomorrow might bring are on everyone's mind. Random snoring, especially from near Sgt Helmbanes rack can be heard but things are quiet... right up until 0130 hours. The loud, rapid knocks on the door and a folded piece of parchment with a red seal is pushed under the door. Sgt Trimmack jumps out of bed and opens the door, letting in just enough light to read the parchment. His eyes move rapidly across the parchment before calling out, "All right, its go time. We have 30 minutes to be in the Hall of Heroes. Get your gear and check over each other... is everyone good?"

Ok, be honest with yourself. If you think that your character should have a penalty, you apply it. No drinking would obviously be no penalty. Drank to a buzz, maybe a -1. Slightly intoxicated, -2, pretty drunk, -3, and obliterated say a -4. You know what your character would have been when you went to bed.

Also, please note that I may or may not post again this weekend. Either way, DM Ian will be talking over on Monday. A Great first two weeks guys and gals... let's keep it up.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 16th, 2013 6:12:43 PM
OOC: Honestly, I think because he meant to take on Bliss' effects, and he was role playing it out, I'll happily take -1, since Linden is a centaur, Bliss is a halfling, volume is what matters here I think. As cleric, he would clear all the effects. If Cayzle believes Bliss was worse off, I'll take on that penalty. :) This is a generous character.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 16th, 2013 6:14:52 PM
OOC: AH! But Linden had had a drink or two himself. I'll call it a -2, stacking it with Bliss'.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Friday August 16th, 2013 8:04:46 PM
OOC: Some wine and a pint of ale shouldn't even dent the constitution of a Centaur.

Carver muscles himself up and pulls on his armor, buckling it up tight. He then begins to strap on his various weapons and his packs, never know what might be needed. Once he's ready, he'll offer to double check the others gear as long as someone checks his for him.
With 10 minutes left Carver gets everyone moving towards the Great Hall.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday August 16th, 2013 8:31:36 PM
Pru stays at the Last Assignment for a little more than an hour after Linden and Bliss and the others leave. She finishes the ale that Sergeant Helmbane bought her, and then has one more. Or maybe two--who's counting? She doesn't pay for them, of course; Pru is a pretty girl in a mostly-male facility. She hasn't paid for her own drinks since she got here.

She chats easily with people, and watches the darts game for a little while. She calls up a Prestidigitation, and amuses herself by sending brightly-colored soap bubbles wafting through the room. She makes her way back to the team's quarters, planning to be in bed by 22:00, because surely, surely that's early enough to be bright and chipper in the morning. She moves quietly as she enters the quarters, conscious of her teammates already asleep. And how in the Wold had they managed to fall asleep so early? Pru is still keyed up and buzzing with excitement; even with all the ale in her, she knows she's going to have trouble sleeping.

She removes her tunic and boots, but decides to sleep in her chemise and trousers. She doesn't know who's going to be awake first, or what kind of state she'll be in when they are. Best to stay covered up, really.

She says her prayers, but she doesn't light her candle so as not to disturb her sleeping teammates. Tonight's silent prayers are for Flower, as they often are. Pru is a 17-year-old girl, so True Love is of interest to her. More than that, though, she prays that her parents will remember how much they love her, maybe enough to relent and allow her to come home again.

Then she slips into bed where, as she had feared, she lies awake for some time before she finally manages to drop off into sleep.

Being awakened at 01:30 makes her very cranky. "Oh, come on!" she grumbles as she gathers her boots. "I just took these off!" she says, stomping into them with perhaps more force than is strictly necessary. She tosses on her tunic, but does take time to make up her bunk. She has never failed an inspection, and she's not going to start now. She makes sure everything is tidy, and her tunic is smoothed down and looking respectable, before going to the weapons rack to grab her crossbow and spear.

"I swear you've gotten heavier," she grumbles to her spear as she lugs it away from the rack. "Nnhnn," she adds as she gets into position.

Aside from the still-sour expression on her face, Pru is ready to go. Her bunk is made, her foot locker is neat and tidy, her tunic is on and straight, her boots are still good, her weapons are well-cared for and properly carried. Her hair, freshly braided just yesterday, will stay looking decent for another couple of days at least. She's not happy to be turned out, but she is turned out properly.

I'm going to giver her a -2, though, because she is still feeling the effect of those drinks.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday August 16th, 2013 8:59:02 PM
Exhuberated at his success in the bar games, Nikolai returns to their barracks. He accomplished an extra goal not thought of. He had intended to loose a lot but found it difficult to loose even to those not already drunk.

Having drunk very little himself, his mind felt sharp as he lay in bed thinking about the tests coming up. He finally dozed off but a few hours sleep later and he awakes with a start from the banging on the door.

He quickly slips out of his sleeping clothes and puts on his outdoor clothes and boots not even remembering that there was a girl in their barracks until the sounds of grumbling and stomping from the corner. He turns a little red as he is half dressed but notices Pru's not paying any attention.

Bed made and his corner in order, he slings on his two bandoleers containing his shuriken (five on each belt, crossed over his chest). Tightens his weapon's belt and heads out to form up.

He gave a sympathetic glance at Bliss and avoided Pru, making a mental note of the woman's disposition when awoken before her full allotment of beauty sleep for the night.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 16th, 2013 11:29:35 PM
He drops the halfling at his bunk and makes off to the centaur quarters.

Before bed, Linden stays up, revising things he's learned, or tried to learn, over the past three years. The centaur is one of those hapless last minute crammers. But the ale and pipe weed didn't help, he crashes pretty promptly just before coming to the section he REALLY needed to work on.

He is jarred from sleep by the pounding and such at 130. "Mellow my good fellow! Just chill. Up. UP!" The centaur may usually be the first to wake, but it's difficult for anyone to wake after 45 minutes of sleep... rest. A nap. That what this was. A nap... of sorts.

However, within minutes, the cleric is scrambling.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Saturday August 17th, 2013 2:40:39 AM

Bliss falls back asleep, trying to refind his way to his dream. It had a witch, and a flying monkey. Or was it a talking raven?

When the call comes to wake for the contest, he finds himself, amazingly, refreshed and ready. He does not know that Linden took away all his ill effects. But he is glad to be ready to start! He gathers all his gear except for his crafting tools, which he stows in his box. Then he is off to begin.

OOC: Many thanks, Linden! :-)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday August 17th, 2013 5:34:27 AM
Cameron was raised in a meadery ( is that a word) and then by a dwarf. Last night he barely scratched the surface of his ability to drink. He hops out of bed and slips into his armor and gear. Since it is light he needs no help. Once his gear is on he moves over to the centaurs, both in medium armor and helps them tighten buckles and get things straight. He grabs his bow and quiver and weapons belt and is ready for the finals. Before leaving he prays to Pantheon to guide them today and show them the truth of how much they have learned in their training.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday August 17th, 2013 5:37:40 AM
OOC
Will one Dm play the npc sergeants while the other DM's? or will the same DM run the game and play the sergeants. Mostly, will the sergeants be doing their command thing or be passive and do what we tell them I guess is my question.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Saturday August 17th, 2013 10:08:01 AM
William is snoozing peacefully when the banging on the door wakes them all up... He drags himself out of bed, grabs his gear and makes sure his squadmates are up too... Once he's brushed his teeth and put his uniform on, put his weapons and spellbook where they go, he says a quick prayer for their success and safety... He offers to help check his mates gear too and asks them to check his...

Once done, he gets ready to head to the gathering place...

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday August 17th, 2013 7:23:03 PM
Not a drinker, Tinker only had some gulps of each of the two offered mugs and didn't finish either one, and it was off to bed early. The Zero-Dark-Thirty wake up call comes as little surprise to the dwarf, and he shrugs off the few hours of sleep as another training alert that they've all gone through in the last three years.

Long practice makes it less than a minute before the dwarf is dressed, leather armor on, weapons sheathed and ready. His urgosh is laying across his already packed backpack, and Tinker moves around to help out the more sleepy members of the Fists. "C'mon Pru! Up and ready! Splash some water Bliss and get a jump on! C'mon you apes, you wanna live forever?" He cheerfully prods everyone to movement and bleary-eyed alertness. :-)

.............

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Sunday August 18th, 2013 5:08:20 PM
Linden is dragging to get started.

DM Ian - Go Time
Monday August 19th, 2013 1:14:34 AM
The newly formed Fists wake up in various states of disrepair.

Carver does not seem troubled at all by the previous night's exploits.

Prudence feels the effects of last night's drinking, but still manages to stay organized as she prepares.

Nikolai pulls himself together quickly, having drank very little the previous night. While he feels sympathetic for the halfling Bliss, he avoids Prudence's gaze, knowing she can be difficult without proper rest.

Linden had a bit too much fun last night, causing mild panic in the centaur as he rushes to catch up.

Bliss attempts to find his dream again (something about a man in a striped shirt with long claws) but is awoken much too soon.

Cameron, prideful in his ability to put away quite a bit of booze, takes some time to get his armor ready, uttering a short prayer for guidance.

William grabs his spellbook, dragging himself along behind everyone.

Tinker proves to be perhaps the only dwarf that does not drink, getting up in a flurry of exuberance.

The Fists make their way through the winding corridors of the Citadel, which they find are bustling with activity. While incredibly early in the morning, many of the new Fists seem to be up and moving. Some are more prepared than your group, having missed out on the celebration last night, but others you see are in a much more panicked state. Yelling and screaming seems to be overtaking the latter, and you all take a bit of pride in knowing that you are not as disorganized as some others.

The Hall of Heroes is packed, although not so much as it had been the previous day during the Forming of the Fists. Standing on a platform, as he had been the previous night, Field Marshall Major Pavillion Nuterius waits, observing the Fists as they slowly get into formation.

DC 10 Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {There are many Fists that are still missing, even though there are only five minutes left until the time everyone needs to be here. It seems that the previous night's drinking has taken its toll.}

The Sergeants Helmbane and Trimmack organize you all into the proper configuration. Both glance at each other, sharing a look, and turn to look around at the bustling activity all around them.

DC 15 Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: {Both Sergeants seem proud that their Fists are well-organized enough to already be here.}

Hello everyone! Spells prepared yesterday are still prepared, as you only had half an hour to get to the Hall of Heroes. My posts will usually come in very early (going by EST) so everyone can have most of the day to post. I'm really excited to start DMing again, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=6 ; d20+7=8 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 1:35:29 AM
Linden doesn't notice much, but it seems like the Sergeants are watching him ALL THE TIME...

(Perception 6, Sense Motive 8, -2 from last night)

His eyes dart back and forth waiting for the hammer to drop...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20=12 ; d20=11 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 6:32:10 AM
Carver chivies the others into a line up of sorts, mostly arranged by height. With the Sargent on one side, the other three shortest to tallest lined up front to back and himself to the other side of the three from the Sargent.
"Bliss, no sleep walking right now." He whispers to the little guy as he lowered himself and bent over to speak to him.

Perception (12)

To the rest of the group,"Seems like all the Ale and Wine might have had the desired effect on the other fists. There's still quite a few missing from formation, but there is still time to get here."

Sense Motive (11)

Carver looks at the Sargents to be sure that the formation he's put them in is acceptable, and misses the look of pride from them.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=17 ; d20=17 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 8:08:13 AM
Perception 17
Sense motive 17
Good news and better news greets Cameron as he enters the Hall of Heroes this morning. He notes that his group is all assembled but that several, almost many of the other new fists are nor. He lines up next to Bliss and points this out. Looking around he catches Sgt Trimmak and Helmsbane looking at one another and notes the glimmer of pride in their eye. Their Fists were doing well and towing the line, the Sergeants practically glowed with pride. He quietly points this out to the others and then stands ready for the Field Marshall to get the morning rolling and tell them their tasks for Finals.

Cameron;s Spell List and Effects

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=15 ; d20+2=19 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 9:45:17 AM
Tinker stands where indicated, one hand stroking the hard haft of his Urgosh, his heavy pack not slowing him down. His eyes alight, he nods at Carver's assessment and also notices the proud glances of SGTs Trimmack and Helmbane. "Willakkers!", he softly utters the hardest profanity of his foster-mother. "It must be something about early in the morning that sharpens my gaze!" Tinker knows he would never normally care to notice such things as what others are thinking about!

...................

(ooc: non-drinking dwarf. I figured, why go for the obvious cliche'? :-) Anyways, he does drink, just not much.)

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20-2=14 ; d20-2=17 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 11:14:34 AM
It's official--Pru hates being chivvied into formation in the middle of the ever-loving night. And the ales she'd downed earlier don't help matters.

Still, there are others in worse shape. Pru notices that some Fists aren't even here, while others seem to be doing a lot of running and panicking. Pru herself is yawning and stumbling, but even so, she notices that the sergeants seem pleased. Which, surely, is a break for everyone.

As they move into the hall, Pru concentrates on holding her longspear at the proper angle, so that it doesn't accidentally poke anybody. Or rather, so it wouldn't accidentally poke anyone who was moving properly, with sufficient care, which isn't always the case. "Holding a polearm here," she says as a panicky recruit brushes too close.

In position at last, Pru places the butt of the spear on the ground and looks around her. And if she is using the spear just a teensy bit to steady herself--well, she's not the only one in the hall resorting to such tricks.

[OOC: I assume the -2 applies to all d20 rolls?]

DM Ian That would be correct, yes.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=9 ; d20+2=5 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 12:39:09 PM
OOC: Perception 9, untrained sense motive 5.

Bliss is still woolgathering, and does not notice anything about the scene in the Hall of Heroes or about the sergeants. He's trying to figure out who or what that man with the striped claws was, in his dream. No wait, that wasn't it ...

Luckily, Carver nudges him out of his reverie in time to take his place and come to attention. Thanks to Linden's kind healing help, Bliss is feeling fine and ready to go! He checks his back pocket for his slingshot, and is glad to find it ready for use.

[OOC: Checked my sheet and caught a mistake. Slingshot damage (ie, sling damage) applies a -1 Str penalty, so Bliss is 1d4+1, not 1d4+2 on slingshot bullets.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=14 ; d20+7=13 ;
Monday August 19th, 2013 6:51:11 PM
Perc +9 DC10 = 14
Sense Mot +7 DC15 = 13

Nikolai follows Carver's suggested line-up, shorter ones in front, taller ones in back, that allows everyone to see the sergeants and the sergeants them.

He easily notices that not all the Fists are present yet, but is busy making sure his weapons are in order and his bandoleers are in place to notice Sgts Helmbane and Trimmack's looks.

Nikolai smiles with pride at their organization and preparedness, but keeps any thoughts of an easy victory pushed away.

DM Ian - Go Time
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 12:23:00 AM
Linden sees nothing, hears nothing, and says nothing, terrified that the Sergeants are staring at him.

Carver arranges the others in a proper order, taking note of the other Fists' weaknesses.

Cameron takes pride in his Fist's organization, standing at the ready for whatever comes next.

Tinker quietly exclaims surprise as his own ability to perceive, and receives a sharp look from Trimmack. It seems the Sergeant's ears are even sharper than the dwarf's.

Prudence manages to keep herself upright, though not for lack of others trying. It seems that very few people knew what they're doing.

Bliss is still distracted by his dreams, but manages to snap to attention with the help of Carver.

Nikolai tries not to let the easy victory over the others get to his head, trying to keep his eyes forward.

William seems to be a bit more affected from the drink than he thought...

As the time comes and goes that all of the Fists are supposed to be in formation, the Hall of Heroes is still bustling with activity. And yet, an incredibly calm Field Marshall Major waits, gazing upon his future soldiers and mercenaries. The Fists note that his predecessor, Thankasis Fokos, is absent. Perhaps they gave him the night off.

Finally, fifteen minutes after the designated arrival time, the last Fist falls into position with much hustling and bustling. There is absolute silence as Pavillon Nuterius overlooks the newest Fists with a mixture of respect... and disdain.

"All of those that have arrived late," he called out through the hall. His booming voice has no problem carrying throughout the entire room. "Will have twenty points docked from their final score. You must always be prepared for battle, even if it means waking up after a night of drinking and carousing to something unexpected." His face darkens as he continues. "If this were a real assignment, most of you would be dead."

A shiver goes through the crowd. Your young leader is quite the speaker, as many of you feel a chill run down your spine.

""Now, onto business. Your first test has come. Many of you have come armed to the teeth, rattling about in plate armour, carrying cumbersome weapons and useless items. All of these will prove to be impractical for your next test. Your Sergeants will be given directions to your individual training grounds, where you will receive further instruction and a chance to prepare." With a slight shake of his head, he adds, "And may the Gods grant you all luck. You will be needing it."

And with that, Field Marshall Major Pavillon Nuterius struts from the stage, storming out of the Hall of Heroes, leaving you all to wonder what may come next. Uniformed scribes begin handing out scrolls to the Sergeants, and Trimmack and Helmbane take theirs eagerly.

"Training Ground 42..." Trimmack mutters, looking over the scroll with his dwarven counterpart. "So, they have us doing the stealth test first, I see. Best prepare yourselves accordingly, Trimmack comments.

"Best get movin'," Helmbane growls, looking around. "People are startin' to move, we don't want to get caught up in the bottleneck."

Your Sergeants lead you quickly from the hall, weaving through the hallways as they dodge through slow-moving crowds and hungover Fists.

Everyone! Please make a DC 13 Skill check to get through the crowd! This could be anything from Acrobatics, to Escape Artist, to Knowledge: Local! As long you roleplay it out properly, almost any skill can apply to this challenge. Get creative enough, or roll high enough, and it might earn yourself a Hero Point!

Careful... roll low or roleplay poorly, and your Fists will reach your testing site late. You wouldn't want to leave a bad impression on the Judges!

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=18 ; d20+7=22 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 5:59:41 AM
Actions:
Hold Action to see what team mates do... may assist accordingly. (Perception 18, Sense Motive 22)
Holding to Aid Another, Granted Power, doubles aid to +4 for skills as well.

OOC: Assuming it requires an attack roll, this might be FUN!! ;)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+4=7 ; d20+4=13 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 8:20:17 AM
Cameron thinks back to his youth, where his mother ran an Inn while his father made Honey Mead. They had been adventurers, but had retired to raise a family. What turns a room full of drunks into a den of chaos, with minimal casulties? He thought. It took only a moment to remember one of the most spectacular and messy memories he had.
When he was 4, his father had decided to hold a Mead drinking contest. Many scoffed at mead, feeling it held no real alcohol content. It was made from honey after all. So his father made a contest of it, whomever could drink the most mead and still walk the length of the bar would win. After each drink, the contestant hopped up onto the bar and had to walk it's length. Quickly the field narrowed until IT happened. One halfling, about 6 pints in, got up onto the bar and suddenly turned green. He swooned, and then turned and vomited into the bar area. The other patrons, who had been doing their best to keep their mead down began a chain reaction and ALL of the patrons, already drunk, started to empty their stomachs. The mess was remarkable.
If Cameron could replicate that here it would cause a huge distraction, allowing the others to make their way out a side door and to the assembly area while the rest of the drunkards were held up. Linden looked willing to help, so it was only up to Cameron to sell the scene.
" Linden, hurry with me to the main entrance to the hall. The rest of you head for a side door, We will catch up... I hope" Cameron explains his plan to Linden as they move towards the front. He might need help on his acting, he had never tried this before, or maybe his bluffing. Hmm lots of ways this could go wrong, he started to notice now, oh well he was commited. Once near the front he swoons a little, making a scene. He had been drunk before so this was not hard he then proceeded to make his mostly calm stomach ( he had not had too much booze to handle last night, but enough to still have some on board) hitch and empty on the floor. He shouldn't need to sell that he was sick now, but he put the extra effort in and hoped it made the other drunkards sick too.
Perform (acting drunk) untrained 7 ( probably the best roll to assist me on if you can Linden)
Bluff (to sell the lie) untrained 13 ( remember bonuses for viewers wanting to believe ( +5) and being drunk (+5)though not all are drunk, and you possess compelling proof (+10) right there on the floor . I didn't add these since they are up to the DM's discretion.)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=12 ; d20+7=17 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 9:41:47 AM
Tinker zips it as Trimmack gives him the 'look', and stands at a modified attention until dismissed by the Field Marshal Major. The dwarf grumbles a little at the implied rebuke of carrying too much as the group starts out of the Hall. "And if we weren't ready, he would have called us out on THAT, too!"

Tinker tries to weave his way out of the hall, sliding through some gaps, but his backpack banging into others. When that doesn't work, he merely slips through, deftly untangling himself from the pile-ups in the corridors.

"C'mon Cameron, don't fall behind!", Tinker calls out to the little halfling. All the while, Tinker reminds himself that with a shrug of the shoulders he can drop the backpack and the urgosh goes to the floor, and he will be ready as he can for any stealth test.

....................................

Acrobatics - 12
Escape Artist - 17

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=18 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=6 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 10:10:27 AM

Bliss gets it right away! It is a contest! Like a game! Who can be the first to get to the Training Ground first? He pauses for a moment to think about it. He has to sneak around and find a way through this tangle of legs. He has to jump and tumble around obstacles -- like the puddle on the floor Cam just made! Wowsy! He drank too much. Bliss is SO Lucky that Lindy healed him! But most of all, Bliss will have to dance around and about to get through first.

[OOC: Kindly DM, Bliss is rolling four skill checks, but if you really only want one, it is the Perform Dance that really fits best. Sadly, that's also his worst check!]

Before he heads off, Bliss sees Linden hesitate. "Good luck, Lindy!" he shouts. "Don't miss the race!"

Bliss sneaks around the crowd, avoiding eyes, skirting the other cadets. Stealth check 18.

Then he looks around for the best way through, alert to people moving in his way. Perception check 13.

He jumps over that puddle on the floor. Untrained Acrobatics check 18.

And he dances and twirls and pirouettes around legs and feet and through doors and corridors. Perform Dance check 7. Ugh! Bliss uses a hero point to reroll his check, trying harder than ever to win the race. Second Perform Dance check 6. Double Plus UGH!

Bliss bumps into the people who do not see him (he is stealthy but not graceful). He sees the feet and boots as he trips over them (he is perceptive but clumsy). And he jumps over the puddle only to fall on his face past it! (good at hopping but not at watching where his feet go, alas).

[Hero Point removed from sheet. :-( ]

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+2=19 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 11:40:00 AM
Pru can't help but feel a little proud of herself and the rest of the team. They'd made it here on time, arranged themselves in formation, and had been ready to go. She was glad to be with a group that took this all seriously.

You must always be prepared for battle, the Field Marshall Major says. Pru feels an uneasy knot develop in her stomach. Always? Like, always always? She wonders yet again if she really understood what she was letting herself in for.

Many of you have come armed to the teeth, rattling about in plate armor, carrying cumbersome weapons and useless items. Pru is beginning to feel a little cross. Of course she had brought her weapons! With a shudder, she remembers what had happened the one time she had not brought her spear to training because it was big and awkward and she "wouldn't need it anyway." She'd done pushups clear through dinner. Leave it behind again? Yeah, not going to happen.

But soon they are dismissed, to find their own way to the test location. Acting on instinct, Pru turns on the charm.

"Excuse me, can I get through here?"

"Whoops, sorry! Ha-ha, quite a mob scene."

"Markus, hey! Crowded enough for you? Can I just squeeze by?"

"Can I just slip behind you here...thanks."

"Hi, Pete! Can I just slide past you here?"

...and so on, working closer to the door. Despite being tipsy--or possibly because of it--she negotiates her way through the room with ease.

[Untrained Diplomacy 19]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+4=16 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 12:22:38 PM
Carver, taking his cue from Cameron, heads for the side door, but he has plans of his own to get the group out as well."Just follow in my wake, I'll make a hole and get us out." he says just loud enough for the group to hear.
He starts moving that way and once he gets bumped into a couple times it's time to put his plan into action.
As he gets bumped into the next time, he shouts out "HEY! watch where you're stomping." As he shouts it out, he rears up and slams his shod hooves onto the floor, making a loud wham.
He gives a harsh look at anyone and everyone that even appears to want to encroach on his space as he moves to the exit.
He repeats the rearing and stomping as needed keeping the group moving towards the side door.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20-3=16 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 4:16:37 PM
Spells and Things

Linden grins at the challenge Cam has presented him. "You got it!"

Still a little off from last evening, the cleric does what he can. (Aid roll, SUCCESS!! 16... +4 to Cam's Performance)

He claps a hand on the halfling's shoulder.
"What's that Cam?! Your going to blow chunks? Look, the last time, we were cleaning up that little old man apron and shoes for hours. Please, like, excuse us and stuff. My friend here is going to blow chunks." The centaur waves his arms around, talking loudly, shooing folks out of his way. It was easy acting like a concerned friend and citizen.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12 d20+8=10 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=5 ; d20=11 ; d20+8=13 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 8:37:46 PM
(Sorry about missing Monday's posts... They are crazy busy days catching up from Sunday's worship service and then we have Krav Maga with my oldest son immediately after work until usually 9 or later.... We can't access game sites from church so ... usually I'll miss Monday's post but try to make up for it Tue ams...)

Standing with his group, William hears the leaders comments about armor not being helpful in this trial and chuckles, knowing that issues related to wearing armor will never be a problem for him...

As the others in his fist head out, he'll follow close behind, letting the bigger ones lead the way in front of him... He'll find the closest, biggest companion and stick close...
Perc = 8

If anyone bumps him or gets in his way, he'll use his knowledge of spellcraft to cast a slight cantrip to create the sound of an angry sergeant or officer yelling, "Get out of my way you runts unless you want to fail your test!"
Spellcraft = 10...

When that doesn't work, he tries to use his acrobatics to get around or under the nearest group...
Acrobatics - 5

(how can you roll a 2, 5 and then 3????)

Undaunted (and living up to his title of courageous), he tries to use his escape artist to slip past anyone who bars his path... 8...

Still not giving up... he tries to determine who's going where and then he'll manage to avoid the biggest crowd... Sense Motive 5... (rolled a 3)...

He'll start bellowing curses at those in front of him to move out of his way... Intim = 11... but that doesn't work either...

And for his final effort (Ok, is the roller messed up or what????)... he'll start cursing in foreign tongues, hoping that the odd words get the attention of passerby's, thus distracting them and causing them to slow down and see what those odd words are ... and then he'll do his best to get past them ... Linguistics = 13... Yeah!!!

(OOC - Can we get a reminder of who's in what team?)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=16 ; d10=4 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+9=13 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2013 9:45:13 PM
OOC: what Nikolai would like to do is put Pru no Carver's back and have her remove her top, then with her bared chest and her Charm, we should make it through the crowd easily. :}
Alas, that idea might get a slap from Pru. Nikolai would offer to do it but it wouldn't have the same effect.

IC: Nikolai tries to get his Fist to form up and create a wedge formation, with the centaurs in front, the little guys in the middle, and the others at the edges, but everyone seems to break and go one way or another.
Cameron and Linden seem to have some plan and move off to the main entrance. Pru works her way through using some of her girlish charms. Bliss also slips off into the crowd as well as Tinker.
William seems to be getting bounced around a lot and not getting very far and in danger of getting lost into the blob of people.

Carver seems to have had the same strategic idea and grabs ahold of a strap for his gear and then reaches out to grap William.
Acrobatics +9 = 16.

Carver, working his way in the crowed, assisted by Nikolai (Aid Another = 4) while he keeps a firm grip on William (STR = 5) shoves his way alongside Carver.

If he feels things falling appart, he will just attempt to get past it all on his own. (Acrob +9 = 13)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 9:00:49 AM
Tinker hears Carver's plan and immediately sees the value in working as a team. He slips back to the centaur's side, collecting Cameron and Bliss to the shelter of the centaurs if he can, and uses his ability to escape sticky situations to keep himself and the other smaller members of the Fists moving forward.

In the excitement of moving, Tinker also forgot that they are a TEAM now, and Trimmack and Helmbane are the leaders. He jumps to look around trying to catch the eye of the sergeants so they are all going in the same direction!

DM Ian - Go Time
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:04:16 AM
Cameron pushes to the front door, doubling over quickly as people try to push past. With the help of Linden, many people stop around them, clutching their stomachs. While none seem ill enough to actually do anything about it, they have most definitely stopped in their tracks. A success for Cameron and Linden! Cameron, please add one Hero Point to your sheet! If you already have one, then this Hero Point MUST be used during your next encounter!

Tinker tries to slip through the crowd, but finds himself pushed around far too easily. He quickly dips down a side hallway, managing to catch up with his Fist. He also sees that the Sergeants seem to be stopping and going quite a bit, having to wait for you all to catch up. A success for Tinker!

Bliss tries his best, managing to dodge through legs of those that tower over him, but quickly realizes that the fast movement is making him a bit dizzy. Upon attempting to dance, he falls flat on his face, arriving to the training grounds with a bloody nose. That is a tentative success from Bliss.

Prudence uses her feminine wiles to slip through the crowd, getting her to the Training Grounds just after the Sergeants arrive! A success for Prudence! Please add one Hero Point to your sheet! If you already have one, then this Hero Point MUST be used during your next encounter!

People scatter as Carver shouts over the din of the crowd. No one attempts to get in his way as he strides through the halls with ease.

William, frustrated with his multiple failures, finally begins speaking in tongues, remembering every curse word he's heard during his time at the Citadel. A few turn their heads, but many of his words simply fall upon deaf ears uttering the same ones. And William pulls through at the last second!

Nikolai wants to attempt some strategy, but is dismayed to see that his Fist has other plans in mind. Grabbing his ally William, he pulls him along with a good deal of effort. They both arrive at the training grounds out of breath, but on time. And a success for Nikolai!

The Sergeants are already there when you reach the front door, eager to move you along quickly to your proper training grounds. Looking around, you see many people scrambling to do the same, but what is most alarming is the state of the training grounds.

While still within the walls of the Citadel, the grounds are outdoors. The night sky is clear, showing a full complement of stars scatted across the dark tapestry. The rough ground ,usually packed down with the constant training of hundreds of recruits, is now broken up with what can only be described as... debris.

Burnt shells of buildings, enormous rocks, and even a few shacks that still stand are scattered throughout the usually empty grounds, making navigation quite difficult. The Fists weave through the maze of objects, arriving next to a small wooden sign stuck in the ground, painted with the number 42.

Three figures dressed in very nice attire stand behind the sign, eyeing you all carefully. Trimmack turns around quickly, shouting, "Fists! Atten-TION!"

The Fists are as follows...

Under Sergeant Trimmack are Recruits Daemer, Gundle, Komonov, and Linden.

Under Sergeant Helmbane are Recruits Steelshaper, Carver, William, and Bliss.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:06:19 AM
OOC
This is kinda why I wanted to know if the sergeants are going to actively command us or not. It is all well and good to be in a unit, but if the figurehead that is supposed to be giving orders is an NPC and because of that is leaving how a job gets done to us we kinda need to know that as players.
For example, a perfectly logical response to yesterday's situation would have been every one of us standing there looking expectantly at our sergeants for direction. Its not flashy, but it is kinda how a unit should react to the situation. Right?

DM Ian This will be addressed in tomorrow's post.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 11:26:51 AM
Cameron lines up with his fist and snaps to an inspection perfect attention and holds it until instructed otherwise.

Assuming that instructions about the exercise are about to be given, what follows are a summary of the questions Cameron may have so that they can be addressed without wasting a days posts doing so.

Is this a live fire exercise? for example, if reaching the other side of the training ground is the goal, is eliminating spotters allowed? Will we be shot if spotted?

Will we be continuing on from the other side of the training course (or whatever point we are to reach) directly or will dropped packs and discarded armor be allowed to be retrieved?

If we were at the retirement party is our heroes feast in effect now or should we be saving it for a "real" encounter? ( as far as I can guess, the extra hp will not be of much use to us here.)

DM Ian It should be saved until a "real" encounter, which your kindly DMs will inform you of when it comes time.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 2:47:09 PM
(OOC - DM, I like the skills challenge you just ran us through and keep it up! Great and novel way to run an adventure ;))) )

William thanks Nikolai for his timely help and then joins his own Fist by the sign... He stands at attention when the sergeant yells, making sure that he's aligned correctly...

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 4:47:51 PM
When they arrive at the site, Pru scrambles to get with the rest of her Fist: Nikolai, Tinker, and Linden. At the sergeant's call, she comes to attention, wondering what the test entails.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 5:30:37 PM
Carver, not quite ready to start stripping off his armor, he stands waiting for what to do....

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 6:23:51 PM
Linden moves with his squad and joins Trimmack. He positions and then, as he usually does, comes to a relaxed attention. Nothing disrespectful or slouchy, but not stiff.

The centaur cleric is rarely 'prepared' for combat, so he wasn't wearing his armor this morning. Besides, it would have taken longer to get out the door. He ruffles his hair back into place, having to be hunched over a halfling musses hair. His eyes soon start wandering as he waits for Trimmack to start up. He watches a particularly interesting cloud pass behind a building and reappear on the other side in a completely different shape. This makes the centaur grin, then snicker.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=25 ;
Wednesday August 21st, 2013 10:42:15 PM
Nikolai would like to give the group a lecture on tactics but shruggs it off. 'It's Sgt Trimmack's job for lectures, not mine,' he muses as he looks around at the obstacle course as they pass through it.

Perc +9 = 25

He gets in line behind the shorter Pru and snaps to attention at Sgt Trimmack's order.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 8:40:53 AM

Blink falls in fast, one hand holding his slingshot, the other pinching his nose. His eyes are shiny, but he is determined not to cry.

He does see that there are three people waiting for him -- the two seargents and one more person. "Who's that?" he wonders mentally, but standing at attention, he knows better than to give voice to his thoughts.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 12:29:46 PM
Tinker moves with his squad and joins Trimmack. He positions himself in line with the others, coming to a stiff attention with Sergeant Trimmack giving the first ever order since they've been together!

DM Ian - Go Time
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 2:31:59 PM
Incoming...

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 2:52:10 PM
... ?

DM Ian - The First Exam
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 4:00:27 PM
As the recruits fall into order, they try not to let their eyes wander, staring straight ahead as their Sergeants step forward. The three figures dressed in fine uniforms befitting their rank in the Citadel eye you all carefully, taking notes on small clipboards they each carry. There is a male elf with piercing green eyes, a human woman with bright blonde hair, and a male gnome, grinning widely.

DC20 Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {The elf is shooting daggers at Linden as he snickers.}

DC 17 Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: {They seem... unimpressed.}

"Sergeant Trimmack, reporting for duty!"

Sergeant Helmbane, reporting for duty!"

The elf takes his time looking at each of you before speaking. "You're late." Helmbane opens his mouth to say something, but the elf stops him with a raised hand. "There is no time for excuses." Looking up from the fuming dwarf, the elf launches into what is clearly a memorized speech.

"In the field, you will be faced with many challenges. These final exams will determine whether or not your time here has actually been worth anything. For your first exam, your goal will be stealth and infiltration." He gestures to the ground behind him, pointing out bright white lines that have been painted on the ground. "Behind me, there is a small field that has been marked for your test. In that area, there is a small building, and inside that building, there is a scroll. Bring that scroll to me within the time limit, and you will receive full points."

The elf takes a moment to eye each of you carefully before continuing. "Fail... and you will likely receive a low final placement, and the downsides associated with that. In your training ground, you will find many guards attempting to thwart you. In fact..." You see the elf smile for the first time, but it is most certainly not a happy smile -- at least not for the lot of you. "...they are also competing for points. The guards you will be facing are two more Fists."

Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Trimmack and Helmbane shoot each other a panicked look.}

"This is not a live fire exercise. I cannot stress that enough. The guards have been equipped with wooden swords and blunted arrows. If, at any point, they catch up to you, or manage to hit you, it will require you to leave the marked area and return to the starting point. There will, of course, be a penalty for this. You are not to harm the guards in any lethal manner. However, there are other ways to incapacitate your enemies."

The gnome pipes up with an almost comically high voice, saying, "If it has not yet been explained to you, your Sergeants will not be participating in the exercise itself. While they can offer advice and counsel in your preparation time, they cannot partake in the exam. You have five minutes to strategize and prepare yourselves. And before you ask, no, you may not look at the course itself before beginning -- in the field, you must learn to roll with the punches, as it were." He continues to beam widely, although his grin is much happier than the elf's.

"Your five minutes begin now," the woman concludes. "Anything you drop or remove can be retrieved at the end of the exam. If you have any questions, please address them to me."

Your characters now have five minutes in-game to prepare themselves for the upcoming trial! Remember, folks, stealth is key! But just because you don't have a high DEX, doesn't mean you won't be useful! Distractions will be important...

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 4:31:46 PM
Pru sets her spear and crossbow on the ground, and gathers up with her teammates.

"All I have is live fire," she grouses under her breath.

"But I do have this one spell called Dancing Lights. I can use it to make pretty much any sized light I like, and move it around. I thought that, for a diversion, I could make a small, faint light. Like maybe we were sneaking around using a hooded lantern and trying not to be seen." She sighs. "I can't make any noise to go with it, unfortunately. William, I don't suppose you've got a Ghost Sound prepared?"

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 5:14:12 PM

Bliss thinks hard about this. He speaks up with the confidence of someone who is confident in his abilities and has never failed in a significant way. Despite his bloody nose.

"Hey! Hey, you guys! I'm good at sneaking. I have some ideas. That's what I know about."

"You gotta have something to hide in, like mist or shadows or smoke. Or you gotta have something to hide behind, like anything you can hide behind. You guys can help."

"Miss Prudence, you can make fire, right? So set stuff on fire. Just not the other people. That will make smoke, and I can hide in it."

"Brave William, you can summon something small, right?"

"I'm small, right? Take a sack, and put me in it. Get three more sacks. Put straw or clothes in two of them and set those two on fire. Put the small thing William summoned in the other sack. Lindy and Carver, you are big and strong and fast, right? Each of you can carry a burning sack and a creature sack and get as close as you can get to the hut. When you get caught or to the hut, drop the sacks, draw weapons, and pretend to fight or something. The point is, you get me and smoke to the hut asap. Under the cover of the smoke, I crawl out and sneak to the hut and the scroll."

"Meanwhile, everyone else is pretending to try to get to the hut, getting caught, getting sent back, and like that. AND Nick and Cam, since you are sneaky too, you try to sneak up. If you get caught, that seems like we missed. If you don't, that's okay in case I get caught."

"Tinker I dunno what you can do, but maybe distract them with throwing things or something."

"What do you guys think?"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12 d20+3=15 ; d20+2=15 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 5:31:01 PM
William looks at each of the three figures (Perc = 15 ; SM = 15) but doesn't notice anything that he'd remember...

However, he does catch the nervous glances and his heart starts to beat more and more...

While the group strategizes, he offers, "Yes, I can summon twice by using my spell and a bonded ring... The creatures would be a dire rat, a dog, an eagle, a fire beetle, poisonous frog, pony and viper. However, they'll only be here for 2 rounds, so we need to save them for a battle... On the other hand, we could use the eagle to fly and grab the scroll in 1 round, and bring it back in the next... Or drop a pony somewhere to block their way from getting to you or maybe you could ride it to move quickly past the guards? Either way, I can cast it 2x.... Also, I could try to use my staff to keep the guards from touching me with their swords, but they're more skilled than I am..."

(OOC - So what're the rules for trying to evade someone's touch, maybe while using a staff to keep them at bay since you have a longer reach? Is it like using a weapon defensively to boost up your AC?)

He'll also get ready to cast Mage Armor to help boost his AC to avoid touches...

Spells Memorized
0 - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
1 - SM 1, PfE, Mage Armor

Items to Use
1. Bonded ring - recast any spell cast today...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+9=11 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 8:53:26 PM
1st Perc = 14
Sense Motive = 17
2nd Perc = 11

Nikolai notices that the three are not impressed by his two Fists. Nor is he, he admits. But just as much for his own inexperience as for that of his friends.

He starts divesting himself of his weapons belts and backpack. While his friends discuss ideas surrounding burning sacks, he takes his silk rope over his shoulder and takes his caltrop sack and ties it to his white Novice Monk belt.

"A distraction is definitely in order. But those doing the distracting don't need engage the guards directly. Remember our defense classes and how we learned to defend only (Tota Defense)? That would stall the guards for some time, I hope.

Meanwhile, if there is, and probably will be, a guard in the shack with the scroll, a viper slithering towards the guard may be all we need to snatch the scroll and skeedaddle out of there."

The plan is to ammend Bliss's idea by taking Pru, William, Tinker, Cameron, and himself in a separate group while the other, larger ones go with Bliss and activate that portion of the plan.

The idea is to use Tinker to slow any guards that group meets while Pru uses her lights to try to bring any guard out from hiding. Nikolai and Cameron can hold the silk rope across the shack door while William summons a viper to go after the guard and snatch the scroll. When the guard comes chasing William he'll be tripped up by the silk rope. If there are more than one guard in the shack, Pru can help divert the other's attention.

He'll keep his caltrops in reserve for emergencies.

AC 17(19 w/shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15 (17 w/shield), (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 9:24:22 PM
"Whatever." He shrugs at Bliss' suggestion. "I can't really help with spells, cus all mine last too little time. As for stealth, I can Aid Another but that's bit fleeting. I have hooves and I'm big. Apart from that..." He lets the matter hang. "But I'm in."

Spells and Things down one Sacrificial Bond

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 9:52:21 PM
"I think the best use of me is to take the burning sack or three and circle around at full speed, no attempt at being silent. dropping a couple of the burners as i go along. The last bag, the one with Bliss I'll drop after i get tagged out. And I'll walk back right through the middle of the area, they'll keep their eyes on me as I move along. Maybe Bliss can hide in one of my saddle bags... Up to you."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday August 22nd, 2013 11:07:59 PM
As soon as the rules are being announced Cameron starts undoing the laces in his chain shirt, Since this is tag, the armor will only slow down his stealth. He keeps his pack and produces tindertwigs for starting the fire.
" Getting tagged out is bad, don't let it happen. Look at this the way they intend it, tagged is dead. I concur with Linden and Carver moving fast and causing chaos, that gives us stealthers a shot. Whoever feel up to being sneaky can try for the house, but the farther in any of us small folk get dropped the better since we are slower too. Show of hands, who is confident the can sneak in there? Second showing who wants to be a diversion? Once one of us has the scroll we might need an extraction. You centaurs try not to hurt folks when you bowl them over, OK? Do any of our casters know daze or flare? those would be useful for blinding guards and allowing the stealthers just a bit more chance to dodge a blow."
Cameron raises his hand for stealthing in. His father's blood has been running high in his veins the past couple of days, and a smile his mother would remember well plays across his lips.

Cameron's touch AC will be 14 vs small opponents and 15 vs anyone larger than that
His stealth check is at +7

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:19:33 AM
"Well, um, broskees... I hate to bum this brain drain, but I think even trampling around and causing havoc will fail us just on principle." The centaur scratches his chin. "I like the smoke idea though. Is there any way to create a darker smoke? I know when the druids wanted to keep off the flies, they would create darker smoke. Damp moss or something... maybe damp hay. As for dazing, I have pipe weed." The corner of his mouth raises. "And some good wine in my locker in the barracks."

(OOC: Just realized I prepped Shield Other as my domain, but it is a redundant spell given the Granted Power of SacBond. Let's forget the fact that he doesn't even have the Focus purchased yet! Would have prepped CLW in Domain if I was thinking. After this Test and before adventuring, I'm rereading them carefully!!)

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:31:05 AM
"Remember, stealth is key. And the scroll is important. What is the scroll? I know it's a test, but maybe they are looking at how we solve this too. Bribing one of the guards. Fabricating a scroll. I like the summoned owl idea, but for a distraction more than anything else. Ghost Sound too. "

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 9:44:08 AM
" Bribing them won't work, they are competing the same as us. Would you settle for a crap posting for the next three years for whatever we could give you here and now? If one of our two fastest people doesn't want to be a distraction then I guess with sneaking out for you, you could just smoke a bowl and chill. Denser smoke would be better but remember we still need to get it out there and it will help them sneak up on us too. "

Bliss (Cayzle)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 10:24:22 AM

Bliss is happy that his ideas are getting some traction. He agrees that no one should TRY to get caught. "Sure, right," he says, "Even a centaur might get lucky and stay hid as they hoof it towards the hut."

Then he thinks of something. "Um, does anyone have any bags?"

DM Ian - The First Exam
Friday August 23rd, 2013 10:27:17 AM
As the Fists plan, their Sergeants fall in with them, listening to their plans. Trimmack speaks first, saying, "Summoning something would be an excellent distraction. I can't imagine they would see that coming. And I don't think that using your pipe weed will bring us any benefits, Recruit." He eyes Linden distastefully, turning to Helmbane.

"Summoning? You don't need fancy magic for this," the dwarf grumbles. "Every time I've needed subtlety, magic has just gotten in the way. Just trust your instincts and you'll get through."

Trimmack looks down at the dwarf for a moment before continuing. "Use whatever strategy you think is best. And remember, just because you don't see a torch, doesn't mean someone's not there. Do you remember anything else from our training, Helmbane?"

The dwarf strokes his beard for a moment. "I remember that our Sergeants were allowed to participate. And... maybe there's a second entrance. I never found it during my trial, but maybe you recruits can."

If the group feels prepared enough, I'll post the first round before Monday, as early as later today. But if not, you can use the weekend to prepare yourselves and strategize further.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 11:37:18 AM
Bliss looks around to see if his bag idea is even feasible.

OOC: Any volunteers? Carver, you have a blanket and rope. We could use those to make four bags, couldn't we? A couple other people have bedrolls.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=19 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+6=8 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:12:30 PM
Tinker doesn't notice glances of anyone, not even the Sergeants, but does note that the judges are unimpressed. The dwarf mentally shrugs, they are recruits, they are supposed to be unimpressive, and it doesn't phase his attention.

The dwarf nods at mixing the Fists and having Bliss with Carver and Linden to do a noisy, smokey infiltration. The plan that the centaurs appear to be an obvious diversion when in fact holding the prime attack appeals to Tinker's sense of humor. "It is what my foster parents would call a great joke."

The other group, pretending to be the main sneakers, will have three big people for distractions, and the other halfling and Tinker to be the sneakers. "I am not a halfling, but I do have some training in being unseen."

"We should also think of the other Fists. There will be 8 of them. If we can see any, we may be able to remember who is on that Fist. And knowing, we may know their skills."

Tinker lays aside his heavy backpack, crossbow, and urgosh, keeping his armor, dagger, and sap as well as what he has with his Explorers Outfit. On impulse, he pulls out his 50 feet of rope. "A second entrance? Perhaps above or below ground level."

..........................

Perception: 19
Sense Motive: 21
Perception: 8

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:18:48 PM
OOC
How big is the area, will they tell us that?
What type of terrain, will they tell us that? obviously there is a building, but is the rest brush, tall grass, trees. Nothing specific, just general. If they do tell us in general, do we have materials to make a fast and dirty ghille suit type thing?
Beyond what i needed to carry my gear I have no spare bags. That is not to say we can't ride in with one of the centaurs, if they allow it and dismount while they drop a smoking pile of grass. That gets us WAYYY closer fast and all we need to do is hide. Besides, Bliss and Cameron are small and easy to miss in the dark when we drop off our ride. we could hang on for a round or two even so they don't know where we drop off.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:45:38 PM
Pru listens in growing alarm at the complicated plan.

"There are a few things we should keep in mind," she begins cautiously.

"First, this is only the first test. It would be nice to think that they're going to allow a day of rest between each of the tests, but that seems unlikely. Especially since they got us up in the middle of the night. I think the other tests will come immediately after this one.

"That's important because of how magic works. How it works is, spellcasters only have so many 'big' spells they can cast every day. Once they're done, they're done for the day. That's important, because William's summoning spells are 'big' spells. If we make him cast them all now, he won't have them later. That my still be the best strategy, but we ought to keep it in mind."

[OOC: Yes, I know all the players know this, but the characters don't necessarily. And Pru certainly doesn't know that you know. :) ]

"There are also little spells, called cantrips, that we can cast as many times as we want. That Dancing Lights spell is one of those; I can cast it all day long if I want to. So one thing is, we maybe ought to think about what we can do with little spells and save the big ones.

"Another thing to keep in mind is that we've never worked together before. So something that involves lots of different groups doing lots of different things is going to be difficult to coordinate. Unless we yell instructions to one another, which isn't very stealthy.

"And another thing, is it's pretty dark out there." [OOC: I'm assuming. What are the lighting conditions like?] "Those of us with human vision will have a hard time seeing what we're doing. And we don't know whether anybody on the other team has darkvision or whatever.

"So, given that it's dark, and given that we've never worked together before, I think a simple plan is better. Maybe we only have two groups? One to sneak up and try to get the scroll and the other to create a diversion? And I think the thing with the bags and the fire is too complicated. Too much can go wrong. We should keep it as simple as possible."

[OOC: What are the lighting conditions like? Yes, I know I asked once before, but I want to be sure the DMs see the question. :)]

DM Ian My apologies for not answering sooner. See the post below for more details...

DM Ian - The First Exam
Friday August 23rd, 2013 12:45:46 PM
Helmbane listens to Cameron's questions, and takes them to the judges. You watch the dwarf speak with the elf, who says something back. Helmbane then begins shouting at the elf, something about "proper standards," and you see the gnome step between the two. After a few quick words, Helmbane comes stomping back to you.

"Damn elf, thinks he's better than... They said it's about 600 square feet. You can expect some burnt out buildings and half-walls, like these." He gestures around at the debris around you. "The shack is in the north-west part of the training ground, you start in the south-east.

It is pitch black outside. Currently, the immediate area is lit by a torch stuck in the ground near the sign reading "42". As Trimmack said, some of the guards may have torches, but others may not. You are allowed to carry torches and cast the appropriate spells, but of course, that could give away your position.

In terms of camouflage, getting creative with a Disguise check might not be a bad idea... but taking 10 would be impossible, as your characters only have a couple of minutes left.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 2:18:11 PM
" Don't worry Sarge, we can do this."
" OK, so simple, two pronged infiltration is what I am hearing as the plan. I would say make it a three pronged attack because we can easily make three strong groups."
" Bliss is ridiculously stealthy and could probably paint himself red and run all the way there and still avoid being spotted, I would say let him go on his own since he has the best chance, the rest of us would hold him back. A second, kinda stealthy group would be myself, Tinker and Nickolai. and the rest of you do something to distract them either through magic effects or random missile fire to get them going in the wrong direction or outright charging them to get them focused on you. One group goes up the right hand edge, the other stealth group goes along the left side edge and the troublemakers go up the middle. That way we are all doing things we know how to do, we all kinda know where the others are and we get three shots at getting the scroll. Sound good?"
Pru, you have a cantrip that can clean things right? can it make them dirty and dull too? If so that and a little bit of local debris might give the stealthers an edge. That's All I can think of, any other ideas?"
Cameron quickly starts scrounging fro leaves, twigs and grass to use as camouflage and he also makes 2 or 3 small tinder bundles, in case he needs to draw attention to himself to draw it away from someone else.

OOC
can anyone use disguise trained or with a decent bonus to camo us up?

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 12/12
Friday August 23rd, 2013 2:52:51 PM
William likes the ideas and says, "Yes, i can cast light as a cantrip and maybe use it as a distraction while the stealthy groups move on another side. Also, you can use my bedroll as a bag if you want to... So to make sure, I'm going up the middle with the other noise makers while the stealthy types are on the edge? Finally, I'm assuming I won't cast any spells for now aside from light and will summon help if you want me too...?"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 3:57:34 PM
OOC
Hey Ken, your header made me look at your stats. How do you get d10 hp for a conjurer?
I was looking at the feasabilty of striking to subdue if it came to it and didn't think I could even put down a mage at first level. I saw your hp and thought I must have done something wrong on mine 8).

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 7:03:35 PM
"Ok, I'm going to wrap some of this burn building into my blanket and carry it in one hand and my shield in the other. I'll circle to the left and make an attempt at reaching the hut. when I get as close as I can, I'll drop the blanket like I'm hiding it, to give them something to search.
There's not mush sense in my striping off my armor, even though it does make noise, what hinders a centaur in stealth isn't being a centaur, it's being so big, it's size based like you are better at stealth because you're so tiny."
With that said, Carve finds a couple pieces of junk and wraps them up in his blanket for use as a distraction.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Friday August 23rd, 2013 9:10:31 PM
"Okay, I'll go on my lonesome. I'm good at sneaking on the move."

OOC: Fun Fact -- Did you know that the Pathfinder Gurus at Paizo have revised the Stealth rules slightly? Check out the section on breaking cover in that link there. Essentially, if you are hiding successfully, you can dash ahead to another spot of cover and remain hidden, even if you lost cover as you dashed from one hiding spot to the next. I mention it because that kind of action is maybe something Bliss will want to try. Most people take a -10 on their stealth check trying to pull this off, but Bliss only takes a -5 because he has a special ability that decreases stealth penalties while moving by five.

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Saturday August 24th, 2013 4:54:16 AM
OOC: Sorry for the late post. I was out of town dealing with some stuff that came up in RL. Oh, what was decided about Linden's gear? Can he have it, cus you were all correct, I think Linden would be in gear, setting aside any issue about what I think he should do. It's an academy and he would get sick of the 400 laps and 1000 push-ups for being dense.

IC:
Linden thinks for a minute, puts away his pipe he had grabbed and not lit, and says. "I can't disguise well. I'm all for the fire and distraction. I can be distracting." He smiles impishly.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday August 24th, 2013 1:14:36 PM
I'll circle to the left and make an attempt at reaching the hut....

Okay, I'll go on my lonesome...

"Guys, hang on." Prudence is beginning to think she's getting a headache. "We really can't go charging off in eight different directions. We'll be caught for sure.

"How about this?" She takes a moment to collect her thoughts and plunges forward. "Me and the Clomping Hoof Brigade--" she grins at Linden and Carver to show she is teasing--"we stay near the perimeter creating a series of distractions. Carry bags and drop them, although honestly I don't know what good that will do. Make a noise like centaurs trying to move quietly, which I think we'll excel at. I can cast Dancing Lights at a distance of a hundred feet--make that look like another group trying and failing to conceal their light source.

"Meanwhile, the other five--Bliss, Nikolai, William, Tinker, and Cameron--you guys sneak as close to the target as you can safely get as a group. Then you split into two sub-groups. One stealthy group--which may end up being Bliss by himself, although I don't like the thought of sending him alone--one stealthy group goes after the scroll. The second group creates yet more distractions, staying close enough that they can support the stealthy group if they run into trouble."

She looks around. "Everybody has really good ideas, but we have to work as a team. For one thing, we'll get a better grade. But more importantly, we'll stand a better chance of succeeding."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday August 24th, 2013 7:39:13 PM
"Two groups aye", agrees Tinker. "But each group should be ready to try and get the scroll, don't put all the eggs in one basket, right?"

Tinker holds up one finger and points at Linden and Carver. " You guys of course are part of group One. Pru says she is with you, and anyone else? So you are going left and making as if you are going for the fast grab. If you see an opportunity, take it!"

Tinker taps his chest along with Bliss and Cameron. "We're part of Group Two, and anyone else. We'll go to the right. If you don't mind, I'll lead with my darkvision and stealth. Bliss, you should hang back and use our group for protection until we get attacked. At that point, you peel off. They should expect us all together or all alone, not a little of both. Maybe."

Tinker is aware time is running out and the two assault groups need to be identified.

Tinker is in Group Two.

...........................

Equipment=
Explorers Outfit
50 feet rope

Bliss (Cayzle)
Saturday August 24th, 2013 9:07:42 PM

"Group Two ... Stay with the group at first ... then go off on my lonesome when the right time comes. Got it!"

Privately, Bliss figures on never being seen by anybody, friend or foe.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Sunday August 25th, 2013 12:21:58 AM
" Sounds good, lets get going."
Cameron will be in group 2

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Sunday August 25th, 2013 2:01:37 AM
"Wait wait! Does anyone know that Mage Hand spell?!" He grins, glad that he thought of it.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Sunday August 25th, 2013 4:40:31 PM
"Yep, I have it memorized," adds William... "What's your idea Linden? I can only move about 5 lbs of stuff with it... "

(oops... messed up my hps since I copied the formatting from my other PC (who had a d10) to this... Corrected to d6+1 for level in my FC + 1 Con)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Sunday August 25th, 2013 7:04:04 PM
The plan taking shape was somewhat along the lines of what he was thinking and he nodds his approval ot it.

"Second group, Good."

From his backpack he takes a plain sack and hands it over to Group 1.

"Ready whenever you are."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Sunday August 25th, 2013 11:26:24 PM
"Give me a quick hand getting this armor off, I'll need all my speed"
Carver strips it off in a hurry, only piling it neatly if there's time.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday August 26th, 2013 8:12:11 AM
Tinker helps Carver with the straps on his armor to speed the process.

First Exam

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 1
Monday August 26th, 2013 12:00:22 PM
As the Fists finalize their plans, a sharp whistle pierces their conversation.

The elf lowers his fingers from his lips, looking at each of you with his usual stern gaze. "Your five minutes have expired. Follow me. Quietly." With a twirl, he and the other judges spin around, walking quickly past the torch in the ground and making their way around the ruined wall ten feet behind them.

As the Fists follow them, they come to see the training ground that will prove their mettle. Glowing lines on the ground indicate the boundaries of the area, and in the distance, you can see the shack that was spoken of. Voices filter across the training grounds, likely from the opposing Fists as they get into position. You are taken to a small area painted green, where the judges stop to look at you all.

The elf speaks again, explaining, "The green area is where you will begin. For the Tauric members of your group, only one foot needs to begin in this area. You have until the suns rise to complete this task, but Fists requiring that much time will be penalized. You begin to suspect that penalized might be the elf's favourite word. The gnome begins to mutter softly waving his hands and placing his hand on his chest. The judge's eyes glow softly, and he begins the same process again, this time touching the woman's arm, then again with the elf.

Spellcraft DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {The gnome is casting Darkvision on himself and his allies.}

A figure approaches from the darkness, quickly stepping into the light. A tall human with pale skin and a thin line for a mouth eyes you all. The look on his face would seem to indicate that something in the area smells foul, but none of you smell anything. A shock of dark hair grows from his head, beginning to recede from the looks of it. He nods to Trimmack and Helmbane.

