DM Ken E. Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:04:05 AM
Morning comes too soon after your exploits within the Citadel. The Rat-folk you discovered were fearsome creatures. Some of you witnessed the executions of the Rat-men, others purchased silvered weapons. Some did both. Perhaps that was enough to fend off dreams a-skitter with the scraping of tiny claws and the twitching of noses and long whiskers?
As the first of Double Fist crawls from their rack to the blaring tune of Reveille, you find that at some point the night watch had slipped a message under your barracks door.
"Double Fist has been ordered to muster with Constance Palance and Sgt. Trimmack in her office for debriefing in regards to the discovery of rodents found in the Citadel. A full report will be expected upon muster, detailing a chronological summary of the events leading up to the discovery, the combat tactics of the rodents, and a report from Double Fist concerning the further reaching implications of this infestation as well as potential measures to prevent re-infestation. Muster will take place at 0930."
Sense Motive: DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems fairly obvious that the message was drafted with the intent of keeping the existence of rat-men a secret from not directly involved with the whole affair.}
Knowledge Local/Profession Soldier: DC15
Highlight to display spoiler: {The final element of the report is curious. A low ranking recruit is never called upon for tactical advice or battlefield analysis. It seems strange someone as high ranking as Constance would ask for any opinions from basic squadsmen. Finally, as the Thumb, usually it would be Trimmacks duty to make such a report. Something tells you that you don't want to dissapoint!}
DM OOC: And so we begin! Anyone can deliver the report, or any group of anyones. When you guys have your report together feel free to head up to Palance's office and make your report! You're expected!
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=20 ; d20+1=2 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 12:38:09 PM
Sense Motive 20 Knowledge Local 2 Cameron wakes up and finds the note. No trip to the range and the edge of the woods this morning I guess thinks the halfling Ranger. He moves around the room, waking each of his fist mates and getting them on the road to being prepared. As they prepare he thinks about the note and what they should say. Finally he shares his thoughts with his friends. " OK, so we have to deliver this report ourselves. Normally I would think that was the Sergeant's job but since they were not in on the action due to how the contract was set up, it falls to us.( I didn't make the knowledge roll, but this seems pretty much a no brainer, feel free to delete that thought if it makes a difference) They seem to want this to be hush hush, what with the Citadel being invaded and all, so we should not speak of any of this with the other troopers. We also should not talk about the rats we helped Qualtime out with a few weeks ago since that contract had a 'keep your mouth shut' clause in it. Do you want me to deliver the report to the Captain or would one of you who found the secret door rather do it? Whoever speaks should be able to count on the rest of us to add any parts that are relevant and help out." ( by using aid another on the diplomacy check would probably be a good plan. I think I have the best diplomacy skill and most of us can roll the DC10 needed to boost the terrible die roll I will get) By this time Cameron is dressed in his armor, weapons and uniform, his sandy hair and beard neatly groomed, his monocle shiny and his kit packed in case a mission should follow directly on the heels of their report. He uses prestidigitation to make sure everyone's uniform is clean, with buttons shiny and all the right creases in all the right places.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... d20+7=13 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:04:23 PM
Sense Motive +7 = 13
Nikolai nods. "We need to present ourselves as organized and well prepared. As such, we need only one Speaker for the main report. We put our heads together and write down the main points and then our speaker, maybe Cameron here, can rehearse in front of us. That way we all know what is going into the report and we all agree upon it. Once that report is given, if there are other questions, we can individually add our own bits."
As an aside, Nikolai adds, "It seems logical that they'd want to keep this hush-hush, as there may be other investigations going on that might be jeopardized by the revelation that Sgt. Holdfast was a traitor. IF anyone of us does contract some disease form those rats, we'll need to come up with a plausible story other than the... er, truth. Sigh."
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) 2d6=8 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=9 ; d20+3=17 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:21:23 PM
Before they turn in the night before, carver would use his remaining 3 lay on hands to first heal himself the rest of the way, and then anyone else who needed it.
1 healing for 5 and 1 for 9 hit points available for whomever needs, fcfs.
In the morning he agrees with Niko, and agrees also that Cameron should do the talking. (aid another Diplo 17)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:29:28 PM
Bliss is nervous about having to deliver the report. But then Cam volunteers to be the talking. "Good idea, Cam!" he says. "You're a good person to tell the story. Don't forget the part where I found the secret door and slept a rat!"
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=32 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:47:12 PM
(Sense Motive 32)
"Yes. It does seem serious. Shady, we should all go." Suggests the cleric as he shifts more of his stuff to the Handy Haversack. "I keep forgetting we have this. These saddlebag chafe s'mpthing awful." He stuffs the saddlebags into the Haversack and then slings the sack over one shoulder before heading to debriefing.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:54:06 PM
Brushing her hair takes time, and Pru thinks about the report while she does it.
"They also want to know how to prevent such incidents in the future," she reminds her fist-mates. "It would be helpful to try to figure out how Sergeant Holdfast and the others came to be infected in the first place. If, for example, they fought were-rats and included that fact in their report, somebody really should have checked to see if they had been infected. If they fought were-rats and didn't include that fact in their report, there may be a need to double-check reports, or certain kinds of reports."
She agrees that Cameron should speak for the group. She finishes brushing her hair, braids it, grabs her gear, and is ready to go.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:02:47 PM
"Yup, I bet there HAVE been reports of the type, but maybe they've been buried or lost under bureaucracy."
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=9 ; d20+6=23 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:13:18 PM
Reveille pops Tinker out of his bunk and he goes through his normal morning exercises and stretches as the note is found and discussed. He's never been one to read into the motivations of others, but he knows enough local scuttlebutt to realize that tactical analysis from even uncommon troopers to an officer is nearly unheard of! "Sounds like a test to me, too," he ponders. "Had a crazy lockpick teacher who was always telling me to think like a lock. If I thought like a wererat, maybe Holdfast's Fist lost but he was captured and turned, and then able to return to the Citadel as a spy. The reports would say what Holdfast and his 'family' wanted them to say, right? The only way to tell would be timing to see if his Fist was late for a report or two."
As it is, the team is pretty much right that best foot forward was the right thing to do. Tinker dresses quickly, glad he cleaned all his gear, and only leaves his backpack, crossbow, and Ugrosh in the barracks. He tucks his dagger and sap in his belt just in case.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:45:33 PM
"Seems feesible.... I guess." Responding to Tinker.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:17:28 PM "Hmmm... Holdfast must have been on some patrol away from the Citadel and gone for a long time. Long enough to keep that report of fighting rats under wrap. I wonder how long he'd been that way? He may have been somewhere else and managed to get transferred here by his rat clan. Finding out where his last assigned location may give us a clue. But we may be over thinking all this. All the Citadel needs to do is have a permanent Detect Lycanthrope spell cast over the gate so anyone passing through it gets checked. And everyone has to pass through it at some point, I presume."
Nikolai looks extra sharp for the occasion. They didn't just come off the field. They've got no excuse to present themselves anything less than perfect.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20+2=7 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:50:51 PM
William, having visited the dispensary and had his illness cured, rolls out of bed, grumbling about the early hour and wishing for a bit more sleep... he needs to make a run to the supply office to buy some materials and silversheen so he can craft some items... But for now he has to make this darn report...
He reads the note, (Sense Motive 7) but can't discern much about what this all might mean....
He quickly says his morning prayers, dresses in his uniform, ensures he's ready and then reports to the office... He agrees with Cameron and Nikolai's plan too, as his friend is more of a polished speaker than he is... "Yes, we don't want to mention our earlier adventure, but I'd be curious to find out more of this rat group and who was behind much of this. I have a feeling that there might be more to this than just some smugglers..."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:00:24 PM @DM - None of my companions have "Spellbooks" that can really help william copy spells, so is there a mage's group or some NPC's nearby that he can trade some spells with? He's interested in maybe Web, Mirror Image, Glitterdust, Acid Arrow, Scorching Ray, Summon Swarm?
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Monday June 2nd, 2014 10:18:58 PM " What you are all saying about digging deeper has merit, but the Captain will want facts, and soon. We haven't the time to dig into Holdfast's past . The best I can do is provide a factual report and suggest a few things to look into to be sure this smuggling ring is really defeated. I think that will do nicely."
OOC What is the proper honorary for Captain Palance? Ma'am or Sir? I have been using Captain because I don't know. Also are our catacombs purchases available yet? If so Cameron is wearing his Quiver on his left hip, and his sword and shield on his back. They are soldiers and this is a military installation. I don't see any reason they wouldn't go armed at all times unless instructed not to. Imagine if he had been unarmed when those bears broke loose....
DM Ken E. Monday June 2nd, 2014 11:21:12 PM DM OOC:
@ William / Ken M.
I need to think a bit on your situation. While I will make certain to include spells as loot, especially from enemy wizards, for the mean time I'm going to have to have you go about it the old fashioned way .. buying a scroll at market price and then paying the material cost to scribe it into your spellbook.
@ Cameron / David F.
Feel free to continue on with Captain, though technically Knight Captain would be the complete honorific. Seeing as the Fist is an equal opportunity employer, Ma'am works just fine too.
Being as this is Fist headquarters, I just can't see lack of catacombs access. The Fist has a wizard or two in their employ who serve as Catacombs runners, and do so once a day. So for game play purpose, consider your purchases instant as soon as I review them. (Remember to send me the email with the SOLD memo.)
Lastly, it is expected that all Fist members maintain their arms and armor. It would be foolish to leave those masterwork weapons lying around in a barracks while you strut about in jammies getting milk and cookies from the galley. It is completely within the norm to always have weapons at hand and armor donned.
DM Ken E. Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 11:47:13 AM
The guards outside of the Knight Captains offices seem to have been expecting you. One of them raps his gauntlet on her wooden door, then falls back in ease.
"Enter!"
As you file in to Constance's office, you notice Sgt. Trimmack stands near his superiors desk at ease. They share a glance as you enter, and Palance speaks.
"Well met. You all look nice and clean, I appreciate you putting some effort into your appearance. It speaks highly of Sgt. Trammack. Too many of us look like thugs and vagabonds."
Her thoughts drift a moment, then she leans back in her chair.
"Report."
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=10 ; d20+6=7 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 12:52:00 PM
Cameron walks into the Knight captain's office and snaps to attention. When the order to report is given he gets down to business immediately, no superior he has met in the Mailed Fist like to be kept waiting. He takes a single, crisp parade ground stride forward from his rank and begins. " Yes Knight Commander!" " Yesterday, the period of R&R for of Double Fist ended and we were gathered and reporting to Sandor, Officer in Charge of Training. Bears to be used for the Fist's new Bear Calvery project broke loose and we managed to recapture most of them, killing only as many as were absolutely necessary. I add this point only to demonstrate that our Fist IS capable of using non lethal methods when necessary." "After this we were summoned to the Quartermaster's office where we met with yourself,Qualtime the quartermaster, Adjutant Berkshire and our two Sergeants. There we learned that the Quartermaster was under suspicion of betraying the Fist by disrupting the supply chain and leaving field units holding the bag in dangerous situations. The penalty for this crime was death. Quartermaster Qualtime then invoked her right to open a contract and named our Double Fist to investigate her case. We were given two days to do so." " We started inventorying the warehouse, checking the records, and making inquiries. We also requested the quartermaster, so that we could ask her some questions. We acquired the names and descriptions of her assistants in the quartermaster's office and began searching for them." "One, Calmine Everdeep, was found to be in the infirmary, sick from filth fever, a condition that can be the result of contact with, among other dirty things, wererats. At the time this escaped our knowledge, but after at least one of our own has been treated for it we now know. Had we known then we might have prepared differently for what was to come." "During the inventory, our sniper noticed a secret panel. Behind it was a tunnel, large enough to move freight, but a tight fit for the larger members of our unit. We followed it and found the second member of Qualtime's assistants, Sergeant Holdfast, painting over Mailed Fist emblems on freight and supervising its loading into wagons for transport. He was painting another emblem on the crates that may bear looking into." "After a quick discussion of tactics, we burst into the warehouse, identified ourselves as The Mailed Fist and demanded they surrender. With better than two too one odds we felt that would yield us breathing captives that could be questioned for answers to our case. Instead, Sergeant Holdfast said ' Courage my brothers, it is not the Mailed Fist, only those jumped up friends of Qualtmie. Kill them quickly!' They then transformed into half-rat, half-man creatures tried to do so. Giant, monstrous rats were called from the shadows by them and battle ensued. Thanks to the courage and faith of our Paladin, Carver and the out of the box thinking and training of the rest of our Fist we were able to overcome them." " The surviving rat men were interrogated and Qualtime was exonerated." For the first time in his report, Cameron pauses, possibly thinking better of the rest of what he has to say. So far this all seemed to be going SOOO WELl. Then he plunges on. " For the sake of completeness Knight Captain, The Honor Fist has several observations that do not directly pertain to the after incident report that I would like to give." "We feel that this may have only been the tip of the spear in this ring of thieves. Those boxes were going somewhere, to someone else. The emblem being painted over the mailed fist one may lead to more on that. Sergeant Holdfast did not become a wererat overnight, nor could an operation of this magnitude have been planned on the quick. They were caught because they wanted Qualtime out of the way, and one of theirs named as a replacement, to further the bleeding of the Fist dry. I think that everyone involved, especially Calmine Everdeep should be subjected to magical divination to determine if we have the wererat affliction. Further investigators in this case should be armed to handle wererats and their immunities to damage. Had our paladin not managed to Smite Sergeant Holdfast, we would most likely be dead since he could outlast the damage we could have done to him. In short the Honor Fist feels we have won a victory, but possibly started a war. More investigation should be done." "Thank you Ma'am" Cameron steps back a single, crisp parade ground step and is once again in the ranks of his friends. Diplomacy 10 Perform Oratory 7 (you should also be made aware that the die roller HATES me having skills, thus the 2 and 1 above. "sigh" I could talk the ears off a brass donkey and then I roll that, always)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 2:28:16 PM
Pru maintains a respectful, alert demeanor through out Cameron's report, and stands ready to answer any questions her superiors may have.
[Aid Another 16=success. Cameron gets +2 to his Diplomacy.]
[OOC: Some DMs require a character to speak in order to Aid Another on the Diplomacy check. If that's the case, let me know and Pru will say something. :) ]
DM OOC I would love to hear what Prudence has to say in order to aid Cameron!
AC 19(21 w/shield),T 15,FF 17(19 w/shield)(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 3:14:57 PM
Previous to the report, Cameron remembers that he recieved something at the Yule that would make this report easier for him to deliver. He eyes the small tin warily, reading all the directions and then opens it and swallows all three of the small pills inside before giving his report.
SQUINKY'S SKILL PILLS TIN: A palm-sized tin with a twist-off cover; while the cover is in place, whatever is inside is protected from exposure to both air and water.
Inside the tin are 3 little round white pills. Swallowing a pill gives a +1 Luck Bonus to any one skill being attempted. The Luck Bonus will last until the PC makes any Skill check. Once whatever skill check is made--regardless of whether or not it succeeds--the effect of the pill(s) wears off immediately afterward. However, one can swallow up to THREE pills at one time to "stack" that effect
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 3:21:22 PM
The Pills will add +3 to Cameron's Diplomacy check (since he made that check first) Also, due to weight considerations, Cameron has ditched his small shield, he no longer uses a shield. Melee is overrated anyway 8)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+2=9 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 4:15:07 PM
Bliss listens to Cam give his report, trying to keep his jaw from falling open. Boy howdy, Cam sure does know how to talk the lingo!
The tiny halfling is really glad he shined his shoes and wore his dress uniform to this meeting.
There are only two things that he feels he might add. At first he is quiet, but then he remembers Cam asking everyone to help.
So Bliss pipes up: "Also, ma'am, I cast a sleep spell to out a rat to sleep! I saw they were coming in from the corners and such. I really think we should make sure there are no tunnels or warrens, and if there are, send in someone small like to hunt them all down."
OOC: Aid Another on the untrained Dip check: 9, sorry! He went on too much about his sleep spell.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 4:44:35 PM
"It may be useful to put together some information about lycanthropy," Pru adds. "Signs and symptoms, things to look for. If that information was widely disseminated throughout the Fist, troopers may be able to spot others who are hiding their symptoms. A lot of people would have been in contact with Sergeant Holdfast and the others, but nobody spotted their affliction."
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=12 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:26:06 PM
Carver when it's mentioned he faced the Sargent speaks up, "I'm more of a Calvary fighter, but when needed I can and do go one on one. I just got lucky facing that turncoat. And Ma'am, I do mean turncoat. He claimed something like, his new family was much more of a family to him than The Mailed Fist ever was. I honesty don't remember his exact words, I was a bit busy, and I was trying to distract him but yammering away at him while I was attacking with my sabre and hooves."
Aid another, Cam with Diplomacy: die roll 12
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=13 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:53:40 PM
Tinker stands in formation as Cameron reports, then the others try to support the report with various appendices. Prudence's talking about preventative training was brilliant, as was Carver providing more intelligence on the enemies' motivations. But what can Tinker contribute? He just doesn't know. Hmmm...
"There are many things we don't know either, ma'am. Was Sergeant Holdfast the ringleader or a middleman? Were the theivings based on opportunistic availability or based to interdict the Mailed Fist or based to intentionally supply someone else? And where is the waggon's destination? Each of these answers could assist the Mailed Fist."
Gruff but earnest, Tinker manages to finish his thought before being distracted by the ornate lock on a chest in the corner. I bet I could pick that, he thinks to himself. ....................
Aid Another: Cameron Diplomacy = 13 (wow, it worked!)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Gr... d20=10 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 7:28:57 PM
Nikolai stands at attention through the report and pleased that Cameron held himself up pretty well. The report was concise and acurate. No need for a long story. So what could he add?
He tries not to look intimidated as he speaks. "We were fortunate in this case that the damage was limited to equipment and to some degree our honor. It could be someone poisoning our food suply or water next time. Testing for lycanthropy should be just one of our screening conditions. The Fists go out and fight many things, from Undead to who-knows-what. It is quite possible for those creatures called dopplegangers I've heard about infiltrate the Citadel also and no one the wiser. If all personel are required to pass through the gates upon entering the Citadel, that would be a good place to put up some magic device to screen for such shape changers."
Diplomacy d20= 10! slap a +2 on that Report! :)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 7:32:00 PM
OOC: fixing header. Also, Nikolai purchased a silvered kama and a cold iron kama but I did not go through the Catacombs for them since they are not 'magic' items.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=25 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 8:10:28 PM
Linden keeps his mouth shut as the debriefing takes place. He would only muddy anything mentioned.
(Sense Motive to gauge the Commander's attitude of the whole affair, 25)
OOC: Linden goes off to the Catacombs with Nik. (Catacombs to sell, not buy)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 9:03:20 PM
William, dressed at his best, nods at the appropriate times and does his best to support Cameron's excellent recount of their battle... "As my colleague said, ma'am, an investigation on this should be done as soon as possible, as we don't know how deep the infiltration runs. That symbol bears some future research too... As the newest and honor fist, we would be best suited to aid in this investigation. Of course we serve at your pleasure ma'am, and thank you for the opportunity to meet personally with you..."
When they are done, he'll head to the Catacombs to purchase several items...
(@DM, thanks and I'll pick up a few scrolls for scribing...)
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 4th, 2014 9:50:39 AM
Constance stands and paces the room, looking out her window at the recruits training below.
Very Good."
She turns to face you, her expression is a strange one. She gives Sgt. Trammack a knowing glance that can only be called .. smug?
"From this point forward, you are to forget about the Rat-men. I can assure you the situation is under investigation, but it will not involve you at this time. You are under orders to refer only to the whole affair as an encounter with dire rats and report any questioning specifically mentioning were-rats to me directly. All other parties involved have been given similar orders."
She moves back to her desk and sits down, and Sgt. Trammack speaks.
"We are investigating the matter still, but there's not much point devoting our most interesting ... and if your actions yesterday are any indication .. promising young Fist until we have more. Your report impressive, as I knew it would be. The symbol, their numbers, and whether this is a one time infestation needs to be investigated, as well as poring through Holdfasts old missions to search for any obvious signs of lycanthropy afoot."
Palance "harumphs" and Sgt. Trammack quickly adds..
"Assuming that the incident is not isolated and Holdfast was not at it's heart. He was turned by another lycanthrope somewhere to be sure, but a far reaching plot - is - unlikely."
Constance Palance looks at Sgt. Trimmack and nods, and presents him a parchment which he reads.
"From the desk of Pavilion Nuterius."
"Orders: Upon reciept of this missive, Wolf Regiment is hereby ordered to organise and mobilize a 3 Fist Squad, consisting of at least one ranged Fist element. This squad is to report to Hornfowl immediately."
"Contract Obligation: Squad is to defend the city from an imminent attack by a Warband of Gnolls. Contract does not extend to surrounding farmlands as population has reportedly abandoned such dwellings for safety."
"Intelligence: Warband is considered to be small and contain no pups or noncombatants. Initial scouting has produced reports of a marauding band of at least 18 males who raid from a den somewhere in the cursed swamp due south of Hornfowl. The Warband is well traveled, and has been active in various small raids around Hornfowls surrounding farms. Divine Spellcasters are confirmed."
Sgt. Trammack re-rolls the scroll and starts to hand it to Cameron, then changes his mind and gives it to Bliss.
"Double Fist will be working with Carren's Fist, a ranged component with some experience hunting Gnolls. Your Double fist will make up the rest of the 3 fist Squad and will report to Color Sergeant Carren Taggart. I will accompany you as an evaluation officer. I will offer no insight or orders. My mission is to observe you complete your mission and screen each of you individually for command potential."
Constance nods as Trammack finishes up. Then she speaks again.
"You are all now Lance Corporals, pending only a ceremony upon your return. Your actions have merited the promotion. Double Fist should have a Thumb from within it's own ranks. After one is elected, Trammack will either be assigned a new fist to instruct or be reassigned to another position. Meet with Color Sergeant Carren, who should be mustering in the training grounds now to leave within the next few hours. Any questions?"
Sense Motive DC 14: Highlight to display spoiler: {You suspect that Constance intends to squelch all public knowledge of the were-rats, especially when she feels it is an isolated incident. She is hoping that any further agents who might exist incriminate themselves with persistent questioning on the matter.}
Knowledge Local/Profession Soldier DC 13:Highlight to display spoiler: { It's fairly easy to surmise that this is likely a routine operation of The Fist. Experienced soldiers train recruits, and when they are ready to govern themselves, they move on to a new batch of green recruits. The fact that Trammak is going to evaluate you on this particular mission means that it is considered relatively safe, most Sergeants wouldn't throw their squad into the fire of command on a mission with a high chance of failure. }
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+8=21 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:48:28 AM
OOC: Sense Motive: 21
Bliss takes the scroll with the authorization and stands up a little straighter, clearly proud to have the honor of carrying it.
"Yes, Ma'am," he says, "Thank you, Ma'am."
"And, um, do the orders mean we wait at the town for an attack, defensive like, or does it mean we can seek out, hunt down, and defeat the raiders wherever we catch them, maybe even in their den? If it is the sitting around and waiting one, how long do we wait for?"
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:37:53 AM
Constance smiles.
"The orders don't say, young sniper. That judgement will fall to Color Sergeant Carren, who is an excellent soldier with a history of combating foul dog-men. I trust his judgement on the matter."
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=8 ; d20+1=10 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 1:57:10 PM
Sense Motive 8 Knowledge Local 10
Cameron reads nothing into the exchange. He would have to go look this up but is flabbergasted that new recruits could be promoted so fast. It felt good to be in a group that skilled but was scary at the same time. He is also glad he packed his gear so as to be able to be underway that much faster. Upon return to the barracks he adds the Masterwork Stirrups to his kit, since they will most likely be given mounts at least for the ride to the town. Maybe he could train a bit more in mounted archery. With the time he saved preparing, Cameron heads for the Quartermaster. As always he stops in the kitchen for her favorite drink and brings her one. He picks up 5 score small arrows, bundled for transport and 2 tanglefoot bags and 2 more alchemist fire, plus one antitoxin. He wants to be prepare for whatever they run into and to check and see that Qualtime is alright. He makes small talk but avoids talking about the contract if possible. He says nothing about the rat-men.
2 Tfoot bags 100gp, 2 A fire 40gp,1 anti T 50 gp, 100 arrows small 10 gp should be 200 gp, right?
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; d20+2=19 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:24:37 PM
Tinker nods, reading between the lines. "Don't talk about wererats and maybe any conspirators will come out of the woodwork wondering where they went." Tinker is clearly impressed with the thinking, almost if people were another lock that if you pick the tumblers to the right pattern, they open up just as easy!
As to the job, the dwarf has no thoughts. Color Sergeant Carren in charge, they must select their own Thumb and travel to Hornfowl.
Once dismissed, Tinker takes a quick trip to the Citadel's Library and pores over a map of Zarthmoor before getting back to the barracks and waiting for the Honor Fist to get together.
As usual, the dwarf doesn't start with any pleasantries, but goes right to the heart. "Hornfowl is a couple days beyond Cheerful Stay, but we don't have to go through the town to get to Hornfowl."
"Before we go, though, we need a Thumb, set up equipment, and requisition ponies to get there."
Tinker looks at Cameron. "I vote for Cameron as our Thumb. He talks good, thinks good, and likes to have a good field of view in combat anyways." ..............
Local Know - 11
Sense Motive - 19
DM OOC: Sorry if I wasn't clear. Part of this exercise is your evaluation. Trammack and Palance will be making the final call!
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:54:22 PM
Other than the appropriate "thank you, ma'am"s and "thank you, sergeant"s, Pru is silent during the briefing.
Back at the barracks, she says, "So, we're supposed to choose a Thumb? How do you want to do that?"
Carver AC 17, AC 19/ shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:26:56 PM
Carver takes the dismissal from the commanders office and double checks his gear, finding it all in the ready, he waits for the others at the barracks, and then suggests, "We should all go together to report to Sargent Carren. We are a special formation, we should act like it, at least initially."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20=2 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 8:56:42 PM
At the mention of Wolf Regiment Nikolai's slightly pointy ears prick up. Would he get to meet his father? Probably not. The Wolf Regiment was large and probably only a small mounted contingent in charge of mounted pratrols would be present whereas the Double Fist with their 3rd partner would be the main defense. His father was probably untold miles away on some greater task.
Nikolai snaps to attention before leaving. Walking out he contemplates the term 'ranged component' when referring to Carren's Fist. If he didn't want to look hopelessly unprepared for onrushing gnolls, he'd better get something with better range than his shuriken. He heads on over to the Duty Shop.
He casually waves at Q and then heads directly to the crossbow shelves. Eyeing them critically, he finally picks out one that he belives will do the job, a Masterwork Light Crossbow. He nearly forgets to pick up a crossbow quiver and and 40 bolts, hoping 40 will be enough. He then picks up two extra sets of Caltrops.
Total cost: 335gp for the MW Xbow and 4gp for the bolts, Caltrops x2 is 2gp.
He's on his way out when Cameron enters. "Looky what I got!" he beams as he holds up his light crossbow.
Next it is a matter of packing for a long trip. WIth his backpack stuffed, he checks his bed again to make sure it is perfectly made up and makes sure his trunk is stowed underneath.
With an hour left, he asks if anyone wants to join him in the Last Assignment for a bite to eat before the long trip. While there he listens for any rumors, specifically pertaining to the rat incident, but also pays attention to any other rumors.
Diplomacy: 2 LOL
Nikolai joins his Double Fist, packed and ready at the Training Grounds 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:25:01 PM
William's intrigued by a good, straight up fight, which he much prefers to all the intrigue they've been dealing with... He asks, "Are there any locals that will are experienced defenders or will they essentially be non-combatants? Do we have any rules on collateral damage that might occur, and does the contract stipulate we'll be liable for damages to the town? Also, are there detailed maps of the area, especially where the enemy den may be located?"
He does have some business to finish in the local Catacombs, and hopes for time on the trip to do some crafting...
He stands a little taller when he hears of the promotion and looks forward to a new emblem on his sleeve. On the other hand, he has little desire to be in command of the Fist, as he prefers a support or controller role rather than a leader...
wartortle84@gmail.com, and cc Warren at wgayou@gmail.com. Thanks!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+12=19 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:08:51 PM
"Here."
Sense motive 19
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:55:06 PM
OOC Since Wolf regiment is based here in the Citadel we ARE part of Wolf Regiment already, right? Captain Palance sure is and so is our overall Field Marshall Neuterius. See, knowledge local is for chumps 8). You just have to mind the details of what people tell you. That said I will actually be taking some knowledge skills to get the class bonus to them, even though I can roll them untrained. Knowledge local seems to be one of the must haves for this game.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 12:23:34 AM DM OOC: Correct. You are a part of Wolf Regiment already. And David brings up a good point... knowledge skills are going to be a part of this campaign..
Knowledge Local: For the purpose of this campaign it runs parallel with Profession: Soldier. Goings on and what-abouts within the Citadel and the people in it as well as the running of the Fist will apply. Profession Soldier will allow the same information.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:20:14 AM
As gear is gathered and futures are discussed, a runner comes by to inform you that horses and ponies are available for you in the training grounds. He wishes you luck and goes about his business. A few of you try to recall what you may already have heard about Color Sergeant Carren and his Fist.
For starters, they are obviously ranged specialists. Your mission called for 1 Ranged Fist and 2 Regular Fists, whose place Double Fist is taking. That leaves Carrens Fist as the ranged element.
As you approach the training grounds, Carrens Fist is easy to spot. Already mounted, they laugh and joke with each other freely. All the men but one are humans with bows slung on their backs, the final is a handsome halfling in his mid 20's, who has a cherry-wood cross bow stuffed into a saddle-bag on his pony.
Carren is a muscular man with long brown hair, brown eyes, and green and brown dyed armor. He is easily recognized, both by his Color Sergeant insignia and by the way all his men circle around, intent on his every word and joke. His horse is a beautiful white mare with a dark brown mane whom he pats lovingly every few moments. One of his men points you out as you approach, and he turns and smiles. Even his teeth are perfect!
"Hello and well met, Double Fist! Are you ready to go and put down some mangy dogs? We certainly are! It's been far too long since Coconut and I had the chance to scatter some Gnolls!"
His words are light and merry, but you detect undertones of a deep dislike for the half-dog creatures.
"Let me introduce you to my Fist! First is Ser Brandon Moore. Though he may be tall and almost oafish, he comes of good farm stock, raised on the lands south of Ham City. Like all my men, he can string and shoot a bow as well as any other."
Brandon does indeed look young and clumsy, but seems generally pleased to have been mentioned at all. The uniform looks clumsy on him, and at a glance a few of his weapons seem neglected, with the exception of his bow.
"Next is the old fart Cobbleshot. He lived as a boring old cobbler for the longest time, until fate intervened and he joined the Fist! We didn't know what to do with him, old as he was, until we learned that even though he was too old to swing swords and could shoot just slightly worse than a 6 year old girl, he could craft an amazing bow. That bought his way into our beloved Mailed Fist. Thankfully, he's improved his archery to just north of tolerable!"
Cobbleshot appears to be in his early 40's. His head is shaved bald, but true to Carrens words, he does have a masterfully crafted long-bow strung behind his back. He grins at you all, a toothy and simple affair.
"Then there's Turley. He's a great shot, soft spoken, can hold his own in a tight quarters scrum, and he is my choice for replacement as Thumb when I eventually get reassigned. Say hello Turley!
Soft spoken indeed, Turley murmurs a quick "hello" before nudging his mare back behind the others. Though his hood his drawn, he seems to be sporting a big black eye.
"Last, we hav.."
The blond haired halfling makes a "phbtbt" sound, and cuts off his Thumb. (haha, that reads funny).
"Save it Carren! You talk too much to be a Ranger! Those Gnolls will be saved by your incessant chatter for sure! Anyways, I can introduce myself. I'm Anklebiter. Really, that's my name, it even says so on my enlistment papers!"
He takes a moment to examine your Fist. His eyes zero in on Bliss, and a twinkle shines bright in his mischievous blue eyes..
"I'm Carrens primary scout, and the sneakiest sneaky sneak in all of the Mailed Fist. If I have the pleasure of scouting with whomever Doublefist likes to put skull-dugging and sneaking about, I'll be sure to wear a bell so he can keep track of me."
He winks at Bliss, and makes a "bang, gotcha!" sign with fingers.
Laughing, Carren cuts back in.
"Well men, now that Sgt. Trammack is here, Carren points to the approaching Sergeant, "shall we be on our way? I feel our fortunes are bright! Look how they've already started, to be escorted by such a lovely young mage! If you are as powerful as you are pretty, those Gnolls don't have a chance!"
Know Local/Diplomacy(Gather information):
DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Carren is popular within the Fist and is considered to have a bright future in the outfit. He is a great soldier who has a high completion rate on his assignments.}
DC 13: Highlight to display spoiler: {Anklebiter is rumored to have joined the Fist to escape a jail sentence for theft and burglary in Zurthamoor. He hasn't had any known run-ins since enlisting. He seems to relish this lifestyle and has no plans of settling down or turning himself in.}
DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Turley is rumored to have a gambling problem, a frequently is seen running errands for Durvan Helmbane, whom is he rumored to have a large debt with. This sort of fraternization is strictly against Fist policy. Maybe something could be done to help him out of this situation?}
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:39:02 PM
Mookie squawks loudly when the halfling from the other fist insults Bliss. "Hey, big man, you stick out like a sea-serpent in a kiddie pool! Did you say 'sneak' or 'snake'?"
Bliss looks aghast, and says, "Mookie, please! Don't be so rude!"
The tiny size halfling walks over to Anklebiter, looks up at him, and sticks out his hand. "Hi Mister Biter. I'm Bliss. You know, I make myself sneakier by shrinking down to half size. I got a spell that lets me do it. I gotta recast it every couple minutes though because it don't last too long."
"Anyway, I'd be glad to cast it on you whenever you like. That way you'll be even sneakier than you are now!"
=====
OOC: Heading off to the Catacombs for a last minute shop.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=14 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:42:09 PM
Knowledge Local 14 Diplomacy 24 Cameron quickly shut his mouth and slapped a smile on his face. Even with formal training in how to speak and sway a crowd, he wasn't one for boasting. He hoped it was Carren's completion rate and not his boasting that had fastracked him for promotion. Cameron didn't want to have too "sell" himself every time there was a promotion available. He knew most of these men from local scuttlebutt and had learned some more by asking around on his way here. Calling them on their boastfulness and skill would only make enemies, and the Double Fist needed allies right now. " Well met!" " Bliss, watch yourself around this one. He is rumored to be sneakier than even you, though I can't tell because I can't see you most of the time." " My name is Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper. Raised and welcomed in the Steelshaper clan's halls as a brother. I do a bit of shooting on my own and will be more than happy to put down a few Gnolls with you guys. Let's get this show on the road shall we?" Cameron sets to getting his gear settled on his mount, and changing out the Fist riding gear for his own. He looks the pony over as he does so, making sure it is capable in combat, but can't tell much from his training. Handle Animal 5 to see what the animal is trained to do He does however try to get off on the right foot with the pony, talking softly to it and sneaking it an apple he snagged on his way through the mess hall. Diplomacy 25 to improve the animals attitude toward him (wild empathy) After they ride out, Cameron rides next to Turley. He tries to get a look at the shiner the trooper has and asks where it came from. Perception 15 Sense Motive 9 He also mentions that he knows Sergent Helmbane and has spoken with him at length on their past mission. He offers to give Turley some pointers on talking to the gruff Sergeant and a few more on how to improve his game so he doesn't lose too much. Profession Gambler 6 gambling pointers Diplomacy 12 Sgt Helmbane pointers
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 1:44:54 PM
Cameron looks around and can't find Bliss once he snuck off to the catacombs. " See what I mean. He's that good that his own Fist can't always find him."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+4=21 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 3:47:59 PM
Pru goes to the training grounds to pick out a horse for herself. She does her best to pick a horse that is calm and good-tempered, using what she learned on her parents' farm [Profession: Farmer 21].