The elf turns and smiles at the newcomer. "May I present Sergeant Dorian. He is the leader of one of the Fists you will be facing." He barely seems to notice you.

"If the sergeants will please make their way to their viewing area." The three men nod, taking their place just behind the green area in silence. With a quick nod, the gnome dashes off into the darkness, presumably to take his own place. The human judge turns quickly, walking briskly into the darkness.

"When you hear the horn, your test begins. Assemble yourselves, then we will begin." The elf walks off in the same direction of the gnome to position himself. You are all left to assemble yourselves in the green area, but barely fifteen seconds passes before a horn blares out across the grounds. The first trial has begun.

MAP -- ROUND 1

You all begin in the small green area in the south-east part of the map. As stated, Tauric characters only have to place themselves one square within the green area. The stone, grey walls are 15 feet high and cannot be seen over or through. The brown, wooden walls are only five feet tall. Any large or medium characters can be seen, but small characters have total cover and concealment.

The shack is in the middle of the map, clearly marked. The obvious entrance is on the right. The red markers indicate torches that the group can see -- however, since they are behind walls, you cannot see who is carrying them. As more torches come into view, they will be marked. Any further questions, do not hesitate to ask!

And please mark your beginning squares in your posts! Good luck!

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday August 26th, 2013 12:26:56 PM
Just marking position, more to come....

20,20/21,20/20,21/21,21

(be easier if letter/number rather than 2 numbers)

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+2=8
Monday August 26th, 2013 1:11:20 PM

Bliss remembers what Tinker said. "We'll go to the right. If you don't mind, I'll lead with my darkvision and stealth. Bliss, you should hang back and use our group for protection until we get attacked."

The short halfling looks at Tinker and watches carefully.

OOC: Using the delay action to go after others post. I'll post again later today or early tomorrow.

OOC: We are out of doors? And the test ends at sunrise? Bliss looks at the sky and tries to guess when that will be. Untrained Survival 8.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=27 ; d20+6=10 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 2:05:42 PM
Tinker looks at the others. "OK Group 2 humans, pick up a rock or piece of debris. Maybe be able to use it to throw and make a distracting noise later. Let me get 10 feet ahead and then follow me. Anyone know how long before sunrise?" Tinker pauses for an answer and then silently, stealthily glides out like a shadow moving to the right. Just now, he isn't too concerned with traps or secret doors.

Tinker looks into the darkness, straining his senses to notice any opponents or opportunities.
..................

Move 1/2 speed from 24.21 to 24.19
Stealth - 27 (seen, heard)
Perception - 10 (+1 to notice traps, +2 to notice secret doors)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday August 26th, 2013 2:11:31 PM
OOC
If you don't have darkvision or low light vision but have keen senses can you see where you are going. Can we use the run movement mode?

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday August 26th, 2013 2:24:22 PM
OOC
Is there a moon or bright starlight? Is it overcast?
Can a torch be put out by shooting it with an arrow, or just be moved around some? How many HP to destroy a torch? what is a torch's AC?

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=14 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 4:18:41 PM
Moves to his squad.

(Perception 14)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Monday August 26th, 2013 5:55:57 PM
posting from my phone. Just put me with the loud group and let me know when you want me to use light or any other distractions.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+3=10 ; d20+1=4 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 6:52:56 PM
Pru helps Carver off with his armor, which is comical, because centaur armor is heavy and Pru is not strong. She doesn't recognize the spell being cast. Maybe it's the ale.

When the order comes to move into the start area, Pru takes up a position near the back (let's say 23,24 since everybody is being so demure about saying where they are).

When the horn sounds, Pru begins moving due west, hoping the rest of her group will come with her. She tries to be quiet, and fails miserably.

[Move to 18,24, Stealth 4. I'm helping!]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday August 26th, 2013 7:50:40 PM
Carver, calls and audible, without saying a word after seeing the layout...
He motions to his "team" the noisy team to move west, he has an idea, but it's too late to fill in people where they can be over heard.....
He remains quiet and stationary for the moment...

(more to come.)

OOC: Rules for the 5' walls for large people are double movement cost?

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=35 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+8=24 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 9:10:52 PM
Bliss grins in the shadows, hiding in them naturally, but he knows that if he ends up in line of sight, say 60 ft straight to a dwarf or a half-orc with darkvision, or within 20 ft straight to a fellow with a torch, then the jig is up.

So he moves 20 ft as a move action from 23.22 to 23.28. His stealth check to do so is 35. He notices that Tinker did a decent job of sneaking too, with a roll of 27 -- Bliss smiles at Tinker, as if to say to the dwarf, "Good job."

Once there, he readies an action. If someone on the opposing team walks into line of sight, such that Bliss will have no cover, then that will trigger Bliss's movement to dash for some cover that he can get to in time to stay hidden. His stealth check for this move action, if triggered, is 16! Let's hope that's not triggered!

Bliss also keeps alert to the location of any foes. Perception 24.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+6=23 ; d20+9=24 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 10:29:16 PM
Nikolai starts at 23,21 and moves to 24,18, passing Tinker up and peeks around the corner of the wooden wall and straight down the right border.

Stealth d20+6 = 23
Perception d20+9 = 24

Half-Elf: Low Light Vision (can see twice as far as humans in dim light).

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=21 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+7=24 ;
Monday August 26th, 2013 11:20:20 PM
Cameron starts in 22.21 and moves to 20.18 and then he hides.
Stealth 21 + whatever cover mods he has.
He looks for enemies and sees none
Perception 4
Following Bliss's example, he readies a second move if he is discovered to move to 20.15 and hide once there
Stealth 24 + any cover modifiers

Cameron's AC is 14 vs small creatures and 15 vs medium or larger creatures.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday August 26th, 2013 11:54:26 PM
ooc: Tinker moved only 1/2 speed, because it is -5 Stealth check to move full speed...

Bliss (Cayzle)
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 12:30:18 AM
OOC: Bliss has a special ability to move at full speed and negate the standard -5 penalty ...

:-)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 12:49:27 AM
OOC: Nikolai used 1/2 speed (30') but that's 10' more than the haflings.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 1:57:45 AM
oops, -5 to both my stealth checks then

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 2
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 11:51:46 AM
Incoming...

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 2 d20+3=11 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+6=7 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 1:25:36 PM
Carver bides his time, directing his group to push west. (Moving over a 5' wall for a large creature costs double movement.)

Bliss moves forward quietly, taking a spot behind the short wall. As far as she can tell, it is the dead of night. The suns will not rise for hours.

Tinker strides forward next to his ally, whispering instructions to the others. As far as he can tell, there is no one within the immediate vicinity, but that torch gives him a tense feeling in his stomach.

Linden keeps up with his squad.

William does the same.

Prudence sets off west, taking the lead for her group.

Nikolai peeks around the corner of the wall, seeing nothing but the light far off in the distance. He also hears voices coming form that direction, indicating that whoever is due north of them is not alone.

Cameron hides next to Bliss, seeing nothing but the faintly glowing lights in the distance. (A torch can be shot, but keep in mind that someone might be holding it. I can't tell you it's AC or HP though, that would be metagaming. I can tell you, however, that you do possess the skill to shoot one.)

The torches slowly bob and move, their owners apparently having not heard the group. Behind you, your Sergeants look on with apprehension and pride -- while Sergeant Dorian simply glares ahead.

DC 10 Wisdom Check Highlight to display spoiler: {While both of your sergeants are there, the opposing Fists have only presented one. Where's the other Sergeant?}

MAP -- ROUND 2

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+2=12 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 2:00:42 PM
Bliss's wisdom check: 12

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+4=15 ; d20=7 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 2:49:07 PM
Carver decides that the group needs info... He's just the Centaur to get it....
Using a double move,(110 ft) Carver will rush the door and barge his way in, shouting out how many are inside. If able he will use the shock of his entrance to intimidate whoever is inside and try and grab the scroll, tossing it out the doorway.

Intimidate roll 15
Grab roll if able 7

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=16 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+2=19 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 2:54:44 PM
Cameron had wondered where the second sergeant for the other team was, but this guy wasn't giving anything away other than that he was alone.

Wisdom 16

Watching the torches move Cameron can see what he thinks will be an opportunity closing, so he sprints to 16.15 and hides

Stealth 12+ cover modifiers ( took the penalty for speed this time in my roll)

He then assesses the building. How hard would it be to climb? ( what is it made of, wwhat penalties or bonuses does Cameron See)

Perception 19

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 2 Note
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 5:24:49 PM
I should have mentionned this earlier:

The moon is out, so the lighting is dim, so only those with dark- or low-light vision can see properly. Any torches bring the light level up to regular light out to 40 feet. However, you notice that it is quite a cloudy night. Some threaten to cover the moon completely. From the SRD:

In an area of dim light, a character can see somewhat. Creatures within this area have concealment (20% miss chance in combat) from those without darkvision or the ability to see in darkness. A creature within an area of dim light can make a Stealth check to conceal itself.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20-2=18 ; d20+1=8 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 5:58:43 PM
Pru is tipsy, but not so tipsy she doesn't notice the absence of the other sergeant.

I guess only our sergeants aren't allowed to participate, she grouses inwardly.

And already their plans have gone down in flames. William is coming with her, for some reason, instead of going with the others. And Carver has charged straight at the building, which is the surest way Pru can think of to fail something called a Stealth Test.

Desperately trying to salvage something of the original plan, Pru slides westward [to 16,24], trying to move quietly. [Stealth 8. I'm twice as stealthy as last round! Wooo!]

Using her Dancing Lights cantrip, she conjures a faint light near one of the walls [at 11,22]. She does her best to make it look like a hooded lantern; like somebody who doesn't want their light source to be seen.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+3=12 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+9=27 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 9:45:50 PM
It occurs to Nikolai that the other sergeant should be at the observation platform but he isn't. 'I wonder if that other sergeant is the minotaur from the bar?' he ponders. Then Carver goes charging off!

Nikolai utters something in Elven under his breath. 'Well, heck. If they are all going to be looking at a crazed centaur, better for us' he decides and slips (literally) to 24.12 and peeks around that corner, sweating, embarrassed at his clumsy feet. He'd been so intent in getting to the wall he forgot to pay attention to the rough terrain!

OOC: It looks close but I just might be able to see the torch bearers.

Wis DC10 = 12
Stealth = 7
Perception = 27

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=14 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+3=4 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 9:56:42 PM
William, being the non-stealthy type and ready to act if need be, moves slowly and quietly from cover to cover... moving at halfspeed to 18/20, staying near the ground so that he can't be seen... he's not meant to be very stealthy nor is perception his gift... In this sort of test, he's got a supporting role...

Stealth = 14
Wis = 5
Perc = 4

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=11 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2013 10:52:06 PM
The centaur indicates that they should wait for the clouds to pass in front of the moon to make their moves, whatever they were going to be. (11 wisdom check... which for some reason I can't read on this device!)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 9:39:34 AM
OOC
So if we are in the "dark" and have LOS to one of the torch bearers we can see them because they are lit but they can;t see us because we are in concealment and hiding? Is that correct?

DM Ian Correct!

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 2 Note
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 10:22:11 AM
Post will be up soon, giving people a bit more time to complete their posts...

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=25 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+15=16 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 10:26:44 AM

Bliss dashes silently (two move actions) from 23.18 to 24.12, trying to remain unnoticed as he does so.
Stealth 25.

He listens and then peeks around the corner towards 23.11 to see what he can see.
Perception 15.

If another stealth check is needed to peek out and then duck back ... with cover bonuses? at a penalty for breaking cover? with the penalty decreased by 5 because he is moving? ... well anyway, the raw stealth check is 16, the worst possible result, so we'll see.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=3 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+8=26 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 10:30:15 AM
Tinker, concentrating on what is ahead, isn't wise enough to look behind at what the Sergeants are doing.

The torches are moving and there are more than one person around them judging by the sounds, and Tinker smiles secretively before Carver makes a noisy charge to the building. Well, that is certainly a distraction! Some magical lights go off on the south border, and Tinker nods at Pru doing her end of the bargain. And looking ahead with Nickolai taking the lead, the dwarf thinks he can move a little faster too, in order to get away from the starting point.

Being less stealthy, but certainly more quiet than a charging centaur, he moves around the high stone wall, assessing his ability to climb its 15 feet, and nearly bumping into the much more stealthy Bliss!

...................

Wisdom - 3 fail
Move to 24.13 (double move)
Stealth - 11
Perception - 8 for opposing teams within his 60' darkvision
Perception - 26 for judging stonework of wall

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 3 d20=13 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+3=12 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 1:08:23 PM
Carver takes the initiative, charging the front door with reckless abandon! However, when the eager centaur reaches the door, he realizes that it is locked -- pulling on it seems to have no effect! He hears voices from the other side of the shack, and they seem to be getting closer... Carver's turn ends at the door to the shack. There are no windows, or torches within the immediate area.

Cameron eyes the building, sizing it up for a good climb. The gnome judges that it would not be a difficult climb. With enough time, he could scale it quite easily. The shack is 15 feet high with a climb DC of 12. Making the DC means you can move � your speed up the wall. Failing by 4 or less means no progress is made, while failing by 5 or more means you fall.

Prudence stumbles forward, using her Dancing Lights to conjure a phantom lantern near the shack.

Nikolai turns a corner, peeking around to get a look at the group holding the torch in front of them. See below for what Nikolai spies with his little eyes...

William moves from cover to cover, keeping an eye out for the group.

Linden thinks it might be better if they wait for the clouds to cover the moon for the groups to move forward.

Bliss moves quickly and quietly, ducking past his friend to get a good look.

Tinker grins as his tauric ally, moving forward to look at the stone wall before him. The wall is 15 feet high with a climb DC of 8. Making the DC means you can move � your speed up the wall. Failing by 4 or less means no progress is made, while failing by 5 or more means you fall.

The torch nearest Nikolai and Bliss quickly moves into view, carried by a human with a gnome at his heels. The human is wearing simple leather armour, while the gnome is only in simple robes. When Carver charges the door, the human's head snaps up, looking to the door.

"Did you hear that?"

"Stop being paranoid," the gnome mutters, apparently ignorant of the centaur's movement. The two argue as they move towards the shack, making quite the racket, but the human is too distracted with his gnomish friend to see what is going on in front of him.

The other torch bobs into view, being held by a burly half-orc with a wooden sword on his hip. He takes notice of the floating lantern, making his way towards it with a suspicious look on his face. He looks around in both directions, but apparently sees nothing.

Carver hears voices from the other side of the shack getting closer, and a torchlight is glowing from the northern side of the shack. He might want to consider leaving unless he is truly dedicated to this distraction...

MAP -- ROUND 3

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20=2 ; d20=15 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 4:08:50 PM
Carver yells out, "The doors locked and there's people inside!"
Then he turns south and runs around building (double move) ending his run at 00,11/01,11/00,12/01,12.
As he runs past the south side of the building, he tosses his blanket with some rubble in it onto the roof. (throw roll = 15)

(Roll was for the wisdom check from before after hearing the voices in the building 2 = fail)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+6=18 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+9=25 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 8:58:19 PM
"Watch it, Bliss!" Nikolai whispers. "That gnome can see you."

Nikolai will hold his action, waiting to see what H and G will do and flattens himself against the wall.

"Bliss, if they see you, run straight ahead (23.x column) and I'll tag them from behind," he whispers.

A) if they head after Carver towards the shack: he will move to 19.09 and peek.

B) If they come around the wall (19.09-10-11 etc.): he will try to sneak up behind them via x.11 row and tag either of them (gnome first choice) from behind if they end up within his 30' sneak range.

C) if they come towards Bliss: he'll encourage Bliss to run up 23.x column and try to tag them from behind if they follow Bliss.

OOC: that covers the three main possibilities.

Stealth d20+6 = 18
Att (non-lethal monk fist) d20+2 = 19
Perception d20+9 = 25

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=10 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 9:09:58 PM
Hearing Carver's call and the other voices of the opposing Fists,Tinker waits in the shadows of the wall, waiting for the distracting team to lead the guards away. He hopes Nickolai and Bliss have similar thoughts.

..........

stay in place
Perception: 10 with Darkvision

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20-4=13 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 9:32:48 PM
Pru has no idea what to do. The plan they'd roughed out is no longer being followed, and Pru has no idea what's replacing it. Other than it seems to involve a lot of running and yelling. Maybe she misunderstood what this test was supposed to be.

Since the half-orc seems to have seen the "lantern," Pru makes it bob in place for a second or two, as if somebody is uncertain what to do next. Then she moves it--rather quickly--so that the wall is between it and the half-orc. [Move the "lantern" to 9,23]

Of course, that will draw the half-orc to where he could see her, which probably isn't the best plan. Moving as quietly as she can, Pru slips back behind Linden. [Move to 20,22. Stealth 13, including the -5 for taking a whole move.] She is aware that she's probably giving away her position, and not doing a good job of pulling the defenders away from the shack.

On the other hand, at least she isn't yelling.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=19 ; d20+2=20 ; d20+2=7 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 9:35:27 PM
Cameron remains hidden where he is.
Stealth 19 + cover
If Carver is able to draw off the other Fists and the coast is clear to 14.13 Cameron will dash there at the end of the round.
Stealth 20
Perception 7

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20-6=-5 ; d20-1=1 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2013 10:23:45 PM
His ability to stay hidden or silent is abyssamal just standing still, but at least he can attempt to help those who will have better success. (Stealth -5)

On the other hand, he can Aid Another and try to assist Prudence in hiding. The cleric adjusts his position slightly to block her from view.
(Fails, 1, not natural, roll was a 2)

He grimaces, knowing that the sword is about to drop. "Sorry dudes." He says just loud enough for the two squad members nearest him to here.

Linden's Spells and Things

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=16 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+8=25 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 6:24:59 AM
Bliss listens to Nikolai, Lindy, and Carver. He sneaks to 22.07. At one point, he'll get a clear look at the guy with the torch, but since he's more than 40 ft away, Bliss should be able to stick to the shadows -- or use the "break cover" rules to still stay hid, with a -5 on the check.

Stealth 16 (Wowsy, two nat 1s in a row! Hope that does not sink me!)

That takes a move action. Then Bliss readies another move action in case he is spotted -- a dash to whatever cover is within 20 ft, with a stealth check of 26.

He keeps alert: Perception 25

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:21:12 AM
William will keep moving north at half pace being stealthy. to help with the distracions he will cast lite about 20 feet south and to the west of him @posting from phone so I don't have the map in front of me

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:47:10 AM
Linden prepares to bolt if he is made.

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 4 d20+5=22 ; d100=77 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+3=11 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 1:53:52 PM
Carver continues to provide a distraction, dashing off as the human and the gnome snap their heads up to look at him. He stops in his tracks, looking up into the eyes of two elves, who look equally as surprised as the centaur. Before he can do anything about it, he feels something smack him in the back, barely hurting. (Attack: 22, 77 vs concealment) A voice cries out, "The centaur known as Carver has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" Carver got tagged with an arrow! He spends round 4 getting back to the starting area (he gets removed from the map) and starts in the green area at the top of round 5.

Nikolai, seeing that the two figures seem to be moving towards his tauric ally, dashes forward and peeks around the corner. See blow for more details...

Tinker holds his position, waiting for the distraction to take its effect.

Prudence takes a moment to contemplate where this trial is going, moving her lantern around the wall in hopes that the half-orc will follow.

Cameron peeks over the wall to see if the coast is clear, but finds himself faced with the same torchbearers that Nikolai saw.

Linden seems to have trouble with the stealth aspect of the trial.

Bliss prepares to move if he is seen, but the gnome and human take no notice of him and his stealthy allies.

William moves further north, casting a simple cantrip to the west to distract the other Fists.

The gnome and the human make chase around the south of the building, stopping when they hear the voice call out Carver's tagging.

Nikolai and Cameron both see the same group of people coming around from the northern wall of the shack. A dwarf in chainmail and a human with a large wooden sword on his hip come around the corner, the former bearing the torch. "Do you see anything?" the human asks, looking to his dwarven ally. She sniffs the air, narrowing her eyes... "No. Nothing." They continue around to the southern half of the building to meet up with their allies.

The half-orc that Prudence is distracting goes to follow the lantern, but quickly looks up as Linden clatters about. "Did you all hear that?" he calls out to his allies, pointing awkwardly with the wooden sword he bears. "There's something over there. Someone go check it out." With that, the half-orc turns on his heel and continues after the lantern. This one doesn't seem very smart.

For those with lowlight/darkvision
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a figure moving around on the top of the shack, carrying something that looks like a bow. You can't make out much else.}

MAP -- ROUND 4

Sgt Trimmack -- DM Zach
Thursday August 29th, 2013 4:07:49 PM
Sgt Trimmack calls out across the battlefield, "Work as a team! If this were live, Carver would already be dead!!!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=19 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 4:50:57 PM
OOC
So there are 2 torches in front of the hut but only Darkvision and low light vision can see the figure on the roof?
Perception 19

DM Ian The torches held by the opposing Fists do not light the top of the building, which is 15 feet up. Light conditions on top of the building are considered low light.

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday August 29th, 2013 5:01:50 PM
Linden thinks to himself, 'Yeah, Carver would be dead, cus a dwarf just yelled across the sneak zone.'

As it stands, the centaur seems nervous, like he wishes to take flight, but fights his instincts and stays with his group.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=12
Thursday August 29th, 2013 5:32:52 PM
William waits to see if the light has any effect upon the combatants, hoping that it may draw some away...

He'll stay where he is, unmoving... Stealth - 12

(Holding my standard action based upon what others too and the responses to my email... I'll post the rest soon...)

_______
Spells Cast - Light

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:46:33 PM
Carver heads back to the starting area.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=21 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=16 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 8:46:41 PM
Tinker winces as he hears the call that Carver is 'out'. Peeking around the corner, the dwarf can just make out where the arrow came from. Of course there would be guards, he chastises himself, and of course they would be on the roof! He thinks hard and figures the roof archer must not have darkvision or else he would already have seen Bliss and Nickolai as they crossed the open.

Tinker waves while behind the wall so only Bliss can see him. The dwarf gives motions to 'keep going' and come in from the north, the least likely approach.

Then he stealthily moves forward, confident that he will be quiet enough to not be noticed over all the voices, and shadowy enough to not be seen by the archer on the roof. And hoping that even if he IS spotted, the extra five feet of 15 foot wall will give him some Cover.

...............

Perception; 21

Double move at 1/2 speed to 22.11

Stealth - 13, 16

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=35 ; d20+8=17 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 9:06:42 PM

Bliss watches Tinker, nods, and moves to the north and around. He takes a double move to 20.05. His stealth check to do so is 35. His perception check is 17.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:40:52 PM
OOC
but even in low light a normal person gets to perceive a hidden foe right? I get that the light wouldn't light the roof alot, but it has a 20' radius and it isn't laying on the ground and the guy up there threw us the only bone we will get by sniping Carver and taking a -20 to his stealth ( which has to be great for us to need a 20 to still see him)
I just want to be able to roll the perception check without darkvision or lowlight vision.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+6=14 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2013 11:49:59 PM
Nikolai scoots to 15.05.

Perception DC20 = 12

Too busy trying to keep hidden, he does not see anything in the spoiler.

Perception from 15.05 = 17
Stealth = 14

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20-4=2 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 1:09:36 AM
Pru continues to move the "lantern" quickly, as if someone was running from the half-orc. She moves it around the wall, but still in sight of the half-orc [to 03,22].

She watches to see what the half-orc does.

If the half-orc follows the "lantern," Pru whispers, "Come on" to Linden and William, then heads west again. She will move to 15,24 if she can, but she will not get any closer than 35 feet to the half-orc.

[Stealth 2. Yippee.]

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=15 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 6:38:39 AM
Cameron breaks cover and moves from 16.15 to 19.12 moving from cover to cover and maintaining stealth.
Stealth 15
Perception 19, rolled above ( since I am unable to use it to spot the sniper I'll use it as general perception .

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday August 30th, 2013 7:57:42 AM
ooc: (dang email, can't send, but I'm reading em all. :) On Cayzle's 'break cover', yes you can do it, but that still means the PC can be seen with an opposed Perception Check.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=10
Friday August 30th, 2013 9:03:02 AM
Deciding to go for broke, William crawls to 6,16 (staying in concealment when he ends behind the wall = Stl 10 ) and casts SM 1, calling for a vicious, snarling celestial rottweiler to appear on top of the building next round... His plan is for it to start barking and howling, biting at whatever's on top of the roof and causing a major distraction...

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 5 d20+3=7 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+5=6 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 12:27:07 PM
Linden remains as still as possible, fighting the instinct to run.

William focuses on a summoning spell, landinga vicious dog on top of the shack. A yell of surprise can be heard from the roof, and now all are aware of the archer's position.

Carver starts back in the green area, ready to go! Carver once again begins in the south-eastern corner, at least on square in the green area.

Tinker moves forward slowly, keeping an eye on the archer spotted on the roof.

Bliss moves quickly while staying very quiet, seeing another torch in the distance, on the west side of the shack.

Nikolai keeps moving, spotting the same torch that Bliss saw in the distance.

Prudence moves her distracting lantern further, hoping the half-orc remains interested. Seeing that the dolt continues to follow the light, she moves west, hoping to avoid the patrolling guards.

Cameron dashes from his cover, quickly sliding behind another wall to hide from prying eyes.

The two groups on the ground look around, hearing their friends cries for help, but see and hear nothing. Apparently oblivious to their surroundings, the human and the dwarf wander south, stopping after about ten feet to have the robed human place his hand on the dwarf, muttering a few words.

DC 15 Spellcraft Highlight to display spoiler: {The man cast Guidance.}

The gnome and the human in leather armour look at each other and shrug.

"I don't hear anything. Do you?" the gnome asks.

"I saw that centaur, that's about it." Looking up, the human spots the half-orc. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he whistles sharply and yells, "Oi! Stop following that thing! It's just a trick!" The half-orc stops, looking between the lantern before him and his ally.

On the roof, the archer takes a shot at the dog, missing horribly. (Attack: 6, nat 1) Then, realizing that a summoned monster cannot be tagged, he begins panicking and yelling out for help.

(And the Fists were saved by abysmal Perception checks...)

MAP -- ROUND 5

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Friday August 30th, 2013 2:59:41 PM
(OOC - @DM, can you explain the "tagging" rules? Can Roddy the Rottweiler 'tag' the archer? If not, then what do the rules allow him to do? Must his damage be nonlethal or can it be lethal since he's summoned? Just trying to get an idea of what we can do and what we can't)

DM Ian There were no rules given about Summoning Monsters, so it is safe to assume that they operate outside of them. The dog can deal lethal damage do your opponents, but if it kills them, then there will be some trouble with the judges (and likely your sergeants). They mentioned nothing about tagging the other team, but that doesn't mean you can't try...

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=10 ; d20+6=16 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 4:14:46 PM
Tinker gives a quick prayer to Wardd, god of tricks; "Keep it up, Master Trickster, keep it up."

Another double movement but only average quiet, he hopes the dog keeps the other Fists distracted. He tosses a thumbs up to Cameron as they huddle in the shadows of the low wall.

................

Double Move to 19.09

Stealth - 10

Perception - 16

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+1=15 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 5:08:41 PM
Pru takes a quick step to give herself a little more cover. [5-foot step to 16,23. Stealth 15.]

She casts a new Dancing Lights spell. This time she chooses "one faintly glowing, vaguely humanoid shape." She places it where the gnome and his human friend can see it [07,17] then moves it behind the wall [to 11,17]. Hopefully, they will investigate, which will pull them away from the shack.

With the new spell, the old Dancing Lights lantern in 03,22 winks out. Possibly to the further confusion of the half-orc. :)

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20-5=1 ; d20+3=20 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 6:16:23 PM
(Stealth 1... I win. Perception 20)

Linden follows Pru.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday August 30th, 2013 9:47:38 PM
OOC
Is firing an arrow or throwing a stone to make a noise an Attack? If so it will cause us to be revealed unless they are still blind and deaf.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+1=16 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+9=21 ;
Friday August 30th, 2013 9:57:02 PM
OOC: Linden's Stealth is so bad he can hear himself think (Perc 20). :)

IC:
Nikolai hears the dog on the roof and deduces that they'll not get a chance to open the door while something is up there. Putting faith in his buddies to keep the distractions up, he forgoes normal stealthy movement and moves to 13.08 (Stealth with penalties) and tries to start climbing up the shack's wall.

Move to 13.08 = 30'
Stealth d20+6 (-5) = 16
Climb (1 round at 1/4 move) vs DC12 = 19
30' div 4 = 7.5'

Perception (did H2 and D notice? Did T(orch) notice?) = 21

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=10 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=16 ;
Saturday August 31st, 2013 2:20:10 PM
Cameron finds nothing about this wall low, but tosses a thumbs up and a crossed fingers signal to Tinker, then he is off, moving north hr stops in 18.08 for a second and hides.
Stealth 10
He then makes a run for the building to help support Nickolai next turn and take the archer's overwatch position with his own bow. " Snag a couple of his arrows!" he mouths to the monk as Nickolai begins his climb. Cameron then hides in 14.08 waiting to follow the monk up in a few seconds.
Stealth 22
Perception 16

OOC
I think the building shields me enough from the dwarf, the western torch could reveal us both though if they come closer. Ahh the chances we take.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=9 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+2=13
Saturday August 31st, 2013 6:00:09 PM
Knowing that this might help keep the distraction up, Roddy charges over towards the archer and will try to "tag" him with his viscious bite...

He's still barking and howling, trying to keep up the noise...

(I have no idea how to roll that... is it an attack roll?) Att 11 (forgot the summoning bonus)

Meanwhile, William, still behind cover, decides to try to tag the largest enemy with an acid orb attack (ranged touch, natural 20!!!) Hit AC 23 (assume there's no crit check since he's only trying to tag it? )..

He'll burn up his move action to try to kneel back behind the wall... Stealth 13

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Sunday September 1st, 2013 12:09:36 PM
Carver moves to the same place he started before, 20,20/21,20/21,20/21,21. He'll grab a practice lance if it's available, if not he has other plans....

(Question, Can Carver tell the team he was shot with an arrow? not where it came from.)

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=26 ; d20+8=9 ;
Monday September 2nd, 2013 8:22:39 AM

Bliss moves to 18.08, making sure he ends up with cover with regard to the fellow on the roof.

Stealth 26, Perception 9.

He readies a move so that if an enemy comes in clear line of sight, he will move away to get under cover.

He watches Tinker, especially.

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 2:15:34 AM
OOC: There are reasons I wanted to leave gear behind for the tests/finals. I had a feeling there would be physical challenges and Linden is 'challenged' ;)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:43:05 AM
OOC
Jay, most of us dropped our excess gear at the door like we were told we could. I'm not armored, Carver isn't armored, frankly if all they have to do is touch us with a stick to tag us out, armor was useless in this challenge.

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 6 d20+3=13 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+7=14
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 11:50:36 AM
Tinker speaks a silent prayer to Wardd, moving forward to stay next to his ally.

Prudence steps back into better cover, creating another version of Dancing Lights that manifests as a ghostly, glowing figure, walking away from their enemies.

Linden lumbers along behind his allies.

Nikolai does away with conventional stealth to run towards to building, clambering up the side of the building. Applying the -5 retroactively, Nikolai moves half his speed up the side of the building. I will assume he waits until next round to emerge on top of the building.

Cameron dashes forward to sit in wait in front of the door, quickly moving to keep an eye out for his climbing friend.

William has his dog charge the archer on the roof, distracting the opposing Fists with its loud noise. He then lobs an orb of acid over the wall, splashing against the dwarf just on the other side of the wall!

Carver runs back to the start, where he sees his sergeants watching him. The older human sergeant of the other Fist has a smirk on his face as the centaur takes his place. When asking for a practice lance, one is handed to him almost immediately. "Should have asked earlier, apparently," Helmbane growls. "Damn Judges didn't tell us anything." Carver can inform his allies of whatever he would like now that he is back in the combat. He has one practice lance, which deals no damage, but attacks as a normal lance would. Weapon Focus, Combat Expertise, etc. all apply.

Bliss dashes forward, having to stand behind his friend who got there before him. He keeps an eye out to make sure that no enemies approach him.

The dwarf hit with Williams acid orb cries out in surprise, turning to the wall to cry out. But before she can, a voice booms across the field, saying, "The dwarf known as Corma has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" The dwarf sprints off of the field, yelling profanities the whole way.

The human now left there looks over in the dim light at where he heard Linden, but hesitates to move further. "Hey, can I get some help over here?" he calls out, taking a few hesitant steps forward into the darkness.

The half-orc looks up from where the Dancing Lights spell was just moments ago, looking over to his allies. But before he says anything, the new spell appears, catching its attention. As it begins to follow the new spell, the gnome calls out, "I don't have time for this! Get him in line!" As he leaves the human to deal with their half-blooded ally, the gnome moves towards the other human wearing the robe.

Two elves, familiar to Carver, come around the side of the shack from the west side. They look at each other, then to the gnome, one asking loudly, "What's going on?" The barking and growling of the summoned dog seems to be making it difficult for them to hear...

Clouds move in front of the moon, clouding out vision and brightening the torches. Beginning this round, the light conditions are dark! Anyone without darkvision is effectively blind, unless you have low-light vision or a source of light nearby!

MAP -- ROUND 6

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 1:30:10 PM
OOC
Umm, the elf said, bring the scroll TO ME in his directions. He then toddled off into the darkness. Are we to find HIM or bring the scroll back to the green area?

DM Ian Your DM's apologies. You are to bring it back to the green area.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 1:46:20 PM
[OOC: There seem to be two H2s on the map, and no H1. Also, whose Dancing Lights spell is at 14,22? Or do we know that? And what form is it in?]

DM Ian Again, my apologies. Fixed. William cast a Light spell and tossed it in that direction a few rounds ago.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+4=23 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+2=3 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 5:35:38 PM
William orders the dog to bite at it again, trying to "tag" the archer so that Cameron can come get the arrows...

Attack - Hit AC 23 to tag the archer!!!

Also, William sees H2 backlit against the light at 14, 17 and throws another orb at it, trying to tag him too... whispering, "Come on guys, get the darn scroll and be in and out quick! They're going to figure this out soon enough..." ... Miss AC 8- Then he hides back below the barrier as his move action, remaining hidden and in concealment... Stealth = 3 (concealed behind wall)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=19 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 6:52:22 PM
Everything goes dark as the clouds move over the sky, and Tinker taps Bliss on the shoulder. In pantomime, the dwarf indicates for Bliss to get over to where Cameron and Nickolai are, and Tinker is going to position himself for a move to the door to try and unlock it.

He whispers, "If I can unlock, I will open and then move south to guard the door while you guys get the scroll." Tinker pauses to see if that is a good plan for the halfling, then does a stealthy scramble over the 5 foot wooden wall to be opposite the Shack's Door.

He uses his Darkvision to keep track of the opposing Fists.

................

Double Move to 18.11 (Climb over low wall 10', move on ground 10'. All half move to reduce sight/sound)

Climb - 11

Stealth - 23

Perception - 19

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+2=21 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:00:28 PM
Pru moves her Dancing Lights spell due south, then around the wall [to 09,23]. [Dancing Lights can move up to 100 feet per round, so this shouldn't be a problem.]

She then readies an action to "tag" the first opponent to move into the 23 row. She will use yet another Dancing Lights to tag, using a single, bright "lantern" and basically hitting them with it. It does no damage, and strictly speaking, I don't even know if this would be a legal tag, but hey, it'll be fun to find out.

Also, if her ready goes off, the glowing humanoid form winks out.

It seems only fair to make an attack roll, so I got a 21.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+3=22 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=5 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:20:37 PM
Cameron scrambles up the wall and heads toward the archer, snagging the quiver of arrows before the archer takes off for his own start zone.
Climb 22 17 12 all successes ( I think I need 3 since I move 20'/round right? Using a move action, a standard action and a hero point for another standard action( using the bonus hero point I have from the training hall escape) I make the climb. I'll use another hero point if I have to to snag the arrows, darn this slow halfling speed)
Stealth 18
Perception 5

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+4=9 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 8:25:11 PM
Carver moves to 07,23/08,23/07,24/08,24 as he passes the light spell laying in 14,22 he yells out "Ya Cowards, come get me!" (Intimidate roll 9)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+2=22 ; d20+6=17 ; d20=20 ; d20+2=3 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 9:37:01 PM
OOC: I'm confused by 'half his speed up the side of the building'
Climb is at 1/4 speed. The shack is 15' high. Climbing his second Move at 1/4 speed would be 7.5 feet, or half way up, I thought.

IC: Halfway up the wall, Nikolai glances over as Cameron scampers up past him. Concentrating again on the shack wall, he keeps going.

Climb d20+2 DC12 = 22! N20!

Up and over the top in one swift move (12.09), Nikolai notices the suden darkness as the clouds obscure the moon. He slinks around the edge (11.09, 10.09, 09.09, and 9.10).

Stealth d20+6 = 17

When he gets to 9.10, he belts out a very loud BOOOOO!
Intimidate d20 = 20! Another N20! weeeeeeeee!
Demoralize: DC10 + target HD + target Wis mod
Target Shaken for 1 round + 1 round per 5 over the DC.
Shaken = -2 on att rolls, skill checks, saves, ability checks.

OOC: I can't attack this round but if he ties to shoot me, I've got my AoO.

AoO if necessary: Unarmed Attack (non-lethal) d20+2 = 3 (N1, yeah, the Die gods are laughing)

DM Ian By taking a -5 to your climb check, you can move half your speed while climbing. I applied it retroactively to your roll since it was rather high.

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=21 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+15=34 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 6:31:57 AM

It is dark.

Tinker taps Bliss, motions to him to go over there, and then says he will try to open the door. It being dark, Bliss does not see him motioning, but nods and says "ok" to the whispered plan.

Tinker moves off. Bliss listens. He listens to the battle on the roof. He listens to hear Tinker moving in the dark. He knows it will take a moment for Tinker to open the lock. He listens for the sound of the lock mechanism clicking.

Perception check for this round: 21. That does not beat Tinker's Stealth 23, so Bliss does not hear him moving.

For now, rather than stumble about in the dark, Bliss holds tight. He readies a move. If he hears that door click, or if he hears Tinker whisper to him, or move south, then he will move to the door of the hut.

Perception to trigger his move: 22

Stealth to move over there quiet like: 34.

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 7 d20+3=21 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+9=29 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 12:28:01 PM
William commands his summoned dog to tag the archer as it latches on the the figure's arm. They cry out in pain and surprise, trying to shake the creature off! The wizard throws another splash of acid, missing his mark.

Tinker moves around the other side of the wall he was clinging too, his darkvision letting him keep a keen eye on the other Fists.

Prudence brings her Dancing Lights spell further south to entice her enemies. See below for the results of your readied action...

Cameron makes a mad dash to scramble up the shack, running towards the archer to grab the figure's arrows. As the halfling gets closer, he sees the pointed ears and sharp features of elven blood in the archer, who is busy trying to rid itself of William's dog. With quick hands (Dex Check :21), he manages to grab a handful of arrows from the archer's quiver! Cameron obtains 10 blunted arrows. They deal no damage, but otherwise function as normal arrows.

Carver completely forgoes all stealth, running out into the light and shouting his presence to the other Fists.

Nikolai is quickly passed by his ally, clambering up the shack after him, and moving along the edge to terrify the archer. With the combined efforts of William and Cameron, Nikolai's attack from the darkness makes the archer cry out in terror, falling over his own feet and off of the shack to land in a puff of dust on the ground!

Bliss waits for his friend to finish opening the door, listening to the sounds of combat.

Linden tries to remain as quiet as possible.

As the archer hits the ground, a familiar voice cries out, "The half-elf known as Lykke has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" The half-elf jumps to his feet, dashing off into the darkness to restart, presumably in their own area.

As Carver gallops past his allies, he catches the attention of the half-orc and the human in leather armour. Their heads snap up, the former pointing at Carver and crying out, "He went that way! Get him!" The over-zealous half-orc gives chase, passing through the area Prudence had prepared for her spell. The glowing figure disappears, quickly replaced by a floating lantern that strikes at the half-orc, "smashing" him in the back (although the lantern itself is non-corporeal).

As the half-orc catches up to Carver, a delayed call rings out through the grounds. "The half-orc known as Cignar has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" In a roar of frustration, the half-orc stomps off to the south, screaming about unfairness and inequality or some such. It's rather difficult to understand him.

The gnome is grabbing his hair in frustration, apparently ready to pull it out. "Stop yelling!" he yells, unaware of his own irony. "Stop getting tagged! We're going to lose!" He pulls the human along behind him, finally stepping into view of Linden Neither have weapons, but the gnome points at the centaur regardless and shouts, "Get the big one!" The robed human dragged along with him looks between the two and takes a few steps forward. "Stop right there!" he cries out, waving his hands and placing them on his own chest.

Spellcraft DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The human has cast Guidance on himself."}

Hearing the gnome's cries, the elves quickly move east, casting their torch light across the pitch, only to see nothing.

From the rooftop, Nikolai can hear someone shouting from the northwestern corner of the training grounds. Knowing that the dwarf was recently tagged, it was likely them. (Nikolai's Perception: 29!)

Clouds still hang in front of the moon, keeping the light level where it was the previous round.

MAP -- ROUND 7

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+1=13 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 2:40:15 PM
Realizing that Prudence is likely still out of view, Linden makes a decision. "Sorry dude, its you or me." He pulls out a starknife, takes off north east and chucks it from 24.19 at H2. (Hitting AC 13) Then he continues north to the end of his movement (north along the 24's)

With any luck, the lousy aim will serve to do two things. One, alert Prudence. And two, distact the other team.

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 2:42:33 PM
OOC: Don't know if its intuitive, but Linden is running.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+5=11 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 2:55:07 PM
Carver trots around the wall, and charges H1, ending his movement at 09,21/10,21/09,22/10,22 with a lance attack.

Attack 11
(the die roller hates me)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=13 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 3:10:50 PM
While the others keep tagging and taking out their foes, William bodes farewell to his friendly Rottweiler as the summon spell ends...

At the request to throw his spell to 8.4/8.5 - 9.4/9.5, he knows he'll have to move further to get in range of throwing a light there... He'll double move (15' each time to remain stealthy) and crawl to either 18/07 or 18/08, depending on if Bliss moves from 18/08. Stealth = 13

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+2=9 ; d20+2=10 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 4:40:30 PM
If Carver succeeded in tagging H1, Prudence double moves to 10,17.

If Carver's tag missed, Prudence tries a tag of her own, again using Dancing Lights.

[Hit AC 9. Used my this-encounter-only Hero point to re-roll, and got AC 10. Sigh.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+6=11 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=10 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:12:36 PM
OOC: Thanks for the Perception Roll. I could not have done better myself. :)
I forgot you can climb at 1/2 speed with penalties, but I would not have chosen to do so. So thanks for the retro move. :)

Presumably the archer went over the side with his bow, right?

IC: Time is short and if they are to take advantage of the ones tagged out being gone, the more the merrier.
"Those arrows are next to useless without that bow, but maybe you can throw them like darts," he whispers to Cameron.
Seeing a torch light pass below him to the south side of the shack and realizing that any attempt to open the shack door probably will draw their attention, Nikolai takes a deep breath and...

Moving to 11.13, he then jumps down onto the two elves hoping to tag both of them out at the same time.
Stealth d20+6 = 11

Long Jump (from 11.13 (15' up) to (11.15/12.15 - between the two) DC10? (10' long jump) =
Arcobatics d20+9 = 19
Acrobatics DC15 to ignore the first 10' (Soften Fall) damage = 16
(take damage on 5', or zero damage?)

Flurry of Blows (2 non-lethal attacks):
Att E1 d20+1 +1 (higher ground) = 14
Att E2 d20+1 +1 (higher ground) = 10

OOC: if the DM adjudicates that he takes damage from the last 5' of the jump, then he is prone, but hopefully he knocks the other two prone as well.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=21 ; d20+6=15 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:17:53 PM
Tinker's Darkvision can clearly see the one elf just to the south of the shack and makes an assessment. He can break from stealth because of the dark clouds and hide himself again right at the door and avoid the elves sharp vision.

Should he chance it? Of course! The dwarf slips through the dark and arrives at the door, assessing the lock.

....................

Double move 1/2 moves to 14.11

Stealth - 21

Perception - 15

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=9 ; d20-13=-3 ; d20+2=22 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 9:15:03 AM
OOC
huh, I thought I posted last night and it kept my rolls (darn) but no post. Here it is again.
IC
Cameron pulls out his own bow and sets to work using the arrows. Hoping that Nickolai was successful with his surprise attack Cameron chooses to help Carver and Prudence since he knows the big taur has already been tagged once. Hr draws back his bow and fires on H1
Attack H1 hits AC 9 Plus bonuses for surprise and flatfooted if I get them, I didn't add them to the roll
Stealth with -20 for sniping 3
Perception 22 ( There's my Natural 20)

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=22 ; d20+15=35 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 11:12:53 AM
It is still dark.

Bliss continues to listen for Tinker ... to hear him move, especially to hear him click that door open.

If he hears Tinker open the door, or if he hears Tinker call him over, he will (readied move) move silently over to the dwarf.

Perception 22 - he hears Tinker moving quietly. Bliss concludes he is getting toward the door.

Stealth 35 - to be used if his readied move is triggered.

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 8 d20-3=11 ; d20=2 ; d20+5=11 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:50:26 PM
Linden pulls out a starknife, forgoing the non-lethal damage rule to lob a starknife at the human in front of it. It cuts the man deeply in his shoulder, making him cry out in pain and surprise. As he looks up with an angry look on his face, no cry comes from the judges. The humans has not been tagged.

Carver charges the human in leather armour, his lance swinging wide

William says goodbye to the summoned dog, moving quickly to different cover so that he can move his Light spell.

Prudence tries to tag the human herself, but the lantern swings wide of his head.

Nikolai leaps majestically from top of the shack, flying over two very surprised elves to land on the other side. He quickly strikes one with his fist, but the other manages to recover, dodging the half-elf's attack.

Tinker moves forward, assessing the lock. It seems to be well-made, but easy enough to open. A DC 15 Disable Device check is required to unlock this door.

Cameron fires one of the blunted arrow, but it hits the ground uselessly next to his target.

Bliss holds his position, waiting for his dwarven ally to make a move. Lying in wait, he sees a short figure approach the northern wall of the shack and grab hold of it, moving up slowly.

Before anyone can move, a voice cries out, "The elf known as Kerandrel has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" The elf storms off in frustration, cussing in his native tongue.

The human attacked by Linden runs forward, spurred by the centaur's attack. Unfortunately, with no weapon, he can only throw a feeble attack at the centaur, which is easily dodged. (Unarmed Attack: 11) The gnome runs up behind him, placing his hand on the human's back to cast a spell. As he does, the human's robes seem to glow faintly.

DC 16 Spellcraft Highlight to display spoiler: {The human is now under the effect of Mage Armor.}

The human in leather armor draws a short, wooden sword, swinging it at Carver to tag out the centaur, but his swing is completely wide! (Attack: 2)

The remaining elf also draws a wooden sword, attempting to strike Nikolai as he calls out, "They're on the roof! Someone get them!" The elf's attack also misses! (Attack: 11)

The clouds part suddenly, allowing moonlight to pour across the training ground. Light conditions are once again low-light.

MAP -- ROUND 8

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+1=20 ; d8+1=2 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 1:52:54 PM
"Um, here. Let me get that for you." The cleric reaches out for the human's arm he wounded seconds earlier. (touch attack 20, spontaneous CLW, healing 2) The centaur grimaces. "Sorry. Didn't know I would ACTUALLY hit you. I'm not that kind of dude! Really."

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday September 5th, 2013 2:23:21 PM
OOC: Per the Wold's house rules, reroll nat ones on curing results!

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=20 ; d20+15=23 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 2:25:28 PM

Bliss moves to 14.09 as a stealthy move action - Stealth 20.

He readies an action to quietly enter the hut as soon as the door is open. Stealth 23.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 5th, 2013 3:09:16 PM
OOC
Was Cameron's 22 Perception good enough to hear the dwarf (I assume it is him) climbing the wall behind him?

How did the elf 15 feet below me swing at me? Did you mean he swings at Nickolai?

How many Hero points did I use up getting on the roof and all? The way I rolled with the 5 harder rule for half speed I think I might have 1 left still. Do I?

DM Ian My apologies, I missed your Perception check. You also notice the figure to the north climbing the shack. And yes, that was meant to be Nikolai, for some reason I get your characters mixed up easily. Cameron still has one hero point left.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=19 ; d20+3=9 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 5:36:48 PM
William sees both friend and foe move into new positions...

As the light returns, he sees a figure at the north side of the building... Deciding to add some light to see who it is and help his friends attack it, he'll cast light on a small rock or coin or object (anything he can find) and toss it to where the figure is at on the N side... (Not sure what you want me to roll.. I'm just aiming for a general spot there, and not necessarily to hit the figure... I just want to get the light so that our friends can see him and that anyone coming that way will be identified)

Then, he'll move 2 squares NE (diagonally) and then 1 square South (moving slow to remain stealthy) to take cover behind the wall... (can't zoom in on the map so sorry about not knowing the exact xy coord) Stealth 19

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=23 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 5:49:14 PM
Tinker grins, it is a simple lock and that makes him suspicious. The dwarf does a close examination for any traps on the lock before selecting his tools and getting to work.

The rogue is on fire as he easily sees any simple trap and disables it before picking the lock. He turns and drops the lock on the ground next to Bliss as a signal that they are in!

.....................

Perception: locate traps on lock: 20

Disable Device (trap): 30

Disable Device (lock): 23

Drop Lock at 14.10 (free action)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=19 ; d20+7=21 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 6:42:07 PM
Cameron hears the commotion behind him and knows someone is climbing the shack. While he still cannot see the person he uses the cover he has. taking a bead on the Gnome Cameron fires another blunt arrow, giving away his position. But since no one can see him he then scurries to 9.13 and hides, waiting for the figure to top the roof, or fall off. He reasons they will not be fast enough to cross the remaining distance after their climb and tag him, IF, they cam see him.
Attack on the Gnome hits AC 19 +1 for higher ground
Move to 9.13
Stealth 21
Cameron's AC is 14 vs small or smaller opponents and 15 vs medium or larger opponents.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=12 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 6:53:47 PM
Cameron's Perception will be 12 for this round. Forgot yo roll it in my main post.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+3=5 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 7:04:55 PM
Carver takes a 5' step backwards and then using the reach of the lance tries to whack Human1.
He misses by a very large margin.

He yells out "I'm giving him a chance."

(attack / lance 5)

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20-4=4 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:18:21 PM
Pru is somewhat encouraged. True, it had taken the "distraction team" a while to get going, but now they were distracting like nobody's business. With any luck, the "sneaky team" would soon have the scroll.

Trusting Carver to keep the attention of the leather-clad human, Pru makes a dash for the next fence.

[Double move to 10,17. And here's a Stealth check, so that everybody can point and laugh. I got a 4!!]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:57:17 PM
OOC: Should Linden's touch attack to heal also count as a Tag?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+4=12 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 11:13:18 PM
OOC: I made a minor mistake last round. A Flurry of Blows can only be performed as a Full Attack Action.
I only hit one anyway.

IC: Sidestepping the wooden sword, adrenaline rushes through his veins. He crouches then springs at E2;
Grapple (Improved Grapple) d20+4 = 12 vs CMD

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Friday September 6th, 2013 10:04:08 AM
Checking in

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 9 d20-1=2 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+5=22 ; d100=25 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 1:52:04 PM
Linden, much to the human's surprise, reaches out and heals the wound just caused on his arm.

Bliss gets ready to enter the hut. See below for his further actions...

William tosses a new light spell to the north side of the building, his old one fading out as he does.

Tinker sees no traps on the lock and quickly sets to it. In a matter of seconds, a familiar click of the lock opening. The door swings open and he signals to Bliss that the door is finally open!

Cameron fires an arrow at the gnome, managing to strike the smaller robed figure much to his vexation.

Carver takes a step back and swings at the human, missing by a mile.

Prudence moves incredibly stealthily as she lets the others handle the opposing Fists.

Nikolai tries to grapple the remaining elf, but they are too quick for the monk!

The figure on the northern end of the shack continues their slow, noisy climb up the side of the shack.

"The gnome known as Grippe has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" The gnome dashes off, moving as fast as his legs will carry him. The remaining human looks at the gnome, then back to Linden "Hey man, I don't even want to do this. I'm a cleric, I just want this to be over with," he whispers to the centaur.

Two attacks occur simultaneously as Carver and Nikolai are targeted by their sparring partners. Unfortunately, (or perhaps fortunately) they both miss! (Attacks: 13, 4)

As Tinker opens the door, Bliss moves in quickly, taking in the shack in a single glance. There is only one room with a table in the middle. On the table is a small chest with a lock on the front. An occupied chair sits at the desk, its occupant breathing slowly and steadily. Other than that, there is nothing else in the shack. Windows allow light to filter in, making the light conditions the same as outside.

As Cameron breaks cover to attack the gnome, an arrow whizzes past his head, just missing! (Attack: 22, Concealment: 25)

MAP -- ROUND 9

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=20 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=24 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 3:03:33 PM
Tinker whispers to Bliss, "The elf said ' inside that building, there is a scroll', so the scroll can be anywhere, even on the guy in the chair. Check around while I look at the chest." The dwarf looks hard to see if the man is asleep or moving about, then concentrates on checking the chest and lock for alarms or traps.

If he has time, he quietly removes any alarms or traps in order to pick the lock.

...................

(I'm certain that I've posted more than one round of events, but thought if Tinker doesn't see anything, he can go straight to picking the lock.

Perception - 20 if the man is asleep

Perception - 17 if the chest is locked or trapped

Perception - 16 if the lock is trapped

Disable Device - solve a trap/alarm

Disable Device - pick a lock

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20-4=14 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 3:27:12 PM
Pru has devised a Cunning Plan. Of course, she's still a little drunk, so there's no knowing how cunning it really is.

As quietly as she can, she casts Prestidigitation. She uses it to "create a small object," namely, a scroll. Per the spell description, it "looks crude and artificial," but hey, it's dark. And she doesn't intend to give anybody a close look.

As quietly as she can [Stealth 14], she moves westward. When she gets to a likely spot [say 07, 15], she keeps moving west, but lets out a whoop. "Whooo! I got it! We got the scroll! Yeah!"

So, just to clarify, Pru makes it as far a 05,15, part of her move stealthed, and part of it very, very noisy.

AC 12, TAC 11, FFAC 10, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d8+1=7 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 3:33:48 PM
Linden casts Shield of Faith and whispers. "Honestly, I don't think I heard the rules correctly. I'd hug you for your trouble, but I don't if its against the rules."

(Ooc: it was mentioned rerolling nat 1's for cures. Rerolling CLW, 7 healed)

Bliss (Cayzle) d20=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+8=28 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 4:15:22 PM
Bliss takes a good hard look at the guy in the chair. Does he have on a uniform? Does his uniform reveal his rank? Maybe he is a seargeant?

Perception raw roll 17 +8 = 25 (oops, clicked roll too soon!)

Most important of all, does he have a lump in his pocket that looks like it could be a scroll?

Perception 20 to look for such lumps in pockets.

If he thinks he sees a scroll in the guy's pocket, Bliss takes a five foot step forward, and tries to reach in and take it.

Sleight of Hand to pick the fellow's pocket: Ugh, a 7.

Stealth to remain hidden with that five ft step: 22

IF the fellow does NOT have a scroll-sized lump in his pocket, then Bliss looks around the hut and waits to see what Tinker says or does, and stays hidden.

Readied action: pick up the scroll if he sees it unless Tinker grabs it first.

Perception to look around: 28 (Nat 20)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+3=9 ; d20+2=19
Friday September 6th, 2013 4:51:34 PM
While the others go in, William crawls to 17,05 (1/2 speed so he stays concealed and low to the ground, and out of the light's range (Stealth 19) but in range of his orb) and sends another acid orb to "tag" the guy on the N side of wall...

Attack = (1. This is a RANGED TOUCH ATTACK, 2. @DM - Do I get flanking or anything as a bonus since his back is to me? If so, please add that to my attack... ) Hit AC 9 + any other bonuses for flanking or attacking when surprising him?

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+3=23 ; d20+3=11 ; d20=1 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 7:08:39 PM
Carver tries to whack his target up side the head.
Attack 23 (crit, crit confirm 11)
After attacking he moves to 04,15/05,15/04,16/05,16 and looks around.
Perception 1

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=6 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+2=20 ;
Saturday September 7th, 2013 12:25:34 AM
Cameron knows that the other archer knows this rooftop, and has better vision than he does, which means Cameron is not going to last long sniping from here. So he bugs out. He drops down the side of the building, using his tumbling skill to keep him safe. and fails miserably. With a heroic efforthe reaches out and manages to slide down the wall, arresting his fall. ( Mostly because I wasn't sure if that would tag me out) landing in space 9.14
Acrobatics 6 fail to fall safely
Hero point Acrobatics 16 to safe fall the first 10 feet.
Landing on his feet, Cameron hides and waits to see if Nickolai needs help with his opponent. If he fails to connect with a hit to tag the elf out, Cameron will tag the elf before it gets a swipe at Nickolai.
Stealth 18
Attack roll if needed hits AC 25 critical confirms to AC 13 (not that it matters)
Perception 20

Hero points left 0
Arrows left 7 (If Cameron needs to shoot)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+1=11 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+9=15 ;
Saturday September 7th, 2013 12:25:45 AM
Nikolai decides to try to bop him this time.
Flurry of Blows:
Att1 d20+1= 11
Att2 d20+1 = 21! N20! not even going to bother for crit.

Nikolai's first slap misses but he comes right back with a good solid kick to the elf's leg.
He worries a little about where were the one's that got tagged out earlier that should be making it back by now.