Once her horse is saddled, she leads it over to where the other Fist has gathered. She listens to the introductions. Sergeant Carren, check. Moore, Cobbleshot, Turley, Anklebiter. Check.
Then, Look how they've already started, to be escorted by such a lovely young mage! If you are as powerful as you are pretty, those Gnolls don't have a chance!
"Yes," Pru says, "William is remarkably pretty. Though that's not the first thing most people notice about him. I'm Prudence Gundle."
DM Ken E. Thursday June 5th, 2014 5:12:25 PM DM Ken: Lol Kathy!
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 6:08:39 PM
OOC You tell 'em sister. It pays not to be the last to post in this game. 8)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=12 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 6:32:07 PM
Carver listens to the introductions, and then watches as Bliss vanishes quickly and shakes his head thinking, *I'd say that kid would be late to his own funeral, but he's already been dead once, and once is more than enough.* He steps forward, "I'm Carver, I do a little ranged, like just about every warrior does, but I'm more of a Calvary person for some unknown reason. It just comes naturally to me." As he turns around to fall back in line, he gives his fist mates a wink.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=17 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=26 Thursday June 5th, 2014 8:40:09 PM
Tinker finds a pony and straps some extra standard equipment on the beast. To the dwarf, a pony is just a tool that eats hay and messes the ground, so there isn't any need to try and get a better one. Tinker knows Color Sergeant Carron's reputation, as well as the rumors about Anklebiter and Turley, and he bristles at the easy-going dismissal of Prudence's abilities in favor of how she looks. As if that is all she is! His normal frown deepens and he gets ready to defend his Fist...
And Pru turns it around. Tinker still glowers but composes himself, hiding behind strict military discipline. "Trooper Torvalsson, called "Tinker", engineer. I can put things together or take 'em apart.". He lets the others talk as he broods in unapproving silence.
He also thinks and listens carefully to remember all he can about gnolls, their tactics, and weaknesses.
...................
Know Local 17, 22, 15 success on all three
Know Local: 26 "(Knowledge Local (legends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, customs, traditions, humanoids) You can use this skill to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities. In general, the DC of such a check equals 10 + the monster's CR."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Thursday June 5th, 2014 9:15:14 PM
The centaur snickers at Pru's statement, then gives a bit of a cat call, forgetting he is in the presence of command. "Wooo! Doood, William has a an admirer!"
The cleric straightens. "I serve Flower, my Fist and the public, in that order, usually. I'm a healer. I'm a Server."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20=8 ; d20+1=10 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:01:40 PM
OOC: I guess I didn't realize we were in the Wolf Regiment. I don't remember being assigned a regiment upon Graduation. But that works well for me. :)
Despite the scuttlebutt, Nikolai knows that whatever skills they may boast about means nothing until the test of battle. That they've completed several assignments only has meaning if one knows what they were. The Double Fist has completed three, all successful, if one were to count defending Cheerful Stay from undead, which was not an assignment in itself, but it might as well have been.
"Nikolai Komonov, I Serve the Fist. Glad to be in your Company," he smiles. Presumably gnolls are a tougher foe than Undead, so Nikolai figures much of the scuttlebutt must have merit.
Nikolai picks the pony that seems most cantankerous. Having grown up with horses, his dad an expert cavalryman, he didn't want to put anyone else on a difficult horse that they may not be able to handle. He works his way around the pony, talking to it and rubbing it before loading his spare gear into the saddle bags and mounting up.
Handle Animal = 8 Wild Empathy +1 = 10
Nikolai is ready to go.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20=9 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:25:00 PM
William smirks at Carren, knowing that the windbag is trying to get a rise out of him... With a smile, he retorts, "Well, I like women, but if I went the other way, you still wouldn't be man enough for me..."
(Diplomacy = 9 to get information...)
He looks at the others, and after getting up on his horse, with a friendly grin says, "I'm William and it's an honor to serve with you, and I'm eager to get rid of those verminous dogs too... I look forward to seeing you fill them up with arrows, and as you already were told by your leader, I'm the group's mage and specialize in summoning."
@DM Ken E - OOC - William would like to craft items as we travel, and the rules give some flexibility on how many hours you use each day. If we adventure, I can use 4 hours but only get credit for 2 since its during rests, etc. ON the other hand, if we have 4 hour blocks, I can get full credit. So I'll need a feel from you each day on how much time I get to craft, since there are several items I need.
Also, I'll be scribing 2 scrolls too into my book, both DC 17. Each take an hour, so let me know when I can do this too... Can I assume I did it in between meetings or do I need to note specifically when I do it...?
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:36:06 PM
Cameron sees Tinker's frustration and smiles when Pru deflects the Sergeant's jibe. with a few whispered words he casts Message on Tinker and whispers, " She knows we have her back. For now she has the upper hand on them, ribbing them right back and keeping us all friends. If they start to play rough we can always get involved, provided she doesn't light them on fire before we can do anything. Be at ease and we will weather this job too."
Message School transmutation [language-dependent]; Level bard 0, sorcerer/wizard 0, summoner 0, witch 0 CASTING Casting Time 1 standard action Components V, S, F (a piece of copper wire) EFFECT Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Targets one creature/level Duration 10 min./level Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.
DM Ken E. Friday June 6th, 2014 2:15:05 PM
The Double Fist carefully selects their horses for the most part, and each makes a few judgements on the overly familiar men of Carrens Fist. Tinker and Cameron have found a good deal of information on the men already and know that though they are a friendly sort, during missions they tend to be all business. Carren especially is brutally efficient.
[Metagame info, from Steve's Knowledge Local Check]
Carren laughs heartily at Pru's cunning redirection, and enjoys some good natured ribbing from his men.
"Haha, I do apologize. No insult was meant to any of you. It doesn't matter if Miss Grundle here was the prettiest woman in the whole Wold, if she didn't possess the skills necessary for the Mailed Fist, she wouldn't be here. I have no doubt all of you are highly capable, which is why I requested this years Honor Fist instead of two regular melee fists for this squad."
Carren nods to Sergeant Trammack.
"My wit has been bested twice in a short order by both of your magical specialists. I think I'm ready for the road!"
The Squad departs for Hornfowl, and following the main roads has little in the way of problems. The Fist is well known in this region, and most people avoid the band of clearly dangerous travelers by a large margin.
As you ride, Carren's Fist seem eager to make friends, even the hyper competitive Anklebiter, who runs his little mouth non-stop. (Only slightly more than Carren!)
Turley seems to take a liking to Cameron, after being offered some friendly advice on dealing with Helmbane.
"I'd like to just stop playing, to be honest. I got in deep one night and owed him a lot of money. Then I came back thinking I would play again to win some of it back. Now I'm in over my ears by about 250 gold pieces. That's a good amount of pay! I told Helmbane I couldn't afford it for awhile.. and well... I got stomped. I can't really report him, because I shouldn't have been gambling with a superior!"
Throughout the first few days of travel, Sgt. Trammack makes his way to each of you, sometimes on the road, something during camp. Once in awhile he is accompanied by Carren. During each visit, he asks you some pointed questions in regards to leadership or tactics. He is always sure to remind you there are no right or wrong answers.
To Bliss: You are in charge of a Ranged Fist in a sparsely defensible town. While no particular part of the town is more important than any other, orders from your dead Color Sergeant say you cannot abandon it altogether. You have an enemy specializing in powerful melee tactics with numbers similar to your own. Though you can hurt them, it's impossible to kill them all before they over-run your current position. How do you lead your Fist? What tactics do you use?
To Cameron: You are ordered to infiltrate an enemy camp and retrieve a battle map using any method available to you. The camp is a basic square layout, with soldiering tents in rows and a perimeter guarded along the outside. Your objective is in the middle. The entire Double Fist is at your command. How do you proceed?
To Carver: You are in charge of the Double Fist. Superior enemies are closing in on your position and you have manywounded allies, too many to carry and at best you can travel half-speed. Anyone who is left behind will perish, but if you all travel at your woundeds pace you will be over-run. What do you do?
To Tinker: You have been placed in charge of a Scout Fist, with a number of trap-makers and infiltrators at your disposal. A trap MUST be disarmed, and you quickly surmise that you are the only one capable of disarming it. However, even you have a strong chance of dying in the attempt. Do you take the chance of dying and leave your fist Thumbless with only recruits in the middle of an operation, or do you allow a novice to attempt the trap, and surely perish as he sets it off in the line of duty so that your Fist, Squad, and Company can succeed in their mission?
To Prudence: Your Fist has returned from a successful mission, mostly because of your spellcasting talents. Although another young mage in your command laid the deathblow to a staggered enemy, you are responsible for nearly all of his mortal wounds. Your Fistmates fail to recognize this and spread the word through camp that the young mage felled the enemy commander. Before he receives a commendation and promotion, your NCO asks you to confirm the story. Do you make sure YOUR efforts are recognized in order to help your own career or for the sake of truth, or do you let the young mage have his day?
To William: You are ordered to eradicate a lair of goblins and leave not one creature standing. Your Fist has some success, although one of your men perish in the attack. While clearing the caves, you find a score of goblin children. What do you do with them?
To Nikolai: Your Legion is engaged in a combat that is being evenly fought. You hear someone shout that an unknown force is in the distance but approaching quickly. If it is enemy forces, you will likely be surrounded. If it is allies, then simply holding fast will win the day! There is a quick path up a watch-tower that you could quickly maneuver, and you have a magic item that allows you to see great distances. You are the most talented warrior in your Fist, and if you leave to go scout your Fist will likely become overwhelmed by the enemy below. Do you risk your Fist for the good of the Legion?
Linden: Your fist has been assigned to a Squad and has been ordered to put down a rebellion in a merchant down. Upon arriving, you realize that many of the rebels are too thin and poorly armed. It's obvious the rebellion has come as the product of gross neglect by their local lords and rulers. You share the concerns with your Color Sergeant, but he dismisses them, telling you that the rebellion must be stopped, and orders followed. What do you do?
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 6th, 2014 2:57:38 PM
OOC Are we to answer these "in the open" or as DM only posts, though about 2/3 of us are DMs anyway.
DM Ken E. Friday June 6th, 2014 3:01:56 PM DM OOC: Right on out in the open. This is all being asked you as travel, so there's no privacy expected anyways. That said, don't answer anyone elses questions.=D
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=27 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 3:34:13 PM
OOC Heh I liked some of their questions better, but I expect we all think someone else's question is easier for us to answer. Cameron is seeking to prove that he is wise enough to see the flaws in the plan he is laying out and to prove that he has considered the plan enough t overcome those flaws. That confidence I would show with a diplomacy check to improve their opinion of his answer and thus make them "more favorable" to his arguments, thus the diplomacy check. IC Cameron squats down and quickly draws a map of the scenario described to him. He studies it quickly, feeling the pressure of time being a factor to his answer. Then he answers, " Given our current strengths and talents I would treat it similarly to our test during finals, with a few differences." "I would detach Tinker and Bliss to infiltrate from the North. I would then take the rest of the Fist and cause havoc at the southern end of the encampment where the troop tents are. A few flaming arrows, some of Pru's fire magic, one of William's summoned fire elementals or one of his Flaming Spheres and general ranged fire from the outside of their perimeter to draw most of their forces to us. Bliss then snipes the remaining northern defenders and he and Tinker infiltrate the command tent and retrieve the map. Dividing a force isn't always bad so long as it is thought out. Bliss can use his magics to keep us in touch via message spell and to make himself and Tinker more stealthy. Prudence and William can armor out lower armor folk and keep a steady stream of confusion going on at the southern end and Linden, Carver and I can keep the wounded alive and fighting to prolong the diversion. Should they charge us Nikolai, Carver and myself can meet that threat, while Pru's magic only gets more lethal as the range closes." "Problems with this tactic are 2 smaller forces instead of one larger unit. The possibility of a large, hard guardian over the map that Bliss and Tinker might not be able to overcome. Also the enemy commander may not commit all of his forces to the south, making it hard for Bliss to snipe all the northern targets down." "In answer to the difficulties I presented are these solutions. Given enough ammunition I think only the destruction of all cover in an area would allow a normal trooper to spot Bliss when sniping, meaning he could do so until he was out of ammo with relative impunity to clear the north side. A large hardened guardian would likely fall victim to one of Bliss's other talents, his magic to either confuse it or put it to sleep, plus Tinker is a hardier fighter than he looks to be. He has proven that several times over. And any commander that only committed some of his force to the south would soon lose that force to the main body of our force allowing for a more stand up fight to take the map from the south." Diplomacy 27
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Friday June 6th, 2014 4:43:01 PM "Now, need a question answered before I can answer yours..... Are all of my fist-mates available or are they among the wounded?"
DM OOC: Doubt first are the only Mailed Fist at your command, and the only personnel retreating and in danger.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Friday June 6th, 2014 6:35:14 PM
Are they the wounded? I understand they are part of the retreating. Just wondering because of the different skill sets each brings, so I know who can be used that's healthy.
DM OOC: You, Bliss, and Cameron are the only healthy members of the team.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Friday June 6th, 2014 6:40:20 PM
"First, Sir, I would start off," "Squad, dudes and dudettes! This is pathetic. Who is your Quarter Master in charge of food requisitions?! You need meat on those bones. Additionally, your weapons are real bummers. However, weapons aren't the most important things here. An army runs on good feet and full stomachs. Let's get each of you a full meal and a good set of boots and then we can worry about little things like weapons! Who here has practical military experience? Leadership history? Real weapons training? Martial Arts?"
"I knows my goals here have to be feeding these men, likely with Create Food and Water spells, but if I can get the Requisition officer to get off his tail and feed these men and women, then half my work is done. The other half can be covered via spiritual guidance and good old fashioned training."
Active Spells: Status (Bliss, 3 hours)
Linden's Stuff Cast: Bless, Status Used: 2 SacBond, 1 Chan
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday June 6th, 2014 9:53:22 PM
The Color Sergeant apologizes very nicely, then ruins the effect by calling her "Miss Gundle." Not Trooper Gundle, or Corporal Gundle, or even just Gundle--no, he chose a civilian title for her.
Pru sighs. Maybe he didn't mean anything by it.
When sergeant Trammack quizzes her, she replies, "Well, I certainly wouldn't confirm a version of events that wasn't true. At the same time, I don't think it would be a good idea to push to hard for all the credit. I'd probably make it clear that it was a team effort, but acknowledge that the young mage struck the final blow, and that he showed a lot of courage."
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Friday June 6th, 2014 10:13:28 PM To Bliss: You are in charge of a Ranged Fist in a sparsely defensible town. While no particular part of the town is more important than any other, orders from your dead Color Sergeant say you cannot abandon it altogether. You have an enemy specializing in powerful melee tactics with numbers similar to your own. Though you can hurt them, it's impossible to kill them all before they over-run your current position. How do you lead your Fist? What tactics do you use?
"Well, Mookie and I would fly around to see what was what. Then we would land, and put my archers on the edge of town away from the invaders. I would hide in the middle of town. My archers would shoot and then retreat fast. I would stay in town and snipe at the enemy until they were all dead. They would not be able to see me, so I would just fire until they either retreated or hid. But I'm a better hider, so I would sneak around and snipe them until they were all down."
"That's what I would do."
Mookie rolls his eyes.
"What?" says Bliss. "It would work!"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20+10=15 ; d10=3 ; d20=18 ; d20+10=12 ; d3=1 ; d20+10=18 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 10:17:25 PM
William listens to the other's questions and answers, and when it comes to his turn, he pauses to think and says, "Unless we're told to bring home prisoners or avoid killing young goblins or my orders say other wise, I'd order my men to exterminte the band, including their young. And to show them I'm not above that, I would be the first to strike... they're goblins and they're evil, and the young ones will grow to be evil adults..."
Before they head out or over a break or rest time, he'll scribe his two scrolls...
(For the first roll, 15, should have a +2 bonus to check since its a conjuration spell, so a 17 should be enough to work.) Trying to roll from my ipad and not working real well... ignore d10, d20, d3, (For the 2nd rone, that's also a conjuration spell so get +2 but in this case, need to use a hero point, and worked this time.)
@DM - William will also ask the rest of the group if he can man a short watch so he can try to get in 4 hours of crafting if they stop at any taverns or other buildings where he can get some serious work done... He's willing to only get 1/2 credit on his time...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Friday June 6th, 2014 11:29:33 PM
Nikolai does his chores as expected and treats his new Fist Mates amicably. At rest times and around the camp fire, he chats with them gets to know them better. They certainly are friendlier than the Minotaur Fist.
When Trimmack posses the scenario, Nikolai takes a moment to think about it then answers: "You did say 'You are the most talented warrior in your Fist'. That doesn't mean I'm the best scout. As the best Warrior, I serve the Fist better staying with them and sending the true designated scout up the watch tower with the magic item. Alternatively, in your scenario, I could send a wounded Trooper with the magic item that can at least walk and negotiate the path. Just because I have the magic item doesn't mean I can't delegate that task to someone else and let them use it. Unless, of course, the item is glued to me. If I can't hand the item over for a weaker member to scout out the new arrivals, then there's no point in me going. I can't return to a dead Fist with 'good news' and if it is bad news, my duty is to fight with my Fist until the last man standing."
Nikolai hopes this is what his father would do also.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday June 7th, 2014 12:44:58 PM
Tinker enjoys being on the road and travelling. He doesn't have a lot of opportunity to open any puzzles, but spends the time putting on one half of the manacles he keeps with him and then picking the lock to escape. It is hard, but if tries long enough and careful enough, he is able to do it. A couple of cast iron 'nail puzzles' keeps his fingers nimble, but the dwarf doesn't even have to think about them to open and close the simple things.
While riding, Tinker listens to the questions and responses of Sergeant Trimmack and his fistmates until it is his turn. The rogue thinks for a bit before answering. "I'd do the trap myself. Because I have the best chance at success, because I wouldn't tell a recruit to do what I wouldn't be able to do myself, because no one is not expendable. If I died, a recruit would step up and take command and continue the mission. That's how we are taught."
Tinker's face tells another story. And because I wouldn't be able to resist the challenge, is what he thinks.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 29/33 Linden (Jay B) Saturday June 7th, 2014 3:23:36 PM
Checking in.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Saturday June 7th, 2014 6:30:24 PM "Ok, that gives me an idea of what can and can not be done, give me a moment or two...." Carver then looks around thoughtfully and looks like he's making plans in his head as best as possible, after only a few seconds he nods and then looks back at the Sargent. "My first order would be to Bliss, Secret yourself and snipe, if any of them get within 100 feet of getting past you, retreat and set up again, try and keep their heads down, and delay them as long as you can. once they bypass you, return to base, report in and inform command of what happened, It is extremely important that command knows, so you will not try anything fool hardy, understand?" He then turns to Cam. "You need to keep our fist inspired and keep it moving towards our rally point, count on not enough time, just keep them going, I know you can inspire them to reach down deep and keep going to get to safety. I putting you in charge of getting the rest to safety. If Linden isn't too hurt, maybe he'll consent to carrying the worst of the injured, he is best able to move them, and if he's out of magic, that's probably the best he can do. Just convince them to help each other, that's your job as well. Bliss is going to assist myself in delaying the enemy, he will be going to HQ to report what happened here, if all else fails, we won't be forgotten." "Then I will look for the best place to do my hit and run tactics with lance and shield, hoping that between Bliss' sniping and my slash and dash attacks will slow down those following us if not outright make them decide it's not worth the cost of their lives to run my fist down and kill them all. Also, remember I can do a bit of self healing as well, to extend my usefulness with the slash and dash, as long as I have favorable terrain in which to spring my attacks from. The worst place for me would be open fields, no cover from which to avoid arrows and such as I'd be maneuvering to set up another attack. One way or another, at least most of my command should escape and survive." Carver, while not entirely satisfied with his options, but it's the best he can do with what is available.
Sgt. Trammack pays close attention to your answers. While some appear to leave him looking dubious, others have him shaking his head in obvious appreciation of the thought behind them. He is careful to never judge, however. As he said before, there are no wrong answers.
The travel has been pleasant, though long. You feel as if some of them men chatter happily out of excitement of the nearing mission, or if they simply don't have a real care in the world. (Anklebiter and Carren certainly seem to fall among that category!)
Carrens Fist have tried their best to be pleasant as well. Though Anklebiter throws himself into competition with Bliss and Cameron every chance he gets, whether it be scouting, collecting firewoord, or simply seeing who can clear a dinner plate the fastest, you get the sense he isn't a bad guy.
Of all of Carrens Fist, only Cobbleshot seems reluctant to share. Obviously older than most of the men on this journey, he has kept mostly to himself and his crafting of arrows at night time.
It is nearing dusk and light has mostly faded from the sky. As night creeps across the Wold, Brandon Moore chats happily with Linden about various methods of growing herbs, the young farms-man obviously had something of a green thumb. He yawns and stretches his arms.
"Gods, it was another beautiful day today wasn't it? I wonder if.."
The young soldier is cut off by a barking order to halt from Sergeant Carren, and the mercenaries shamble to a stop. He motions Brandon and Anklebiter forward.
"Scouts, forward. Report back within the half-hour, it's going to be completely Dark soon. You Double-Fist can go too, as long as you've got some stealth in you. Trimmack, I know this is a Thumb-Search for you. Feel free to use my Fist for now, but if it gets hairy I'm resuming command."
Sgt. Trimmack chuckles.
"Prudence, pick any number of Double-Fist to scout with Recruits Moore and Anklebiter. It's quality, not quantity you're after, but you can deploy the whole damn Double Fist if you please. Your call. Then set up a perimeter around us with whoever is left behind. Remember your training. Scout the Area. Patrol the Area. Control the Area."
Carren raises an eyebrow. "Catchy."
Trimmack grins. "It's not like we need to point out they need to make sure the surroundings are safe, we have a safe place to congregate, and that a patrol or guards are in order. That's pretty basic stuff."
Any member of Double-Fist can immediately spot the problem at hand. Perhaps a half-mile in the distance camp-fires roar brightly in the middle of a semi-circle of wagons. There are a number of cages, but the flickering fire and the onset of dusk make it impossible to tell what is inside of them. The distance would make it hard to make out human sized creatures, but one thing is for certain. Sitting in the middle of the camp is a large muscular giant, and it's holding something over the fire!
-Reduce the following DC's by 5 if you have low-light vision or Dark Vision -
Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It seems that the giant is holding a horse over the fire, skewered by a wagon axle.}
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are bodies on the ground, but it is unclear what type of bodies.}
Perception DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {The bodies are all Gnollish.}
Perception DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {The cages are empty except one, and it contains a lion!}
XP FOR SCENE 1
Highlight to display spoiler: {500 Xp for producing a favorable report to Captain Palance. 500 Xp for the thought put into your answers regarding your ongoing evaluations. 250 Xp for offering both pointers on handling Helmbane and trying to help Turley as a gambler, though he might have appreciated a more solid way out of his situation! 250 Xp for a dizzying array of valuable skill checks!
Total? 1500 Xp for the Agents of the Fist!}
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+12=17 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 11:07:05 AM
Perception check: 17
Bliss holds his hand up in the air and says, "Oh, me! me! Miss Pru! I can scout!"
DM Ken E. Monday June 9th, 2014 11:37:33 AM
Anklebiter laughs.
"You think you can scout, Bliss! Either way, it'll be fun to have you along. I'll take you up on that offer of a free shrink too. I've never experienced the world as a tiny type before. It should be fun!"
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+11=25 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+8=11 ; d6=5 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 12:25:52 PM
Perception 25 added +2 for favored enemy Knowledge(whatever giants are) 22 again +2 added for favored enemy, untrained via bard and ranger favored enemy, looking to tell giant type and information about the giant type
Cameron looks towards the fires and goes stiff. He looks again, taking in the scene and then makes his report to the sergeants. " That's a Giant. Surrounded by dead Gnolls. He's roasting a horse on a wagon axle over the fire. He could be the one that killed them or he could be the lone survivor of their group, I can't tell from here. Send me. My Uncle and Grandfather taught me how to deal with giants. You may remember my Grandfather's cloak, all of them earned on the battlefield, by his hand. There is also a lion in the cage. If it comes down to it I may be able to calm it down without killing it" Cameron reaches into his quiver and pulls his bow, checking the pull and making sure it is ready, He also removes the 20 special arrows from his quiver and replaces them with another score of normal arrows.. He leaves the heavy tanglefoot bags behind, doubting they will do much against a giant, but brings all of his alchemist fire. He doesn't speak as he prepares, appearing focused on his task like you have never seen him before. It's like a cold veil has descended over the normally cheery halfling. He has become all cold hard business. Stealth( if selected to scout) 14 Readied shot (if selected to scout) hits AC 11, 13 if a giant +1 if within 30' for 6 damage, 8 if a giant +1 if within 30'
OOC The cloak he mentions is from graduation. His Grandfather, an old Stone Warden and clan leader, wears a cloak made from fire giant beards. Cameron almost always uses a bow. When he does so he keeps a shot readied. I usually post the result and just carry it on until I need to either fire it, or put it away to do something else.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=12 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 1:00:49 PM
As is typical for her, Pru can make out very little of the distant scene. And now the sergeant wants her to deploy scouts.
Why me? she wails inwardly, but resolves to do her best.
"Bliss, Cameron, Tinker, you guys are the scouts. That's scouting as in looking, not scouting as in getting up there and starting someting, right? Bliss, you might want to cast the Message spell on all of the scouts before you go so you can keep in contact."
Pru bites her lip, hoping she did okay.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=22 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 1:02:19 PM
Carver sees the bodies and the cooking horse, but realizes that he's probably not going to be one of the scouts, at least not until he can fade into the shadows. He readies his lance and shield, waiting for Pru to give him orders. Once he receives those orders he'll respond, "Yes, Ma'm" and then execute them to the best of his ability, but until then, he'll keep a lookout for attacks to the sides. The rear should be relatively safe, since they as a group just came from there.
DM Ken E. Monday June 9th, 2014 1:18:05 PM
Sgt. Trammack frowns.
"Don't be shy Grundle. We also need to establish our perimeter here. Please assign guards for the perimeter, a patrol to make sure the current area is safe, and any other special taskings as you see fit. Color Sgt. Carren has given you the remainder of his Fist, and you are already currently the charge of Double Fist."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20+11=18 ; d20+7=25 ; d20=5 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 2:28:24 PM
Half-elf Low light vision: DCs -5 Perception +11 = 18
Nikolai doesn't notice what race the bodies are but takes his friends word that they are gnolls. He starts to get his stuff ready to go scouting when Pru doesn't choose him. That's OK, he shrugs. 'Need good scouts here to secure the area anyway.'
He applies his skills to find as good a defensive spot as any, rocks and trees to hide behind, and so forth. Survival +7= 25! shoot...
He gets the horses taken care of kept quiet. Handle Animal = 5
Then he has his crossbow loaded and ready and waits for the return of the scouts.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+22=27 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 3:16:26 PM
Bliss grins, casts his Reduce on Anklebiter, casts a couple messages on the scouts and on Prudence, finally, renews his own reduce, and sneaks off.
Stealth: 27
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Monday June 9th, 2014 3:17:52 PM
Literally 30 ft from camp, Bliss shrugs, reads a scroll of Cat's Grace, and then keeps going.
(Add +2 to that result, please. Stealth 29.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday June 9th, 2014 3:18:53 PM
"Perimeter. Right." Pru blushes, realizing she'd left her job half-done. Her Ma would have had a thing or two to say about that!
"Um. Um, Carver and Turley..." One melee fighter and one ranged fighter. Right. "You guys set up over there."
[OOC: The player has absolutely no clue how to "set up a perimeter." Pru probably knows more about this than I do. Please forgive my vagueness.]
"Linden, you're with Cobbleshot. Over there." Hopefully, the prickly Cobbleshot would get on well with mellow Linden.
"Um, me and--" wait, Nikolai? How had that happened? Pru blushes again. "Me and Nikolai," she continues, striving for calm. "We'll set up over there. William, stay here with the sergeants. And can you cast Message on at least one person in each pair? That way we can communicate."
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=25 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=24 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 5:36:11 PM
It takes Tinker a couple of days to warm up to any of Carren's group, still suspicious about their banter with Prudence, but eventually he unwinds enough to share stories around the campfire. They are companions now and Mailed Fist, after all. Carton and Anklebiter soon only seem as exuberant as Bliss, and Brandon looks a good enough sort. It is the private Cobbleshot that actually makes Tinker most feel at ease.
All of which comes to a professional halt when the three Fist team spies the fire, giant, and dead gnolls. "Right, BeanPole. Scout only." And soon Tinker is ready to go with Cameron, Bliss, and Anklebiter.
Three halflings and a dwarf slide into the darkness to scout the giant's camp. "There may be other gnolls about in the dark. Be careful. "
Tinker tries to be quiet and unobtrusive, ready with a crossbow just in case. .........
Perception 25 to see camp Perception 20 to see on scout Stealth 12 for quiet Stealth 22 for unseen
Stealth +8 Perception +9 Darkvision 60'
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=14 ; d20-4=7 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 9:08:58 PM
He salutes Pru and moves off with his partner. "Just so you know, dude, I'm, like, REALLY bad at being quiet. I try, but I'm pretty big. And the armor. And people say I just don't shut up. A chatterer of sorts. Ramble. But it's because I like people...."
He'll remain with the sergeants, xbow ready and a summoning spell prepared for whatever problems occur. At the mention of the giants, he becomes more alert. However, he's happy that there are dead gnolls and wonders, "So was the giant working with the gnolls or was he in the group they foolishly attacked? It'd worth further investigation.",
DM Ken E. d20+7=23 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 10:41:26 AM
As Prudence organizes both patrols and scouts, each part of the Squad settles into their assigned duties. The scouting force moves into position to recon the situation while those left behind establish a camp for the night.
Moving stealthily, the away team close in on the giant. Since the original distance from camp was nearly half a mile, Bliss decides to wait on his scroll of Cat's Grace until he comes much closer. There are clear signs of battle now. Anklebiter seems in disbelief over how quiet and stealthy Bliss is, and nearly gives himself away cursing over how much better a sneak the other two halflings and a dwarf are! As the base camp is gradually left behind, anyone who has a message spell tied to Bliss and is not on the away team feel the magic fade away.
Several Gnoll bodies lay scattered about the grounds, and there is a pile of dead horses about 30ft away from the wagons. The cage quite clearly contains a large tawny cat with a great reddish mane. It appears to be sleeping. The Giant unhappily mutters to himself while he chews on horse-meat, drolling on about "purdy".
DM OOC: If you wish to come any close than 90ft to get more information, please make another round of stealth rolls, as your first were for covering the half-mile gap to the camp.
Perception Checks: - Favored enemy and bonuses vs. Giants apply
DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {The Giant is covered in bite marks and a number of slashing wounds. } DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {There seems to be a large hole dug in the ground near the creature, poorly concealed with an overturned wagon, wagon parts and various shrubbery.}
Base Camp Team:
Prudence takes a moment to spring to life, but when she does she makes a number of good decisions, establishing guards and scouts to secure their area. She even goes so far as to pair personality types, making sound decisions through and through. Carren seems impressed at her ability to group personnel.
"Those are the exact pairings I would have made Grundle. Nice choices."
Seemingly at ease, he and Sgt. Trammack retire into their newly erected command tent.
Nikolai and Linden find that there are Gnolls tracks that have gone through the brush here recently. The seem to be headed in the direction of the camp below, probably less than a day old.
Carver finds much of the same... AND separate set of tracks, much older and much more numerous headed in the same direction you have been traveling, towards Hornfowl.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+11=16 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+11=13 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 12:11:15 PM
Cameron stops and conceals himself about 100 feet from the giant. Then he starts to survey the camp.
Perception 16
He notes the Hill Giant's injuries and looks to the lion. That beast could easily do that to the giant. He also notes the "shelter" behind the giant. That could mean this is a long-er term camp, since Hill Giants are mostly nomadic because no region can support their appetites for long. This makes him start to look the camp over more carefully. He tries to note ho long the Gnolls have been dead, how weathered the camp looks,most notably the underside of the overturned wagon. If it has been overturned for awhile the underside will be sun-bleached to a degree it wouldn't normally be. He also checks the cage and how easily it could be opened. He points this out to Tinker to look at as well. If the Lion dislikes the giant, it could be a potential ally. Lastly, most importantly, he looks for tracks suggesting there might be MORE giants.
Perception 29, natural 20 I did not add the +2 for giants to this in case it matters. Tracking 12
Cameron whispers to the others, " Take your looks and then we pull back. With the cover and such we MIGHT be able to take him, but one hit will nearly flatten me and likely any of us so we should get help. They recognize nothing but strength normally, and that just isn't us." When all is said and done he sneaks back to camp to make his report. The report will include everything he can remember about Hill Giants ( from the MM entry) and a condition report on the camp and giant.
Stealth 13, 15 vs giants ( thank goodness I get bonuses, even so that's terrible)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) d20+12=27 ; d20+22=34 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 1:15:05 PM
Peception 27.
Bliss whispers super quiet like to his messaged friends, Cameron, Tinker, and Anklebiter, "Yes Cam! Back up everybody!"
When the stealth group is 300 feet back (and maybe with some broken terrain for cover, Bliss asks his friends to hold on.
"First off, I'll send Mookie back with a report, He can be a messenger for us."
"Sure!" Mookie caws, "I can play telephone as good as the next talking bird. But I'm heading for cover once the bolts start a-flying! I'm too old for that nonsense!"
Bliss offers a few ideas. "First, let me renew the Reduces, the Messages, and read my scroll. Then let me cast Longstrider."
[OOC: That because hearing spellcasting is, I assume, a DC0 perception check, but with the standard -1 per 10 ft penalty, it's a DC30 check from here, 300 ft away, so that seems safe.]
"Then I can sneak back to Message range, which he may hear me cast, or he may not. But either way, I cast Message on him, and then we can have a little chat. Maybe we can just ask him what's the story, especially if I say we're enemies of the gnolls."
"And since I'm not great at talking, Cam, I'll include you in the Message, so you can talk to him and see what he says if you want."
"How's that sound?" he whispers.
Stealth if needed, still without scroll ... 34.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=19 ; d20+9=16 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 2:20:04 PM
Tinker keeps his mouth quiet and his eyes open while looking over the camp then pulling back. At the safer 300 foot distance he listens to Cameron and Bliss. "Lion may be a pet too. And I can jam the door easier than opening it. Whichever Carren and Prudence wants."
Perception 19 Stealth 16
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) d20+11=23 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+7=18 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 2:24:16 PM
OOC: Now that Nikolai sees Pru's picture on the overland map, I think he will seriously fall in love with her. LOL.
IC: Nikolai's heartbeat goes up a few notches when he finds out he's on patrol with Pru. He does his best to keep calm and collected. Perception +11 (to notice how nervous Pru is over their pairing off) = 23
Noticing that Pru sees a little uneasy too, he feels a bit calmer about it and grins to himself. A little bit of Alexi Komonov, his father, evident his his own bashfulness. To break the 'ice', as it were, before they start, he comments to Pru "Y'know, considering that giant so near the road, my guess is that those gnoll tracks came first. Attacked a wagon train heading to town, maybe a circus of sorts considering that lion, which attracted the giant who clobbered the gnolls in turn."
But Fist business is serious business and Patrols are even more so, so he remains the calm soldier during their watch, keeping conversation to the minimum and only to point here and there at something.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 10th, 2014 2:58:35 PM
Cameron keeps his voice i a whisper so that they all can follow him, rather than Bliss relay everything he says via message. " That hole with the wagon over it is typical of what Hill Giant's call home. They move around alot looking for food and don't invest alot of time or effort in a place to live. Most likely that is where it stores what it considers valuable. Probably mostly dead horses, caravaneers and soon, Gnolls. " " The way he is scratched and beat up I think he tangled with the cat as an opponent. Gnolls don't generally claw and bite, do they Anklebiter?" " Staying eyes on is a good idea. engaging it, even talking to it, without help is a bad idea and off mission. If we want to talk to it, though it is only slightly smarter than an obtuse bear, I can do. I know what they usually want and will do. We are all 'weak' in it's view and will be 'food' rather than 'allies' or even 'slave' material. But if you guys think it hates Gnolls more than it likes eating us I will try. Personally the only good Giant is a dead Giant."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=5 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 6:46:27 PM
Carver waits for the scouts to return..... He keeps watch to the side of the camp that he's stationed on.
perc 5
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday June 10th, 2014 6:58:13 PM
Sergeant Carren's praise is reassuring. Pru takes up her position and manages the best she can. She's not good at noticing things, and she really isn't much good in a fight.