Perception (hear/see anyone coming back around) d20+9 = 15

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday September 7th, 2013 11:15:24 AM
Cameron breathes a sigh of relief when Nickolai tags his opponent. He holds his fire in case any other enemies show themselves. If they do he will tag them.

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 10 d4=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+5=25 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 12:16:18 PM
Tinker moves in after his ally, checking to see if the man is asleep. The sleeping figure is, in fact, out like a light, breathing steadily. Moving closer to the table, the dwarf inspects the chest and its lock heavily, determining that there are no traps to be had on it. However, this lock is much more difficult to unlock than the one on the door. It will take a bit of time for Tinker to unlock it.

With his Perception check, Tinker knows that this is a DC 22 Disable Device lock. It will take 1d4=3 rounds to open it, including the action taken in Round 9. You must succeed in two more Disable Device checks to open the chest. If you beat the DC by 5 or more, you subtract one extra round from the total. SO if you roll a 27 or higher, the chest is unlocked!

Prudence thinks up a clever idea, pulling a scroll out of thin air and running quite stealthily (at least by her definition of the word) to cause a distraction.

Linden offers his enemy a hug, an interesting tactic to say the least, but one that seems to be working.

Bliss takes a good look at the man, realizing that he is indeed a sergeant, most likely the missing one form the other Fists. What he is doing here, passed out and quite useless, you'll never know. Doing a quick check of his pockets, you can see nothing that looks like a scroll. However, his pockets do seem to be rather full... does the halfling risk it?

William crawlsaround the large stone wall, hurling a glob of acid at the dwarf trying to climb the building. Without the ability to dodge side to side on the wall, it strikes the dwarf, who cries out in a mixture of pain and anger.

Carver strikes the human with the utmost precision, taking him right in the chest!

Cameron tumbles down onto the ground, falling in a heap on the ground, taking 5 non-lethal damage. (Keep your Hero Point for later -- a fall won't tag you out.

Nikolai continues the party's streak of good luck, striking his opponent square in the jaw! The elf reels back, falling on his back.

"The elf known as Celepwhyn, the dwarf known as Corma, and the human known as Hank have been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" You can hardly tell what the other Fists are yelling now, as they all seem to be shouting contradictory instructions at each other.

An arrow flies from the half-elf's bow, striking William right in the back! (Attack: 25, nat 20) "The human known as William has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!' William got tagged with an arrow! He spends round 10 getting back to the starting area (he gets removed from the map) and starts in the green area at the top of round 11.

"Get her!" a voice cries out as the gnome tears out of the darkness. He points at Prudence, jumping up and down and yelling. "Cignar, get her!" The half-orc runs out of the gloom, swinging his wooden sword wildly and hitting nothing.

Very few enemies remain on the field, and Tinker is hard at work at the chest's lock.

MAP -- ROUND 10

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Monday September 9th, 2013 1:01:53 PM
Pru waves the fake scroll over her head. "I've got it! I've got it! And you can't catch me!"

Then she takes off. She darts around the wall and heads south [moving down the "04" column]. She's still tipsy, and she can't see very well in this light, so she just has to hope she doesn't trip and fall.

As she nears the boundary, she makes a turn and heads east, as if heading for "home base."

[Net result is a double move to 07,24.]

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=20 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 1:37:12 PM

Bliss is too respectful of authority to steal from the sergeant -- although he would have taken the scroll, he sees no reason to steal anything else.

He wishes he could help Tinker, but he knows nothing about picking locks.

So he'll just ready an action to take the scroll when the box is opened. Picking something up is a move action, so that's what he'll ready.

Meanwhile, he tries to stay hidden in case anyone enters the room. He'll take a five ft step to 10.11 and use the table as partial cover.

Stealth 20.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+5=22 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 4:10:34 PM
Carver maneuvers and charges the half orc, ending his move in 02,13/03,13/02,14/03,14.
As he charges he yells out, "Protect Pru, she has the scroll, get her to the starting area and we win!!"

Attack Half Orc with Lance : roll to attack 22

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=25 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 5:45:27 PM
'This is a hard lock!', thinks Tinker as sweat beads his forehead. The three sets of tumblers are tricky, but the dwarf succeeds in getting the second set into place. 'Just a little bit more'. he thinks!

....................

Disable Device - 25

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+2=20 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+9=20 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 6:57:02 PM
Nikolai grimmaces when he hears that William has been tagged out but has no idea where William is.

Nikolai chuckles at Cameron's ungainly tumble but Pru distracts him. She has a very clever idea but at great danger. Carver runs to help knock out the half-orc but he heard the gnome back there also. The gnome might tag Carver out.

'Cameron, follow Carver and back him up. Here, give me one of those arrows,' He whispers. Taking the arrow he puts it between his teeth and starts back up the shack wall.

Climb d20+2 DC12 = 22! N20! Keep 'em coming, baby!

In full confidence of his abilities, Nikolai forgoes normal caution (-5 on Climb) and any attempt at Stealth (not really anyone near to hear anything except the Sarge that he doesn't know about), and speeds up the shack wall in one swift move!

He ends up at 11.13 using 40' of movement and has 20' of movement left. He then hunches down and heads to the other side (10' moving with Stealth) ending at 11.11.

Stealth d20+6 = 8.

He peeks out to see if he can spot William and who got him.

Perception d20+9= 20

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=16 ; d20-13=-12 ; d20+2=16 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 8:43:41 PM
Cameron hands Nickolai an arrow and heads off toward where Carver is making a spectacle of himself and helping to distract the other team quite well.Sneaking to 6.14 Cameron draws a bead on the Gnome and lets fly.( I assume he still has a torch and is lit since he is one the map and we all seem to know where he is.)
Attack hits AC 16
Stealth 12 ( including the -20 for sniping)
Perception 16
Arrows remaining 6

AC 17 (+Shield of Faith), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+2=22 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+7=14 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 8:56:46 PM
Linden goes Totally Defensive, but hopes not to make it look like he is doing so. (Bluff 22, NAT! 20!)

He glances around quickly at the battlefield to see if he can assess the state of things. (Perception 23, holy cow! nat 20.)

Then he looks back to his 'captive'. (Sense Motive 14)
"So, tell me, why are you continuing with this farce if you just wanna go? I'm confused."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Monday September 9th, 2013 9:02:23 PM
At the end of the round, William goes to the back, glad that at least he tagged a few enemies before they got him...

@DM - If possible, William, while leaving the arena, will stumble, grab a pebble, and while righting himself, cast light upon it to cancel out the existing one at the doorway, since he can only have 1 in action at a time...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday September 9th, 2013 11:38:59 PM
OOC: don't you need the Run by Pick Up Stone feat for that? :}

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 11 d20+3=18 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+7=26 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 8:57:17 AM
Prudence taunts her enemies with the fake scroll, dashing off to the south to distract them.

Bliss keeps a watchful eye out as his ally works his magic on the lock.

Carver adds to Pru's bluff, charging the half-orc and knocking him down with a precise strike!

Tinker nearly has the lock disarmed! One more DC 22 Disable Device check and the chest will be unlocked!

Nikolai scampers up the wall with expert precision, sneaking to the other side to spot his ally's attacker.

Cameron passes his friend an arrow and moves to support Carver. The arrow flies at the gnome, seeming that it is going to strike true, but it glances off at the last second! What seems to be a pane of light hovers just an inch over the gnome's chest where the arrow struck, but it quickly fades. The gnome smiles, looking right at the halfling and grinning. (Perception: 19)

Linden shifts into total defense, and his conversational partner is completely unaware. Looking around, he can tell that his Fists seem to be causing quite a bit of turmoil off in the distance, but some members are missing (or perhaps just hidden). "I dunno, I just want to get this over with," the robed man sighs. "We have to do the tests, right? And it's not like they can fail us..." The centaur notes that, despite what the man is saying, he does not seem to believe it himself.

William rushes back to the starting point, cancelling his Light spell as he departs. (William can dispel his current Light as a free action, but using it again would require a standard, and a full-round action is required to return to the starting area.

"The half-orc known as Cignar has been tagged! Please leave the ground immediately!" As the half-orc stomps off towards the north, he swings the wooden sword at the wall, screaming nonsensical sounds. The wood splinters, and he even shears through the leaden core put inside to weight the practice sword!

The gnome closes his eyes and mutters a few short words before opening them and thrusting his hands out towards Cameron and Carver. Please make a DC 14 Will save or fall asleep!

DC 16 Spellcraft Check Highlight to display spoiler: {The gnome cast the spell Sleep.}

Nikolai can see the half-elf archer sneaking along the northern half of the training ground, disappearing behind a tall wall to the east. PLEASE NOTE that the half-elf's location on the map is the LAST KNOWN ENTERED SQUARE as no characters can see where the half-elf sits behind the wall.

MAP -- ROUND 11

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 10:34:22 AM
All the shouting outside distracts Tinker. That, or his luck is running out, for his tool slips in the lock and the last tumbler is still locked! The dwarf looks irritated and does a slow shoulder-and-neck stretch. On impulse he picks up the chest to see how heavy it is. Perhaps they can bring the whole chest back to the start!
.....................

Disable Device: 20 fail, but by less than 5

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+8=20 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=20 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:39:58 AM
It occurs to Bliss that the key is probably in the sleeping guy's pocket!

He does decide to try his luck ... maybe he will find the key!

First he looks at the lumps in the guy's pocket to see if any resemble a key.

Perception 20

First pocket: Sleight of Hand 14
Second Pocket: Sleight of Hand 20

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20-4=-2 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 2:48:07 PM
Seeing that her pursuers are otherwise occupied, Pru moves closer to the shack. She gets to where she can see the entrance, but still have some cover.

[Double move to 16,19. Stealth -2. Yeesh.]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+2=4 ; d20+2=7 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 4:18:57 PM
Carver falls asleep, even after a heroic effort.

failed a 50/50/90 roll.......

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=20 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+2=20 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 4:29:45 PM
Will save 20 vs sleep DC14 save made
Cameron shakes off the sleepiness and marvels at their effect. The opposing side is using up limited resources to get rid of them now. His team must be "winning". Quickly he pulls another arrow and fires again at the gnome. He misses and is forced to abandon Carver by moving out of the Gnome's line of sight.
Attack hits AC 9 miss
Move to 7.13
Stealth 9
Perception 20

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+5=11 ; d20+3=16 d20+2=6
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 5:36:54 PM
William, in the green area now, prepares to enter the fun again...

(@DM - You have an "H2" next to the entry area (22, 20)? Is he guarding the area or what? What's he doing to/with Linden?)

Option 1 - If H2 is standing by the entry area, William will move to reenter the field, flank H2, kneel and blast him with an orb of acid... (Att = Hit AC 11)...

Option 2 - If H2 is NOT standing by the entry area, then William will move North 15' along the East side, watching for enemies... Perc 16... Stealth (behind wall, crouching and barely visible over wall...) 6

AC 17 (+Shield of Faith), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+2=10 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 6:05:56 PM
The centaur smiles, with an edge to his voice and a concerned look, says. "Well, dood, you're going to get your wish. Seems we're winning." He points AWAY from the direction is Prudence is taking. (Ready to bolt her direction if/when he turns to look the opposite direction. Bluff, not great, 10)

1) If he turns to look, Linden moves top speed for Pru. 3x run for 105ft (or hustle, whichever works to put him just behind her.)
2) If he doesn't turn, the conversation continues.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+6=7 ; d20+9=21 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 10:08:15 PM
Nikolai moves 10' to the edge of the shack (11.09) where he can keep an eye on both the elf and half-elf, expecting the half-elf to show up around the back of that wall and the elf to try to flank Cameron. There's nothing he can do to help Carver when he sees his friend slump by some uknown effect.

Stealth d20+6 = 7; pooh :(

Perception d20+9 = 21

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+3=10 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 12:44:07 AM
[Darn it, I keep forgetting to roll Spellcraft. Not that it helps in this case....]

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 12 d20-4=16 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+3=23 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 11:54:47 AM
The shouting and chaos outside of the shack breaks Tinker's concentration, leaving the last tumbler in its place. He begins to contemplate other methods of getting this chest back to the starting area.

Bliss comes up with the idea that a key might be in the sleeping sergeants pocket! Looking over the man passed out on the chair, you see something that looks suspiciously like a keyring in his front pocket. Reaching in, the sergeants seems to stir for a moment, shifting in his seat... but does not wake up. (At a -4 Perception, the sergeant managed to beat your Sleight of Hand... but he failed his Will Save to wake back up. The hafling produces a small keychain with three keys on it, each different in colour and size, and none seeming to match the lock's design.

Prudence moves closer to the shack, getting behind cover as she continues her streak of stealthiness.

Carver tries his best to fight the spell, but succumbs to it easily, collapsing onto the ground. (Do centaurs sleep standing up?) Carver is now asleep for until round 21 unless someone spends a standard action to wake him up!

Cameron manages to shake off the spell, pulling an arrow out and just missing the gnome. He moves away from his sleeping friend to get some cover from their assailants.

William moves behind the robed human, throwing another splash of acid in his direction. The distracted human does not notice the wizard sneaking up behind him and receives a rather large surprise in the form of a singed back!

Linden continues the distraction, pointing off in the distance to something not there. Surprisingly, the human falls for it, peering out into the darkness. "What? I don't see anyth-" He is cut short but an acid orb and a flurry of curse words in quick succession flying from his mouth. The centaur uses this time to dash off into the distance closer to his friends.

Nikolai moves close to the edge of the building, keeping an eye on the figures to the north.

"The human known as Cid has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" With an angry look at Linden, the robed human stomps off into the darkness.

Using his current state as an advantage, the elf charges forward to strike Carver, poking the centaur in the chest with his wooden sword. This wakes Carver up, but unfortunately, the first thing he hears is, "The centaur known as Carver has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" Carver got tagged! He spends round 12 getting back to the starting area (he gets removed from the map) and starts in the green area at the top of round 13.

Nikolai notices two figures moving along the northern part of the grounds, an elf and a human. The elf looks up at the shack and makes eye contact with the half-elf, but keeps his mouth shut. It's almost as if they don't want to be heard...

The dwarf lumbers into view, drenched in sweat and heaving a wooden sword on her shoulder. The gnome steps forward, placing his hand on the elf's back and muttering a short spell.

MAP -- ROUND 12

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+1=2 ; d20-2=7 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 12:13:48 PM
Pru inches forward [to 16,17], trying to be quiet about it [Stealth 2]. From here, she hopes to be able to keep an eye on the shack, and keep an eye out for opponents. [Perception 7]

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=10 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+2=3 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 12:49:55 PM
Cameron sneaks to 9.14 and waits for a target to present itself. If more than one target shows up, he shoots in this order of preference Gnome first, Dwarf second, Elf third because the gnome is a spell caster, the dwarf can see in the dark and the elf he feels is less of a threat because he isn't a ranged fighter.
Stealth 10 ...Yeah, its not a good day to try to hide
Attack hits AC 10 ...or shoot it seems
Perception 3 ...and a pots and pans salesman with a lame donkey could sneak up on me from the front
4 arrows remaining after this shot

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+15=26 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 2:49:25 PM

Bliss hands the keys quietly to Tinker (Stealth 26). He'll be better able to use them than Bliss, he thinks. Then he readies picking up the scroll if Tinker manages to use the keys and open the chest.

If Tinker does not take the keys (for example, because he instead chooses to pick up the box and leave with it), then Bliss will instead move to the door and open it for him so he can leave easily. Use the same stealth check in this case. please.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 3:11:11 PM
Carver, shakes his head to clear the cobwebs and trots back to the starting area.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=3 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 3:35:19 PM
William runs to 16,15 and while moving, looks for any unidentified foes...

Perc 3

Once there, he ducks behind the corner getting into cover and crouching next to the ground to be protected.. He also picks up a nearby pebble and prepares to cast a spell next round...

AC 17 (+Shield of Faith), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=12 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 4:26:25 PM
Ooc: which way was the 'finish line'?

The human gives him an angry look and Linden returns a sheepish grin and a shrug for his trouble.

The cleric stops short, nearly missing where Pru went while he was looking at the human. (Perception 12) Then he notices he's in full view of three opponents just north of his position. He releases a curse. The cleric thinks fast on his hooves, retrieving his scroll case from his saddlebags.
"I've put it the case. It's safe. I'll hand it off." He waves it in the air looking for a friend and avoiding looking at Pru. He moves a little east of his position just behind the wall.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 5:52:55 PM
Three keys? One tumbler to go? Tinker shakes his head at the key chain and tweaks the last tumbler to the correct position, opening the lock! A quick tug and pull and the lock is out of the hasp, and the lid comes open to see what is inside...

..................

Disable Device - 23

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 7:24:08 PM

OOC: Hoping Bliss's readied action to pick up the scroll can kick in. That will save a move action next round.

Also, Tinker, if you open the door next round, Bliss can make a double move towards home plate ... saving another move action next round!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=16 ; d20+9=25 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:55:56 PM
Nikolai eyes the two then ducks back towards 11.10, then cuts to 12.11 and 13,11 then and slips over the side, landing in front of the door.
OOC: this should be his 30' move, no Stealth attempt.

Acrobatics DC15 for jumping to the ground: d20+9 = 16, success.

OOC: I thought the door was opened, so you guys closed it when you went in?

IC:
Seeing the door closed but knowing that his team was trying to open it, Nikolai turns the knob and opens it. Seeing his two friends, he whispers 'Hurry up! The coast is clear but not for long!'

Persception d20+9 = 25

DM Ian - The First Exam ROUND 13 d20+5=21 ; d20+1=11 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 11:55:24 AM
Prudence edges forward, keeping a careful eye out for any enemies.

Cameron prepares and attack. WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS

Bliss hands the keys to his ally, waiting for him to open the chest. See below for more...

Carver yawns loudly, preparing himself for the next round.

William moves close the Pru, but sees no other enemies.

Linden continues the ruse, waving a scroll case around over his head to attract their enemies.

Tinker looks at the keys nd decides that his own are better. Moving the pick slightly to the right, he hears the satisfying noise of the last tumbler falling into place. Swinging the lid of the chest open, he finds... Now, when the elf said a scroll, you assumed it would be a regular sized scroll, perhaps one that a spellcaster might use. But this scroll is no bigger than the dwarf's pinky finger, held together with a tiny piece of black wax. See below for more...

Nikolai drops down in front of the door, swinging it open for the two inside and keeping an eye out for their opponents.

As what are hopefully the last seconds of the trial tick down, many things begin to happen at once. Nikolai's head whips around as he hears something behind him, just in time to see the opposing half-elf duck out from behind the wall and fire. (Attack: 21) The arrow strikes him in the shoulder and a voice cries out, "The half-elf known as Nikolai has been tagged! Please leave the grounds immediately!" Nikolai got tagged! He spends round 13 getting back to the starting area (he gets removed from the map) and starts in the green area at the top of round 14.

Bliss is ready to go, grabbing the scroll and dashing out the door. As he does, he sees the human and the elf approaching, both snapping their heads up to look at the halfling. "They're still in the building!" the human cries out. "They're over here!" In desperation, he drops his sword and pulls out what looks like a small wooden dagger. Unfortunately, it clatters uselessly against the door as he throws it. (Attack: 11)

Hearing her friends' cries, the dwarf runs across the northern part of the shack, passing through Cameron's view. The halfling fires an arrow, but it flies wide of the dwarf, who turns to look at him. They seem torn, wanting to run off to help their friends, but knowing that Cameron has been a nuisance. Deciding to move closer to the paladin, tossing their sword from hand to hand.

The elf and the gnome head south after Linden, jogging to keep up with the centaur.

MAP -- ROUND 13

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 12:25:56 PM

OOC: Oh, right! This is a combat! Added AC and hp to header! Sorry!

So far as Bliss can tell, he has an open path right to the green! He runs as fast as he can to the home area and says, "I got it."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 1:43:22 PM
OOC
I did move last round. I am not supposed to be where the map shows me.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 2:01:44 PM
Linden retrieves his shield (Move Action), steps east 5 feet and casts Light on his shield (Standard, he does not currently have a Light spell active).

"So, gentlemen dudes, have you found a light in you life?" The centaur doesn't seem to realize the numbers game a bad thing, he just looks thrilled by the challenge. The cleric simply begins his banter once again.

(How would Linden's Sacrificial Bond work in a case like these trials? It says, If an ally within 30ft takes damage, as an immediate action, transfer damage and accompanying effects to yourself.) I'm assuming, maybe in error, that damage is being done. Can I set it to trigger on me if an ally with the scroll is hit/tagged?)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; d3=1 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 2:24:23 PM
Tinker smiles as Bliss bolts for the door, but then frowns as multiple bodies and calls tell him that getting 'out' won't be easy. Pulling out his lead-filled sap, the dwarf slinks to a door frame, preparing to kosh anyone that comes in the shed.

Then he tries to not be noticed.
...................

Move to 13.10
Standard Action to draw Sap.

Stealth :11

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 3:23:58 PM
Pru watches Bliss run by. "Um....weren't we supposed to take the scroll to that elf officer?" she asks.

But for now, her best course is to protect Bliss. After he runs past her, she moves to cover his retreat [let's say to 18,16]. If anybody chases Bliss, Pru's plan is to get in that person's way and stay there.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=10 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+4=21 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 3:29:04 PM
From the corner of the building (9.14) Where Cameron set up his ambush last time he decides that the jig is up and stealth is not as important as making that archer notice HIM and not Bliss. Ignoring the Dwarven fighter out for his blood Cameron turns and runs along the bottom edge of the building to the other corner (13.14). From there he can see at least three opponents ready to run Bliss down, and that won't do. With a shrill whistle he announces his presence as he draws his bow to his ear and looses an arrow at the opposing archer (HE).
Attack hits AC 10
Cursing his luck he calls to Bliss " Run that scroll in, we'll hp;d them back" Then with a heroic surge he pulls another arrow from his quiver and launches it at the opposing archer (HE).
Hero point attack hits AC 14
At the same time he calls out " All those arrows hitting your guys in the butt. That's from me! Think you can stop me before we win this little test? I don't!"
Intimidate 21
Cameron knows well that the Dwarf is hot on his heels and that he has tagged out at least one of these opponents. He hopes his taunt is enough to make them go for HIM and not Bliss.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 3:32:38 PM
OOC
Pru, there was some difficulty in understanding where we were supposed to take the scroll and we asked about it a few rounds back. The unseen and probably airborne elf is not where the scroll goes. We have to take it to our start zone. Not sure if we worked that out in email or on here. I am missing Malgant's draw fire ability about now 8)

DM Ian This is correct! The elf misspoke, meaning to tell you to take it back to the start area.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+5=15 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 6:35:12 PM
Carver runs and leaps the short wall, charging into Elf #2, ending his move at 17,11/18,11/17,12/18,12.
"Pru, run, don't fool around!"

Charge attack with lance 15

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8 d20+2=14 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 8:23:01 PM
William gets up, shoots an acid orb at E2 (Hit TOUCH AC 14), and then charges after Bliss, staying immediately behind her and almost touching her... His goal is the same as Pru's, to be a human shield to block anyone from hitting her... He'll be next to Pru, giving them a large shield of flesh for Bliss...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday September 12th, 2013 9:10:09 PM
Nikolai knew that it would be close but mis-judged it somehow and fells the sting of the blunted arrow on his shoulder. Hoping he had given time for the scroll-bearer to make good his escape, the novice monk scampers back to the beginning area, hardly hearing his name called by the referee.

On the way back he contemplates, 'had this been real combat, I'd be dead. But then, had this been real combat, that half-elf that tagged me would have been dead and thus not able to kill me in the first place. The import is that we learn to work as team, sometimes at great risk and sacrifice. Dad would be proud, I hope.'

DM Ian - Ask Not For Whom The Whistle Blows...
Friday September 13th, 2013 12:17:55 PM
As Bliss dashes off to the green, the nearby human and elf simultaneously shout out for him to stop, but by then it is too late.

A sharp whistle rings out across the training grounds. Immediately, four orbs of light shoot up, surrounding the shack and illuminating the grounds. There are many grumbles and protests from the other Fists, but for those standing close enough to the starting area, you know that your Fists have succeeded in the first trial!

Trimmack and Helmbane are grinning from ear to ear. The dwarf looks over at Sergeant Dorian, the pale human leader of the other Fist and holds out his hand. "Pay up, Dorian. A bet's a bet." The other Sergeant frowns, producing two gold from his pocket and flicking them at the dwarf. "Don't get cocky, dwarf. There's still the scoring to be done."

A familiar voice calls out something unfamiliar, saying, "We have our winners! Will all Fists please report to the southeastern edge of the training ground immediately!"

You can all hear the gnome screaming something at someone else in his Fist, drowning out any other noise on the training ground for now. But for those of you who did not see Bliss' victory, you are now made aware of it.

Congratulations! You have completed the first trial! Please report back to your starting area for evaluation.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Friday September 13th, 2013 12:26:15 PM

Bliss hands the three keys to his seargant, explaining where he got them and why he took them.

Also, he asks if he can open and read the scroll.

Then he goes with his team to the starting area.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday September 13th, 2013 12:28:59 PM
Tinker grins, and, looking back at the sleeping Sergeant in the shack, picks up the keys and hands them to the Sergeant. "Picking the pocket of a sleeping guard. Classic set up. Thank you for the experience."

He then stashes his sap and trots out of the building to the south-east corner of the field to reunite himself with his Fist shield-brothers.

As he nears, he announces what went on in the interior of the shack to his battle-buddies. "Table with a Chest, sleeping guard with keys in his pocket. Bliss picked the pocket and I picked the lock. Nice bit of teamwork with the imp!" He grins at Bliss' victory.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Friday September 13th, 2013 12:34:03 PM
Carver, brings the practice lance to a resting position on his shoulder and runs for the area where they are to report.
"Sorry Sargent, I know it was a stealth test, but I have no chance at that, so I lead the distraction team, hope that was acceptable."
He then congratulates Bliss and the rest on a victory and waits for the results or whatever they are waiting on....

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Friday September 13th, 2013 12:53:00 PM
Pru laughs as she rejoins her team. She still has an active Prestidigitation, so she uses it to create a burst of silver confetti.

"Is that what you call it?" she asks Carver teasingly. "To the untrained observer, you know, it looked like charging in where angels fear to tread."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Friday September 13th, 2013 1:09:37 PM

Bliss looks at his empty hand confusedly. "Oh yeah. I gave the keys to Tinker. He did all the work. All I did was sneak, grab, and run. He coulda done it fine without me!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=13 ;
Friday September 13th, 2013 2:00:48 PM
Since the call was 'all Fists' to the starting area in the southeast corner Cameron waits for some of the other Fists people. He congratulates the archer on his ability to blend in and hit the mark, since his only misses were due to the darkness, unlike Cameron, who blew several easy shots. He congratulates the other members of the other Fists for various things they did, putting each action in the best light he can to make them feel better.
Diplomacy 13
Once in the starting area he smiles at each of his friends and pats them on the back, but quickly forms up in Fist order and assumes an pose of attention, waiting for the judgement of the three observers.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Friday September 13th, 2013 2:15:14 PM
William joins the others in congratulating the team in their victory... It was truly a team effort... He feels bad that stealth isn't his greatest ability, but he feels his dog made a difference. All in all, a great job by the squad...

Finally, he joins his squad at the assembly area and stands at attention.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday September 13th, 2013 2:53:02 PM
Linden simply wave at his two opponents and then moves off to the starting area.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday September 13th, 2013 9:02:23 PM
Nikolai arrives at their Green Zone and turns to return to the field when he sees Bliss come charging back yelling 'I got it!'

Nikolai jumps up and down, cheering and encouraging those little legs to move faster and when the hafling crosses into the Green Zone the announcement is made that the test is over.

He gives Bliss a hug and welcomes everyone else as they return.
"It certainly was teamwork. The distractions kept the majority of them away from the shack and the rest of us tagged enough of them to give our expert lockpickers the time to do their thing. Great work everyone!"

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Saturday September 14th, 2013 12:15:49 AM
"Dude, that was fun!"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Saturday September 14th, 2013 10:02:15 AM
Checking in...

DM Ian - Ask Not For Whom The Whistle Blows...
Sunday September 15th, 2013 1:20:00 PM
Bliss asks if he can read the scroll, to which Helmbane shakes his head. "They need that for scorin'. Best not."

Tinker hands the keys over to his sergeant, congratulating Bliss on his teamwork.

Carver apologizes for his lack of stealth, to which the dwarven sergeant shakes his head. "Everyone has a role to play, recruit. Don't beat yerself up."

Prudence creates a burst of confetti, teasing the centaur jokingly.

Cameron lags behind a bit to congratulate the other Fists. What you all saw as a half-elf earlier shocks you all to now be seen as a surface drow. The dark elf simply nods at the halfling, falling in behind the rest of their group.

William joins in the congratulations, standing at attention in front of his sergeant.

Linden simply waves at his opponents, trotting back to the start line.

Nikolai recounts their strategy to the sergeants, who smile as they nod through his tale.

As the other Fists fall into line, Sergeant Dorian steps in front of them, a look of intense displeasure upon his face. "You have all failed," he calls out in a booming voice. "It barely took them a minute to beat you. What does that say of your teamwork?" They all wince as spit flies from his mouth, trying their best to stand up straight. The gnome opens his mouth to say, "Sir, we did our best, but they managed to-"

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Grippe!" Dorian screams. "I've heard enough! We'll speak more when we get back to the Citadel." Snarling, Dorian looks over at each of you in disdain. Clearly, this is a man who does not like to lose.

The elf is suddenly behind you all, looking down with the slightest hint of a smile on his face. "Congratulations to the victors. May I please see the scroll?" Without hesitation, the judge grabs it away from Bliss, breaking the seal and opening it up. "Let's see here..."

The gnome and the human emerge from the shadows, carrying a half-orc between them. Judging by his clothing, this is the other sergeant, the one asleep in the shack. He looks groggy, at best, his arm draped around the woman to his left, and his hand on the gnome's head. "Come on, big boy," the gnome judge mutters. "Almost there." With a grunt, they deposit him on the ground next to Sergeant Dorian, who takes no notice of his unconscious ally.

"Very well, your score has been calculated." The sergeants' heads all snap around to look at him, biting their lips. "Taking into consideration total number of tags... use of force... time spent on the trial..."

"The winning Fists have won a total of seven points! The losing Fists earn none! Please record this and report back to your rooms. You have all earned some rest." With that, the three judges turn and stride from the training grounds, leaving the four Fists in relative darkness. With a glare down at his colleague, Sergeant Dorian barks at his Fists to collect the drunk and follow him to the Ctidael.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Sunday September 15th, 2013 2:48:43 PM
"Coolness! Seven. A divine number."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Sunday September 15th, 2013 4:12:13 PM
Looking to the Sargent, "Umm Sargent, is that 7 out of 10 or out of 100? Either it's very good or not so good."
Carver, not one who usually worries about things like that, is worried about the morale of the other fists in the test, being beaten and then berated like that, in public no less, could really put a hurt on a team. He and his team may need to rely on those Fists in the future.
Quietly to his Sargent, "I know it's not my place, but we may need to rely on those Fists in the future, That Sargent is hammering their morale so hard it might just smash it beyond salvage. I'd really hate to be there if they break in a fight due to being demoralized so much."
He then heads back to the Fists assigned quarters after collecting his armor and gear.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=16 ;
Sunday September 15th, 2013 5:50:39 PM
Loud enough to be heard by Dorian, Cameron speaks to his very stern Sergeant." Sergeant Helmbane, permission to speak freely? Considering I was on Bliss and Tinker's side and I never saw them until they drew my attention to pantomime where they were headed, I think Sergeant Dorian is being unfair to discipline his Fist so harshly. Given a few more seconds they would have cornered us and tagged the entire stealth team out, making us start from scratch again. Had a lockpick slipped or any one of us been slow they would have had us all dead to rights in the building. They stuck together in teams and would have been quite difficult to best had I not had a bow and arrows. I also think the judging is a mite harsh on them. They tagged out three of ours , one twice and were closing in on us in force as we exited the hut. They deserve some recognition. I would be proud to serve with ant of them again if the need arose. Sir."
Diplomacy 16
Cameron stands at attention, knowing either Helmbane, Dorian or any of the three judges could discipline him for speaking out. Pantheon taught fairness, and the abuse the other team was suffering was not fair.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Sunday September 15th, 2013 6:43:53 PM
Pru turns to see whether the sergeants have anything to say to the group before they all return to their quarters. She is surprised to hear her new teammates speak up. She, too, feels bad for the other fists, but she also assumes the sergeant knows what he's doing. Perhaps he thinks they need that shake-up. Anyway, it's no business of hers.

If the sergeants have nothing to say to the group, Pru begins heading back to their quarters.

"You notice how he said we'd earned some rest, not that we'd be getting some rest?" she asks her companions. "We should be ready for the next test; it could come at any time."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Sunday September 15th, 2013 10:02:25 PM
Nikolai eyes the drunk sergeant and tries to hide his disdain. Not fit for command is what goes through his mind. On the other hand, this is what they were trying to do just hours before, get the other Fists drunk.

But a sergeant should know better.

"Sorry about getting tagged, guys. I should have been more careful. My Sensei is to teach me how to catch those arrows. Maybe next time."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Monday September 16th, 2013 12:02:59 AM

Blis bounces up and down on his toes with excitement and happiness. "We're first winners!" he says.

He goes over to the other team fists and tells them, "You guys did okay too! Good game! You're second winners!"

When he hears the party earned seven points, he grins even more widely. "Seven! Yay!"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday September 16th, 2013 10:03:12 AM
Tinker grunts and shrugs. There's lotsa talk about 'feelings' and 'morale' going on which doesn't interest the dwarf at all. The contest was fair, they won, and Tinker got to play with a new lock; what could be better than that? While Carver has a point about may need to count on the other Fists in the future, Tinker isn't about to get involved in a family squabble between the other Fists' Sergeant and the troops.

Prudence hits on something that is important. "Yah, 'earned' not 'will get', time to prepare before getting some shut eye. Um... with your permission Sergeant Trimmack?"

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Monday September 16th, 2013 12:03:56 PM

Bliss yawns. "Yeah, it's the middle of the night, right? I'm tired."

"I want to catch arrows! Can you teach me that, Nicky? Maybe after I catch some Z's."

Putting Things In Perspective -- DM Zach
Monday September 16th, 2013 1:20:31 PM
Trimmack responds to Carver, "You did well, that is a 7 out of 10 points." Trimmack also listens to Carver's concern for the other Fist. "It is true but, each leader has his own leadership style... right or wrong."

Helmbane and Cameron have a very similar conversation that goes... slightly differently. "Are you saying they should be coddled? Let's look at this in a different light. You won. Good. But at what cost? If this were real, each of your that were "tagged" would either be dead, being hauled away to torture chambers, or grievously wounded. How many of you were "tagged" again? Keep that in mind. As for them, what if that scroll had troop movements in it. Now the enemy has troop movements. Every Fist in their company would be open to ambush because they lost that scroll. But just because this was a "test" everyone is going to be upset because someone is yelling too much. At least they aren't dead, or have to live with the fact that they got the rest of their company killed."

Trimmack nods to Prudence, "A smart one... yes, you might have a full day or so between trials, or we could be called there in 10 minutes. Getting a bite to eat and some sleep is not a terrible idea."

Nodding to Tinker, Trimmack gives a quick dismissal. Helmbane follows suit. Both fists are free to do as they wish, but reminded to be where they can easily be found.

------------------
OOC: The Last Assignment Bar is an option, as is the Mess Hall, and your room. Most any where else in the Citadel is available for those who wish to go exploring for some reason. Master Sergeant Redforge, the Dwarf who may have mentored some of the group is also availible to speak with. Both Sgt's are also open for conversation as they will be headed back to the Team Barracks.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Monday September 16th, 2013 2:03:46 PM

Tired though he is, Bliss grabs the chance to talk with the veteran dwarf monk.

"Um, hello, Master Redforge, can I talk to you?"

Then the halfling boy has an idea. In his unpracticed dwarven he says,

"Bliss, son of Vauhwyt, at your service, and your fathers, good sir."

"If I may ask you for your favor, I would be grateful to learn from you as a student."

Bliss will explain, if he has a chance, that he wants to learn to be a monk, like Nicky on his team.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Monday September 16th, 2013 2:57:30 PM
Carver runs for the mess hall, grabs some food that can be eaten on the move and then heads back to his sleeping area in their assigned building.
Once there he gets comfortable and wolfs down the food he grabbed.
To anyone who enters, of the team that is, "Nice going on the test, if it had been for real, I'd have kept my armor on, on another point, I really need to learn how to keep moving after I charge someone with my lance."

He tries to get more sleep, knowing that learning to sleep on short notice is a hard learned skill....

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=20 ;
Monday September 16th, 2013 3:28:12 PM
Tinker waits a bare second after being dismissed and trots with Carver to the Mess Hall for some food that can stay good for a while. He looks about to see if there are other Fists coming or going from their assignments, and tries to see if there is anything on the announcement boards about the points other Fists have gotten so far in the graduation exercises.

He may as well gather information as well as food to take back to the barracks! Lousy at talking to other people, he relies on his sharp eyes to have something to report back.

......................

Perception: 20

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Monday September 16th, 2013 3:58:56 PM
Pru can't eat; it's the middle of the night. The very thought makes her faintly queasy. Or maybe that's the ale.

At any rate, she heads back to the team quarters, but not before complimenting her teammates. "You all were wonderful. Tinker and Bliss, you guys were amazing. I didn't even see you until Bliss came running back!"

Back at the quarters, Pru removes her tunic, and brushes off any stray dust or grass pieces before folding it away. Odds are good she'll be dressing in a hurry again, and she wants to be sure her things are ready. Similarly, she gives her boots a quick polish after removing them, then crawls back into bed and tries to sleep.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Monday September 16th, 2013 6:41:57 PM
William's not the type to feel pity on the losing team, as they had as much of a chance as the winning team did... He does understand how the other sergeant would be hard to work for, but that's what you get when you sign up with a military unit - you don't get to pick your NCO or CO...

Knowing that he'd like to renew some of his spells, he decides to get a quick bite to eat with Tinker and Carver, and then will return back to his room, say his nightly prayers, and rest for enough hours to re-memorize his cast spells...

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday September 16th, 2013 6:58:59 PM
Cameron heads to the Mess hall and grabs a bite to eat. He pockets some fruit and a few rolls in case they get called out again and are not able to get in breakfast. He then heads back to the barracks and only removes his boots and armor and quickly falls asleep.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday September 16th, 2013 9:45:41 PM
Nikolai shruggs as he answer's Bliss, "When I learn, I'll teach you."

The half-elf monk heads back to their sleeping quarters with Pru, primarily because he wanted to make sure she made it ok. Even though somewhat woozie, she made it without help.

"You know, Pru, I'm thinking that if we'd done as lousy as the other team, our own Sgt. Helmbane would be hollering at us the rest of the night just like that other sergeant. In all our excercises we've been through they've emphasized working together so they should have held out longer. That half-orc is a half-wit to follow your silly lights. No, I don't mean to put you down, you used a flash of genious to create the effect. I'm just saying that the half-orc should have..., well, known better. So I have no problem with that sergeant giving him the what-for. Unfortunately, the archer on the roof of the shack won't get any pats on the back despite the fact he did quite well, until the phantom dog showed up, that is, hehe."

When Carver mentions Ride-by-Attack, Nickolai chimes in, "My father was an expert at ridding by after a lance attack. His horse also would trample the poor bas... er, target, while being skewered. To make things even worse for the, er, target, my father knew how to put extra force into his charge (Spirited Charge). My grandpa was a footsoldier, a Colonel, and was angry at my father for many years for going into the cavalry, but once my grandpa saw my father in action on a armored warhorse, my grandpa changed his mind."

Satisfied that they had done well, Nikolai tries to get some sleep. There was a lot to think about. He smiled as he remembered jumping down from the shack roof onto the two 'enemy' Fist members and tagging them both out. He remembered the look of horror on the roof archer's face as he toppled over and hit the ground hard. That archer got back at him, he did. That spot on his shoulder will have a dark bruise. Oh, well...

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 1:39:49 PM
"Well, I need some food, wine and sleep, in that order. This trial was shady. What is the next going to include? Anyone know?" The centaur is very aware that his wounding the opponent may have cost them a point, but he keeps that to himself.

"Well done everyone. Great day!" The stupid smile reappears on the clerics face. He retrieves his pipe, and quickly realizes he was missing one starknife and his pipe weed.
"Sirs, can I search the trial grounds for two belongings?"

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 4:11:30 PM

Bliss yawns with a wiiiiide open mouth. "Sorry, I guess I'm getting tired."

Putting Things In Perspective -- DM Zach
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 5:14:16 PM
Redforge smiles at Bliss, "Of course, I do an extra class time for those students who want more than just the bare minimum in hand to hand combat. Find me when you have free time and I will give you an advanced crash course."

Caver, Tinker, William, Cameron, Linden and Bliss go to the Mess Hall for food. The serving ladies have a hearty breakfast prepared, buffet style, for each to get as much as they like. There is most anything that can be imagined: Ribeye Steaks, Sugar Cured Ham, Beef, pork, and deer sausage, lamb shanks, and bacon as well as a variety of biscuits and pastries, eggs, and omelets. What a feast. There is also a variety of juice, but no wine. Though, the last assignment is still open. The other fists that are in the Mess Hall have varying attitudes. Some are down as if they lost, others are estatic as if from victory. There are no official scores posted and no one seems to be willing to say how many points they got. Except for the group led by the Minotaur Sergeant. They seem more than willing to tell everyone that they got a perfect score in their first trial.

Prudence and Nikolai, decide it is a good idea to go straight to their quarters and get some sleep before the next test.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 5:40:47 PM
Tinker doesn't even have to talk to the minotaurs to know they have scored perfect first time out; they seem more than willing to tell everyone! Hrmph, he thinks.

A hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, cheese, and an assortment of root vegetables all piled together make a full dwarf, and Tinker stuffs some rolls, hard cheese, and small apples in his pouch in case he can't later. Then he heads back to the barracks to greet the dawn and some shut-eye.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 7:29:41 PM
Despite her fatigue, Pru doesn't fall asleep right away. She's still keyed up from the first test, replaying certain scenes every time she closes her eyes.

At last, though, her weariness and the ale combine to send her into a deep, restful sleep.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 7:31:09 PM
Bliss thanks Master Redforge and promises to be at the extra sessions.

He grabs some chow at the mess and then heads to sleep.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=22 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 8:26:10 PM
Unlike Tinker, Cameron spots a chance to scout out the remaining trials. It is doubtful that Minotaurs managed to "stealth" their way into a shack and a full frontal assault would get at least some of them tagged and spoil their score. This means they probably had a combat trial first, so he uses his familiarity with them to strike up a conversation. Bringing a big plate of whatever they seem to be enjoying along, Cameron sets out for the Minotaur's table.
" I'll share our trial's finer points with you if you would recount yours to me. If you can help us out with what you guys are definitely good at I can share where we did well and how we messed up to help you avoid the same. Deal?"
Diplomacy 22
If they are willing Cameron recounts the tale of the stealth mission. He mostly tells them that the judges seem biased against some teams so be sure to ask about EVERYTHING, including asking for blunted weapons so that when stealth fails combat can win out.
Once they tell him what they know he heads back to the barracks. If the others are still awake he tells them what he learned. If not, he waits until they are awoken. He falls almost instantly asleep after his warm meal and after having his fears settled on what one of the other trials entails.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 8:29:19 PM
William looks at the other team who're bragging and snorts in derision, knowing that the ultimate score really doesn't matter... What matters is who wins and loses, regardless of how fancy it is... he has no problem facing down an enemy and jumping into a fight with magic blazing... He looks at Tinker and murmurs, "I think we need to teach them a lesson when we go against them next time..."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 9:25:36 PM
Carver, grabs some food, some that will stay good a few hours, other that he'll eat on his way to the barracks, planning on getting some rest....

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 10:19:07 PM
Nikolai sleeps soundly, sort of. As best as one can in a barracks.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 4:12:21 AM
After listening to the banter in the Mess, Linden squirrels away a couple carrots, an apple and a roll or two, then he makes for his bed. He is up again for a short portion of the night devising a new spell list. The cleric runs through scenarios which might occur tomorrow to be better prepared. His banter and confusion tactics only worked this time, but who knows about the next. The centaur has never liked confrontation much and competition even less. He thinks it promotes intitlement and favoritism. Hmmm.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 1:30:19 PM
William will also return to his room to memorize his spells

Putting Things In Perspective -- DM Zach d20+5=16 ; d20+7=11 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 2:51:09 PM
The vast majority of the group either heads to sleep, or gathers a bit of food for later then heads off to sleep.

Cameron on the other hand decides that getting more information could be quite useful.

The Half-Orc eyes Cameron up and down almost as if deciding if he can be trusted before answering. "Sure, I doubt we will even get the same test. Ours was an underwater exercise. We had to recover a chest from the bottom of the river... while fighting against another first who was trying to do the same. Glad we all took our armor off. There was no time to prepare."

DC 16 Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the feeling he is feeding you a load of BS.}

After about two hours of sleep... or nap... whatever you wish to call it there is a loud knock at the door, and a piece of paper is pushed underneath. Again, Sgt Trimmack gets up and goes to the door, reading the note. "Alright, you have 15 minutes to be at the Hall of Heroes. Test #2 awaits!!!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=13 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 3:14:52 PM
Sense Motive 13
Cameron thanks the half orc for the information and tells them about their exercise.
When the note comes he slips into his boots and armor and tells the others what he learned. He has enough time to help the other fist members into their armor and to check to make sure all of his gear is ready to go. When his fist is ready he heads to the Hall of Heroes with them, as a group.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 4:09:11 PM
Pru awakens pretty easily when the knock comes--it's almost time to get up anyway. She gets ready again, this time with much less grumbling and stomping. Soon she is ready: bed made, uniform on, weapons ready to go.

[OOC: I need clarification. I'd been assuming that we were only showing up to these tests with weapons and armor? But in the last test people talked about taking items from their backpacks, so am I wrong? Are we supposed to show up with full backpacks? And if so....are we just supposed to keep them packed all the time? Because packing a whole backpack on 15 minutes' notice--when you're also supposed to get up and wash and put on a uniform and get your weapons and make your bed--strikes me as cutting things kind of close. But hey, I was never in the service.]

[OOC 2: To what extent has Pru slept off the alcohol? She was at -2 before; is she at -1 now? Or all the way to 0?]

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 6:12:00 PM
William had just begun praying and memorizing when the knock shook him out of his contemplative state...

He gets up, says another quick morning prayer, and then heads outside to join his friends at the Hall... His weapons, pack and magic are ready for whatever's coming next...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:10:03 PM
Carver dons his gear and heads to the Hall of Heroes.
If the barracks has practice weapons, Carver grabs what he normally uses. (what's listed as weapons on sheet)

Answering Questions -- DM Zach
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:13:24 PM
OOC to Kathy: In the Service, my job required that I have a fully packed travel bag with two weeks of needed items and a second backpack with 1-2 nights items ready at all times. You guys probably already have a fully packed... pack. You would have gone on several long runs and marches with it so far. No one is feeling the affects of the alcohol anymore as the mixture of food, exercise, adrenaline, and sleep would have countered any affects. Both are very good questions.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:16:07 PM
Bliss asks Sgt Trimmack if he can please get some of those blunted bolts for use in the test so that he does not kill anybody.

He takes his full usual kit except for his crafting tools.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 9:46:46 PM
Nikolai thanks his elven heritage for the ease he has in staying alert with little sleep. He eyes the others to see what those effects are taking on his friends. It appears that the adrenaline of the testing is forgoing any detrimental effects of interrupted sleep, so far. Even Pru seems much chippier than just a few hours ago.

He slings his backpack, still packed from the previous test, onto his back and joins his Fist formation and heads towards the Hall of Heroes.

He listens in on Cameron's account of the half-orc's underwater test. 'I bet that was a cold one,' he muses.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 10:09:13 PM
Not having time to prep new spells, Linden grabs his bugout saddle bags and groggily heads out with group.

His spell list is made up of nothing but Orisons, having used the slots to either heal or shield. As it was, he was even down one orison spell. He had a bag of stuff and his wits, one of which was hazy and numb.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:20:21 AM
Bleary eyed from not enough sleep, Tinker remembers many training nights of alert after alert. And so, while tired, he is able to quickly slide into armor, grab his already-packed backpack, buckle weapons, grab a set of practice bolts, and is trotting to the Hall of Heroes within 5 minutes of the alert.

Tinker thinks about Cameron's retelling of the half-orc story. "Pays to be prepared for anything!" is the dwarf's comment.

OOC: Like Zach, my time in the Army I had a pre-packed rucksack at my bedroom door. During alerts, I was out of bed, in uniform, TA-50 (belt-and-shoulder harness) buckled, rucksack in hand, shaving in the car and in formation at the barracks a couple miles away in 15 minutes.

The Hall of Heroes... again -- DM Zach
Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:01:59 PM
Bliss asks the good Sgt about some blunted arrows. "That will be up to the proctors of the next examination. We need to find out what the next examination is going to be first."

The rest of the group quickly gets prepared and heads off to the Hall of Heroes in record time. It seems practice does make perfect.

Upon returning to the Hall of Heroes, the group is, as always, in awe of the shrines, busts, statutes, sculptures, tapestries, plaques, and paintings of the various heroes that have gone on before. One day, some of you may even be enshrine here. It is a sobering thought.

This time you are the only fist present. Master Sergeant Redforge, paper in hand, greets you and explains your next exam. "Alright, soldiers, your second exam is going to be taking place outside the Citadel, on the front plains. You are going to going to meet a larger, but less experienced force on the field of battle. This will be live fire. Hold nothing back. Clerics will place a boon on you that will keep your from dying from all but the most grievous of wounds. It will be administered out on the field. I must stress, you will be fighting an outside force that has been hired. They are not other Fists or students. Head out the front gate and follow the torches to your designated training area. Your trial will begin at sunrise. Best of Luck to you all."

With that your Sgt's smiles and say... "Move out."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 3:02:56 PM
OOC
Time remaining til sunrise?

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 4:15:58 PM
Live fire. Right. Pru gathers her things and prepares to exit the hall with the rest of her Fist.

"Not much point in crafting a strategy until we get there and see what the field is like," she muses aloud.

[OOC to Jay: you can't be "down one orison." From the PRD: "Orisons...are cast like any other spell, but they are not expended when cast and may be used again."]

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 5:02:37 PM
Larger, less experienced, hired force. Live fire! That gets Tinker's attention! He shoulders his pack and 'moves out' as the sergreants tell them. This is serious!

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 5:02:44 PM

Bliss is full of ideas, even without seeing the battlefield, and he burbles over with them, chatting to anyone who will listen.

[OOC: See email please!]

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 6:35:27 PM
Cameron talks plenty of shop with Bliss, trying to include anyone else that will throw in ideas. ( See my reply to the email) He frowns on Bliss being out behind the lines, the longevity of those kind of snipers is not terribly high, even with Bliss's hiding skills. If something went wrong there would be no way to help Bliss in time. If they are able he will gather a pick or two and a few spades on the way to the field. Also possibly a camp axe.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 7:25:30 PM
"We should pick 2 or 3 and two of us shoot at each, then move on, until it's time to get physical. If we can thin down the numbers it will help. Spreading damage out will just leave move of them to attack us in melee."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:37:08 PM
'Keep you from dying from all but the most grievous of wounds...' Nikolai mutters. "How bad is most grievous?

Nikolai suggests, "We could send a scout out, find a patrol, entice it to chase him, and he lead them into a crossfire trap."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:42:23 PM
OOC: I'm going to be out of town and out of internet from Sat thru Sept 30. If anyone wants to pick Nikolai up for me please do. I'll post Friday's and whoever want's to can take over on Monday.

Thanks.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:45:27 PM
" We might not be allowed to prepare the defense much, just like the defenders couldn't set up for our stealth run. If that's the case, some of you faster guys should take our rope and make a hazard area, trip lines and stuff to slow them down. Nickolai did you say you had caltrops too? Those would help. Basically we need to try and funnel them to where we can concentrate ranged weapons on them and whittle them down. And like Carver said, finish some off before they can get to us, not just wound them. I also have a bottle of Alchemist's fire, which should slow them down too. Also, I don't know if they will have any, but we should all get shields. If anyone doesn't have or can't use a crossbow or a bow, they could help block for the archers."
One of the first things Cameron asks the Proctor of the exam for is a bucket of pitch, and a torch. He figures flaming arrows would be more intimidating than normal arrows. The second thing will be a shield.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 8:48:54 PM
OOC
If no one else wants to I can post for you Jon.
And yes, I read the "most grievous of wounds" thing the same way. I guess that's their way of saying, if you are low on HP and want to fight on, a crit may still kill you, and we have no healing remaining.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday September 19th, 2013 9:13:24 PM
The cleric looks extremely concerned.
"Boon? From which God and has the same courteousy been extended to our opponents? Are they aware this is our test? What have THEY been told? And how large is larger? I only ask the last question 'cus even the most unprepared would have an idea what they might be facing?"

Linden turns to Carver, and in centaur and in a low voice he says, "This is shady." He retrieves his shield and morning star. "Harsh." He looks gloomily at his morning star. "I hate this thing. Bogus." He holds it away from his body as if it were made of some substance which was unpleasant to smell.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Friday September 20th, 2013 8:58:48 AM
William supports the idea of making some hazards and funneling the enemy into a kill zone... "I can help with moving some things, though I'm not the strongest one... But let's see if we can get some junk, wood or some other obstacles and get them to a place where we can pick them off..."

He steps up and helps out wherever needed with gathering materials in the brief time they have available...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday September 20th, 2013 9:38:11 AM
"I have some caltrops and rope," Nikolai offers.

OOC: only one bag of caltrop, it will cover a 5x5 area. 50' of rope.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Friday September 20th, 2013 10:30:05 AM
As soon as he gets the chance, Bliss will ask the proctor for a few sacks and longish sticks, please.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday September 20th, 2013 11:36:21 AM
Tinker also ticks off items he has that may be useful. "I got more rope, a spade, a signal whistle. A shallow trench with dirt piled in front may look like a pit when it isn't, sorta fake channeling thing..."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday September 20th, 2013 12:25:49 PM
OOC: Thanks David. Good thing is that at 1st level there's not much to it. Try the link to his PC sheet and make sure you can view it. Let me know if you can't.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Friday September 20th, 2013 8:20:42 PM
Friday post.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday September 20th, 2013 9:02:45 PM
checking in

The Hall of Heroes... again -- DM Zach
Friday September 20th, 2013 10:43:35 PM
The group makes it to the appointed place at about 20 minutes before day break. It is hard to see what is going on since it is so flat... and open. The earth seems to be hard packed earth. There is no vegetation... no cover. At least not that can be seen. The proctors are close buy. When asked about additional gear they answer the following way. "When training is simulated using less than lethal weapons... we supply the most any gear needed. When going into "live combat" you are required to use your own gear. If you are able to return to the Citadel and buy any additional gear you need and return before the exam begins... feel free."

Trimmack turns to the group shaking his head. "My bad guys, I didn't know this would be live fire. We did no live fire exercises when I went through my training. This boon you will receive is new to me. If you have gold to purchase what you need we might have time to high tail it back to the Citadel. We do not have time to fill out a requisition form."

When asked about the boon the proctor responds, "Depends on what cleric you get as to what god the boon is from. There are many clerics so you can probably find the one who worships the same god as you. Of course if there is a problem accepting the boon... it is not required. Your foes HAVE been granted this same boon, and yes they know this is training. The will not slit your throat while you are bleeding out on the ground if that is what you mean."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Saturday September 21st, 2013 12:19:15 AM
Nikolai checks his bandoleer loaded with his shuriken, twirls his nunchaku a few times, adjusts his backpack, then says "I guess I'm ready."

He looks out over the open land and blurts, "I need to practice my Hide in Plain Sight skills. This will definitely be one of those Shoot 'em as soon as you see 'em scenarios."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday September 21st, 2013 12:42:47 AM
Cameron strings his bow and starts asking Questions of the Proctors.
" From what direction are we expecting this attack Sir(or Madam as appropriate)?"
" We were told a 'larger force'. Do we know how numerically superior they are?"
" Do we know who they are?"
"Do we know how they will be armed?"
"What is the criteria for this exam? Stop them for a specific time period, kill them all, make them enter negotiations for their surrender? What is our goal?"
The more Cameron looks at it the more he thinks this is really what the Minotaur's faced in their first trial. This appears to be a fight of sheer attrition, and he thanks Uncle Morgan for making him learn the composite longbow with it's greater range. It may make ALL the difference here.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Saturday September 21st, 2013 2:06:37 AM
When they get to the field, Pru drops her backpack. "I can't move around with that thing on," she sighs. "Although there's rope in there if anybody wants it."

Wasting no time, she casts Mage Armor on herself. "Nikolai? William? Do you guys want Mage Armor?"

[OOC: I think I've got this right; Nikolai, William, and Pru are the only three not wearing armor? If there's somebody else unarmored, Pru offers them the spell, too. :) ]

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday September 21st, 2013 3:35:40 PM
Tinker looks at the flat land and nods at Cameron's questions, cause Tinker got many of the same ones!

He preps his crossbow with a bolt and is pretty much ready for the task at hand unless the group is going to get any more answers from the proctor. "Go back to the Citadel? Hrmph. Sounds like a great way to lose."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:49:26 PM
William casts Mage Armor too, as he wants to get prep'd for this adventure...

He asks the sergeants or proctor of this test... , "Will our enemy be considered 'evil' in terms of spells that might apply to them?"

To the group, he says, "Shall we find some high ground somewhere or some sort of raised ground that'll give us cover? Since there's not going to be much cover from trees, we should at least try to get some sort of advantage over them... ". He looks at the area in front of them, trying to see if this ground exists...

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday September 21st, 2013 6:33:49 PM
Cameron thinks furiously as he waits for the Proctor to answer. Hard packed earth would be hard to dig, but when wet would be slick as wet stone, maybe slicker. Since the citadel is behind them he assumes that though it appears flat, the ground probably gently slopes away from the castle, to make bringing siege engines to bear harder on an attacker. On a slick slope they might gain a few more moments until their attackers could come to grips with them.
" Linden, can you create water today?"

OOC
at 2 gallons per casting,that's 20 gallons per minute for 20 minutes for 400 gallons before dawn, that'd make the place pretty messy I think, bogging down advancing enemies and giving us an edge.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Sunday September 22nd, 2013 9:28:44 AM
Carver makes sure his lance and shield are ready, but has his bow ready to start with.
"Once I get into melee, you'll all need to keep the extra attackers off me."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC18, HP11 of 11)
Monday September 23rd, 2013 10:36:16 AM

Bliss gratefully accepts a mage armor spell, if there is one to spare.

He looks around the battlefield and sees that the terrain is flat and barren. "There's nothing to hide behind," he says, "so let me make something."

He asks Linden for a favor. "Lindy, old buddy old pal, can I have your blanket?"

Bliss uses his buckler like an improvised shovel, and digs a shallow trench and slight berm next to it. If the going is not too bad, he'll make a square 10x10 like that. If there's no way to do that in 15 minutes, he'll make it 10x5, or failing that, 5x5.

He uses his bah to fire four bolts, point blank, directly straight into the ground at the corners of his square, making four narrow "posts" at each corner. (If the square ends up 10 ft long along any one side, Bliss m,ay need to fire extra bolts halfway between the two corner bolts.) He tears Linden's blanket (if his friend will part with it) into strips, each the length of the square, and ties them from bolt to bolt. In the end, Bliss is hoping to have a "fence" or "pen" within which he can gain concealment or partial concealment. Maybe he can stand within it and gain concealment, or maybe he has to lay down to gain any advantage.

He stands and considers his handiwork, hoping that his efforts have not been for nothing.

Then he looks out over the battlefield. How far away can he see? 100 ft? 200 ft? 500 ft? He asks the proctors if he can start shooting as soon as he likes.

AC 21 (w/Shield of Faith,shield), TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday September 23rd, 2013 1:12:03 PM
"No, I can't create water today. Is that a spell you see us needing?"

Linden happily gives over his blanket, since it was a requisitioned blanket. He blanches at cutting it, but recovers quickly. "Your cutting it!"

Spells and Things (His first level spells are gone. Otherwise, it is still current.)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14, hp 8/8
Monday September 23rd, 2013 5:54:15 PM
Checking in...

The Hall of Heroes... again -- DM Zach
Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:31:22 PM
The proctor scoffs at the group. "No one will be altering the field of battle until the battle begins. Things must remain fair afterall. There will be times when you are sent to engage a larger force, to keep them from advancing on strategic locations or supplies. The battlefield will be neutral. That is what this simulates."

Several hundred feet across the battlefield, the group can see dark figures in the darkness.

DC 20 Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {15 figures, with at least 5 carrying bows, all in some kind of formation.}
DC 15 Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {At least 12 figures.}
DC 10 Perception Highlight to display spoiler: {A throng of people}

The sun begins peaking over the horizon but does not yet provide any type of illumination. The proctor advises the group to prepare themselves.

OOC: Sorry for late post... work was hectic and I had class right afterwards. I did not have time to post on my lunch break. DM Ian is taking back over tomorrow.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=7 ; d20+5=24 ; d6+1=6 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:51:32 PM
Perception 7
"Whoever has the best view start selecting targets when the other team shows up, That will probably be Tinker or Bliss, you guys are the most perceptive of us (I think). Probably pick off their ranged guys first them go for skirmishers( faster lightly armored opponents) Then whatever they have that counts as heavy infantry. This them out then deal with the rest when they get here."
If targets are pointed out Cameron will start shooting at as far as 1100 feet range ( 10 range increments) So long as the go signal has been given.
If that is now he starts shooting now.
Hits AC 24-(range modifier) for 6 damage

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) David Feest Posting d20+9=29 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:00:35 PM
Perception 29(natural 20)
" They are right there Cameron" Nickolai says, pointing.
"There are 15 of them. I see at least five with bows. One of them looks like he had a hard night of drinking last night and another looks like he overslept and was awoken with a pail of water this morning. The infantry seem to be screening the archers some, by standing in front of them. My ranged weapons won't reach that far so I can't designate the targets, but the archer with the red bandana around his head and the gold earring looks cocky, I'd shoot him first"
Nickolai limbers up, preparing for when they are close enough for him to engage them.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=21 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:11:20 PM
Tinker's eyes pierce the half-light on the battlefield and he begins to relay a battle report. "I've got it. 15 figures, 5 with bows, organized in a formation. I can't seem more."

He looks for more information as he shuffles to the left end of the Fist's line. Distance, type of formation, size of the figures are all important information that he wants to relay to his comrades.

....................

Perception : 21

Tinker has his pack on and loaded crossbow in hand.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20=10 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:13:16 PM
Carver can at least see the mob that is going to be attacking them, "Ummm When are we supposed to receive that blessing that is to keep us from being killed or whatever to keep us alive from this test?"

He peers into the early morning gloom, wishing they were the ones with the sun behind them.....

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20=7 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:51:49 PM
Pru is a little surprised when Bliss asks for a Mage Armor. "But...you're wearing armor, aren't you?" Nevertheless, she has the spell to cast, so she casts it.

"Nikolai? Last chance." She smiles at the monk, who seems to be so concerned with strategizing that he didn't hear her offer.

She glances across the battlefield, unsurprised when she can make out nothing of their opponents. She's not good a noticing things.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+8=27 ; d20+15=33 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 8:40:41 AM

"Thanks, Miss Pru, for the spell," Bliss says. [OOC: Bliss's leather only gives a +2, so the spell gives him a +2 bonus to AC.]

Perception 27 (nat 19) - Bliss tries to estimate distance to the enemy.

20 minutes ago ... When the proctor tells Bliss that he cannot dig a trench or alter the battlefield yet, he scowls and walks off 100 ft away from the party. He does not know the direction from which the attack will come, but he knows the sun is rising in the east, so he walks to the southeast.

He hopes that the enemy is not coming from the northwest, because then the party will be between him and the enemy. If so, he'll just have to arch his shots over his friends' heads.

He uses part of Linden's blanket to make a 3 ft x 3 ft square of cloth, which he rubs and rubs with dirt. He rubs himself all over with dirt too. He kneels on the ground to present as small a target as possible. When the proctor says, "prepare yourself," he fires a bolt into the ground so that it is sticking up, reloads, drops the square of blanket over the bolt, and lies down prone so that it is between him and the oncoming enemy.

With any luck, he has enough partial cover/concealment to be able to make stealth checks.

Stealth 33 to hide prone behind his makeshift hunting blind.

Conditions and ongoing effects:
- AC24 vs arrows because prone gives a +4 bonus to AC vs missiles.
- Mage armor.
- Hopefully concealed or under cover, per the DM's ruling, with bonuses TBD.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) David Feest Posting
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:03:49 AM
" Um, sorry, I missed what you were saying before. Um yes, Mage armor would be great. Thank you."

DM Ian - Nothing To See Here...
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 4:44:53 PM
Please continue to roleplay into tomorrow. Your DM cannot move from his bed and is making this post stretched out to his desk from it. Throat infections are terrible. Regular posting resumes tomorrow.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=17 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 6:32:16 PM
" Are we holding our ground as we fire or backing up towards Bliss so we are all together by the time they reach us. By giving ground each time we fire we may gain an extra shot or two and thin them more."
Cameron remains poised to start backing up and firing once the word to begin is given. until then he tries to use the semi darkness to remain hidden.( Is dim light enough to hide in?)
Stealth 17

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 7:18:27 PM
With his morning star in hand, Linden says, "Anyone who wants assistance in any way, I'll partner with them. I can't hit the broadside of a barn but I should be able to aid you.
And keep in mind, all I have are Orisons left." He follows partners with the first ally who mentions needing assistance.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 7:40:14 PM
OOC
Don't you have shield other as a domain spell too? I didn't see you cast it.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 8:03:49 PM
Pru casts Mage Armor on Nikolai, then finishes getting ready for combat. She joins the main group, wherever they set up. She sets her spear on the ground beside her, because she only has two hands, and they are needed on the crossbow. She readies the crossbow, slips in a bolt, cocks it. And waits.

Current Active Spells: Mage Armor on Prudence, Nikolai, and Bliss. About one hour remaining.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=20 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 8:41:47 PM
Guarded by mage armor, William looks at the oncoming foes (Perc -20 ) and helps in pointing out the 15 figures and 5 who are using bows... He adds to the discussion, "Yes, let's focus our fire and see if we can take out their archers... And great idea about giving up ground to get extra shots... Our goal in this game isn't to protect a certain area, right? It's to take out the bad guys before they take us out... Re: my abilities, I've got another summoning spell I can use if things get critical, but I'd rather save it for later... My acid splash only goes out 25 feet, but it's a touch attack so should hit... My 7 acid darts are also touch attacks and only go 30 feet, but do a bit more damage... But my xbow is my longest range item..."

He'll go prone too and wait to see what happens, crossbow ready...

____________
AC 18 -> 22 vs. Ranged attacks (prone), 14 vs. Melee attacks (prone), 8/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1
2. Mage Armor

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

7/7 acid darts left to use
1/1 bonded ring uses (recast any spell used before)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:27:28 PM

Bliss did not intend his friends to end up at his location. That would kind of give things away, right? He hopes to remain unnoticed.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 10:26:14 PM
OOC
We can back up at an angle from Bliss, always keeping him on the flank for good shots. It worries me leaving him by himself, without support. If a couple guys break off for him we won't be able to help him. If he's OK with it though then let's do it.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 11:21:26 PM
"I imagine, they will have most of their attention on me. I do sort of stand out head and shoulders and heck, most of my body taller than most of our fists. If they see me, armored and weaponed, I don't doubt they'll be chasing after me.
They shouldn't even notice our tiny little friend Bliss."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 17 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) David Feest Posting d20+9=23 ; d20+3=7 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 11:24:05 PM
" Thanks Prudence, now I have more than my reflexes and wits to keep me safe."
Perception 23
Nickolai keeps watching the other group as they form up, wracking his brain to try and remember if their tactics and appearance ring any bells from the stories his father, grandfather and great grandfather have told him. He tries to make out what race they are ( orc, goblin, human, elf) and see if they wear any unit badges.
Wisdom check 7
( no idea what to roll for a memory check against stories his forefathers told him about scrapes they had been in or units they had served with/against. Its up to you DM Ian 8). )

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:11:55 PM
Tinker harrumphs at the conversation. The centaurs will obviously be the focus of the other side, being big and holding lances. "Linden and Carver, you may want to fight totally defensively for a while. Let their archers shoot at you while we take 'em down, then be menacing with your lances. Big obvious targets will be easier for them to see than the little sniping critters that weaken 'em down."

Tinker holds his fire, not wanting to waste bolts by engeging at extreme range. He thinks he will wait until they are only a couple hundred feet away.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:46:08 PM
Bliss says not to worry about him.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 3:33:33 PM
checking in

DM Ian - Nothing To See Here...
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 5:05:50 PM
Incoming...

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 5:26:05 PM
checking in

Second Exam

DM Ian - The Blessing is Given
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 5:49:24 PM
As the team strategizes, the proctors turn to speak with each other silently. Your sergeants look at each other nervously, unsure of what this new trial may handle. After what seems like an eternity, a familiar whistle rings out across the field. Almost instantly, green lines begin glowing on the ground, marking the territory that this trial will take part in. "Good luck," you hear Trimmack mutter. Helmbane nods in agreement as one of the proctors steps forward.

"Will all of the participants please gather around?" The human looks over at Bliss hidden under his blanket. "You will be given time to reprepare cover before the trial begins. The blessing must take place." When the Fists gather around, he requests that they all join hands in a small circle. "Lord Gargul... in this, our time of need... please grant these people your guidance so that their souls will not join you in your realm..." A few muttered words and the group's weapons glow brightly, along with a faint outline around their bodies.

"And there you have it. Your weapons will not deal lethal blows to your opponents, as theirs will not to you." With a slight nod, the proctor returns to the other two. "Your opponents will enter the battlefield three at a time, until they have all entered the area. Please prepare yourselves accordingly."

Last chance to cast spells, prepare cover. Map is here to ensure that I have everyone in the proper position.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:24:44 PM
OOC: I did have shield other prepped but to drop it cus I was an idiot and didn't purchase the focuses, in this case, plat rings worth 50g each. I would have to buy one for everyone or ask everyone to donate or buy their own. I believe that the only domain I have left provides CLW.

IC:
"Lance? I don't have a lance. What would I need one for?" The centaur shrugs it off. "Maybe I'll have to think about that. It could keep creeps at a distance."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C)
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:28:03 PM
can't access map...... I just hope it's letter/number (or vise-verse)

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 8:17:06 PM
Your weapons will not deal lethal blows to your opponents.

Oh.

She hadn't realized that the blessing would only apply to weapons. Pru tries to reassure herself. Her bitty little fire bolts wouldn't kill anyone. Probably. She was pretty sure. She offers a prayer of her own to Gargul, and then prayers to Domi and Alemi, for good measure. There hadn't been time for proper devotions this morning, but she would make it up later.

She takes a firmer grip on her crossbow.

[OOC: Pru is fine where she is.]

Current Active Spells: Mage Armor on Prudence, Nikolai, and Bliss. About one hour remaining.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=12 ; d6=1 ; d20+2=22 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 8:19:29 PM
Cameron moves back to 22.21 and will fire at the first enemy to enter the board.
Attack hits AC 12 for 2 damage
Perception 22
" Boy that's awfully close."

OOC
Really wish we had known they were entering less than 20 squares from us, ranged weapons are going to be almost completely useless unless we use our own guys to hold them back. Heck, a lightly armored centaur could charge us the round that they entered.
Any info on race or unit badges like Nickolai was looking for? At this range we can probably smell what they had for breakfast.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 17 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+2=6 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 8:29:50 PM
Nickolai moves up to 12.18 and will throw a shuriken at an opponent if one ends up within 30 feet of him.
Attack hits AC 6 before range mods (miss)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+1=15 ; d8=8 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 8:37:33 PM
Carver raises his bow and moves to 24,13/25,13/24,14/25,14 and unleashes at one of the targets entering the area (bow user first).

Roll to Hit 15, damage 8

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday September 26th, 2013 6:52:16 AM
OOC: Sorry I explained it poorly. Bliss is not hiding under the "tent." It is far too fragile for that, and would likely fall down. It's just a bolt fired into the earth with a bit of cloth draped over it. BUT it acts, I hope, as a very small hilllock, maybe a foot and a half tall, two ft diameter at the base, and Bliss can hide BEHIND it.

Bliss bows his head for the blessing, especially since Gargul is a god who he personally honors. When the priest is done, he says, "Amen!"

When Bliss sees the direction from which the enemy is coming, he shouts, "Come on, everybody! RUN east to the edge of the battlefield! The more space they have to cross to get to us, the longer we have to fire at them!"

He falls prone behind his tiny hill, light crossbow loaded.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=17 ; d20+3=14 ; d8=8 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 10:02:54 AM
Tinker stays silent and tries to look solemn, but he's never been much on things he can't get his hands on. When he and his weapons start glowing, the dwarf gives a brief smile, certain that no one will accidentally die today.

Tinker trots to a flanking position to the left of Linden. "Well, you should", he responds jovially to the centaur, "even if it just to pretend. My Pa and Ma told me all about misdirection when I was growin' up, and it could be useful."

Checking his crossbow, Tinker waits for the first archer he sees to shoot at.

.................

Move 21,23 ; 20' move

Perception: 17

Ready Action: shoot at first Archer who arrives on field. AC 14 Dam 8

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday September 26th, 2013 11:37:07 AM
OOC: I'm assuming my friends rolling attacks are readying attacks? Bliss will not do so. He starts off hiding (Stealth 33 rolled two days ago) and will use his first round to snipe (fire and then hide).

DM Ian - ROUND 2 d20+3=22 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 1:51:19 PM
So it's easier to keep track of it, we'll just call this "Round 2."

With a final word of encouragement, your sergeants retreat behind the lines of the boundaries. The proctors do the same, moving to separate corners of the battlefield. Another sharp whistle rings out. The second trial has begun!

Three opponents quickly dash onto the field. One carries a bow, and stops short of their allies to fire an arrow. Carver presents himself as the largest target, and an arrow streaks towards him in the dim light, striking him in the shoulder! Carver please take 4 damage! Unfortunately for the small target, the Fists are prepared for him. Two arrows fly towards them, both taking the archer in the chest and downing the first target! (Carver and Tinker's readied attacks down the first archer!)

The other two dash forward, stopping short of the Fists. One bears a shortspear and a shield, while the other holds a longspear. They stand close to each other, eyeing you all with caution.

Perception Check
DC 10Highlight to display spoiler: {They seem to be regular warriors, nothing special about them.}
DC 15Highlight to display spoiler: {These warriors seem a bit green, holding their weapons with trepidation.}
DC 20Highlight to display spoiler: {These seem to be new recruits to the Fist! They are not well-trained, and seem to be a bit scared.}

MAP - ROUND 2

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 17 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) David Feest Posting d20+9=11 ; d20-4=6 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 3:00:22 PM
Perception 11
Nickolai moves to 12.12 and squints at their attackers. He notices nothing distinguishing about them. He throws another shuriken at L1 and misses again.
Attack hits AC 6 after range mods.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=10 ; d20+3=22 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 3:11:54 PM
Perception 10
Cameron looks at the oncoming attackers and notices nothing special about them. He nocks another arrow and lets fly at L1.
Attack hits AC 22 after range modifiers for 6 damage
Cameron then moves back another 20' to 26.22.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+8=20 ; d20+2=11 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+5=13 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 3:40:49 PM

Bliss looks around. Perception 20.

Bliss is 210 ft away from S1 (using this calculator). A light crossbow has a range increment of 80 ft, so targets from 1-80 ft are at no penalty, from 80-160 are at -2, and from 160-240 are at -4.

Bliss's usual attack is at +6, so with the -4 for range, he hits AC11 for 5 damage.

Then he hides (sniping) at -10 on his check ... Stealth 13. Note that the rules mention it is harder to perceive things at a distance by a modifier of 1 per 10 ft distance. So the DC to spot Bliss could be as high as 33 for someone 200 ft away.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20=11 ; d20+1=6 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 3:55:15 PM
Pru notices nothing special about the attackers. On the other hand, she does actually see them this time, so we'll call it progress.

It's a bit far for her crossbow, but she's not eager to get any closer. She fires, and the bolt plows into the ground about 15 feet in front of her. [Hit AC 6]

"Oops," she says as she re-loads.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=21 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+2=11 ; d20-1=17 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 5:43:24 PM
(Perception 21, Sense Motive 8, Intimidation 11)

Linden can tell that they are newbies, but can't tell if they are just good actors. He rears back and crashes back to the earth clanging his morning star against his shield.

He Aids Pru. (sucess 17, +4 to Pru's Attack)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 11/15 (John C) d20=13 ; d20+1=9 ; d8=5 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 7:16:11 PM
Carver takes a shot, then moves further away from them to 31,13/32,13/31,14/32,14 and takes a look to see what they are....

Attack 9, damage 5
Perception 13

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=8 ; d20+3=18 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2013 8:47:57 PM
William sees the soldiers coming his way, and tries to get an idea of their skill (Perc = 8)... He can't tell much , so he merely aims at the weakest looking one...

Hit AC 18 for 7 points of dmg...

Then, he rolls to his rear, staying prone but behind the others in his party, moving about 10'-20'...

__________
AC 18 -> 22 vs. Ranged attacks (prone), 14 vs. Melee attacks (prone), 8/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1
2. Mage Armor

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

7/7 acid darts left to use
1/1 bonded ring uses (recast any spell used before)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=10 ; d20+3=13 ; d8=4 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 11:30:48 AM
Tinker has a fleeting smile at downing the archer, similar to him picking the lock in the last trial. He takes a step back and begins the quick process of reloading his crossbow. In his mind is the crossbow drill instructor, talking through every motion: "Drop the point to the ground, step on the foot hold, with flexed thighs pull the string to the lock, raise the 'bow with right hand as the left draws and places a bolt, left hand to the stock, right hand to the trigger, and sight down range."

The dwarf, ready again, waits for another archer to show himself on the field...

...........................

5 Foot Move to 22.24

Move Action: reload crossbow

Standard Action: READY shoot next archer on field AC 13 Dam 4

DM Ian - ROUND 3 d20+3=23 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=8 ; d6+2=6 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 1:24:02 PM
Nikolai moves forward, tossing another shuriken that flies wide.

Cameron lets an arrow fly at the warrior carrying the longspear. It strike them in the shoulder, but they stay standing.

Bliss fires an arrow from across the map, but at the last second (due to either skill or luck,) they bring their shield up to block the incoming missile! Luckily, due to his distance to his target, he does not notice where it comes from. (Perception: 23 vs. Stealth 13+21 from distance.)

Prudence levels her crossbow, getting ready to fire when Linden clangs his shield! The sound distracts her, making her fire the shot wide! (Attack: 6+4 from Aid Another is still a miss.)

Carver backs away, his shot missing his target.

Wiliam fires his crossbow, striking the chest of the enemy carrying the short spear. He backs up slowly, impeded by his prone state. (While prone, you can make a 5-foot step as a move action.)

Tinker readies an attack for the next archer to enter the battlefield after reloading his crossbow.

Three new enemies dash onto the field. Two bearing similar weapons to the other fighters stop short, beginning to fan out behind their allies. An archer springs onto the field, drawing an attack from Tinker, but the bolt drives itself uselessly into the ground. (Readied Attack: 13 is a miss.)

The archer raises their bow to the sky, losing an arrow that lands nowhere near any target. (Attack: 11, miss.)

The first warriors on the field move towards Nikolai, striking simultaneously with their non-lethally enchanted weapons. The warrior with the short spear smashes the half-elf in the chest, while the one holding the longspear misses wildly. Attacks: 25, 8; Crit Confirm: 7, fail Nikolai, please take 6 damage!

MAP - ROUND 3

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+3=11 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 1:40:44 PM
They're in range now. Pru lets another bolt fly, aiming for L1. This time, she at least gets the bolt in the general vicinity of her target--but that's about the extent of it. "Magic is easier," she mutters as she reloads again.

[Hit AC 11]

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+15=26 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 1:44:50 PM

Bliss continues to hide as he reloads his crossbow. Stealth 26 plus distance mods make him feel pretty well hidden.

(Note that Bliss cannot reload and fire and snipe/hide again in the same round. He'll be firing every other round if he wants to remain unseen. And he does. Once he finishes his heavy semi-automatic bah, he'll be shooting pretty much every round.)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+3=7 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 1:57:59 PM
From hours of practice, Tinker methodically moves to restringing, setting, sighting...

With a target already on the field, Tinker shuffles to one side and immediately shoots, his bolt again flying wide.

..............

5 foot Step to 21.24

Move: reload light crossbow

Standard: fire at archer AC 7 miss

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=4 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 2:15:50 PM
William, as a move action, reloads his crossbow (light xbow reload takes move action) and aims again at his earlier target... Remaining prone, he fires but coughs as he shoots (rolled crit miss)... and the bolt flies wide...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 11/15 (John C) d20+1=13 ; d8=1 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 2:30:44 PM
Carver shoots at the bowman and then moves again.....
He ends up at 31,08/32,08/31,09/32,09

Attack 13, damage 1

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 17 HP 7/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) mage armor 1 hour David Feest posting d20+3=9 ; d20+3=21 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 2:52:34 PM
Nickolai grunts as the shorter spear slams into his ribs and ducks, avoiding the longer spear. "Rub some dirt in it and get back in there" screams his brain, and the training kicks in. In mere seconds his mind races through the risk and reward of every skill he has at his disposal. He steps to 12.11 and pulls out his Kama. With a quick move he strikes at BOTH opponents legs attempting to trip them. ( Provoke an AoO from both, but inside the reach of the longspear so no AoO)
Trip longspear 9 vs opponents CMD if this fails by more than 10 he DROPS the kama
Trip shortspear 21 vs opponents CMD

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 17 HP 7/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) mage armor 1 hour David Feest posting d20+9=17 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 3:24:31 PM
Perception 17 to note what type of armor they are wearing, what gear they have and any unit insignias

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=18 ; d6+1=2 ;
Friday September 27th, 2013 3:33:43 PM
Cameron watches as their cohesion goes to hell. Shots fly at every member of the enemy formation and no one concentrates their fire.
"Aimed shots! Ranged first, then skirmishers, then heavy infantry!"
He draws a bead on the only enemy archer and fires. The target is further off but with Nickolai so close he can't take a chance of firing at the closest ones. He smiles grimly as Nickolai does his best to keep the melee troops occupied. If the Monk goes defensive now, he should be able to stymie their entire advance.
Attack on A2 hits AC 18 for 2 damage ( I think the damage roller is broken )
Cameron moves to 23.19

Note to DM... L1 and S1 in the second rank should be L2 and S2 or this will get confusing fast.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday September 27th, 2013 3:34:48 PM
OOPS wrong header for Cameron's post. Sorry

DM Ian Quite alright, I was wondering how Nikolai was moving so fast ;)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+2=8 ; d20-1=4 ;
Saturday September 28th, 2013 12:37:35 AM
Linden looks very intimidating. (8)

Aiding Prudence again. (fail)

DM Ian As per the rules of Aid Another...

In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you're in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent's next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn.

Linden can do something else this round, if you would like.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 14/14 Linden (Jay B)
Sunday September 29th, 2013 6:12:40 PM
OOc: Not able to view my sheet for some reason from my iPod. Lindens granted power can assist on skills and checks too. Adding a bonus to someone using a ranged weapon isn't stated.

And I don't post on weekends. I haven't since BBL. Should I start checking boards on weekends?

DM Ian Nine times out of ten you won't have to, but occasionally things like this spring up. I'll send out an email to let you know in the future.

DM Ian - ROUND 4 d20+2=21 ; d6+2=8 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=9 ; 3d8=19 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 11:08:28 AM
Prudence fires another bolt, which drives itself into the ground in a shower of dirt.

Bliss lies low, remaining quiet to avoid detection.

Tinker lets fly a bolt, which goes wide of its target.

William continues the team's streak of bad luck.

Carver continues the all-out assault, but his bolt glances harmlessly off their armor! (Ouf, just missed!)

Nikolai recovers from the hit, stepping back tos trike out at his attackers. His first attempt misses, but his second attack send the man to his back! (S1 is now prone!)

Cameron shouts out some strategic notes, levelling his bow and taking a fire at the archer, hitting them square in the shoulder!

Linden gives some kind words to his friend, but they do not seem to be working. (Aid Another only works in melee, unfortunately. Perhaps a feat pitched to the PHB might change this.)

S1 immediately tries to stand up, but Nikolai's quick reflexes keep him in place! (Attack of Opportunity: 21, Damage: 8) The warrior falls back to the ground, unconscious. His ally L1 takes a step back, but is off-put by his fallen ally. (Attack: 6, miss.)

L2 and S2 spread out further, either too afraid to approach, or employing some odd flanking strategy. A2 fires another arrow at Tinker, striking the dwarf right in the chest! (Attack: 24; Critical Confirmation; 24! Just to see if I can roll another 20: 9, nope. Damage: 19)

Three more figures move onto the field, but no shots are fired from the newcomers.

MAP - ROUND 4

This would be a good time to note that all damage sustained in this fight is non-lethal.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+2=20 ; d6+2=8 ; d20+5=11 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 11:36:29 AM

Bliss gasps as Tinker is shot in the heart, it looks like! Thank Gargul this is not a lethal fight, or maybe his friend would be dead, or dying!

It makes Bliss remember his witch training with his Aunt Priscilla. If he had not ran away from that, maybe he would be able to use a potion or cast a spell or something to help his fallen comrade. It makes Bliss think that he should not give up on the lore his auntie tried to hammer into his head.

But for now, all he can do is level his trusty bah at one of the wounded enemies! He takes aim, fires, and ducks back under cover!

Shot at -4 for range 160 ft to 240 ft ... at a wounded archer who is not in melee ... hits AC 20 for 1d6+2 (using the deadly aim feat to boost damage) = 8 damage, max!

Rolling back under cover after a fine shot, Bliss gets a 1d20+5 = 11 to hide (stealth check). Not that great, but maybe the distance will keep the enemy from noticing him!

[OOC: Used three bolts]

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 19 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday September 30th, 2013 12:37:22 PM
Tinker stares stupidly at the faintly glowing arrow sticking out of his chest. "Darn longbow", he coughs and topples over unconscious.
........................

19 non-lethal; heal at 1 point per hour

When you take nonlethal damage, keep a running total of how much you've accumulated. Do not deduct the nonlethal damage number from your current hit points. It is not "real" damage. Instead, when your nonlethal damage equals your current hit points, you're staggered (see below), and when it exceeds your current hit points, you fall unconscious.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 10/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday September 30th, 2013 1:11:21 PM
Linden takes Carver's last hit through the Sacrificial Bond (ally within 30ft). [OOC: Wasn;t it 4 damage?]

Linden Readies for his next ally to take damage/hit. (Sacrificial Bond)

Sacrificial Bonds (5/6 remaining)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=11 ; d6+1=4 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 1:30:36 PM
OOC
Ooops! Nickolai I deducted your damage from your hp. Tinker is right it is supposed to be separate.
This means that not only can Nickolai and Carver be healed up, Tinker can be revived with healing. One note, if a heal is thrown it will paint a huge bulls eye on the caster.
IC
Cameron gasps as the archer takes down Tinker. He smiles as a bolt from nowhere strikes the wounded archer. Watching the second set of spear men spread out, Cameron fears for Nickolai's safety, they appear to be spreading out to charge at him from flanking positions, or at the tight knot of the ranged group.
If that wounded archer still stands, Cameron shoots him to finish him off. If he is down then his shot is at the remaining archer right next to tho wounded one. His recent move puts him on the edge of short range and he lets loose another arrow.
Attack hits AC 11 for 4 ( I believe that is a miss)
Cameron then moves back to 27.18

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+3=9 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 2:00:20 PM
Pru takes a shot at L1. It is a terrible shot.

She reloads.

[Hit AC 9. So far, I have rolled 5,8,6. Bleh.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP (6)14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday September 30th, 2013 2:59:55 PM
Spells in effect:
Mage Armor: AC19, Tch 15, Ffted 17

Nikolai does not see what happens to Tinker and keeps his focus straight in front of him.

Nikolai, knowing that the guy can't use his weapon as long as they are adjacent to each other but has a big advantage where he is, 5' away and allowing his archer friends a good target, decides that fighting all of them alone is not a good idea. He needs to buy some time and divert their attention some.

The longspearman, by stepping back 5', also gave Nikolai the opportunity to disengage safely and he does so.

Use Withdraw action, moving to 24.12
OOC: the map shows L1 still next to Nikolai, however if he steped back to attack, he should be two squares away, thus Nikolai's Withdraw passes out of only one threatened square.

DM Ian You would be correct! My mistake.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 11/15 (John C) d20+1=4 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 4:20:56 PM
Carver takes a shot at the archer, misses and then moves to 31,15/32,15/31,16/32,16.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=23 ; d20+3=23 ; 2d8=8 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 9:09:15 PM
Now that things seem to be getting serious, William would like to summon help, but they're not in range... yet...

As a move action, he reloads from prone position, and then fires at L1, trying to help out his friend.... and hits it right in the middle of its chest, skewering it cleanly...

Attack hit AC 23 (Crit!!! Check 23!!! Yes, it's a crit baby!!! for 8 whole points...

DM Ian - ROUND 5 d20+4=14 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=14 ; d8=5 ; d20+7=16 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+6=13 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:19:58 AM
Bliss pops back up, taking careful aim and letting his bolt fly across the battlefield. The archer never sees it coming it strikes them in the side of their head, knocking them out!

Tinker mutters a few words before hitting the dirt.

Linden glows brightly as his ally's wounds are transferred to him. (Carver, please remove the last four damage you took, as it is now transferred to Linden.)

Cameron chalks up another miss for the group.

Prudence follows his example.

Nikolai retreats a bit to keep himself at a distance.

Carver moves back after a miss.

William levels his crossbow, looking down the sight to strike down his opponent with ease!

A3, shocked by his ally's sudden lack of consciousness, looks around for the source of the bolt fired, but sees nothing. (Perception: 14, minus distance modifiers) They instead take move forward, taking aim and loosing a missile at Carver. (Attack: 24; Critical Confirmation; 14, no crit; Damage: 5) As the arrow strikes him, the wound glows brightly and disappears, appearing on Linden's skin instead. (Linden's readied action of Sacrificial Bond takes the damage from the attack.)

Looking up, S2 gets the same idea, charging Carver with an attack! (Is Carver's AC 16 or 18 right now? If it is 16, it hits, if it is 18, it misses. Damage: 5)

L2 glares at the group of archers standing tightly together, charging in to hit what seems to be the least armoured of the bunch. Luckily, Prudence quickly dodges the incoming attack. (Attack: 13, miss)

The remainder of the enemies continue to spread out while three more join them on the field.

MAP - ROUND 5

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 11/15 (John C)
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 12:36:20 PM
S2 can move 65 feet with a charge?

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+15=22 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 1:36:01 PM

Bliss keeps down as he reloads.

Stealth 22

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=16 ; d6+1=2 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 1:40:53 PM
From his location at 27.18 (I wasn't moved on the map) Cameron takes aim at A3 and fires.
Attack hits AC 16 for 2 damage
He then backs up to 31.19

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 1:48:51 PM
Actually Cameron moves to 26.22 instead please

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 19 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 2:18:16 PM
Tinker moans and stirs feebly on the dusty ground, one hand clutching at the tremendous bruise already forming on his hairy chest beneath the leather armor.

..............

Unconscious (Helpless)
19 non-lethal; +1 heal per hour.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+4=8 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 2:50:56 PM
Before Pru is quite aware what had happened, the longspear wielder is right in her face!

[OOC: And I'm afraid that this is the point where I have to get all pedantic, because I need to know how to avoid an AoO. The PRD says: "Reach: You use a reach weapon to strike opponents 10 feet away, but you can't use it against an adjacent foe." So Lonspear Guy can't attack Pru from where he's standing--at least, not with a longspear. So, is he using a different weapon, or is he attacking from a different square?]

If he is using a non-reach weapon, then Pru takes a 5-foot step back (taking her out of his threatened area) before performing her next actions.

If he is using a longspear from a different square, then Pru takes a 5-foot step toward him (taking her out of his threatened area) before performing her next actions.

One she reaches a (relatively) safe square, Pru sends one of her Elemental Rays right at him! And misses. Again. She drops her crossbow and picks up her own longspear (she can pick it up from an adjacent square).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP (6)14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+8=25 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 3:54:16 PM
Nikolai sees the mistake S2 made by going after Carver and leaving his butt exposed. He swiftly closes the gap, charging at S2 and plows into him from behind (29.13)

Charge Grapple attack w/ flanking:

CMB Improved Grapple [no AoO] d20 +2(str) +2(flanking) +2 (imp grpl) +2 (charge)= 25

No damage this round, but S2 is grappled if his CMD does not beat 25.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 7/14 Linden (Jay B) d6=2 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 5:23:19 PM
Liinden will indeed channel to heal. He wishes he had listened better when the clerics were discribing how to channel to specific people... or maybe that is the advanced class... (Channels... urg, 2)

He maintains focus and will take further damage done to his teammates.(SB is immediate action, so I'm assuming I can refuse to use it if it would possibly drop Linden? It's not like Shield Other in that regard, which is a spell and has a focus linked to the cleric. SacBond is a granted power, and I'm assuming the God granting wouldn't want to kill off all her clerics :))

Sacrifical Bond (5/6)
Channel Energy (4/5)

OOC: Sending my laptop into be serviced, so I will only be able to post from home... maybe my Ipod. I apolgoze if I miss any days.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 11/15 (John C) d20+3=21 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+1=10 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 5:49:28 PM
Carver takes a AoO as the Short Spearman charges him, hitting with a 21, and doing 8 damage. (melee armed with hooves)
He then attacks A3 with a bow shot and misses.
He then moves again.... Ending at 26,21/27,21/26,22/27,22.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=20 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 6:57:23 PM
William sees the spearman (L2) charge their group, and...

1. IF the spearman is still conscious after his friends attack L2, then he'll fire off an acid dart at it - Ranged attack hits TOUCH AC 20 for 4 points of acid damage... Then he'll roll back 10' to 21,23, remaining prone (correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that the max I can roll while prone? - Can you send me a link to that rule, as I couldn't find it in the Pfinder website)

2. IF L2 is knocked down by his friends, William will instead fire his xbow at A3 or A4 (whichever one is damaged), hoping to skewer it with a bolt... He'll use his move action to reload and then fire ... (Same roll works for bolt as acid (damage and attack bonus same at this level, but only hits regular AC 20 rather than Touch AC 20 for 4points of dmg...

__________
AC 18 -> 22 vs. Ranged attacks (prone), 14 vs. Melee attacks (prone), 8/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1
2. Mage Armor

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

6/7 acid darts left to use
1/1 bonded ring uses (recast any spell used before)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP (6)14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:30:45 PM
OOC: Ken, I think what you are looking for is:

Crawling: You can crawl 5 feet as a move action. Crawling incurs attacks of opportunity from any attackers who threaten you at any point of your crawl. A crawling character is considered prone and must take a move action to stand up, provoking an attack of opportunity.

There used to be the Tumbling skill in the old 3.5 but now it's all incorporated in Acrobatics skill and 'rolling' is not addressed but there are referrences that indicate that the Tumbling is now an Acrobatics check and usually refers to when you are trying to move through threatened squares and avoiding AoO. This Move is at half speed.

Don't know if that helped but DM can figure out what to do.

DM Ian - ROUND 6 d20-1=10 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=22 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+4=10 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+2=14 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 1:31:20 PM
Bliss keeps his head low as he reloads.

Cameron takes a few steps back, firing at one of the archers, and the bolt takes them in the arm!

Tinker groans as a dark bruise quickly spreads across his chest.

Prudence takes a step towards her assailant, firing with an elemental ray that he dodges at the last second. (My apologies, he was positioned 10ft away from Prudence, so she stepped forward.)

Nikolai runs forward, grabbing the one that charged his ally in a headlock that seems inescapable! (A Combat Maneuver of 25 annihilates his CMD.)

Linden heals his nearby allies, preparing to take damage for them again. (Everyone within 30ft of your cleric, heal 2 health from Linden's channeled energy. And yes, you can refuse to use your Sacrificial Bong if it would potentially drop your character.)

Carver attacks the spearman charging him, his hooves taking him in the chest as Nikolai grabs him from behind. The terrified attacker looks back at the monk, then ahead to the centaur. He seems ready to drop his weapons and run.

William launches an acid dart at the longspear fighter, watching it eat away at part of his leather armour. (You can only move 5ft per round while prone, as the rules in Jon T's post explain. I'll track down the specific rules for you and send them in an email.)

L2 struggles with who to attack, stepping back quickly to strike at Prudence once more, this time finding a way past her magical armour! (Attack: 22; Damage: 4) Luckily, her ally is prepared for the attack, and the wound is magically transferred to him. (Prudence takes no damage, and Linden takes the damage in her place.) S2 cannot break Nikolai's grasp on his neck, struggling against the half-elf's grip. (Combat Maneuver to break grapple: 10)

The remaining fighters spread out, beginning to surround the group as they bring their spears to bear.

A3 and A4 take careful aim, both launching arrows towards the small group in the center of the battlefield. One flies at Linden while another flies to strike Cameron. The former thunks uselessly into the centaur's shield, while the latter simply falls short, driving into the ground.

The three final combatants enter the fray at the signal of another sharp whistle blast.

MAP - ROUND 6

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=9 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:06:36 PM
Perception 9
Have any of the opponents leveled their spears to receive a charge? Doing so is a readied action so I am assuming no since it is not mentioned in the post.

DM Ian With a Perception Check of 9, Cameron cannot tell whether or not the fighters have prepared for a charge. Your DM can't tell you everything, unfortunately.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 13/15 (John C)
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:36:22 PM
Carver drops his bow, and pulls his lance and shield out. (both free actions)
"Cameron, time for some desperate measures, Gargul forgive me but, hop on, we need to take the fight to them."

(more to come)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:39:33 PM
" Yeah, we need to gain the attackers attention before they totally surround our casters, I'm in."
Cameron scrambles up onto Carver's back and readies his bow.

More to follow after Carver moves.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8 d20+3=7 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:45:23 PM
WIlliam watches the enemy come forward and as a move action, will stand up and send off another acid Dart at his previous target L2 (if he's still up) or S3 if L2's down.

Acid Dart = Miss AC Touch 7...

AC 18 -> 22 vs. Ranged attacks (prone), 14 vs. Melee attacks (prone), 8/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1
2. Mage Armor

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

5/7 acid darts left to use
1/1 bonded ring uses (recast any spell used before)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 13/15 (John C) d20+6=26 ; d20+6=16 ; 4d8+12=35 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:49:53 PM
Carver charges ahead 15 feet to 26,17/27,17/26,18/27,18, he lowers his lance at L3 and plows into him with the tip of the lance.
Attack 26, Crit check 16, damage 35

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=5 ; d20+5=15 ; d6+1=2 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:54:44 PM
Cameron makes a check to remain on Carver's back as the Centaur charges L3.
Ride 5 success
He then centers his aim on A3. Carver moved less than his regular move so there is no penalty for firing from a moving mount.
Attack on A3 hits AC 15 for 2 damage

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:59:36 PM
OOC
which S4 is the real S4? There are 2 and since 1 of the S guys is already down I don't think one of them exists.

DM Ian The northernmost S4 is the real one. I have no idea why I did that, my apologies.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+4=18 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 4:39:03 PM
Pru tries again, because she has to hit something at some point, right? She steps back out of the longspear's range [to 20,19] and tries another elemental ray.

This one hits!!!! (Assuming a touch AC of 18 is a hit.)

L2 takes 4 points of flamey goodness.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 17 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 5:11:57 PM
Tinker unconsciously sighs, receiving some healing magics and rolls onto his back, his dreams of a stone wall toppled onto his chest making it hard to breathe.

..............

Heal 2 from Linden

Unconscious (Helpless)
17 non-lethal; +1 heal per hour.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 10/14 Linden (Jay B) d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 5:16:53 PM
Linden drops back to roughly 26.25, and uses another Channel, hoping to hit Tinker. He knows the dwarf will be embarrassed to remain 'down' all fight. (Channel 3, urg)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP (6)14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=13 ; d6+2=7 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 10:11:33 PM
Nikolai does not know the full extent of the rules of this trial and does not wish to risk the possibility that his opponent is bluffing. It is hard to tell when the man's face is turning red under his grip.

He hears the tromping of hoofs behind him and a loud thud. Must be Carver, he deduces. He remembers others entering the field also. Time to dispatch this one and get on to the others.

Keep the head-lock (Continue the Grapple):
CMB Improved Grapple [no AoO] d20 +2(str) +5(continue grapple) +2 (imp grpl) = 13

DM Info: Grappled creatures take a -4 penalty to Dex.

OOC: his CMD last round was 10 so I think Nikolai keeps the grapple

Automatic Damage = to Unarmed Strike = d6+2 = 7!

OOC: If the guy goes unconscious Nikolai still has a Move and will move to 29.20 to be closer to Linden and his healing.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 17 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 9:49:32 AM
ooc: no worries about SteveK being out of the fight. If Tinker comes to, fine, if not, well that's fine too. I'm practicing on making meaningful posts in a battle when there are no actions available. Works, too! :-)

DM Ian - ROUND 7 d20+7=23 ; d6+2=6 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+2=11 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 12:40:59 PM
William launches an acid dart which flies wide of its target.

Carver lowers his lance, dodging an attack from the fighter he's charging (AoO: 10, miss), ploughing into their chest with his lance! The wind is knocked from their lungs as they collapse to the ground, and a loud crack indicated that the centaur may have broken a few ribs.

Cameron, positioned on his friend's back, fires an arrow as one of the achers, clipping them in the shoulder!

Prudence fires another ray from her fingertips, catching her assailant in the chest and sending him tumbling to the ground!

Tinker's bruise fades a bit as healing washes over him.

Linden backs up, sending out another wave of healing energy. (Everyone within thirty feet of Linden is healed for 3 HP.)

Nikolai maintains the grasp, and the fighter quickly passes out! Moving back, he makes it there just in time to receive Linden's healing.

Bliss stays low to avoid detection.

S3 lowers his spear and charges the prone William, driving his blunted spear into the wizard's stomach! (Attack: 19; Damage: 6) A3 launches an arrow at the cleric Linden, but the missile flies wide. (Attack: 12, miss)

L4 mirrors his ally, charging forward only to swing wide! (Attack: 8, miss) S4 moves forward quickly to join the charge. A4 launches an arrow at Linden as well, but it also misses. (Attack: 11, miss)

The remaining attackers close the gap.

MAP - ROUND 7

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=2 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 1:53:09 PM
Ride 2 fail stay in saddle
DM Ian,
Do I need this check unless I am hit? I am not guiding Carver, all I need the roll for is if I get hit right?

DM Ian Correct. The Ride skill is used to reflect moments of riding under duress. If you are not under attack, or Carver does not suddenly buck you off, you should be fine.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 10/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:05:33 PM
William is unfortunately too far away when the strike occurs for Linden to SacBond.

Linden moves back up 24.21 and Holds Action (watching for a blow to land).

Sacrifical Bond (5/6)
Channel Energy (3/5)

OOC: Sending my laptop into be serviced today, so I will only be able to post from home... maybe my Ipod. I apolgoze if I miss any days. I work Friday-Monday 9am-6pm

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+4=24 ; d20+4=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:08:25 PM
Pru finds herself standing alone, looking down the business end of a longspear. "How did I get to be the front line?" she asks herself. In her head, though, she hears the voice of one of her instructors, a man she had privately nicknamed Sergeant Shouty: This ain't a country club, Gundle! Everybody in the Fist can fight, and that includes you skinny, worthless mages. Suck it up!

Pru sucks it up. She's unhurt, she still has spells to cast, she knows what to do.

She steps back again, angling toward the rest of her team [to 21,20]. She points a finger at L4 and casts another elemental ray. [Hit Touch AC 24, which is a critical threat, and I believe these things can crit. Critical hit conformed to Touch AC 20. Damage is 11 if it's a critical, or 6 if it is just a regular hit.]

DM Ian From the SRD... A spell that requires an attack roll can score a critical hit. A spell attack that requires no attack roll cannot score a critical hit. I assume this is extended to your elemental rays, as well.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs. melee, hp 8/8
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:08:31 PM
OOC, will post more tonight. William was actually standing and he stood up last round.

DM Ian Fixed that in the post. Unfortunately, with a 19, he still would have hit.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+6=19 ; 2d8+6=17 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:50:55 PM
Carver moves north 20 feet, then turns and charges the final 10 feet into S4 ending up in 24,13/25,13/24,13/25,14.

attack 19
damage 17

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+5=7 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 2:54:36 PM
Cameron is a bit wobbly on Carver's back but he manages to hold on, so long as nothing attacks him. Taking aim at A3 he is just outside of point blank range when he looses another arrow, which flies wide.
Attack A3 hit AC 7 miss
Ride check from above 2
(the die roller has it in for me this round)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 4:20:35 PM
OOC
If Cameron IS hit he will use his hero point to reroll and try to remain on Carver's back. I just don't want to roll it if I don't need it since the die roller HATES me today. Ian, with your massive good die rolls for our side, I'll let you roll that if it happens 8).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP (3)14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday October 3rd, 2013 9:49:13 PM
Spells in effect:
Mage Armor: AC19, Tch 15, Ffted 17

Nikolai feels the healing energies wash by him and it invigorate him. However he looks upon the battlefield with dissapointment. The enemy that is left standing is spread out to far away and his friends block his path (by a hair or two) such that he can't Charge those that are near enough.

He does notice that William seems to be worse off than Pru despite the woman's frail appearance, so he dashes towards William's side to protect him and give the wizard a chance to cast more spells.

Double Move to 19.23.

OOC: unfortunately, my BAB is 0, otherwise I'd move 30' and pull out a shuriken and throw it and by eyeballing it, I don't have a clear path for a charge, so, oh well.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 2/8 d20+3=14 ; d20+3=4 ; d4+2=4 ; d4+2=3 ; d20+5=13 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 9:32:57 AM
William, faced with a bad guy but knowing that he's not one for melee combat... He thanks his squadmate for the timely help... (Based upon Jonathan's 3 october post that the longspear won't cause an AoO vs. William...)...

He casts SM1, using his last spell up and knowing this is what he's got to do to survive... Summons Eddie the Eagle (bit of culture trivia for you... Who can identify what organization Eddie comes from? Hint: Check the California news yesterday...))... who at the end of the turn will appear right behind S3, flanking it and tearing at it with its talons and bite...

Eddie's Talon1 = Hit AC 18 (forgot to add Aug Sum and Flank Bonus) = 4 pts dmg
Eddie's Talon2 = Miss AC 6 (rolled 1, but had +4 bonus but miss anyway)
Eddie's Bite 1 = Hit AC 15 (forgot Flank Bonus) for 3 dmg

________________
Eddie's Celestial Eagle Stats -http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/eagle.html#_eagle, Add celestial template and add Augment summoning (adds 2 hps, and +2 Att/Dmg). If flank, add 2 to attack

Eddie AC 14, 7/7 hps, Resist 5 acid/cold/elect

AC 18 2/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1 2x
2. Mage Armor

Eddie's time - 2/2 rounds

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

5/7 acid darts left to use
0/1 bonded ring uses remaining (recast any spell used before)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 14 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday October 4th, 2013 11:45:44 AM
The bruising has stopped spreading under Tinker's leather armor from Linden's healing. Now, he's only dreaming of a draft horse sitting on his chest.

.....................

heal 3

non-lethal = 14 (unconscious)

DM Ian - ROUND 8 d20+4=16 ; d6+2=4 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=7 ; d8=5 ; d20+7=17 ; d6+2=6 ; d100=100 ; d20+6=9 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 1:18:08 PM
Linden moves to close the gap that has grown between him and his allies, waiting for one of them to take a hit.

Prudence steps back, pointing a finger at her enemy and letting a blast of elemental magic that sends the fighter flying back! They land on the ground and do not move, their chest smoking and charred.

Carver begins another charge, his lance downing another enemy!

Unfortunately, this seems to be too much for his passenger Cameron, whose arrow flies wide.

Nikolai's bruises fade as he runs up to help his ally.

William uses the moment to summon a bright, white eagle that claws and bites at their enemies! (I'll assume you took a 5ft step as a part of the full-round action to avoid the AoO from S3, who wields a shortspear.)

Tinker continues to heal, bit by bit.

Bliss reappears from behind his cover to fire on the fighter near his friend, taking them in the back and driving them to the ground!

With so few left, the remaining fighters seem to lose all sense of caution. The archers launch a volley of arrows on the group, picking out the ones that have made targets of themselves. Prudence, Linden, and William are all fired upon -- all except one are misses! (Attacks: Prudence 21, Damage: 5; Linden 13; William 7) As the arrow hits Prudence, she feels no pain, as the injury is transferred to Linden!

Seeing that the arrow did nothing, S5 raises their spear and charges the sorcerer Prudence once more, just managing to get past her magical barrier! (Attack:17, Damage: 6) L5 charges the centaur Carver, and misses fabulously. (Attack: 9, miss)

MAP - ROUND 8

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 2/8 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=9 ; d4+2=3 ; d20+3=13 ; d6=5 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 2:38:38 PM
(OOC - I wasn't sure if he had a long or shortspear... If he had a short one, then yes, 5' step first to avoid AoO. If long, then I'd want to stay in place since I'm past his threatened area, right?...))

Eddie the Celestial Eagle makes a war cry and flying, charges to 12,17 at A5, biting him as he arrives... William (assuming that the short spear can't reach him?) moves to 16,22 (avoiding AoO by staying out of spear range?) and fires off an acid lance at A5 too...

Eddie bites at A5 (*Hit AC27 for crit (check = 9. probably not) for 3 pts of damage...

Acid Dart = hit TOUCH AC 13 for 5 pts of acid dmg
____________
Eddie's Celestial Eagle Stats -http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/eagle.html#_eagle, Add celestial template and add Augment summoning (adds 2 hps, and +2 Att/Dmg).

Eddie AC 12 this round (charging) 14 (normally), 7/7 hps, Resist 5 acid/cold/elect

AC 18 2/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1 2x
2. Mage Armor

Eddie's time - 1/2 rounds left

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

4/7 acid darts left to use
0/1 bonded ring uses remaining (recast any spell used before)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (John C) d20+4=22 ; d4+3=4 ; d20-1=5 ; d20-1=5 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 5:05:04 PM
Carver steps in to 23,12/24,12/23,13/24,13. He then slaps L5 with his shield and tries to stomp him as well.
He manages to do some damage with the shield and misses with both hooves.

Attack (shield) 22, damage 4
Hooves attack 5, 5

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=18 ; d20+7=8 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 5:10:41 PM
Ride check 18 yay!! (my 'mount' rears so a DC5 to hold on and still act)
Cameron holds onto Carver for dear life as he moves in and abuses the longspearman . Seeing the soldier still standing and being inside his reach ( right?) Cameron levels his bow and fires a point blank shot right into L5.
Point blank shot hits AC 8 (miss)(I have never seen so many 1's and 2's in so many consecutive rounds)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 11/14 Linden (Jay B) d6=6 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 5:25:37 PM
Linden moves north 5 feet and let's off another Channel Energy (Healing everybody for 6, yay!)

Sacrifical Bond (4/6)
Channel Energy (2/5)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+6=24 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 9:22:02 PM
Spells in effect:
Mage Armor: AC19, Tch 15, Ffted 17

Nikolai feels the healing wash over him again and he feels refreshed, like new. He surveys the scene and deduces that the most immediate threat is the shortspearman attacking Pru. He maneuvers around to his backside and goes in for the grapple.

Move to 18.22 first, then on to 18.20, then 19.20 for the Grapple.

CMB Improved Grapple [no AoO] d20 +2(str) +2(flanked) +2 (imp grpl) = 24!

Grappled Condition: -4 to Dex, -2 to Att rolls and Combat Man. checks except to break the Grapple.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20=20 ;
Friday October 4th, 2013 9:55:48 PM
Pru watches in astonishment as her opponent drops to the field, chest smoking. "Please, Gargul, don't take him just yet!" she says. "I wasn't trying to kill him!"

She's uncertain what to do until Nikolai comes over and grapples her new opponent. Maybe she shouldn't cast anymore elemental rays.

Instead, she takes a step back [to 22,20], bringing her longspear into range. She tries to wave it convincingly enough to distract her opponent.

[Attack S5, using the Aid Another action. Succeed with a wasted natural 20, so Nikolai gets +2 to his AC.]

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+2=12 ; d6+2=4 ;
Saturday October 5th, 2013 8:02:36 AM
OOC: Sorry for being absent folks, and still not 100% back. More like 60%. Wife was sick, too much real life. Still trying to catch up, apologies! AND many thanks for allowing me an attack last round.

This round is a reload round for Bliss, but he senses that there is no need for hiding any more. He simply reloads and fires.

With a -4 range modifier, Bliss rolls a 12 against a target not in combat and with the lowest AC. Likely A5? He hits AC12 for 4 damage.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday October 5th, 2013 9:57:02 PM
Tinker groans and rolls over, suddenly waking from Linden's healing. The dwarf immediately goes into defensive combat techniques and stands, trying to be a difficult target to hit. "Feels like a horse has been sitting on my chest", he grumbles.
..............

heal 6 = awake! = 8 non-lethal

standard action: total defense +4AC = (Temp AC 19)

move action: stand from prone

DM Ian - ROUND 9 d20+2=13 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=7 ; d8=2 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=10 ; d8+4=7 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 12:22:59 PM
William commands his summoned creature to charge at their enemy, the bird of prey tearing at their skin! The wizard himself lobs an orb of acid at the target, melting away at some of their armour!

Carver moves forward, smacking the longspear fighter with his shield!

Cameron manages to hang on to his "mount," but the jostling sends his arrow wide.

Linden moves forward, another wave of magical healing spreading out from the cleric.

Nikolai moves forward, taking the other fighter in a tight hold!

Prudence utters a quick prayer, waving her own weapon around to distract her opponent. (Nikolai gains +2 to his AC until the next round.)

Bliss forgoes any stealth, popping back up to fire another bolt. Unfortunately, it falls short, driving into the ground with a burst of dirt.

Tinker takes in a shuddering breath, suddenly conscious again.

The archers fire a volley of arrows, striking at Carver, Linden and Nikolai. (Attacks: 8, 21, 7) The arrows against the paladin and the monk fail, but Linden's finds him with no issue. (Damage: 2)

The fighter being grappled by Nikolai attempts to break free, but cannot rid himself of the half-elf's grip. (Combat Maneuver Check: 13) L5 takes a step back and swings at Carver, striking the centaur in his chest! (Attack: 24; Crit Confirm: 10, no crit; Damage: 7)

MAP - ROUND 9

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs melee, hp 8/8 d20+5=14 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=18 ; d4+2=6 ; d4+2=5 ; d4+2=6 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+3=18 ; 2d8=11 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 3:09:04 PM
Before he disappears for good, Eddie the Eagle will keep biting and tearing at A5...

1st Claw = Hit AC 14 for 6
2nd Claw = Hit AC 10 for 5
Bite = Hit AC 18 for 6

Meanwhile, William, now healed, will load his xbow (move action), drop to the ground (Free action) so that he's prone, and fire off another Xbow bolt at ....
1. IF A5 still stands after Eddie's attack ... then at A5
2. If A5 is down, then he'll shift and aim at A4 or A3...