But I can yell really loud, she thinks. If there's trouble, I'll yell like anything.
When the scouts report back, she sincerely hopes the real grown-ups will be taking charge now.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday June 10th, 2014 7:32:32 PM
"Gnolls. Mean."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Tuesday June 10th, 2014 10:14:07 PM
William is back at the camp and when he hears the report, his pulse quickens as it sounds like a fight might be coming soon... He doesn't speak giant, but still thinks it might be worth trying to either bribe it for information or to join with them, rather than just kill it right off...
DM Ken E. d20+6=19 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 10:41:13 AM
The Mailed Fist begin to creep silently away from the giants camp. As they withdraw Cameron bump into Anklebiter ever so slightly, and the sounds of scraping metal elicit a hasty "Shhhh!" from Anklebiter, who quickly realizes his mistake!
Tinker Stealth to withdraw: 16 Cameron Stealth to withdraw: 15 vs Giant, 13 vs Lion Bliss Stealth to withdraw: 1 Gajillion. Brandon Moore Stealth to Withdraw: 19 Anklebiter Stealth to Withdraw: 15 (Rolled 13, forgot about shrinkage)
Adjusted Opposed Perception by Giant: 16 - 10 = 6 Opposed Perception by Lion: 25 - 10 = 15
At the Giants camp, the Lion in the cage shambles to his feet and elicits a deep growl. It roars loudly, a furious call that echoes through the young night. The Giant wields his horse-kabob threateningly in one hand while a broken wagon wheel in the other.
"You go away out there! The people here be all gone, dog-mans! You go out of here or I'll have to sic Rusty at you!"
The giant moves to the cage and waits, his dumb eyes scanning the night while Rusty the Lion seems to be staring right at the away team!
Back at camp, Nikolai and Prudence nervously realize they are practically alone. Maybe if something exciting were happening in camp it wouldn't be so bad, but for the moment, all is quiet and nothing is stirring except for the fire of the giants camp off in the distance. This may suit Linden and Carver, who are actively patrolling. Cobbleshot is quiet, as usual, and Turley is anxiously watching the Giants camp for signs or information.
William however, relieved of watch-standing duties, sits with Carren and Trammack, who seem to not have a care in the world.
There is a brief bit of excitement however, when Mookie arrives!
"Caw! Hey guys, listen up! The kid found a giant and its pet lion! There's an overturned wagon with stuff in it, and the giants been in a fight!"
Mookie pauses a moment to stare down something shiny.
"Anyways he wants permission to contact the giant! Caw!
Mookies eyes bulge in shock at some unseen stimulus.
"Jeezum Crow! They've been spotted! I think! Emphatic Links are tricky but the kid has been startled!"
(For continuity sake, Mookie was dispatched to camp with a report. The scout team was detected while withdrawing, and may either continue to withdraw or reveal themselves to the now alerted giant.)
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 2:19:36 PM
Bliss whispers via message, "We should thtill back up quiet like until we hear from Mith Pru."
"And you guyth that the lion ith looking at, find a clump of grath or a pile of dirt or thomething you can hide completely behind, get down behind it completely, and thtay down for a moment or three."
He lisps deliberately because he suddenly remembers having heard that "s" sounds are the ones that carry the best.
If he gets a chance to relay a message through Mookie to Pru, he'll relate that the giant is an enemy of the gnolls and that he thinks the lion is his pet.
He continues his stealthy withdrawal, but also moves off 50 ft to one side so as not to be immediately with the clumsy types. (Those guys are surely moving at half speed because they do not want the -5 on stealth checks that comes from faster movement. Bliss, on the other hand, has no problem moving at full speed (40 with longstrider and travel domain) with no stealth penalty.
[OOC for Ankelbiter: Also note that the Reduce Person effectively gives a +5 on stealth; +1 from the +2 size bonus to dex, and +4 from the smaller size category modifier. No matter, of course, seeing as Cam's 13 was enough to alert the lion]
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=12 ; d20+7=10 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 2:55:19 PM
Cameron curses inside when he scrapes against Anklebiter. He hears the cat growl and freezes. Quietly, he puts away his bow and arrow and whispers to the others. " He doesn't like Gnolls, that much we know. You guys maneuver and hide, I'll buy us a moment or two of breathing time while Mookie tells Pru whats going on. Get going!" Cameron counts to three and then stands up with his hands up and says, " Nope, I am not a Gnoll. I am a member of the Mailed Fist, a group of mercenaries sent to get rid of the Gnolls. If you are hurt I can help heal you. I want to know more about the Gnolls numbers and tactics so we can get rid of them. Will you help me?"
Diplomacy 12 Sense Motive 10
Cameron's skin crawls and his stomach clenches into a tiny icy ball. What the hell am I doing? That's a giant and giants hate us dwarves and dwarf-kin. I hope the others get away.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=10 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 6:40:05 PM
Still patrolling. (Perception 10)
Patrol training was always the most fun Linden in school, apart from meals, scroll dusting and leaving grounds on down time. But the real thing is nerve wracking. He now has a new appraisal of patrol.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 7:17:59 PM
William looks at his companions and notes, "As much as I like a fight, this may work out good for us if we can get some intel... " For now there isn't much he can do but wait for orders...
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 7:23:25 PM
[Okay, so now I'm really confused. I had intended to have Pru and Nikolai as part of the "perimeter" (which, remember, I have no clear ideas how to do), so they should be patrolling like Linden and Carver? But they're not? Did I screw that up? Are we with the sergeants? Did we hear Mookie's announcement? Did the sergeants hear Mookie's announcement, and if so, are they doing anything? Or are they really going to let a scrawny underage sorcerer run the op?]
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:00:02 PM DM OOC:
I did take the liberty of assuming you would assign a squad to patrol, rather than putting everyone on guard duty. I apologize for not pointing that out.
Yes, the Sergeants are letting you run the show, unless you express to them you do not think it is within your capacity.
The Sergeants heard the message, but went back to their tent afterwards. Common practice would be for you to make a decision on the matter and then report it to them before carrying it out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:13:23 PM
OOC: my best guess is that Pru ...establishing guards and scouts to secure their area... means that, of the ones that stayed behind, some were to scout out the camp area while others were to set up the camp itself, thus Pru and Nikolai are 'alone' at the campsite, with the two sergeants. Mookie's report would be heard by Pru. I'm going with that analysis.
IC: Nikolai wisely keeps quiet and waits for Pru's decision, or Carron's, or Trimmack's. It is important that the scouting group feel they are doing their job right. Rushing down there could be premature and spoil something they've cooked up. Knowing Bliss, that's the most likely scenario.
On the other hand, they'll need their own two scouting groups at hand and Nikolai volunteers to go get them. He looks at Pru and says "If trouble is to start, we need the other four here. I'll go get them, with your permission, Sir!"
OOC: yup, looks like KenE's OOC came through while I was working on mine.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=28 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 9:22:39 PM
Tinker scowls in irritation. "The giant told gnolls to go away. Why do anything other than go away?"
Now the halfling is out of the bag, Tinker continues to withdraw, looking for vantage points
.......
Stealth 26
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 10:17:18 PM
"Don't 'sir' me," Pru tells Nikolai, a little crossly. "I'm a corporal. And a girl." She chews her lip. Maybe it would be best to bring in the patrollers. But no. All they'd need now is for some ally of the giant's to creep up on them while they were distracted. "Let's not bring them in just yet," she concludes.
"Mookie?" she says. "Would you please fly up and make sure the scouts are headed back?" She phrases it as a request; she can't really give the bird orders, and he's got a mind of his own. Still, an aerial report would be really useful just now.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=17 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:12:39 PM
Carver, hearing the report relayed by Mookie, keeps watch still, or at least until told other wise. Already armed all he needs is a direction....
perception 17
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:45:06 PM
Nikolai just grins back a Pru, a wide, mischievous grin, "Yes'M, Mam, Sir!"
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:46:35 PM
"Sure thing, Sister," says Mookie.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:59:28 AM
The air is tense as Cameron finally takes the plunge and reveals himself. Standing proud, the halfling states his name and purpose, and puts the next move on the Giant.
Or so it would have seemed. About the same time that Mookie delivers Pru's message to Bliss, a ruckus starts in the camp.
When Camerons voice cuts through the night, shouting of a human nature is heard from underneath the overturned wagon. The Giant, seemingly forgetting about the halfling, quickly overturns the cart. About two dozen humans, women and children among them, scramble out from the hidey hole.
"Hey! Hey! Here I say, here! Over here!"
Scrambling, dirty, and covered in bruises they mass towards the singularly revealed Cameron. A few show signs of dissapointment at the sight of just one halfling. One man in particular pushes to the front. He is wearing a top-hat and a long red jacket, and sports a twirly mustache.
"Mailed Fist? Hardly! It seems we've been rescued by the Mailed Pinky! I say son where are the rest of you! You'll need them! Krog! Go find something for him to sit on. Are you sure there aren't more of you? If so go get them while Krog and I get this throng back where it's safe. BACK IN THE HOLE PEOPLE, GO!
After a bit of time, during which any or all of the other scouts may join Cameron, a plate of slow-cooked horse is served to all. It isn't terrible, as there's a pretty good Salisbury gravy on top, but it's still horse. When he has the attention of any who are present, he begins.
"I'm Topvar, leader of the Troupe of the Friendly Giant. That there is Krog the Magnificent, he's harmless. We were ambushed yesterday by a pack of Gnolls! We were on our way to a performance in the The City of Circles... they came out over the same hill that you did. We had broke camp and hadn't any hitched animals... they swarmed over Krog here and drug him down...then told him they just wanted our horses and then they would let us go. So Krog let them tie him up."
He spits into the dirt, anger flushing his face.
"Lying dogs. They killed the horses all, but didn't eat or take any of them! They jumped on a few of our acrobats and hacked them to pieces! They killed Jon, but their leader.. a big bugger with a nasty set of fangs, he chewed through Pieter while he watched, gnawing off his leg and taking big bites and laughing the whole time!
He motions to a man with a stump leg, bandaged from the knee cap down who is laid up with several other bite and weapon victims who weren't stuffed back into the hole under the wagon.
"The women started screaming and it upset Purdy and Rusty, Krog's lions. Purdy got free and tore into the Gnolls on Krog and killed three before they knew what hit them! With Krog up and Purdy free, they turned and fled, but they'll be back. Krogs the only thing keeping them at bay, and the poor boy hasn't slept in over 24 hours. He will either die of exhaustion or be too fatigued to fight! And Rusty won't catch them off guard like Purdy did, bless that beast. She still hasn't returned."
Up on the hill, Trimmack and Carren are in the Sergeants Tent with Brandon Moore, who has returned shortly after Mookie left with a full report of the conversations below. Trimmack calls Nikolai and Prudence into the tent.
"You handled the situation well, Grundle. Not flawless, but not bad for your first shot at being in charge of a Fist. There's a new situation below however, so I'm passing the Fist to someone else. Nikolai, it seems we've stumbled across victims of a Gnoll attack. Brandon here says it was pretty ugly and they are in a bad shape down there. Luckily, the damned giant is a circus act! There's a chance the Gnolls could return in force."
He stands and pours himself a small drink.
"Sergeant Carren has said that tonight we will spare the time and manpower to aid them if that happens, because we are on schedule and there's a chance this band is the very one we will be fighting later. It's possible our presence below could ward the Gnolls off, but if they attack we would likely be surrounded. If we stay up here we will have a tactical advantage should they attack those below, but me might not make it to them before the Gnolls can really hurt someone. What are your orders? As I see it we only have a couple real options.
A: Maintain camp and perimeter up on the hill. This gives the archers tree-line cover and makes a downhill charge possible as well as preventing the Fist from being surrounded.
B: Move the camp to the wagons below. This protects the performers better, but reduces tactical options and puts the Squad at risk.
What do you think is best, Nikolai? And don't forget to post a watch schedule for the men."
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:40:39 AM
While words are being passed and command swapped out, Cameron steps forward and talks to the rescued caravan. "How many gnolls ran off and what direction did they go? If allowed, would Rusty help me find Purdy? If the lion didn't get killed and is nearby, it could help defend you guys tonight. His sense of smell and my tracking might find the missing lion. They may have it trapped somewhere and it can't return." Cameron is asking this before he knows anything abut new orders. His current job was recon, and getting information and helping secure the travelers was part of that.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:53:28 AM
"Oh, Sergeant Trimmack! Sergeant Trimmack! I know a number three option! What if we tracked down those gnolls and ambushed them! They won't expect that! Plus Nick and Cam and Carver are all good trackers, right? And Mookie and I can look from high up in the air, out of arrow range, right? And when we find them, some of us can sneak up and the rest can attack and it will be great!"
Bliss is clearly a bit too excited about this idea.
DM Ken E. Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:10:12 PM
Sergeant Carren shakes his head and cuts in before Bliss can take this idea any further.
"Sorry Bliss, but that doesn't work. We don't know that these Gnolls are the same warband from Hornfowl. Our orders are to go to Hornfowl, ignoring the surrounding farmlands. If we search all night tonight, the men will be too fatigued tomorrow to be effective. If we search tomorrow, we delay our arrival to Hornfowl, which is unacceptable. I know I gave your Fist control of this particular issue, but I'm going to refuse any action that puts my Squad's over-all mission at risk."
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:51:08 PM
"Yes Sir! Sure, Sir! That makes sense!"
Bliss is as easily dampened as he is excited.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=11 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 1:32:14 PM
Linden is out patrolling. (Perception 11)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday June 12th, 2014 8:25:41 PM
Pru breathes a little sigh of relief as she is let off the hook. "Thank you, sergeants," she murmurs, glad not to have to make the decisions anymore! She waits to hear what Nikolai decides.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Thursday June 12th, 2014 9:53:32 PM
William nods and agrees with the first option, staying up top where they have a tactical advantage. Also, that gives him cover to cast spells without worrying as much about enemy attacks...
He asks if he can skip watch tonight to get some more crafting time... Sneakiness is not his best skill and he's much better at wizardry... _________________ Net crafting time so far - 4 hours (roughly) and he can get 4 more if he skips the watch and works through the evening...
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) d20+3=7 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:10:36 PM
Carver continues his patrol, even though he keeps a watch towards those circus people. He then remembers something and heads back to camp for a couple minutes, "I found an area of beaten tracks, like someone, or rather a lot of someones traveled across the area. It's over there a ways, still in the area we're patroling, but I figured Id report it." Carver will go back on patrol after the report.
Perc 7
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:57:34 PM
Nikolai gives the options some thought. The story sounded gruesome. He now had wished he'd take the time to ask his father about any of his encounters with gnolls.
"Sirs, from what I understand, the gnolls passed through here on their way to the camp. If they are smart, they'll probably circle around and hit from a different direction, knowing that the giant and lion will be alert. If we stay here we may miss them altogether. Having a great position does not good if the enemy is elsewhere.
For that we have Bliss stay about 100 yards or so up in a tree with Mookie so that if they come this way again we'll have been warned. Then we have others dressed up in their clothes so we don't look like fresh troops. Linden and Carver stay hidden in the trees. Their own people stay hidden in their hole and concealed by a wagon.
If nothing happens, oh well. But if the gnolls do come back, they'll be in for a big surprise as that poor helpless circus troupe will be us, heheh."
He takes a deep breath then adds, "So I guess I'd choose option B)."
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:03:58 PM
Tinker is clearly suspicious of the circus performers, going so far as moving out and doing a walk around the perimeter when the food is served. He eats some dried road kram instead, washing it down with good water just in case the circus is trying to poison the team.
He waits for Nikolai's directive, not really thinking about when it will be his turn.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) Friday June 13th, 2014 1:39:45 AM
"What is going on in this place. Sheesh!"
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 13th, 2014 6:26:44 AM
OOC Adding an effects/notes page href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KQsAfSWfouTJeoOYZmWaUtCUxS7gnHbYzjnwbWnzIGQ/edit?usp=sharing"]Cameron;s Spell List and Effects[/link]
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 13th, 2014 6:28:09 AM
OOC Adding an effects/notes page that works this time Cameron's Spell List and Effects
DM Ken E. Friday June 13th, 2014 1:43:40 PM
The entire Mailed Fist camp is moved to the valley below on Nikolais orders. New watches are set, William not among them. There is a little grumbling from Brandon about how "Fair is Fair", but no one else seems to mind.
There is no Gnoll Attack that night. Carren takes Cameron and does a quick sweep of the area and while Gnoll tracks can be found all around the area, it seems the beasts were dissuaded by the Fists presence.
Carren and Trimmack call Double Fist to join them after rations.
"Double Fist, we have a problem. A Sending arrived this morning, informing me that a Gnoll Warband larger than initial scouting reports revealed has been seen outside of Hornfowl yesterday. We are one solid day of riding away and have been ordered to make haste to our destination."
Color Sergeant Carren looks disturbed, glancing towards the friendly giant as it plays with a filthy child.
"We cannot bring them with us nor give them our horses. Time is too stretched now, and they would slow us too much. Trouble is, there's no way the particular band that attacked these people has grown in size and traveled all the way to Hornfowl since last night, which is the freshest tracks I could find...so there's another Gnoll Warband out here, stalking these people.
He lets the implications hang in the air.
"As your Color Sergeant, I remind you that we have a Duty to the Fist. It is our mother, our father, and we must see it's will done or else our brothers may suffer elsewhere. I feel for them, really I do. But every moment we waste here is a moment we lose to prepare to repel invaders in Hornfowl."
He sighs and looks at Trimmack, then back to Double Fist.
"Pack your gear, we leave in 10 minutes."
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Friday June 13th, 2014 3:18:17 PM
"Well, at least we gave the giant a good night's sleep!"
Bliss packs up and gets ready to move out, re-reducing himself and enlarging Mookie.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=19 ; d20+4=23 ; Friday June 13th, 2014 3:58:16 PM
OOC Did Linden do anything last night to heal their wounded? If not then Cameron expends his 2 CLW spells to heal their most movement challenged if that will help, if not he heals the giant, much to his dismay, because it is the only defense they have besides the Fist. IC Cameron surveys the stranded Circus. Is there any hope that these people can march to Hornfowl in 2 days time if they leave today? If there is, Cameron volunteers to stay behind with any other single trooper to provide them some kind of security while they do so. His preference would be one of the ranged Fist, probably Turley. He will try to get on the lion's good side if staying behind, and let one of the wounded or some of the children use his mount. He is desperate not to leave these people here to their doom.He will turn on every ounce of charm he has to persuade the color sergeant if he thinks the people can make it that he will only be one day behind them. Diplomacy 19 Wild Empathy 23
DM Ken E. Friday June 13th, 2014 4:13:47 PM DM OOC @ Cameron/David:
It's fair to assume you expended any resources as necessary to help the people, but sometimes CLW spells wont do the trick. They have a man missing limbs and no mounts. Almost all of them are hurt to some degree.
There's no way the whole lot of them can make it in that timeline. It's going to take a mounted forced march just for the Fist to arrive on time. There's nothing stopping you from asking Color Sergeant Carren, however.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 13th, 2014 4:45:24 PM
Cameron does ask the color sergeant if there is any way that he can "delay this secondary force of gnolls so that the main Mailed Fist group has a chance to set up in Hornfowl. " Cameron estimates it will take three days to sufficiently delay these other gnolls. He requires only himself and one of Carren's "specialists" in gnoll hunting, with their mounts to accomplish this task. If he is allowed he will build litters and use the horses to pull the wounded. This shouldn't be too hard since there are a couple of moderately serviceable wagons that can be lightened for the task (cages removed, most supplies left behind, which may further delay the gnolls if they stop to gather them) Winning the lion's friendship will be vital to using it as a defense aid and to free up it's mostly intact cage for transporting the wounded.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 d20+10=18 Friday June 13th, 2014 9:53:05 PM
WIlliam's disappointed that they can't help this group much further, but the mission comes first and that's where their duty lies... He sympathizes with Cameron, "My friend, I know we want to help, but we're on a forced march and by using the horses it might slow us down... If we need to go soon, then we won't have a lot of time to move things around and make up some litters... Sergeant said 10 minutes, which isn't much time..."
He packs up his crafting tools, checks the progress on his latest item, makes sure it turned out well (Spellcraft on COR1 is OK (18), so item is fine. Time to start on item 2 at our next stop) gets on his horse, stays in the middle of the party and awaits orders to move out...
___________ Total Crafting Time so far - 0 hrs on POP 2.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday June 13th, 2014 9:56:18 PM
Pru is somber as she packs her gear and prepares to leave. She hates leaving the people here, but the sergeant is right. They have a duty, and it lies elsewhere.
But Bliss had a point, too. The giant had been able to rest, thanks to their presence. Maybe he could protect the group until they could get someplace safe. Well, safer.
Pru saddles her horse, mounts up, and is ready to ride.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Friday June 13th, 2014 10:03:39 PM
Nikolai is pleased that his 'suggestion' was taken, but not so much that it was 'on his orders'. Either way, it would seem that it was sufficient, as the night passed quietly.
The news that a larger force than normal is heading to Hornfowl brings a scowl, but his friend's discussion of splitting up the group to help the circus people only makes him slowly shakes his head. He suggests "If the group heading to Hornfowl is larger than originally expected, it would be logical to deduce that the gnolls that attacked here have gone to join them, thus making it larger. They certainly had the time to make the trip and it would explain why they didn't bother us last night. Either way, I think we've done what we can. A whole town is at stake here along with our Assignment."
Nikolai packs his gear and helps get the horses ready to move out. It's a tough call but the townspeople are definitely a target whereas the circus people have a good chance to get away if there are no more gnolls in the area.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 7, CMD 17, HP 35/35 (John C) Friday June 13th, 2014 11:36:08 PM
Carver would have healed as much as he could before he rested with is LoH the night before. His gear is packed and he's ready for a roving patrol if needed, he's a bit more mobile than the ponies the short people are using, but then again, he is a Centaur. He'll stand ready to go after he double checks his gear and polices the area where he camped the night before.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday June 13th, 2014 11:43:47 PM
Tinker understands the concern about leaving these people, but his duty is to the Fist. Just like the village of Cheerful Stay, Trimmack's Thumb was only able to stay so long as their mission seemed to coincide with assisting the villagers. All the same, providing some advice wouldn't hurt their speed nor the circus' chances.
"Seems to me that setting some booby traps and pretending to sleep so the gnolls get close would give you a fighting chance." Never diplomatic, Tinker lays it out straight, but he means well. "Bribery won't work, and they can wait you out or run you down. Your best chance is to trick em in close and kill em quick."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) Saturday June 14th, 2014 8:56:49 PM
OOC: Sorry, RL reared up. Trying to catch up.
IC: Linden heals the injured. No need for Cam to do it.
Never one for tactics, the cleric listens and waits.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) Saturday June 14th, 2014 11:08:55 PM
OOC Cameron casts his 2 clw spells anyway. CLW and channeling and LOH won't fix the bigger ills they have, but willl get as man as possible up and around and ready and able to move. Plus I believe Carver's mercy removes fatigue, something they sorely need.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 15, CMB 2), HPS 33/33 Linden (Jay B) Sunday June 15th, 2014 5:24:00 PM
Ooc. Linden can top off anyone who is in need with a channel. Heal checks should bind any simple wounds. And Linden is still sitting on scrolls he picked up as group healing from the first mission.
DM Ken E. Monday June 16th, 2014 12:04:36 PM
The Mailed Fist continue their pack-out.
It is a somber morning. It is obvious some of the men are unhappy with leaving the civilians behind, but most realize their duty to the Fist is paramount. Only Cameron seems willing to stay behind and bring light to the cause.
He shares his concerns with Sgt. Carren, who is already mounted near Sgt. Trimmack.
"And what of us then Steelshaper? I'll not give Turley leave to join you, as he did the right thing and sought my permission to join you. There are more Gnolls ahead than we can handle as a single Fist, I'm going to need full squad strength. Would you comprimise us and the mission so you can help these poor bastards? What if your blade is the one that would slay a gnoll charging at Grundle? Or Carver?
He spits, then looks at the performers, who are beginning to gather.
"I agree their fate is probably grim, but we have orders. I found enough tracks here that are fresh enough to know the band here is separate from the band in Hornfowl. And even if I let you stay, the odds would be incredibly stacked against you and the giant."
Sgt. Trimmack starts to speak up, but Carren waves a hand to silence him.
"As your Color Sergeant I hereby temporarily remove you from both your Fist and mine. I technically don't have that authority, but screw it. It's done. You can either come with me and your mates to Hornville...and believe me, I'll need you according to the new reports... Or you can stay and get these people safely through the night or until our mission is done or help arrives, but expect consequences as I will mention this in my report."
Carren looks down at his boots , his voice softening.
"I'm sorry to put this decision in your lap, but Trimmack insists that it is your call. It seems your Fist is under consideration for a special designation. I could over-rule him, but that girl playing with the giant looks too much like my daughter for me to make the right decision and force you to come with me. Squad, let's go."
End Scene
XP:
Role Play - 250xp each Successful/Intelligent skill checks - 250xp each Giant + Lion Encounter - 750xp each. Bonus Xp for not blindly murdering the giant - 250xp each
Total - 1500xp each.
Please roll for your level up HD on the LnB today while making your daily posts. New spells are considered known for this traveling day.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Monday June 16th, 2014 1:26:27 PM
Bliss's jaw drops as he comes to understand that Cam may choose to stay behind.
"Wait, what do you mean!? You gotta come with us! We're the Double Fist!"
If Cam seems to be deciding to stay, Bliss says, "Well ... well ... Mookie will stay with you, Cam! Maybe he can help give a warning if gnolls come close. And maybe he can help with messages or leading us back together later."
Mookie caws in disbelief. "What! Wowsy, Kid, what are you talking about? I promised your mom I would stay with you, not with some martyr who wants to run away and join the circus!"
"Mookie, please!" begs Bliss.
"Hmmph!"
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 2 CMD 16) HP 34/34 Cameron (David Feest) d20+6=13 ; Monday June 16th, 2014 2:00:42 PM
OOC Any word on making friends with the lion? Are any hero points other than the one for leveling going to be awarded? I had asked the performers earlier how many gnolls there were and I think I have used tracking around their camp ( not sure on that one, I'll make another pre-leveling roll). Do we have an idea how many there are? Tracking 13
DM OOC: From stories, recollections, and tracks, you figure there is at least 12 gnolls and a few larger creatures, probably hyena's, with them as well. Your animal empathy is plenty good enough to change Rusty from indifferent to friendly.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday June 16th, 2014 2:28:40 PM
Atop her horse, Pru remains silent, although she hopes Cameron changes his mind and comes with the Fist. Their fate is in the hands of the gods now, she thinks, looking around at the surviving performers.
That being the case, and since she isn't doing anything else, Pru offers up heartfelt prayers to all the gods for the protection of these innocents.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=29 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+9=23 ; d6=4 ; d20+7=17 ; Monday June 16th, 2014 4:21:32 PM
As Sergeant Carren dresses Cameron down, Cameron looks at his boots, and the suit of dwarven chain he is wearing, and feels the weight of his grandfather's craftsmanship on his back. There is only one right answer. It appears as if they are going t let him make it for himself. Cameron looks both Sergeants in the eyes and thanks them. " Thank you both, I will not let it be said that the Fist does not show succor to those who need it. I will see you in Hornfowl as soon as we are able to make it there. If you will all excuse me, I have a caravan to muster." Cameron makes a parade ground about face and starts giving instructions to the performers. He has them strip down the lightest wagon they have, load it with food, water and the wounded.He also has Krog put some throwing stones on the wagon, for tossing at gnolls. He wants Krog to pull that wagon. He leaves his kit on his mount, but retrieves his Alchemists Fire and has the children put on it to speed their movement. While the performers make the wagon's ready, Cameron goes to the latrine made last night as part of the camp. A distasteful duty, he smears the tips of each of the 60 arrows in his quiver with filth, knowing that even if he does not bring a gnoll down with each shot, the disease from the filth may hamper them enough to buy the caravan some time. He is careful not to get any on himself or to nick himself as he does so. When all is ready to move out he releases Rusty and shows the great cat what he wants, a roaming circuit around the wagons, looking and smelling for trouble. As they move out Cameron does the same as the lion pacing the caravan, scouting a little ahead looking for trouble. When within the caravan he tells stories about the Mailed Fist for a few reasons. To keep their minds off of what may happen, and to keep the pace of the wagons steady. When out of stories, he resorts to the work songs he learned as a lad working at the forge with his uncle and as a recruit doing boring repetitive tasks. Stealth if needed 29 Perception 23 Tracking 25 Readied Bow shot hits AC 23(+1 if within 30 feet) for 5 damage (+1 if within 30 feet) Perform Oratory 17 to keep the caravan focused and moving forward
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Monday June 16th, 2014 4:38:50 PM
Carver looks at Cameron, "Don't be an Idiot. First, we don't divide the team, it get's people hurt or killed. Second, All you're going to do is cause yourself hassle with command. Third, you going off and doing this foolish thing is going make all of us look bad. And lastly, what would your Grandfather think of this decision, knowing that you willingly signed up with the Mailed Fist, and that as a Unit we are in the middle of a contract. I could see out being sure they are safe, but only after our primary responsibility fulfilled. The main force of Gnolls is out main concern. I won't physically stop you, because as a Fist we don't have a Sargent, but just remember Taur's, have a very long memory. Just look at the disagreement between Minotaurs and Centaurs, it's been going on for what? A few Centuries?" With that said, Carver is ready to leave, with or with out Cameron.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+5=14 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+3=21 ; Monday June 16th, 2014 8:21:58 PM
Thumping Carver on the shoulder, Linden moves to Cam and says, "Friend. Flower goes with you. And, dude, be safe out there. Let the winds blow up your trumpet, or whatever the sailors say."
(Are gnolls religious? Know Religion 15, Is Cam serious? Sense Motive 26, Perception to notice anything odd or out of order 21)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 17/17 Monday June 16th, 2014 8:58:57 PM
William joins in urging Cameron to stay with the fist, since they've been such an effective team so far... He doesn't like to see a good thing split, but he does respect his friend's decision... For himself, the Fist is where he's happy and wants to stay...
He too is on his horse, ready to head out, urging everyone to get moving and see what they can do to eliminate those dogmen...
OOC - (OK, what's our correct xp? Are we supposed to be at 4th level, as I only noted that I have 8100 vs 9K? Where did I miss?)
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 17(21 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 27/27 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday June 16th, 2014 9:02:56 PM
Tinker doesn't argue with Cameron, only scowls and keeps his own counsel. When Carren's Squad moves out, the dwarf moves with them, raising a hand in farewell. "Each being makes his own choices. Cameron deserves to be able to make his own. "
DM Changes to Tinker Highlight to display spoiler: { +1 level of Rogue; +4 hp, +1 DEX, +1 attack, +11 Skills, +1 Rogue Talent (Major Magic: Expedious Retreat)}
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Monday June 16th, 2014 9:26:13 PM "I swear to live by the Fist, to obey and Fist, and die by the Fist"
DMs OOC: We appreciate the input, but this scenario was designed exactly around this sort of circumstance. Please leave the DMing to the DM's of this game, who care deeply about your fun and immersion, and just enjoy the ability to think like a player. =)
DMs Warren and Ken
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 28/28 CMD 19/21(Grrapple) Monday June 16th, 2014 9:28:45 PM
OOC: you're missing 7xps in there i think, I've got 9,607.
Ah, yes, Feb 13, 7 xps.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Monday June 16th, 2014 10:12:26 PM
"No question, you're devout, Nik."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 33/33 CMD 20/22(Grrapple) Monday June 16th, 2014 11:10:40 PM
Having grown up with the Fist, Nikolai knows exactly what consequences Cameron faces if he goes through with his desire to stay with the circus. The only thing he does not know is how Sergeant Carren is going to write it up. It could be a simple disciplinary thing like extra KP duty or Latrine duty, but it could actually end up as a Court Martial!
Nikolai holds his thoughts, though, as Carver put it rather well. No point in everyone jumping down on Cameron, it would only create a divide that may not be fixable. Too much unknown in the future to be too critical.
Nikolai nudges his horse forward to take the lead.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday June 16th, 2014 11:30:15 PM
Cameron replies to Carver's comment. " Funny you should ask Carver, my Grandfather was the one I was thinking of when I made up my mind. He wouldn't leave one of his own behind unless it was that troopers choice to stay behind. I am choosing to stay behind and fight a holding action and organize these people so that they can survive this. " When Bliss offers to have Mookie relay messages, Cameron has to agree with the bird. " Helpful as Mookie watching out fro me from above might be, you are going to need him where you are headed. The Mailed Fist trained me well in avoiding ambushes, now it is time to set some." Once the Fist is out of sight, Cameron calls over the ringmaster and two of his performers. He writes out a quick contract using the skills he was taught by the Fist for the hire of 1 Mailed Fist soldier as an escort to the town of Hornfowl. This contract will cost whatever the circus can afford, probably only a few coins. Cameron knows that should he live he will need this in order to not be executed for deserting his contract. Having the Sergeants review and sign it would have been better, but he thought of it too late.
DM Ken E. Tuesday June 17th, 2014 11:20:16 AM
As you off towards Hornvale with Sgt. Carren and his men, he is uncharacteristically silent, especially while still within the performers camp. Finally, he speaks.
"Have heart men, you've made the right choice. A Fist has only it's word and you've kept that today. When our business is done in Hornville we will double back to see if these folks are still holding out. I'd not count out that giant or that lion, were I you."
As an afterthought, he adds.
"Or that Halfling, I suppose."
The performers watch in silence and you pull away, and only as fade out of earshot does their anger and frustration boil over.
A few of them shout obscenities, a few wail incoherently, a number more begin the grim task of setting up their defense and travel in accordance with Camerons orders.
Though it is a hard ride, you arrive to the outskirts of Hornville in peace. The forced march was grueling, taking up nearly 16 hours on the road. It is well into evening when you arrive, but the lay of the land is not encouraging.
The township does not have proper defensive fortifications, but it does have a new wall of stone, that goes around a the perimeter of the town. Though well constructed, it does bear the obvious hallmarks of an attempt made with a budget in mind, as it is only 5ft wide and 5 ft tall. The population is hard to gather, but at least several hundred people are likely to call the surrounding farms, ranches, and the township itself home.
A few men greet you at the northern gates and explain the situation, one in particular taking charge.
"Hello. I'm Aston West, head of the militia here. I'm the one who convinced the city to open up it's purse strings and bring you out this way. It started about a month ago, when our southernmost farmlands started reporting raids on their livestock. Next, farms were attacked. Now, here we are. I've had our best hunters trying to harry the Gnolls off with arrow fire, but even a Gnolls cowardice shrinks as his numbers grow. Last known, there were about fifty in their war-band by our count. I've got a militia of around a hundred men and lads, but I don't believe we can hold out if they decided to attack in force."
He spits.
"I think they've decided to do just that. Last few nights they have been creeping closer, testing the ranges and accuracy of our arrows at night. They made off with a trio of guardsman last night on patrols... and built a pyre in the distance... He shudders.. "I'm glad you made it when you did."
Leading you back to town, he hands Sgt. Carren a signal horn.
"You are in charge of the defense now. We know to follow your orders, as you boys are the professionals. I imagine that the fighting will mostly be on the walls, stubby things that they are."
DM OOC Be sure to re-select spells, correct HP and headers after leveling, and give me a watch order of some type. Be sure to explicitly post any special plans or preparations. You have a few factors to consider.
-None of you HAVE to stand watch. There is a full militia of watchmen here! But do you trust them?