Hit AC 22 (Crit Chk 18?) - Assume it hits so does double dmg = 11 pts
______________________
AC 22 (vs. ranged), 14 (vs. melee), 18 (default), 8/8 hps
Spells Cast
1. SM 1 2x
2. Mage Armor

Spells Memorized
1. 0 level - Acid Splash, Light, Mage Hand
2. 1 level - Prot from Evil

4/7 acid darts left to use
0/1 bonded ring uses remaining (recast any spell used before)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d6=6 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 3:39:32 PM
Cameron manages to hold on while Carver assaults the spearman.
Ride 9
He lines up a shot and fires at Point Blank Range at A3.
Attack roll vs A3 hits AC 17 for 8 damage(That's more like it)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (8) (John C) d20+5=12 ; d20-1=5 ; d20-1=4 ; d4+3=7 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 3:46:38 PM
Carver steps up to 23,11/24,11/23,12/24,12 and attacks L5 again.
He basses again with his shield (attack 12 damage 7) and both hooves miss.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday October 7th, 2013 5:22:47 PM
Tinker sees that William has nailed A5, and so looks around for another target for his crossbow. The only other targets are covered by other opponents (A4) or are too close to shoot into a melee (S5 and L5). "When archers do not have a target, you will maneuver for an open shot", he openly recites from Tactics 101, and trots forward, incidentally placing his wide body in front of Prudence and the last archer.

.....................

heal 6 = awake! = 8 non-lethal

double move to 21.18

holding light crossbow

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+2=22 ; d20+2=11 ; d6+2=4 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 6:15:32 PM
Bliss reloads again and fires: nat 20 is a 22, even at range. Follow up to confirm hits AC11, so no.

Damage is 4.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 11/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday October 7th, 2013 7:50:17 PM
"Pru, step behind me. " Linden holds to support Nik.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 11/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday October 7th, 2013 7:51:11 PM
Ooc. DM , failed to fix hp in my header. Should read 9.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+4=14 ; d6+1=5 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 9:23:44 PM
Linden asks her to get behind him, but...

"I can't hit anything from way back there," Pru says. Instead, she moves closer to Carver [to 21,14] and tries another elemental ray, this one aimed at A4.

[Hit touch AC 14 for 5 damage.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=24 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+9=18 ;
Monday October 7th, 2013 9:33:16 PM
Spells in effect:
Mage Armor: AC19, Tch 15, Ffted 17

Nikolai tries to keep his grip on S5 to render him uncoscious like the other one.

CMB Improved Grapple [no AoO] d20 +2(str) +5(cont. grpl) +2 (imp grpl) = 24!

Successfully maintaining a tight grip on S5, Nikolai applies pressure: dmg 5

Perc +9 = 18

Nikolai is also well aware of the arrow that missed him, so he flops to the ground, dragging his grappled opponent with him.

OOC: I think I can do it since going prone is a Free Action. If not, I'll remain standing.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs melee, hp 8/8
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:53:42 AM
Chk in...

DM Ian - ROUND 10 d20+2=20 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=22 ; d8+4=5 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 11:33:21 AM
William has his eagle claw at A5, who falls at the summoned creature's blows! The wizard turns to fire on another archer, shooting the final archer and downing him!

Cameron hangs on tight, finally landing a blow on his target, who falls when the arrow strikes him!

Carver attacks the longspear fighter once more, but all three of his attacks miss!

Tinker gets up after a short nap, moving to get a better shot.

Linden asks for his ally to move behind him, but his advice goes ignored.

Bliss fires another bolt, striking the archer, but not downing them!

With the help of Prudence, the archer falls to an elemental ray!

Nikolai keeps his grip on the fighter, applying pressure to key areas to deal damage!

S5 struggles against the monk as they fall the ground together, and Nikolai is surprised to find that the fighter is beginning to resist! With a hard push, Nikolai realizes that he is no longer in control of the situation! (Combat Maneuver to take control of the grapple: 20, S5 has control of the grapple now.)

L5 moves back again, striking at Carver, hitting the centaur upside the head! (Attack: 22, Damage: 5)

MAP - ROUND 10

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs melee, hp 8/8
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 11:51:02 AM
William, not being one who's strong enough to do much in melee, will stand (move action) and move to 16,16, trying to get in a good position to fire next round...

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B) d20-1=4 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 2:36:47 PM
Linden steps to flanking position with Nik against his foe. (Misses his assist, but is still flanking)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=20 ; d6=6 ; d20+1=13 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 3:57:12 PM
" I have had about enough of your antics. Play dead!" Cameron shouts at the longspearman as he nocks and fires an arrow into the man's chest at point blank range.
Attack L5 hits AC 20 for 8 damage
Ride 13

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (13) (John C) d20+5=16 ; d6+3=4 ; d8+3=5 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 4:09:46 PM
Sick of getting hit, Carver swings his lance at the guy and hits AC 16 for 5 damage. (rolled wrong die size)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20=18 ; d6+2=8 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 4:58:07 PM

Bliss reloads and shoots at S5, with a -2 range penalty and a -4 for shooting into combat. He hits AC 18 for 8 damage.

(if that target is already down, Bliss shoots at any other target that will fall to an AC 18.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20-1=4 ; d20-1=2 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:04:09 PM
When Nikolai toples his foe, they land on his hand and he loses his grip. To his surprise the guy still feisty and takes advantage by grabbing Nikolai, reversing the roles!

OOC: If that arrow doesn't do the trick Nikolai does the following:

Nikolai drops any pretense to go easy on S5 and gives him two nudges with his knees:

Flurry of Blows:
Att 1 d20 +2 - 3 = 4
Att 2 d20 +2 - 3 = 2, my turn :P

OOC: If that arrow does do the trick Nikolai does the following:

Niko;ai is srpised by S5 suddenly going limp but wastes no time, figuring his teamates had done something. He pops up and sees one last opponent. he dashes forwar to 19.14

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=15 ; d8+2=5 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:27:21 PM
No archers, and only two opponents. Tinker just drops his crossbow and rips his Dwarven Urgosh out from around his back. Flipping it up to a chopping position, the dwarf takes a single step and readies the axe-head to come down on S5 to ensure he stays down if he has the slightest motion showing he is not unconscious.

................

Free Action: drop weapon (crossbow)

Move Action: unsheathe Urgosh

5-foot step

Standard Action: READY attack S5 AC 15 Damage 5 (So Tinker doesn't hit an already unconscious person)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 12:39:05 AM
OOC: or take off a few of Nikolai's fingers as a bonus? :)

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 12:47:34 AM
Pru puts both hands on her spear and looks cautiously around her. It looks as if her friends have the situation handled, but she won't relax until she hears the whistle.

[OOC: As a great woman once remarked, math is hard. :) But I think there are probably no opponents left.]

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 22 vs. ranged, 14 vs melee, hp 8/8
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 2:29:58 PM
Chking in...

DM Ian - Ask Not For Whom The Whistle Blows...
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 2:44:17 PM
As the last few enemies fall, an eerie silence, cut only by the party's heavy breathing as they recover from the battle. A familiar, sharp whistle pierces the air, quickly followed by someone shouting, "Get over there now!" A man in robes dashes onto the field, flanked by two similar people running behind them. They all stop near the felled recruits, kneeling down and uttering short prayers over the fallen.

"I believe congratulations are in order," a voice calls out behind you from the south-eastern corner of the training grounds. Orbs of light quickly fly out around you all, fully illuminating the grounds. The elf who saw you through the first trial strides towards you, followed quickly by sergeants Trimmack and Helmbane. Trimmack is beaming widely, giving the group a quick thumbs-up. However, Helmbane seems less than pleased with the situation as a whole. They all stop ten feet short of the group, looking around at you all. Bliss is called over before the speech begins.

Sense Motive
DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The sergeants seem to just be at odds, as they usually seem to be.}
DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Trimmack's smile is a bit weak, but Helmbane's attitude is absolute.}
DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Trimmack's smile is clearly fake, and this is the angriest you have ever seen the dwarf Helmbane. Their eyes peer around the battleground, lingering on the bodies of your fallen enemies.}

"Fists, fall in," Trimmack calls out, standing at attention a few feet behind the elven judge. Helmbane remains quiet, his face hard and stoic.

Congratulations! For completeing this trial, each character receives 600EXP! If you did not record experience from the previous combat, you should have received 500, bringing each character's total up to 1100EXP!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 2:58:15 PM
Tinker lowers his urgosh and collects his gear at the sound of the whistal. Dutifully, he moves to 'fall in', but gingerly. Now that the rush of battle is over, he can REALLY feel that bruise!

The dwarf is so interested in his own effects that he doesn't even try to see how others are reacting.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 d20+2=14 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 3:03:08 PM
William rises from the ground, and dusts himself off and wipes away the blood from the earlier blows... He smiles as he hears them declared as victors, and (SenseMot = 14) notices the tense relationship between the two sergeants...

At his leader's command, William puts away his xbow and joins the others in line, bringing himself to attention with a grin on his face...

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+2=12 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:00:23 PM
Untrained Sense Motive at +2 = 12

Bliss breaths hard as he runs to the group. But that does not stop him from grinning as he falls in!

He flashes smiles to his teammates, as if to say, "Good job!"

OOC: Thanks for the XP!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:01:05 PM
The cleric is shaking, whether from excitement or pain, it's hard to tell. "Excellent! We did it." His grin is forced. "I'm spent." Linden is little concerned with relationships of anyone at the moment. He's spending most of his energy to stay upright. He's tired due to lack of sleep. In pain from the blows he HASN'T actually taken but feels none the less. And worried that the trials will continue like some sort of sadistic gauntlet of misery. He needs rest and needs to recharge. If he has to take part in another combat in less than 8 hours.... who knows how sane he might remain.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20=1 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:05:47 PM
As the robed men move out onto the field, Pru wants to go with them. Had she killed that recruit? She hadn't meant to. "Alemi, let him live," she murmurs. "Domi, give him strength."

Sergeant Trimmack calls for the fist to assemble, so she reluctantly joins Carver, Linden, and Nikolai in front of him. But her attention keeps wandering back to the figures lying still on the field.

She has no idea what the sergeants are thinking; she's far too distracted [Natural 1 on the Sense Motive].

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (13) (John C) d20=17 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:08:21 PM
Carver trots over and picks up his bow and as he nears the rest, he quietly says to the rest of their fists, "Something seems to be off, I hope it's not our performance in this test."
Carver also stores his weapons and hangs the shield on his saddlebags, after shooing his passenger off his back."I'll deny that you hitched a ride if asked about it."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=13 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:41:09 PM
Sense motive 13
Cameron notices the sergeants at odds but pays it little mind. They are different and don't always see things the same way.
He thanks Carver for the assist and the ride toward his opponents. Mounted combat was interesting, maybe something he would want to try again.
Falling in to place he awaits the report of the Proctors.

OOC
Linden, if you pray in the morning you can pray right now unless we are sent to the next trial immediately. Clerics can be DEAD tired and still regain spells, no resting is required. The only thing that might hold you back is the recent casting limit rules if you cast your spells to recently you may not get them back. Check with Ian to be sure. I am not clear how long until your granted powers like channel and sacrifice come back.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 6:03:37 PM
OOC: A cleric does not have to rest for 8 hours, like an arcanist, but you still have to take an hour to pray and prep your spells.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=26 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2013 10:14:46 PM
Nikolai is surpised by S5 suddenly going limp but wastes no time, figuring his teamates had done something. He pops up and sees that the last opponent also falls.

He's not concearned with the fallen, confident in the promises made at the start of the trials and when the whisle blows andthey are called back into formation he promptly complies.

Perc +9 = 26

Nikilai forms up, feeling pretty good about their performance. Carver, though voices some concern about their sergeants' demeanor and pays close attention to how they look at the Fist forming up and how they eye each other.

"How could they not be pleased?" Nikolai whispers back at Carver. "We worked as a team, we beat them resoundedly with only one of ours going unconscous, our tactics were pretty sound..." Nikolai muses as he watches.

But what he notices he does not like. Something is awry, like Carver said. However, all lined up in formation under their scruttiny, he dare not start whispering what he notices. In moments they'll be given their score and dismissed, then he'll pass on what he perceives to be between their two sergeants.

OOC: Alexi will tell the group what's in the spoilers as soon as he can do so discretely.

DM Ian Alexi? You might be getting your games mixed up. Also, the skill required was Sense Motive, not Perception.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 2:51:32 AM
Linden will slip away ASAP and prep spells. He doesn't bother trying to be stealthy.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 9:27:20 AM
OOC: A cleric does not have to rest for 8 hours, like an arcanist, but you still have to take an hour to pray and prep your spells.

OOC2: But a cleric does have to designate one time of day to pray for spells and can only renew his spell slots at that time of day.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Thursday October 10th, 2013 10:52:15 AM
Once the sergeants release them, William will go back to his room and try to rememorize his spells and get some rest...

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 4:04:32 PM
OOC
Correct Stephen, that plus the recent casting limit so that you can't memorize a full set of buff spells, buff at the very end of your "day" and then spend an hour praying for combat spells and get double use of your spell slots.

DM Ian - Ask Not For Whom The Whistle Blows...
Thursday October 10th, 2013 4:52:14 PM
Tinker moves slowly, feeling the massive bruise that covers most of his chest.

William dusts himself off, putting away his weapon to stand in line with the others.

Bliss runs out from behind his cover, grinning widely as he congratulates his teammates.

Linden cares little about the disposition of his sergeant, simply happy they made it to the end.

Prudence mutters a quick prayer, hoping that she did not kill one of their enemies.

Carver picks up the weapon he lost, noticing that their leaders seem to be a bit off.

Cameron pays little attention to their sergeants, simply happy that this trial is over.

Nikolai wonders about the disposition of Trimmack and Helmbane as he falls into line.

The sergeants eye each member of the Fist with caution, Trimmack's smile still present upon his face. It is the elf that speaks first. "I may be overstepping my boundaries as a judge, but that was handled well." What you imagine is a rare smile graces his face. "You worked together well, you implemented group tactics, and you took care of your own before looking for glory. This is a large improvement over your last trial." He looks down at the papers in his hand that was bound to a small wooden board. "I am rewarding your group ten points, bringing your total up to seventeen. For those of you not in the know... that is rather good." With a nod of your head, he dismisses you all.

Your sergeants step forward, continuing to look you all over with an expression that seems to be a mixture of anger and pride. Finally, Trimmack calls out, "You're all dismissed. Go back to your rooms until the next trial. Don't go drink, don't go carousing, don't do anything. Just... go to your rooms. Sergeant Helmbane and I have a few things to discuss." The two continue standing there, clearly waiting for the lot of you to leave before they do anything.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 6:21:31 PM
Bliss salutes the elf and says, "Thank you sir! That means a lot."

He heads back to his bunk for a little shut-eye, but in his mind he is thinking about his Aunt Priss and how the things the witch taught him could have made him even more effective.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=26 ; d20+2=4 ; d20=7 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2013 6:47:53 PM
Cameron is torn. He want's to know, badly, what is brewing between the Sergeants. But they are standing in an open field waiting for the Fist to head back to the Barracks. He can find nowhere that he could pause unseen and wait to listen to their conversation. He is sure it will be a good one, based on the way Carver picked up their rivalry and the shocked look Nickolai had upon seeing the two of them together after the test. He stows his armor as he leaves the field and looks for an opportunity to hide somewhere within earshot of the talking Sergeants.
Stealth 26 if an opportunity presents itself...
Perception 4 to overhear the conversation ( figures...)
Sense Motive 7

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (13) (John C)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 7:00:21 PM
Carver, examines his bow on the way back to the barracks, making sure his dropping of it didn't really hurt it. He knew too much handling of it like that would be bad, but it was a real situation in which combat was happening.
At the barracks, "Somethings bothering our Sargents, I'm hoping it was over the live fire test and not our performance. I remember they weren't very happy with the test before hand."
He then heads back to his bunk area and tries to get a bit more rest.

Prudence Gundle [AC 17; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 7:37:25 PM
Pru hesitates. She has been dismissed. Twice. And told, explicitly, to return to quarters. Yet she lingers.

"Are--are they going to be all right?" she asks, looking again at the field.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 7:46:08 PM
Bliss dismisses the idea that the seargants are unhappy. "We got a ten! That's perfect, right? What's to be unhappy about?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 9:10:00 PM
OOC: Ooooops. It was bound to happen eventually. Alexi is Nikolai's father, and just so happens to be my PC from Uncharted Heroes that I retired. I've already nearly posted Alexi more tims than I can count.

Also sorry on the Sense Motive roll, i was in a hurry to get the Hook DM post up. My Sense Motive is a +7 so that roll would be a 24.

DM Ian Ahh, yes, I remember Alexi. I was constantly getting him mixed up with Anrete. I didn't know Nikolai was his son - that's really awesome!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 8 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday October 10th, 2013 9:36:01 PM
Tinker smiles and then winces. The dwarf is happy to return to the barracks and not linger anywhere. The dwarf hefts his equipment and moves gingerly back to the barracks.

A quick wash, a slow inventory of his backpack, and collapses into bed... carefully laying on his back!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=16 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2013 9:40:59 PM
Sense Motive roll of 24

Nikolai (hey, I got it right!) salutes his sargeants but says nothing. He goes looking for his two shuriken (Perc +9 = 16) and after several minutes finds them. He pretends not to be interested in his two sargeants and heads on back to the barraks.

When there, he gathers his companions and tells them what he thinks he noticed between the two.

OOC: Read the Spoilers

He lets his friends discuss their opinions but adds nothing to it. Instead, he puts his gear away and lays back on his bunk and ponders his tactics. 'In real combat, I'd not try to defeat my enemy with minimal damage. I'd go for the kill at every opportunity. Dropping to the ground caused me to loose my grip and become caught myself. Hmm... something to think about.'

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 11th, 2013 12:43:37 AM
Not having heard the score of his team, the centaur preps to recover spells. He toys with the sleep option, but that is not formost in mind. Combat is not his favorite thing and yesterday and today proved it.

(OOC: Recovering spells and regaining granted powers are different. Spells require prep and granted powers recover over one day?)

[ooc: Yup, thanks for the XP.]

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday October 11th, 2013 9:25:51 AM
William trudges back to his barracks, glad that they won, but very tried and wore out from two straight trails with little break... He climbs into bed, says a prayer of thanks, and then rests so he can start memorizing spells...

Third Exam

DM Ian - The Beginning of the End of the Beginning
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:36:19 AM
The Fists retreat to their rooms to ponder the battle, as well as their sergeants' attitudes. Why had they been so angry? Why was Trimmack trying to hide it? And why were their enemies simple recruits? Only a few of the people they fought had stood up before leaving -- neither of which were the two that Prudence[/b ] and [b]Carver respectively decimated.

Worried about her actions, Prudence lingers behind at the battlegrounds, peering over at the man with a smoking circle on his chest. The cleric kneeling over him seems to be praying rather quickly and fervently, eyes screwed shut. Finally, after what seems like an eternity to the sorcerer, the man on the ground takes a huge, shuddering breath, coughing as he tries to sit up. The cleric pushing him back down onto the ground, muttering, "Hey now, careful, careful..."

The cleric, a young half-elf, looks up at Prudence and smiles. "Gargul won't have this one today," he calls out to the sorcerer. "He's gonna be okay,"

Prudence Only
Highlight to display spoiler: {Prudence hears another cleric call out from nearby. Looking over, she can see one of the fighters that Carver downed. He seems to be lying in something that stains the ground dark, and the cleric leaning over him is crying out for help. Before she can get a better look, Sergeant Trimmack moves in front of her, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "Go to your room, Grundle," he mutters softly. "You need your rest." He takes Prudence gently by the shoulder and leads her away from the scene, blocking her view from the fighter that lay on the ground.}

After what is the longest break the Fists have received during their training (although, it is still only about four hours) they all get knocks at their doors, with their sergeant crying out, "Up and at 'em. Fifteen minutes, recruits. It's time for your last trial."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:56:14 AM
As William wakes up, he grumbles, as he didn't have enough sleep to rememorize the spells... (To double check, I assume with PFinder we still need 8 hrs of rest to rememorize our spells, right? I can't do much with 4 hrs, right?)

He says a quick morning prayer, brushes his teeth, makes himself presentable, cleans his room and heads out to muster...

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Friday October 11th, 2013 1:43:52 PM
Pru is somber as she returns to the group's quarters. There had been no time for morning prayers this morning, so she does them now. She takes longer than usual in her devotions, saying special prayers to each god in turn, rather than choosing two or three as she normally does. She can't help but feel that she has something to atone for.

By the time her prayers are finished, she is starving. She hadn't eaten at the conclusion of the stealth trial--it had still been night-time--but now her stomach is ready for breakfast.

But the group has been told to stay here, so she stays. She cannot rest. She paces, still distressed over the most recent trial.

"Live fire," she mutters. "Live fire. They put a spell on the weapons, but not on my rays, or William's eagle, or Nikolai's fists. Why did they do that?"

By the time the group is called, Pru is sick with worry and tired with pacing. And hungry. And her Mage Armor has worn off. But at least she is presentable. "Let's get this over with," she says, and once again gathers her gear.

Nikolai and Bliss, your Mage Armor has worn off as well.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday October 11th, 2013 2:56:19 PM
Cameron is sad he didn't get a chance to hide and listen to the Sergeant's discussion, so he heads back to the barracks. He sees Pru pacing and rubbing her tummy so he produces some of the fruit and bread he wrapped up when he went to get breakfast after the last trial. He also eats a little something and gets some rest.
He also refills his quiver from the weapon store room on his way back to the barracks.( Can Cameron trade in his 2 kukri for a Heavy Shield and a Longsword, both small, While he is in the weapon's storeroom? I don't have the cash to cover it but can leave my Alchemist's Fire behind to cover the exchange, if that's OK.)
When the next muster is called he rolls out of bed and into his armor. A quick weapons check and he is off to the Great Hall for the next test.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:15:34 PM
Four hours gives Tinker some ability to move around the bruise on his chest, but he is still not his best. He belatedly realizes that he never thanked the others in the Fist for covering for him and healing him, and he should do something about that. As they get ready, he calls over to Linden. "Thanks for the healing on me back there, Linden. I think I'd still be laying there if not for your magic."

The others are quiet, but tired and drained of spells like they are, Tinker chalks it down to fatigue.

The dwarf trots to the assembly area and moves to his position in Trimmack's Fist.

.................

4 healing on non-lethal (1 per hour)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:23:22 PM
(OOC: My previous posts questions weren't answered. Additionally, hit points return with a full days rest, so I'm suspecting that Linden is not yet back up to full?)

Linden reprepared before sleep, but he's happy that he managed 3 hours of rest. A short nap as it were. He's had time to sober up and now that his head isn't foggy and is clear, the feeling is unpleasant. "Final test. Okay." Is all he can manage.
He dons his armor, gathers his replenished supplies and heads out with his Fist.

Spells and Things

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 11th, 2013 4:26:32 PM
(OOC: What of the damage taken was 'real' damage? It matters quite a lot cus Linden may heal up from his SacBonds, or at least in a minimal capacity.)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday October 11th, 2013 8:13:25 PM
OOC
It was nonlethal, as was said many times. Nonlethal heals at 1 point per hour.
Linden, you prepared shield other again... did you get rings for it?
Is rebuke death a power of your god? Just curious, I haven't seen it before.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Friday October 11th, 2013 8:15:50 PM
Carver, having had a bunch of practice strapping on his gear, does so yet again.
"Sargent, where do we report to? Or just form up outside the barracks?"

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 11th, 2013 10:10:50 PM
(OOC: Dang it!!)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:23:29 PM
Spells and Things

OOC: So, I think it's fixed.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday October 11th, 2013 11:27:53 PM
Nikolai dozes but Pru's pacing keeps any deep sleep at bay. The announcemnet of the final test comes somewhat as a relief. "Good. It'll be over soon, then Sgts. Trimmack and Helmbane can come clean," he mutters as he slips on his shuriken bandolleer again.

While heading to their muster spot, he tries to console Pru.
"You can't let it bother you, Pru. You were obeying orders. You did what you had to do to keep yourself and your friends safe. You'll worry yourself sick if you aren't carefull."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+8=27 ;
Saturday October 12th, 2013 10:36:24 AM
Not knowing what the next test will be, but remembering that he had wished he had had one, Bliss looks around quarters for a blanket, a basket, and a broomstick. He wraps the basket in the blanket, ties the blanket to the broomstick, and declares, "I'm a right proper bindlestiff, I am!"

He giggles.

Perception to search for the blanket, basket, and broomstick. 27! Woot!

Hopefully well accoutered, Bliss follows the crew to the next test.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Sunday October 13th, 2013 12:18:07 PM
Linden looks groggily at Prudence after finishing his prep. "Feel as bad as you want dear. The natural order is not to kill but survive in our case. Guilt cleanses. Let it work." His speech is slurred from lack of sleep.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 d8=6 ;
Monday October 14th, 2013 3:23:00 PM
Chk in

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday October 14th, 2013 3:59:11 PM
TInker is uncomfortable. Sure the little sleep, the grit still in his leather armor as he took a dirt nap, and the bruise on his chest pains him, but it is more than that.

"I'm not going to make the excuse I did it 'cause I was ordered to. My actions, my responsibility." He didn't say it to anyone in particular, more reaffirming to himself really. Yet the words make him feel better for some reason.

The Hall of Heroes... again -- DM Zach
Monday October 14th, 2013 4:08:48 PM
DM post will be late today sorry.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:11:15 PM
"There is some level of comfort in the awareness of survival, whether ordered to or not," Nikolai quips out loud not no one in particular but winking at Tinker

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:32:13 PM
The two Sergeants come back in the room, looks of anger and disgust still on both of their faces. Nonetheless they keep their emotions in check and deliver orders.

Trimmack uses a commanding voice that is neither harsh, nor comforting to address the group."Put your last test from your mind. You did better than expected and are to be commended. I understand that you are all currently tied for first with the group that you seem to be well acquainted with Beat them in this final test... and you will graduate with honor."

Helmbane interjects in his typical, gruff voice. "Lose, and nobody cares. Nobody remembers second place... ever. You all aren't losers... I don't expect ya'll to act as such."

Trimmack eyes Helmbane with an icy stare before continuing. "Like I was saying, hurry to the Library for your final test. We will meet you after the final exam in the Hall of Heroes. Good luck."

With that your Sergeants glare at each other as they walk out of the room. You have about 10 minutes to make it to the Library.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday October 14th, 2013 6:47:24 PM
The library. How hard could this be? A group we knew, and who knew us. Tied for first. No one remembers the losers. Fantastic.
"Well, silver is better than gold in my book. It's harder than gold to bend and lusters and patinas beautifully. Gold is boring."
He moves off when the others do.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday October 14th, 2013 7:35:41 PM
Hmmm, I wonder if we will be going head to head with them in the library. Minotaurs and half-orcs are not known for their mental agility... leaving the elven cleric to keep them afloat. Best not to underestimate them though, somehow I think they got the better of me when we traded information,because they did way better in a stealth drill than I would have guessed, and that sure wasn't an aquatic retrieval we went on last round. Their half-orc is tricksy it seems.
Cameron leaves his gear and pack on and heads for the Library. For all they know the library could only be the meeting place and they are to head from there to somewhere else. His mind races with the possibilities of what their next task could be.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Monday October 14th, 2013 8:07:31 PM
Carver makes sure that everyone has their gear, and then follows them to the library.
"I'm expecting the minotaur group, and I truly hope we prove smarter than they are. Lets win this thing, and do ourselves proud and give our Sargents something to be satisfied with, because I really don't see them ever completely happy with our efforts...."

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Monday October 14th, 2013 8:59:49 PM
Pru gratefully takes some of the fruit and bread from Cameron. "It's a good thing somebody was thinking ahead this morning," she says. "Thank you, Cameron."

Still, she is troubled, and the final test comes as something of a relief. "The library," she says as they set out. "I suppose this will be about knowing stuff. It's a good thing we have William on our side." She looks around. "Does anybody else know stuff?"

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Monday October 14th, 2013 9:18:36 PM
William shakes his head at the sergeants odd pep talk... Not a real way to motivate a group... and he's in agreement with Linden on that...

However, at the sound of their next location, he perks up and smiles broadly at Pru... "Yes, library... One of my favorite places and if it has to do with figuring things out, I'll be in my element... It's about time we having something besides combat as a trial..."

He'll go up with the others to the library, and once there, see if he can get an idea of what's going on in the 10 minutes before the fun starts...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday October 14th, 2013 9:50:53 PM
Nikolai swiftly put on his gear again, letting his thoughts about what the two sargeants were upset about dance to the back of his mind. It sounded like they were going to be sparring with words and knowledge this time, not with sharp or blunt things, unless you got into tossing books about.

The books he was most familiar with was his father's books on military tactics. The books he had spend most of the past year studying was on anatomy, where to kick or punch with most effect. This last test intrigued Nikolai.

He smiled at William's exhuberance and fell in with his Fist heading towards the library.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 12:18:58 AM
Bliss shoulders his bundle on a stick and heads to the library.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 9/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 3:50:46 AM
As they walk, the cleric idly plays with words. "Library.... liberty....laboratory.... labrynth.... uh oh. Labrynths and minotaurs. Not good." It seems his threads are worn when he's sober. Or maybe he's onto something. They would soon see.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=16 ; d20=17 ; d20+4=5 ;
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:04:08 AM
Perception 16 to check out the opposition before they start.
Sense motive 17 to see how confident they feel about this test.
Bluff 4 to seem sullen about his group's chances to beat the other group

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:38:29 AM
(OOC: Forgot to fix hp in the last header. Did it here. I believe its 1 of non-lethal point per hour, four hours, means Linden healed 4, bringing it to 13 of 14. Never received a response on the granted powers. I assume a full day has to pass to regain those, correct?)

DM Ian As it is not explicitly stated on the SRD, I assume Domain Powers are regained upon praying and regaining spells.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:00:13 AM
The dwarf may be in Trimmack's Fist, but he pays attention to Helmsbane. Yah, that's how a dwarf is supposed to act. Tinker files away the gruff, honest way Helmsbane lays out the options like a slab of meat on a butcher's table. No beating around the bush for a dwarf!

Tinker shoulders his pack and weapons, ready for bear (or bull in this case). He has no special affinity for the library, just another tool like his lock picks. Yet that gets him thinking, he is pretty good at finding things...

With an extra spring in his step and a still woozy head, Tinker trots with his Fists to the next test.

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 4:52:14 PM
The Team makes their way into the the Library.

The Library is massive, but then you already know that. The Citadel spared no expense in the creation of this library. Books on nearly every subject can be found. Some are new books written by contemporary scholars, others are dusty old tomes that are several hundred years old and yet others are original works that cannot be found elsewhere. The Library has tens of hundreds of thousands of books and seating for all of the graduating students and then some.

When you arrive there are students sitting in a range of positions with any number of books around them and in their arms. Some looks confident, quickly looking over specifics of a bit of information they already know, while others look panicked and as if they have never seen the material they are reading before.

The know it all elf proctor from the two exams before is present and smiles lightly, clearly in his element. "The next test is simple. It is a final, cumulative exam on everything you have learned in your past 3 years of training. Everything from marching formations, to extra-planar creature vulnerabilities, to advanced linquistics, to minor Dwarven nobles houses in the Scab may be on this test. You all have 10 minutes to cram for this test. There will be 500 questions divided up among 15 different disciplines. Either brush up on what you don't know... or revisit what you do... or take a nap. It is not my concern. Regardless... in 10 minutes the exam will begin. You will have 8 hours to complete the exam."

Everyone begins scrambling in a mad panic trying to find a specific book, or a book on a specific topic. Thankfully, with such a large library, finding a book on the topic you want is rather simple.

OOC:Ok, you all can pick one topic represented by a skill from you character sheet. If it is a Class skill that you have no ranks in, add the +3 bonus as if it was a class skill. If it is a class skill you have ranks in... you get a +2 bonus. If it is not a class skill and you have no ranks in it... you get to add a +1, If it is not a class skill and you have a rank in it... you get to add a +2. This is only good for the examination and expires upon turning your test in.

Please write down the skill you want to increase and the bonus you get to it. If you wish to come up with a clever book title for what you found and even a bit about the author or something, feel free. You may also describe the book in as much or as little detail as you like.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:23:02 PM
OOC
Is this part the studying part or the exam part? You tell us to pick a skill and describe a book on the topic and gave us bonuses, but not what to do. Do we roll a skill check on this skill? If we do what is it representing, our cramming in knowledge of that skill or our part in the exam?
Are there any skills we can not use on the exam, like use magic device or profession bartender or something?

DM Zach: This is the studying part. You can pick any skill but only 15 will be on the exam. You might pick a skill that doesn't get asked. That happens in real life sometimes. You study for what you think will be on an exam and the ... It isn't."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:38:40 PM
"A comprehensive exam based on everything any of us have ever learned in the last 3 years. Sounds like the more diverse each of our training is, the better it will be for the team."

Tinker lays out his thoughts to see if anyone wants to bite. "Seems like taking just a minute to see if we can cover all our doors will help us out in the long run."

(Tinker's idea is to quickly list everyones skills and then pick books for each to improve little known areas.)
...................................

Acrobatics +7
Appraise +2
Bluff -1
Climb +6
Craft +2
Diplomacy -1
Disable Device +10
Disguise -1
Escape Artist +7
Fly +3
Handle Animal -
Heal +2
Intimidate -1
Know (Dungeon) -
Know (Engineer) +3
Know (Local) -
Linguistics -
Perception +6
Perform -1
Profession*(Engineer) +6
Ride +3
Sense Motive +2
Sleight of Hand +9
Spellcraft -
Stealth +7
Survival +2
Swim +2
Use Magic Device +3

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 6:55:27 PM
Automatically, Pru starts toward the familiar Magic section of the library, but then stops. "Maybe William should be our magic guy," she says thoughtfully. "And I can research Planes?" She sighs. "They probably won't ask what to do for a colicky horse, which is a pity."

[Pru's trained skills are Knowledge Arcana, Knowledge Planes, Profession Farmer, and Spellcraft. Her high stat is Charisma, so she can do a decent job with Charisma-based skills, even untrained.]

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 7:08:48 PM
Carver, stoically stands there as if thinking, which he actually is.....

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 7:55:01 PM
Nikolai likes Tinker's idea. Having grown up around the Fist, he names off some of the most common Mailed Fist skills that he remembers being used : Craft, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge {all and millitary tactics), Profession(soldier, engineer),Ride, Spellcraft, and Survival.

"My strongpoints are:
Acrobatics +9
Appraise +1
Bluff +0
Climb +2
Craft +0
Diplomacy +0
Disguise +0
Escape Artist +2
Fly +0
Handle Animal +0
Heal +3
Intimidate +0
Knowledge: History +0, Religion +0
Perception +9
Perform +0
Profession +0
Ride +6
Sense Motive +7
Spellcraft +0
Stealth +6
Survival +3
Swim +2

He volunteers to pick up a book on Survival unless there is a greater need elsewhere.

While the others tick off their areas of expertise, Nikolai notices a student stumbling to a table nearby with a huge tome. The student has an arm in a sling and can barely cary the tome. Nikolai hurries over to help the student and takes the tome, which, even with two arms, is a challenge, and plops it on the table with a loud FLUMP.

At first he thinks the tome is a general catch all of everything but then he sees the title.

The Mailed Fist and You: Health Care when it matters the most, from the simple paper cut to Raise the Dead an who pays for it.

Nikolai turns pale and returns to his Fist.

OOC: Sorry guys, I just couldn't resist the hillarity of it. :}

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 9:51:50 PM
(LOL Jonathan!!!)

William's skills are as follows. Based upon his best skill, he'll pick Spellcraft (+8), get a +2 bonus due to having a rank in it so his total bonus = +10. (If someone else is better qualified then him at it, then he'll switch to Linguistics and take the same +2 bonus and end up at +10 also...)

He'll take a book on "Improving your Spellcraft for dummies" and read through it as quick as he can, focusing on the table of contents, reading the headers for each chapter, focusing on bold items, etc.

Acrobatics +2
Appraise +4
Bluff +0
Climb -2
Craft +8
Diplomacy +0
Disable device
Disguise +0
Escape Artist +2
Fly +2
Handle Animal
Heal +2
Intimidate +0
Knowledge Arcana +8
Knowledge
Dungeoneering +8
Knowledge (History) +4
Knowledge (Local) +4
Know (Nobility) +4
Knowledge (Nature) +4
Knowledge (Planes) +8
Knowledge (Religion) +4
Linguistics +8
Perception +3
Perform +0
Ride +2
Sense Motive +2
Spell Craft +8
Stealth +2
Survival +2
Swim -2

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:12:12 PM
Pru nods when William heads for the Magic section. "I'll take Planes, then," she says. After a short search, she returns with the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Outer Planes, which has "Don't Panic!" printed in large, friendly-looking letters on the cover.

"Easy for them to say," Pru says of the Don't Panic! advice. "They're not taking a final exam."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 12:11:34 AM
OOC: LOL, clever, Kathy. I like it.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:22:50 AM
Linden isn't much of the recreational reader, but he like this library. His favorite section is the one labeled.

Merchants, Marketing and the Military Complex

He goes right to it and pulls out a familiar tome. The gnome merchant. A guide to retaining you gold.

The cleric flips to the third chapter. Is that REALLY Domi's thumb in a jar?! How to avoid false relics. And he begins to read.

(Sense Motive 7, class skill +2, for a +9)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 8:47:48 AM
Bliss knows the exact book he needs! It is a small book, a tiny book, a diminutive book, really, a fine book. It has the strange and wonderful habit of blending in with the other books, hiding out in plain sight. From hard experience, Bliss knows you can't just waltz up to this book. You can't just blunder through the stacks and grab it. No, to find this book, you have to sneak up on it!

Fortunately, that's no problem for Bliss.

Moving like a shadow, flitting from shelf to shelf, Bliss finds his book and brings it to a table for a final perusal before the exam. He reads the cover, although he knows what it will say:

Cover! Concealment! Combat!
A comprehensive compendium of the capabilities conferred through concentrated contemplation of the crafts of camouflage, inconspicuosity, cloaking, and encroachment, as conveyed by El. Z. Yac.

Bliss smiles as he opens the book by the old sneaky gnome, and quickly finds one of his favorite passages ...

The diligent student will not neglect the practical utility of cover, for it not only provides the opportunity for stealth, as does concealment, but actually assists and boosts the practitioner's ability to remain hidden. Moreover, where smoke or foliage or shadow cloaks and conceals all equally, cover offers its benefits in disproportionate measure to the advantage of those of a, as some might say, lesser size. An upturned table may offer a minotaur but partial cover; a human, cover in the conventional sense; but a gnome, improved or total cover. And with the advent of magicks that offer storage of objects in containers that when full are both smaller and lighter than their contents -- most notably the garments created recently by the aptly named Troublefinder -- the amazing potential of carrying your own cover opens avenues for stealth that beggar the imagination. And this disproportionate advantage is both inversely and geometrically proportional to the size of the student, for not only does a decreased size confer its own substantial advantages to the practitioner, but, as is here described, a decreased size makes cover more efficacious and more easily obtained.

Bliss grins as he reads this section of the text and remembers the practices that his Aunt Priscilla taught him. He resolves to continue to hone the lore she tried to drill into his hard head, and then to take advantage of the verbose and highfalutin, albeit clever, lore of the ancient and wise Yac.

But first he has a test to take! He gets to work as soon as the proctor gives the signal, tackling the questions that focus on the stealthy arts.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 9:57:13 AM
Oh, should have mentioned that Bliss has a base 1 rank in stealth +3 class +4 size +4 dex +3 feat +2 test benefit = total +17.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 10:03:47 AM
Tinker sees and hears that most people are brushing up on things they already know. Harumph. Tinker decides to find a book that has stuff that he AUGHT to know in his profession, but haven't really bothered to look at. He finds a small pamphlet, easy enough to read and digest in a couple of minutes as it falls out from between two tomes.

"Talking and Listening: The Art of Babbling On And Letting Others Think You Are Foolish When You Are Actually Pumping Them For Information" by Kendy Pipewood

Funny name, thinks Tinker, but it reminds him of his fostermother, Posiepocket, and how she could wheedle anything out of Tinker by not saying much at all. It becomes an interesting read...

...................

Read Pamphlet ; +3 Knowledge Local for Test (Know:Local is a Class Skill where Tinker has 0 ranks.)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 1:20:23 PM

As Bliss looks around, he gets the idea that his friends are studying for the things they do not already know.

"What fun is that?" he mutters to himself.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 1:24:12 PM
Carver decides finally what book to go get and read up on....

The Blitzkrieg, How Calvary can win your battle almost before it starts.(subtitled: guiding with your knees, leaving your hands free to kill your foe) (skill bonus to Ride)
The inside page has a grand illustration of a knight in full armor mounted on a fully armored charger.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:34:06 PM
Checking in

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 3:41:27 PM
Cameron selects a book on Mounted Combat. Being small he had not considered fighting mounted before their last exam. Feeling the freedom and ease of movement, plus the added ability to close range, or open it up that Carver was able to show Cameron makes the Halfling want to develop it further.
The book's title is Mounted Archery, Combining Movement and Archery to Win a Battle.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 4:02:39 PM
oops the book will attempt to improve my ride skill, +3 for class +3 for dexterity +2 for the exam total of 8

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 5:38:21 PM
"Time is up, please place your books back in their respective places and find and open desk so that we may pass out the examination." calls out the annoying elf proctor.

There are tables, desks, and chairs of all shapes and sizes. Some large enough for a 1200lbs minotaur to sit in comfortably while others seems as if they would be the perfect size for Bliss.

It takes a few minutes for all of the students to get into position, but very soon the proctor and his assistants are handing out the tests. The examinations look to be about 75 pages thick!!! Ink and Quills are available at each of the desks as well.

"Anyone found cheating will be recycled back an entire year assuming they are not outright expelled from the Fist. You have 8 hours to complete the examination. When finished leave your examination on your table and exit the room. Meet in the Hall of Heroes in 8 hours. You may begin, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

With that everyone scrambles to open the first page and get started.

Some of the more interesting questions were as follows:

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)

OOC: Ok guys, just give me a skill check for each of the 15 questions asked. I will "grade" your papers and give your your scores tomorrow. It is possible to get partial credit on the questions as well. Feel free to role play how you felt about the test, how long it took you to complete etc. Did you finish in 2 hours? Did it take your right up to the last minute? Did you not finish? Also, you can RP leaving and going and waiting for everyone to meet back at the Hall of Heroes for tomorrow's post.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) d20+1=5 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+5=19 ; d20=11 ; d20+1=11 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 6:55:42 PM
Carver, licks the tip of the quill, then dips it into the small inkwell. He begins by reading the first question, then the second and so on until he finds one he thinks he knows about.

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)
5

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)
23
94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)
20
113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)
21
157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)
12
196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)
10
233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)
18
286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)
7
317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)
16
339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)
13
395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)
8
412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)
11
451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)
10
476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)
19
499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)
11

Carver taes most of the 8 hours to answer the majority of the questions and when he gathers with the rest of his fist, "My cramming was a complete waste of time, unless we got different questions. There was nothing on there that I saw that was about riding at all, unless it was on how to handle your horse, like that biting question."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=18 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+3=16 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d20=16 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20+3=14 ; d20=18 ; d20+1=9 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:05:35 PM

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)
Appraise 18
Cameron knows this one without having to check. Uncle Morgan and his clan were accomplished metal smiths

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)
Handle Animal 19
Surprisingly, this was covered in the mounted combat book that Cameron had just read under the header of "choosing the right mount"

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)
Heal 16

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)
Knowledge Arcana (untrained) 17

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Dungeoneering 17
Green slime was the worst thing you could encounter ever, anywhere. Everyone knew that.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Geography (untrained) 18

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)
Knowledge History (untrained) 3

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Local (untrained) 16

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Nature (untrained) 16

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Nobility 12

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Religion 14

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)
Knowledge Planes 18

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)
Linguistics 9

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)
Spellcraft (untrained)13
Clearly the answer to this was that you were fighting the mage, he rises his hands and mumbles something arcane sounding. Duh.

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)
Survival 12

After 5 hours Cameron finishes with the questions he "knows". Surprisingly there were quite a few his training had prepared him for. He spends another hour and a half answering the few that are left to the best of his knowledge and then closes his exam. He hops down off his seat and heads to the baths, knowing he doesn't have enough time for sleep before his next muster, but wanting to get cleaned up. He takes a hot bath and returns to the barracks and puts on his dress uniform for the Muster. He has just finished squaring himself and his bunk away when it is time to head to the Great Hall. He arrives right on time for muster.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13/ 4 NonLethal "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=7 ; d20=5 ; d20+2=16 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; d20=12 ; d20=2 ; d20+3=5 ; d20=18 ; d20=9 ; d20=2 ; d20=16 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20+2=6 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:15:22 PM
Tinker goes to an empty desk, uncomfortable already that it is near the middle of the room without any walls to safely put his back. With much noise, he divests himself of his backpack (rattle, rattle), urgosh (crash!!), crossbow (clatter!), and frowns at the not-so-hidden smirks off the less encumbered about him.

He squirms in the chair, trying hard to deal with his nervousness and boredom. A test? Paper and pencil?

HARUMPH!!!

It takes Tinker most of the 8 hours to complete and though the dwarf did put down an answer for each question, nearly every page has a doodle on lock picking or escaping manacles or a smug thin elf being placed on a rack with 2 centaurs, 2 halflings, a half-elf, a dwarf, and 2 humans poking at him with sticks...

Tinker ends with a frown. Even when the questions were in an area he was more familar with, they were so crazy, he couldn't get them right! The dwarf takes a deep breath and lets it out. "There ain't no dishonor in defeat, just in not trying or not getting back up."
..........................

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.) Appraise = 7. One point Nine Five pounds of Adamantine

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.) Handle Animal = 5. Bash it with a fist every time it tries to bite.

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.) Heal = 16. Open the inside of a water bladder and staunch the wound.

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.) Know: 4

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.) Know: 15

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)Know: 12

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)Know: 2

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)Know: 5

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)Know: 18

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)Know: 9

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)Know: 2

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)Know: 16

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)Linguistics: 13

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)[bSpellcraft: 15[/b]

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.) Survival: 6

7,5,16,4,15,12,2,5,18,9,2,16,13,15,6 = 145 TOTAL

7,16,5,6 = 34 = Skill Check not including UnTrained Checks.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+1=12 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+1=11 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=14 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+1=4 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:55:27 PM
Before answering the first question, the pencil breaks and he needs a new one. He looks around and raises a hand. "The pencil broke. Can I get three so I don't bother youn again?"
..................................................................................................................................

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.) 12

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.) 6

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.) 22

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.) 11

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.) 16

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.) 2

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.) 10

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.) 19

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.) 18

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.) 14

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.) 16

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.) 21

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.) LINDEN CAN'T USE LINGUISTS CAN HE? 4 which is the last roll on the roller list

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.) 9

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.) 14

...............................................................................................
Linden finishes and sets the paper aside, puts down the nub of the one remaining pencil (cus they brought him a sharpener too), and waits patiently. He thinks back to a few questions and slowly places his head on the desk. "Should have gotten THAT one. Bummer. DrakesMeade? Did we even study that one?!" He is talking into the desk. "I need sleep." Then he stands plunks away to the Hall.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+1=2 ; d20=3 ; d20+3=15 ; d20=12 ; d20=20 ; d20=17 ; d20+1=4 ; d20=17 ; d20=6 ; d20=15 ; d20+1=15 ; d20=15 ; d20=20 ; d20=10 ; d20+4=21 ;
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 11:36:53 PM
Nikolai puts away the book he had chosen to study, "Survival of the Fittest or the Smartest? How to Survive in Forest or Desert with a special chapter on the Crying Wood". The special chapter was mostly blank except for one sentence, Just don't even think it.

Survival Skill +3, +1 study = +4
He takes the test from the assistants and wonders how many trees died in the making of their third test. 'I hope they didn't die in vain...'

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? Appraise Skill +1 = 2

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? Handle Animal Skill = 3

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? Heal Skill +3 = 15

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? Knowledge: Arcana = 12

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill = 20.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? Knowledge: Geography Skill = 17

233) Lord Orion Palance was most known for his valor in what battle? Knowledge: History Skill +1 = 4

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? Knowledge: Local Skill = 17

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? Knowledge: Nature Skill = 6

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? Knowledge: Nobility Skill = 15

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. Knowledge: Religion Skill +1 = 15

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? Knowledge: Planes Skill = 15

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? Linguistics Skill = 20

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? Spellcraft Skill = 10

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. Survival Skill +4 = 21

Nikolai smiled at the next to last question, He had just perused the chapter Forest Anomalies and knew the three instantly. Most questions though he just scratched his head. The first question he just scribbled his age. He should have known the answer to the biting colt answer but he had never known one to bite. His father had such a way with horses that was never an issue.

He nearly laughed at the Ignan word for "Mailed Fist". There was a joke, the details he could never remember right, that had it as a punch line, that he had heard years ago and that punch line stuck in his memory even though the joke itself didn't.

And it went that way through the whole test, up and down. Spirit high then low as questions came and went. Finally, right up near the Time mark, he wrote his name on the test and handed it in.

He would have to have several drinks to wash away the gnawing angst of the test or else he'd agonize over it until the results were posted, however long that took!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday October 16th, 2013 11:39:48 PM
OOC: anyone think of Rimmer when he took his Officer's test, first Red Dwarf Episode, before they all get killed? I just felt like Rimmer, lol.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:00:19 AM
OOC: "Are those memory enhancers, Rimmer? Those are illegal." "All I'm doing is memorizing this converation!"

"Constantly fails the exam. I'd hardly call eleven times constantly!"

Fantastic series! Jon, I have a greater respect for you, a fellow Dwarfer!

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy) d20+1=19 ; d20+4=6 ; d20=20 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+5=20 ; d20=20 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:20:35 AM
Pru stands back a little as students scramble to find desks. She's not particular, so she takes whatever desk seems to be available. She takes out her pencil, pen, and ink, and sets them neatly on the desk.

When the test arrives, she works through it methodically, carefully considering each question before writing her answer. She finishes with about 20 minutes to spare, and uses the extra time to double-check her answers.

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine?

(Appraise: 19) 5.1 lbs [OOC: Kathy has no idea what the answer is, but Pru just might. :)]

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age?

(Handle Animal: 6) Use a special bit that prevents biting.

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it?

(Heal 20; natural 20) Do not remove the arrow, as it can cause further bleeding. Turn the victim on his side so that the uninjured lung is uppermost. Find something nonporous to place over the wound to assist in breathing. Treat for shock, and call the medics. [OOC: Kathy is guessing here, but Pru obviously hit this one out of the park.]

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell?

(Knowledge Arcana: 24) Pru carefully sketches the symbol onto her test paper, and gives its name in Common and Dwarven.

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter?

(Knowledge Dungeoneering: 12) Rival adventurers. People are more dangerous than most animals you can encounter.

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold?

(Knowledge Geography: 16) [OOC: Pru probably knows this, but alas, Kathy does not.]

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle?

(Knowledge History: 3) All of them, Katie.

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year?

(Knowledge Local: 2) ???

Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except?

(Knowledge Nature: 4) Halflings.

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality?

(Knowledge Nobility: 8) Rowena

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold.

(Knowledge Religion 19) Pru lists the gods and powers, and sketches a few of their symbols.

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found?

(Knowledge Plains: 11) The Lands of Rest

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are?

(Linguistics: 3) Mailed Fist

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are?

(Spellcraft: 20) 1. His hands are in the classic "power fold" position [Pru provides a sketch]. 2. He begins an incantation with one of the 7 Words of Invocation [Pru lists them]. 3. He brings forth a spell component. Bat guano is an especially bad sign.

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests.

(Survival: 20, natural 20). [Pru lists them. Kathy has no idea. :) ]

After the exam, Pru heads to get a real meal, massaging her cramping right hand.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 1:45:29 AM
OC. Lol. Kathy.

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Thursday October 17th, 2013 9:15:30 AM
Nice, Kathy!

I have all the exams graded and with your scores... just waiting on William to post his answers. If someone will send me an email when he does I will try to get the final post up for the day... I actually have a day off today so my post can be most anytime.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:33:32 AM
Wait for Bliss!

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+1=14 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=16 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=15 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:47:03 AM
Bliss absentmindedly pockets his little book and grins in anticipation of acing this test. But as he leafs through the questions, he gets puzzled, and then angry. What? No questions about the art of being stealthy? Nothing about how to set up an ambush? How to spot an enemy? How to sneak up on a foe? Not even anything on how to make weapons or adjust armor? Huh!

Bliss's face settles into a scowl, and once upon a time he might have given up, or run away, or made some protest. But three years in the Fist has made him into a soldier ... one who knows how to follow orders. He gets to work, taking pretty much the whole time, trudging through it one question at a time.

Scowling.

1) Appraise - 14

37) Handle Animal - 6

94) Heal Skill - 19

113) Knowledge: Arcana - 20

157) Knowledge: Dungeoneering - 20

196) Knowledge: Geography - 9

233) Knowledge: History - 10

286) Knowledge: Local - 4

317) Knowledge: Nature - 4

339) Knowledge: Nobility - 16

395) Knowledge: Religion - 18

412) Knowledge: Planes - 12

451) Linguistics - 7

476) Spellcraft - 6

499) Survival Skill - 15

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 d20+4=23 ; d20=20 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+2=7 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 3:18:20 PM
(OOC - DM, I love the test questions! Very cleverly done and I'm sure it took a great deal of work. Adds a lot to the adventure!!)

William smiles at the thought of taking a test, as he's a bright young man and used to excelling in these academic exercises... He works patiently and methodically through the test, taking almost all of the allotted time, checking and double checking his answers before being the last (or nearly last) person to submit his answers...

1) Utilizing the Dwarven Formalized Measurement Standard, 9.75lbs of Mithral is worth how many lbs of Adamantine? (Appraise Skill to answer.)

He remembers reading about that in chemistry, and answers... (Appraise = 23)

37) What is the proper way to break a young colt from nipping (biting) when said animal is under the age of one (1) year of age? (Handle Animal Skill to answer.)

He's not fond of most animals, except the summoned ones but he remembers studyone one in anatomy... and answers... (Handle Animal - Natural 20!)

94) You are ambushed and your Fist Mate takes an arrow to the chest that goes through and through. He has a sucking chest wound. How do you treat it? (Heal Skill to answer.)

He scratches his head and has no idea... Heal - 9

113) Various symbols have certain benefits and powers when casting specifics spells. What is the preferred symbol when casting a high level summoning spell? (Knowledge: Arcana skill to answer.)

This is in his element, so he smiles and knowingly answers... Arc 23

157) While traveling in the Scab you come upon an exceptionally large underground cavern system. Statistically, what is the most dangerous creature you will encounter? (Knowledge: Dungeoneering Skill to answer.)

He knows this answers to, and writes... Know Dung - 27

196) DrakesMeade is located in what area of the Wold? (Knowledge: Geography Skill to answer.)

He's not real fond of maps - Answers 7

233) Lord Orion Palance was most know for his valor in what battle? (Knowledge: History Skill to answer.)

His uncle Sir Joshua, told him about Lord Orion once... Know Hist - 21

286) Construction of Thankasiss Citadel was completed in what year? (Knowledge: Local Skill to answer.)

He's never heard of the place... answers 12

317) Kingsbane is toxic to all creatures except? (Knowledge: Nature Skill to answer.)

He thinks he might have an idea, as he tried it out on a summoned creature to test it... Know Nat - 20

339) Princess Valerie Elbany is heiress to what minor principality? (Knowledge: Nobility Skill to answer.)

He thinks that his uncle Sir Joshua courted her once... Know Nob - 20

395) List the name of all the gods and powers in the Wold. (Knowledge: Religion Skill to answer.)

He scowls, as the answer is that there is only 1 but he knows the teachers will disagree... Know Rel - 6

412) On what realm would a lantern archon be most commonly found? (Knowledge: Planes Skill to answer.)

He remember learning about how to summon them... Know Planes - 13

451) The Ignan words for "Mailed Fist" are? (Linguistics Skill to answer.)

He mumbles a few of the words he can remember from intermediate Ignan class - Ling - 12

476) The three indicators that a mage is about to cast an offensive spell are? (Spellcraft Skill to answer.)

He quickly answers this, as the book he read discussed it... Spellcrft - 25

499) Moss grows on the North side of a tree in all forests except for three. Name those three forests. (Survival Skill to answer.)

He could care less where moss grows, as you'll never see him eat it nor look for it... Surv - 7

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 4:09:25 PM
OOC
Well , it looks like most of us can treat a sucking chest wound. I call that a good sign.

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:04:54 PM
Everyone makes it out of the exam at different times. Some fairly early, others are forced out at the end of the allotted 8 hours. One way or the other everyone makes it back to the Hall of Heroes. The proctors began grading the exams as they were turned in so it is expected that the grade's will be posted in short order.

All the students and the Sergeants are waiting in formation in the Hall of Heroes.

The Proctor walks in and begins speaking. "The good news is... the vast majority of you passed. Unfortunately, three of you will be returning to training for a period of one year to better prepare. Recruit Harper, Recruit Moantusk, and Recruit Thrusk, please leave your respective Fists and follow Master Sergeant Redforge to your new class."

The silence is deafening as the three recruits are escorted out of formation. None of those recruits were from the Team that you are tied with.

The Proctor continues, "I shall post the list of names... everyone can see their score if they like. Regardless, just know that you all passed. You are all dismissed and are on Liberty until the Graduation Ceremony at 1000 hours the morning after tomorrow. Sergeants, take command of your Fists!"

Trimmack and Helmbane both snap to attention quickly and say in unison, "When I give the command to fallout, fallout and form up at the list to learn your grade. Fallout!"

Unfortunately it seems that all the other Sergeants had the same idea. It is mass chaos around the list with a bunch of pushing and shoving. The list goes from highest score down to lowest. The highest someone made was a 76. The lowest score is two people who made a 35. It seems that must have been the cut off score. The third highest score out of everyone belongs to Cameron, who made a 73.

Everyone elses score can be found as follows.

Cameron -73
Nikolai - 67
William - 64
Carver - 60
Linden - 57
Prudence - 54
Bliss - 50
Tinker - 40

Your Team average, for those who can do math quickly is 58. The average score of all students was a 51%. You guys scored above average... but was it enough to take first place. And where did the group you were tied with score. They all seem to be rather happy about their scores... but without knowing all of their names... it is impossible to tell. It seems the female from their group that Prudence spoke with scored the highest with the 76.

In the meantime it seems the group has options on what to do for the next two days.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:30:47 PM

Bliss passed, but he knows he did not help his team.

Eyes blinking fast, he tells his friends he's sorry he did not do any better, and runs off.

==========

Bliss spends the next couple days thinking about how he needs to do better. Learn more stuff. Get some help, for gosh sake. He prays a lot to Gargul. He visits the library and reads what he can about witches. He meditates on the things his Aunt Priss taught him.

OOC: When he levels, Bliss is taking a level of witch. This is setting him up for that.

==========

OOC to the DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Did you notice how I slipped in some accidental larceny in my last post? "Bliss absentmindedly pockets his little book and grins in anticipation of acing this test." So he has his study book in his pocket, if you do not mind. He won't find it or realize it until later. Is that okay?}

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday October 17th, 2013 6:53:06 PM
Tinker gets to the list and starts looking towards the middle, and goes down, down, down... His face becomes more and more stoic as he stands there with others calling shouting and jostling. Finally, he moves away, and returns to the barracks areas, but only to drop his rucksack, urgosh, and crossbow in their place and then he is gone again, making his way to the armory and a familiar worktable.

For the next two days, Tinker doesn't say much, just the odd grunt in response to a question. Eats when he needs to, sleeps when he needs, and spends most of his time holed up in the armory tinkering with locks.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+4=5 ; d20+4=12 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 7:44:55 PM
Cameron is shocked by his placement in the individual testing. He never "studied" the topics they were tested on, but did pay attention in lecture when the instructors were going over things they wanted their recruits to know. Turns out Cameron has a pretty good memory after all. He heads to the Last Assignment and after a drink or two finds a card game going on at one of the tables in the back. He sits in and starts talking the ears off of the other players. Once he has them distracted in this way by making them think he is just an annoying know it all who never shuts up he starts to systematically win hand after hand, using his wits and ability to bluff. (Cameron starts learning to use oratory, a skill he will soon rely on quite alot)
Perform Oratory 5
Bluff 12
(as I see it, the multiroller hates me and the straight no frills dice are my friends. This could prove problematic)
If any of his Fistmates show up he politely leaves the game to go sit and talk with them, catching up on the exams and what they thought their new assignments would be.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=15 ;
Thursday October 17th, 2013 11:13:01 PM
OOC: the test concept was a great idea. I loved the questions. Too bad you couldn't have all 500 posted, Bliss, surely, would have found some on Ambush, Sneaking, Spotting, and anything else he wanted. :}

IC: Nikolai was pleased at their overall score but it still left the question as to which Fist came in 1st place overall. Then Helmbane and Trimmack's attitudes earlier came flooding back. The halfelf looked grim for a moment until he managed to push those thoughts away again. He needed a drink!

At the Last Assignment Nikolai goes straight to the bar. "A Grape Nehi please, and make it a double," he asks the bartender. He takes a long gulp and looks around to see who else is trying to wash the last 8 hours away.

Perc +9 = 15
OOC: who's there? anyone from their rival Fist? Who's glum, who's celebrating?

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Friday October 18th, 2013 12:05:00 AM
Pru winces a little when she sees her score, but then, she never claimed to be the brains of the outfit.

She feels bad for Bliss, though, when he apologizes and runs off. The halfling seems like such a child at times. It isn't just his small stature--Cameron is every bit as small, but Pru never thinks of him as a child. It's that Bliss can act so young, as if everything is still new. Between the childlike behavior and the "virtue name," it's sometimes difficult for Pru not to think of Bliss as a younger brother.

If she can catch up to Bliss, she sits down next to him. "Hey, Bliss, remember that Stealth test?" she asks. "Remember how great you and Tinker were, sneaking up so close? You guys were so good at that. I actually couldn't see you, and I knew where to look. The other team never had a chance."

"I'm not sneaky like that," she continues, "I'm not very good at it. But, see, that's the great thing about being on a team. Nobody expects anybody to be good at everything. You're good at sneaking. Tinker's good with locks and things. Nikolai and Carver and Cameron are good fighters. William is really smart. Everybody has things they're good at."

"Please don't feel bad about the written test. You and me, nobody expects us to be super-smart. We have other stuff that we're good at. That's why it's good to be part of a team."

If she can, she tries a similar tack with Tinker, reminding him that his skill with locks and traps is valuable to the team, and nobody can be good at everything.

She spends the next couple of days trying to follow some kind of routine--prayers in the morning, followed by exercise and target practice and studying, all leading up to prayers in the evening. Pru likes routine, and doesn't like being at a loose end.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Friday October 18th, 2013 12:10:13 AM
Bliss smiles shyly at Prudence.

"Thanks, Miss Pru," he says. "That sure is nice to hear."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:25:09 AM
Carver, having passed is satisfied, but goes and finds each member of his fist, not both fists and speaks to each, giving them a boost if they need it and knocking them down a peg if they are too full of themselves, but it seems none are.
He will spend time after catching up on his rest, cleaning his armor and then between the Last Assignment and the practice field with his lance. He is trying out different methods continuing his charge after an attack..... (setting up his next feat choice)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Friday October 18th, 2013 9:25:47 PM
Linden is thrilled to have passed. In fact, he goes to 'relax' before graduation.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday October 18th, 2013 9:52:01 PM
WIlliam's thrilled to have passed too, and congratulates everyone who passed, and tries to comfort those who failed. He's disappointed himself in not ranking higher, and understands Bliss' frustration, but at this point, he's just glad that everyone in their fist passed and is graduating... And he'll take this kind of testing any day rather than a fight against archers and spearman...

He joins those at the bar and aids Prudence in cheering up Bliss and others...

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:04:23 PM
Friday post.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday October 18th, 2013 11:06:27 PM
Cameron returns to the Barracks that night to find Tinker missing. A late night of drinking Thinks the halfling. When morning comes and Tinker's rack is still empty, Cameron becomes concerned. He grabs a second breakfast after he eats and goes looking for the Dwarf. Knowing his Fistmate's fondness for the forge he heads there to find Tinker scowling at an assortment of locks. Cameron gives the dwarf Breakfast and talks to him about the exams.
" You heard Sergent Helmbane right? This isn't combat and all that matters is passing. You know we couldn't have succeeded at the first trial without you to open those locks right? No matter how long we held them off we wouldn't have gotten the scroll. We make a great team, and we are going to do great things in the Mailed Fist. We entered that last exam tied with one of the most physically imposing teams in the class. I'd like to think we are smarter than them, but if not we are the "second winners" as Bliss would say. Not bad for a team the rest of the school thought of as underdogs eh? We all passed. Get some rest and enjoy a couple of days of Liberty. Who knows when we will see this kind of time off again."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Saturday October 19th, 2013 1:52:01 AM
After his double Grape Nehi, Nikolai relaxes a bit and chats with Cameron when he comes over, taking a break from his card game.
Congratulations, you are Top of the Class. We'll call you Professor from now on," he nudges Cameron. "It was a heck of a test. I'm surprized my score is as high as it is. I guess being in a family that is deeply involved in the Fist, I was exposed to more things than I was aware of."

After Cameron goes back to his card game, Nikolai seeks out a quiet place high atop the Citadel's battlements and sits, cross-legged, and under the night sky, goes into a deep meditation. His young mind can't assess all the questions from the test but he goes over the Stealth Test and Combat Test and starts to make plans for his lessons to cover his weaknesses.

For sure, if he could master the snatching of arrows out of the air, he would not have been tagged in the Stealth Test. If he could master the art of Tripping, he could gain a better advantage over the enemy. Things to work on.

The next day he gets to visit with the rest of his Fists and encourages them all. It takes a while to find Tinker but finds him through Cameron.
"Tinker," Nikolai speaks over the hammering, "from your work here, and your invaluable skills in the first two tests, it is clear you are much better in action than behind a quill. I'd much prefer a sharpshooter cool in battle than a smarty at a desk any day."

Nikolai leaves it at that, hoping that the three years prior had build enough maturity in Tinker to get through the next few days.

He meets Bliss but he already seems cheered up some by Pru. It was good to see his fellow Fist team memebers working to encourage and cheer each other up.

It still weighed on his mind, though, Trimmack and Hellbane's attitude the other day. Once the graduation ceremony is over and they find out their final standings, he'd have to confront the two and ask what that was all about.

Meanwhile, there's a graduation to get ready for and his family was coming to attend. He concentrated on arranging accomodations for their stay.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday October 19th, 2013 11:42:43 PM
"Thanks", responds Tinker, and "This is relaxing. I like knowing how things work." The taciturn dwarf doesn't say much more.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Sunday October 20th, 2013 1:04:19 PM
In the days leading up to graduation, Cameron is busy. Something Tinker said struck him as very true, and very important, so he does his best to make it happen.
The day before graduation, Cameron writes an invitation to each of his new teammates and leaves it on their pillow, this includes both Sergeants. It is to meet in one of the unused barracks rooms this evening at dinnertime. Cameron has further arranged with some of the Citadel staff, through various wagers and gambling debts he has forgiven them to have a family style meal laid out in this barracks room. Tinker said he liked to "know how things worked" and Cameron could not agree more. He plans this dinner to get to know his new friends and his new Sergeants, so that they may better know what to expect from each other.
He hopes they all will attend.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Sunday October 20th, 2013 7:16:50 PM
Nikolai finds the note Cameron left on his bed.
"Hmmm... this invitation calls for a bath," he announces and makes sure he is showered, wearing his best clothes, and waiting outside the appointed place on time.

The Final Test -- DM Zach
Sunday October 20th, 2013 11:09:44 PM
The Sgts and most every recruit can be found at the Last Assignment that evening. All the talk is that the families who have come from far and wide have been set up in quarters in the town nearest the Citadel and will be allowed time to visit tomorrow.

OOC: Apologies for a late and short post. I'll post in detail tomorrow. Rough weekend.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Sunday October 20th, 2013 11:35:55 PM

Bliss looks a little downcast at that news. He does not have any family who will be showing up. All his sisters are dead. His mom is in Gargul's jail. He ran away from Aunt Priss and she does not even know where he is.

Oh well. Maybe someday, after he becomes a witch he can find her, look her in the eyes, and not be ashamed.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:55:56 AM
It is late, late at night when a weary dwarf glides into the barracks and to his bunk for a few hours of sleep. His darkvision spies the folded paper on his headrest, and curiosity sparked, dirty hands open and tired eyes read.

And a smile creeps across Tinker's face.

It is gone in an instant, but the dwarf thinks that Cameron is clever to couch the invitation in Tinker's own words. Yes, he'll want to know more about the group, too. At the appointed hour, a clean and groomed Tinker comes to the Fists party.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday October 21st, 2013 11:05:51 AM
Bliss finds his note from Cameron in his sheets when he is making his bed. He promptly sits down to carefully pen a response. "Yes, I will surely attend," he writes to his friend.

Prudence Gundle [AC 13; CMD 12; HP 12/12] (Kathy)
Monday October 21st, 2013 12:52:14 PM
Pru tells herself, rather severely, that it is wicked and selfish to envy her teammates. She should be happy for them, that they have so many friends and family members coming to their graduation. And she is happy for them....it's just that she would like to have a few people coming for her.

But she does not, and there's nothing to be done about it. She prays to the gods to make her a better person, to be genuinely happy for her friends without this little knot of selfish sorrow for herself. But it doesn't seem to go away.

The invitation from Cameron puzzles her a little, but she attends the gathering.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Monday October 21st, 2013 1:52:40 PM
Carver, truly hopes that he has remained missing and no one from home shows up. Of course it's too late for them to interfere in his life for the next few years anyways.
When he finds the note, he nods and plans on attending, he continues he charge practice during the days between the testing and graduation.
He cleans up and puts on he best clothing, arriving shortly before the appointed time.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Monday October 21st, 2013 2:59:15 PM
William swaps family stories and looks forward to seeing his uncle Josh at the ceremony. He empathizes with those who have no family coming and tries to cheer them up.

A Family Feast -- DM Zach
Monday October 21st, 2013 3:42:08 PM
The Sergeants are informed of the "meeting' and choose to attend.

There is quite the hearty, down-home, family style meal prepared.

There is a whole Turkey, Pig and Duck, with any number of fruits, vegetables and cheeses. There are also some sweet cakes for desert. Nothing extravagant, but filling and quite delicious.

Everyone is seated and seems to be waiting on Cameron to kick the meal of with either a speech, prayer, or nod.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday October 21st, 2013 3:50:37 PM
Cameron does his best to have a dish from each of his team mate's homelands at the feast, plus as much ale, mead and wine as he can beg or borrow for the event. He wonders if anyone will come to his graduation, surely the Mailed Fist has sent his progress reports home to his Uncle Morgan. He looks forward to seeing him again before he embarks on his first tour of duty. Until then though he busies himself with plans for the team get together.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20=20 ;
Monday October 21st, 2013 4:33:01 PM
( and Cameron posted while the DM was giving HIM a nod to get the ball rolling. Sooo...)

Once everyone has entered and taken their seat, Cameron calls for them to let him speak for a moment. The Sergeants probably have this information in his file, but his teammates may not know it.
" I asked you all here today so that we may get a 'better understanding of how things work', to borrow Tinker's well used phrase. We have pulled together as a team through our final exams and done well, knowing little about each other except what we may have heard in the past three years as rumors. I would like us to deepen our relationship by sharing what makes each of us tick with one another. Share as little or as much as you want, but please try to give us a feeling of why you are here and what you hope to accomplish both through the Mailed Fist and in the future. If we know these things about each other I believe we can work even better together and truly get what we want out of the Mailed Fist and each other."
"Now it would be rude of me to ask such candor of all of you if I wasn't ready to lead off this storytelling session. So, refresh your drinks, fill your pipes and let me tell you how a halfling came to be raised by dwarves and ended up sitting in front of you today."
Cameron does what he told them all to do. He refills his mug with mead and his pipe with tobacco. Once it is smoking merrily he begins.
" My parents were two of a company of adventurers. They found themselves in a small kingdom in the contested kingdoms where a retired adventurer had made a rather stable and benevolent government. An outsider had recently overthrown him, and the people were not in favor of this. The people were now heavily taxed and imprisoned if they spoke out against this tyrant. My parents found themselves coming to the aid of a paladin that stood for the people. His name was Morgan Steelshaper. As you may gather from my name, he is my adopted Uncle. The details are unimportant but the adventurers were finally able to overthrow the usurper and help the people create a government where that type of oppression should never happen again. The people loved them for it and they became wealthy enough to retire comfortably from the tyrant's plunder. They all separated and went on about their lives."
" My parents married and began raising bees and making mead. I was their first child and they cared for me very much for the first 10 years of my life. At that time the went to a gathering of their of company of adventurers to revisit their glory days. Deep in a project, Uncle Morgan arrived late, very late to the party. He found none of his friends there and a band of mercenaries waiting for him. He divided and defeated them all and headed straight to my parents home, since they were the only ones to have any children. His logic was that if the others had been attacked as he had, then the people behind it probably wanted all traces of the group removed. "
" He arrived at the same time as the mercenaries sent after me. He managed to defeat them as well, but at the cost of a serious wound that he could not heal. He spirited me away to his ancestral home and raised me as his own son. His father did not approve both because I was no dwarf, and because he knew my father's roguish reputation. He became more tolerant when I chose to follow the path of the paladin, but again was disappointed that I followed Pantheon, Uncle Morgan's patron, rather than Domi whom the dwarves revered."
" I came here to solidify the fact that I could stand on my own and to hopefully one day use the resources of the Mailed Fist to find those responsible for taking away my parents. With that knowledge I could bring them to justice to pay for their crimes. Having explored the warrior nature of my uncle, I think I also harbor more than a little of my father's roguish side. I believe I will be studying a bit of arcane knowledge and other topics so that I can know more and help out with intelligence gathering and recording the tale of our deeds."
Perform oratory 24 (natural 20)
By this time Cameron's cup is empty and his pipe has gone cold. He tells the story with a note of sadness. Clearly he remembers his actual parents, and wishes he knew them better. But just as clearly he is very fond of his Uncle Morgan and does not regret have grown up with him as a role model.
" Who would like to go next? Don't be shy. We have food and drink enough to last the night and are all eager to hear about each other."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday October 21st, 2013 5:19:13 PM

Bliss raises his hand, then stands up on a chair and says in a matter of fact way ...

"My first mom was a monster who ate people. I never met her. My second mom adopted me and my four sisters and taught us how to be good. Then a bad man stole us away and killed my sisters. I got lost in a real dark place and then I died."

"My mom brought me back but she did not have permission from Lord Gargul, so she had to go away to make it right with him. My Aunt Priss did not much like that, but she took me in and taught me how to be a witch like her. Some witches hate Lord Gargul, some love him. I decided to honor Lord Gargul because my mom did. I knew my aunt would hate that, so I ran away to the Fist. Now I'm thinking I gotta make it right with my aunt, so I'm going to finish my witch lessons and show her I'm a good student after all."

Bliss grins. "Plus I wanna be really really sneaky, and witches got tricks to make me even sneakier!"

Then he sits down, and heaps his plate full of cookies.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday October 21st, 2013 6:35:57 PM
"Wow, you actually died?! Was it scary? What was being brought back like? Now I have so many questions my head might pop. Wow."
No wonder Bliss was a little funny sometimes, like he was still a kid. Imagine dying. Cameron couldn't quite wrap his head around it.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday October 21st, 2013 6:53:37 PM
Nikolai, having a little more mead than usual, takes the initiative and stands to tell his tale.
"Some of you may know, and others may not, that both my parents are members of the Fist. My father, Alexi Komonov, is a Commander in a Wolf Cavalry Regiment. My mother was in the Rough Rider Mounted Arcane Regiment until kids came along. My Grandfather is a retired Captain of an Infantry Regiment, as was my Great Grandfather. My ancestry's membership in the Mailed Fist goes even further back. So it would seem natural that I would also join, but not so. My father left the Fist for a while and became a Protector of a settlement called Bryn Baraz located in the Uncharted Lands. He returned to the Fist where he met my mother. Maybe growing up surrounded by Fist members caused me to rather push away the idea of being a member myself. I lacked the riding skills of my father and the desire for combat of my grandfather. But I did enjoy athletics. I was fortunate to have parents well off enough to have such leasure time after my studies to engage in athletic endeavors. My mother was wise enough to see that I would be better suited for activities not found at home and sent me off to a monastery to learn athletic endeavors from the Masters.

Upon my birthday that brought me to the Mailed Fist recruiting age, I received a letter from my father inquiry of my intentions. I had had many hours of Meditation and as my birthday approached, searched my true desires for my future. I found that as much as I enjoyed life at the monastery, I missed being outdoors and exploring even more. I also didn't want to disappoint my father, so it was good that I had already decided to join the Mailed Fist. I like the freedom of movement without clanky encumbering gear and I love to explore. I've read up on the Ranger Units the Fist also have so I will be studying much about them also."

Nikolai sits down and takes another gulp of mead, nervous sweat beads sliding down his forehead. He takes a deep breath as his nerves begin to settle.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:32:55 PM
Pru stares at her plate, feeling a little intimidated. She had no idea her teammates had all these illustrious ancestors. And Bliss had died! She'd had no idea.

When it's her turn, she rises, and clears her throat. "I'm not anybody special, really," she says. "We were farmers--Ma and Pa and me and my brothers and sisters. Um, Verity, Righteous, Pious, Faith, and Mercy. We worked hard and us kids went to school, and of course we honored the gods. It was a good life.

"But then, things started catching on fire whenever I was around. I wasn't doing it on purpose, but I guess I was doing it without realizing. But I didn't know it at the time." Pru is beginning to think she's not telling the story very well. She realizes with a little jolt that she's never told it before--not the whole thing, start to finish. "Ma and Pa were really upset. Well, we all were. We didn't know what was happening. We thought it was demons, because of the fire. Ma and Pa were afraid that the demons would get me if they didn't do something. So they punished me, a lot. They figured if they punished me hard enough, the could make the demons leave. But it didn't work.

"So, then they took me to Brother Talford, the village priest. He cast some spells, and said it wasn't demons. He wasn't sure what was causing the fires, but he told Ma and Pa he was sure it wasn't demons.

"So we went home again. But the next morning when I woke up, Ma had my bag packed already. Pa was hitching up the horses, and he was going to drive me to Akli, where there was a Mailed Fist post. They had already decided." Pru sighs. "There were five other kids at home," she explains, "and Mercy was just a baby and Faith is...well, she's kind of slow and doesn't always understand things. And it was dangerous, all the fires. So Ma and Pa had decided I couldn't live there anymore.

"They still thought that if I was punished enough, the demons might leave. So that's why they thought of the Mailed Fist. The discipline, you know. The Fist is very strict." Her voice is wobbling at this point, but she presses onward. "So, Pa drove me to Akli, and left me at the post. And they didn't know what to do with me. I was too young to take the oath, and I set fires without meaning to.

"But they took me in anyway, and let me work in the kitchen for my room and board. And Captain Choster--he was the post captain--he sent for a mage to help me get the fires under control. And I found out that it wasn't demons at all, but elemental fire. But it was too late to make any difference.

"Then, when I was old enough, I took the oath, and now here I am." She sits down. She's not sure she made a lot of sense, but it had been the best she could do.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:51:51 PM
" I hear one lie in your tale Prudence. A lie that overshadows the hardship you have had, for which I am sorry. You said you were not special. That's the lie. I think being able to make fire from nothing but your willpower is pretty special. Fire is one of the most life filled elements of them all. It breathes, it eats and it can both create and destroy. It can even move on its own. Of all the elements I think it is closest to being alive. And that's pretty special."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Monday October 21st, 2013 8:58:12 PM
Carver eats his share and probably a bit more, he'd been exercising hard the past couple days. Once some of the others have spoken he stands and drains a goblet of wine before he starts....
"When I was younger I was taken on a raid with my clan, a raid into the Liontaur lands. I slipped away from the group and got caught in a hellhound trap, it took me hours and a lot of bleeding to to extricate myself from it.
When we returned home from the raid, my parents and aunts and uncles began comparing my mistakes with one of our ancestors, a very brave lady who saved her entire command with a sacrifice of herself in a battle against the Minotaurs. This continued for another two years, when I became an adult in the eyes of the Wold. This led to my leaving home and joining the Mailed Fist.
On my way to join the Fist, I met one of my relatives. We had an interesting conversation that lasted until dawn, when she said farewell and faded into the nether. It was the Ancestor who I was being compared to, she gave me her blessing and I've been here since, learning the ways of the Fist, although I have turned down joining the Centaur Regiment more times than I can remember.
I don't need them telling me to give up my dreams."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:41:34 PM
"We've been in school three years and now you are interested in our stories? I doubt we'll even see each other after graduation." He eats part if an apple turnover. "I'm not suited for the Fist. The Druids just thought I could learn, um, about the world here. Bedsides, my story is boring."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:43:38 PM
Bliss looks serious when Cam when he asks if it was scary to die. "I was real scared and cryin and stuff when I was dying. I was real sad and I wanted my mom and my sisters. After I was dead I wasn't scared any more, just lonely. It was all dim and shadowy, and I felt like I was a shadow. Aunt Priss says some halflings are 'touched by shadow' and maybe that's why I came back as a halfling. She says that's maybe why I'm good at hiding in shadows."

"It's a lot better being alive than dead, so I'm glad my mom came back for me, even if it did make Lord Gargul mad."

"Miss Prudence, I think you are special, and you are also nice, which is even better than being special," he says to Pru when she comments on not being special.

When he hears all the names of her sibings, be perks right up. "Hey! One of my sisters was named Faith, too! They were Faith, Hope, Grace, and Joy! I sure miss them. I bet you miss your brothers and sisters too."

After Carver tells his tale, Bliss laughs and waves at him. "Hey Carver! You MET a ghost, and I WAS a ghost!" His wide grin shows that he means no disrespect with this silliness.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday October 21st, 2013 9:45:41 PM
Bliss says to Linden, "Sure you're suited! Look how good you did in all the tests!"

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 1:33:47 AM
The centaur looks at the halfling. "Those were in, um, a controlled setting."

"And you were never dead." Says the centaur skeptically.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 5:37:40 AM
Bliss looks blankly at Lindy. "Huh?"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:20:31 AM
Tinker, a nice meal and a couple flagons of ale making his feet feel toasty, clears his throat. It wouldn't do for a nice evening like this to be ruined by argument. "Don't call Pru a liar", he grumbles, but puts it aside to keep the evening light.

"You are up front and good shield brothers", he declares, including Prudence in the sentiment, "and sounds like we all have our reasons for joining the Fist. I'm no different."

"I was an infant when found in a destroyed caravan, and raised by a gnome family in the village of Trader's Corner in Culverwood. Only dwarf I knew before joining the Fist was an old thief-catcher named Unrak Ironfist and he became my first teacher. I got old enough and asked about my parentage, 'cause, you know, dwarves are big in ancestry and parentage. Only thing Jaspertink and Posiepocket were able to tell me was a the charred bassinet that held me said 'Daemar Torvalsson'. So I joined the biggest organization I could to find out who I am and who my ancestors are."

Even at ease among friends, Tinker's hands play with a small iron puzzle game.

A Family Feast -- DM Zach
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 1:24:36 PM
Keep it going if you like. For this encounter I will relax the ban on multiple posts.

DM Post to come later.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 4:20:11 PM
Cameron looks sheepish at first, but as he speaks becomes more and more convincing and sure of what he says.
" You and she both know I didn't mean it that way Tinker. If you don't then I cry your pardon. Prudence is special and I can't allow her to think otherwise. Just because she isn't what her parents or her family expected her to be doesn't mean that she hasn't turned out to be great. My father would probably pass out laughing if he saw me as a paladin. He and Uncle Morgan never saw eye to eye. But they worked toward the same goal and that was enough for them to respect each others ways and be friends. That's all I meant."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 6:39:54 PM
"I took his calling her attention to a lie, a good thing, because each of us, no matter how small or big, how physical or mental our abilities, each and every one of us has a gift we've brought to our teams.
She dismissed that gift as nothing special, she is incorrect because that gift is what makes her special, other than what makes each of us special.
We are all special, we are a team, we proved that during our exams. Not a single one of us excelled at all of the exams, but as a team we exceeded and excelled in all three of them, due to the fact that each of us brought our gifts to the test."
Carver refills his goblet and raises it.
"A Toast, to the best best damn team of our class, no mater if we are the top fists or not. We watched each others back, covered for our fists weak points, and sacrificed no one just to win."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 6:47:46 PM
"And maybe you were. That would be shady. And bogus. Cus it's creepy you might have been dead, but nifty that you got better." He smirks at halfling, knowing he got him once.

"But remember class. Death leaves a mark. Physical and mental." The cleric puts it together. "Aw. I see. You are twitchy and bonkers. Okay. I believe it. You were dead. HARSH!"

His invite to his family was likely lost or ignored. None of his family have shown up... until.

"COUSIN!!" In trots a very young and extremely gorgeous palimino with red hair, freckles and bright blue eyes. "I was almost here at the academy to join, when I got a bird from mom. So I hurried up and galloped the rest of the way." She smiles and the familial resemblence is apparent. They must all be fairly attractive with that same smile.

Linden seems stunned silent. "Mika? You can't be old enough..."

Mika interrupts, "Just turned 17 a month ago."

Linden is actually silent at this stage. A first in a long while.

Mika canters in and hugs her favorite cousin. "Congrats!"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=15 ;
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 7:51:39 PM
Cameron turns to the sergeants and asks, " Would either of you share something of your past with us? We are looking to you for leadership and to help us navigate the world once we are on assignment after this exam period. Tell us what we are in for and what you expect from us. You can see we are not the 'expected' type of recruits, but we adapt pretty well and need your guidance for direction ."
Diplomacy 15

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 8:12:11 PM
William enjoys hearing everyone's story and appreciates their opening up to each other. He knows this will be great for their team building and efforts in the future...

When its his turn, he shares, "Well, I wish my story was as exciting as many of yours... I was born in a castle ruled over by my uncle Sir Joshua. My father was one of the knights serving under his older brother, while my mother was a local physician for those in the surrounding villages. I think dad and my uncle wanted me to follow in the family line, but I took after my mom, who was a slight, small woman. I was always skilled in the arcane rather than physical activities, but dad and uncle Joshua helped me learn how to face my fears and the unknown. Since we were nobility, they wanted to give me a title to fit my personality since it was obvious I wasn't going to be a knight. We had an excellent wizards guild nearby and they paid for me to train with the wizards, which is where my speciality at summoning was discovered. However, when I graduated from the training, I wanted to make my own way rather than relying on my uncle or dad for my sustenance. This, I came to join the fist and see if I could earn the title I was given as a birthright..."

A Family Feast -- DM Zach
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 8:55:27 PM
Trimmack smiles then takes a sip of wine. "Certainly. As I may have mentioned before, I have been with the fist for a little over 7 years. I was born out of wedlock. The bastard of a minor noble and a bar maid. I lived with my mother until I was 12. When my mother passed I sought out my father, who reluctantly convinced his brother to apprentice me to the miller who was in his employ. I hated it and ran away at 15. Lived on my own until my 17th birthday, and have been here ever since. I fall into the no family category." Trimmack takes another sip of wine and looks expectantly at his Dwarven counterpart.

Helmbane looks up from his mug and shrugs. "Been in the fist for... decades... twenty something years. As far as anyone in the fist is concerned... that is when my life began. Nothing before the Fist is relevant to me." Helmbane falls back into his mug silently.

There is plenty more food and questions to go around.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:22:51 PM
The conversation seems to have passed her by, but Pru needs to make one thing clear:

"I am not a liar!" she says.

She smiles at Bliss, a little wistfully. "Yes," she says. "Yes, I miss them very much."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:23:48 PM
Harumph. It is pretty obvious that Tinker did not pick up on Cameron's nuances or non-verbal communication, that he took what was said at face value. And that he immediately jumped to Prudence's defense. But the explanation has its desired effect, and the dwarf is mollified.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:35:19 PM
Nikolai wonders why Linden is so scheptical at Bliss' story of having died. He leans over to his fellow Fist next to him on his right and whispers "My father died once. He told us the story how he was in a place called Hook City and was killed by some evil minotaurs in service to a murderer. Gargul and Domi argued over something my father refuses to talk about and my father ended up back in Bryn Baraz. So if Bliss said he died and was brought back, it is most likely true, even if against Gargul's will."

Nikolai eyes the gold coat and white mane and tailed female cenatur cousin of Linden's. Although his father knew centaurs in the Fist, being a cavalry officer sometimes put them at odds with each other despite his high respect to the race. So Nikolai had not had any contact with centaurs until he joined and came here. But female centaurs were quite uncommon in the Fist, or anywhere else that Nikolai could think of. And a pretty one at that!

After Trimmack and Helmbane share (what little) story of theirs, Nikolai barely contains himself to ask the two why they were so angry at them after the second test. But since the atmosphere seemed already a little 'charged', so to speak, he put it off one more time.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 11:09:25 PM

Bliss is careful to stay away from the strong drink. He has learned his lesson!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 2:41:20 AM
"Mika, have you learned what your class schedule is yet? These guys, ur, Seargants might eventually be your instructors."

The young female centaur grins, looks at the dwarf and trots up. She extends a hand. "I'm Mika Brightmane Briereburr."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 6:20:15 AM
Bliss is too shy to say anything to Seargeant Trimmick, but he listens intently to the story of how he too was a runaway who joined the Fist. Maybe they have something in common.

The halfling waves to the new centaur. "Hi miss! It is nice to meet you."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:41:55 PM
William listens intently to the sergeant's stories, as that'll help him understand them better. He nods at the appropriate times of the tales... Since Bliss is part of his squad, he'll also defend her if needed, though it looks like that it was resolved...

A Family Feast -- DM Zach
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:55:36 PM
When it seems that everyone has finished with the conversation, the Sergeants excuse themselves. This gives the Team some private time for conversation or a chance at some more rest.

There is also the Last Assignment.

OOC: No rush... but when you guys are ready, let me know so I can advance the story, otherwise, I will keep letting you guys do as you want.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 6:32:55 PM
Cameron listens to the others tales for awhile longer, the sweet taste of mead in his mouth and a nicely tamped pipe of tobacco in his hand. He wonders idly if Uncle Morgan could do more in finding the family Tinker named in his story. Uncle Morgan's family was old and knew many of the dwarven lines.

Cameron sat up straight, realizing he had been dozing. Too much drink and a full belly to boot. He excused himself and headed to bed, thanking the staff that had helped make the party possible. He forgave all the gambling debts they owed him and called it even.

He then retired to bed wondering what it felt like to die like Bliss had, or to be able to simply call a flame to hand like Prudence could, or to have flesh and blood relatives raise you like Nickolai. And then he fell deeply asleep.

OOC
I'm good to go with Graduation. Thanks for indulging the party idea, I think it went great.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 7:27:47 PM
Tinker enjoys the evening, secretly looking forward to meeting Cameron's foster Uncle Morgan. Sounds like a dwarf he could learn from. And Tinker is amused that the halfling knows more about dwarves than Tinker! :-)

ooc: I'm fine with moving on.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 8:30:45 PM
After all the stories are told, Nikolai briefly feels like maybe too many of his family are going to attend. He had no intention of putting anyone ill at ease, but he also realised that there was no way he'd be able to keep them from coming anyway.

So, with a sigh, he allows himself to enjoy the remainder of the party. He especially spends time with Pru. His mother, being a wizard herself, taught him much of the art of magic, but even though he has much understanding, he just never had the skill to work it. So he spends time with Pru talking about how she manages to control her power and how does the 'power' feel like.

All the while he visits with the others he keeps steeling glances at Mika, but only speaks to her if she approaches him first. Finally he heads back to the barracks. Graduation Day will be hectic and he wants to be rather fresh in Mind and Spirit.

OOC: ok with me to mosey on. :)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 11:21:45 PM
Carver finishes his wine, and since he's been trying to avoid Centaur contact he nods to Linden's relative and excuses himself quietly and quickly. He doesn't want to be recognized and his where-a-bouts announced to his family.
He doesn't consider Linden a Centaur, at least not at heart, he has no purpose it seems, so the fact he is a Centaur sort of just vanishes and it's just Linden doing his thing, which most of the time is confusing enough on it's own. Now with his relative here, she may pay more attention to Carver and that could be bad.....

(carry on o DM's)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 3:43:04 AM
Linden eats and drinks with everyone else, not really understanding the reasons Mika have given as to why she was there. Something about her mom and dad not liking how she fights with her siblings and really not liking that she left at all. Seems this female centaur hopes to be a warrior someday soon. She has a sharp eye for others who pay attention to her, not oblivious to the fact she's attractive. She smiles at Carver and talks with Nikolai when time permits. She pats Bliss on the head and says he's cute. She seems to have an admiration or her older goofy cousin. She even glances at Pru.

"Mika, it was wonderful to see you. See you at the ceremony. I have to sleep now." The cleric hugs his young cousin and moves off to bed.

(OOC: Thanks DMs for your patience!)

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 6:31:06 AM

Bliss wakes from his doze and looks around. The seargeants have gone. Cam, Linden, and his cousin are off to bed. He sees Nik talking with Pru about magic stuff. He comments to Will, Tink, and Carver, "Gee, this sure was a swell party. I wish I had not fell asleep before Cam left. I have to tell him his party was great."

He yawns, but still tries to stay up with everybody else. If anyone talks with him, he'll stay awake, although fatigue makes him a bit loopy. Or if it is quiet, he'll fall asleep again.

OOC: Thanks, ready to move on!

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 10:26:21 AM
Pru enjoys the food and conversation. She readily explains to Nikolai about her magic--about arcane flux and how she can sense it and control it, how she learned to shape it into spells. She talks to her other teammates, too, and generally feels that the party ends too soon.

[Ready to move on; thanks!]

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 3:57:17 PM
In the morning, well, after graduation, Linden will show his cousin the grounds and where to enroll.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Thursday October 24th, 2013 4:24:22 PM
William enjoys the rest of the festivities and graduation, says good bye to his uncle and goes to bed, saying his prayers and then nodding off...

I'm ready to move on too...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 8:08:51 PM
(checking in)

A Family Feast -- DM Zach
Thursday October 24th, 2013 9:20:41 PM
No post. Very sick. Will post tomorrow I hope.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday October 24th, 2013 11:05:06 PM
OOC: Sorry Zach, get well soon.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Friday October 25th, 2013 6:57:13 AM
All OOC: Oh baby, I threw out my back and I can hardly hobble around the house. Sorry, sweetie, I tell my dear wife, the honey-do list has to wait! Worked from home yesterday. Probably I'll do the same and call it a sick day today.

All of which is to say, totally sympathizing with you, Zach! Take care and rest up!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday October 25th, 2013 1:46:11 PM
Zach, gotta stay off all those sweets at the party in the Last Assignment! Take care and be well!

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday October 25th, 2013 3:44:59 PM
Checking in.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday October 25th, 2013 4:06:32 PM
OOC
I sympathize with you both. My back has been in various stages of "out" Since I went back to work. Today was particularly bad. Feel better you two. I will be Icing it and blowing up Tanks most of the weekend.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday October 25th, 2013 6:47:28 PM
Checking in for a Friday post. Everybody get better! This instant! That's an order! :)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday October 25th, 2013 9:11:51 PM
I threw my lower back out several years ago while cleaning the tub. Now I've got to watch it everytime I bend over and sometimes I can't really bend over. Last weekend I worked on my compost bin, back was sore all the next day. My wife won't let me play soccer anymore.

You two be careful and get well.

DM Ian - And So, We Move Along...
Friday October 25th, 2013 10:46:02 PM
As the party begins to wind down, there is a knock at the door. Sergeant Helmbane lets himself in, quickly followed by Trimmack. While the dwarf is as stoic and reserved as ever, Trimmack seems to be quite happy, a rather large grin plastered on his face. Plastered. For some reason, that word seems to fit rather well.

"Fists!" Helmbane calls out, standing almost at attention. "Graduation is bright and early tomorrow. Best head out and get a good night's rest so you look... well, rested." Clearly, speeches do not come easily to the dwarf.

"Fall in, Fists," Trimmack calls out. The Sergeants separate as you all fall into line, standing at attention. At one end of the room is Trimmack's Fist, consisted of Recruits Prudence Grundle, Daemer (Tinker), Nikolai Komonov, and Linden Brereburr. On the opposite end, Helmbane stands proud with Recruits Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper, Makellan Skyrunner (Carver), William (The Courageous) and Bliss.

(That is, assuming none of these characters have left yet.)

Trimmack looks upon each of his Recruits with pride. In a sudden moment of sobriety, he begins to speak. "I can't tell you how proud I am of each of you. Tinker, your fast hands carried your Fist through the first challenge. Komonov, your father would be proud of how you fought today. Breburr, that holy power of yours is something I've only seen a few times, it's incredible. And Grundle... don't think about what happened on the battlefield today. Everything's okay."

On the other side of the room, Helmbane is also speaking with his Fist. "I can't lie, you did well today. But you know what? If any of this today had been real, if you hadn't been using blunted weapons and Gargul's blessings, half of you would be dead. In the field, doing well isn't good enough. You need to excel." He pounds his fist into his open hand, taking a moment to glare at each of you. "Tomorrow, you graduate. But do not think that somehow makes you better. You'll still be the same recruits you are today."

Trimmack takes note of his counterpart's heavy gestures and shakes his head. "Watch out for Helmbane. He seems like a tough person to please."

Unfortunately for the human sergeant, his comments are a bit too loud. The dwarf picks up on it and grits his teeth, growling, "And if any of you turn out as cocky as that one, I'll make sure you wake up every morning with a hill giant on your chest. Dismissed." Grumbling obscenities too obscene to repeat, Helmbane storms out the door, stomping down the hall, out of sight.

The smile fades from Trimmack's face as he lets out a small sigh. "Dismissed," he mutters, slowly following the other sergeant out the door.

----------------------------------------

The next day comes all too quickly. The suns shine brightly upon the Citadel, a cloudless sky promising a warm and pleasant day. The Recruits are all awoken by their respective Sergeants.

Trimmack's Fist sees their Sergeant poke his head in, saying, "Graduation is in an hour. Don't bring any of your equipment, and try to look nice. There are going to be some important people there."

Helmbane simply yells from outside the door, shouting, "Graduation is in one hour, Recruit. Look nice and don't bring any weapons. Don't embarrass the Fist by looking sloppy, everyone is going to be here today."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday October 25th, 2013 11:15:46 PM
Once Sergeant Helmbane leaves the room Cameron says" I like tough to please. I was raised by Dwarven metalworkers who saw me as too small and too weak and I managed to gain their respect. It will be work and it will be worth every drop of sweat. The hardest prizes are the most satisfying."
In the morning Cameron wakes up early and washes up before the Sergeants make their appearance. He says his prayers and dresses in his full dress uniform. Beret on straight, goatee neat and trimmed and boots polished he is ready for graduation. He can't wait for graduation to be over so that he can get to see his uncle afterwards..

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Saturday October 26th, 2013 10:04:29 AM
William smiles at the gruff sergeant, knowing that he's about to graduate and has done his best to please his squad leader... When he releases the squad, WIlliam again congratulates his friends and says, "Again, good job everyone and I'm proud to be a part of your squad... I'm looking forward to what our future holds..."

The morning of graduation, he dons his uniform, says his prayers, and makes sure he looks the best he can... He leaves and then joins the others on the parade grounds...

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday October 26th, 2013 4:53:56 PM
Pru is somber as she makes her way back to the team's quarters. Her sergeant's words do not fill her with confidence. Tinker, you ruled the first challenge. Komonov, you fought well. Breburr, your magic is incredible. And Gundle....don't feel too bad.

A look of determination crosses her face. The rest of her fist shouldn't have to carry her. She resolves that they will never have to.

Since the sergeants made such a point of looking their best, Pru takes the time to re-braid her hair. Sitting on her bunk, she undoes the tie and works her hair loose, patiently working through any tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Unbraided, her hair spills around her like a mantle. She brushes it quickly, conscious of the time, then with practiced motions, she divides the mass into three sections and carefully re-braids it, standing to complete the braid and tie off the end.

When that's done, she shines her boots and makes sure her uniform is spotless before joining her fist as they leave for the parade grounds.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday October 26th, 2013 8:51:00 PM
Tinker listens with one ear at Trimmack and Helmbane, just enough to know he needs to look good and have no visible weapons in graduation. Giving boots a buff, clothes a brush, leather a supple waxing, he turns to his own body needs. This consists of a bath, some powder in strategic places, and braiding his beard into a formal knot halfway down his chest.

The dwarf likes his Fistmates and the Fistbrothers in the other Fist too. He lines up with Nickolai, Linden, and Prudence, ready for yet another formal parade.

.....................

Wearing Leather Armor and Explorers Outfit equipment only.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+7=27 ;
Saturday October 26th, 2013 11:06:26 PM
Nikolai remains unmoved during Sgt Tremmak's speech but when both are gone a broad grin spreads across his face. How Sgt Helmbane's Fist manages to keep their composure he's uncertain but glad he's not directly under him. His own father was stern, but more like Trimmak.

Sense Motive on Pru: d20+7 = 27!

But Nikolai sees immediately Pru's unhappy demeanor. Not sure of the real reason, he tries to help.

"Pru. You were telling me about magic and how tricky it can be. How you have to get everything right or the spell could backfire and cause harm to you and your friends. It would seem that warriors like Sgt Trimmack and Sgt Helmbane don't quite appreciate you talents. It is of most important for you to know that we appreciate your talents. Like my mother, when you gain more confidence and learn more difficult spells, they'll learn to show you more appreciation. In the mean time, be assured we are very pleased to have you with us and we see your magic as an integral part of our success."

He blushes then, clears his throat, and heads to the barracks.

Next morning Nikolai is up early, before the call to Graduation call. He gets his corner in ship-shape and has his Dress Uniform on, nice and pressed. He did all this rather without putting too much thought into it, being very tidy coming naturally to him due to his 15 years in a military household and 3 years as a recruit.

An hour later he lines up with his Fist. His heart begins to accelerate with anticipation. A note from his father indicated they had arrived the day before and were well accomodated, meaning that his preparations were appreciated.

For all practical purposes, this wasn't just his Graduation, but his Initiation as a young Man, now independent, cutting the apron strings. It felt weird at the same time exhilarating!

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Sunday October 27th, 2013 9:29:05 PM
Carver is up earlier than the 1 hour warning. He spent a full 10 minutes on each hoof, making sure they had a mirror like finish. Then he washed up his hair and combed it, and brushed his hide, adding a light misting of oil to make that sheen as well. About the time that the sargents gave the one hour warning, he had started washing his arms and hands, getting them spotless. Pulling on his formal uniform shirt he made sure the seams were sharp and crisp.
He pulled a silver and black quartered Caparison from his storage chest with a gold embroidered gauntlet in a closed fist centered on it. He made sure that it also was straight and even.
"Is this gear all straight, I'd hate to show up and look askew." He asks to the barracks in general.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday October 28th, 2013 7:08:22 AM
Bliss immediately makes sure his weapons are in tip-top shape, even though he is not bringing them. He gets out his best dress uniform (ie, the clean one) and makes himself as spiffy as three years of military training have taught him to be.

Then it is off to the ceremony!

===

(OMG! I had a dream in which I was playing Bliss in a face-to-face game! We were fighting giants, and I wanted to use one of the giant chairs as cover for hiding behind and sniping! I kept trying to recalculate my stealth mods, but I kept losing track of all of them in my head! There were too many! Plus the cover from the chair gave a cover bonus to stealth? Then the giant saw me and was going to attack and the DM was rolling to hit, and I was like "Wait! I'm sniping! You did not even roll a spot check to see if he sees me! LOL!)

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Monday October 28th, 2013 1:34:31 PM
Ooc. Post to come this evening.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Monday October 28th, 2013 2:39:43 PM
Chking in

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday October 28th, 2013 4:30:17 PM
"Looks good to me Carver"

OOC
Cayzle, you have serious issues.8)
I never remember my dreams but I am sure I have similar issues too. Mine probably involve large fighters and saying " Wait, I get an AoO on each of those guys as they close because I have combat reflexes!" or something.

DM Ian - And So, We Move Along...
Monday October 28th, 2013 4:52:25 PM
Incoming...

Graduation

DM Ian - The Pep Talk
Monday October 28th, 2013 5:35:43 PM
The Recruits slowly emerge from their rooms. They find the Sergeants just outside the barracks, both standing next to each other in silence. Trimmack smiles as he sees you all, calling out, "Fists, fall in."

As you all move into line, the sergeants walk up and down a few times, inspecting our heroes from head to toe. They pick out small discrepancies where they exist, although with no hint of malice -- it seems that they aren't aiming to criticize you. Perhaps they just want you all to look your best for this.

When the inspection is complete, Helmbane and Trimmack stand before you at attention, looking upon each of you for a moment. The dwarf speaks first. "Recruits. This will be the last time we address you as such, so listen carefully. Your graduation will be one of the most important events in your life. Forget birthdays, forget marriage, forget the first time you were bedded. Today, you join one of the greatest organizations of all time. Remember the vows you make today."

Trimmack nods slowly, noting one of the few times the two have agreed on anything. "When you go into that hall, do not speak unless spoken to. This ceremony is sacred, and you do not want to be the person everyone remembers as the fool. You all did well in your trials." The human smiles widely. "Very well. Don't ruin it now by getting ahead of yourselves."

Simultaneously, they snap off salutes. "Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist."

And with that, they spin on their heels and begin marching towards the Hall of Heroes. You pass by many Fists doing the same, and some pass you. While you all keep a brisk pace, it seems there are some far more eager than you all today. Fortunately, those moving any faster than you seem to be out of sync -- you all move perfectly as a unit. Those pep talks must have given you a morale bonus.

To say that the Hall of Heroes is busy is an understatement. It is bustling with activity, crammed full of Recruits about to graduate, as well as guards on every door and the guests that have already arrived. It seems almost impossible that there are more bodies here than there were on the night you were all given your first assignment, just a few days ago. It seems the room has almost expanded to accommodate the extra people, but that's impossible... probably.

The Sergeants make their way through the crowd, a small path forming in the bodies as they make their way through without a word. In spite of the din that the room is filled with, those around you seem to only be whispering as the lot of you pass. The Sergeants stop a few rows back from the stage itself.

Perception
DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {No one seems to be paying any special attention to you. Perhaps it's just nerves.}
DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You catch a few pairs of eyes staring at you before they quickly look away. Why were they staring at you?}
DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Everyone you pass seems to stop to look at your group, either in awe, fear, shock, or perhaps a combination of the three.}
DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { Everyone you pass seems to stop to look at your group, either in awe, fear, shock, or perhaps a combination of the three. You catch the eye of a familiar looking gnome sitting on the shoulders of a half-orc. He glares at you, gritting his teeth. Around him stand the Fists you defeated in the first trial. None of them seem particularly happy with your presence.}

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+2=4 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 6:22:12 PM
Cameron marches perfectly in formation, oblivious to the other recruits around him or the crowd of onlookers. He and his Fistmates made it to this point through teamwork and discipline. He is very proud to have made it and to have had the help these past few days of his Fistmates.

Perception 4 Wait, we aren't alone here?

Once they are where they belong and the Sergeants call a halt he devotes all his attention to the podium and keeps quiet as instructed.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple) d20+9=28 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 7:08:12 PM
Perc +9 = 28!
OOC: Shoot and Darn! I can't talk about it!

IC:
Nikolai returns a brisk salute and keeps a serious face. This is a serious moment. Time to celebrate and hoot 'n 'holler later.

His nerves somewhat a jitter, now that the moment has actually arrived, he marches in formation as they had trained. His long legs are hard to coordinate with the shorter members of his Fist, but each one seems quite determined to concentrate on their marching that they march along with seeming perfection.

He notices that others aren't quite as good at marching. It could be because they are depressed, or just distracted. But Nikolai's eyes catch nuances from many despite his concentration on marching (good thing he marched a lot for fun when a kid), that indicate something else. Fighting the urge to point out those nuances to his friends, he keeps a stern countenance as they find their place in the Hall of Heroes.

Somewhere in that crowed is his family, but he does not dare try to look for them.

OOC: last time I marched I was in 5th grade. The Brasilian schools all marched in the city's Independence Day Parades. We practiced marching as a class and each row/column had to stay in perfect order and timing, even when making a turn. That was fun.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d20+8=24 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 7:41:23 PM
Perception 24! (made a mistake with the roll, fixed it in the die rolls field.)

Bliss can't help but grin as he carefully marches in step -- and that's not easy for a fellow with short legs! It seems so much more natural for Cam -- "how does his fellow halfling march so effortlessly?" Bliss wonders to himself. Maybe because he was born in his body. Sometimes Bliss is surprised he doesn't have wings any more.

As he marches, he sees some people watching, and has to restrain his natural tendency to wave.

OOC: Memories of high school marching band!

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=15 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 8:05:24 PM
Pru keeps a somber expression on her face, in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. She marches with her fist as best as she can. Marching had not come naturally to Pru, but she had practiced and practiced and now she was good at it. Well, maybe not good, but not terrible, either.

She seems to think that people are looking at her [Perception 15!], but honestly, she doesn't find that unusual. She's a pretty girl at a mostly-male school; she gets looked at rather a lot. She stands with her fist, ready for the ceremony to begin.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C) d20=20 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 9:02:13 PM
(perc nat 20)
Carver stands a bit straighter after the pep-talk.
As the fists march in, he looks with his eyes only and sees the majority of everyone staring at them as they march past. He can't say anything, so he keeps in formation with the rest and is happy when they have reached their position in the hall....

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 d20+3=4 ;
Monday October 28th, 2013 9:09:45 PM
(Yes, Cazyle, it does bring back memories of HS and college marching band, doesn't it? :) )

Willliam proudly marches out with the rest of his friends, and keeps a keen eye out for what's going on... (Perc - 4) but doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary... He remains silent, focusing on keeping in step and remembering all that he was taught, wanting to do well, especially in front of his sergeant, friends and uncle. When they stop, he'll focus on the stage and wait for orders...

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=5 ; d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 3:58:49 AM
(Perception 5, Sense Motive 13)

He has never liked that motto... "Serve... Live... Die for..." Dumb. However, he was finishing today. Things wrapping up nicely. His impish smile begins creeping onto his face, fighting it the whole way but but unable to stop it. It was a good moment... not his best, but a good one. Chances are he would have many more to compare it to.... but graduation would be a foot note at best. He had greater plans. Bigger than the Fist. No nerves for once... how odd.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=15 ;
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 10:32:01 AM
Tinker listens to the pep talk, getting the solemnity of the occasion implanted in his brain. On the command, he marches out, careful to keep his legs moving at the same stride as the larger members of his Fist.

Entering the Hall, the dwarf notices some people watching, but in a burst of insight, realizes that Prudence is marching right in front of him, and so most of the humans and elves must be looking at her pretty face. Tinker does a momentary frown. He has no business thinking of Pru as having a pretty face. To make amends, he concentrates on the occasion, soon again lost in the pagentry of Graduation.

................

Perception: 15

Graduation -- DM Zach
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 6:51:45 PM
Everyone falls marches to their prescribed location and awaits the actual ceremony itself.

Field Marshall Major Pavillon Nuterius is standing where he was when he met you all before graduation just days before. Master Seargeant Redforge is with him, and again calls the entire graduating class to attention with a resonating, "Atten-HUT!!!"

When he does, all that can be heard is the click of heels coming together as they echo across the entire Hall of Heroes.

He gives the commands to report as you have heard done hundreds... if not thousands of times by now. This time is different.

He finally reports to the Field Marshall and takes his position behind him.

The Field Marshall begins going into a long speech thanking friends, families, and others whether there or not for making the recruits what they were. Mold-able. He continues by saying that without all of the recruits prior experiences, good or bad... they wouldn't be who they were today. He then goes on to thank the instructors and various teachers for their hard work and dedication in molding you into what you have become.

Finally, he address those who are to graduate. "I have been long winded and I am certain that I am boring you. You are here for one thing... and for one reason. To become full ranking members of the Mailed Fist. Your time has come. Recruits... salute, and repeat after me."

"I, (your name), swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist".

As the entire graduating class says the oath in unison, the Field Marshall then says, "Congratulations... You are the newest members of the Mailed Fist. Your responsibilities are numerous and great, but so too, are the rewards." Before for you are all dismissed from the Citadel for the last time... there is just the little matter of the assignments, and the Honor Fists."

The Field Marshall takes a long pause that is almost uncomfortable as the entire populous of the Hall of Heroes has time to eyes the Graduates and they each other.

OOC: Take a few moments to act out your thoughts, actions and feelings after just graduating and having the change of being the Honor Fist!"

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 7:05:37 PM

"I, Bliss, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist!"

Bliss says the words enthusiastically. After all, he has served for three years already. Living just makes sense, of course. And dying ... well, it wasn't SO bad.

He grins and looks around at his friends when the recruits relax a smidge. He wonders who the Honor Fists will be. Did he and his friends have a shot at it?

Bliss is starting to get a little bit excited.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 7:10:14 PM
Cameron salutes and says the words of the oath. With his normal lack of observation, he wonders who will be the Honor Fist. He knows they are in the running, having been tied before the written exam, but he wonders who won.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 7:17:56 PM
William listens to the marshall, and says firmly and loudly, "I, William the Courageous, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist".

He can see the broad and proud smile on his uncle's face and wishes his dad could see him now... He hopes they'll be honor fist, and wonders what that'll entail...

(OOC - to double check, we didn't receive any xp for the trial and so we're still short of 2nd level? Just trying to make sure I'm up to date...)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 8:14:50 PM
Carver listens to the commander go and on with his speech. He eventually gets around to congratulating the graduates and taking their oath of allegiance.

"I, Makellan Carver Skyrunner, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist".

He knows they have a chance at being an honor fist, but it was neck and neck after the second test...... And he wasn't much help in the knowledge test....

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 9:24:01 PM
"I, Nikolai Komonov, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist" Nikolai says forcefully. It flashes through is mind what it must have felt like when his father took the oath, and his grandfather and greatgrandfather.

His chest swelled up in pride at those thought. As far as he knew, none of his relatives had ever been in the Honor Fist. His father had never mentioned anything about it before. He wondered if anyone really remembered who won after a few years. Probably only those members who did. Anyway, it would really be neat if he was the first of his family to be in an Honor Fist.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday October 29th, 2013 10:52:47 PM
"I, Prudence Gundle, swear to serve the Fist, live for the Fist, die for the Fist!"

Pru is familiar with the oath. She'd had to swear a similar one before being allowed to come to the Citadel for training. She remembered that small ceremony; Sergeant Hammerheart looking proud, Kryry and Lidina grinning widely, and Captain Akabi looking grim-faced and formidable.

But this time, it's different. This time, she will be undertaking the full responsibilities of the Fist. She wonders what her assignment will be; where she will be going; whether anybody on her current team will be coming with her.

She knows about Honor Fists, of course, and listens to hear who might have earned that honor. She knows, of course, that she could never aspire to anything like that, but it would be neat to know somebody who made the cut. And she knows a lot of people.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 12:36:41 AM
"I, Linden Brereburr, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist". He says with as much enthusiasm as he can fake under his salute. It's sort of monotone but loud, which might mask the lameness. An Honor Fist? Hmmm... thinks the cleric.