-It is roughly midnight. You started on the road at 8am. It has been a long 16 hour day. Your horses have all taken subdual damage and need rest. Your squad is Fatigued.
DM Ken E. d20+6=13 ; d20+6=8 ; d20=14 ; d20=15 ; d20=6 ; d20=9 ; d20=8 ; d20=15 ; d20=17 ; d20=14 ; d20=4 ; d20=9 ; d20=9 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 11:25:57 AM
Somewhere to the North of Double Fist .. blood-hungry humanoids stalk a wagon as it is pulled slowly along the road....
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=16 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+11=21 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 12:27:53 PM
OOC horses take lethal damage on forced marches. Just another charming reason I can't do it. Rolls Diplomacy 16 Perception 29, 21, 30 Survival 19 Survival 17 Stealth 21
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=25 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 1:41:14 PM
Knowledge Local to know about gnolls 25 boo-ya! taking the skill pays off
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 4:06:56 PM
OOC Nikolai, reroll 1's for HP. I had to look it up and reroll twice, so you are not alone.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 4:57:40 PM
Carver requests a watch in the early morning, allowing him to get rested sooner, in case the gnolls attack near dawn. If he gets the watch he wants he'll immediately turn in and rest up. He sleeps in his armor this night, knowing he'll wake up fatigued, but plans on using a LoH to fix that. There's too much danger of attack not to be prepared for it.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+1=19 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=15 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 5:35:06 PM
OOC: oops, I forgot you get to re-roll 1s for HPs too. Thanks for the reminder. heheh. :} Headers fixed.
IC: Nikolai feels tired but offers to help on the first watch. He doesn't know to trust the local militia but they've held out so far, so instead of manning the wall at first, he helps get the horses settled and rubbed down real good. He makes sure there's plenty of hay for them and if there is any oats or corn, he gives measures out a heaping handful to each, unless food in town is short too.
Once the horses are settled and resting, well brushed, hooves checked, etc., he goes to the main gate to keep watch. The gate is the most vulnerable point in a wall defense and if a gnoll made it over the wall and opened the gate...
Abilities: Low Light Vision
Diplomacy +1 (get enough oats or other grain for the horses) = 19 Perception +11 (for his watch after horses) = 31 Knowledge Local +2 (gnoll stuff)= 9
Since the gnolls have been 'testing' the accuracy and range of the missile weapons, they might try it tonight. If one does, (and it is not a full out assault), he will wait until the gnoll(s) enter his Low Light Vision range and let loose a bolt from his new crossbow. He needs to practice with it anyway.
Crossbow Att +6 = 13, 17, 15 dmg = 1, 6, 6
OOC: I rolled three attacks just in case he gets up to three chances. They probably didn't hit but, oh well.
IC: When/If his shift is over, he goes to their assigned quarters and crashes until awakened, whenever that is.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=14 ; d20+9=10 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:14:12 PM
Tinker is tired, but does a quick check of the wall and recalling what he knows about gnolls. He looks forward to a good nap before doing much of anything else. But he does not go to sleep before Sgt. Carren or the Fist in charge gives leave.
...... Perception 12 Know Local 10
Darkvision 60'
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=12 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:27:22 PM
Linden is also tired, but is alert. (Perception 12) He sees a rock that is a neat shape. "Hey, that looks like a fish."
The cleric comments briefly about the fairness of a Fist tribunal and Cameron's chances if one is held. "He's doing what his heart says is right. 'Sides, they won't hang him. He's too light."
DM Ken E. Tuesday June 17th, 2014 7:05:03 PM
DM OOC: I've seen a few knowledge local rolls for Gnolls. Please keep in mind that would be knowledge nature, under the monstrous humanoids category.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 8:31:58 PM
OOC The gnoll entry in the MM says knowledge local. I dunno why but it does. If it should be nature then my roll is a 21
William, though tired from his trip, knows that the night isn't quite over yet. There might be some time gather some intelligence too and he offers, "I speak their language, as it's a good way to know your enemy so you can exterminate him better... If you've found anything written or if anyone's heard any distinct words from them, it might be helpful..."
To his teammates, he murmurs, "I think we should help take watch too, as we don't know how good these townspeople are at perceiving threats... After all, three of their watch were recently taken as captives or as dinner..." Perception = 21 = For his turn on watch, though he either needs to go first or last or skip it so he can get enough sleep to have his spells ready for the day...
Know (Nature) = 23 (info on gnolls, their habits, etc) Survival = 19 (getting through the grind of a long ride and not much sleep...)
He'll have his xbow ready and is also prepared to cast a spell quickly if needed if a threat appears...
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC23, HP20 of 20) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 9:08:55 PM
Bliss and Mookie wish Cam the best of luck, and part from him only reluctantly. "Please please be careful, please." says Bliss. "Remember, there's no shame in cutting and running if the alternative is death," says Mookie, serious for a moment. "Live, and you can help others later. Dead, you're no good to anyone."
Bliss listens to the circus folk curse and wail, and he tries not to show anyone that it is making him cry. Sometimes stealth lets you hide stuff like that.
==========
At the town, Bliss stares and looks everywhere with wide eyes. The wall seems huge to him -- he can't even see over it. When he hears that the population is hard to gather, he volunteer to fly Mookie around the neighborhood to tell everyone to come in to town.
"Yeah, we'll visit every Middlesex village and farm," caws Mookie.
==========
Bliss wants to be able to snipe most effectively, but how? The wall is too tall? He taks his one basket. and looks for another three baskets or sacks. He cancels his usual reduce and instead enlarges himself to human size. He fills his baskets and sacks with rocks, and set them on the wall, north, south, east, west. He piles up dirt on the inner side of the walls at those points so that he can climb up there.
Now, when the enemy comes, he can run to the nearest basket or sack of rocks, hide behind it, and use it for cover when sniping.
Does it seem to Bliss that this is a viable plan?
If he has time, he'll make eight in all, evenly spaced around the top of the wall.
Mookie will stay on guard, flying high, to help spot the enemy attack and its direction as soon as possible. As soon as he does, he'll give the warning and make himself scarce. Bliss tries to get some rest.
Prudence Gundle [AC 14; HP 39/39] (Kathy) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:19:11 PM
Pru is exhausted by the time they ride into Hornville, then astonished as she hears her companions blithely deciding to ignore their own condition to interfere with the town's watch.
"We need to rest," she says firmly, "or we'll be no good to anyone. Linden? You're the healer; help me out here."
Whatever her friends decide, Pru knows she's terrible on watch. Her best chance of helping these people is as a spellcaster, which means she needs to be fully rested.
[OOC: Character and header updated. Thanks for the input, everyone; I'm going with Protection from Arrows as my second-level spell. We'll see how it works out.]
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:38:34 PM
"Well, Prudence, princess. You just need rest." Says the centaur a matter-factly. "Beauty sleep and all."
There is very little beauty sleep for Prudence, or whoever else had been resting. In just a few short hours, calls of "Gnolls!" and cries of alarm rouse any sleeping soldiers from their racks. Numerous spottings of Gnolls gathering about the city flood in simultaneously, and the creatures are making no overt attempts at stealth.
Large flaming banners, made from men or staw or livestock are pushed forward, raised high on large wooden flat's designed to provide the gnolls cover when advance.
Perception: DC 25 -5 for dark or low-light vision: Highlight to display spoiler: {It appears these wagons are also filled with dry twigs, cloth, or other flammables.}
Mookie's warnings come to Bliss only moments before the few brave scouting huntsmen or men-at-arms come hustling back through the city gates. There are numerous enemy gatherings, easily identified by the flaming banners. The town is surrounded by a ring of flaming banners, except at the southern most gate, which reports that all is quiet on their front. By quick estimate the number of Gnolls is well above the 50 estimated by both Fist scouts and the men here.
Mookie: "Kid! If you use me to scout from here on out I might get shot! I like ya kid but I'm no pin cushion!"
Profession Soldier/Knowledge History: Highlight to display spoiler: {As you observe the Gnolls, apparent tactics, either learned by you in your short career with the Mailed Fist or in History books on the subject, reveal themselves. Being savage pack creatures with a strange affinity for learning only in military matters.. Gnolls often use advance combat strategies utilizing fire, cover, and deception only when led by a particularly cunning leader. Otherwise, they tend to charge en mass and rely on brute strength.}
Carren quickly dispatches your Squad to the western walls, where the fighting looks to be the thickest, while he takes he does his best to settle up the defenders elsewhere, shouting to the militia and both Fists.
"Listen up everyone, once they get close enough just keep shooting! Don't worry about the ones behind the banners.. it's a trick to draw your eye and arrows! Just shoot into the biggest bunch of mangy bodies you can see! If you see a Hyena, shoot it first! It's more dangerous than a Gnoll! Call out spellcasters if you see them, that's our first target!"
Bliss has built his little sniper pile. To his surprise, when he returns to his setup, he finds an identical pile of stones next to it. Atop them sits Anklebiter, smiling down at him. "Hey pal! Wouldn't be too much trouble to lend a sneak one of those reduce spells would it? Hell of a trick! I need to buy a wand or something!"
A war-horn splits the night air, and calls everyone alert. The giant flame banners slowly move forward, bringing with them hungry gnolls and sharp teeth. At 1,000 feet, arrows fill the sky and the battle is begun!
Battle for Hornfowl - Quick Hits
- The Party is fatigued. A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a --2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued. Magical healing also removes fatigue that comes from overland travel.
-There are two gates into the town, North and South. -The battle is starting at 1000 ft, and will progress 100 ft per round. Be sure to subract -2 from attacks per range increment. Max distance is 5 increments. -You may make 2 standard and 2 move actions per post -The North and East walls are facing 25 Gnolls each. The West wall is facing 50. The Southern Gate/Wall are not under attack. -Those without low-light or darkvision can still target the enemies due to fires and such, but cannot see whats happening in between -The Gnolls appear to be armed with a variety of weapons. About half are carrying bows and 2 handed axes, the rest are carrying shields and an assortment of hand weapons. - To quickly explain - I roll Xd20's, use the "Explain Dice Roll" to pick out the hits, randomize the wall hit on a d4, with a 4 being a pc. I randomize d8 among PC's.
---------- Militia Attacks @ 1000ft! (-20 modifier to attack rolls)
Gnolls Attack @ 1000ft! (-20 modifier to attack rolls)
2 - Hits - No confirm - 2 Militia die! 98 Remain! 1 - Hit - Randomized - Nikolai takes 6 damage!
DM Ken E. d20+6=16 ; d8+10=18 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 1:02:39 PM
Somewhere many miles away, a giant hurls a large large boulder which flattens a Gnoll into pulp. Scared performers cheer from within their wagon, but a furry tide of death surges ever closer...
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=19 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+6=14 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 1:37:41 PM
Hit AC 29, critical confirms to AC 19... no minus for range so that should hit and confirm. for 13 damage Perception 12 Climb 14
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+13=19 ; d20+24=25 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 2:04:14 PM
Perception check: 19 darn it.
First post, round one action: Bliss casts Reduce Person on Anklebiter. He also gets out a fresh clip and sets it on top of the wall.
"Sure, there you go, Mister Biter. Now you are as tiny as me!"
Round two action: Bliss reduces himself, climbs up the wall, and drops prone behind his rocks, ready to snipe starting next post. Stealth 25.
OOC: using the Humbles Ford 4th level version of Bliss's sheet.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Wednesday June 18th, 2014 2:08:39 PM
Pru casts Mage Armor on herself, then finds Nikolai and casts it on him, too.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Wednesday June 18th, 2014 7:37:09 PM
Carver as a swift action uses a LoH to "heal" himself as well as removing Fatigue. Since he is already armored he pulls out his bow as action #1. "Don't waste arrows at over 500 feet, it's almost impossible to hit that far out, but once they get that close, keep shooting until they almost close to melee, then get a weapon, or get out of the way." He then sets his shield and lance near by, ready to pick up and go. At 600 feet, Carver will take his first shot.... (at -10) At 200 feet he'll switch weapons and get ready to charge.... At 100 feet he'll cast his one and only spell.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 23/23 Wednesday June 18th, 2014 7:44:55 PM
William, seeing that the fight has begun a bit earlier than planned, looks at the battle field and decides to cast web against the nearest group of gnolls... His goal is to freeze them in place and make them easier targets for his friends... He also has some other plans that will soon occur...
1. Standard Action 1 = Web (20' radius spread, DC 17. See below for description. Note that it gives William total cover b/c its 20' away from him.. 2. Move Action 1 = He'll back to somewhere close to get cover from as many directions as possible, maybe behind a wagon, drums, etc. 3. Move Action 2 = Crouch down behind cover 4. Standard Action 2 = Cast Mage Armor ___________________ Web - 40/40 mins, Anyone in the effect's area when the spell is cast must make a Reflex save. If this save succeeds, the creature is inside the web but is otherwise unaffected. If the save fails, the creature gains the grappled condition, but can break free by making a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as a standard action against the DC of this spell. The entire area of the web is considered difficult terrain. Anyone moving through the webs must make a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as part of their move action, with a DC equal to the spell's DC. Creatures that fail lose their movement and become grappled in the first square of webbing that they enter.
If you have at least 5 feet of web between you and an opponent, it provides cover. If you have at least 20 feet of web between you, it provides total cover.
>>>>>>DM OOC: Are you sure you want to cast it now? It has a max range of 140ft for you at this level. Considering they are still 1000ft away, they'll likely just walk around it.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday June 18th, 2014 8:48:06 PM
"I don't trust the south gate. I think we should expect a big assault there at some point. Or maybe a few gnolls might slip the gate. I want to head there soon." Linden is conservative. He doesn't loose a single bolt. He is hunkered behind just enough cover to watch for his Fist to be wounded.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=10 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 9:22:13 PM
Having only a light crossbow, Tinker's maximum range is 800 feet, and he holds his fire... for now. His darkvision is nearly useless at that range anyways, and Linden's concern bugs him so much that Tinker doesn't even look much around his area of the West Wall. "Well said, HayBurner, we need some eyes on the South Wall at least. And ones who can run fast to warn the rest of us."
Tinker doesn't say anything more, but it is obvious that he isn't going and that he is suggesting Linden and maybe Carver. ...........
Perception 10
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 32/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=27 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 10:29:21 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Perc +11 DC20 (low light vision) = 27
Prof Soldier +7, no DC OOC: just added it this level, as I figured that, having grown up with the Fist and a year's training made sense. Good thing. :)
IC: Too busy studying the gnoll tactics, Nikolai misses an arrow from the hail of arrows, and gets hit. Just then Pru stops by and bolsters his defenses with her magic armor spell.
"Thanks Pru! I'll need that for sure!"
Then he relates to his team mates what he things is going on.
"Hey guys, those carts are loaded with twigs and other flammable stuff! They may be trying to get them to the gates to burn the gates down. If we can light them before they get here, maybe they'll burn out before they can get to the gates!"
The strategy, if correct, seems rather smartly orchestrated. His father fought gnolls in the Uncharted Lands, he remembered, and while watching the approach of the gnoll army, recalled the details of those encounters, his father having told them many times to his wide-eyed sons and daughter.
The arrow scraped him but he was ok. Tired as he was, he scanned for targets. Carver didn't need to tell him to hold off until they got closer and not waste his bolts. So, while waiting for the gnolls to close to within decent range, he ducks behind the wall (Total Cover) and starts wrapping bolt points with cloth dipped in oil.
He's tired and sometimes his eyes sting with weariness. OOC: I figure one wrapping per Action.
At 1000' he gets two wrapped. At 900' he gets two wrapped.
800(2 more), 700 (2 more), 600 (2 more), 500 (2 more) For a total of 12 OOC: all this while in total cover. I know this is more than two rounds but I need to go ahead and post the intent. I also presume there are torches along the walls where he can light his bolts, otherwise he'll get one ready.
He'll start shooting his flaming bolts when they get within 400'. If he's not been healed by anyone by this time, he'll change his actions at 500' mark.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14 or 18 with Mage Armor; hp 23/23 Wednesday June 18th, 2014 11:28:59 PM
(OK I didn't know how far they were exactly without a map... so I assume that none are close enough for a web? What's the closest one to me? I may just cast PfEvil on me instead of Web if none are within xbow range)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday June 19th, 2014 12:19:11 AM
"Alright. I'm trotting to the South Gate."
The Mailed Fist employs a number of strategies... snipiing, healing, buffing, and even making sure to keep eyes on the dark side of the base.
As Linden makes his presence known on the southern wall, he sees it isn't sparsely defended. Only a handful of non-militia are keeping watch with just a couple of torches built for light. They relax visibly when he arrives.
The rest of the Squad either fires away, or makes preparations. Nikolai draws upon a proper training in battle and makes special note of the gnolls and their fiery banner-carts and makes the leap that they may be intending to burn down the gates. Though the walls are only 5ft high and could be easily scaled, smashing through the gates would certainly help the invaders. Nikolai prepares to make some oil-soaked flaming arrows.
As the Gnolls progress another 100ft towards Hornfowl, more arrows are exchanged by both sides!
Gnolls Attack @ 900ft! (-18 modifier to attack rolls)
2 - Hits - No confirm - 2 Militia die! 96 Remain!
DM Ken E. d20+3=7 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=8 ; d8+5=10 ; d4+5=8 ; d20+6=22 ; d8+10=12 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:47:07 AM
Gnolls are pressing hard against the small caravan. A lion is surrounded by Hyenas and dog-men... a young ranger is pressed to fight...and a death toll is starting to rise..
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20=13 ; d6+2=8 ; d20+24=44 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 12:35:01 PM
Battle Post Two ... Round 3 ... Bliss draws and reads a scroll of Cat's Grace. ... Round 4 ... Bliss fires and then snipes.
Question for DM Ken: Highlight to display spoiler: {Ken, a heavy repeating crossbow has a range increment of 120. So organizing the next 16 rounds / 8 posts, I get ...
841-960 = -14 ... distance 900, Cast Cat's Grace, R1 of Cat's Grace, R2-3 of Reduce, one shot 721-840 = -12 ... distance 800, R2-3 of Cat's Grace, R4-5 of Reduce, two shots 601-720 = -10 ... distance 700, R4-5 of Cat's Grace, R6-7 of Reduce, two shots 481-600 = -8 ... distance 600 and 500, R6-9 of Cat's Grace, R8-11 of Reduce, reload clip, fire one shot 361-480 = -6 ... distance 400, R10 of Cat's Grace (ends), R12-13 of Reduce, two shots 241-360 = -4 ... distance 300, R14-15 of Reduce, recast Reduce on Biter, Self 121-240 = -2 ... distance 200, R1-2 of Reduce, two shots 0-120 = no penalty ... distance 100, R3-4 of Reduce, reload clip, fire one shot
So my major point is that Bliss is at -14 this post, not -18. And his attack is bab 2 +6 dex +2 artisan's bonus +1 enhancement (MW bah), +2 cat's grace +2 tiny -1 deadly aim feat -14 range = +0. Right?}
After reading his scroll, Bliss fires off one shot. It hits AC13 for 8 damage.
Sniping stealth: 44. (LOL rolled a nat 1 yesterday for stealth, a nat 20 today!)
DM OOC Reply: Close. But...- The Party is fatigued. A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a --2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity.
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=28 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+5=15 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 1:41:18 PM
First arrow hits AC 28 and confirms to AC 12 for 7 damage if not a critical or 16 damage if it is a critical Second arrow hits AC 23 for 7 damage Perception 27 sense Motive 15
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Thursday June 19th, 2014 2:11:31 PM
Pru's got nothing for this distance, so she continues casting spells. Since Nikolai is still right there, she casts Protection from Arrows on him. [OOC: That's 40 points; Jonathan, can you track that?]
"Bliss, where are you?" she says. "I want to cast a spell to protect you from their archers. Can you come out for a minute?"
If Bliss is willing to give up his hiding place, she casts Protection from Arrows on him. If not, she casts it on herself and hopefully can get Bliss next round.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday June 19th, 2014 2:20:50 PM
"Miss Pru! Here I am! But are you sure you should not save your spells? What if you want to set stuff on fire or something? They're not going to see me."
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=8 ; d8=5 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 8:53:59 PM
Tinker feels that supporting the militia by shooting will stiffen their backs. And so he fires the light crossbow, reloads, and fires again. The second bolt hits! .....
One naturL 20. 5 damage
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+3=17 ; Thursday June 19th, 2014 9:47:21 PM
Carver holds his fire a bit longer, still planning on opening up at about 600 feet. Pru, how far out can you cast that light spell?" He'll direct her to light up one of the fire wagons that has yet to be set on fire, if he can spot any. (low light vision, perception 17) "Once you can see it, set it afire. If it burns out before it hits the gate, it'll be useless."
He still plans on self buffing himself at around 200 feet, and then being ready melee when they hit the gate, but between then and now, he thinks he can get off at least four good shots.....
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday June 19th, 2014 9:50:19 PM
As the men look at the centaur, the young cleric returns the gaze, "SO! Is this ALL the light you can muster!? Bring more! These are NOT mere dogs you are guarding against!! These are foes! MOVE!!!!"
Even though these fools aren't his Fist, they are men. And he protects them with his upmost. If any are wounded, he'll heal them! (Via a CLW scroll)
Std Action 1 - Cast light Move 1 and 2 and Std Action 2 - Continue building up a wall of refuse around 3 sides of where he crouches... He's got to get to where he gets near total cover but can still see through cracks enough to direct spells...
________ Active spells -
Prot from Evil, Mage Armor Light
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 32/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday June 19th, 2014 10:37:55 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic)
Nikolai looks up as Pru casts her protection from arrows spell on him. "I don't feel any different, but I take your word for it," he grins.
Then he says "Here, take these two oil soaked bolts and hand them to Tinker and tell him to light those wagons up."
Nikolai proceeds to make two more.
At 900': oil soaked bolts 4/6 (or 6/6 if Tinker doesn't want any).
OOC: I forgot we get two Move and Std actions per post. I'm guessing on how many I can make so correct me if I'm making too many in a post.
DM Ken E. d20=1 ; d20=19 ; d20=10 ; d20=7 ; 96d20=961 ; d20=14 ; d20=19 ; d20=13 ; d20=6 ; d8=2 ; d20=14 ; d20=5 ; d20=1 ; d20=13 ; d20=5 ; 50d20=413 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 2:53:38 PM
Men and Gnolls die, Tinkers bolt takes a gnoll in the leg, but it snaps the shaft and keeps coming! Prudence and William offer magical assistance, and plans are made to ignite some tinder!
Off by himself with just a few lookouts, Linden assesses the mens morale quickly, He determines they probably aren't up to a fight, should one find them. They aren't militia, just old men or boys too young to fight.
LINDEN: Perception DC 17: Highlight to display spoiler: {As you survey the area, you notice a strange sight. A section of earth begins to sag downards...as if it might collapse! }
Outside the walls, the battle progresses much the same. The superior shooting of the militia seems to start having an effect on the gnolls. The numbers are thinning, if ever so slightly.
Militia Fires at 800 feet! (-16 to hit) (WOW. 96 dice and not a single 20!)
--------- Carrens Fist Attacks @ 800 ft!
Carren - Finished off the Gnoll that Tinker struck!
--------
Gnolls Attack @ 800ft! (-16 modifier to attack rolls) (WOW. 50 rolls and no 20s!)
--------
Gnolls: 20 North, 44 West, 25 East
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=18 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 3:18:43 PM
Perception 18. Just*! And low light vision
Depending on whether the sagging is outside the ramparts, the following conversation happens.
"William! Tinker! I... we need you! They are going to bring down the wall at the south! The are tunneling!! Men, hot tar and hay barrels if you have it, now! We're going to make them a welcome gift... of sorts. Tinker, ever go bowling for gnolls?" Smiles the cleric. Once he has his Fist mates close. "See there, they either are burrowing or there is an elementalist at work. If they have summoned elementals, that's a problem. See there?! *he points out the sagging earth* I doubt they expect us waiting for them to pop on on them. We have several options here. Drive in pillons in their route and force them to stop or change their direction. Or, we hurl stones at the sagging ground and crush them in their own hand dug tomb. Or we abandon the fort and burn down around their furry ears. My plan, of course, is less violent but more painful, pain is a strong deterant. Flaming tar pitch hay clusters made hand sized and throwable. Thrown at hairy beasts, like a flaming burr in a flank!"
If the sagging is INSIDE the fort
"Men, call to arms at the *place location here*! Walls are breached." Then he grabs the nearest hay bale and lights it on fire as he tosses it at the opening earth.
A battle is full swing now, with Gnolls, Flinds, Hyenas, Lions and Giants swirling in a vicious melee. Toothy maws clamp down on a brave halfling...Gnollish weapons score wounds against a friendly giant..
Bliss shoots twice at +13 to hit and -12 for range mod.
He hits ACs 16 and 10 for 5 and 7,
Ducking back to snipe: Stealth 26
AC 19,T 15,FF 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=16 ; d20+5=20 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+7=11 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 4:31:14 PM
First Arrow hits AC 16 for 6 damage Second Arrow hits AC 20 for 9 damage
Perception 30 looking for more trouble Sense Motive 9 to get a feel for the gnolls morale Perform Oratory 11 for inspire confidence
Attacks take into account fighting defensively ( Does that lose me my rapid shot? I think it does. If so disregard the second shot) Cameron's AC is now 22, T18, FF 20 +1 more for any opponents medium size or larger ( so 23, 19, 21)
1 of 9 bardic performance rounds used Only hero point used as well
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Friday June 20th, 2014 8:26:44 PM
"Don't worry, Bliss," Pru replies, "I have plenty of fire left."
To Carver, she replies, "About 100 feet and change. They're going to have to get a lot closer before I can do much of anything."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20-12=-3 ; d20-12=-2 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 9:53:43 PM
Carver draws and releases a couple of shots at the Gnolls, missing them both. "May as well let fly boys, just don't expect much in the way of damage. "
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday June 20th, 2014 9:59:21 PM
William hears lindens call to arms and so he leaves his semi-fort and moves toward the sagging area... He casts magic weapon on his xbow and then readies web to stop any kobolds from coming through the hole...
Active spells: PfE Mage armor Light Magic weapon - 4/4 mins
DM OOC: You aren't going to be able to web anything coming through. Please read this, from the your DM email on Friday.
Note it takes a full round of running for a minotaur** to make it to the other end of the town. It will take a 30ft move 2 full turns, and a 20 ft move creature 3 full turns.
**Note that minotaur SHOULD have been centaur, but the premise is the same. It will take 2 full turns of running (ie, 2 dm posts) for a creature with a 30ft move to make it to the scene.
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 28/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 20th, 2014 9:59:59 PM
Header update
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 32/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday June 20th, 2014 10:29:56 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic)
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
Nikolai proceeds to make four more.
At 800': oil soaked bolts 8/10.
News of something, possibly an earth elemental, digging towards the south wall is certainly disconcerting.
"Gnolls cavorting with elementals? What next? Cats and dogs living together?" he mumbles.
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=11 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 10:51:35 PM
Tinker grabs the oil-soaked bolts for his crossbow from Prudence, but doesn't get a chance to use them against the advancing gnolls at the West Wall. Linden is calling from the south!
The dwarf, perhaps from his years of living with the foster gnome family, discovers that he has his own magic, and casts a spell to enable him to move quicker... much quicker!
Fleet of feet, Tinker dashes towards the south wall and where Linden is calling for help! ................
Perception: 11
1st action: Cast Expedious Retreat (Rogue Talent:: Major Magic) +30 move. 1st move: +50 feet towards the south wall
2nd action/move : Run (x4 at 50 feet = 200 feet per round)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Saturday June 21st, 2014 7:07:00 PM
Dm - I did not get an email from you yesterday that referred to this?I also checked your yesterday's post and didn't see u mention it? I'm referring to why o can't Web?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 32/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Saturday June 21st, 2014 7:34:34 PM
OOC: I'd say you can't cast your web because:
a) web has a range of 100' + 10/level, they are 800' away.
b) as per the spell, the web has to be anchored to two or more solid and diametrically opposed points (the gnolls themselves don't count nor any of the wagons, as they are moving) or else the web collapses upon itself and disappears. (quote from the rules).
The web will work REAL WELL at the tunnel though. :)
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 28/42 Cameron (David Feest) Saturday June 21st, 2014 8:56:06 PM
OOC Um The hole IS where he is casting it.
June 20th. Sent to Cayzle Aiwendil <cayzle@cayzle.com>, David Feest <gorechylde2003@yahoo.com>, Jay B <axemaster1010@yahoo.com>, Jonathan Tarry <jetarry@att.net>, "jowie@roadrunner.com" <jowie@roadrunner.com>, Ken Mestemacher <kmeste1@yahoo.com>, "kice6@comcast.net" <kice6@comcast.net>, Stephen Knotts <stephen.knotts@hotmail.com>, Warren Gayou <wgayou@gmail.com>
Garrison Fist is really starting to get into the exchange of missiles now! But there's a tiny problem, and Linden has already seen it!
Note it takes a full round of running for a minotaur to make it to the other end of the town. It will take a 30ft move 2 full turns, and a 20 ft move creature 3 full turns.
I pointed out a little later that Minotaur should have been Centaur, since we have two of those in our party.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 32/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday June 22nd, 2014 10:13:49 AM
ooc: Sorry, William, missed your post about heading to the tunnel.
More volleys of arrows exchange back and forth between the two battle-lines. Lindens great eyes pick out a sagging section of earth from within the city gates, and calls his brothers to arms.
Tinker and William answer the call, though William cannot respond as quickly as quick Dwarf.
The sagging hole of earth collapses inwards, and a force of Gnolls push through the ground! Surging forward, they quickly fan out and gain their bearings. A few try and decipher the southern gates mechanisms. They don't seem to have spotted Linden!
The few men and boys on the southern wall beat a hasty retreat, and their calls of "Gnolls in the south!" echo through Hornfowl. As the word of the Gnoll sappers reaches the front, Sgt. Carren barks an order.
"Double Fist, handle it!
Militia from 700 ft! (-14 Modifier vs AC 15!)
7 Hits! No confirmed crits! 2 East Gnolls Die! 23 Remain!
Carrens Fist from 700ft!
Brandon Moore finishes off a Gnoll from the West!
Gnolls from 700ft (-14 Modifier vs AC 15!)
1 Arrow strikes Prudence, but bounces harmlessly off her spell. (2 Damage resisted) 1 Arrow kills a militia-man! 95 Remain!
Note that you can edit yourself on the map, which includes movement!
A few quick hits!
- Currently only Linden and Tinker are on the Southern Gate battle map. - William will arrive next round, may place his token anywhere on the top map edge, but may not take actions as he arrives as it would be his second full turn of running.
- Movement 40+ takes one turn of running to arrive and place their token. - Movement 30 takes two turn of running to arrive and place their token. - Movement 20 takes three turn of running to arrive and place their token.
Note that I am using a non-official term: Turns. For the purpose of this battle, a turn consists of two full rounds of actions.
-The enemy has not currently spotted Linden or Tinker, but will without stealh or beating a hasty retreat. -The enemy appear to be messing with the Southern gate, as it's skeleton crew of look-outs have fled. - Gnolls: 20 North, 43 West, 23 East, Sappers: 12!
DM Ken E. d20+2=10 ; d20+5=17 ; d8+4=10 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+5=23 ; d8+2=8 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+13=18 ; d8+7=11 ; d20+12=30 ; 2d6+6=13 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=14 ; 2d8+10=20 ; d4+5=6 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 10:49:59 AM "Gnolls on all side, the quick Halfling isn't so quick when being held by brutish humanoids. If only he can hold out a little longer.."
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 28/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+4=10 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 11:07:17 AM
grapple check to escape...10 held fast
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 38/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Monday June 23rd, 2014 11:16:01 AM
[OOC: Fatigued characters cannot run, so it's going to take longer than 2 turns for most of us to get there.]
Pru grabs her weapons and hurries toward the south gate as best she can.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+3=14 ; d20+3=17 ; d6+2=3 ; d6+2=4 ; d20+24=29 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 4:26:57 PM
Bliss is tired. The thought of running and running to the south ... it would take him so loong.
He decides he did not hear the order. After all, he is as hidden here from his friends as from the enemy. He'll just keep firing and sniping.
OOC: +13 to hit, -10 for range, two shots hit AC 14 and 17 for 3 and 4 damage.
Sniping: 29 stealth.
That empties his clip; he'll reload and fire once next turn.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d8+1=9 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 4:59:50 PM
OOC: I've noticed this earlier but now I'm really curious. The gnolls AC is 15 and so is the militia's, however the militia is behind a 5' stone wall that provides partial cover (+4 to AC). Is this dealt with in your calculations where we don't see or is it just ignored?
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic)
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
IC: The Double Fist is ordered to scamper to the southern wall and beat off an attack there. Nikolai has to make some quick decisions. Fatigued and with an arrow scratch, his plans now interrupted, he decides that running pell-mell to the south is not wise. He stops making his flaming bolts. First, he digs a potion of healing from his backpack and drinks it. Next he tells the militia commander of the oil soaked bolts and to use them against the wagons, the takes off to the south.
- Movement 30 takes two turn of running to arrive and place their token. This Turn: Round 1: take potion out and drink it. Potion of CLW 1d8+1 = 9 healed up to max and Fatigue removed.
Round 2: Run to south - 1/4 Rounds to reach south.
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 28/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+7=18 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 5:50:33 PM
OOC At the negatives you have been firing at so far, Only Bliss comes close to positive bonuses to hit. In other words they all need 20's and 20 always hits and always has a chance to confirm a critical, for which they need another 20. Cover, Shmover. It'll matter as they close. You'll see a big gnoll die off when your guys need 16's and the gnolls still need 20's.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Monday June 23rd, 2014 7:58:53 PM
Carver heads towards the south gate, he'll move and time his spell casting of Divine Favor so he arrives at the maps edge at the end of his second move. He'll swap weapons first move, rearming with lance and shield, stowing his bow.
Spells and effects
Protection from normal arrows Divine Favor (NOT Fatigued)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+4=22 ; d10=1 ; d20+2=7 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 9:36:32 PM
OOC: I was under te impression, due to posts, that I was at the South Gate?! Additionally, if I was, I posted that I wanted to drop a pile of burn hay on the sagging hole.
IC: Linden retrieves his crossbow and takes aim at closest gnoll and fires, with a sigh. (Hits AC 20, including the fatigue, for 1 damage) He stiffens, knowing full well that the 'knick' wasn't life threatening, but he says, "That was just a warning gnoll. The next one will be between the eyes!" (Bluff or Intimidate, either would be at the same miserable roll of 7) He takes cover.
BLESS (2 more rounds) IN EFFECT AT THE SOUTH GATE (only effects militia who were there and Linden)
AC 15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+1=17 ; d20+6=17 ; d6-1=2 ; d6-1=5 ; Monday June 23rd, 2014 10:08:17 PM
Ooc. Posting from my phone. Can't see the map. Really bummed, because I would like to see the map. ....
Tinker scowls and sees that a delay for the Gnolls is needed. He trots forward, hopefully within 40 feet of the gnolls. He laughs out loud, like the centaur says, you better scamper to your hole or you are going to have a really bad night. ......
Move action. Move forward until within gnoll charge range. Standard action. READY to Brace spear side of Urgosh for the first gnoll that charges. Intimidate 17 READY Brace. AC 17. Damage 7
DM Ken E. d20+13=31 ; d8+7=10 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+7=10 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+12=10 ; d20+4=18 ; d8+6=12 ; d20+4=6 ; d4+4=6 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=9 ; d6+6=7 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=8 ; d4+5=9 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 9:08:11 AM Cameron teeters on his feet, swaying from loss of blood. Rusty barely has the energy to attack another Gnoll, but does so at Camerons empathetic commands! Krog is covered in blood, his and that of the enemies...
(Sorry Linden! Randomize.. damage.. your flaming hay has been accounted for!)
Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.
The Gnolls advance, but their ranks are starting to look ragged. Not from excess wounds, but from lack of discipline. A few hop and skip in advance, eager to rend the flesh of men.
95 Militia from 600 ft! (-12 Modifier vs AC 15!)
4 Hits! No confirmed crits! 1 North Gnoll Dies! 19 Remain!
Carrens SQuad from 600ft!
Carren Finishes off a Gnoll from the West!
Bliss Finishes off a Gnoll from the West!
Gnolls from 600ft (-12 Modifier vs AC 15!)
1 Arrow strikes Prudence, but bounces harmlessly off her spell. (2 Damage resisted) 1 Arrow kills a militia-man! 94 Remain!
At the southern gate, a melee begins to take shape. While two gnolls seemingly refuse to quit tampering with the gates, trying to figure out how to open them, others charge forward, seemingly at the behest of 3 Gnoll captains on the scene.
One charges headlong into Tinkers weapons, cackling madly as he is wounded, only to land a shattering blow on Tinker with his club! Charge - Nat 20 - Confirm vs AC 18 - 11 total damage. Demoralize requires the target to be within 30 ft, and you stopped at charge distance.)
Of more concern is the Hyenas, especially the Dire Hyena, which all seem to converge on Tinker! It snaps its large jaws at the end of it's charge, but just misses!
One of the Captains, a large Gnoll bristling with weapons, pulls a taut string on a bow and lets fly at Linden, but misses!
The second captain merely repositions himself.
The third moves up and throws a ball of flame at Carver, but it misses. (Spellcraft, DC 16: Highlight to display spoiler: {Produce Flame})
DM Note: Those of you at the south gate are in regular combat rounds now. If you are not, continue to act in Turns. I realize I just created a time-vortex in the tiny town of Hornfowl, but its necessary for DM sanity.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+5=20 ; d6+2=3 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+24=29 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 10:27:35 AM
Notes for DM Ken ... Highlight to display spoiler: {The first line in the table below covers TWO turns, during which time the attackers will all be in the same 481-to-600-feet-away crossbow range increment. Thanks!
481-600 = -8 ... distance 600 and 500, R6-9 of Cat's Grace, R8-11 of Reduce, reload clip, fire three shots over two turns 361-480 = -6 ... distance 400, R10 of Cat's Grace (ends), R12-13 of Reduce, shoot final two shots of second clip 241-360 = -4 ... distance 300, R14-15 of Reduce, recast Reduce on Biter?, Self 121-240 = -2 ... distance 200, R1-2 of Reduce, reload, fire one shot 0-120 = no penalty ... distance 100, R3-4 of Reduce, fire two shots
To recap again, Bliss's attack is bab 2 +6 dex +2 artisan's bonus +1 enhancement (MW bah), +2 cat's grace +2 tiny -1 deadly aim feat -1 fatigued = base +13, now and next turn at -8 range increment = +5 to hit.}
Bliss quickly reloads, trading out his first, now empty clip for a fresh one. Then he pops out from behind his pile of rocks and takes his one shot this turn. He is at +5 to hit, and his shot strikes AC20 for 3 damage.
He glances around. Can he pick out any attackers who might be officers or leaders or casters? Perception 15.
And how is Anklebiter doing, if he can see him. Perception 31.
Then Bliss ducks back down again, hoping none of the enemy saw him. Stealth 29. He hopes the others are doing okay in the south.
Edit: Ken, I think I've been cheating myself out of a +2 on stealth checks with the cat's grace, although with these distances, I really doubt it matters. Just sayin.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Tuesday June 24th, 2014 11:29:19 AM
Pru continues hurrying toward the south.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday June 24th, 2014 1:15:09 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
- Movement 30 takes two turn of running to arrive and place their token. This Turn: Round 1: Running feels good, for some reason. - 3/4 Rounds to reach south.
Round 2: Run, Spot Run. See Spot Run. - 5/4 Rounds - reaches south side at end of 1st Move of 2nd Round.
OOC: To be fair, due to the time-vortex, I'll just forgo the 2nd Action of Round 2 and start Combat Rounds next post.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+13=24 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 5:11:35 PM
Linden ducks just in time. While in cover (out of view), the cleric casts Shield of Faith. Just before taking cover, Linden takes a glance at the gnolls, gauging their actions (specifically the one repositioning himself). (SENSE MOTIVE 24)
In effect: Bless (3.5 remaining remaining... misspoke about number of rounds), Shield of Faith (4 mins)
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 1/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+4=23 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+10=30 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 6:30:51 PM
CMB 23 Handle Animal 19 Acrobatics to avoid AoO 30 Bardic Performance 3 of 9 used
AC 17 T15, F14, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 7:40:06 PM
Tinker's head rings at the tremendous rap given by the gnoll, and he sees he is quickly being surrounded. Reversing his Urgosh, he slashes at the wounded gnoll defensively before taking a slow step backwards to make it more difficult to be surrounded. He starts singing, low and long in dwarfish, the only battle song old Unrak Ironfist ever taught him.
Dwarf Highlight to display spoiler: { The Clan Torval's off to war Hark and feel the drummers play Din of battle fills the air Onward, brothers to the fray!}
............................
standard: Fighting Defensively +2 AC, -4 attack; AC 7 miss 5 foot step (moved Tinker on map) (5 foot step = no AOO)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+10=12 ; 2d8+9=17 ; d20+5=8 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2014 8:14:14 PM
With no clue about the flame ball thing that came at him, Carver surveys the field of battle and makes up his mind. Carver charges, 20 feet into it to the south. he turns west and tries to attack the dog coming up on Tinkers west side, and continues on past after the charge. (Centaur charge/ride by attack)
Attack 12, damage 17
Spells and effects
Protection from normal arrows Divine Favor (NOT Fatigued)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 8:38:21 PM
Now that William's taken 2 full turns (2 DM posts after both of his turns where he ran as double move)... he arrives on the scene at end of last round... He'll then pause, and use his full round action to summon in some help to get rid of a few more gnolls...
Summon Monster 2 - He'll call in Henry the Celestial Hyena to appear about 25-35' away, hopefully to flank another hyena if one of his allies is attacking it, or to fight the nearest one if not...
Henry the Celestial Hyena Stats - 17/17 hps, Resist Cold, Acid, Elect 5; AC 14/14; +7 Fort/+5 Ref/+1 Will; SR 6; Bite +5 for 1d6+ trip attack, Smite Evil 1/day (+2 dmg until foe is dead) ______________ Active Spells 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow 2nd Level - SM 2 (6/6 rounds)
DM Ken E. d20+3=11 ; d20+5=21 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+8=26 ; 2d6+6=9 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+7=26 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+2=12 ; 94d20=1073 ; d20=5 ; d20=2 ; d20=20 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20=19 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d3=3 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=11 ; d20-2=15 ; d20-2=-1 ; d8=5 ; d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d8=6 ; d20=5 ; d20=13 ; d20=12 ; 50d20(17+12+13+8+8+8+6+1+18+3+6+20+2+9+5+14+4+8+19+15+17+8+15+8+20+6+6+2+19+6+13+15+10+19+4+13+15+4+16+8+5+10+12+3+16+10+5+5+16+8)=510 d8=6 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 2:55:08 PM
More of Double Fist continue to trickle in to the fight at the Southern Gate. Carver appears and tries to relieve some of the attention on the besieged Tinker, while William begins summoning a monster and Linden casts some protective magic. Prudence arrives, and can act as normal this round! ( I placed your icon on the map, but feel free to move it to wherever.)
Though Tinker took a step away, he is still easily surrounded on all sides by the wily Gnolls, who much like Hyenas, are cautious against a powerful predator. Or Dwarf. Two step around his reach and attack before he is charged by a very large Hyena and one of the Gnoll captains!
Carver is attacked by two Gnolls who break off from the beleaguered Tinker, seeing that prey is as good as captured.
One of the Hyenas breaks for Nikolai!
Both the weapon laden captain and the magic user each attack William, trying to break the Concentration on his summoning spell!
Vs. Tinker
Gnoll 5: Miss Hyena: (Flanking) Hits AC 20 for 9 Damage and trips CMD 14. Dire Hyena: (Charging) Hits AC 26 for 9 Damage and trips CMD 15 Flind: (Charging) Hits AC 26 for 9 Damage.
Vs. Carver
Gnoll 1: Miss Gnoll 4: Miss
Vs. Nikolai
Hyena Companion: Miss
Vs. William
Gnoll Druid: Miss Gnoll Ranger: Miss
The Gnolls on the gate continue yipping at each other. Unable to remove the large lock-bar holding the gate closed, they start hacking at it with their weapons!
-------------
On the walls the battle is much the same, although enemies are beginning to thin out a little. Men continue to fire, praying they stop the enemy before he reaches their defenses!
94 Militia @ 500 ft! (-10 to hit vs AC 15)
7 hits, 1 confirm.
3 West Gnolls Die!
--------
Carrens Fist attacks!
Carren kills 1 Gnoll!
Anklebiter Damages a Gnoll, and Bliss's Bolt finishes it off!
Bliss: Highlight to display spoiler: {Anklebiter is hidden and firing, though not quite with as much skill as Bliss. Strangley enough, both Cobbleshot and Turley are missing!}
DM Ken E. d20+5=20 ; d20+5=21 ; d8+2=4 ; d8+2=5 ; d20+5=12 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+13=29 ; d8+5=9 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 3:03:39 PM A proud creature falls to lesser predators, drug down by weight of attacks. Rusty fought strong and brave, but now lies still and dead near a mangled performer whom he sought to protect.
Bliss snipes two more times, hitting AC6 (nat 1) and 19, the latter for 7 damage.
He continues to look for officer/caster targets: Perception 20.
And he continues in his sneaky ways. BTW, did I mention Bliss was prone? He is! That helps both his sniping and his missile AC.
Stealth 42!
AC 22,T 18,FF 20(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 1/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=30 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 3:52:22 PM
Acrobatics 30 Intimidate 24
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+8=10 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=7 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 5:28:10 PM
Carver stabs and tries to stomp the Gnolls on him, missing, he takes a step backwards, creating a bit more separation.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20+5=13 ; d6+3=6 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 6:07:36 PM
Pru arrives, panting, on the scene. [OOC: Pru grabbed her weapons, a move action, before leaving the north gate, so she would need a move action this turn to get onto the map. That's why I didn't place her last turn. But she's here now. :) ]
There's only one gnoll in range of her Elemental Ray, so she shoots that one. [Elemental Ray at Gnoll #1; hit Touch AC 13 for 6 damage.]
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 1/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday June 25th, 2014 6:21:59 PM
fixed my ACs and figured Underfoot in already AC 20,Touch 16,Flat Footed 16, CMB 3, CMD 18
AC 17 T15, F14, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 5/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=14 ; d20+10=21 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:06:17 PM
Hyena, Dire Hyena, and the Flind rip and beat at Tinker, but the solid warrior stands tall and unbowed. But the dwarf knows even one more strike like any of those will be the end of him. Time for drastic measures!
Jinking and weaving, Tinker spins away from the crowd trying their best to kill him and tries to escape behind a building where only one enemy can get to him at a time! ............
Acrobatics 14 REROLL Hero Point - 21 vs Gnoll CMD+8 for avoiding 5 AOOs.
Move Action: 1/2 speed = 25 feet
Standard Action: Move full speed =50 feet to around the Storefront (if still alive)
He'll have Henry appear next to the magic user and Henry will immediately rip and tear against it, trying to smite it...
Henry - Hit AC 19 for 8 pts of dmg (Smited enemy) AND attempt to trip the magic user (free action, no AoO for doing it since monster ability) - 15 vs. CMD...
(OOC - DM, no one shows up on the map against me, so I assume it's a ranged weapon they used? Also, who is the Gnoll Druid and MUser? I didn't see an identifier on the map?)
William will move to gain cover behind Carver (according to the map, none of the enemies are near where I'm moving thru or to...) and will cast Mirror Image to give him some breathing room...
Mirror Image = 5 duplicates for 4/4 minutes ___________ Active Spells 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow 2nd Level - SM 2 (5/6 rounds left), Mirror Image (5/5 dups)
DM OOC: The attacks were indeed ranged. An arrow from the Gnoll with a Green Border and a flaming ball from the Gnoll with the Blue Border.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday June 25th, 2014 9:23:29 PM
The cleric can tell this battle is a bad one. He hasn't been able to spot Cam or Pru, but Pru just popped in. Where was Cam? Now Tinker was gone... he was just there. He pops up and casts Calm Emotions, centered 4 boxes below Nik's current position. (20' radius spread) Linden is ready to start judiciously doling out those Sac Bonds on the Fist who need it!
In effect: Bless (3m24s remaining, Shield of Faith (3mins54s), Calm Emotions (4rnds +concentration)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=12 ; d6+3=5 ; d20+3=20 ; d6+3=7 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 10:35:45 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
Nikolai sees Pru, out of the corner of his eye, show up and singe a gnoll but notices that she'll be overwhelmed if they charge her. "Pru, move to LInden, keep us together to keep from being surrounded!"
Next he takes a step to the left and lets the small hyena have it.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 1/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday June 25th, 2014 10:43:14 PM
OOC Bro, you are aware that for the past week I have been posting separately because I am escorting the caravan, right? Cam's not here man. However, Tinker on your map, is being mauled.
DM Ken E. Wednesday June 25th, 2014 11:07:56 PM
In Tinkers mind, he battles Gnolls, heroically holding them off one by one! In reality, he has fallen to the ground, trampled beneath muddy paws.
Tinker, after some DM-Player review of damage taken, has fallen unconscious!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday June 26th, 2014 12:21:55 PM
OOC: I remember it now. I feel like a fool. Thanks. And yes, I AM aware of Tinker's issues. He's out of view and therefore Linden's SacBonds won't help now and the mauling he took happened so fast and brutally, out of view in most cases, out of view of your cleric. Either Linden was in cover or Tink was. It sucks, and if Linden knew his dwarven friend was so critically hurt, he would have cast or used a power to help him. If he survives and Linden manages to see him, I'll do something. Otherwise, fog of war. For future, Status, I forgot to cast it. I had been meaning to, but then I got a hunch and headed South. My bad.
RL: Additionally, I might be changing jobs soon and the job in question is a contractor job. Regular hours and variable pay, therefore, posting times might shift a bit. I'll keep you all updated.
Henry pounces the Gnoll spellcaster, taking a bite and throwing him to the ground. The panicked Gnoll calls for help, and one of the two Gnolls on the gates obeys, smacking Henry with a mace!
The rest of the pack scatters after various foes.
The Dire Hyena charges into Henry, but misses with his vicious bite. The other Hyena bites at Henry's leg, then trips the Celestial Hyena!
The Hyena on Nikolai shakes his head after getting whalloped, and misses his bite. But an incoming Gnoll scores a wound on Nikolai!
The Gnolls on Carver continue to bounce off his armor, growing visibly frustrated.
A Gnoll breaks from the group and charges at Prudence!
The archer in the back takes another shot at Linden, and misses!
The spellcaster gets to his feet and gestures at William, but misses with his final ball of flame!
Vs. Prudence
Gnoll 5: (Charging) Hits AC 24 for 10 damage.
Vs. Henry
Gnoll 2: Hit AC 24 for 4 damage Hyena: Hit AC 16 for 5 Damage. Trip successful vs CMD 23
Vs. Carver
Gnoll 1: Miss Gnoll 4: Miss
Vs. Nikolai
Hyena Companion: Miss Gnoll: Hit AC 22 for 10 damage.
Turley and Cobbleshot arrive from the North! Both loose arrows at enemies, but miss!
-------
On the walls, volleys are exchanged back and forth!
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+7=27 ; d20+7=14 ; d6+2=8 ; d6+2=7 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+24=31 ; d4=3 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 1:19:53 PM
Bliss empties his clip, his first shot benefiting from the very end of his Cat's Grace, the second shot without it. So he is attacking at +13-6=+7 and +11-6=+5.
He fires! He hits AC 27, a nat 20, and follows up with a 14. That inflicts 8, plus 7 more if confirmed!
He fires again! He hits AC9, a miss. That's ten shots Bliss has fired in this fight!
Stealth to snipe (prone) 31.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+2=21 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 1:20:13 PM
DC 16 stabilization check made with a 21
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+13=20 Thursday June 26th, 2014 1:40:06 PM
(OOC: DM, there was no mention of my casting of Calm Emotions last round. What's up? Did it go off? No map either?) [OOC: Additonally, there seems to be a worry that I might Channel this close to gnolls. No worries friends, that was never going to happen ... unless EVERYONE was about to die.]
Linden notices several things all at once. Nik and Pru both take big hits. He decides to help Prudence by using a SacBond. (Pru takes nothing. Linden takes 10 damage) Nik can defend himself pretty well in hand to hand melee. (Sense Motive 20, just in case)
Spent: 1 SacBond, bolts -1 In effect: Bless (3m18s remaining, Shield of Faith (3mins48s), Calm Emotions (3rnds +concentration)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+10=24 ; 2d8+10=19 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 2:12:24 PM
Carver steps north, then lowers his lance charging the Druid, ignoring the Gnolls that will take swipes at him as he does do.
As he's charging he yells out,"Pru, burn the druid and Gnoll, put him down in case he can heal."
He winds up his charge, giving Niko flanking on the hyena.
Attack (charge) 24 damage 19
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday June 26th, 2014 3:45:58 PM
OOC The map, if not linked in the DM post can be found in your recent Google Drive listing, near the top because it is always being edited every time someone moves. For all the good it did me, I was able to color th squares where my grease spell went off on my map. You should be able to map out the space where your spell is too. Highlight the square ( I had to do themm one at a time, couldn't find another way) and look at your options above for "fill color". Pick your color and fill it in. A nice pink or mauve would probably do for calm emotions. Note, if there are creatures in the square, you have to pick them up, move them, color the square, then move them back. I suggest one at a time so it doesn't get confusing (again, speaking from experience). I like these maps because we get to place or effects where we really mean for them to go and to move ourselves. I love it. I now return you to your regularly scheduled combat.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20=11 ; d20+8=22 ; 4d4=9 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 3:53:49 PM
As the gnoll comes charging at her, Pru attempts to skewer him with her longspear, but fails. [Pru is holding a longspear, so the gnoll provoked an AoO, but Pru has to cope with Fatigue and a crappy wizard BAB, so she only hit AC 11.]
She attempts to cast a Burning Hands. Since there's a gnoll right in her face, she must cast defensively, the rules for which Pathfinder has changed to a byzantine formulation beyond the wit of mortal man. I believe, however, that Pru concentrates at +8, and that her roll of 22 is sufficient for a first-level spell.
A cone of flame leaps from her outstretched hand, scorching Gnoll #5 and Red Guy for 9 damage (Reflex save DC 15 for half).
[OOC to Linden: Pru has more base hit points than Tinker or Nikolai, and almost as many as you and Cameron. The Sac Bond is appreciated, but Pru can soak up some damage if need be. :) ]
AC 17 T15, F14, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-2=17 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 9:00:56 PM
Tinker groans and settles more into a red haze of sleep, continuing his battle and song in his sleep.
.............
Stabilize: dc 10 (-4 hp, +2 Con) = 17 success!
Tinker is stable.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden (Jay B) d20+3=11 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 9:30:18 PM
Ooc. Will do! Transfer that Pru SacBond to Nik instead. I had thought that cus he's a true fighter that I might SB him initially, but meh! And Pru tries to stay out of combat too. Should have realized. My head hasn't been in game for a couple days. Sorry. I'll redouble my efforts.
As for Tinker, DM. Did Linden see Tinker disappear behind the building? Perception 11.
(@DM, did the attack get within 5 of hitting me, and if so, one of my images will be gone.)
He then moves quickly behind Linden to regain cover, as he's an easy target otherwise...
Meanwhile, loyal Henry refuses to give up and staying on the ground, takes what will probably be his last action (-4 penalty) and bites at the magic user too (if it survived the flaming sphere) or if not, he'll bite at the nearest enemy in range...
Henry Attack = Hit AC 15 for 12 (if against Magic User) or 10 if against other creature. ______ Active Spells 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow 2nd Level - SM 2 (4/6 rounds left), Mirror Image (5/5 dups), Flaming Sphere (3/4 rounds left)
DM OOC: Nope, he wasnt even close to your AC.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; 2d6+6=8 ; d20+5=24 ; d6+3=4 ; Thursday June 26th, 2014 10:16:31 PM
Note 1: Linden, Tinker never made it to the building and is in plain view, sort of. Note 2: if you Zoom the map up one step, it is easier to move your piece, then zoom it back down a step to see the whole map again.
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
Nikolai dodges the hyena but feels getting hit by a charging gnoll. Funny, though, that it didn't hurt or draw blood. Things are happening too fast for him to ponder the why's or how's and keeps giving the gnolls the what-for.
Flurry of Blows: Att1 vs. hyena +3 +2 (flanked) = 25, N20, confirm crit =23 yes, dmg = 8
If hyena is still alive: Att2 +3 +2 (flanked) = 24 dmg = 4 ! 3 ones!
If Hyena is dead after 1s attack; Att2 +3 vs gnoll_6 = 22 dmg = 4 --- same roll as above minus the flanking.
He then takes a step to his left to get next to Pru.
Things are finally starting to look like those at the Southern Gate have a chance!
First, Lindens Delayed Blast Calm Emotions explodes, neutralizing Gnolls 1 and 4, but is resisted by the strange looking Gnoll captain and the Hyena. (Red Border = Flind)
The Flinds fortunes don't last long however, as Carver lays him low on a charge! Prudence clears out her immediate area, and though the Gnoll nearest her manages to avoid the worst of her flames, all it means is that he only dies extra crispy, and not burnt to ash.
Nikolai makes a small adjustment and flurries again, smashing the Hyena before him multiple times! Between it's prior damage and the new assault.. it eventually crumples to the ground.. blood trickling from it's nose.
Cobbleshot and Turley each open fire on the large Hyena, seeing it as the biggest threat, but miss due to it's swirling melee with the celestial hyena. Williams flaming Sphere singes the Gnoll magic user badly.
Stepping away from the Henry, the Druid (blue border) casts a spell. Carver, Will Save (DC15)! Spellcraft DC 17: Highlight to display spoiler: { Heat Metal}
The Gnoll trooper near the druid looks contemptuously down at Henry, and stabs him, sending the Hyena back to where he came from. The large Hyena charges at Cobbleshot, but misses the old archer. The Dire Hyena has no luck vs Carver either.
The Gnoll captain charges northwards, slamming his greatsword against Carver. The centaurs charge had left him off balance slightly, and the attack found it's mark.
Vs. Henry
Gnoll 2: Nat 20, confirms vs AC 17 for 14 damage.
Vs. Cobbleshot
Hyena: Miss
Vs. Carver
Dire Hyena: Miss Gnoll Ranger: Hit AC 20 (you are -2 for charging) for 11 damage. Gnoll: Miss
On the wall, fire is exchanged back and forth. As distances close, the elite archers of Carrens Fist and Bliss are finally making a substantial impact.
@ 92 Militia at 300ft! (-6 vs AC 15.)
3 regular hits! 3 Criticals! 1 Confirms!
2 Gnolls die on the western wall!
---------
Carrens Squad @ 300ft!
Carren slays a Gnoll!
Bliss scores a wound on a Gnoll!
Anklebiter finishes it off!
--------------
Gnolls Return Fire @ 300ft!
2 hits! 2 Militia die!
- Gnolls: 19 North, 32 West, 23 East, Sappers: 9!
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d20+5=7 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=20 ; d6+4=8 ; d20+13=25 ; d8=7 ; d20+13=21 ; d8=1 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=24 ; d8=3 ; d20+5=21 ; d8+5=6 ; d20+7=24 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=28 ; d8=2 ; d20+5=21 ; d8+5=7 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=15 ; d8+7=12 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 3:35:20 PM A halfling has fallen, but a Giant stands, wounded mortally. He faces off from a single remaining foe.. a large beast, a demonic Gnoll.. He and the Flind each let out a warcry and charge one another! Each throws his last ounce into this final attack... their bodies clash and...!
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Friday June 27th, 2014 4:25:56 PM
OOC: Williams sphere is clearly marked on the map. I think I also posted this..
"Williams flaming Sphere singes the Gnoll magic user badly."
Henry missed.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 41/43 (John C) d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=12 ; d3+8=11 ; d6+8=13 ; d6+8=9 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 4:31:14 PM "Someone hit that caster and get this dog off my back, I'm going to be a bit busy here." Carver shouts Carver declares the green ringed Gnoll the target of his smite evil. (unless Linden takes the damage Carver does the following) He also as a swift action uses a lay on hands healing 9 of the 11 damage done to him. Using the gauntlet holding the lance he slams the fist into him and then stomps him twice with his front hooves.
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 24 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 2 of 5 used
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 41/43 (John C) d20+7=17 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 4:45:23 PM
Saving throw 17
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday June 27th, 2014 5:37:39 PM
(OOC: Not sure you are referring to John... what damage?)
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday June 27th, 2014 7:38:58 PM
Cameron settles into a more comfortable position in the dirt. (Friday Post)
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 29/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; 2d6+6=13 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 7:45:29 PM
Belatedly, Pru realizes that the charging gnoll opened up quite a wound in her side. [OOC: The Sacrificial Bond didn't happen; therefore Pru took damage.] Grimacing in pain, she looks down at the still-smoldering gnoll. "I'd burn you again if I had the time," she mutters.
But she doesn't have the time, and her friends need her help. Carver's shout catches her attention, and she obligingly fires an elemental ray at the gnoll attacking him.
[Fire at Gnoll #6. Hit Touch AC 25, a critical threat. Confirm to Touch AC 23, which I'm guessing is a critical hit. 13 damage.]
As his friend is driven away, William sadly bids him goodbye but promises to see him again soon...
He'll use a move action to move the sphere to gnoll 2, where it will do 9 pts dmg (DC 16 Reflex save or no dmg).
As his standard action, he'll aim and fire his enhanced xbow at gnoll 6 (if its dead, then at the really big gnoll) - Hit AC 25 (Crit check 21) for 2 (If not crit) or 4 if critical... _____________ Spells 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow 2nd Level - SM 2, Mirror Image (5/5 dups), Flaming Sphere (2/4 rounds left)
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday June 27th, 2014 8:49:51 PM
Tinker dreams of a song , sound the war cry loud and clear, as the pipers loudly play... .... Stable
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=20 ; d6+3=7 ; Friday June 27th, 2014 9:24:25 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued
Other: Low Light Vision 60'
Nikolai is glad to be on the cooler side of Pru's flames! With his mutt KO'd, he looks for more targets. Somehow the two in front of Pru seemed lethargic and unwilling to fight so he looks at others. Carver calls for help to shake off a gnoll behind him and a bolt from William and a fiery ray from Pru hit it.
I gnoll6 is still up, Nikolai takes a step towards it, flanking it, and gives it a good kick.
Reg Att +6 +2 (flanking) = 20, dmg = 7
If gnoll6 is already down, he charges the hyena in front of Turley: (using same roll) Reg Att +6 +2 (charge) = 20, dmg = 7
and AC 18 if charged
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden (Jay B) Sunday June 29th, 2014 9:01:30 PM
checking in
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday June 30th, 2014 9:51:44 AM
Having emptied his clip, Bliss uses this turn to renew the Reduce Person spells on himself and Anklebiter, if Bliss can reach Anklebiter from where he is now lying prone. If not, he'll renew his Reduce and read another Cat's Grace scroll, applied to himself.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Monday June 30th, 2014 11:04:21 AM
(Post in progress!)
Williams Flaming Sphere fails to cause any real damage. Terrified of the magic ball of fire, Gnoll 2 charges northwards, smashing his weapon into Nikolai, cackling in laughter as he does so! The Hyena snarls and tries to pull Nikolai down, but misses!
Turley pegs the druid with an arrow, but does minimal damage. Cobbleshot fires and misses!
The magic user moves behind it's fellow captain and casts a spell, and the Gnolls wounds visibly knit shut! He beckons for Gnolls 1 and 4, and they come at his command.
Seeing a chance to attack the Fire-Woman, another Gnoll bounds in a beeline towards Prudence, slamming into her with his weapon. Even worse, the Dire Hyena, which got a mouthful of metal last time it bit at Carver, notices the unarmored woman and decides she is much easier prey! He snaps at her, but his muzzle is deflected by her invisible Mage Armor.
Squaring off with Carver, the Gnoll Ranger barks out a taunt!
Gnollish Language Speakers!:Highlight to display spoiler: {"You will fall horseman! I shall feast on Horseflesh and Man-flesh without needing two fires!"}
Vs. Nikolai
Gnoll: (charging) Nat 20 - Confirm AC 23 - 19 Damage Hyena: Miss vs AC 17
Vs. Pru
Gnoll: (charging) hit AC 19 - 6 Damage
Vs. Carver
Ranger: Hit AC 25 - 18 Damage
On the walls!
@ 90 Militia at 200ft! (-4 vs AC 15. 18's hit)
14 Regular hits! 5 West Gnolls Die!
---------
Carrens Squad @ 200ft!
Carren slays a Gnoll!
Anklebiter slays another!
Brandon Moore finishes it off! --------------
Gnolls Return Fire @ 200ft!
5 Militia Die!
- Gnolls: 19 North, 25 West, 23 East, Sappers: 8!
-Still to go, Cobbleshot and Turley! - Played by David Feest!-
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+4=6 ; d20+7=10 ; d8=1 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 3:06:49 PM
Turley and Cobbleshot see the magic user heal the ranger and just nod at each other. Cobbleshot fits arrow to bow and lets fly at the magic user (blue border), missing by a mile. over the din of combat he points at the magic user and says " He heals! Put him down soonest!"
Arrow hits AC 6 surely a miss
Turley is in a bit more of a pickle. If he moves the gnoll in front of him will attack him, if he shoots the same result, but that magic user has to go away, and soon. Gritting his teeth he draws an arrow and fires. In his haste he too misses the magic user(blue border)
Arrow hits AC 10 for 4 damage should it miraculously hit.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+26=42 ; d20+26=46 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 3:25:59 PM
Seeing that Anklebiter is out of reach, Bliss stands up. Then he looks around. Where are his friends? He does not see any of them. They must all have gone off to the south. Bliss finishes reading his cat's Grace spell and heads off to the south gate (Stealth 42 to abandon his post without anyone seeing.)
He continues to sneak toward the south gate, looking for a vantage point from which he can shoot any enemies he sees. Stealth 46.
Bliss is moving at 30 ft per move action while being sneaky.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 19/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=20 ; d6+3=4 ; d20+3=5 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 5:14:32 PM
Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued AC back to normal Other: Low Light Vision 60'
Nikolai's charge exposed himself to the crazed cackling gnoll, something he'll have to remember to take into consideration when charging next time.
Taking advangage of the same vulnerability of the Charge attack the gnoll just gave him, Nikolai retaliates against the gnoll_2.
Note: if Gnoll_2 did not Charge but 'charges northwards' is just a figure of speach, then Nikolai will attack the hyena instead. The point is to take advantage of the -2 to the gnoll's AC, if there is one.
Flurry of Blows: Att1_ Stunning Fist +3 = 20, dmg = 4 Stunning Fist: Fort DC15 _ stunned for 1 round, drops everything held, can't take actions, looses any Dex bonus to AC, takes a -2 penalty to AC.
Att2 d20+3 = 5 (even without Dex and -2 to AC i think this misses.)
Stunning Fist 1/2
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+8=25 ; d8+5=6 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=8 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=8 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 5:49:51 PM
With a swift action, Carver lays on hands and gains 5 hit points back. "Linden, get off your DUFF or I'll bring you up on charges if I live through this. Your team mates are dieing, and you are doing squat. I need some healing over here, so move it!" Carver yells as he moves a bit and stabs at the gnoll to the north east and then tries to stomp the hyena twice next to him.
Lance Attack on Gnoll Attack 25, Damage 6 Hoof #1 on Hyena Attack 23 Damage 6 Hoof #2 on Hyena Attack 8 Damage 8
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 24 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 3 of 5 used
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 23/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20=12 ; d8-2=-1 ; d20+8=20 ; 4d4=10 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 6:57:44 PM
Another gnoll comes charging at her. Pru wishes she was good enough with her longspear to discourage that sort of behavior, but it doesn't look promising. Pru winces as the gnoll's attack hits.
[AoO on the charging gnoll. Hit AC 12, and I'll roll damage just in case. That'll be a big 1.]
Pru steps back [5-foot step, which, as I'm constantly reminding my players, does not provoke] and tries another Burning Hands. She's not sure what kind of reach that dire hyena has, so she casts defensively just in case.
[Concentration check 20, success. Gnoll 3 and Dire Hyena take 10 damage; DC 15 Reflex save for half.]
1/1 uses left for POP 1st level 1/1 uses left for bonded item
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday June 30th, 2014 11:03:36 PM
Tinker Moans and roles in his sleep. din of battle fills the air, onward brothers to the fray!
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden (Jay B) 2d8+4=10 ; Monday June 30th, 2014 11:17:23 PM
(OOC: Sorry all, been interviewing for new jobs after work. Been exhausted. Upside, I am likely taking a courier job. With any luck, more money will be coming in soon. I apologize for slacking lately. Money stress... life)
"Like, dude, Carver, chill man!" This was getting out of control. Charge me? Wow. "Groovy." The cleric, who really tried to calm the combat in front of him, trots over to Carver and lays a healing touch. He does what he can to avoid foes (but there is no round map up).
CARVER HEALS 10
Spent: 1 SacBond, bolts -1 In effect: Bless (3m18s remaining, Shield of Faith (3mins48s), Calm Emotions (3rnds +concentration) Spontaneous use: burns Status spell for Cure Moderate for Carver.
DM OOC - JAY PLEASE SEE - !!!! LOOK HERE !!! There IS a round map up. It's in my dad-gum Header! It updates automatically as players move their tokens!
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+24=44 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 11:08:02 AM
Bliss hurries along at 30 while darting from building to building, wall to leaf pile to garbage can to shadowy corner.
Stealth 44.
When he has line of sight to the enemies at the south gate, he'll stop to load his bah with a fresh clip.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d20+4=15 ; d20=8 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=22 ; d8+2=8 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+6=17 ; 2d6+6=12 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+9=10 ; d8+3=6 ; 89d20=939 ; 45d20=425 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 11:25:08 AM
>>>!!!!Linden moves across the field, but cannot make it to Carver AND heal him this round, he is simply too far away! Instead he moves as far as he can while focusing his concentration on his Calm Emotions spell, keeping the two southern-most Gnolls out of the fight.!!!<<<
Nikolai lands a solid blow on the Gnoll, who indeed charged. It is so caught up in it's revelry however, that it simply shrugs off the paralyzing blow! He is aided by Carver, who shoves a spear into the mangy beast. It is in poor shape indeed! Not as bad as it's Hyena, however, which is stomped to death by Carvers hooves.
Prudence and William each bring their own sort of Magical support. Prudence's flames wash over the Gnoll and Hyena, though the larger beast seems to have avoided the worst of the fires. William focuses on bringing more bodies to the battle, relying on summoning techniques.
Bliss leaves his station and makes way towards the southern gate. No sign of his friends has made him worried. Far in the distance he can see figures that might be Turley and Cobbleshot, hard pressed by enemies. (If Bliss is moving at 30ft and not running, it will take him 2 more rounds to reach the combat. It took the others 2 rounds of running to make it.)
AoO on Turley = 8. Miss
Nikolai's Gnoll steps down and away from the Monk, joining the other Gnolls in pack warfare, trying to swarm down the most deadly foe. He hacks his axe at Carver, wrenching it deep into the Centaurs armor.
The next Gnoll breaks away from Prudence. The Fire-Wench hurt! He instead swings wildly at William, trying to disrupt his spellcasting, but his weapon bounces off Williams many enchantments.
The Dire Hyena has a short memory, and snaps again at the burny-human with his long 10ft reach! His jaws close on Pru's leg and he shakes his head violently, pulling her to the ground!
The Ranger again swings his great sword, but this time it bounces plainly off of Carvers armor!
Vs. Carver
Gnoll 2 hits AC24 for 8 damage. (forgot to adjust for flanking) Gnoll Ranger: Nat 1 miss.
Vs. William
Gnoll 3 Misses.