Mika claps from far back in the audience. She stifles a hoot just in time.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 9:03:53 AM
"I, Daemar Torvalson, swear to Serve the Fist, Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist".

A good baritone with conviction. Tinker keeps his head straight, his every fiber stolidly feeling the momentous occasion.

Well, almost every. His mind swings back to the triple lock that he picked on the first challenge, mentally reviewing how he could have been even faster. His fingers twitch at his sides while mimicking the tumblers.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 12:27:13 PM
Checking in

Graduation -- DM Zach
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 5:03:29 PM
The Field Marshall continues, "Without any further delay, the Mailed Fist Honor Fist for the graduating class is the Double Fist led by Sgt Trimmack and Sgt Helmbane. Their members are,Private Torvalson, Private Gundle, Private Komonov, Private Brereburr, Private Steelshaper, Private Skyrunner, Private William, and Private Bliss. Congratulations."

The crowd erupts and cheers. Your Sergeants beam with pride. The Field Marshall and Master Sergeant come around and pin a dark red ribbon upon each of your uniforms. It has a small bronze star attached to the center of it. "This is the Citadel Honor Fist Medal. You eight are the first of this graduating class to be awarded any type of award of citation. I am sure it will be the first of many."

"Also, this year, for the first time ever, the Mailed Fist has decided to test what will be known as a Double-Fist. That means two fists will be put together and act as one unit. Who better to be the fist Double-Fist than this years honor graduate? Because of this... you will have to wait a few days longer to get your first assignments. I'm sure you won't mind though."

With that the Field Marshall continues talking about your trials to come and what is expected of every member of the Mailed Fist. Then, finally, he dismisses everyone and tells them to go find their families if they are here.

"OOC: Tomorrow I will post all of your family members and who is and is not present.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 5:10:14 PM
Cameron beams with pride that he and his unit have been able to work together to achieve this honor. He congratulates each of them in turn and is sure his Uncle will be proud to see he has made something of himself in the Mailed Fist.
Once he is done congratulating the others he begins to scan the crowd looking for his Uncle Morgan.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 7:06:34 PM
Nikolai nearly slouches as a wave of relief washes over him. It was either slouch as his muscles, tensed up in a bundle relaxed, or jump up with glee. But he manages to stiffen his posture a while longer until they are dismissed.

Finally, with his new ribbon, he relaxes and scans the crowd for his family. Knowing his family had a reserved spot in the section set aside for veteran Mailed Fist members, it was not hard to find them and soon he is being patted and congratulated by all.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 7:26:49 PM
...the Mailed Fist Honor Fist for the graduating class is the Double Fist led by Sergeant Trimmack and Sergeant Helmbane...

But-- Pru thinks, But--that's us!

And then she is confused, because that cannot possibly be right. Yes, the team had done well on the final exams, but surely the final exams weren't the only criterion? Pru had seen her earlier marks; her performance in the physical training had been universally dismal. "Can't keep up," one sergeant had scrawled on her evaluation. "Lacks the killer instinct," another had written. "It's a good thing she's pretty," another one had snarked.

Pru could see Cameron making the Honor fist, or Carver, or Nikolai. Possibly even Bliss or Tinker with their specialized skills. But Prudence Gundle? No way....

But the Master Sergeant is pinning something red to her tunic, so either there's been no mistake or she's having an outlandish dream.

Then they are dismissed and told to find their families. Pru knows she doesn't have family here to find, but that doesn't bother her. Much. She can always find somebody to talk to. Smiling, she moves to seek out other new graduates she knows.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 10:57:41 PM
Bliss looks for his laid-back centaur friend.

"Hey Lindy! Can I come with you? Your sister was nice. Or was that your cousin?"

He takes the medal in stride, although he rubs at it every now and again ... to shine it or just to make sure it is there?

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013 11:00:09 PM
Carver stands proud as the medal is pined to his chest.
After the ceremony is over and they've been dismissed, he knows he has no relatives here, shoot, they shouldn't even know where he is, he collects those members of his his new unit... what was it called, a double fist, that aren't expecting anyone.
"Meet up at the bar in half an hour, that'll give us time to get out of these dress uniforms and comfortable for a night of celebration and drinking....."
He trots on back to the barracks and changes to uniforms to his duty one and carefully stores the dress uniform and his medal.....

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 12:31:35 AM
... first but not the last to be awarded with this citation. That statement was supposed to make this class feel special, but it did the opposite for Linden.

He looks down at the bronze star attached to a dark red ribbon, the Citadel Honor Fist Medal, Private Brereburr of the Double Fist. He has a passing curiousity of its value.

A few days to get our assignments? Linden was hoping to get leave to visit home.... and maybe stay.

Bliss' question shocks him from the sober occasion. "Huh, oh. Blizzard dude, Mika is my cousin. All my siblings are farmers, vintners and merchants. Her parents were far more liberal than mine. She's kind and sweet. I always got along well with her side of the family."

"Drinks?!" The cleric perks up. "Carver. I'm on your tail. Give me a minute to change!"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 9:34:02 AM
Tinker smiles down at his blood ribbon with bronze star. They did it! And specialized assignments! Maybe the eclectic make-up of the Fists enabled them to take and overcome the challenges as a team? Yeah, that was it, just like Sergeant Trimmack told him.

The dwarf isn't expecting family here either, so keeps near Prudence as she wanders. "You did good, Beanpole, real good!"

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 10:22:47 AM
Bliss laughs. "You know, Lindy, I almost didn't know who they were talking about when they said your name! Private Brrbrr!"

DM Ian - The Pep Talk
Thursday October 31st, 2013 2:20:39 PM
DM post will be coming around 4PM EST today.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Thursday October 31st, 2013 2:41:59 PM
William grins broadly as he's named part of the honor fist. He admires the award, slaps his friends on the back and says "Way to go guys and gals! I'm proud to be a part of this fist!" He knows his uncle will be very very proud of him and he can't wait to see his expression after graduation...

DM Ian - Time to Celebrate!
Thursday October 31st, 2013 5:31:00 PM
The room continues to function in organized chaos as the Fists are dismissed. Many run off to their guests, while others linger behind to speak with their allies. The Fists receive many pats on the back and congratulations from others, while there seem to be some who resent the bright red medals now displayed on your uniforms.

Your sergeants gather you all together, having to yell to be heard over the noise in the Hall of Heroes. "Let's get back to your rooms," Trimmack cries out. "We'll meet your guests out there so you won't be harassed the whole time." Helmbane simply nods along as the other sergeant speaks. Trimmack signals for you all to follow him while Helmbane dashes off to find your guests.

Leaving the Hall of Heroes is a difficult task as so many people want to congratulate you all and speak with you. After you finally make it into the corridor, which is almost as tumultuous as the Hall itself. Trimmack clears a path through the crowd, allowing you all to push through to your barracks.

Surprisingly, Helmbane is already there with a small crowd of people that many of you recognize.

Cameron does not see his uncle, but is shocked to see the Forgemaster Ozmund Steelshaper, dressed head to toe in shining adamantine armour. His cloak seems to be made of a fine fur, but Cameron recognizes it as the cloak of a Fire Giant he slew as a younger dwarf. The armour is covered in glyphs and symbols in both Old Woldian and Dwarven. Flanked by his guards armed to the teeth, he spreads his arms wide and crie out, "Cameron! Ya wee man, get yerself over here!"

Bliss looks around to see no humanoids that he recognizes, but a squawking overhead catches his attention. "Get away, you damned bird!" Helmbane cries out, waving at the black bird as it circles down to land on Bliss' shoulder. It turns to look at him, its eyes bright and clear. The halfling seems to feel some odd connection to the animal...

Nikolai immediately picks out his father on horseback, who waves to his son and climbs down from his trusted steed. Alexi Komanov strides towards his son, clad in full armour, and pulls his son into a tight hug. He quickly releases the half-elf, stepping back and saluting him. Nikolai can see the pride clearly in his father's eyes, and he is soon swamped by his mother, grandparents, and siblings. It seems the whole family came out for this!

Linden's cousin trots over to him, cheering for the centaur. "I had no idea you were so talented!" they cry out, clapping him on his shoulders.

William is approached by his uncle, Sir Joshua. He dressed in fine mithral armour, polished to a sheen, decorated with his most formal finery. He grasps his nephew by the shoulder, looking down on his with immense pride. "Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head with a huge smile on his face. "And here I thought using "Courageous" as a title was a bit presumptuous. Guess you proved me wrong."

Carver spots a centaur near the back of the crowd who smiles and waves at him. While he does not immediately recognize them, they seem to spark something at the back of his mind. As Nikolai's father crosses Carver's path, he loses track of the centaur. Looking around, they seem to have simply... vanished. But that's impossible... right?

Unfortunately, as Tinker and Prudence look around, they only find sympathetic looks from their sergeants.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 5:40:01 PM
Linden laughs at Bliss' statement. "Private doesn't sound right. I'll take Lindy over Private any day." He hugs Mika who is slightly shorter due to being female and all. He points to Carver and Nikolai. "They could drive your parents crazy." He smirks.

Seeing his two team mates, he goes over to Pru and Tinker. "Friends, we are more or less family enough for anyone." The cleric is no stranger to disappointment and recognizes the signs. "Let's go get mellow."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 6:18:44 PM
Cameron blinks a few times, but Ozmund Steelshaper is still there, and Morgan, his son and Cameron's adopted Uncle is not. Having learned to do so in the Mailed Fist, Cameron now follows his adopted Grandfather's orders and strides forward to embrace the Patriarch of the Clan.
" Grandfather, Forgemaster, I wasn't expecting you. Uncle Morgan probably but you were always so busy with clan politics and running the clan I never expected to see you. I am glad you came ! See, I managed to do alright without you watching over me after all. All of these brothers and sisters in arms fought alongside me and together we won top Fist. You should meet them!"
Cameron drags the dwarf over to where the rest of the group stands and introduces each of them by name. He has a little trouble with Tinker's name because the dwarf so rarely uses the actual name, but he pulls it off.
His Grandfather had never shown this much affection for Cameron, so his appearance and demeanor were strange, and a bit unnerving to Cameron. He waits until they can speak privately to find out why Uncle Morgan has not come with his father. A small seed of dread begins to grow inside him that something bad may have happened. But today was a celebration, so Cameron pushes that feeling away.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 9:42:39 PM
Carver is shocked to see a Centaur he recognizes,He waves back at the centaur. Only after she disappears in the crowd does he figure out just who she is.... Matilda, the relative he had a night long chat with as he was evading any pursuit that might have been following after him. Someone was looking out for him in there own way it seemed....
He either nods or shakes hands and says nice things with the relatives of the rest of his Double Fist, before gathering up those whom, like himself have no one here to visit them and takes them for a drink, ale for some, hard liqueur or wine for others. He planned on putting a dent in the cask of wine they tapped at the Last Assignment yesterday, it was better than average in taste.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 9:53:42 PM
Alexi is quite comfortable in his surroundings. Once off his horse, it is quite clear that Alexi is not all that big of a man, a bit shy of his grandfather and shorter than his father. His smaller frame belies his abilities though, as his Dress Armor atests. The Mailed Fist Wolf Regiment insignia emblazoned on his breastplate is impressive, but many ribbons adorn the full plate armor.

Nikolai ends up surrounded by his family and accepts his father's hug despite feeling a bit too old for such things. A hug from his mother is another matter altogether and he notices wet cheeks on her elven face, a rarity.

He returns his father's salute with one just as crisp, and then in turn salutes his grandfather. His grandfather's usual hard eyes seem much softer as the old man returns the salute. For grandfather, it's not just another Mailed Fist portrait on the wall after all it would seem.

HIs brothers and sisters ask lots of questions, all eager to know how hard it was and how fun it was. Nikolai tries to answer them all but he tries to make sure they all know that he was just a part of a team and he could not have managed it alone.

He then takes his family around to meet his Double Fist friends, starting with those not with any family. He picks Pru out first.
"Mother, this is Pru. She can work magic out of thin air, and without books too."

And the introductions go around with Nikolai explaining what each of his friends' talents are until all 7 team members have met his family.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday October 31st, 2013 11:21:35 PM
Earlier...

Pru laughs at Tinker's compliment. Nobody has ever called her "beanpole" before. "Thank you, I think," she replies. "We all did good," she adds.

Now...

Pru smiles as she meets everybody's family. "It's nice to meet you," she says, over and over. And she means it, too. It's interesting to meet the family members of her new teammates. And if she has a little knot of sorrow in the pit of her stomach, she's too polite to mention it.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday November 1st, 2013 9:31:36 AM
Tinker isn't disturbed by not having any family at graduation, they are not rich and hundreds of miles away. He knew the day he left Trader's Crossing that his fare-wells at the family burrow was for a long, long time; maybe not until the Lands of Rest. But that is one of the reasons he is here in the Fists; for family. Willingly putting himself in the battle so that a gnome family can ply their craft and live their lives in peace. And so Tinker can find his history and family and ancestors.

No, he's not disturbed. The dwarf gives a friendly pat to Prudence's back and is steered away by Cameron to meet... wow.

"Umm, Forgemaster..." Tinker tries to remember the proper formal greetings of dwarf to noble dwarf and can't remember, and doesn't want to use the familiar like Cameron. His eye twitches in irritation. Cameron would know, the little halfling has forgotten more about dwarf protocol than Tinker ever learned. But the young dwarf will never back down from a challenge, so he straightens his shoulders and tries his best.

"Forgemaster, an honor to meet you. I believe I am Daemar Torvalson, called 'Tinker', Locksmith and Private of the Mailed Fist."

At the obvious question, Tinker will tell the Forgemaster his story; how he was found as an infant among a destroyed caravan in Culverwood and only the words "Daemar Torvalson" on the crib as a clue to his identity.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Friday November 1st, 2013 12:31:17 PM

Bliss stands stock still, blinking.

Then he shouts, "MOOKIE!" Then even louder, "MOOKIE!"

The raven flaps over and speaks in a cawing-harsh common, "Yeah, sure, it's me, kid! Jeezum crow! You broke my ears!"

The raven tilts his head this way and that.

Bliss smiles like his head is cracking in two. "I never thought I'd see you here, Mookie! Wowsy!"

The bird answers, "Yeah, it's good to see you too. Looks like you done good here."

"Aw," blushes Bliss. "I just had good friends who helped. Here, say hello."

The halfling rushes over to Linden. "Lindy! Lindy! This is my mom's raven, Mookie. Mookie, this is Lindy. He's super fast!"

"And this is Cam. He's a halfling too!"

"This is Carver. Him and Cam are both paladins!"

"This is Nik. He's going to teach me some monk stuff."

"Here's Miss Pru! She has a sister named Faith too. She's a supercool magic user who can kill things with fire!"

"And this is Tinker, who is almost as sneaky as me, and way handy with locks and stuff."

To all these people, and their guests and kin, Mookie bobs his head politely and mutters, "Pleased ta meetcha," and "Itsa pleasure, I'm sure."

Finally Bliss brings Mookie over to see William. "Will, this is Mookie. Mookie, Will."

Mookie nods to the courageous lad, and then makes a bow to his uncle.

"Sir Josh!" the raven laughs. "It's a small world. It is good to see you again." It is the politest thing that Josh may have ever heard Mookie say.

Bliss looks surprised. "Mookie! You know William's uncle?"

"Be polite, kid," murmurs Mookie. "He's a friend of your mom's. Joined up after you kicked the bucket."

The raven looks from Willaim to Josh and back again. It looks like he is trying to stay serious, but then he loses it, and he laughs and laughs. "Josh, your nephew is named after your horse?!"

Bliis says, "Mookie!" and looks mortified.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Friday November 1st, 2013 11:51:51 PM
After Mookie's introduction to Nickolai and family and moves on to the others, Alexi belts out a laugh and tries to explain.
"I knew a black raven a long time ago by the name of Col. Belonged to the witch Fatine. The irony. I adventured with a witch who had a rather rude raven and now you too," he slaps Nickolai on the shoulder hard enough to jolt the private. "You watch your shiny things, son."

DM Ian - Time to Celebrate!
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 12:05:44 AM
Ugh, really sorry everyone - completely dropped the ball today. Post will be up asap.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 2:56:51 AM
Linden simply laughs at the incredible bird. "Mookie. Mookie? I know that name. That was one of the legendary heroes companion's name, right? Oh, I heard bad stories about him! But he was a gnome or a harpy or something."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 8:02:02 AM
William smiles broadly at their friendly raven and laughs when reminded that he has the same name as his uncle's equine companion... "Don't worry Bliss (giggling). It's a family name and an honorable one at that, silly raven! We give it to those we love and uncle Josh's horse is just like family, so we thought it would be call him that too! My uncle warned me about you and are you going to join us in our quest, or stay with those old retired folks?"

His uncle chortles loudly, and says to Mookie, "You haven't changed a bit my old friend and it's good to see you again. I hope you're keeping your lord out of trouble, as it was always a challenge when we were adventuring!"

(OOC - Well written dialogue Cayzle! If I didn't know better, I'd think you were a writer or journalist :) )

DM Ian - Time to Celebrate!
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 1:38:11 PM
Linden comforts his friends whose families could not be here, offering some rather mellow methods.

Cameron is shocked at the present of his adopted Grandfather. He immediately sets about the task of introducing him to all of his allies, a task that is rendered rather difficult by the presence of his guards. Regardless, the Forgemaster waves the stiff-looking dwarves away, greeting each of the former Recruits with a warm smile.

Carver blinks, shocked and comforted by the presence of his ancestors. He offers to take the others without any visitors out for a celebratory drink.

Nikolai greets his family, quickly taking them around to meet everyone. It is quite a spectacle when Alexi encounters the Forgemaster -- apparently, the two have heard of each other, although never met. The two become fast friends, sharing old battle stories and reminiscing about what they surely consider "the good old days." Nikolai's grandfather soon joins in on the conversation, allowing the half-elf's father to continue meeting everyone.

Prudence greets all the families warmly, ignoring the feelings deep in her gut.

Tinker understands that his family is much too far to have come out here. The dwarf is incredibly flustered when introduced to the Forgemaster, trying his best to introduce himself. The older dwarf nods slowly, a warm smile spreading across his face. "A pleasure to meet ye, Daemer Torvalson, called Tinker." The way he says Tinker's name is almost comedic, as he rolls his r's quite heavily. "I am Forgemaster Ozmund Steelshaper. I assume y'ain't been 'round dwarves much, have ye, lad?" The question is not taunting in any way, but seems to be genuinely curious.

It takes Bliss a moment to recognize the raven, but his outburst is quick and exuberant when he does. Everyone is given and quick and confusing introduction to the raven (it seems to be squawking in... Common?) that the halfling now carries proudly on his shoulder. Sir Joshua looks shocked when the raven is brought before him. You haven't changed a bit my old friend and it's good to see you again. I hope you're keeping your lord out of trouble, as it was always a challenge when we were adventuring!

William explains the coincidence of his name to the raven, who only laughs (or at least you assume it's a laugh) in return. His uncle shakes his head, smiling widely at the raven.

"Before you all leave to celebrate," Trimmack calls out. "We have one last thing left to do. Fall in, Fists. We've got something for you." The familiar break away from their sons, cousins, nephews, adopted grandsons, and soul-bonded soon-to-be-spellcasters, some turning their backs for a moment to produce bundles wrapped in leathers and furs, bound with various twines and ropes.

Would you rather each of you individually? All in one post? Two at a time?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 1:55:49 PM
OOC: All in one post is fine with me.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 4:02:29 PM
Again? is all Pru can think when the order is given to fall in.

Then again, she's a member of the Fist now. She might as well get used to falling in; she's going to be doing a lot of it. She lines up with her fist-mates.

[All at once is fine, or whatever you're comfortable with.]

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 4:09:00 PM
William joins in line with the others, and waits to see what's in the goody bags...

(All at once is fine with me too...)

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 6:08:56 PM
Cameron Is greeted by and in turn greets all of his grandfather's bodyguard as well. Since they were ever present with his Grandfather he has grown to know them and their personalities quite well. Then he is distracted by Mookie.
" Bliss! That raven can TALK! I've never seen anything like that before."
Cameron falls into formation with his Fist, no, his Double Fist. They were one unit made of two and they were going to have to act that way. It had come naturally during the trials, when they were out of formation. Hopefully it remained that easy.

(probably easier as one post, otherwise between the question answering and the comments we might blow up the board with too many posts.)

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 10:31:21 PM
Carver falls in line, as he does so he wonders what's going on now?
he also is wondering just what Gargul has planned, he ancestor has visited him twice now and as far as he knew, Gargul never really allowed spirits to just wander around, at least without a reason....

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday November 2nd, 2013 11:21:28 PM
Before Mookie catches the halfling's attention, Cameron sees his fellow paladin wave to someone in the crowd. But Carver wasn't expecting anyone, was he?
" Who were you waving at Carver? Did your family come too?"

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Sunday November 3rd, 2013 1:04:25 AM

Bliss laughs in delight at Cam's exclamation. "Sure he can! He'll talk your ears off!"

"Hush, kid!" says Mookie.

The sergeants want the double fist to fall in. Bliss says quickly, "See ya in a bit, Mookie!" and he scurries off to get in formation.

He wonders what is happening, but three years of discipline have quenched his tendency to crook his neck for a better look. He stares straight ahead and waits for orders.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Sunday November 3rd, 2013 3:10:52 PM
Nikolai is familiar with the his dad's stories, especially those of his time in the Uncharted Lands and his friends there and some of their unusual companions, so seeing a talking raven was not unusual. One of his father's best friend had a talking horse.

Nikolai is puzzled at this odd moment to form ranks and even more puzzled at the announcement that there was something for them. They'd already received a ribbon as the winning prize. Were the sargeants going to give some reward too?

He falls in with a practiced perfection.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Sunday November 3rd, 2013 9:44:39 PM
Tinker has to shyly smile and admit his near complete ignorance of any dwarven way of life. "Raised by a family of gnomes in the Culverwood, Forgemaster. I only knew one other dwarf in my life before signing up with the Mailed Fist."

More conversation and explanations is cut short as Tinker falls in with his Double Fist, waiting expectantly for the next announcement and orders.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Sunday November 3rd, 2013 10:32:04 PM
Quietly, as they double fist forms up, "The same relative who visited me when I was on the road, was at the back of the hall."

DM Ian - The Gifting
Monday November 4th, 2013 11:15:16 AM
The Fists fall into a familiar formation as their guests line up in front of them, preparing to hand them all various bundles wrapped in leathers, furs, linens, and whatever else happened to be lying around at the time of their wrapping.

First in line is Linden's cousin, who trots forward awkwardly holding something in her arms. "This came with the letter your parents sent me. They said they've been saving up for ages to buy you all this and that they hope it fits." She thrusts the lumpy package at her cousin, who unwraps it with ease. It falls open to reveal a set of highly polished armor and a rather regular looking back. However, looking within the rucksack, the centaur realized that the inside is much larger than the outside! Within are a collection of small vials, all labelled with tiny piece of parchment. Linden receives Masterwork Scale Mail, a Handy Haversack, and four potions! He will have to see what the potions are, perhaps by the labels on them...

Next in line is Alexi Komanov, Nikolai's father. He strides forward, smiling down at his son and muttering, "I had this cloak with me when I started adventuring. I hope it serves you as well as it did me." He holds out what seems to be a rather tattered cloak, but as the half-elf takes it in his hands, the fabric seems as smooth as silk. Putting it on, he feels a bit more resilient, bolstered perhaps by his father's pride. Nikolai receives a +1 Cloak of Resistance!

Sir Joshua follows in suit, standing before his nephew and nodding. "Joshua... I see so much of your parents in you. They're incredibly proud, and so am I. Now, I don't know much about magic, but they tell me that this thing is pretty handy..." He produces a small white ball on the end of a bright silver chain, handing it to his nephew with a confused look on his face. "Doesn't look like you can do much damage to it, but I imagine you'll find a use for it." William receives a Pearl of Power I!

Bliss remains still as Mookie flies back over to him, landing easily on the gnome's shoulder. "I can't really bring the stuff I have out here, it look me long enough to cart it up this stupid mountain. It's all waiting for you in your room. I managed to nab a dagger and some equipment. I think you'll like it!" Bliss receives Masterwork Leather Armor, a Glass Dagger, and the sufficient materials to complete the crossbow he is building! He will still have to put in the crafting time, but he will not have to spend any more gold.

Up next is the Forgemaster himself, approaching Cameron with a serious look on his face. "This has been a long time comin', Cameron," he growls. His guards fall into line behind him, each staring at the halfling with intensity. "Yer a member of my family as much as my son is, and it's time we make it official." The bundle unravels to reveal a gorgeous sword emblazoned with the Forgemaster's clan symbol on the hilt. He also produces an odd contraption that looks like it would fit on a pair of boots, and a set of fantastic chain armor. "When ye get some downtime, you'll return home and receive a clan tattoo to make this official." With a smile, the dwarf grabs the halfling in a tight hug, quickly pulling back. "Ach, I s'pose that ain't very official, izzit?" Cameron receves a Masterwork Longsword, a Masterwork Chain Shirt, and a Masterwork Ride Kit - it grants a +2 to ride checks when trying to stay on a mount after getting attacked!

Helmbane approaches Carver, looking up at the centaur and muttering, "You've got no visitors, but I'll be a giant's uncle before I see someone go unequipped." He waves for Trimmack to drag over an enormous package, with the sergeants heaves onto the ground before the centaur. It unravels to reveal a set of weapons and armor nicer than anything Carver has ever seen, all emblazoned with the symbol of the Mailed Fist. Carver receives a Masterwork Lance, Masterwork Scale Mail, and a Masterwork Heavy Wooden Shield!

Trimmack approaches Tinker first, handing him a folded piece of paper. "This came from your family. I'm sure they regret missing this day, but don't worry. You won't go unequipped. He hands the dwarf a small wooden box, which he opens to find full of marvelous tools and equipment he had only ever read of. Tinker receives Masterwork Thieves' Tools, Masterwork Leather Armor, a Potion of Cat's Grace, and Masterwork Engineer's Tools - these give him a +2 bonus to Knowledge: Engineering checks when Tinker has a chance to analyze the object in question beforehand!

Trimmack then approaches Prudence, smiling at the young sorcerer. "And you haven't gone forgotten, Grundle. We thought for a long time on what to give you before we realized that you won't want to get hit on the field. You can pour out a lot of damage, something your allies will need in the field. If you fall, it'll make things a lot more difficult." With that, the sergeant pulls a ring off of his finger and holds it out to her. "Take this. It should help. I've had it for years, but... you'll get more use out of it than I will." Prudence receives a +1 Ring of Deflection!"

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday November 4th, 2013 5:17:24 PM
Pru gasps in astonishment as Trimmack gives her the ring off his own finger. "I--but--....thank you," she manages at last.

She was sure she could never wear a ring sized for Trimmack's hand, but of course it's a magic ring, and it re-sizes itself as soon as she goes to put it on. It feels heavy and cool on her finger. "Thank you so much," she says.

[OOC: Can't find a Ring of Deflection in the PRD; is it a Ring of Protection?]

DM Ian Ouf, I always do that... it is indeed a Ring of Protection, which gives you a +1 deflection bonus.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=14 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=8 ;
Monday November 4th, 2013 5:33:19 PM
Cameron stares in awe at the items his Grandfather has brought him.
" Grandfather! These all bear the clan's forge mark, and I'll be a monkey's uncle if this sword doesn't bear your own markings as well."
Cameron bares the first few inches of the blade to see the work and can see the careful hammer marks and subtle folding of the steel, both hallmarks of his Grandfather's work. His eyes well up but he swallows hard and blinks a few times, unwilling to cry in front of his Grandfather.
" I will treasure these and wear them with pride. I won't shame the clan, that you can bank on."

Later, assuming they will all end up at the Last Assignment at some point this evening, Cameron attempts to talk to Nickolai's father about mounted combat and what type of mount would be suitable for a rider of Cameron's size and archery ambitions.
Cameron also will finish his conversation with Carver.
" You mean the dead, ghost relative? No wonder I couldn't see who you were waving to, I thought it was because I was too short. Why are they haunting you do you think? Is it a good omen or should you be sleeping with one eye open?"

Cameron hands in his Mailed Fist issue armor and now wears the supple dwarf forged masterwork shirt all the time. It still weighs as much as the other shirt did, but it fits his body much better and follows his movements like a second skin. While his Grandfather is in town Cameron tries to lay his hands on an ingot of Platinum. He knows that Yuri, the Forgemaster's second bodyguard is a master jeweler and he remembers that Linden needed a platinum ring for himself and the targets of one of his prayers, the one that allows Linden to take a portion of the target's damage at range. This sounds like it could be very useful for keeping Prudence or William alive or even for keeping himself or Carver alive longer in the thick of battle. If Cameron can weasel enough Platinum together he will ask Yuri to make each of them a simple platinum ring that will make the prayer useable.(trying to gather up what's needed to make each of us and Linden a ring for the Shield Other spell. I'll include some rolls below)
Diplomacy 14, 16, 26
Perform oratory 11, 15, 8

OOC
Have we gained enough xp to level yet? Should we start doing the math for it?

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Monday November 4th, 2013 6:35:54 PM
(Great posting DM and thanks for all the great detail! Really makes it come alive!)

William gratefully accepts the pearl and laughs with his uncle, as he's not used to seeing the brave paladin confused about something... He explains that it will help boost his magic and promises to use it for good, which he knows his uncle will be pleased with. He admires his friends' items too, and introduces his uncle to each of them, explaining that they should receive the credit for his success as an honor fist. He may be courageous, but he's definitely humble when it comes to taking credit...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 14/14 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday November 4th, 2013 9:42:41 PM
Nikolai holds the cloak open. It looks like he is inspecting it, but it isn't that. He's very nearly overwhelmed at the gift. His father and mother, who carry many powerful magic items, had always tought the kids that such things were never to be taken for granted, but earned. He'd always admired his father's cloak. A specially embrodered one with Wolf Regiment symbols, that gave him an extraordinary amount of 'luck', as one would call it, against almost everything tossed at him. This ratty o'l cloak was far more than that, in a way. It was part of his father's life!.

He gave his father and mother a big hug.

Cameron approaches Alexi and asks the Cavalry-Priest of Domi about mounted combat and mounted archery with respect to halflings. Alexi rubbs his chin in contemplation then says speculatively, "Weeell. I depends on your goal. Good scouts usually pick War Dogs. They are fast, ferocious, and a good watch dog at night when out in the wild. They really love to close in on the enemy, so as far as archery goes, you have to have good control over them to keep them from charing in. On the other hand, I had a friend halfling in the Uncharted Lands that had a billy goat as his mount. They are not very fast, but they are easier to control than the dogs. They don't bite and rend, but they do sport a hefty set of horns that they can use to great effect when charging if needed (Bull Rush, etc.). And they eat just about anything, so you have to watch your equipment, specially your leather stuff. HA!" and he lets out a hefty guffaw.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Monday November 4th, 2013 10:57:37 PM
Bliss smiles at the talking familiar. "Mookie, Aunt Priss knew I was going to be a witch, and now I have a witch's dagger. But the best gift is you! You're going to stay with me now, right?"

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 5, CMD 15, HP 15/15 (10) (John C)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 3:19:51 AM
Carver kneels down and runs a hand over the embossed symbol of the Mailed Fist on the breast plate. He closes his eyes and lets a breath out that he didn't realize that he was holding."Thank you." He then hefts the shield, feeling the weight and balance of it. He lays the armor over his back with the shield, picking up the lance he can feel the difference in the quality of the weapon.....
He thinks back a few minutes and wonders if his relative showed up on her own, or was she under orders.....

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 13/14 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 5:17:23 AM
Stunned silent for the second time in as many days, he manages to sputter, "haversack?!"

He reads the potions.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 13/13 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 9:22:43 AM
Tinker gratefully accepts the gifts from his family out of Trimmack's hands, turning the tools over, smoothing the wax-hardened leather, flicking the edge of the paper. He smiles. The potion is right out of Posiepocket's larder, the leather armor has all the care that Jaspertink could put into it. The box has the carved initials of each of his gnome foster brothers and sisters and must have been made by the eldest; Nicklebak. And the tools inside... The engineering level and square, the plumb and sight; they each have the dwarven mark of a riveted fist. Unrak had made them. Even though the pickset had no discerning features, Tinker knew they were also made by the old dwarf of Trader's Crossing.

The letter Tinker doesn't open, not yet. There are things that should be private, and the young dwarf saves it for later when he is alone.

DM Ian - The Gifting 2: The Aftermath
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 12:26:11 PM
As everyone receives their gifts, the sergeants stand back for a moment, eyeing you all carefully. "Alright, troops. You've had a long couple of days," Trimmack calls out. "Your friends and family are here. It's time for you all to relax. Your first assignment is coming down the line, but since you're the first Double Fist in... well, ever, it might take a bit longer than usual. So, you've got some downtime."

"We'll see you all at the Last Assignment," Helmbane cuts in. "First round is on me. Dismissed, troops."

The Double Fist make haste to the Last Assignment, which is already packed. Servers bustle around serving drinks and food, and room is quickly made for the Double Fist and their guests as a huge table clears out quickly. Orders are made and drinks are brought to your table, paid for by helmbane. "I'll grab the next round," Alexi Komanov calls out, raising his mug to the dwarf.

"Aye, an' I'll grab the one after that!" the Forgemaster cries out, raising his own. Sir Joshua's proclamation of getting the one after that is drowned out by the cheers that arise from the Double Fist.

Alexi stands up suddenly, holding his mug aloft and looking at each of the troops with a smile on his face. "I can still remember the day I graduated from being a recruit. It was the happiest day of my life. Well... perhaps only one of the happiest days of my life." He glances down at his wife and children, shrugging sheepishly. "After tonight, the rest of your life begins, troops. Relish this night. It might be one of the last chances you have to relax for a very long time. Cheers!"

Your characters gain 900 EXP, bringing you all up to level two! Congratulations!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 3:32:55 PM
"Cheers! responds Tinker, enjoying the camaraderie, soaking it into his bones to remember when times are troubled.

He is going to enjoy his new life with the Mailed Fist.

..............

ooc: Fantastic adventure! Love the role-playing and the battles and learning the styles of the new PCs and DMs. Loved every minute!

OOC2: Hey DMs Highlight to display spoiler: { Tinker would like to take as his Rogue Talent: Trap Spotter: Make free Perception check within 10 feet of a trap to notice the trap. (Secret DM Roll)

Would this be OK for the DMs and how do I make it remember-able during an adventure?}

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11) d6=4 ; d20+9=29 ; d20=19 ; d20+6=24 ; 3d6=9 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 4:15:18 PM

In the down time before getting the first assignment for his new double fist, Bliss is not tempted by the typical grunt's response to R&R. Instead, he spends his time going over and over in his mind the teachings of his Aunt Priscilla, helped along by Mookie, who takes a schoolmaster-like interest in Bliss's final steps toward witchery.

And after he has mastered the grey arts, his first spell cast is Guidance, a cantrip designed to give a little bit of help by increasing your competence. Bolstered by his spell, as well as by the fine materials he was given for the job, the new witch spends a week completing his new heavy semi-automatic bah -- indeed, every part fits perfectly, on the first try, making a seamless whole. It is the most perfect weapon he has ever created. [OOC: rolled a nat 20 on the craft check.]

Since he no longer needs a light crossbow, Bliss offers it to Cam.

"Hey Cam! You can have this if you want it." (It is just a light crossbow, sized to be used by a small character. If Cam does not want it, Bliss just puts it into the Fist armory for the next gnome or halfling recruit to use.

Cam -- and indeed, all of Bliss's friends -- may be surprised to see that Bliss has shrunk by half! Once every minute, he casts a Reduce Person cantrip on himself, decreasing his height by half -- to 1 ft, 5 in -- and his weight to 4 pounds. Fully geared up, he's just under 7.5 pounds!

Bliss laughs in delight as he runs around through his friends' legs.

"Hey everybody," he shouts one evening when they are all in the commons together. "Watch this new trick Mookie and I worked out."

Mookie caws, "I still think this is a bad idea, kid."

"Ha! What can go wrong?"

Bliss is already tiny size because of his continual reduce person casting. He casts Enlarge Person on Mookie via his Share Spells ability and makes him small in size. He says a small spell for good luck (Guidance). Then Bliss hops on and shouts, "Hi-ho, Mookie!"

The bird turns his head 90 degrees, gives Bliss a hard eye, and then takes off, flying around the room.

Bliss's Ride check (at -5 because ravens are not natural mounts and -5 because Mookie is bareback): a 19! Woot!

Mookie's Fly check: 24

The pair fly around the room like naturals!

=====

Rolling a hit die and skill check for Craft Weapon.

Hit die (Blood Witch): 4

Craft Weapons roll to finish MW heavy repeating crossbow (boosted with Guidance cantrip): 29! Sweet! Natural 20!

Roll 3d6 for Mookie's Int: 9

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 5:45:22 PM
(OOC: Rolled for HP in the Booty. Also, last post I made, Linden read the four potions, though I suspect I know what they are.)

(OOC: I saw Cam was planning plat rings for Linden, but until then, I will prep CLW Domain Spells... and thanks, cool.)

Linden raises his mug but says nothing. His life wasn't going the way he'd like it. He would like to Serve Flower more than the Fist. For now, he was a Mailed Fist and would serve his team to the best of his ability.

Linden's stuff

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+6=21 ; d20+6=26 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 6:04:15 PM
Pru goes to the Last Assignment and joins in the celebration. Remembering what happened last time, however, she limits herself to two ales and tries to keep a clear head. It would be just like the Fist to throw their assignment at them in the middle of the night. Again.

She watches wide-eyed as Bliss performs his trick with the raven. "That's amazing!" she says. She recognizes the spells he cast [Spellcraft 21 and 26], but she had never imagined they could be used like this!

"But, Bliss," she says, "I thought you were going to be a rogue and be all sneaky and everything. When did you learn magic?"

[Pru has been leveled up]

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20/24, HP11 of 11)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 6:32:56 PM

Bliss grins. "Miss Pru, with spells, I can be ever so much more sneaky! This flying around is just for extra!"

Bliss tries a loop de loop and falls on his head. "Wheeee!"

Mookie lands and caws, "You know I'm retired from adventuring, right, kid?"

OOC: My stealth mod just jumped by +6 to +21! I am so excited! Oh, and my sheet is updated!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 6:58:56 PM
OOC: And within the rules! Flippin' awesome...

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 9:07:24 PM
William laughs with delight at the clever tricks of Bliss and Mookie. When there's a moment of silence, he stands and offers a heartfelt toast to his teammates, again expressing his gratitude towards this new double fist, one that's served with honor and will undoubtedly continue into the future...

He enjoys his ale, especially the 3rd round that his uncle buys, and catches up with his uncle on how retired life is going... His uncle shares a sad story of a dear friend who's just announced retirement, a loyal cleric named Thar who's decided to get married, settle down and raise a family... William nods in understanding, hoping that he'll live long enough to do that someday, but can't imagine himself at this point ever considering that...

For the rest of the night, he enjoys the festivities, engaging in snippets of conversation with each teammate, including Pru, Linden, and Tinker...

(The one thing that stinks about 2nd level is we don't get a feat or ability boost... Oh well... William will get to add 2 new spells to his book, cast 1 more 0 level and 1 more 1st level spell per day, and that's about it... That pearl of power will come in handy though and allow him to cast yet another spell! )

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 9:47:53 PM
Updating Header!

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d8=4 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 10:09:36 PM
OOC
Are the rings a go DMs?

IC
Privately, Cameron asks his grandfather what kept Uncle Morgan from the graduation. He learns that only days after he shipped out to the Fist, Morgan allowed a cleric to heal his lingering wounds and he set out to find who had attacked Cameron's parents and bring them to justice. It has been three years and anly a few letters have come to the Forgemaster, none in the past year and a half. Ozmund fears the worst, that his son may have indeed found who he sought, but not survived the encounter. His divinations have met with failure and no spell seems to be able to find Morgan. Cameron is worried for the dwarf that raised him, but has more faith in Morgan than to believe that he could fall so easily.
Cameron also asks his grandfather to look into Tinker's name and see what he can find. The old dwarf says he will, but the name is not a clan name he recalls ever hearing before. More work will be needed to find any information.
Cameron remembers why he joined the Mailed Fist and hits the books. Bards seem to always know a tale, or a story, or have heard a rumor about the kinds of things that Cameron needs to know about. In addition they are known to be supreme negotiators and to help bring out the best in those they are teamed with. With his friends new assignment on the horizon, Cameron feels they could use that kind of edge, and that with that kind of information, he may find the person so many have fallen to in his life.
So, Cameron studies up on what it takes to be a storyteller and to inspire people to new heights. He reads about the dwarven clans and the Stone Warden's, like his grandfather, who have managed to bring the dwarves back from near destruction. He also reads up on Centaurs, trying to find out who this ancestor of Carver's might be and what she might have planned for the big paladin.

OOC
HP rolled is a 4+2 con for 6 hp
working on updating my sheet.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 10:18:08 PM
Alexi enters the Last Assignment and looks around. Although this Mailed Fist academy was not the one he trained in, the bar looked almost identical. He frowns when loud guffaws follow some rude cursing and wishes Crystalina had some spell she could cast around them that would weed out the foul language from the young ears present.

The festive mood moves Alexi to offer drinks all around (OOC: hey, that's MY money your spending! LOL) and subconciously watches young Nikolai join in the toasts. Alexi is pleased to see his oldest son be sensible and conscientious with his drinking.

With the downtime, his family stays one more day. His father knows that once they are on Assignment, he may not get to see his son again in six months or more.

After many hugs and some tears, they leave and Nikolai goes back to hone his training before they are sent off. He notices that he is much more nimble and can dodge blows a little better.

OOC: rolled hp on LnB. Got an 8, +1 for level, making it a total of 9.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 10:48:12 PM
OOC
What do I call that MW riding kit on my Character sheet?
Do we have any spending cash?
Can those of us with personal armor now draw another item from the Fist's stores, like a shieldmaybe a MW shield?

DM Ian A MW Ride Kit will do, just make sure that you have the rules for it properply recorded for future reference. Your characters will be given a chance to purchase more equipment before your next assignment.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Tuesday November 5th, 2013 11:09:00 PM
Carver raises his goblet to each of the toasts, but it isn't refilled for each of those toasts. He may be large, but even though they are off duty and have a few days extra off, he is not getting drunk, but he will enjoy his wine.

With Cam studying his ballad telling, Carver will recite the story of his great, great, great however many greats it is Aunt's story as it was told to him. He'll also tell him of a Minotaur who showed her respect a few years earlier.

(I think the attacks are off, and I gotta add gear to the sheet, but most is updated, including gaining 10 hp with Carver's Con bonus)

DM Ian - And A Good Time Was Had By All
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 12:09:54 PM
The Last Assignment is a bustle with activity as the night continues on. Many watch in amazement as a halfling zips around on a giant bird, and many more toasts are made before the night is over. With the medals still shining brightly on your chests, many other former recruits come up to congratulate you, along with many of their sergeants. Helmbane and Trimmack are also the subject of much praise from the other sergeants.

Trimmack quickly strikes up a conversation with Sir Joshua, telling tales of combat and battles. Nikolai's father quickly moves over next to the Forgemaster and begins doing the same. After some time, it becomes quite apparent that the two are trying to one-up each other with their stories. Helmbane watches from the sidelines, chuckling to himself.

At one point, Linden is approached by a familiar-looking human. He does not seem to be very tall, with dark brown hair cropped short. He approached the centaur cautiously, calling out, "H-Hey, sorry to bother you... I don't know if you remember me. We talked during the first trial?" The memories of the na�ve and friendly man quickly return to the centaur as he remembers the conversation they had throughout the first trial. "I just wanted to let you know... no hard feelings, right? I would have done the same in your position. I just... that's it."

Prudence is fairly busy swatting away man after man that approaches her, each with a worse pick-up line than the last. Soon enough, Linden's cousin trots over, placing herself between the line of desperate troops and the sorcerer. "I guess men will be men no matter how well you train them, huh?" she jokes, glaring at those still trying to bother Pru.

Many people flock to Bliss after his little show, wanting to pet Mookie and congratulate the halfling. "No wonder you got the Medal of Aptitude," another halfling comments. "You guys are incredible!"

Carver's story is listened to intently by the dwarven guards of the Forgemaster, who seem to rather confident in their leader's ability to defend himself in a place like this. They also try to include Tinker on their conversations, apparently fascinated by the dwarf who was raised among others. "So... have you ever even been underground?" one of them finally asks, apparently a question they had all been waiting for.

I tried to send this out twice using my email account, but the internet here is so spotty, I have no idea if it went through. So just to re-reiterate...

So the next two days (Thursday and Friday) will be your characters' down time, where you can craft, train, read, relax, whatever you want to do. Each day in real time will represent one day in game time, after which we will (hopefully) be able to begin the next module. Zach and I have been slammed with real life stuff lately, so it's taking a bit more time than usual, but we've got a good amount done by now. Hopefully Jerry can approve it ASAP (I would prefer if Cayzle keep his eyes off for obvious reasons) and we can get started next week. Just wanted to give you all a heads up as to why there's a bit of suspended action for the next couple of days. Hopefully it won't drag into next week.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 2:34:42 PM
Tinker is having a really good time, and feeling even more at ease in the presence of the Forgemaster and other dwarves. He eagerly waits for Cameron's 'grandfather' to pronounce who "Daemar Torvalson" is, and is a little crestfallen that he may be so obscure that even the local dwarves don't know who is Tinker.

The questions are not unexpected, and Tinker is mellow enough in answering. " I've been underground lots, but mostly in my foster family's burrow, they are gnomes you see. I took many short trips with my mentor in Trader's Crossing, a dwarf named Unrak Ironfist, and we explored many caves, but never stayed more than overnight in any of them. Certainly nothing as large and grand as unrak described as True Dwarf Delvings."

Tinker also marvels at Bliss' antics, but also identifies the drawbacks of his method to become a flying all-but-invisible scout. Bliss would have to remember to count and not accidentally grow or Mookie shrink at the wrong time for one. For another, even though a tiny Bliss would be hard to spot, a Small Mookie would be easier to spot. That wouldn't be a problem in a city or forest, but underground? It may cause suspicion judges the dwarf.

................

Kindly DMs Highlight to display spoiler: { Ignore my earlier spoiler. I thought of a different Rogue Talent :-)}

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16) d20+10=20 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+10=29 ;
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 2:41:11 PM

"Are those cookies?" asks the tiny halfling. Each cookie is proportionally the size of a cake, and he puts away three.

Bliss is delighted with the attention, and starts doing tricks. Pulling coins out of ears. Juggling spoons. Balancing a full cup of ale on his head.

Sleight of Hand to entertain folks: 20

But then Bliss gets too excited, and starts to run around like a crazy person. Soon he is knocking on the undersides of tables and shouting, "Come in!"

"Watch me make this cookie disappear!" he declares, and then eats it.

Bliss sneaks under the table where Sir Josh and Trimmack are talking. Stealth 40! He unties their boot laces and ties them to each other! Sleight of Hand 29!

Giggling, Bliss renews his Reduce Person, as he does every minute.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 7:59:05 PM
Carver having watched Bliss' antics begins to get worried about the lad. He may have come back from being dead, but just maybe not all of him came back.... He'd need looking after, as if Carver didn't have enough responsibilities.
As the party wound down, he decided he wanted some time off to rest up....

(DMs :When we hand back in the the starting armor we had, can we exchange it for something else of equal value. my case it would be 1/2 price because it wouldn't be large anymore?)

DM Ian All equipment can be traded into the Duty Shop in the Citadel for half its original value. Your characters will get a chance to do this soon.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 15/15 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 9:30:38 PM
Cameron continues studying the arts of persuasion and the magic associated with it, and then it happens. He is training with the War dogs that are available at the Citadel and he falls off and breaks his ankle. The pain is excruciating and he clutches the ankle with both hands. As the field cleric starts over to help him he sees a warm glow spread from his hands and suddenly, the ankle doesn't hurt anymore. He stands up and walks it off.
Cameron has cast his first spell, one he has seen Linden cast before, Cure Light Wounds. He is astounded and takes the rest of the day trying to find out how he did it and what else he can do.
When Nickolai and Alexi say they would be able to get him matched up with a War Dog he jumps at the chance, even if it will take Alexi some time to arrange.
When Grandfather Ozmund is prepared to leave he comes to say goodbye and good luck to Cameron. Before they leave Yuri steps out of ranks and hands Cameron back a small pouch that jingles merrily." The rings you asked for, runt. A rush job but still damn fine dwarven craftsmanship. Each etched with the name of the wearer and the master ring, for the cleric engraved with all the names. It don't matter none what power he follows, those will do the job. See that you don't worry your Grandfather and wear them in good health."
Cameron thanks Yuri and hands the rings out to each of his team mates and to Linden at dinner that night. " Now you can use that shield spell you talked about Linden. Yuri said these would work no matter who you followed, although I think he was hopin' you followed Domi like he does. But they will work. Oh! another thing. I cast a healing spell today. So I have your back if you, well you know, get knocked out or something and can't protect us."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday November 6th, 2013 9:32:04 PM
header updated for hp

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 12:04:04 AM
Pru enjoys chatting with her fist-mates and their relatives. Experienced with younger siblings, she just picks up her ale, so it won't spill, whenever Bliss brings his antics near their table. "Maybe you shouldn't have any more sugar," she suggests mildly, but doesn't insist.

The next day, she gathers parchment, ink, and quill, and writes a long letter to Sergeant Hammerheart back at the Akli post. She tells him all about the final tests, and her graduation, and her new fist-mates, and her new sergeants. She's not sure when she'll be able to write again, so she tries not to leave anything out.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 6:02:04 AM
Bliss is good at following orders, and sits down as soon as Prudence suggests he should relax.

"Yes, Miss Pru," he says, reaching for a mug of (soft) cider. He can't reach it tiny, so he casts prestidigitation to move it a foot closer.

"I love magic!" he announces. Mookie rolls his eyes.

Before he gets to the bottom of his overlarge mug, he falls asleep. Half a minute later, since he has not renewed his spell, he grows back to small size. It does not wake him up.

DM Ian - A Day Off? What's That?
Thursday November 7th, 2013 11:53:01 AM
The celebration slowly winds down as the other Fists file out of the Last Assignment, moving back to their barracks for a well-deserved rest. The Double Fist is one of the last groups to leave, but slowly, the guests begin to leave, and soon, so do the troops.

You awake the next day on your own accord, glad to not have a sergeant hammering at their door. You were all told that is may be a few days before receiving your next assignment, so today is open for whatever you would like to do. Do you trade in your old armour for gold at the Duty Shop? Do you train in the yard with the Fists that have not left yet? Go looking for a mount? Craft? Eat? Pray? Love? It's entirely up to you.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 12:57:52 PM
[Oops, I guess I jumped the gun.]

The next day, Pru gathers parchment, ink, and quill, and writes a long letter to Sergeant Hammerheart back at the Akli post. She tells him all about the final tests, and her graduation, and her new fist-mates, and her new sergeants. She's not sure when she'll be able to write again, so she tries not to leave anything out.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 1:34:57 PM
Carver will take his old suit of armor and his longbow to the quartermaster and try to exchange them for a composite longbow built for his strength.
After that, Carver will use his time to relax, figuring that as a new special unit, they as a group would get little rest.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 2:19:02 PM
Bliss finishes his heavy semi-automatic bah, and it comes together like magic. Every piece fits perfectly. And when it is done, it is a work of art.

[Earlier, rolled a nat 20 on the craft check.]

In his down time, Bliss practices flying around on Mookie. And sneaking around tiny sized.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Thursday November 7th, 2013 3:14:33 PM
William wakes up early, used to their usual training in the early morning. He wishes he could have slept in but his habits die hard... For now, he's going to have breakfast with his fist and take the time to relax and recuperate after their numerous trials.

(OOC - To make sure I'm on target here, we don't have any extra money, right? Just our gift items or what was left over for character creation? Or did we get our paychecks from the Fist and have some to spend?)

Updating William with his new spells, etc.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 3:59:35 PM
Nickolai's father Alexi offered to pick out and send Cameron a mount. He is diehard cavalry and Cameron is pretty sure he knows what to look for in a mount, be it a dog or a horse or a humongous billy goat. He says it may take a week or two but Cameron is happy with waiting to get a good, hand picked mount.

In the meantime he practices mounted archery with the mounts at the Citadel and discovers his own magic. He heals the wounds he suffers during practice and falls in LOVE with prestidigitation. He can always be clean, dry, and if he so chooses, blue. He learns how to detect magic and sees that Prudence's ring from Sgt Trimmack is indeed magical. He learns to send whispered messages and fools around with Bliss until the tiny halfling figures out what he is doing. he also learns to make a light like William did during the stealth trial. He casts it on his arrows while practicing and likes the effect.Besides healing, no other major magical power has manifested for him yet. He reads texts by other bards as they gain thier first powers and wonders what one will become his.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 5:37:43 PM
Tinker revels at having a day where no one wants his time or attention, and he can do whatever he wants! Breakfast, a little errand to the Duty Shop and cash in his normal Leather Armor and normal Thieves Tools. Hopefully, some raw recruit can make use of if in a while.

Do whatever I want? That's easy! Tinker is soon in the armory at his favorite table playing with locks and mechanisms. How wonderful! How relaxing!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Thursday November 7th, 2013 10:51:58 PM
Nikolai gets up later than usual but not by much. He eats breakfast at the citadel, but then heads out to meet his family where they are staying. He spends the day with them and goes into detail the three Final Test trials. Alexi is quite intrigued by that, His trials were all Mounted Combat tests, but were Individual, not Group.

Alexi takes Nikolai aside before they part for the day. "Your Sensei is working on a belt for you similar to his. He said it would be ready for you shortly but probably not before you leave for your first assignment. When it is ready, I'll have it sent to you."

OOC: DMs - this belt is Nikolai's Legacy Item that I hope to have approved soon. Right now his Legacy Item belt is a simple Materwork White Monk belt.

Alexi makes a note to get in touch with some friends that command Unusual Mounts and see what they can come up with.

OOC: to DMs. You'll have to decide what comes available and roll play Alexi through that.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday November 8th, 2013 1:07:48 PM
Checking in

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Friday November 8th, 2013 2:35:46 PM
Her letter finished, Pru retrieves needle and thread and begins going through her clothes, making whatever small repairs are needed. She re-anchors a few buttons, re-stitches a raveling hem, closes a few small holes. She wants to make sure all her things are in order before she and her companions leave for....for wherever they're leaving for.

DM Ian - A Day Off? What's That?
Friday November 8th, 2013 4:14:13 PM
Prudence gathers writing materials to correspond with her old Sergeants at the Akli post.

Carver trades in his old equipment, taking some time to himself to relax.

Bliss finishes crafting his bow with the supplies Mookie gave him, taking time to practice flying around on the raven.

William also takes some time to relax and recuperate, watching the other Fists scramble as their first assignments come into effect. (Gold will be dealt with in the next module.)

Cameron practices mounted archery, discovering the magic that is slowly beginning to come to him.

Tinker turns in his old tools, quickly running to the armory to play with locks and mechanisms.

Nikolai spends some time for his family, speaking with his family about his trials.

None of the troops find either of the sergeants throughout the day, and are shocked to find that they awake to the same situation the next day. A feeling of unease begins to set in to their Double Fist as they watch the other Fists leave the Citadel for their missions -- surely, they wouldn't forget about you, would they?

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8
Friday November 8th, 2013 8:32:49 PM
William is concerned about the others getting assignments while his honor fist has none. However, he figures they're probably busy finding something that such a distinguished fist could tackle, so he's not too impatient. He spends his time visiting and helping teammates, practicing his magic, staying in shape, etc.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Friday November 8th, 2013 9:28:25 PM
OOC: Sorry all, I dropped the ball again. I had to get car stuff taken care of and didn't post. Didn't really read the posts either.

"Thanks for the rings Cam. Those will be useful."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Friday November 8th, 2013 11:07:06 PM

Bliss looks around for their leaders, and cannot find them. So he seeks out that dwarven martial arts master he had met before, Master Redforge.

If the sensei is free, Bliss will ask him for some lessons. [OOC: Note that on Sept 17 Redforge mentioned he would be glad to offer his special advanced crash course.]

Bliss asks Nikolai if he wants to go too. Later, they could practice sparring.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Saturday November 9th, 2013 12:56:23 PM
Nikolai's family departs the next day and after he says his 'good-bys' heads back to the citadel. It is already beginning to empty as the Fist get their assignments. He does remember that they were told that it would take a little longer for their Double-Fist to get theirs so he doesn't even think it odd not to see his sergeants, yet.

With not much else to do, Nikolai joins Bliss and shows Bliss how he's learned to dodge an attack better (Dodge Feat).

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday November 9th, 2013 4:25:37 PM
Her letter sent, her clothes mended, Pru spends the next day walking through the grounds of the Citadel, saying a good-bye of sorts. She stops to chat with whatever instructors or lingering students are still available. She spends a peaceful hour in the temple, praying to each of the gods in turn.

Later, she takes her crossbow to the range to get in some target practice. While there, she also practices with her newest cantrip, which shoots a tiny ray of frost at an opponent. It isn't as powerful as her fire ray, of course, but she can use it more often.

She does wonder about the whereabouts of the sergeants, but she doesn't worry that their group will be forgotten. They're the Honor Fist, for heaven's sake; nobody is going to forget them.

[OOC: I had understood that the sergeants were assigned to our same quarters? Am I wrong about that?]

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday November 9th, 2013 4:33:41 PM
Tinker is not worried, "They said it would take a couple of days, and the other Fists would get assignments. We're the Honor Fist and the first Double Fist in the history of the Mailed Fist. Gotta get something special about that."

Playing with locks is Tinker's pleasure, nay his obsession, and he is all but unaware that Trimmack and Helmsbane are nowhere to be seen...