Vs. Prudence
Dire Hyena hits AC 17 for 12 damage and trips CMD 24. Prudence is Prone.
The spellcaster again heals the Rangers wounds! He sees Linden closing in, and orders his "calmed" minons to block the path to Carver!
No longer with eyes on the walls, Doublefist isn't quite sure how the ongoing ranged warfare is progressing!
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 11/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20+8=25 ; 2d4+2=5 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 2:53:16 PM
Pru can't help but cry out as the dire hyena bites her. Those teeth hurt! Then she falls backward with a whoomp! that knocks the air clean out of her lungs and leaves her staring up at the sky.
"Ack. Little help?" she manages to croak.
But her friends are busy, and she needs to deal with this threat on her own.
She reaches for another spell, and attempts to cast defensively, well aware of those darned teeth. She manages to the spell off, and two glowing balls streak out of her outstretched hand to slam into the dire hyena. [Cast Magic Missile with a Concentration check of 25, success. The hyena takes a whopping 5 points of force damage.]
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+4=18 ; d20+7=12 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 4:33:00 PM
Cobbleshot nods at Turley and again they heft their bows, intent on bringing down the gnoll healer. Cobbleshot's arrow flies true, but Turley's wobbles a bit. " Remind me lad to look at your bow after this. I think it's bent." Cobbleshot quips to Turley Cobbleshot's arrow hits AC 18 for 3 damage on the caster (blue border, not in melee) Turleys arrow hits AC 12 for 4 damage in the event that it hits.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=17 ; d8+5=12 ; d6+4=7 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 4:56:44 PM
Carver again lays on hands on himself, this time for 8 hit points. (the 8 healing counter acts the damage done,so HP remains the same.) "They keep me flanked and I'll be down, so get them off me so I can face them. By the way, I'm just about out of magic here."" Seeing that the magic user (blue ringed) is in range of his lance, Carver stabs him. He then follows his own advice and stomps on the gnoll to his east (marked #2), managing to hit once.
Lance Attack on Blue Gnoll Attack 27, Damage 12 Hoof #1 on Gnoll2 Attack 10 Hoof #2 on Gnoll2 Attack 17 Damage 7
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 24 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 4 of 5 used
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 7:24:40 PM
Tinker's song changes in his head.
"Mailed Fist there in the hollow, do you feel the rushing billow Wave on wave on which there follows battles distant sound? 'Tis the tramp of gnollish foe men, gnollish spearmen, gnollish bowmen Be they knights, or hinds, or yeomen, they shall bite the ground!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 19/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=11 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2014 7:41:29 PM
Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued
Other: Low Light Vision 60'; Stunning Fist 1/2
Nikolai's first instinct is to flank gnoll_2 while he's hurt, but he has two friends in dire peril. Carver lashes out viciously at his foes but Pru, still prone, only singes the brute hyena. His choice of action is clear. Carver can at least run, Pru can only crawl.
He swiftly retrieves from his backpack (Move Action) a bag with magical writing, and throws it at the dire hyena (Attack Action)!
Throw Tangle Foot Bag at Dire Hyena: Range Touch Attack (range incr 10') +5 -2 (20' range penalty) = 11
If hit: Tangle Foot Bag_ immediate effects are -2 on Att and -4 Dex. Ref DC15 to not become glued to the floor and unable to move. Successful Save = Move only at 1/2 speed. If glued to floor, Str Check DC17 to break free or 15pt slashing damage to goo. For more details, see players handbook.
William's friend Eddie appears flanking the hyena 3 in front of William.... (Note that there was no icon for Eddie so I used the flaming sphere one instead) and smiting, decides to bite and tear at his summoner's foe...
Talon 1 = Hit AC 23 (Crit Check 14). If NOT crit then 7 pts dmg (6+1 smite). If crit then 13 pts dmg (12 + 1 smite) Talon 2 = Hit AC 16 for 4 pts (3 + 1 smite) Beak = Hit AC 16 for 7 pts (6+1 smite)
Watching it all in satisfaction, William is protected by his mirror images and all he can do (as a standard action since already used move for sphere) is...
1. If Hyena 3 is still alive, then he'll use his standard to do a Total Defense (now AC is 24) 2. If Hyena 3 is dead b/c of Eddie, then he'll throw an acid dart at the large hyena (Hit Touch AC 8 so a miss...) ______ Eddie's stats - AC 14, hp 7/7 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow, SM1 (6/6 rounds left) 2nd Level - SM 2, Mirror Image (5/5 dups), Flaming Sphere
1/1 uses left for POP 1st level 1/1 uses left for bonded item 1/7 acid darts thrown (if G3 is dead)
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 19/41 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 9:20:14 PM
OOC: Yup... didn't see header. Usually in text. Irritating.
Moves to Carver, avoiding contact with idiot gnolls. (if the cleric makes it, the healing role remains!)
Pru does NOT take 12, Linden does. SacBond
Spent: 2 SacBond, bolts -1 In effect: Bless (3m18s remaining, Shield of Faith (3mins48s), Calm Emotions (1rnd +concentration) Spontaneous use: burns Status spell for Cure Moderate for Carver.
DM OOC: I need permission to your "Spells and Junk."
DM OOC2: If you look at the map and see where Lindens token is, you cannot just "avoid the gnolls." They have blocked you from Carver unless you want to double move and go around them, but you would still be unable to heal him this turn.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 9:52:18 PM
OOC I think if you sac bond her damage, you will be prone. The hyena's CMB check beats your CMD. Not saying don't do it, but effects and conditions are transferred too. Pretty sure the trip would go to you as well.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 19/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 10:13:31 PM
OOC: the way i read it also. I also interpret it to take place before his actual turn, that is, when she gets hit during the hyena's turn.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Tuesday July 1st, 2014 11:04:42 PM
he does get a +2 to his CMD for being a quadruped, not sure if that helps.
At DM OOC: The roll doesn't transfer, the effect does. However, I don't think trip is an "effect." I would say damage transfers, but Pru is still tripped. Ken is free to disagree.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 19/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 12:14:37 AM
OOC: Last time I asked this, I asked if I get grappled, Tripped, etc too. The DM said no. Damage yes. Cold damage. Poison. In my opinion, it seems that its anything that would be healed via spells or powers. Trip can't be cured/restored. Grapple can't be regenerated. Etc. As it is, I don't care how each DM actually rules. I took the Domains knowing full well that these weren't clearly explained.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 2:12:56 AM
DM OOC: Sac bond will continue in Steve's vision of the ability. You can't absorb a combat maneuver, but can absorb damage.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 6:09:41 AM
Bliss continues his sneaky hustle.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 12:53:53 PM
DM Post incoming. First one was eaten.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d20+4=8 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+9=22 ; 2d6+6=9 ; 2d6+10=18 ; 30d20=325 ; 13d8=53 ; 24d20=250 ; 17d8=79 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 1:18:36 PM
Prudence's magic missile hits the Dire Hyena with the force of a club. Unfortunately, the beast didn't seem to mind. As it creeps closer to Prudence, salivating over it's kill, a 50gp bag of win comes flying in from the side, gluing it to the ground! (As a DM, I despise Tanglefoot bags. Too effective for what they are supposed to be.)
Cobbleshots arrow nicks the Gnoll Druid, who snarls at the older archer. When gored by Carvers lance however, it gives a terrified yelp and turns to flee! Spinning, it stumbles right into Williams flaming sphere, and writhes in agony until it is finally still.
Eddie tears his foes face off, literally, and earns William some breathing room while Linden gives some aid to Pru, using his powers as a cleric of Flower to absorb the punishment aimed at her. Double-moving, he laxes his concentration on the Calm emotions spell, freeing the two gnolls he had enspelled..
Three Gnolls swing away at Carver, putting extra weight behind their attacks. They all miss, and their captain barks an order! The Gnolls, including the Captain, scatter. He redirects his focus from Carver to Nikolai and slams his great-sword through the monk, laughing as the adventurer falls.
Gnoll: Highlight to display spoiler: { Idiots! You can't hurt this one! We shall spread out to easier foes! Finish that woman on the ground! I shall finish the half-human and the simpering lackeys!}
The Dire Hyena, though unable to move, can still reach Prudence with his long fanged maw. He snaps out at her leg again, shaking her violently.
Vs. Carver
Gnoll: Miss Gnoll: Miss Gnoll: Miss
Vs. Prudence
Dire Hyena hits AC 13. Being prone, your AC is -4 vs melee attacks, or 13. 9 Damage.
Vs. Nikolai
Hit AC 24 (favored enemy) for 20 Damage (favored enemy)
The sounds of battle from the North have grown desperate! It sounds like the Gnolls have made it to the walls! Surely the militia thinned their numbers enough to have a chance?
Carver
AoO on any of the foes but the Hyena.
Surveying the battle, the Gnoll captain seems to realize things are not going his way. He barks out in common!
"Surrender your weapons horseman, or these humans die! Your woman-mage will die! We are just mangy monsters, yes? Let us leave from whence we came or this blood is on your head, horse man!
He raises his sword and points it at the badly wounded Nikolai, grinning and flashing giant pointy teeth.
The other Gnoll is near Prudence, weapon readied and aimed at the woman. The third is also near Nikolai, his axe hovering over the down monk.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 1:44:46 PM
OOC huh, well played. Too bad they don't have a bard to distract the gnolls. You guys should get one of those.
To be clear, they all acted this round right? These are not readied actions that go before we do, right?
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 2:07:00 PM
Ooc: Correct.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+7=24 ; d6+2=3 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 3:24:43 PM
Bliss fires a shot at the Dire Hyena, taking a -4 shooting into melee. He hits AC 24 for 3 damage.
He continues on 30 ft closer, not worrying about sniping.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d20+11=19 ; d8+9=11 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d6+8=9 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 4:16:30 PM
AoO on Green Ringed Gnoll, Attack 19, Damage 11 Moving to the east, Carver Slams with his shield and then stomps twice.
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 22 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 4 of 5 used
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+4=6 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=8 ; d8=4 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 5:09:00 PM
Seeing Carver speak with his hooves rather than his voice, Cobbleshot and Turley turn and shoot the second gnoll standing Nikolai's prone and bleeding body. Cobbleshot hits AC 6 (yes 6, sad) and misses. @ gnoll 4 Turley steps away from the Ranger(5' step) and fires. His shot goes right for the throat, but at the last moment, the gnolls gets his shoulder in the way and spoils the perfect shot Turley hits AC 27 critical threat but only confirms to AC 8 for 7 damage.@ gnoll 4 OOC Pretty sure gnoll 4 lives through that.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 14/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20-4=12 ; d20+8=25 ; 4d4=8 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 6:12:24 PM
[OOC: Updated header to reflect that Pru did not take 12 damage last round, but did take 9 damage this round.]
[OOC 2: Unless the gnoll teleported to where he's standing, Pru would get an AoO as he approached. Prone, Pru's attack bonus is a funny, funny joke, but I'm rolling it anyway. Hit AC 12, which I'm assuming is a miss.]
Pru hear's the gnoll captain's demand, but it appears that Carver is not surrendering his weapons. Which is just as well, really. She doesn't fancy being a gnoll's prisoner.
And meanwhile, if her opponents insist on lining up in Burning Hands formation, Pru will go right on scorching them. Already her corner of the battlefield is starting to smell like burned dog.
Of course, she has to cast carefully, what with all the enemies right in her face, but she manages. [Cast another Burning Hands. Concentration check 25, success. Gnoll 1 and the Dire Hyena take 8 points of fire damage, DC 15 Reflex save for half.]
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+5=19 d6+2=5 d20+3=6 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 8:57:52 PM
William laughs out loud and then yells out in gnoll and taunts the fools, "You drop your weapons and maybe we'll let you mangy dogs skunk away with your tails between your legs. If you keep fighting us, we'll send your corpses back to your families with the heads missing!"
He'll first, as a move action, load his xbow, then throw an acid dart at the big Gnoll (Hit Touch AC 19 for 5 acid)
Then, Eddie will fly at the big Gnoll and attack it with his bloody talon, Miss AC 6...
______ Eddie's stats - AC 14, hp 7/7 1st Level - PfE, Mage Armor, MWeapon on XBow, SM1 (4/6 rounds left) 2nd Level - SM 2, Mirror Image (5/5 dups), Flaming Sphere
1/1 uses left for POP 1st level 1/1 uses left for bonded item 2/7 acid darts thrown
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 19/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 9:27:49 PM
OOC: I'm confused: 'Three Gnolls swing away at Carver, putting extra weight behind their attacks. They all miss, and their captain barks an order! The Gnolls, including the Captain, scatter...etc.'
The map only shows two gnoll warriors and the gnoll captain and you legend shows all but two gnolls and the green ranger dead. So how did the captain attack Carver, then move and attack Nikolai?
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 9:32:43 PM
There were three mooks + captain. A mook died to a AoO from Carver.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 9:39:53 PM
Tinker moves feebly, still trying to stand through the blood loss and dreams, but he only hears the music.
"Loose the folds asunder, flag we conquour under The placid sky now bright on high Shall loose its bolts of thunder!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP -1/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d10+1=8 Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 10:31:09 PM
OOC: I thought to look back and see if I missed something then realized we don't have back copies to look at. I'd say keep the dead ones there, marked dead, at least a round or two.
IC: Nikolai has no time to rejoice in the dire hyena's sticky predicament as his distraction leaves him open to a ... well, he never saw what hit him....
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued, Unconscious Other: Low Light Vision 60'; Stunning Fist 1/2
Forgot Stabilizing roll: Con Check +2 -1(hp) DC10 = 8
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -1/41 Linden (Jay B) d6=3 ; d4+2=3 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 3:42:06 AM
Linden moves to his dwarf friend and uses his Rebuke Death power to hopefully revive him. (Ignore the d6 roll!! Healing him for 3.
Linden then looks up just in time to see Nik take a good hit. Linden Sacs out of instinct and drops. Nikolai takes nothing.
(Occ. I know. Stupid. Only cleric. Etc.)
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d20=12 ; d20=7 ; d20+4=13 ; 2d6+6=12 ; d20+3=19 ; d8+2=10 ; d20+3=18 ; d8+2=8 ; d20+11=17 ; 2d6+10=19 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:54:09 AM
The Wold unravels for the Gnoll captain, all starting with a tiny arrow-prick from Halfling Bliss.
The Dire Hyena roars in anger as a bolt, and then more fire take their toll. Snarling, is snaps again at Prudence, tearing more of her legs with his vicious bites! The Gnoll who had been near Nikolai charges at Prudence, easily hitting his prone foe, and knocks Pru unconscious! The gnoll nearest her, the one who she bathed in flames, snickers as he raises his weapon, and snuffs Pru's spark of life.
Seeing Nikolai stand and Linden fall, the Captain realizes he has been had. There was some .. trick.. here that he couldn't figure out and his stupid druid had gone and died. Throwing caution to the wind, he attacks and gives his final order.
Gnoll::Highlight to display spoiler: {"Kill them! Kill their wounded! If they shall slay us we shall slay them! Take as many with you as you can!"}
Vs. Prudence
Gnoll: Hit AC 19 for 10 damage Hyena: Hit AC 13 for 12 damage Gnoll: Coup de Grace OR Hits AC 18 for 8 damage if something stops the first Gnoll from reaching Pru.
Either way, Pru is unconscious, or dead.
Vs. Linden
Gnoll Ranger: Hit AC 19 for 19 Damage.
Linden is at -20 Hp and is dead.
AoOs:
Nikolai may either strike the Gnoll who left to hit Prudence, thus negating the Coup de Grace on her or the Gnoll Captain.
Carver may either strike the Gnoll who left to hit Prudence, thus negating the Coup de Grace on her or the Gnoll Captain.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP -8/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued and probably Dead] (Kathy) d20-4=7 ; d20-4=14 ; d8-2=-1 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 1:00:42 PM
Well, Pru does get an AoO on the gnoll that comes charging in, and if he is truly charging, she has a chance of actually hitting him.
Using a Hero Point to re-roll, Pru hit AC 14. Damage would be 1. I doubt that'll make any difference at all.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Thursday July 3rd, 2014 2:15:37 PM
I'd say no.
William is the hero. Not Eddie the Eagle.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -20/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 3:46:26 PM
OOC: So, the coup de grace is cheap and dirty. Whatever. By far the most intelligent gnolls I've fought in 20 years of D20~!
IC: "I've just saved Nikolai. A buddy. But suddenly I feel odd. Dude.... coolness! I can fly now! ...wait.... BUMMER!!!"
Spent: 3 SacBond, bolts -1 In effect: Bless (3m6s remaining, Shield of Faith (3mins36s) Spontaneous use: burns Status spell for Cure Moderate for Carver.
Bliss shivers as he sees his friends falling, and he decides to shoot and hide, since that's what he does best.
His attack on the same enemy is a +1 (cat's grace +2 and fatigue -1), don't know the range mod. He hits AC29 for 7 damage.
He hides behind anything he can find, throwing himself prone. Stealth (with a -5 penalty because he is not prone the whole time) 21, don;t know range mod
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -20/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 6:52:46 PM
OOC: My apologies to anyone who might find my post(s) offensive this week. Wasn't intended that way. RL is frustrating right now. No excuse but part of the issue at any rate.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -1/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 9:59:46 PM
Tinker stirs as Lindens healing nearly wakes him, but all the dwarf sees are two ghosts passing through his dreams of song and battle.
"Mailed Fist now, young or hoary, would you see your name in story, Would you fight for death? For glory? Death is glory now!"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d20+8=18 ; d8+5=10 ; d20+13=29 ; 2d8+18=26 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:15:12 PM
OOC: So Carver's attacks all didn't hit last round? his attacks did 30 points last round and the ranger shows 33 damage. It's be a help to know what AC is needed to hit since Carver's been fighting him for a few rounds.
IC: Carver takes the AoO on the gnoll headed for Pru, Linden is down and it looks like he's down for good. Attack 18, Damage 10 He then lowers his lance and charges the ranger/boss Gnoll. "Now, you die." Charge Attack w/Lance Attack 29, Damage 26
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:16:43 PM
OOC: Forgot to list effects.
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 22 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 4 of 5 used
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+6=15 ; d6+3=5 ; d20+6=22 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=13 ; d6+3=4 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+8=17 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:26:40 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued Other: Low Light Vision 60'; Stunning Fist 1/2
Nikolai suddenly feels the weight and pain swiftly vanish and his legs wobble a little but remains steady on his feet. He knows what happened but doesn't truly understand how. Either way, things happen too fast to ponder them. The gnoll next to him turns his back on him to rush towards Pru and Nikolai strikes:
AoO: stunning Fist d20+6 = 15 if hit, dmg = 5 and Stunning Fist: Fort DC15 _ stunned for 1 round, drops everything held, can't take actions, looses any Dex bonus to AC, takes a -2 penalty to AC.
If this stops the gnoll, either by stunning or by knocking unconscious, he moves to the dire hyena.
AC vs AoO is 24, however, the actual path he took doesn't seem to give that, coming down through Carver's right side then in front of Tinker then to the corner, 30'.
Nikolai_1 Attack hyena +6 = 22, dmg = 8
If hyena is still up, spend a Hero Point for an extra attack: Flurry of Blows: Att1 = 12, dmg = 4 Att2 = 13, dmg = 7
IF gnoll was not stopped by his AoO, he goes after it. His path, above the line should not provoke AoO from the hyena and I'll use the same Att rolls as above.
Nikolai_2 Attk gnoll_1 +6 = 22, dmg = 8
If this does him in pend a Hero Point for an extra attack against gnoll_4 Improved Grapple (no AoO) CMB Grapple +8 = 17 CMD DC is 17
If Carver kills the gnoll with his AoO, he uses his Hero Point to pull Pru away from the reach of the hyena.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday July 3rd, 2014 10:32:13 PM
OOC: if all that was confusing, shoot me an e-mail and we'll clear it up from there.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+7=8 ; d20+4=23 ; d8=6 ; Thursday July 3rd, 2014 11:38:33 PM
Turley raises his bow and shoots at gnoll4, once again missing by a mile. He just looks at his bow and shakes his head, then move to Tinker's side, hoping to search the dwarf for some form of healing to stand him back up next round. Cobbleshot raises his bow and makes a near perfect shot at gnoll4 hitting the beast squarely( even if he counts as in melee I believe)he too then rushes to Tinker's side.
Turley's attack hits AC 8... natural 1 Cobbleshot's Attack hits AC 23 for 6 points of damage
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -20/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday July 4th, 2014 1:17:37 AM "And I can pass THROUGH stuff!? Gnoll's head. Air. Gnoll's head. Air..... coool.But this harshes my mellow a bit. Dead and all. Not soo bad. Hey, what's that light? Duuude, sparkly."
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d20+9=24 ; 2d6+12=19 ; d20+9=21 ; 2d6+12=20 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 2:00:27 PM
The last of the Gnolls are finally killed, as well as the Dire Hyena, which lays dead in a sticky pool of blood and glue. Carvers charge greatly injures the Gnoll Captain, and it drops to one knee, cursing in common.
"It isn't over!
The Gnoll forces himself to his feet and closes on Cobbleshot, shattering the old man's defenses with a wicked stab that goes clean through the old archer. He pulls his sword free and spins, cleanly slicing through Turleys chain shirt with a cleaving slice that puts the man on the ground, clutching his bleeding chest.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP -6/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday July 4th, 2014 2:09:47 PM
Cobbleshot doesn't even have time to be surprised as the sword drives right through him. Turley, his eyes having been focused on Tinker, looks up wide eyed when Cobbleshot's blood sprays across him. All thought of saving his dwarven battle brother fall away as he lies on the ground, staring blankly into the sky and clutching his gaping chest wound closed, trying to hold his life in.
He uses his Wand of CLW to fix up anyone who is down.
"Mookie, help me find the most injured!"
"Okay Kid," the raven says, searching.
CLW rolls: 3, 3, 5, 9, 3
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP -8/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued and probably Dead] (Kathy) Friday July 4th, 2014 3:27:11 PM
Hello, and welcome to another episode of Dead, Alive, or Unconscious!
And now let's meet today's contestent, Prudence Gundle. "Pru," as she is known, is a former farm-girl from a devout family who caught an unlucky break when she manifested as an elemental sorcerer. Recently, Pru got involved in an altercation with some gnolls and a dire hyena. The last we saw, Pru got attacked by two gnolls and the hyena, which would render her quite, quite dead.
But wait! As one of the gnolls attacked, Pru's friend Carver hit and damaged him! Pru herself managed a feeble Attack of Opportunity! And Pru's friend Nikolai may very well have hit another of her opponents with a Stunning Fist! So, how many of those attacks on Pru actually connected? One? Two? All three?
Well, there you have it! And now it's time for you, the studio audience, to lock in your votes! Prudence Gundle--Dead, Alive, or Unconscious?
We'll be right back after these messages.
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale Friday July 4th, 2014 5:50:58 PM
Prudence is unconscious!
The Gnoll that died in the attack of opportunity never made it to Pru to knock her down, so the Gnoll standing over her couldn't Coup de Grace, and instead simply attacked!
That damage, in conjunction with the Dire Hyena Bite, was 20 damage!
Prudence went from 14 hp to -6 hp!
At Bliss And the fight isn't over. That bird better re-vanish!
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d20=15 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 5:57:28 PM
SORRY! I thought all the enemies were dead!
REVISE: Bliss fires again at whatever foe he can see, especially one out of combat.
Roll to come. Or roll for me. Got 4th of July to do.
William will use his pearl of power to summon Eddies twin Earl via summon monster 1.
Eddie will attack the nearest gnoll with his talons.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP -6/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) d20-4=0 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 6:53:40 PM
Pru fails to stabilize.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday July 4th, 2014 7:00:13 PM
OOC: Kinda need to know which Nik to use, 1 or 2, for either a flurry or standard vs gnoll leader.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -20/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday July 4th, 2014 8:38:45 PM
Checking in
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d20+13=24 ; 2d8+18=32 ; d20+13=25 ; 2d8+18=31 ; Friday July 4th, 2014 9:14:58 PM
Carver turns and charges yet again.....
Charge Attack 24, Damage 32
ONLY IF leader is still standing, Carver will wheel around and charge again, spending a hero point.
If needed, Attack 25, Damage 31
"Pour a healing potion into Pru, get her back up or at least not bleeding to death,"
Effects : Green Ringed = Target of Smite Evil AC vs green ringed is 22 Divine Favor Lay On Hands 4 of 5 used
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP -1/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday July 4th, 2014 10:12:47 PM "The minstrel boy to the war has gone, in the ranks of death you will find him, His father's sword he hath girded on, and his wild harp slung behind him..."
Tinker lays still, unconscious, and wondering why his mind has gone to a song about a minstrel and a harp? He idly wonders at Cameron and where the halfling is...
..........
Stablized
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) 2d8+3=15 ; Saturday July 5th, 2014 12:26:24 AM
OOC: well, since carver is going to do that, it doesn't matter which Nik to use.
Providing all foes are dead: IC: Nikolai sighs in relief but wastes no time with celebratory theatrics and quickly takes a potion of healing from his back pack and tenderly gets the unconscious Pru to swallow the liquid.
Potion of CMW (2d8+3) = 15
"Someone get Tinker up. How bad is Linden?" he asks, knowing its bad but not how bad.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS -20/41 Linden (Jay B) Saturday July 5th, 2014 1:33:20 AM
"Um. Lord Gargul. Why have I left the Wold? My God Flower has not come for me. Are you recruiting me, my Lord, for a mission?"
Carvers charge takes the Gnoll captain through the eye. The Gnoll shudders and hangs lifelessly on the end of the Centaurs lance. It slides off and crumples on the Floor.
There is a brief moment to catch your breath before a din of shouts and jeers come from the remaining men on the wall. With only a quarter of their initial numbers remaining, the Gnolls lose heart and break from the walls, fleeing back from whence they came.
(Out of combat rounds)
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d6+2=6 ; Monday July 7th, 2014 10:53:50 AM
OOC: My raw roll of 15 on the 4th of July should be good enough to hit something, if anything remains. depending on range mods, that pierces AC28 or 26 or even 22 firing into melee ... damage roll is 6.
If there is no target to shoot at, Bliss reverts to the running closer plan.
DM OOC: Bliss got DM Ninjad.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d8+1=5 ; Monday July 7th, 2014 12:40:02 PM "Get everyone up, hopefully we can, use potions first, save your personal magic if you have any, in case we need it, those Gnolls may have broken and run, but that don't mean they won't be back." Carver then heads to Tinker first, if he's only unconscious, He'll carefully pour a CLW potion down his throat. (one of three we got from jerry) Healing 5 hit points.
Then he'll head to Linden, and finds he is beyond salvation with mortal magic..... "I fear Linden is beyond help, at least what help we mortals can give him, I do believe he has gone on to Lord Gargul's realm, and is currently beyond our reach. Bliss, you may know more of this than I, even though I too follow Lord Gargul. What do you know of this kid?"
OOC: I'll be looking into a way to nail my shadow there if we do intend to bring Linden back, since I plan on becoming a Grimm. It is up to Linden's player whether we do so, your choice Jay.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 9/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] [Fatigued] (Kathy) Monday July 7th, 2014 1:53:57 PM
Something vile-tasting is being poured down Pru's throat. She awakens, coughing and protesting. "Rye!" she splutters. "Rye, stop that! It's not funny! Oh."
She sits up, looks around. "Um. Thanks, Nikolai," she says. She gathers her weapons and climbs to her feet. "Are we still fighting? Is everyone okay?"
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 9/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=27 ; Monday July 7th, 2014 2:46:38 PM
Cameron opens his eyes and for the moment just looks around and listens. It is quiet, there is a fire crackling, and no one is screaming. He isn't wearing his armor, that he can feel. He rolls his head to one side and see's Krog lying next to him. The giant is a mess, but he is breathing. Did we win? Cameron wonders. He must have almost said it aloud because he hears a little girl call out " The soldier is awake daddy!" Cameron sits up and looks around. none of the wagons are burning, and all, all but one of the performers are coming over to see him. Once they fill him in on the happenings he just sits and wonders. A giant? Why would a giant save me? I was a by product of him saving his friends. That has to be it, right? Carefully he stands up and finds he is wearing someone elses shirt. It must be one of the performers because it is way too big to be his. He is covered in bandages and feels like he has had way too much to drink and then challenged the resident Minotaur in the bar to a wrestling match. That had only happened once, but once was enough to teach him not to do it again. With a few words he heals himself, enough to walk without wincing anyway. He then goes over and heals the Giant, his apparent savior. He moves over to his pack and retrieves a clean uniform and dresses. He retrieves his armor, and with a few words of magic, cleans the mud, blood and fur off of it. He then puts that on. Dressed again as a member of the Mailed Fist he looks over the battlesite and wonders how long he will still be IN the Mailed Fist. Not long if you can't make your case when the charges get levied. Gods above help you if somebody in the three fists died while you were AWOL With that thought in mind he grabs his camp knife and sets to work. From each Gnoll, Flind and Hyena he takes the left ear. Ears were identifiable as left or right if gathered properly and would serve as an accurate count of the groups opponents. From each corpse he also takes a single canine tooth. The canine would be a more long lasting count, but could be faked since each corpse would have 2. After this is done and the ears are set to dry in a makeshift smoker Cameron sees to the bodies. He drags them as far away as he can and makes a pyre for the gnolls, flinds and hyenas. He searches each body as he puts them on the pyre and saves any valuables for later. He makes sure the pile is down wind of the main camp and when all have been gathered and searched he burns them. Their weapons, armor and any other items he finds get strapped to either the horse or trown into the wagon for transport. With the camp more sanitary now, he sets to the larger task, digging 2 graves. One for the slain performer and another, larger one for Rusty. The great cat had saved him by charging the pack of gnolls and distracting them long enough for him to break their grip on him. He wouldn't soon forget that. dirty and tired, he returns to bed. In the morning hopefully they will all be able to start limping towards Hornfowl. CLW on Cameron for 8 CLW on Krog for 7 Perception checks 29, 26, 17, 16, 18, 30, 22, 18, 13, 25, 27, 20, 22, 26, 16, 22, 22, 15, 25, 27 Couldn't remember how many there were so I made 20 checks. Please also note for me now that I have time to examine them how many of each type of critter was killed so I have the count for later.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday July 7th, 2014 3:36:51 PM
OOC: Pru, the Healing Potion removes your Fatigue as well.
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued Other: Low Light Vision 60'; Stunning Fist 2/2
"Not Rye, my dear," Nikolai smiles. However the smile fades when he hears of Linden's condition. "He gave his all for us. Had it not been for him, Pru and I would certainly be dead. May Gargul see that sacrifice a worthy deed."
The cheers from the other side of the town do lighten his spirit, some. "Looks like the militia is beating them off. But this is daytime. Nighttime they may be back."
Nikolai starts collecting the gnoll gear, putting weapons in one pile and other equipment in another. "Can anyone detect magic on this stuff?"
DM Ken E. - The Map - Hornsvale d100=60 ; d100=96 ; d20=4 ; d100=100 ; d100=83 ; d100=43 ; d100=18 ; Monday July 7th, 2014 4:14:23 PM
DM Bonus Post!
It doesn't take long to sort the mundane from the magical. You find.
1 Scroll of Command Plants 1 Necklace of Fireballs, Type V 1 Potion of Cure Light Wounds (CL 1)
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday July 7th, 2014 8:34:23 PM
Bliss runs up and uses his wand of CLW to bring the most injured back.
When he hears that Linden is dead, Bliss runs to his body and uses the wand ... to no effect. He starts crying.
"Lindy! Lindy!" he calls, tears, and then snot, running down his face, holding the centaur's hand. "Lindy!"
Mookie lands nearby, silent for a change.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 4/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday July 7th, 2014 8:53:34 PM
Sweet syrup trickles down Tinker's throat and he nearly coughs, but the healing properties do the trick. His brown eyes open and Tinker automatically reaches for his urgosh.
It is a moment before he realizes that there are no living enemy in the town. "I didn't hold 'em off too long, but it looks like it was long enough. Thanks Carver." But there is nothing to smile about, with Prudence and Tinker walking wounded and Linden, Turley, and Cobbleshoot even worse than that. The dwarf totters over to the other Mailed Fist laying on the ground to see if they are still alive. If so, he has a couple potions to stabilize his fist-mates.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday July 7th, 2014 9:22:59 PM
William doesn't need any healing but much of his magic was used in the battle. He helps check in his friends and wears a sorrowful expression at the sight of his deceased fistmate. He swears vengeance upon the verminous gnolls who killed Linden and won't be content until they're all gone.
For now, he helps by casting detect magic on whatever items they have collected from the dead.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Monday July 7th, 2014 9:30:52 PM
OOC: If Linden loses a level in the raising or however he returns, then I'd stay dead and build another PC. On the other hand, since someone wants to become a Grim, and this is a good opportunity, I'd be happy to return. Besides, I've already spent a long time on building Linden's legacy item. Why not. Sure, I'll come back (but if I lose a pesky level, grrr)
Of Choice and Consequence
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:51:10 AM
[OOC: Although one never knows the price Gargul might demand for return to the Wold of the living, losing a level is not standard in the Wold.]
DM Ken E. Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:57:57 AM
Sapping into the city was a cunning Gnoll trick, but it was also their downfall. As the last Gnoll falls, stuck in the city with no easy escape, and the remnants of the warband retreats with arrows chasing after them, the party heaves a mutual sigh of relief in tune with the cheers of the townsfolk celebrating their victory.
This is tempered with the knowledge that they lost two comrades and one is unaccounted for. Cobbleshot is too far gone for healing. Turley is wounded, but will pull through the night.
Still, they have saved many lives and kept the Gnoll threat from overrunning the town. After sending one last arrow after the retreating Gnolls, Carren, who got stuck in the thick of the melee, gives them an appreciative wave, and beckons them over.
"I guess it went well enough it the South! How has everyone fared?"
Camerons caravan has now decided to make all haste for Hornfowl and should be there in the morning.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:59:40 AM
Bliss sits by Lindy's body.
"Do you think we could ask Lord Gargul to bring him back?" he asks everyone who comes by.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 1:07:19 PM "Well Carren, we've had casualties, Including a couple of your men I'm afraid. We were dealing with a group lead by a trio of flinds, none of them easy to kill. Were many of the civilian guards killed? I'm afraid they might be back again later on today."
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2014 1:15:39 PM
As the performers push on through the night. Cameron tries to keep the horse, himself and Krog fresh by using his bardic splls to heal them when the traval gets to be too much. Cameron heals 6 hp Krog heals 4 hp Horse heals 7 hp though his isn't battle damage, just fatigue, which for a horse is still lethal damage.
OOC Cameron found nothing of note on the gnolls? He can detect magic as a cantrip. Also I still need a final count of how many gnolls, flinds and hyenas were in the group that attacked us. Finally is that Demon Gnoll distinguishable from a normal gnoll? Apparently he is Large rather than just a big medium.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 3:00:15 PM
OOC: I forgot this is still night time. About what time is it?
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor; Prot. from Arrows: 40/40 (dmg reduction 10/magic) Not Fatigued Other: Low Light Vision 60'; Stunning Fist 2/2
IC: Nikolai stands at attention when Carren shows up. Maybe the rest don't remember proper unit formation when reporting, but he does. "Sir, we need to plug this hole tonight. Permission to requisition some help from the town militia to cave it in?"
OOC: Cayzle, be more specific in Bliss' healing. :)
He says, "We just need someone who can send us to talk with Lord Gargul. My Aunt Priss could do it, but she is too far away. And she's not a good friend to Lord Gargul. Maybe we can find a priest or someone?"
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 7:07:45 PM
........
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 15/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] (Kathy) d8+5=6 ; Tuesday July 8th, 2014 7:18:13 PM
Pru reaches into her belt pouch and pulls out a pretty cut-crystal bottle. She holds it in her hands for a moment while vague memories of a Yule celebration in an inn beyond dreams flicker in her mind. Then she removes the stopper and drinks it down.