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Saturday November 9th, 2013 11:22:14 PM
Carver spends the next day practicing on the archery range and sees Cameron there as well. It's easier for him, due to the fact he's a Centaur.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday November 9th, 2013 11:42:39 PM
Cameron does what he has done before when learning a new task. He watches. He sees Carver move and shoot and it is natural. The paladin takes no penalty to shoot because he is not moving faster than his normal pace. Cameron thinks back to the 2nd trial. Carver never moved too fast then either, and Cameron was stable. He gets a mount and tests the premise. When not going fast his accuracy does not suffer. When the mount goes full bore though Cameron's aim is all over the place. So he will keep it slow for now, until he learns better.

DM Ian - Finally, Some Action!
Monday November 11th, 2013 7:45:01 AM
On the third day after graduation, the Double Fist awakes to find themselves once again undisturbed by their sergeants. It doesn't take much to understand that this is unusual, even though they claimed it would only take a couple of days for your new mission. Our heroes have now watched their former peers and fellow recruits walk out the gates of the Citadel on various missions, off to make gold and a name for themselves. One might begin to wonder if they've forgotten about you.

Luckily, a note pinned to each of your doors proves this to be false. It seems to be the same for everyone -- a small scrap of paper nailed hastily to the soft wood of your barracks' in hastily scrawled text. Please report to the Duty Shop ASAP, it reads. Have something important for you all. In need of some help. -Q While most of you have no idea who this "Q" might be or why they need you at the duty shop, at least it's something to do. However, there does not seem to be a time on the sheet... do you all go there immediately?

Knowledge: Local
DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Q is the initial that the Quartermater often goes by, not because of her title, but because of her name -- Qualtmie Redfist Northernvoice/}

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Monday November 11th, 2013 8:30:27 AM
Bliss wakes up early. He always wakes up early. He fights going to bed at night and he hates sleeping in. There is always so much to do with the day!

Bliss hops out of bed, Reduces himself, checks under the bed (still clean, no monsters), and heads out.

Today he sees the scrap of paper and jumps! Out of reach. He cancels the Reduce, casts Enlarge, grabs the note, Reduces again, and races off to wake up everyone else.

"LOOK! LOOK! We got orders! Wake up everybody!"

Reduced, Bliss's voice sounds like a piping bird's. So it's like being woken by birdsong, right? Annoying, insistent birdsong!

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=7 ;
Monday November 11th, 2013 9:03:13 AM
Tinker, already half awake and dreaming of dismantling a troublesome lock, pops right out of bed and strikes his head on the upper berth as Bliss tears around the room, shouting!

"Lemme see that paper", grumbles the hairy, bare-chested dwarf, and Tinker's mouth turns from a scowl to a frown of concentration.

"Don't look like orders to me. Nothing official. Just some "Q" person." He looks around the barracks. "We could go and see what's up, but just a note, no Sergeants, no seal? Harumph!"

Despite Tinker's suspicions, he gets armored and armed, leaving his backpack of supplies at his bunk. He knows Bliss and some of the others are pulling at the leash, and after all the discussion, they are going to go. Might as well be ready to go when the group does!

.............

Local Knowledge: 7

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 15 Tch 15 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 17/19(Grapple)
Monday November 11th, 2013 1:03:32 PM
Nikolai wakes up to what sounds like that pesky baby bird begging for food chirping sound at first but then realizes it is the diminutive Bliss with is diminutive voice.

"Y'know, we could go to Field Marshall Major Pavillon Nuterius and ask about where our sergeants are and if our orders are due soon. As far as this 'Q', we could just go ask the Quartermaster. I'll go and be right back. Anyone want to go with me fall right in."

Nikolai dresses quickly and heads to the Quartermaster's office and asks the attendant who 'Q' might be and where the Duty Shop is.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday November 11th, 2013 1:44:59 PM
Pru has a morning routine, and doesn't see any reason to cut it short just because Bliss is running around like a loon. Growing up with younger siblings probably helps her ignore the excited chirping as she washes her face and hands, smooths her hair, says her prayers, and makes her bunk.

"All right, Bliss, I'm coming," she says. "Does it say whether we should bring weapons?" she adds.

[OOC: I'm assuming you aren't allowed to just saunter around the Citadel with weapons unless you have a specific reason to.]

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=2 ;
Monday November 11th, 2013 4:17:09 PM
Cameron groans and considers throwing a pillow at Bliss, but the room is spinning too fast and then he would not have a pillow to lay on so he props himself up on one arm and watches the goings on while he waits for his head to stop pounding. The long nights at the Last Assignment were getting dull and he was drinking too much, pointed out by the spinning and the pounding. That was going to have to stop. Raised by dwarves he might be, but he did not have their fortitude when it came to alcohol. With so few staff left he couldn't even get a good card game going. Maybe he would have to switch to darts. Anyway...
Knowledge Local 2( unskilled but allowed from being a Bard)
He has absolutely no idea that anyone in this place has a single letter name. Maybe it is a code or something. He watches as Nickolai sprints off looking for the Quartermaster to go find the duty shop. As if Cameron wouldn't know where the duty shop was. The guys that worked there were terrible gamblers and often lost at cards. Because of that he had managed to get a few choice items from the duty shop at a considerable discount.
The room finally settles on a single location and the pounding in his head subsides to a minor background noise down from the headhunter's drums it started off at. Cameron views this as a good omen and slowly rises and dresses in his training and fighting gear. He notes Tinker's preparations and nods to himself. Likely this will lead somewhere and it would save time to bring his kit. Then he sees Pru fretting over whether or not to bring her weapons. He stifles a chuckle. Growing up with dwarves you dressed in armor and weapons routinely. You went armed everywhere and would never be found without SOME kind of weapon close at hand. So naturally he straps on his longsword and slings his quiver and bow across his back. He wears the lesser blades he used before being granted his Grandfather's magnificent blade, just in case. His hand strays down to the handle and he can feel the craftsmanship in the sharkskin used to wrap the grip. He hoped one day to be able to craft tales half as well as his Grandfather could craft a blade.
" Can we stop by the cafeteria on the way? some eggs and coffee would be a nice start to the day. They may even make the world stop spinning so fast for awhile."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18, hp 8/8 d20+7=27 ;
Monday November 11th, 2013 7:45:55 PM
William too is rudely awakening by the banging and after he reads his note (Know Local = 27, nat'l 20!), remembers hearing about this Q person, who's also the quartermaster. It's likely that she's can equip them with some good items that will help them going forward, so he's excited to have the chance to meet her.

He hears Bliss' yelling and smiles as his small, excitable friend. He also rubs his belly at Cameron's mention of food, but suggests, "We might want to get something afterwards or pick up something to eat on the way. Q can be a good ally and maybe we should take her something sweet too... I'd hate to make her wait on our first summons..."

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Monday November 11th, 2013 10:21:33 PM
Carver does his best to ignore bliss and his running around early, only when most of the others are up, does Carver get up and get dressed. He goes no where without his weapons, it's not like he's worried about loading himself down too much.
"That's her name? I've visited her a couple times and she's the one who I exchanged my old gear to to get my new bow with."
Carver is ready to go with the group when they leave....

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 10:29:16 AM
Tinker smiles, giving a bit of a chuckle. " Q, short for Quartermaster. Makes sense." He also nods at the talk, the Quartermaster would be a powerful ally or foe. Get on her good side, and there is no telling what interesting bits of equipment and machinery Tinker would be able to play with! On her bad side, and they would be stuck with basic equip list... if they were lucky.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's go."

DM Ian - Finally, Some Action!
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 11:35:04 AM
Bliss wakes up, grabbing the note and running around the barracks to awake his allies.

Tinker pops out of bed, disgruntled and sleepy. He voices his frustrations with the lack of official channels in this request.

Nikolai brings up the idea of going to the Field Marshall Major, heading the march to the Duty Shop.

Prudence finishes her morning routine calmly, wondering if weapons should be brought to whatever this task may be.

Cameron regrets his previous night at the Last Assignment, asking to stop by the cafeteria for breakfast before they head off.

William remembers who this "Q" figure is, mentioning that she could be a powerful ally if they were to do a favour for her.

Carver does his best to ignore the bird-like halfling, getting ready to leave with the group.

With Nikolai heading the group, the Double Fist makes their way quickly to the Duty Shop and the Quartermaster's office. The Shop is familiar to most, although more so to the troops that have visited recently. It's a small room in the Citadel, only meant to hold one Fist at a time. With two centaurs, it becomes rather cramped, although the smaller members of the group are able to squeeze into some unconventional places.

The wall opposite of the door has a hole in it, most of which is covered in glass except for a slot through which you can acquire your items. The chair usually occupied by the Quartermaster, or one of her employees, is empty. There is a door to the right marked 'DO NOT ENTER' on a large metal plaque. There does not seem to be anyone here.

Perception Checks
DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {Boy, you sure are hungry. When's breakfast?}
DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is some movement in the dark room behind the wall, but you can't make out who or what it might be.}
DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {There's a voice behind the wall muttering, "No, no, no this isn't good, I can't believe this... how did it even happen?"}
DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {There's a voice behind the wall muttering, "No, no, no this isn't good, I can't believe this... how did it even happen?" You also hear a faint scuttling from behind the wall, much more muffled, as if something small is running across the ground.}

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16) d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 11:43:18 AM

Bliss grabs his gear and shouts to his raven, "Come on Mookie! We got things to do!"

The raven removes his head from under his wing, sighs, and flies after the energetic tiny halfling.

Perception 16.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+1=19 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 12:49:40 PM
The empty room is a bit of a surprise but something catches Carver's eye. After a moment....
"Something is moving in the back room, think we should call out?" He asks the rest of the group.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=19 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 2:37:50 PM
"Well, if there's somebody back there, they surely heard us come in," Pru points out. "Let's give it a minute."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 3:16:54 PM
(OOC: Ken, you haven't updated your sheet or header yet.... we're all second level now. And as you ARE a wizard, hit points and spells are quite important! ;) Just sayin.
And sorry for my absence, I've had a rough week. )

Linden wakes after literally sleeping until Bliss wakes him. Groggy, the centaur pushes himself up, unkinks his four trotters and clops to the group. Listening, and sober for the longest he's been in awhile, the cleric says, "Quartermaster. I agree with Nik."

Heading out with the group, he grabs his pipe, a hunk of bread and cheese and a bottle of wine for breakfast.... it's been a day, maybe two, since he ate.

Entering the office, the cleric has a feeling there is something wrong, but can't place a hoof on it. He moves to the back area (assuming there is room). "Hello? Sir? or Ma'am? Quartermaster, we've answered your advert for help!"

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=10 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 3:20:27 PM
OOC: Forgot my Perception check, 10.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+6=22 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 4:17:34 PM
Cameron follows along, careful not to turn his head to fast, lest the room take off again. No breakfast means that his stomach joins the angry mob his body is assembling, complaining about being mistreated. Seeing Linden with food, Where did he hide THAT stuff Cameron wonders, he asks....
" Any chance I can get a small hunk of that bread to soak up whatever mead my body refused to digest last night Linden? I think it would at least help me quiet one of the body parts that isn't too happy this morning."
Assuming Linden says yes ( he IS a helpful cleric after all, right?) Cameron feels a bit better, good enough for his ears to stop ringing and start working once he walks under the Centaurs to get near the front of the group.
Perception 22
At the risk of angering the Quartermaster he bypasses the whole asking for permission step and tries to open the door to the back room.
" Something isn't right, and someone is muttering back there like they might be in trouble, not alot of trouble, that sounds entirely different,, but they don't sound very happy either."
I know just how they feel Thinks the halfling as he tries the door.

OOC
DM's, what should I do about my second 1st level spell until the PTB get a chance to look over my APG request? They have only had it a couple of days (most of those weekend days) so it might be awhile before I know if I can use Flare Burst or not.

DM Ian Take your second choice for now. If they PTB approves Flare Burst, then it can spontaneously transmogrify into that.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+9=25 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 4:23:18 PM
Perc +9 = 25!

No one there this early in the morning would not be all that unusual, Nikolai thinks but Carver and Cameron notice that there is something moving behind the door and he puts an ear to the door and hears the muttering and scuttling across the floor.

He pounds three times on the door then yells "HEY! What's going on? We came at your request! Open up!"

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; d20+13=23 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 5:23:56 PM
Tinker affably goes to the Duty Shop with the others. Why, only a couple days ago, the dwarf sold his standard leather armor and thieves tools here, so the location is familiar.

But something isn't right, and Cameron's senses are up. It gives Tinker just the excuse to squeeze over to the door with his new masterwork lockpick set and gets the DO NOT ENTER door open. :-)

............Actions
Perception: 20
Disable Device: 23; on door lock. (+2 for masterwork tools! :-)

............Effects

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 d20+4=17 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2013 6:38:41 PM
Once there, William looks around at the door and area, (Perc = 17) and he too notices the movement behind the wall... He moves to the back of the group, willing to let the burlier types take the lead, and him take a supportive role if needed... However, he hopes this Q is merely distracted rather than being in any trouble...

(Thx for the reminder on my header... totally forgot ;))) )

DM Ian - In Which We Meet the Quartermaster
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 11:02:56 AM
As the group looks around the empty room, the sound of clattering boxes as they tumble to the ground can be clearly heard from behind the door marked "DO NOT ENTER," followed by a string of curses that would make Sergeant Helmbane blush. Nikolai pounds on the door to see what is going on, but is soon pushed out of the way by an eager Tinker who finds the door already unlocked. The dwarf in turn finds himself pushed out of the way by Linden, who calls out for the Quartermaster.

"DON'T COME BACK HERE!" A small, dark, blur dashes towards the centaur, trying in vain to push him out of the back room. Linden looks down to see a halfling, small even by halfling standards, pushing hard with both hands against his front legs. She has olive skin and almond-shaped eyes with a shock of bright red hair that seems almost unnatural. She slowly looks up at the centaur as her eyes grow wide. "You! You're from that, that... Double Fist, right? Oh, thank every God and Goddess above and below. Please, please, I need to speak with all of you." She gestures for the door and walks out to greet all of you.

"Hullo, all, I'm Qualtmie Redfist Northernvoice, the Citadel's Quartermaster. I'm, uhh..." She scuffs her foot against the ground, apparently unable to find her voice among such a formidable group. "Listen, I know this isn't how we do things, but I'm not really a part of the Mailed Fist. I got hired last year to replace the last guy, and I'm still getting used to the whole... order and, y'know, orders thing. So... sorry if this seems odd. But I need your help."

She glances over her shoulder at the shut door, shuddering slightly. "I would take care of it myself, but... Gods, it's like some old fantasy story in there about a dank dungeon. I don't even know how they got in there, we're on a freakin' mountain in a giant keep. Rats can't burrow through stone, can they?" Qualtmie bites her lip, looking as though she is on the verge of tears. "I can't go to anyone about this, I'm already on thin ice after... well, you don't need to know about that. You're one of the only new Fists left in the Citadel for whatever reason, and I really need some help. I could help you all out, having the Quartermaster on your side is a huge help, trust me. I just... I need you to take care of these rats. And also not tell anyone about this." She looks down at the ground, twiddling her thumbs and biting down on her lip. It seems that her short burst of energy and ranting has subsided for now.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 12:58:41 PM
"It's nice to meet you, Mistress Northernvoice," Pru replies. She glances around at her fist-mates. "I can't speak for the group, but I would be happy to help you with your rat problem. And I won't mention it to anyone. Although," she adds, "if one of my superiors asks me a direct question, I will answer truthfully."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 1:48:47 PM
Tinker is disappointed he doesn't have to disable the door's locking mechanism. The story of Q he takes at face value, and he's already all ready to do some rat hunting.

Silently approving, he waits for Cameron to organize the Double Fist for a little hunting expedition!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 3:03:24 PM
The centaur hardly noticed the halfling at first, until she slammed into him. "Hey-o. Whoa there."

The cleric listens to the Quartermaster. "Is there anything we need to prepare for or expect? And, unfortunately, your history, either good or ill, might help us to understand what to expect. Shady or not, it might help. I, for one, don't flap my yapper to anyone if I promise not to. You have my word, but I can't speak for everyone." He glances briefly at the paladins, knowing they have a knack of telling truths even if it may cause issues for people. His glance isn't accusatory, but pleading. And, it is very plain to everyone, Linden won't be asking for payment, not at all a self respecting mercenary that he should be.

"And why is it unsafe back there?" His curiousity gets the best of him as he peers over her head.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=23 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+4=21 ;
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 5:02:31 PM
Cameron is surprised to see another halfling, and a young lady at that, here in the Citadel. He wasn't aware that there were many halflings in, or working for the Fist. A moment's thought is all it takes to solve the urgent 'please keep this between me and you problem. With smooth words Cameron takes control of the situation.
" My dear, we would be most happy to take care of your problem. As you said, you are still getting used to the rules here, but 3 years of education at the hands of the Mailed Fist have taught me exactly how to secure the services you need and the silence you require. Do you have a sheet of paper, a quill, 8 coppers and somewhere I can sit down to write for a moment?"
As he speaks he does something you have not seen him do before. He reaches into his tunic, under his armor and extracts his holy symbol of Pantheon, letting it rest against his chest outside of the clothing and armor normally covering it. He then continues on, assuming she has the asked for items.
" As the Mailed Fist is a Mercenary outfit, they do have classes on contracts and how to write, sign and adhere to them. We have all taken these classes, though they may have been overlooked by some of my team mates here. I will draw us a contract, under Pantheon's blessing, for the eight of us to rid you of your rat problem. The up front cost of a single copper apiece makes this a monetary transaction and a valid contract to which we must all adhere. As such we are not required to answer any questions to those not named in the contract. The only stipulation I would add is that if the problem turns out to be a widespread rat invasion that requires professional help we may need to try and convince you to seek that help. The contract will leave any after payment up to your satisfaction with our performance. Does that sound agreeable to everyone? Does that satisfy your 'direct questions' issue Miss Prudence?"
Diplomacy 23
Knowledge Religion 13
Cameron sets about writing this simple contract. It shouldn't take more than a few moments for it to be completed and signed by all involved. As he writes he can't help but keep sneaking glances at Miss Qualtmie. The wonders of the Fist were many and some were better than others...
Perception 10
Sense Motive 21

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 9:25:37 PM
Leave it to Cameron to come up with a contract idea to solve any issues about doing this job.
Carver will sign when Cameron offers the contract and he draws out his sabre (scimitar) and is ready for a rat hunt.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Wednesday November 13th, 2013 11:37:27 PM

Bliss watches everything, eyes wide. "A nice lady wants us to kill pests. That seems good. There's no orders to tell us to do something else. Here's a contract all right and proper. It sounds good to me! I'll sign up! What about you, Mookie?"

Mookie laughs with a cawing braying sound. "If she got worms I'll do it. But I'm retired, so you kids gotta do the heavy lifting."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple)
Thursday November 14th, 2013 12:14:05 AM
Nikolai eyes the contract with a little dismay. This was not the way he was taught to treat one's own, even if she wan't a Fist member proper. He is more than willing to help, but he does not want to sign it at first. However, if anyone on the list were to get into trouble, he isn't about to just let them take the rap without him, so he signs on.

OOC: this reminds me of McHale's Navy! LOL

"Sure, we'll help. I guess requisitioning some rat traps would look suspicious, huh?" he grins.

DM Ian - Skills Challenge!
Thursday November 14th, 2013 12:21:37 PM
Qualtmie Redfist Northernvoice watches with wide eyes as Cameron writes up a short contract. "Whatever works for you. I just need to get this done before the inspection next week." She pulls out a small pile of coppers, handing one to each of you. She gives the contract a quick read, signing it quickly and handing it to each of you to do the same.

"Okay, so just... just go in there and take care of them. And try to find however they're getting in!" She shudders, opening the door for the Double Fist to the back.

Time for a skill challenge! The goal is to rid the supply room of giant rats and discover how they entered the room in the first place! Everyone will make two skill checks attempting to beat DCs (that will remain secret). I will reveal the results of your skill challenge tomorrow! Remember to work together, and get creative! Hero Points might be at stake!

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16) d20+12=18 ; d20+2=12 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 1:30:25 PM
Bliss grins. "We'll find them!"

He casts his new Deathwatch spell, hoping it will tell him if there are rats in the spell's cone, when he looks.

Bliss also says a prayer to Gargul and relies on his keen senses. Perception, boosted by a Guidance cantrip, is an 18.

With his bah in hand, tiny Bliss goes a hunting under furniture, in corners, around legs of tables and chairs. Survival (untrained) to track: 12.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday November 14th, 2013 2:37:16 PM
"Rats."

OOC: What skills are we rolling on? Or is it going to be random chance that we get it right?

DM Ian Any skill you want, as long as you can justify it! Like I said, be creative!

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday November 14th, 2013 2:39:47 PM
"Hey, I still have a bit of cheese left. Bliss can reduce himself then we can fondue him and wait."

Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+4=5 ; d20=1 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 2:55:40 PM
Every year, after the harvest, Pa would carefully examine the storage bins full of grain, making sure there was no place where the rats could get in. "Rats can compact themselves down very small," he would explain to the kids. "So even the smallest holes and cracks have to be stopped up."

Pru and her siblings were often called upon to help, since, as Pa explained, they were closer to the ground. Pru had spent a fair amount of time looking for cracks, and pointing them out to Pa so that he and Rye could seal them up. Pru tries to put that knowledge to work, but it's been a long time since she did any work on the farm. [Profession Farmer 5, which would be a natural 1.]

She's not sure what else she can do. Rats aren't magic, they don't come from other planes, and they can't really be reasoned with. She's beginning to think she's the wrong person for the job.

She conjures a light and tries to look around, but she doesn't see anything. [Perception would be another natural 1.]

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+6=15 ; d20+8=26 ; d20=10 ; d20+8=18 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 3:30:03 PM
" Miss Prudence, I have seen you cast prestidigitation before. Help me soil the floor in the room. We then close the door and wait a couple of hours (remember we went there early), remove the rats and follow their dirty footprints to their holes. Easy enough once they are gone to recast the spell and clean the floors. I really like this whole spellcasting thing. It's kinda fun."
If everyone is OK with this plan, Cameron and Pru can dirty the floor. While they wait Cameron can head to the mess hall and grab a bite to eat for everyone and tell them a story while they wait. If this plan works they just follow the tracks to the entry points and kill all the rats.

Perception 15 / Survival 10 ( to spot and follow rat tracks)

Perform oratory 26 ( to entertain the Fists and Quartermaster while we wait. Apparently it is a good story)

Diplomacy 18 (to smooth any ruffled feathers over the waiting)

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 d20+9=20 ; d20+7=13 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 3:39:44 PM
(For last rounds post) At the sound of rats, William frowns. He's summoned enough of those vermin in this testing that he wants little to do with them except for crushing them... "I'm on board and whatever we can do to help you would be fine by me."

(for latest DM post)... William watches what the others do and considers his own strengths... "Well, I know that rats like certain types of insects, including grasshoppers, so I may see if I can summon up a few noisy bugs that might draw the rats out into one local area... Then we could kill them quickly?" -> Spellcraft = 20..

"Also, I remember reading about the local species of rats in my studies, and they tend to be most attracted to a certain genus of grasshopper... That would help attract them even more..." (Know (Local) to remember local species and genus of rats/grasshopper... = 13)

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=9 ; d20+8=20 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 8:28:48 PM
Tinker feels that he will be able to note where the rats are coming from through use of his darkvision to observe and stealthily track the rats to their nest.

He tries his best...

...............
Perception - 9

Stealth - 20

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+4=14 ; d20+1=20 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 10:26:38 PM
"Just one question, how big are these rats?
Carver will decide on the sabre or bow, depending on the size of the store room.
"might be better off trying a quick acting poison, something that even if they avoid us, once they ingest it, it'll still kill them off."

He looks around the room, looking for something useful.

Heal skill 14 for a poisonous something
Perception 20 to spot anything useful

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+9=16 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2013 11:49:43 PM
Nikolai looks around first.
Perception = 16

"I like the idea of dirtying up the floor and leaving a piece of cheeze. Let's get some breakfast while we wait."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Friday November 15th, 2013 9:54:12 AM
"Heck, Tinker could make us a trap, right?" says Bliss helpfully.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=13 ; d20+7=20 ;
Friday November 15th, 2013 3:20:32 PM
"So, no Bliss fondue bait. Fine." He smirks.

Perception 13
Heal 20 to know how to heal bites and infections.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday November 16th, 2013 12:29:40 AM
Pru listens to Cameron's plan, and shrugs. "I guess that could work," she says.

She casts a Prestidigitation, and uses it to cover the floor with fine dust. "Now I guess we just need to be quiet," she says.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Saturday November 16th, 2013 6:16:58 PM
I like that idea.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Sunday November 17th, 2013 12:26:45 PM
Cameron munches on some breakfast while he waits for the rats to make tracks in the dust that he and Pru created.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Sunday November 17th, 2013 3:26:19 PM
checking in

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Sunday November 17th, 2013 10:08:02 PM
Checking in

DM Ian - Skills Challenge! d20+6=16 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 7:41:24 AM
Bliss, determined and confident as ever, casts a spell to help them pick out the rats before they skitter away into the darkness. While the back room is rather large, the spell covers half the length with ease. Making his way through the supply room, the halfling picks up about a dozen different 'blips' with his spell. His Perception check allows him to point out the locations of the blips to his allies, but his Survival skills are not up to snuff when it comes to tracking them.

Prudence tries to remember her Farming knowledge on how to check for cracks in the barrels, but all of her training in the Mailed Fist seems to have pushed that old information out of her head. Looking around, she cannot Perceive any of the rats in the area, and steps aside to let her allies take over.

Cameron gets his allies to scatter dust on the ground to find the rats, using his keen Perception to look for any tracks that are made easily. We'll come back to him in a moment...

William offers to summon up some bugs, looking through his magical knowledge to Craft the Proper Spell that would do this. After wracking his mind for any Knowledge of small animals that the rats may find appetizing, he whips up some rather noisy crickets that remain still in the dust summoned by his ally.

Tinker looks around, but cannot seem to Perceive the rats pointed out to him by his allies. He opts to remain in the room while they wait for the rats, Stealthily crouching behind a crate as they wait for any rats to come out and take the bait.

Carver looks around for anything poisonous, but anything that his Medical Knowedge would deem dangerous is locked inside a crate. He attempts to look around for anything that would hep, and Spots a half-open crate that is empty inside. It could easily be used as a trap, and is quickly set up near the dusty grasshoppers.

Nikolai keeps a careful eye out, Spotting a bit of movement near the back of the room. He crouches down next to his dwarven ally, keeping Hidden as they lie in wait for the rats to come out of hiding.

Linden also has a look around, but can't Spot any of the rats his allies are searching for. He hangs back a bit, ready to Heal any injuries someone may sustain while trying to capture or kill the rats.

Most of the group leaves to get some food, much to the Quartermaster's dismay. "Okay, I'll just... stay here, I guess," she mutters, glancing back anxiously to the supply room. Upon returning, the group finds the grasshoppers gone, while the dust has been disturbed almost to the point where the tracks are indistinguishable from each other.

With the combined effort of the Double Fist, headed by Cameron's Survival skills, a trail of dust is discovered leading to the far back corner. The presence of rats is immediately obvious by the loud squeaking of terrified rodents and the distinct smell of something that should not be there. At the group checks over the area, it is quickly discovered that there is a rather large crate with a hole chewed out of it, but the stone walls in the area are completely smooth and undisturbed. There are no more than a dozen rats, the largest of which reaches the halflings' knees.

Will the group dispose of them humanely? With extreme prejudice? There is no specific way outlined in the short contract, which simply stipulates that the rats be removed from the supply room.

The Skill challenge is over! While you all managed to scrape by, your checks were not high enough to eradicate the rats, simply track them to their nest. What you do next is up to you!

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Monday November 18th, 2013 9:11:25 AM
Upon seeing the chewed hole in the crate, "We can just take and board up the hole and remove the rats in the crate. We can get an 'Order' giving us permission to transport the crate out of the Citadel and be done with it.
Only question left was the importing of rats just an accident or was it intentionally done either to infest the Citadel or just to get "Q" in trouble and summarily dismissed. She did say she was sort of on probation.
Maybe someone wants her gone, and if so, it might need to be brought to someone's attention.
I wonder who either ordered that crate or had the crate shipped in or delivered?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=21 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 10:52:46 AM
Nikolai looks for writing on the crate, a lable or mark of the shipper or crate maker to determine its point of origin and what it is supposed to contain.

Perc +9 for label or shipper's mark = 13

"What's that smell?"
Perc +9 to distinguish the smell = 10

"I can easily see a rat or two managing to get into a crate and take a ride. A dozen? By accident? Shipped and bounced around without anyone noticing? Not likely. We need to find out where this crate came from."

He turns to Q and asks "Where's your invoice sheet showing when this crate arrived, its contents, who ordered it, and where it came from? We'll start with that once we get that hole plugged and the crate a safe distance from the citadel."

Nikolai looks for spare boards, and asks for nails and a hammer.

Perc +9 = 21

"Give me a hand, guys. Let's plug this up and make sure none poke their heads out to bite us while we plug the hole."

Nikolai proceeds to nail the boards over the hole with other volunteers.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16) d20+10=23 ; d6+2=3 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 12:27:01 PM
Bliss says, "Hold on a second! What if there's good stuff in there? Let me check it out." The tiny witch sneaks over to the hole and is about to step in when a black bird grabs him by the shirt and yanks him backwards.

"Mookie!" Bliss shouts in dismay.

"Look, kid, you're an idiot. You can't crawl into that rat's nest. Sorry, no. Not allowed. Stand down, and that's an order."

Bliss looks around confusedly. "Are you allowed to give me orders, Mookie?" he says.

"Of course I am. I'm older than you. Have you ever fought a lich?" Mookie cocks his head and stares at Bliss with a defiant eye.

"Oh, okay. Can I just stand here to shoot any rats that get out? I was thinking about that too."

"Sure, kid, good idea. Do that."

Bliss stands up straight, refreshes his Reduce spell, mutters a prayer to Gargul for Guidance, gets out his crossbow, and stands ready to shoot any rats he sees.

Attack roll and damage if needed: hits AC23 for 3 damage.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Monday November 18th, 2013 12:57:37 PM
When Nikolai goes to speak with Q, Pru tags along. "Is there somebody who is maybe playing a prank on you?" she asks. "Maybe something that got a little out of hand?"

Regardless, Pru helps those who are sealing the crate back up. Chastened by her abject failure from yesterday, she just stays nearby and hands people tools.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Monday November 18th, 2013 2:12:28 PM
William helps the others plug the hole and clean up the mess, but he too is curious how this all happened. For now though, they need to decide whether or not to kill the rats... "I think we should eradicate these little vermin, as they do nothing but spread disease and destruction.. We should be able to kill them quickly, and I can summon up a few cats to finish them off..."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+6=21 ; d6+1=2 ; d20+4=9 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 3:58:17 PM
" Really? Rats as big as those can chew a new hole in that crate in less than the time it will take you to get it outside, much less requisition orders to 'send' it somewhere. Listen to William. Send them to Gargul, let him sort them out."
" As for finding out where they came from, that isn't our job. We can throw that in as a bonus, but it isn't part of our obligations."
Cameron takes a perch on top of some crates and starts shooting rats as they appear ( or as fast as he can if they are visible) There is NO WAY he is going to try and wrestle a rat that is as tall at the shoulder as his knee into a crate.
Attack roll 21 for 2 damage
Cameron is relieved when Mookie pulls Bliss back and admonishes him.
" Good job Mookie, Bliss is a great guy but he doesn't always think of his well being before he does stuff. Those rats are bigger than him and a cornered rat should not be fought, it makes them dangerous and crazy."
"Did you really fight a Lich?"
Sense Motive 9

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B) d20+7=21 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 4:36:50 PM
The cleric cocks an eyebrow at Mookie's statement. "Maybe rats like crow fondue? What would rats have to do with a lich in a warehouse?"

Sense Motive 21. Did he really fight a lich?

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Monday November 18th, 2013 5:01:55 PM
OOC: Sure Mookie did! And he fought a demilich, too, as you all know very well! Though the demilich killed him.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=26 ;
Monday November 18th, 2013 5:48:07 PM
Tinker's not sure what to do, but is ready with some skill at engineering up a suitable plug for the hole in the crate.

..............

Profession: Engineer: 26

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple)
Monday November 18th, 2013 6:51:48 PM
OOC: it was my understanding that all the rats were in the crate. We shouldn't need to fight any unless some try to get out while we are plugging the hole.

IC:
Nikolai nearly hits his thumb with a hammer when William suggests summoning some cats to fight the rats. "You gonna need cats as big as tigers for these rats, William. No. Best thing is take the crate on out the gate and into the field. Then, once we open up the hole again, whoever wants some target practice can just have at it."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Monday November 18th, 2013 9:00:09 PM
OOC
True Bliss, but our CHARACTERS don't know that. We like to call that roleplaying.
Besides, it is fun to hear Mookie tell stories and get indignant if they don't go his way.
8),,,, pokes Cayzle

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Monday November 18th, 2013 9:30:00 PM
OUCH!

:-)

DM Ian - Skills Challenge!
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 1:27:28 PM
Incoming...

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 2:37:09 PM
Checking in

DM Ian - Skills Challenge: The Aftermath
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 2:49:56 PM
Carver proposes an idea for removing the rats, wondering where the crate may have come from in the first place.

Nikolai attempts to determine where the crate may have come from, but cannot find a shipping label anywhere on the box. The smell he so keenly tries to identify is clearly one of rat feces, and it's rather strong. Looking at the Quartermaster, who is peeking around a corner, she shakes her head furiously. "No way. I've risked enough letting you in here. No chance I'm letting you look at the invoice. I can track it when... when this is all over." The half-elf sets about repairing the hole, an easy enough task with some help.

Bliss is chastised by Mookie, who in turn is chastised by the halfling. Has the raven truly fought a Lich? Perhaps we shall never know! He prepares to kill any rat that may show its face, although the lot of them seem rather afraid now.

Prudence goes over to talk to Q, wondering about a prank or something that may have simply gone too far. But the Quartermaster shakes her head, saying, "If anyone pulled a prank on me and found out about it, they would be as good as dead. Well, in terms of trading, at least. I don't actually kill people."

William posits that the rats are simply suffering from a case of living, a rather common ailment that is easily fixed with magic.

Cameron supports this diagnosis, climbing up on some crates to dispense some of his own medicine. He knows what the group is getting "paid" for, and simply wants to get that done.

Linden tries to size up the raven, but quickly realizes that he has no idea how to read a raven's facial queues, or if the bird even has any. It seems to be telling the truth, but from what the centaur can tell, the bird's sarcasm does not seem to be able to turn off.

Tinker leans down to help Nikolai with the crate, but there seems to be a different plot afoot. Does the dwarf continue to nail the boards to the wooden crate?

The half-elf speaks up once more, saying that it would be best to simply dump the crate outside and let other have at it. "No, you can't do that!" the Quartermaster shouts out. "Someone is going to see you carrying that crate, don't you think they'll be curious?"

There seem to be two distinct camps -- those that wish to leave the rats to Gargul, and those that wish to dispose of them in a more gentle fashion. It seems that in the game of rats, they win or they die. What will it be, bold adventurers? Will M.E.T.A. (Mortals for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) sing your praises, or will they be throwing buckets of blood at the walls of the Citadel?

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16) d100=24 ; d20+11=27 ;
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 4:58:30 PM

Bliss shrugs. "Maybe we can tame them and make them pets."

His raven caws, "Yeah, either that or cast Create Water over and over through that hole until they all drown."

"Mookie!" shouts Bliss. "I'm not doing that!" Bliss frowns. "That's not even a spell witches can cast!"

"Details, details," caws Mookie, but Bliss is not even listening. After a moment's thought, he sets down his shield and casts a spell.

Ley line check fails on a 01-20, succeeds on a 21-80, succeeds and does not lose the slot on a 81-00. A 24 works fine (thank goodness he set down his shield). Bliss has cast Sleep into the box. He listens to hear if it has quieted them down. (Save vs Sleep is a DC13.)

Perception 27.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 6:06:13 PM
William is not on METAs Christmas card list, so he urges the group to go ahead and kill the rats quickly and efficiently. If they are sleeping, then it will be less painful and quicker... He can cast sleep if needed too...

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B) d20+2=17 ; d20+8=21 ;
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 7:01:51 PM
"Don't you think there'll be more questions if a crate on this manifest is empty of the supposed contents? If the crate went 'missing', it might be easier to explain than having the empty crate in your possession, yes?" Suggests the centaur cleric. "I know what I'm talking about. My family were traders and merchants. These things would often happen, even to someone as upright and honorable as a Quartermaster." He smiles, which is meant to be reassuring. All the while, Linden is trying to figure out if anything is being covered up or omitted.
(Diplomacy 17, Sense Motive 21)

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 7:45:47 PM
Pru wasn't a farm girl for nothing.

"If we take the rats out and let them loose, they'll just come right back here," she points out. "They've learned to scavenge from people now; they won't want to go back to the wild. I'm sorry if people find it upsetting, but we need to kill them."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 9:18:39 PM
Cameron agrees with Pru and William. Obviously arcane casters tend to think like Dwarves after all.
" So much of this isn't our problem. The rats are our problem. Handling them discretely is our problem. It is the nature of contracts. Someone hires us to do a job. Sometimes the job is killing stuff, or people, or rats. If those rats stay here the rations and gear that our Fist brothers and sisters depend on will be compromised and the Quartermaster, our client, will be fired. We need to deal with the rats and allow her to deal with whomever sent them. If she chooses to include us in that then it can be our problem."
" For now we deal with the rats. They should be killed."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 9:45:18 PM
Tinker doesn't know what the problem is. Walking a box around the citadel is a lot easier than a pile of dead rats, which is a LOT easier than a bunch of live ones! Why, if they were caught with a crate of live rats walking around the citadel....

Tinker bursts out laughing!

"Put em to sleep, board up the crate, and let em live. We troop out of here with the box and deliberately get caught. Ya see? We're bored and were gonna have a practical joke on the Quartermaster by releasing them in her larder!" The dwarf laughs again. "The officers and sergeants will admonish, but there was no harm done because the 'practical joke' didn't happen!"

Tinker smiles broadly, and nails the board into place.

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 10:33:37 PM
"Or just kill them peaceful in their sleep like," says Bliss, not exactly comfortable with the prospect of lying.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 10:55:51 PM
Nikolai looks a Q patiently and replies "Don't be silly. You do the looking. Find out what is supposed to be in here. If it is foodstuff, that's long gone. If it is equipment, unless it is metal, that's long gone. Either way who is going to stop us?
We have an unmarked crate. We are Fist waiting for duty and we need to practice some magic and don't want to do it in the Citadel. No one is going to ask questions after that.
But if you are that worried, well sneak it out after dark.

He shruggs a Pru's concearn that they'll be right back. "They are only here because they came in the crate. If they could make it back here that easy, we'd have a rat problem way before this. We dump them out in the field a few miles from here and see who is a good shot. Those that survive can pass the tail onto their little ratlings and be legends."

Nikolai sits on a crate, patiently, but asks Q to go ahead and look up what is supposed to be in the crate.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Tuesday November 19th, 2013 11:39:13 PM
"Didn't someone get a magic bag? Just load the rats into that, either alive or dead and by the time we get where we are going to dump them, they'll be nice and dead or if dead when going in, it wouldn't matter anyway. And since their bag is personal property, nothing to hide or sneak out."

DM Ian - Skills Challenge: The Aftermath
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 1:38:23 PM
Bliss argues a bit more with Mookie before casting a Sleep spell on the rats. Almost immediately, the scurrying noises in the crate stop, indicating that the spell has succeeded.

William urges the group forward with the plan to eradicate the rats quickly. His spell is not needed, as it seems the witch's spell took.

Linden suggests the crate go "missing," pulling from his life experience as a trader. Q shakes her head again, closing the gap a bit. "I'm... I'm already in hot water. If whatever was in that crate was important, then..." Her voice trails off as her head droops.

Prudence also pulls on life experience, explaining that the rats will simply return if they release them into the wild. It seems she is also on-board with eliminating them permanently.

Cameron agrees with the humans, bringing up the fact that they may be overthinking this. He decides they should be killed as well.

Tinker brings up the possibility of a double-cross of sorts, thinking they can bring the crate out under the pretense of wanting to bring it to the Supply Room. "I don't want you getting in trouble on my account! And the crate already has my stamp on it, so they'll know it came from here."

Nikolai calms Q down a bit, who takes a deep breath to control herself. She runs off to check what was supposed to be in the crate, but not before mentioning that it may take some time to sort through the files.

Carver brings up the Handy Haversack that Linden received during their graduation. Since the bag is personal property, there will likely be no reason for anyone to search it.

The Double Fist seems to have decided that killing the rats would be the best way to dispose of them, but getting them out of the supply room is still an issue. Your Tauric friend brought up the possibility of using the Handy Haversack. The rats are all asleep now, and could easily be pulled out of the crate one at a time by a smaller or slimmer person.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 6:46:15 PM
" Fine, if we are going to hand the sleeping rats out of there to remove them then I am not having Bliss in there alone."
"Bliss, shrink me too and I can either help you hand them out or protect you if they wake up and try to eat your face off. I still say we quietly kill them while we are in there, sleeping rats don't put up much of a fight and will not try to run."
Cameron jumps down and shrugs off his backpack and quiver, handing them and his bow to Carver. He knows Carver will get them back in his hands ASAP if trouble erupts and they are needed. He has gained quite a bit of respect for the other paladin, now that he knows a bit more about him. He still worries a bit that the spirit following Carver might not be a friend, just acting like one.
Cameron pulls his sword and nods to Bliss that he is ready to be smaller and get this over with. Besides, now he gets to see whats in the box. With a quiet song Cameron's new sword glows to light the way.
Cast Light on my blade.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 8:56:30 PM
William agrees with the idea of killing them one at a time, so he grabs one by the tail, and dragging it out, let's Cameron or whomever else kill it.. If they start waking up, he'll cast sleep again to keep them docile... He'll also use his quarterstaff to break their necks if needed, until they're all dead...

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:26:58 PM
Bliss is happy to shrink anyone who wants to be shrunk.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:35:33 PM
Tinker is willing to get reduced, and soon it is a small dwarf helping to pull rats out and into Linden's magical sack.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:52:51 PM
Carver will stand by with his sabre drawn in case one of the rats wakes up outside the box.

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B) d20+8=20 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2013 11:47:00 PM
"Wait. Use my new bag to commit mass slaying of living creatures? All they are doing is surviving. I think the rats were shipped here to cause distraction. I don't know why, but it seems like just the thing to keep Q distracted." He looks at the Quartermaster.
"Are there any shipments which have been unusual, in any way, recently? Anything out of the ordinary. Late orders. Mislabeled crates? Rare goods?"

(Sense Motive 20)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 12:37:19 AM
"Well, we got rid of Q. If we are going to move this crate, this is the time," Nikolai says, since the owner of the magical back is reluctant to have it complicent with the killings.

Nikolai eyes the hole and looks at himself. Even shrunk, it would be difficult for him to fit through that hole, besides, there's not that much room in the crate anyway.

"We can smudge Q's stamp with a cantrip. We are wasting time trying to get them out of the perfect container to use to get them out of here. Let's get this out and past the gate before she realizes it."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 7:04:58 AM

Bliss gets nervous at this talk of smudging the markings on the crate and fooling people they meet while carrying the crate. Breaking rules is bad, after all.

"You guys, um, are we allowed to do that? I bet there are regs that say we can't do that."

Then taking the plunge, he starts getting rats out of there.

He helps Tinker carry them out of the box.

"Gosh, they're just rats. And they are not supposed to be here. We can just kill them." If no one else does it, Bliss gets out his glass dagger and starts offing rats.

But before Bliss can resort to violence, Mookie makes himself scarce. "This looks like combat, and I'm just a, um, whatchacallit, a 'rolling around playing companion.' You guys handle this, I'm outta here. Combat is above my pay grade. I'm retired."

The raven pokes his head under his wing and pretends not to be there.

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 1:30:31 PM
Pru is beginning to think this is getting ridiculous. "Do you want us to kill the rats here, and leave a mess all over your storeroom, or are you willing to let us take this crate away?" she asks Q, rather crossly. "Because we have to do one of those two things. And if you stand here and dither for an hour, we will still have to do one of those two things."

When the time comes to start killing rats, Pru uses her Ray of Frost as many times as it's needed.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Thursday November 21st, 2013 3:22:09 PM
Checking in...

DM Ian - Skills Challenge: The Aftermath
Thursday November 21st, 2013 4:07:51 PM
Cameron offers to help his halfling ally, handing his bulkier weapons off to another. He crawls into the crate and sets about the rather macabre task of killing the sleeping rodents.

William begins to drag some out, allowing anyone to take charge and kill them. A few begin to stir and are quickly put back to sleep.

Bliss happily obliges to anyone hoping to be shrunk down to a smaller size.

Tinker is one of those people, who begins to cart the rats towards his centaur ally, who apparently has some different ideas...

Carver helps by killing any of the rats that happen to wake up during the process.

Linden, ever-dedicated to Gargul, objects to using his new gift for transporting dead bodies, no matter what the species. He brings up the possibility that they may have been brought here as some kind of a distraction.

Nikolai suggests they move the crate now that the Quartermaster has left, suggesting they smudge her stamp and move the thing before anyone is the wiser. This makes his halfing friend a bit uncomfortable, and wonders aloud if there are any rules against just this.

Prudence is growing impatient with the vague instructions they were given, but unfortunately, the Quartermaster does not hear them from wherever she has gone to.

Rather quickly, the rats are all eliminated. The task of carrying the bodies out and disposing of them is still debated among the group. Do they carry the crate out and risk getting caught? Will Linden be convinced to use his bag for the transport of corpses! Tune in tomorrow to find out! Same rat time, same rat channel.

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:02:53 PM
William wipes the sweat off his face once they're done killing the vermin, and he looks at the pile of corpses. "Well, we've got to get rid of them somehow..." To Q, he says, "What would you like us to do with them re: their disposal? Do you have something we could carry the corpses in aside from this crate? We don't want to tip off whoever put the crate in here that we've eliminated the problem, but don't want to just leave them sitting around here."

If Q doesn't have any helpful solution, then he'll see if Linden will use his bag, and William will promise to help clean it once they're done. If that doesn't work, option 3 is to drag the crate out and try to do it quietly but quickly to avoid detection...

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+6=15 ; d20=7 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2013 6:31:50 PM
While in the crate, Cameron takes a good look around inside.
Were the rats actually packed in here or did they come from somewhere else and make their nest here?
What was shipped in the crate?
What is in the crate now?(besides himself, Bliss and dead rats)

Perception 15
Survival(tracking) 7

Cameron uses Prestidigitation again to clean up the dust they placed to track the rats and any blood spilled in their disposal. He can't believe that his highly functional elite double Fist is having so much trouble with the semantics of killing a few vermin and removing the evidence. He steps over to a stack of sacks (common PHB item) and opens one. He then picks up the dead rats one at a time and loads them in. When he realizes that they will be too much of a burden for him to carry by himself he shoots a questioning look to Carver.
" If I fill two sacks and tie them together can you sling them over your back to carry them out? They are gonna be too much for me."
Rats packed up and the site spic and span Cameron is ready to get this done.

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 8:50:18 PM
Carver sees what Cam is doing before he even says anything....
"Sure, just let me adjust them, I can make it look like I normally carry them all...."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 10:21:59 PM
"Too bad we can't just animate them and order them to march out of here, double file, and salute the guard at the gate," Nikolai smirks whe the killing is done. "Sure would have been a lot easier to have done this out in the field."
He turns to Bliss and quips "When these are finally disposed of, you have some homework to do. Go look up in the rule book and see if carting a crate of sleeping rats around the Citadel grounds is against a rule."

Nikolai helps bag the dead rats. Tieing the bags in pairs, he drapes them across Carver's back.

"Yeah, that looks normal."

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 11:00:21 PM
Pru helps load the rats and tidy up. "Well, we got it done," she says. "It was a strange assignment, though."

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Thursday November 21st, 2013 11:14:42 PM
Eventually, Linden decides. Ever the team player, though not a mercenary at heart, the cleric of Flower concedes and allows his pretty and new bag to be used to carry the carcuses from the place, secreted away at the bottom. Thankfully, he hadn't had time to fill the new ruck with his gear. "What a first duty for the bag! Bogus!" He says, as he scoops a body in with a nudge of a hoof. "Glad magic can clean it."

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Friday November 22nd, 2013 7:06:39 AM
Bliss uses Prestidigitation and Clean Weapon spells to tidy up after.

"There you go, Miz Quartermaster, maam!" he says when Q returns.

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Friday November 22nd, 2013 8:55:25 AM
Tinker is intrigued by NIckolai's suggestion. "Our job was getting rid of the rats, but Nik is right; how did they get in here in the first place? This crate neatly sabotaged the Q as good as any trap. Can we look at the books and see who sent it, who recieved it? We may be able to find an enemy of Q and stop this from happening again."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Friday November 22nd, 2013 2:04:33 PM
Checking in

AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 24/24 Linden (Jay B)
Friday November 22nd, 2013 6:14:07 PM
"I asked that too. In my own way!" Scowls the cleric.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Friday November 22nd, 2013 7:05:33 PM
" You both did, and that's great. But interrogating the rats wasn't going to get us to who sent them really, I mean even magic has it's limits. The job we were to focus on was rat removal. Dead rats are easier to move quietly than live rats or even sleeping rats. When we have a job to do we need to focus on getting that part done. Noticing things for later and being able to provide added services to our client is a great feature for getting bonuses to a contract, but first you have to actually DO the contract. We were all so focused during the trials that I am surprised something as little as killing vermin could shake us. It's all done now, a quick trip to the midden and they will trouble no one any more. After that we can try to help Qualtmie with who was setting her up to take a fall."

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 12:42:55 AM
Friday post.

DM Ian - Skills Challenge: The Aftermath
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 10:31:22 AM
Qualtmie quickly returns from her task to see a pile of dead rats being shoveled into a bag. Through the retching, she manages to answer William's question. "If you could get them out of here... that would be great. Dump them off the side of a cliff, for all I care."

Cameron has a look inside the crate, but cannot tell where the rats originated from. His eyes are not sharp enough to determine whether the hole was chewed from the outside-in, or vice versa. Nevertheless, it is quite apparent that this was their home, and whatever was in the crate is no longer there. It is completely empty save for a few rat droppings and some smaller, dead rats that seem to have been their food.

Prudence helps load the rats into the bags, commenting on how odd this "assignment" was. Hopefully, their first real assignment will hold more in store than killing giant rats, like some kind of freakish fantasy novel.

Carver offers to carry the corpses for their targets across his back.

Nikolai laments their lack of sorcerer, telling the witch in their party to look up in the rule book to see if carrying a lot of dead things around is illegal.

Eventually, Linden concedes the use of his Handy Haversack to transport the rats. While the bag does not smell fantastic, it looks no more full than it did moments ago, and is quite easy to transport.

Bliss helps with the cleanup, much to Q's delight. "I was not looking forward to scrubbing those floors," she mutters.

Tinker continues down the path that the half-elf in their party had begun, wondering why the rats were ever there in the first place. As he brings up the books again, the Quartermaster shakes her head. "Only I can look at the shipping logs. I've broken enough rules letting you all back here."

The group discusses things a bit further, but are urged on by the Quartermaster. "I'll have a look at the books, but make sure those rats are gone for good! If you need anything before your first assignment, come by and I'll let you know about my progress on this. But... best not to raise any suspicion until then."

And I pass the torch to Zach! Who will hopefully be starting the new module on Monday! Thanks for putting up with my incredibly erratic posting, I know how frustrating it can be when a DM is as unreliable as I am.

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=19 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=12 ;
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 11:49:53 AM
Although Cameron is a little crestfallen to be overlooked by the cute halfling quartermaster for his contributions to the contract, killing of the rats and cleanup work, he attempts to be helpful in figuring out the further mystery of the rats.
" Whatever your manifest says was in that box, if it wasn't supposed to be rats then it is missing. There is nothing in there but rat nests, some canibalized little rats and dead rats. While I can't tell if the chewed in or out my guess is out. I think they were shipped to you to make you look bad, or to cover the theft of whatever was supposed to be in there."
" Or they were supposed to be rats shipped in to the Citadel for target practice and anatomy classes, but I doubt that."

Diplomacy 19

Perform Comedy 8 (unless comedy is oratory in which case it's a 12)

Cameron thinks Did no one else think that before and that we might be doing something wrong getting rid of them? I mean I did, but she wanted them gone and hey, she's a cute halfling in a position of power that can get me stuff so she gets what she wants... Hopefully THEY have not just been set up.
Clearly the sight of the quartermaster has flustered Cameron and he has begun babbling. This is new to him since it has not happened before. Normally he can talk to anyone and be charming, but Qualtmie was different. For some reason he couldn't name he wanted her to think the best of him. He teurns to the others and says
" Well, we best find somewhere to discreetly dispose of these guys. Shall we go?"
Cameron heads for the door, blushing slightly at his failed attempt at comedy. Outside he says to his fist mates what he is really thinking.
" OK, I can think of a million reasons why someone would ship rats to the Citadel, and most of them are bad. A foreign cleric or mage could scry on them to get an idea of what the place looked like. Maybe they had already and had teleported in and had stolen what was REALLY in that crate and left the rats as a distraction. If that's the case we just scrubbed that crime scene clean with all our cantrips. Or maybe they were hoping the rats spread out some and they could get a floor plan so they could invade. Was this place warded against teleporting? Carver, can you dump those guys without help? I want to go do a little research to find out how protected this place really is. If Pru and William and Tinker could come help me with the magic and engineering angles and Nickolai could help me with the history and Linden could help with, well, everything I think I can get to the bottom of this. If you and Bliss, our super attentive spotter,can look the rats over for any markings or bands or items that may have been used to differentiate between them or probably help with scrying on them that'd be great. Something more is definitely going on here." And Qualtmie will be really happy if I can tell her what it is and help save her butt. Cameron thinks as he heads to the library with an almost concealed spring in his step.

Knowledge Arcana 13 to figure out the scrying angle

Knowledge History 7 to see if this has ever been done before ( Hmm the Blackbird Lake groups secrets seem safe from me anyway)

Knowledge Local 22 to find out if the Citadel is warded against this kind of thing

Knowledge Engineering 12 to determine if rats could spread out like he assumed and get to other places in the Citadel

Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 11:59:35 AM
Carver, thinking for a moment "Linden, head on over to the garbage dump, there shouldn't be anyone there to say anything, and just about everything in the Citadel gets dumped there, a few more rats won't even be noticed.
As to the why the rats were shipped in, I'm betting that someone shipped them in to get Q fired and then they can get a Quartermaster in here they either are in control of or they can bribe to get what they want shipped in."

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 12:06:39 PM
" Hmm, then THEY would be mostly in charge of the Fist through the quartermaster's office. I hadn't thought of that, though I should have, another good lead to follow up on Carver. Why don't we all go dump the rats and then all go look at the library for clues to how this would work and how badly it could mess up the Fist. We are the best our class has to offer. We can get to the bottom of this if we try."

William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 5:34:57 PM
WIlliam helps take them to the trash area, trying to avoid attention and looking like he's doing what he's supposed to... He agrees with Cameron that the job was to kill the rats, and anything past that may be beyond their prerogative...

Prudence Gundle (Kathy)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 9:25:43 PM
Pru listens as the conspiracy theories fly, then she shakes her head. "All the more reason for the Quartermaster to report it up the chain of command, rather than hiring us on the side," she points out.

"Come to think of it," she goes on. "If this was some kind of plot or scheme, it relied on Q not reporting the rats to anybody. Even us. And I'm not sure the hypothetical plotter could count on that."

AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19); HP 23/23 "Tinker" (SteveK)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 10:27:02 PM
Tinker shrugs. Everyone has ideas and most of them revolve around what other people may be thinking and why. Ugh, not nearly as predictable as gears and tumblers, and nowhere near as interesting! As to the
'engineering' of what rats would do, Tinker throws his hands in the air. "I'll predict where a thrown stone will land, or a tree to fall. Don't ask me what anything with a mind will do!"

Yet the mission was a success, and that means some eating needs to happen. The dwarf slaps Prudence high as he can on her back. " Come on, Beanpole, I'll buy at the Last Assignment. Who else?"

Ac 18,Touch 14,Flat 15(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 21/21 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest)
Saturday November 23rd, 2013 11:09:38 PM
Cameron remembers how this morning started and looks at Tinker.
" You gotta promise me we leave long before last call. Because if I stay there too long I will either win all of the money left in the Citadel and drink most of the mead as well, or find myself in the brig AFTER I drink all of the mead. Come to think of it those outcomes are not mutually exclusive. Just make sure I go home with the rest of you lightweights so I can open my eyes in the morning without darkened glasses. Deal?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20=8 ; d20+7=22 ;
Sunday November 24th, 2013 6:30:24 PM
To add to the conspiracy theories, Nikolai adds, "Maybe this was done by a jilted lover?" and grins, looking at Cameron he winks.

NIkolai doubts that they'll find in the library how the Citadel is defended, that'd be too easy for an enemy to also find. But where to go to find such critical sensitive information? And why would anyone just give out that kind of information to new recruits? But might as well ask anyway.

Nikolai acosts a gate guard as they head on out to dispose of the dead rats.
"Hmm... the Citadel looks pretty empty these days. You guys have more free time now that you don't have to keep an eye on so many going through these gates? Does anyone try to make it in that doesn't belong? Can anyone just teleport in to, say, the kitchen, for a quick bite to eat when they are out in the field and get hungry?"

Diplomacy = 8
Sense Motive +7 (hiding something?) = 22

Bliss (Cayzle) (AC20, HP16 of 16)
Monday November 25th, 2013 3:11:19 PM
Bliss scoffs at the conspiracy theories. "Sometimes a nest of rats is just a nest of rats," he says.

Mookie caws. "Or *is* it?"

Bliss says, "Mookie, yes it is!" He makes a raspberry noise.

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