One cut-crystal bottle containing a fruity blue potion: it's a Cure Light Wounds potion--but it's one that has been personally brewed by the current Head Cleric of the Clearspring Temple on Centaur Island. That means when you drink THIS potion, the imbiber gets to roll a d8+5 to determine the effects of the curing! This potion was won at the Yuletide Festival in the Giggling Ghost and its magic will expire on January 5, 2015.
Feeling a little better, she goes to join Bliss in his vigil. "I don't know how, Bliss," she replies to his question. "But I think we should try."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Tuesday July 8th, 2014 8:06:29 PM
William offers to help cover up the hole and prepare the fort for other assaults.... He also joins in saying prayers for the dead and comforting those who lost loved ones...
On the other hand, as much as he cared for his lost comrade, he won't join in any discussions to bring his friend back via a false god. He won't oppose them but he'll probably stay at the fort until they arrive back from their trip...
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 8:21:05 PM
Tinker is healthier after Bliss' magic, wounds are scabs and bruises and all feelings of Fatigue are gone. Yet the miasma of lost comrades weighs heavy on his heart. The little halfling is with Linden, and so Tinker takes care of the body of Cobbleshot, composing the man so he is laid out with his own weapons in hand and the broken weapons and teeth of fallen enemy at his feet.
Slowly, the plaintive requests of Bliss make it through his dwarven head and into his brain. A fire kindles in his eyes for his two comrades. "I would go to the Lands of Rest and back for Linden and Cobbleshot. They gave their lives for us, could I do less?" The half-dead dwarf is ready to charge Gargul's Throne if it would help!
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 9:47:06 PM "I'll go to the lands of rest and fight to get our friends back if I must, it's the least I can do, I'll even beg Lord Gargul to retrieve them back to the lands of the living."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 20/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 8th, 2014 10:43:59 PM
Nikolai remembers a story his father told once, and only once. When with a group called the Iron Adventurers in some place called the Southern Continent, they fought a mass murderer and his minotaur minions in the middle of a hurricane storm. He was killed but Gargul saw to it to bring him back more so as a punishment and partly a joke, as Alexi apparently offended Gargul on a previous visit to bring someone important back...
"Uhm.... Is it wise to go petition Gargul to return Linden to the Living? I understand it changes people, even those who go do the petitioning. Do we know Linden wants to come back? I've heard that once dead, your perspective changes and you may not want to come back? Just wondering if all of you have thought of that. I'll go too, but beware, you may not like the aftereffects."
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 6:47:40 AM
"Don't worry, Nick," says Bliss, "Sometimes Lord Gargul is tough, but he is fair, and he likes adventurers!"
The tiny fellow looks around. "We just need a cleric or a scroll or a something to ask for an audience. Maybe if we pool our funds, we can get what we need at the Catacombs."
DM Ken E. Wednesday July 9th, 2014 11:24:46 AM
Carren takes the news with a measured amount of control. There is obvious hurt in the mans face, but his response is textbook.
"Cobbleshot was a good man. He will be missed by his comrades. At least his died with his wounds in the right place, and not from arrows in the back. You'll need to report to Sergeant Trimmack in the morning. He is recovering from his own wounds currently. I'll find a place for our wounded and dead apart from the Militia. "
Double Fist begins the task of helping gather the wounded before being dismissed back to bed.
In the morning, Sgt. Trimmack is found supervising the remaining townsfolk and the remaining militia in sorting the looted gear and weapons from the enemy.
"Glad to see you made it! Damn shame about Linden and Cobbleshot. Linden was always a little too soft for the Fist I think. He was too damn decent. The folks here are giving us a wagon to take this stuff home. Nearly 70 sets of armor and weapons, plus a few bows. It's a decent haul."
He takes a deep breath.
"Glad to see you made it through. If those Gnolls had made it behind our lines, the town would have been in all sorts of trouble. This group was much larger than even the secondary scouting reports showed. The militia here lost about seventy men, mostly after the furries hit the wall. I think you'll find a nice bonus in your paychecks when you get back to base. "
He spits.
"I'm glad you made the decision you did. It's never easy to leave a group of people in need, but when it comes down to it, there are many times more people that you saved by following your orders and defending the town. The great thing about orders, they often come with more information than you have available and you can let any issues of morality slip through the cracks when honoring your word means doing what you are told. Good job again, and I trust I will continue to see exemplary work from you all. You can start by...
Trimmacks jaw drops.
"I'll be damned..."
Following his line of sight, you see a shoddy caravan approaching. A giant is pulling a slip-shod cart, and a halfling rides exhausted on horseback. Minus two or three people, the circus caravan is riding into town..
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 12:33:27 PM
Bliss hops up. smiling for the first time since the battle.
Cam! Cam! You made it! You made it!"
He rushes over to his prodigal friend, overjoyed.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 1:58:20 PM
Cameron slumps in his saddle, exhausted from the ride. Dwarfkin he may be, but he didn't have their stamina. He looks little different from when you last saw him. Uniform, as always is crisp and pressed. He raises his head at Bliss's call and you start to see the effects that fighting alone have had. Both of his eyes are blackened and his face is swollen and tired looking. When he dismounts he goes to one knee before quickly standing up. He turns and gathers a couple of items from his saddlebags before approaching. Most all of the damage he took was blunt, but the way he moves shows what his armor hides. He steps up to the line and snaps to attention in front of Sergeant Trimmack. " Sir! Detached scout Steelshaper reporting for duty. We encountered a raiding party that was an even mix of Flinds, Gnolls and hyena. All were dealt summary justice and killed. To my knowledge, none escaped. Rusty was lost as was one performer when the gnolls got in among the performers by sneaking up behind the fight. Here is a tally of their numbers, one ear from each combatant and a more durable canine tooth from each combatant. I expect the head performer will want to speak to you or Sergeant Carren about paying his contract. Orders sir?" Cameron holds out a string with over a dozen ears on it and a piece of leather that contains a like number of teeth. He looks about to fall over, much as the rest of the Fist did upon arrival yesterday. He holds his attention pose until instructed otherwise.
DM Ken E. Wednesday July 9th, 2014 3:54:33 PM
-Bonus DM Post-
Trimmack looks at the pro-offered necklace and simply shakes his head.
"You aren't a scout. You aren't nothin. Carren removed you from your Fist and from his Squad. You technically aren't a part of anything at all right now, except maybe that circus whom we do not have a contract with. It takes a proper officer to establish a contract, you're not even a proper squaddie. I'll let Double Fist fill you in on what's happened here."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 4:43:30 PM
Carver walks over and looks at Cameron. "You may have saved most of these circus people, but we lost people and a whole bunch wounded, who may or may not recover. No matter how well you did out there on your own, you're still going to be held responsible for the deaths and loss we suffered here at the place where our contract sent us. We could have used another two fists with the numbers that were arrayed against us, losing your services really hurt our abilities. I warned you of that before you split off on your own. There's not much that can be done, and I'm afraid that those in charge are going to come down hard on you with every rule and regulation they can. You've also made an enemy of Carren, and he is a fist leader, his report is gonna bury you, no matter what you accomplished. Just do yourself a favor, keep as much distance between yourself and him from here on our, maybe he'll forget about you."
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 6:19:29 PM
Cameron looks as if Trimmack slapped him instead of just talking to him. At great expense he clenches his jaw. That action brings a tear to his eye since his jaw is just as badly bruised as the rest of his face. He snaps out a response of "Sir!" and waits for the rest of the double fist to speak and Trimmack to walk away so that he can slump down next to the fire.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 15/39] [Mage Armor; Protection from Arrows 36/40] (Kathy) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 7:03:03 PM
Seeing Cameron and the performing troupe coming into town is a bright spot in an otherwise terrible aftermath. "All the gods be praised," Pru murmurs.
Aloud she says, "Cameron, it's good to see you."
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 7:20:58 PM
.........
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 9:28:22 PM
Tinker moves up with Prudence and places a comradely hand on Cameron's shoulder. A short smile and nod is what the dwarf provides to agree with what the Sorceress says, but there is no beating around the bush, especially since none of the others have given the news.
"We lost Cobbleshot and Linden. They are dead." He says it bluntly, baldly, and quickly to reduce the pain for his companion.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 9:52:47 PM
OOC: remember 8 hrs of un-interrupted rest you recover 1hp/lvl.
IC: Between Trimmack and Carver, Nikolai need not say anything to Cameron but the half-elf is glad the halfling is still alive.
He walks over to Cameron and pats the bruised head and says with a slight smile, "Glad you're alive," then goes looking for the town temple and the presiding priest. He poses the suggestion the others had to the priest, contact Gargul about returning Linden to them. "Is this something you can do?"
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 9th, 2014 11:28:42 PM " The gnolls got them? Guess I better go turn myself over to Sergeant Carren then. I'm glad you all made it. Try note to hate me. I couldn't just let them die." With no more words to say he heads off into the camp to deliver his report to Sergeant Carren and find out his disposition.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday July 10th, 2014 7:34:24 AM
Mookie shakes his head. "You call those reports?"
Bliss agrees. "You're leaving out all the good parts!"
"Tell him, Kid."
"Okay, so we arrived all tired like, but we had hardly any chance to get ready when they attacked! They came in from the north, east, and west, firing arrows from far out. But Lindy had a hunch and went to the South Gate -- and it sure was good that he did! That's where the gnolls were tunnelling through secret like! Thank Goodness Lindy had his hunch!"
Bliss tells the rest of the story of the battle.
"So we were able to shoot some gnolls and fight off the ones at the South Gate. But Lindy got himself killed, Cam! Lindy's dead!"
The halfling pauses to wipe his nose on his sleeve.
"We gotta get Lord Gargul to send him back. He's a hero. He deserves another chance."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Thursday July 10th, 2014 8:37:35 AM
William greets Cameron, glad that he managed to survive. However, he too is disappointed that his friend broke lawful orders to go save the caravan.His presence in this battle might have made a difference and Linden might not have died.
"It's good to see you again, but as you can see, the boss is really mad and you may be done as a Fist... But if not, I"ll be glad to have you back on the team..."
When he has a chance, he'll inquire of their leader when they'll have a chance to prosecute their victory and finish the gnolls off for good before they reform and come back again...
DM Ken E. Thursday July 10th, 2014 10:34:30 AM
As Linden floats above the Double Fist, he sees a strange glow off in the distance. From what he can tell, it's coming from the ground, in the very spot he died!
(DM Post inc. Linden you have mail!)
DM Ken E. Thursday July 10th, 2014 10:44:08 AM
When Carren reports to Linden, the Ranger is silent for a long time.
"I'm struggling here Cameron. Per regulations, you are in a heap of trouble. Then again, so am I. I never had authority to remove you from our Squad, but I did it because I couldn't risk relying on your strength and then missing you later on if you decided to sneak back to the caravan."
Carren observes the necklace for awhile. It's easy to see he has some respect for the grisly trophy.
"You followed your heart instead of orders, but that's not why Trimmack was so upset. He was set on you becoming Thumb of his Fist before you pulled this stunt, ya know. That will not happen now. And I WILL have to report this. For now at least, you are re-instated. Go tell Double Fist to pack their things. You've got to get Lindens body back if you are going to petition Gargul for your friend. No one here can do it, but there's a few Eyes of the Death God who can perform that task for you back in the citadel. Also, tell Double Fist to go ahead and hang on to the magic items they found for now."
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday July 10th, 2014 11:55:52 AM " Sir!" " Had you ordered it I would not have deserted you. Direct orders from a commander onsite over rule stale orders by the rear echelon as far as I am concerned. But... they were completely defenseless. I will admit I was not the gnollslayer in that fight, but I want to think that through my organizing them and inspiring them to fight for their lives they were able to make the decision to live and act upon that decision. I knew there would be consequences with the Fist, and that losing my rank, possibly my life was one of them. Tell the brass whatever you have to in order to minimize your exposure. You were going to be promoted too. I can handle whatever their decisions entail, easier than I am handling the scorn of my Fist." "Sir!" Cameron spins on his heel to depart and carry out the Sergeant's orders. It isn't a textbook spin though, he nearly falls when he suddenly gets dizzy mid turn. He regains his footing and marches to the rest of the Fist and relays the message to get ready to depart, and to keep what they won for now as far as the magic items go. While e waits he unburdens his horse, combs it and feeds and waters it. He also tries to rest some. Out of spells he will not be able to keep the horse going on the ride back, and it too will die for his decision.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Thursday July 10th, 2014 1:30:19 PM
Carver goes to Cameron, and takes him aside, "I am glad to see you alive and back with us, but we really could have used you here. I'm at a quandary over what I should do, should I support your choice or should I stand for the rules we live by. I hope you can understand the place you have put me...." Carver claps him on the shoulder, then turns away and goes to see if they can get a wagon and a couple of draft animals. They'll need it to bring Linden's corpse back to the citadel.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday July 10th, 2014 3:11:44 PM
"Well, I'm glad you're back, Cam!" declares Bliss loyally. "I would not want to have to ask Lord Gargul for you too!"
That makes him think of poor Lindy, and he goes over to help with the body, and to cast a spell to let him sleep easier for now. [Gentle Repose]
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 19/39] (Kathy) Thursday July 10th, 2014 4:09:57 PM
As ordered, Pru gathers her things and gets ready to depart. There had been no time for such luxuries as bathing, and she feels like a filthy mess. But first things first. They need to report in, and they need to see what can be done about poor Linden.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 10th, 2014 6:21:59 PM
'Poor' Linden hovers there, looking at his flesh body. "Doesn't look like mirror or water reflections, does it?" Wait, no one could hear him. "They seem to be moving me. Petitioning for me to return? Would would Flower think? That's an odd feeling. Like being attached to a tether or something. Will Gargul like me? Too much. To give me up? Clouds." His thoughts are scattered, and he is unable to maintain focus on one subject at a time.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+7=19 ; Thursday July 10th, 2014 7:45:13 PM
Carver wouldn't leave it alone, so Cameron finally answers him.
" The position I have put you in?" "You have dead Fist mates, but this is all about you, eh?" " Would that be the position of being a 'jackass' to me when I manage to come back? Everyone else has managed to either keep their feelings to themselves or at least have some respect for me and the fact that I probably ruined my career and life by choosing to save some performers, people that didn't sign up to be the main feature in an all you can eat buffet hosted by a pack of gnolls, instead of letting them die." "Or maybe its the position of knowing that instead of helping folks who needed it you followed orders. Because that is all it is to you right, just a job? Where I come from a Paladin is a beacon of shining GOOD, not necessarily a defense lawyer who will serve their client right or wrong. Paladins of Pantheon do that, and I am still pretty sure, based on his history, where my Uncle would have stood when he was ordered to let them go on alone. With the performers." "Or maybe it is the position that you could get to watch a third Fist mate die by the noose when charges are brought back home at the Citadel. That's a real possibility too, and one that I fully understood when I stayed behind." " So why return at all you ask? Why not leave after the fight and just make my way on my own and leave the Fist hanging? Because I didn't do the wrong thing. If the Fist finds it was wrong in their eyes then I am willing to pay for it. Not whine about the 'position I am in'." "Whether you are going to be a horse's ass about this or not is irrelevant. I failed to protect two people I ought to have been there for. That's on me. How you handle it is your own problem. So go somewhere that isn't near me and figure out how you feel." " You probably should be thanking me for stepping out of your way for Thumb. I could have had the position 'hands' down, but instead I showed a little moral spine and you can't handle that."
Perform Oratory 19 to be sure the defenders of Hornfowl and the performers both can hear him.
He shrugs off the hand on his shoulder and goes to the stables to see to his horse.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 10th, 2014 7:51:04 PM
Tinker doesn't let Cameron report on his own, but stands with Cameron through the report and decision. He also walks back with the halfling, providing unspoken support. As they return to the team, he nudges the smaller man, shoulder to shoulder. "We are comrades, Cameron. The others may be telling you their fears. I am always here for you. We are comrades."
Tinker doesn't hang about, but gets ready to move out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday July 10th, 2014 10:37:56 PM
Nikolai misses all that frakas with Cameron, as he ends up in the stables getting the horses ready. The town priest lamented not being able to do anything for Linden so Nikolai left it at that. At least they had someone who could keep Linden's body from rotting on the trip back. The only other way would seem to make him an Undead and have him tag along...
The horses ready, Nikolai's gear packed and ready, he leads the horses to the town square and reports.
"All ready to go here, Sir!"
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 10th, 2014 11:06:41 PM
"Bliss can do that?!" The centaur will miss the little guy. "Groovy."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday July 11th, 2014 8:49:29 AM
WIlliam mounts his horse, unsure of what will happen next with their quest. He'll accompany his friends to help protect them, but wont get involved in negotiations or discussions as previously mentioned...
A Spell to Cast [DM Jerry] Friday July 11th, 2014 10:42:16 AM
The Double Fist prepares to head back to the Citadel to face the music and to convince one of the Eyes of Gargul to raise Linden. The morale of the group is variable with the hard decisions that had to be made this grisly day. Not everyone agrees with those decisions. There is a bitter taste in the air and pangs of regret. There is also thankfulness that only one died when it could have been several, or all. Some of the Double Fist talk a lot to relieve the stress and to keep from thinking about it all. Others are silent and pensive.
Then it happens. To Bliss. He glows. Just for a moment. Then for a longer moment he just stands there. Unmoving. Not breathing.
=====
A voice.
Only heard by Bliss.
"Son, it is time to be a man. Cast it. Have faith."
Vauhwyt? Mother? Can't be. But it is.
Then a more powerful voice. HIS voice.
"Bring them to me witch. Use your best spell."
Gargul will not be denied. The bloodpact is implied in his words.
Mother adds.
"Cast it perfectly. Do it well son. You will make me proud. Do it now, with the emotions from the day fresh on your mind. They will drive you, push you."
Where did this come from? Why were they asking him, Bliss, to do the impossible? Then his own words of a few moments earlier float back to him...."I would not want to have to ask Lord Gargul for you too!"
His words. Now his responsibility. His.
=====
Then as if a spell expired, Bliss takes a big breath. And another.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Friday July 11th, 2014 12:09:27 PM
Carver is trying to figure out how to explain something when he notices Bliss' reaction to something.... "Hey kid." He walks over and puts his hand on Bliss' shoulder, "Bliss, are you OK? What's wrong?" There is concern in Carver question.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=21 ; Friday July 11th, 2014 1:21:23 PM
Cameron watches as Bliss seems to listen to something that Cameron's normally keen ears can't hear. He would say something to Bliss, try to reassure him, but Bliss just looks like he is trying to figure out a puzzle, so Cameron stays quiet. Besides, he is too tired to get involved. Perception 21-fatigue
Cameron is fatigued Cameron has no spells available to him until he can rest
Bliss is a little more than somewhat flabbergasted.
"Uh, I gotta, um."
"Wowsy. So ... um ..." He looks around as if in a dream.
Mookie, who only sensed the very edge of that mystical revelation, caws loudly, "Kid! Kid! Pull it together!"
Bliss shakes his head. "Okay, Mookie," he says to his familiar.
Bliss searches through the town. He needs blueberries, or strawberries, or olallieberries, or some other small fruits! Hopefully he can find some. If not, he'll have to do without.
He goes to each of his fellows on in the Double Fist. "Come ON!" he insists. Get over here NOW like! It's important! I ... think Lord Gargul is waiting! HURRY!"
"William! Nikky! Pru! Tinker! Cam! Carver! Stop doing whatever you're doing and come with me!"
Bliss leads his comrades-in-arms to Lindy's body. He gives each of his friends a berry. "Put it on Lindy when I cast the spell, please! Then the tiny witch does his best to cast his most powerful healing spell. [Sadly, that's a Goodberry spell!] He wants to be sure it works, so he'll use a hero point to get a +10% on his ley check. He rolls an 84, and the spell works.
He also murmurs a little prayer, commonly said by children at bedtime ...
Gargul, lord of life and death, watch me as I lay to sleep. If I take my final breath, guide me through the shadows deep.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 19/39] (Kathy) Friday July 11th, 2014 4:06:36 PM
Hearing Bliss's call, Pru slides down from her horse and comes over to the wagon bearing Linden's body.
Bewildered, she accepts a berry. "Bliss? Bliss, what are you doing?" she asks. She's afraid the halfling lad may have lost his mind, but she places her berry when prompted.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday July 11th, 2014 4:47:33 PM
Cameron does his best to not stumble this time as he dismounts. He follows Bliss around and when Bliss says his spell he does as instructed, still not fully filled in on what they are on about.
A Place to Go [2nd ILLEGAL post-- I hope Jerry doesn't see this] [DM Jerry] Friday July 11th, 2014 5:46:23 PM
As the group gathers over Linden's body he feels a pull on his soul stronger than he could have believed and with a "yank," he is pulled into the Shadowlands. There he sees the River of Blood and seems to fly towards it, attracted to it like a moth to a flame.
After a long time, he reaches the River and plunges into it, travelling at a leisurely speed towards an unseen destination. Endless time is spent in this ever-flowing highway of souls headed for the Lands of the Dead. Eventually, the river flows into a lake. Crossing the lake seems to take just a few seconds as the lure of the Lands of Rest attract him. Landing on the shore, friends and loved ones from this life and previous lives wait for him and memories of all those lifetimes return to him clearly.
What follows is an extended time of joy, rest, and contentment. Some precious loved ones urge him to go before Gargul and state his intentions to stay. Some advise him to enjoy his time here and use it to heal the mind and spirit. He's a member of a double fist who cross the lines between responsibility to the task and adventuring spirit. This reincarnation is likely not ended yet . Time flows differently. If they can, his living comrades will indeed come for him.
Politely he walks away and busies himself sharpening his xbow bolts, memorizing spells, etc. until the rest of the group is done with whatever they're involved in...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=29 ; Friday July 11th, 2014 10:46:15 PM
Perc +11 = 29
Nikolai finds himself right next to Bliss when the halfling stops all movement and seems to go into a trance. The monk almost trips over the little guy. At first Nikolai thinks that all the events have finally caught up with poor Bliss and he is emotionally spent and exhausted. But in seconds he snaps out of it and starts calling everyone.
'First I'm Nikolai, then Nik, now Nikky? Geez!'
Nikolai nudges Bliss, "Hey, I'm right here, no need to shout."
Bliss want to have a ceremony to contact Gargul for the possible return of Linden to the living. As much as Nikolai likes all those in his Double Fist, he's not sure it is the best thing. Ultimately, since Linden did sacrifice himself with his Sacrificial Bond and saved Nikolai from certain death himself, Nikolai agrees, if not on religious grounds, at least for his memory. If Linden wants to come back and Gargul allows it, then so be it.
Nikolai follows Bliss' instructions and waits to see what will happen.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Friday July 11th, 2014 11:41:37 PM
Linden moves along happily. He waits.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday July 12th, 2014 10:24:00 AM
Tinker is uncomfortable on several levels, and Cameron's situation is only one reason. Cameron himself telling Carver what a Paladin should or should not be makes the down-to-earth dwarf very, very uncomfortable. He thinks about Unrak Ironfist telling a young Tinker about rogues and some were acrobats, or scouts, or ... well... locksmiths! Stories have them in all different personalities and aspects, so he sees no reason why Paladins all had to be the same. Again, he stoically keeps his thoughts to himself.
And then Bliss falls over, and just as quickly jumps up with a plan about Gargul and Linden and ... too weird! But Bliss is a companion, and so is Linden and Cobbleshot. Tinker accepts a berry and places it on Linden. He will ask why later.
He looks over at William sharpening his crossbow bolts, and frowns, but then visibly shrugs. If he stays by Cameron for his decision to temporarily leave the Double Fist to play hero for a vulnerable caravan, he will stay by William for his decision to not help save Linden and sharpen his crossbow bolts.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Saturday July 12th, 2014 10:47:03 PM
The cleric is touched by ALL of his companion's decisions and stands by all of them on some level. He has a love for each, a little different for each, but Flower understands even if he didn't. Sacrifice. It's something that the Mailed Fist understands, and his Fist as well. Maybe he would be more understood after this... assuming he is returned to the Wold. If not, he would move on.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Monday July 14th, 2014 6:48:33 PM
checkin in
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday July 14th, 2014 8:29:14 PM
Placing the magiked berry on Linden's corpse, Tinker remembers his battle companion's best actions.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday July 14th, 2014 8:52:15 PM
Double checking in... :)
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Monday July 14th, 2014 9:01:49 PM
um.... checking my dead character. ;)
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday July 14th, 2014 9:17:10 PM
Bliss looks at the goodberries on the body of his deceased pal. He looks around at his friends waiting.
Mookie caws, laughing at the mercenaries standing in a circle: "Ah-hah-hah! He really got you guys good this time! Oh-ho-ho! The LOOKS on your faces!"
Bliss gets super red in the face. "You hush, Mookie! No, really guys, just be patient! Lord Gargul is going to appear! He told me so!"
Mookie continues his laughter. "Yeah, and each year, the Lord Gargul rises out of the corpse that he thinks is the most sincere. He's gotta pick this one. He's got to. I don't see how a corpse can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see." Mookie has to take a break to get his breath back. Then, still chuckling, he says, "Tonight the Lord Gargul will rise out of this corpse! He flies through the air and brings toys to all the children of the Wold."
Bliss stamps his feet. "MOOKIE! SHUT UP!"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Monday July 14th, 2014 9:46:06 PM "Bliss, if you say this will work, who am I to argue with you. Only if it fails will it give me pause. You say wait, I'll wait, I also have faith in Lord Gargul. Mookie, want to come to dinner? I always like eating stuffed bird."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday July 14th, 2014 10:28:56 PM "I've never heard of Lord Gargul coming down to the petitioners. More likely we'll be going up to him, in some kind of trance state." Nikolai whispers to Pru.
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 19/39] (Kathy) Monday July 14th, 2014 10:57:43 PM
Meeting a god. "But my hair's a mess," Pru whispers back to Nikolai. "And I still smell like burned dog."
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday July 14th, 2014 11:45:07 PM " shhh Pru, Bliss needs us all to hold our thoughts and train them to work with his right now. I think he might be too little to do this without our thoughts too." With a whispered song ans a gesture or two, the rest of the Fist, even Linden, look parade ground ready. Cast prestidigitation. Cameron then puts all of his will into Bliss's belief that this will get them an audience with Gargul. He concentrates so hard it hurts. Then he realizes it hurts because he is clenching his bruised face again. He concentrates nonetheless.
The Smallest Spell in the Wold [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 15th, 2014 9:03:16 AM
For the longest time, the Double Fist just stands there over Linden's body. It seems ludicrous that a Goodberry spell can raise someone from the dead or get the attention of the gods. Bliss must be overwhelmed by the events of the day or worse has lost his mind in religious fervor.
Then, the center of one of the Goodberries begins to glow. Like a tiny sun. Then another. Then all of them. Yet it still doesn't seem like enough. They just sit there. Glowing. The spell must have stalled or done all it could.
Several of the goodberries ruptures spilling glowing golden juice all over everyone's clothing and faces. Yep, the spell just backfired.
However, the glowing effect slowly spreads, working hard? As if refusing to give up on his spell. Some within the group begin to concentrate adding their will to the spell. Cameron says, "Bliss needs us all to hold our thoughts and train them to work with his right now. I think he might be too little to do this without our thoughts too."]
-----
[Sorry I didn't get the post in last night. I'll post again tonight.]
And the power multiplies. And Linden's body fades away. Strange. And the Double Fist, begins to rise into the air. The earth nearby begins to glow as well from the spilled Goodberry juice. Holy ground. A voice whispers from a great distance away,
"I HEAR YOU, COME."
Everyone knows that voice. Gargul's voice.
With a mighty wind, the party is whisked, in formation, across the sky and into a portal. Travelling through the Shadow Lands, with its creatures, shadows and the overwhelming glowing river of blood. The speed increases as the party rides a tornado of shadow across the plane that connects the realms of the dead with the living. The tornado turns into a water spout as it crosses the lake that surrounds the Lands of the Dead.
Then all awareness stops for a time. When the group awakens, they are standing at attention before the throne of Gargul. He sits there, regally, full of power.
Before him floats Flower, the most beautiful female in all of creation. She is speaking with Gargul. "THEY HAVE HAD A ROUGH DAY, GARG, BE PATIENT WITH THEM. THEY ARE YOUNG AND LEARNING. WOULD YOU STRIKE THEM DOWN IN THEIR YOUTH OR TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THEM MATURE?"
Gargul bristles at being called "Garg," and glares at her. "I TAKE YOUR POINT, LITTLE DANCER," he replied with a vindictive smile. "I PROVIDED THE WAY WITH THE LOWLIEST OF METHODS. LET US SEE WHAT THEY ARE MADE OF, SHALL WE? STAND BESIDE ME AND WE SHALL SPEAK WITH THEM."
Flower, nods and smiles at his repartee. "THEY ARE HERE." She moves to stand beside the throne, traipsing her body against the throne in a very sensuous way that instantly catches Gargul's notice.
She's definitely not a "little dancer" anymore.
The God of Life and Death turns his gaze upon the Double Fist party. "I WILL NOW HEAR YOUR PETITION FOR YOUR FRIEND AND COMRADE. WHO WILL SPEAK."
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 12:01:20 PM
Cameron tears his attention away from Flower long enough to hear Gargul's request. Cameron steps forward and focuses his attention on the throne. Looking at Gargul was a bit scary, and looking at Flower all of his words fled his lips. His fatigued mind was not that focused to begin with, and the weight of his past decisions was tugging his emotions in all kinds of directions. He clenched his jaw again, and the dull pain brought his focus back. He stood as tall as his small, battered frame would allow and addressed the two deities, for once not trying to influence them in any way with his words, gods were above such things were they not? Two gods. He was actually speaking to two gods. amazing " I was not with the Double Fist when Linden sacrificed himself to save one of our comrades. Because I was not there to help I feel responsible for Linden's and Cobbleshot's deaths. Instead of doing my duty to the Fist I was protecting a caravan of performers from gnoll raiders. We had been ordered to leave them to their own devices to get to the town, but I couldn't leave them alone to face the gnolls that had already hurt and killed some of them. I am torn. I know that helping them was the right thing to do, every fiber of my upbringing tells me that. Yet by doing it I betrayed the trust put in me by my comrades, and Linden paid for that with his life. How can doing the right thing be wrong I keep asking myself." "The question at hand is Linden's and Cobbleshot's lives. I would greatly desire that you grant me the boon of allowing them to return to the Wold. I will strive to do whatever you ask to have this granted to them. My guilt or innocence in this matter will be decided by mortal hands, but Linden and Cobbleshot shouldn't pay for it with their lives." "Thank you" Cameron steps back into the line. He feels better having said what he can to bring his two fallen Fist Mates back to the living. He is sure he will not be so well received at his hearing.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Tuesday July 15th, 2014 12:45:10 PM
As William wasn't involved in all the ceremony, he remains at the fort, helping the wounded, clearing up the mess using his magic to summon minor creatures to help, etc...
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 1:16:10 PM
Tinker had never imagined coming face to face with two dirties of the wold! For a moment, he stands still, literally unable to do anything else!
Cameron's words penetrate, and breaks (slightly) the spell of awe, at least enough for the dwarf to speak.
"I am Daemar, and I will speak. In the battle I hurried forward hoping to plug a hole, not realizing the strength of the enemy. While I tried to delay, I only succeeded in laying in a pool of my own blood for the rest of the battle. It was Linden who kept healing and gave his life so that others may live. It was Cobbleshot who plugged the gap with his arrows and finally his own body. They are the heroes of the village. "
Prudence Gundle [AC 17; HP 19/39] (Kathy) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 2:28:43 PM
Pru averts her eyes. She's been taught how to curtsey, of course, but she's not wearing skirts. She attempts a bow.
"Lord Gargul," she attempts, but her mouth is desert-dry, and all she manages is a squeak. She tries again.
"Lord Gargul, I humbly beseech you to allow Linden another chance at life." She blinks a few times, trying to order her thoughts. They stubbornly resist being gathered into any kind of order, so what comes out next is all garbled together in a rush. "Linden is really nice, My Lord, and very gentle, too, which you wouldn't expect from a soldier, but he is. He's kind to everybody and always tries to help and he's funny and he never says or does anything the least bit mean. He--" she stops, and manages to choke, "--he's my friend."
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 3:04:24 PM
Bliss stares goggle-eyed. He tries to speak, fails, tries again, fails.
Then he looks down at his feet. He thinks if he does not actually look at these beings, maybe he can get the words out.
"Um, Lord Gargul, I promised I'd serve you when I became a witch, like my mama did, even if Aunt Priss didn't think it was a good idea. Please bring Lindy back to life. He is a good person, like Pru says. And please don't blame Cam, he was just doing what he thought was right. He's a hero, I think. And so was Lindy. He rushed up to save his friends. He is brave and everything. Please."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 3:26:26 PM
Carver, doing a combination of bowing from his waist, also kneels like a horse would, and comes back to attention. "I'm not very well versed as some of my other fist mates are Lord Gargul. Linden may seem useless to those who don't know him very well, occasionally he seems that way to me as well, if I'm to be honest. But he does follow someone other than you so, I assume he is doing his duty to Flower in the way he is expected to, which is more than some others do, even those who profess to be holier than others. Your decision is yours to make, but Linden and Cobbleshot give up their lives so others could continue the battle and protect innocent people who were in danger from the attackers. Both of them, would be welcome additions to the lands of rest, but also both of them would be of greater value in lands of the living. I leave the choice of whether they remain with you here or return with us entirely in your just hands." Carver then steps back and casually looks about, being here in this land, he is looking to see if his ancestor is lurking around the edges....
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 6:29:33 PM
Liinden reaches out to his goddess, Flower. Strangely, however, he feels a pull for Gargul as well. Maybe this is what it means to be Fist? Maybe he is meant to be with Lord Gargul this early? Maybe Flower needs him?
(OOC: Still coming back! Just inner monologue! ;))
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 15th, 2014 6:39:36 PM
OOC: 'face to face with two dirties of the wold!' - really, SteveK? LOL
Nikolai is glad others spoke up first, it game him some time to get his own thoughts together. He stands at attention, mainly because he does not know how else to stand in front of deities. After saluting, he begins.
"Lord Gargul, Lady Flower. All of us here benefit from Linden's company, either in the barracks or on the battlefield. The day in question, Linden not only sacrificed his life for Tinker, but for Pru and I, as each one of us would have been killed had he not used his power to transfer the wounds to himself. But I cannot ask Lord Gargul for something I know not of. I don't know if Linden or Cobbleshot want to come back to the living. What I can humbly ask, from one that should be dead but for Linden, is that you give them a choice."
This is What Shapes a Man [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 15th, 2014 11:14:46 PM
Flower, lounging against the side of Gargul's throne turns her lithe body toward his. "SEE GARG, i TOLD YOU THAT..."
"SILENCE!!!"
His voice echoes throughout the Lands of Rest. Even Flower blanches. Gargul, the God of Life and Death, stands and drives his walking cane into the stone before his throne.
::THWAMM!!!::
"THIS DAY THESE MORTALS HAVE COME OF AGE. THE EXPERIENCES OF THIS BATTLE WILL LIVE WITH THEM WHILE THEY WEAR THE SPARK OF LIFE. THEY WILL STRUGGLE TO LEARN FROM IT, HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT IT, AND DOUBT THEIR DECISIONS AS THEY SHOULD FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.
"KNOW THIS YOUNG ADVENTURERS, FOR ADVENTURERS YOU ARE, THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST OF MANY SUCH DAYS. THE BURDENS GROW HEAVIER AS YOUR ABILITY TO BEAR THEM INCREASES. THAT IS WHAT SHAPES A MAN. FORCES HIM TO GROW OR GIVE UP.
"LIFE AND DEATH IS FULL OF THE DECISIONS THAT EACH OF YOU FACED DURING THE BATTLE, AS WELL AS AFTER. CHERISH THESE TESTS OF LIFE, FOR IT WILL SCULPT YOU INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF WHAT YOU MAY BECOME."
"I WILL NOT JUDGE YOU THIS DAY, AS TO THE ACTIONS AND CHOICES YOU MADE. YOUR CONSCIENCES ALREADY SERVE YOU WELL IN THIS REGARD. RESPONSIBILITY VS HONOR. WRESTLE WITH THESE CHOICES."
Gargul sits.
Flower, totally serious now, also speaks, in a normal voice, seemingly for effect.
"Some of you gentlemen do not agree with the actions of the others. Some of you doubt own actions. Yet, they were all honest actions done with love and caring for those you were trying to help. You are noble. Let it be enough to know that the decisions of each and every one of you were honest, heroic, and full of love."
She then stands and comes forward to each of you, kissing you on the forehead.
"I'LL BE WATCHING."
Gargul yanks his cane out of the ground. "NOW TO BUSINESS."
He looks into the distance across the Lands of Rest.
"COBBLESHOT, COME FORTH."
He does, bowing and looking exceedingly nervous.
"YOU HAVE EARNED LIFE SHOULD YOU WANT IT. YET, I RESPECT YOUR DECISION TO STAY HERE, REST, AND PREPARE FOR A NEXT LIFE. SAY YOUR GOODBYES."
Cobbleshot, bows again to Gargul and turns to the group, a slight smile on his face that is both happy and sad.
The old squaddie grins and rubs his bald head vigorously, as if wrestling with a decision. Finally he sighs and shrugs his shoulders.
"It aint so bad lads, bein' dead. There's a lot of fighting and dying that goes on in the Fist and it was starting to wear on me anyways. After my wife left, the Fist was a way to pass the years alone but not alone. I'm grateful eternal to Carren for lettin' me be me an lettin' me be a part of the team while being as alone as I needed when I needed it."
He straightens up and claps his hands.
"Well thats it then! Thanks for the intervention everyone, but I'm stayin' here. Tinker, you watch after your pups in Double Fist and tell Carren I said thanks for it all!"
Cobbleshot backs up, away from the others and heads again towards Gargul and Flower.
Prudence Gundle [HP 19/39] (Kathy) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 12:36:00 PM
Pru can't help but feel a little left out when Flower addresses the group as "you gentlemen."
It doesn't matter, she tells herself firmly. Flower loves me. Flower loves everybody.
She watches Cobbleshot depart. "Bye, Cobbleshot," she says softly. "I'm sorry the gnolls got you."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 1:24:21 PM "I'll be sure to relay your sentiment to Carren and the rest of your fist, I'd say be well, but you'd already dead, so I'll just say, enjoy your rest and may you find the loved ones you've lost and be reunited."
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 2:46:04 PM
Bliss falls down when Gargul speaks so harshly. "SILENCE!" said his god, and that's an order he's not about to disobey!
When the goddess approaches and kisses him on the forehead, Bliss is overwhelmed. He dares not disobey Gargul by saying "Thank you," but he thinks it real loud in his head. Maybe Flower hears.
Bliss waves farewell to Cobbleshot, not trusting himself to speak, even after Gargul says it is okay to say goodby.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 4:12:25 PM
Flower's presence in front of him is overwhelming. Then she KISSES him on the forehead! Cameron's senses are overloading. Is this what mother felt when she prayed for her daily prayers? Is it what Linden feels? Total acceptance despite whatever fears and misgivings I myself have? Truly intoxicating She moves on too the person next to Cameron, but the feeling persists. Not being devoted to any one god, he wasn't sure what it felt like to pray to one and have those prayers answered with powerful spells. All he knew was the power of performance. Still he tears his attention back to the present and looks at Cobbleshot. He looks kind of relieved. No more decisions, no more worries. " Goodbye Cobbleshot. Carren already knows, but we'll tell him. Rest well and prepare for the next turn of the wheel." What if Linden decides to stay? What would they do then? The team they had would be broken. Cameron waits for Linden to be called forward.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 7:35:09 PM
Tinker is overwhelmed by Gargul's presence and pronouncement. The Grey Lord's words still ring in his ears as Flower descends to the group and kisses him on the forehead! Sparks light behind his eyes and he is all but deaf and dumb to anything else in the Wold.
It is the down-to-earth Cobbleshot who is able to refocus the dwarf. The older man was a good companion, able to trot down the road all day and not need to say a word, but always know he's there if trouble comes. And the man deserves his rest. They may be the same age, but humans age faster, and elves age so slowly, they act like much younger people nearly all the time. Tinker understands Cobbleshot, and it seems that the human had the same regard for Tinker, too. "I will. Good rest to you, Cobbleshot."
And then Tinker turns expectantly to see what is Linden's choice.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 8:17:20 PM
Waits. Might be called soon.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday July 16th, 2014 10:04:40 PM
Nikolai goes stiff when Lord Gargul speaks, the voice resonating throughout his body. He tries to concentrate on the words but he becomes slightly distracted when thoughts of how he'd tell his father about this.
His knees then go wobbly when Flower approaches and kisses his forehead. It takes all the effort of 3 years training at staying at attention through rain, cold, heat, and shouting sergeants to keep his knees from buckling but he manages it.
Now how would he tell his father about this!
He salutes Cobbleshot as the veteran turns to return to the Lands of Rest. He suspects that Linden, far younger and eager for life and adventure, will choose the opposite.
The Choice is Truly Yours [DM Jerry] Wednesday July 16th, 2014 11:11:16 PM
When all the goodbyes are said, Cobbleshot, seemingly torn, doesn't know whether to stay to see what will happen with Linden or to leave and be with family and loved ones. It is obvious he feels a pull in both directions.
Gargul looks almost softly at him and says, "COBBLESHOT, GO TO YOUR FAMILY. REST."
Cobbleshot throw up a perfect salute to the god and then bows as well. Smiling, his burdens relieved, he joyfully says, "So long friends. Until next time." Then turning he walks quickly into the waiting arms of a small group of spirits just outside the throne room amphitheater.
"NOW, LINDEN COME FORTH! WHAT IS YOUR DECISION, YOUNG ONE. WILL YOU RETURN TO THE LAND OF MORTALS OR REMAIN HERE. THE CHOICE IS TRULY YOURS."
Bliss starts to get nervous. What if Lindy doesn't show up? He doesn't have to. Some spirits get trapped in the deep shadows. That's what happened to HIM when he died. He was so lost he never even made it to Lord Gargul. Or sometimes spirits do not want to come. They prefer to be ghosts or worse.
He looks around, trying to peer through the shadows. [Perception 20].
Bliss calls out, very softly, like a whisper, "Lindy? Liiiindyyyy? Come oooouuut! Linnndyy!"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Thursday July 17th, 2014 4:16:45 PM "Don't worry Bliss, Linden will arrive in his own time. Just remember how he is in life, he does things his own way, even if it is not by regulations or according to orders." Carver rests his hand comfortingly on Bliss' shoulder to steady the young lad..... Here he is steadying a friend and calling him at least mentally a young lad, and Carver himself isn't truly much older, just seemingly he has more experience.
Prudence Gundle [HP 19/39] (Kathy) Thursday July 17th, 2014 6:19:03 PM
Pru waits, chewing her lip. She's not even sure what she's hoping for. Should she hope that Linden chooses to return and join the Double Fist again? But would that be selfish? Maybe instead she should wish that Linden find peace with his family. But if that's the way it's supposed to be, why had Lord Gargul given him this choice in the first place? Was it possible to choose wrong?
Maybe that's what she should hope for. I hope Linden makes the right choice. For him.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS DEAD Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 17th, 2014 9:18:58 PM
Linden moves forward, at a trot, from the shadows. "This place is spooky! Most of my family are still alive, 'cept the greatgrand sires and they are grumpy. Let's get out of here." He moves to Bliss and leans down to his little buddy and whispers. "Dude, chillax." Then realizing the presence of the gods, he turns an eye to the ground. "Their watching huh?" He stands. "Lord Gargul. Sir. This place is a bummer..... um, anyway. I think I'm happy to return." If Flower remains, he shoots her a grin and wave.
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday July 17th, 2014 9:51:26 PM Yup, just seeing him here, reacting to her. He feels the same thing when he prays each day/ That's my answer to that. " Welcome back Linden, lets get you home eh?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday July 17th, 2014 9:58:43 PM
To Nikolai the time from Lord Gargul's call and Linden's appearance was only moments. To Bliss, it seemed like an eternity. Time, here, had no meaning. It felt strange. He imagined returning to the town and finding out they'd barely been gone at all!
But Linden's choice did not surprise Nikolai. He would have made the same choice had it been he instead of Linden. You have to feel ready, and Lord Gargul knows part of being in the Land of Rest is being ready to be there and being happy to be there. At least that's how it made sense to Nikolai.
Nikolai waits for Lord Gargul's response, still standing at attention.
Dishonored [DM Jerry] Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:22:28 PM
Gargul frowns. Then his eyes bore into Linden.
"DO NOT MAKE A MOCKERY OF MY THRONE ROOM!!!"
His voice echoes around the room.
"LIFE AND DEATH IS NOT FRIVOLOUS! YOU TREAT IT TOO LIGHTLY. IS THIS HOW YOU WOULD TALK TO YOUR REGIMENT COMMANDER? THE FIELD MARSHALL MAJOR?"
He stops, trying his best to not blast the young man into oblivion.
Flower speaks up. Even she has a shocked look on her face. In her normal voice she says,
"You tried to be clever. It didn't work."
Gargul stands and paces. He looks about to blow his top. Finally he turns to Linden rising to his full height.
"YOU DISHONOR YOUR FIST. BEGONE!"
With no fanfare, Linden disappears. A moment later, the Double Fist does too.
There is no "scenic return trip." It is uneventful. No bells and whistles. No crash landings. No fanfare. One moment you are before the throne of the God of Life and Death. The next you are back in the field where Linden's body had laid.
Linden is not there.
Far above a small scream is heard. A form falls. Spinning and with arms and legs flailing, it falls. And screams. Then with a small poof it lands where it dies.
Linden.
He lives, barely.
It remains to be seen as to whether that is a good thing or a bad or a good one.
-------
OOC: Linden has 1 hit point.
I hereby return the game to its normal DMs.
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 1/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:41:36 PM
Laying in the dirt, eyes closed, no time to reply, the response comes too easily, low and weak. "Lord, the Commander would understand. He's..... used..... to it.... by.... now." He has no words in response to his Goddess. That one hurt. He's fast asleep.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:54:35 PM
"Oh man, I thought Mookie would get us in trouble! But it was you, Lindy, that ticked off the god."
Bliss giggles.
"That IS how you talk to officers, isn't it!"
The Voices Friday July 18th, 2014 12:42:49 PM
Bliss's harmless giggling is quickly interrupted.
"He has offended me."
Bliss looks around, but no one is there.
"I call in my token, Bliss."
The voice is powerful, deep and brooding.
"Say your farewells. I have need of you elsewhere. All will be right."
As Bliss looks around one last time, he is growing in certainty this voice belongs to no mortal. As he scans his surroundings, far to the east there is a giant column of light. Somethings pulls at him. Something powerful that will not wait for very long. Gargul isn't know for his patience.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Friday July 18th, 2014 12:55:55 PM
Carver bows his head and just stands there, he'd been banished from the presence of his god and was left with questions unasked. He had some information on how to become more attuned to Gargul, but due to one of his friends, he was now left without the chance to ask them and with feelings about said friend totally confused.... in a low soft mumble he is heard to say... "Lord Gargul, I can't and won't apologize for his actions, but if it pleases you, do not hold it against me, I will find a way to ask you what needs to be asked, have faith in me, please......"
Prudence Gundle [HP 19/39] (Kathy) Friday July 18th, 2014 1:09:27 PM YOU DISHONOR YOUR FIST.
But...but Linden was just being Linden. Thoroughly confused, Pru looks at the still form lying on the ground. Linden had acted just the same way he acted all the time. Pru never found it to be dishonoring.
But Gargul had said it was, and the gods are never wrong.
So, Linden had been dishonoring them the whole time? And Pru hadn't even realized it.
She tries to feel dishonored, but mostly still feels confused. "Linden?" she asks. "Linden, are you okay?"
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday July 18th, 2014 1:46:12 PM " Hope no one else dies. Gargul will not be happy to ever see us again. On the bright side, Flower was nice to us. Wish I could nap, but now we get to march back to the Citadel, and my hearing. Shall we...?" Cameron climbs back into his saddle and awaits the order to move out.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Friday July 18th, 2014 3:19:35 PM
"Welp," says Bliss, "That's as clear as clear can be." He feels the divine command like a direct order from a commanding officer. "And if there's one thing the Fist has taught me, it's how to follow orders!"
But Cam is asking the group to head back to HQ. That's not on the way! He walks over to Cam, reaching in a pocket as he walks and taking out his slingshot.
"Sorry Cam," he says. "But I'm not headed back. Maybe Lord Gargul did hear what Mookie said, or maybe seeing me just reminded him that I owe him a favor. Either way, he has something else for me to do."
"And I wanted to say I thought you were brave to help those circus folks. Braver than me."
"Anyway, please take this." Bliss hands Cam his homemade slingshot (it is a small masterwork sling reskinnd as a "slingshot.")
Next he walks over to Prudence. "Miss Pru," he says, "Thank you for everything." he hands her a magic fishbowl with a small goldfish swimming in it. (A 6" diameter sealed glass sphere containing water and a live ornamental fish - an iridescent gold-silver fish with black tips on its fins. The glass sphere has a minor conjuration enchantment that provides fresh, circulated water and food to the fish. It swims in lazy, contented circles. (4lb.) (Lotto win, 20 Apr 14).
"It is pretty and fiery, just like you," he says, blushing.
Next he walks over to Nikolai. He bows in the monkish fashion. "Master Nik, thank you for helping to teach me about fighting with my hands and dodging things with my will power and stuff."
Bliss holds his hand up to shake Carver's. "You were patient and nice when I was scared and nervous. I'll never forget you."
He walks over to William and tells him, in a whisper, "It's okay, I'm kinda scared of Gargul too. I hope you do not have to ever see him unless you want to. He shakes hands and moves on.
Bliss walks over to Tinker and grins. He says in dwarvish, "It has been a pleasure to sneak around with you, Mister Tinker. You keep practicing, and you'll be as quiet as me some day!"
Finally, Bliss runs and jumps right on Linden's back. He digs out his cure wand and gives him some hit points back. "Come *ON* Lindy! Get up! You're okay! Come on, let's ride one more time! Gee, horsie! Geeee!"
He whispers into his ear as he hugs the centaur, "And Lindy, please try not to make the officer types angry!"
After his good-byes, he calls Mookie down, and casts Enlarge on him. "Time for us to fly, Mookie old pal!"
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+1=6 ; Friday July 18th, 2014 5:55:02 PM
Tinker's head is reeling from everything that has happened in the space of a bare breath. Two gods, and Linden being Linden, and the loss of Bliss. He stands numbly at the little halfling's quip, and can only think of the last thing said... don't piss off the officers.
Silently, the dwarf goes to help Linden with a potion of cure light wounds, and then prepares for the trek back to the Citadel.
............
Cure Light Wounds Potion: Linden gets 6 hit points
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 7/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday July 18th, 2014 6:27:57 PM
OOC: how many points does Bliss give Linden back? And thanks!
The centaur wakes, and very shaky, stands like a new foal. He looks down at Bliss, his expression dark, brooding and sour. Then he simply begins to weep openly. He says nothing.
To his departing friend, he says, "My friends, Bliss and Mookie, I'll miss you guys and may God bless you as you go forward. If there's anything you ever need from me, don't be afraid to find me and ask, as you've been loyal companions."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 24/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday July 18th, 2014 9:29:55 PM
Nikolai feels dejected. At first he just stands there where the god placed them. He thought that things were going well. He felt proud to be so young and be in the presence of gods. Not many can say that and be alive to live and fight another day. Then Linden went and did a 'Lindy'.
Nikolai shudders.
Then Linden comes flailing out of the sky and Nikolai things he's going to splat all over the town and flinches but the centaur just plops.
What can one say? Linden looks like he learned something. Maybe it's OK to be somewhat disrespective to one's officer, but certainly not a god!
His fist-mates get Linden back on his hooves and Nikolai busies himself with his horse. There'll be time later to say something helpful to his friend. There's a trip back to the Citadel to think about, and some gnolls still out there that may cause some mischief. Gotta remain alert, at all times.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; Saturday July 19th, 2014 3:39:51 PM
For Linden: three wand cures from Bliss: 21 curing.
Bliss frowns. "Come on, don't cry!"
Bliss starts to get weepy too.
Mookie rolls his eyes, but mercifully doesn't say anything. Highlight to display spoiler: {If you look super sharp, are those rolling eyes a little moist? Nah! Impossible.}
AC 21 w/shield of faith, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 28/41 Linden (Jay B) Saturday July 19th, 2014 5:29:17 PM
Linden pats Bliss' head, still not smiling, or saying anything. His head hangs, tail droops. He waves to his friend and Mookie and begins walking lazily off in some random direction. It is hard to hard to tell, but he might have said "Bye Blizzard."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Saturday July 19th, 2014 8:44:14 PM "You have to do, what you have to do. The same as Cameron did. I don't blame you, just like I don't blame him. I expect that you will probably be going and not returning, this does sadden me, so be well. Now to explain something to Cameron if he'll listen and not get mad and storm off. The reason I said I was in a quandary was due to your having left the fist short handed.... I can understand just why you did what you did, just that I can also see the situation from the side that the Mailed Fist is going to take when they court Marshall you. I want to defend your choice, but if they call upon me I may have to prosecute you. That would be the worst of all worlds from my view, because to defend the honor of the mailed fist I would have to do my best to convict you even though I still count you as a friend." Carver is sad to see Bliss go, he was a interesting little kid, even if the bird was a pain the butt, but the double fist has now lost 1 person permanently, 1 person basically on report and 1 who seems severely changed, but having died it is understandable that changes happen......
AC 20,T 16,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 15/42 Cameron (David Feest) Sunday July 20th, 2014 9:00:44 AM " What I said I still mean. Do what you have to do and don't get all teary and mopey about it. From my perspective I did what I had t do and I knew what might happen because of it. There are legitimate tactical reasons, but from what I have heard they will not apply. If called to testify I expect you to do so and not perjure yourself. More than one of us going down for this decision would not make it better or benefit the Fist. They will decide what they decide. It won't change my conviction that I did what I had to, no matter their decision." Cameron isn't angry. He just wants the Fist to get over it. If asked to give their account he expects that they will all answer truthfully and completely.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday July 20th, 2014 9:17:12 AM
Tinker remains with Linden, making sure he doesn't wander too far, being a shoulder to lean on, letting the centaur get used to being alive, seeing woldian gods and goddesses, and the impending loss of Bliss.
Prudence Gundle [HP 19/39] (Kathy) Monday July 21st, 2014 2:07:32 AM
"But--" Automatically, Pru reaches out to take the goldfish bowl. "But--but, Bliss, where are you going? You can't--I mean--" She looks around, utterly bewildered.
"All right, that's it," she says. "It stops here. Nobody else leaves, or dies, or stays behind with circus folk. We stay together, from now on." She looks down at the circling goldfish, trying hard not to cry.
Bliss (AC22, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday July 21st, 2014 11:55:51 AM
Bliss wipes his eyes. "Crying can fix things," he says solemnly. H's still teary, though.
"I'm sorry friends. I gotta go. I got to go. Sorry."
"Lord Gargul is not a tame god," Mookie says softly.
Bliss gets his things, packs everything away, and reduces himself again.
"Bye bye, my friends! I'll see you in dreams and otherwheres! Take care!"
Mounting up on enlarged Mookie, the tiny halfling flies away.
DM Ken E. Monday July 21st, 2014 12:00:15 PM
As the benevolent, though sometimes merciless attentions of Gargul and his fellow Gods withdraw from Double Fist, they are left emotionally drained. Even worse, Bliss now feels the call of Gargul in a different direction.
Honest and direct, as he always is, the young sniper tells the others he must go and departs, soaring upon the wings of his friend Mookie.
Prudence makes a powerful statement. From now on, they would stick together.
Cameron and Carver continue their icy relationship, soured by their opposing views of what constitutes duty. And it is duty that interrupts their somber reunion.
Color Sergeant Carren trots towards you, his long hair bouncing like a Fabio shampoo commercial.
"Double Fist, your lot has been detached from our Squad by command. We aren't bedmates anymore, just a couple of Fists now. Head home, Knight Commander Palance has requested you head back to debrief while we stick around here for awhile. Trammack will meet you at the northern gate when you are ready!"
Carren starts to leave, then turns and gives Pru a strong salute.
"I've always had my doubts about the place of spellcasters in regular squad assignment, Lance Corporal. I've felt they either absorb too many resources in the way of bodyguards, or were too brittle. But Turley told me how you continued to burn away those miserable creatures at close quarters without fear and without expecting rescue from the Squad. You performed admirably."
With a wink and a grin, he turns about face and trots back to his men.
Saddled up, your group meets Sgt. Trimmack by the gate. When you are all ready, it is time to go. The townsfolk give you a hearty cheer as you depart. Krog the Magnificent takes a small break from his new job in raising the towns walls, and waves cheerfully at Cameron.
The first couple of days travel is at a leisurely pace. When you come across the spot where you first encountered the traveling caravan, Sgt. Trimmack calls you to a halt. He looks a bit conflicted.
"Carver, I want to know where these Gnolls attacked from before we return. Divide the Fist and take a look. I want two groups maximum, for security purposes."
[Please each award yourselves 800xp for the combat. Also, make note somewhere of the magic items you received.]
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) Monday July 21st, 2014 1:24:11 PM
Carver speaks quickly, without seeming to think about it, "Pru, I'm leaving you in charge of the the second group, who will remain in this area with Nikolai, Tinker and Linden, your job will be to keep watch and to be on guard in case the other group comes back, which I'll be leading with gnolls in pursuit. Find a spot that's near by and is defensible. William you and Cameron are with me, You for your ability to summon creatures that can aid us if we run into trouble and Cameron, you're much better at tracking than the rest of us. Not to say you're a professional tracker, just that you are much more observant, which counts in following tracks. Cameron, you were out with me if I remember correctly and we followed the beaten grass, but not back to it's beginning, you'll be in charge of the tracking, I'll be watching with William in the other directions so we aren't surprised and ready to charge in needed. Pru, expect us back in no more than 12 hours, that's six out and six back. We should be able to locate them by then or they're further off than we expect and we'll all follow the trail tomorrow." With orders given, Carver pulls out his lance and approaches Pru, Niko and Tinker, each separately saying to each, "Keep a eye on Linden, his change worries me." He approaches Linden, "Chin up Linden, Flower seemed to accept you as you are, even if it's not what Gargul expected."
"Let's move out people."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+9=12 ; d6=1 ; Monday July 21st, 2014 2:22:32 PM
Cameron bristles at being told he isn't a professional tracker by someone that couldn't follow a water buffalo through a mud field, but says nothing and unlimbers his bow and checks the pull to be sure it is ready. He again leaves the tanglefoot bags on his mount but keeps his alchemist fire on his person. Having nursed his horse back to health after the forced march he finds the mount much better behaved than normal. He plans to lead it as he tracks, staying on the ground where he can see the sign better. The trail is old, almost a week old now. Had the gnolls taken ant pains to conceal it in the first place he wouldn't be able to find it. But, it was made by a ravenous pack of mongrels and Cameron follows the tufts of hair and broken twigs more than the scuffed paw prints and grass that has bent back to normal. With an arrow nocked and ready he pushes of into the forest, silent as a cat stalking prey. Bliss's slingshot tucked into his pouch reminds him how to be quiet. Perception 15 Tracking 24 Handle Animal 25 Stealth 14 Readied shot if they encounter a gnoll and it sees them hits AC 12 (AC 13 if within 30') for 2 damage (3 damage if within 30')
OOC the above rolls assume that "a couple of days" have passed and reflect one days healing from Cameron to himself. I am also assuming he has all his spells available today and is no longer fatigued since he has rested. Is this all right?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=16 ; Monday July 21st, 2014 3:08:58 PM
OOC: remember to update your headers. We'd be all healed up by now.
IC: Nikolai bids Bliss farewell. He doesn't understand it fully, but each one came with his or her own history, and Bliss' was tied to Gargul someway. More importantly, they've got to face the Mailed Fist Commander on Cameron's actions and now explain why another Fist member left, flapping off into the sunset. Nikolai just shrugs. What happens, happens, nothing can me done about it now.
Nikolai is relieved that the third Fist was staying. The town still needed help and there was still a large gnoll band out there, even if their leaders were dead. They'd find new leaders, no doubt about that. He himself would have preferred to stay a week or two and scout out the area but the orders were to return, so return they must.
Reaching the campsite where they first encountered the circus, Nikolai deduces that these gnolls here must be from a different tribe than the one that attacked the town. This may not be true, but it made sense, as they did not go join the others, several days away.
"A lot of gnolls in the area. That leader that we killed might have been strong enough, if he took the town, to gather all the tribes together. That would be a formidable army indeed.
With orders to make a secure camp, Nikolai wastes no time in searching for the best spot to make camp.
Survival +8 = 16
Next, he gets Linden and Tinker to help him position fallen logs to help provide some cover. For Pru he asks her to get some rocks and form a cooking circle and gather enough firewood for the night.
Prudence Gundle [HP 19/39] (Kathy) Monday July 21st, 2014 5:55:51 PM
Sergeant Trimmack had left Carver in charge, and Carver had placed Pru in charge of their little sub-group. So, although she is glad of Nikolai's help, she doesn't let him run things.
"Before we set up camp, let's have a lookout," she says. "Also, let's make sure this is the best place to make camp. Who's a good lookout?"
Not me, she thinks. Any of the other three would probably do an okay job, but she waits for a volunteer. She also welcomes other opinions of the best place to camp.
Once a site is established, she tries to get everyone to work together to shore up the defenses and gather water and firewood. Once their base is mostly established, Pru will set up a watch order.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=8 ; d20+9=24 ; Monday July 21st, 2014 7:52:03 PM
Tinker listens to Sergeant Trimmack, then Carver, then Prudence. Bean Pole asked for volunteers and the dwarf speaks up. "I've got good eyes and a crossbow. I'll do it."
He looks for a broken wagon, small tree, or just a pile of rocks to scramble up and keep watch, his loaded crossbow in his hand.
..............
Climb - 8
Perception - 24
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+6=14 ; Monday July 21st, 2014 8:46:37 PM
William nods at the command, willing to play the support role he excels at... "I'm fluent in gnoll too so if we hear anything, I'll try to interpret it." he adds.
He follows the other two in his team and has his xbow ready...
Perc 14
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 12:00:51 AM 'Hey! I just said that!' Nikolai shrugs. Women. But, he did jump right in and didn't give Pru the chance to prove her leadership abilities. He chuckles as he does what he is 'told' to do.
Looking for a good camp site.
Survival role from above: Survival +8 = 16
DM Ken E. Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 10:55:14 AM
Tracking the Gnolls in daylight would be easy enough, as neither the Gnolls or their large animal companions were worried about concealing their tracks. The trail leads a few miles south to a copse of 10 or 15 trees, then stops cold.
Knowledge Nature: DC 15
Highlight to display spoiler: {These trees are Cypress trees, specifically Glyptostrobus Pensilis, which normally grows in a swampy environments. It is unusual to see a cluster of them growing here in an open plain.}
Back at camp, Trimmack wits with Pru and Nikolai.
"Its strange, seeing Linden up and walking around. I've been in the Fist for awhile, and Gargul usually doesn't let us come back. Something about how if no men stay dead from war, all men would wage it."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=22 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 11:39:06 AM
Nikolai chuckles. "That's rather simplistic, isn't it? Most men don't wage war simply because they want to fight and kill. There's reasons behind waging war, even if it is simply selfishness, greed, or Power. I think most men just want to live peacefully, get married, have families, grow old, without bloodshed. But, we'll never know for sure, will we?
Nikolai looks for edible berries for a treat when the others get back.
Survival +8 = 22
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=4 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=14 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 1:10:13 PM
Cameron follows the tracks back to the trees but then loses the path. He searches for some time but it isn't just hard to find, it is gone. Knowledge Nature 4 Tracking 26 " The trail leads into this stand of rees and then vanishes, boss. I did sweeps out from here t a hundred yards or so and nothing, there is no trail. It is like they were summoned here or something." Knowledge Arcane 19 Knowledge Planes 14 Cameron keeps looking, holding his bow ready, but he becomes more and more certain that somehow, someway, the gnolls just appeared here. Which is pretty disturbing.
OOC Was it obvious that the one gnoll, the large demonic one, was different? Is it conceivable to Cameron that they were somehow gated or teleported here? Because as William will confirm I am sure, a summon does not last as long as they did.
DM Ken E. Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 2:50:42 PM
OOC:
DM honesty time. I have no idea which demon-gnoll you are referring to. Its possible I overdescribed a Flind, or perhaps you are referring to the pack leader that attacked the carnival?
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 28/43 (John C) d20+3=13 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 3:47:41 PM
Carver, listens and thinks a bit before replying.... "Did you check in that copse of trees, there might be a hidden entrance to a tunnel or something. I seem to remember that Gnolls like living underground, of course a lot of creatures do, so I'm probably just thinking of another monster type. Let's the three of us check out those trees carefully, if we can't or don't find anything, we'll head back and make our report, having done all we can to find out where they attacked from."
Perception 13
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 5:10:08 PM
Tinker keeps a sharp eye out.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 6:21:05 PM
"Well," says Pru. "I'm glad to have Linden back. He's really nice. And he's our only healer."
"Linden?" she adds, seeing the centaur looking a little dazed. "Are you feeling okay? We'll have a fire going soon--do you want some tea or something?"
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=21 ; Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 6:55:11 PM
Bonus post Reminded that he hadn't done more than look for tracks in the grove of trees, Cameron circles back and searches for a hidden entrance to a cave or something below the grove. Perception 21
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 8:19:09 PM
The first day Linden doesn't even bother topping off his wounds, his natural healing handles a portion, but come the second morning, he casts a cure.
........................... Linden lays, looking at the fire, and just stares at Pru when she asks if he wants tea. It's eerie. In the past, life was in those eyes. Now.... not so much. Pain. Depression. Apathy.
He joins Nik and Tinker for his mission, but avoids doing actual work.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 9:33:28 PM
William follows his while his two teammates search diligently... For now, he remains silent and cautious, trying to find anything of interest or any sign of the gnolls...
_____ DM OOC - I'll be going out of town starting Friday and through the next week. I should have internet access for most of the time, but there may be a few days I won't have it. So don't wait for me to post DM and I'll do my best to get access at our cabin...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 11:38:33 PM
OOC: don't worry, we are good a keeping a conversation going. Have fun. :)
DM Ken E. Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 11:15:50 AM
The renewed investigations pull up little else, other than confirmation by a thorough search that no den is in this area. With no other options, the scout crew returns to camp.
Sgt. Trimmack gives the order to head on out, continuing back the ride back home.
The next couple of days pass in peace, with no real dangers lurking now that you are so close to the Mailed Fist headquarters.
"You know..", he says to no one in particular. "Knight Captain Palance is going to want an immediate report. Carrens misadventure, the combat, tactics you used and why, Lindens death and rebirth, and the suddenly MIA (missing in action) Bliss are all going to need to be covered. We will be home in a day, you guys might want to get your story together. "
He looks at Tinker.
"You're in charge from this point on, at least until the Knight Commander decides on a Thumb."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 4:25:15 PM
"Get our story together?" Pru wonders. Generally, just telling the truth works fine, but she doesn't mention that now. Instead she says. "Well, we usually let Cameron do the talking because he's best at it."
Tactics? she thinks. Had she used tactics? She's not sure "keep setting them on fire until they stop moving" actually constitutes a tactic. Something to consider.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 4:34:41 PM
Having made the report and now almost back to the citadel Carver is glad to turn temporary command over to the next member of the double fist. "Easiest way to explain Bliss' leaving is to say what happened. He was directed by Gargul he was needed elsewhere. We are only mortal and when a GOD, who has just returned a member of the team to the land of the living demands a type of payment, you don't argue with him. At least that's the way I see it. He returned Linden and in return requested Bliss for some other mission elsewhere. I'm not even sure where Bliss was going, so...." And at that, Carver leaves the sentence hanging, unfinished.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 5:04:46 PM "I think you misunderstand what the Sergeant is saying Prudence. B get your story together I believe he means decide who will tell the tale of what happened in Hornfowl. Since Iwas not in Hornfowl. I have only secondhand information from what you all have told me happened. I could spin a tale, yet the Knight Commander is no fool, not even close. She would see that the story was manufactured and then you would need to explain that. No, this time one of you, or all of you, will need to tell the tale of what happened in Hornfowl, including my absence. The Knight Commander will then decide what becomes of me and who takes the position of Thumb in the Fist. I will be disciplined as the Fist sees fit. There is no reason for any of you to be disciplined for making up a tale about an operation that you all saved from being a disaster. From what I was told, had Linden not been suspicious of the unguarded southern gate you all would have been taken from beihind and probably killed to a man. When we arrived the next day, the performers also would have been killed when they walked into a gnoll controlled town exhausted. You all saved the day in Hornfoul, and you should receive the credit for it." Cameron has not said this many words in nearly a week. He has been quiet and stayed apart from the rest of the Fist because only Tinker and Carver have said anything about his dereliction of duty, and only half of that was positive. He hesitates a moment and then says to all present, including Sergeant Trimack, what he has on his mind. " I want to apologize to all of you for not being there in Hornfowl. The orders went against everything I have been brought up on as far as doing the right thing. Linden, I am especially sorry that you were killed. I would love to tell you all that I won't do it again, and in the rest of my service to the Fist a similar situation may never arise again. But if I am to choose between my duty, and my, well my soul I guess you would say, I will not compromise my morals." " I was brought up to defend those that can't defend themselves. Heck, the dwarves that raised me are both Stone Wardens, which means that is exactly what they do, defend the dwarves that can't fight for themselves. It may sound harsh, but you, we, all signed up to fight gnolls, or whatever the Fist tells you to fight. Those performers and their families didn't. I hated leaving you guys, my friends, and pretty much my family to face what was in Hornfowl without me. But I couldn't live with myself if I hadn't helped those people." " I'll tell you now I wasn't the shining star of that fight. Rusty the lion killed at least as many opponents as I did and Krog killed probably twice as many as both of us, and saved my life after I fell. That giant was almost killed once he was alone. Not being the star doesn't mean I didn't make the difference in the fight though. I organized then, I motivated them to not give up and I gave them the hope to fight on." " I'm sorry I let you all down. I pray that you will all forgive me, and that nothing like that ever happens again." Deflated the halfling falls silent. He feels better having said it, but it still weighs on him that his Fist doesn't know if they can rely on him. Maybe they won't have to. The Knight Commander may muster him out for this, or even imprison or execute him. Only time will tell.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 8:10:07 PM
It has been a really weird return to the Citadel. Bliss not there, Linden and Cameron different. And now Tinker is in charge. Fantastic, he thinks sarcastically.
Course, by now, everyone has their normal routine on where they ride during the day, who does what to set up camp, and the watches at night. Tinker decides he doesn't have to explain what everyone knows how to do anyways, and so concentrates his mind on what is different... the report.
"Whoever is in charge, they give the report. That's how it should be, so I will give the report." One decision down, thinks Tinker. "And Cameron is right that the truth is easiest to tell because there is less to try and remember."
"For Hornfowl, the battle swung on Linden; his investigation, calling the alarm, keeping others healed even at his life. Tactics were haphazard and we split our strength in the face of an unknown enemy... bad idea. At the end it came down to beating on the other guy until they were dead first."
"For Bliss, it is like Carver says. He was directed by Gargul he was needed elsewhere."
"For Cameron, Sergeant Carren allowed each of us to make our own choice and Cameron chose to protect the circus group. He succeeded. We succeeded. 'Nuff said."
Tinker helps Cameron out with his camp chores, and takes the opportunity to talk. "I mean it, Cam. You are my battle mate, and I'll walk through the Lands of Rest for you. To me, it looks like you will help the closest group that needs immediate help. Fine. But what if the next time you have to choose between helping a few people now and so can't help a whole bunch of people just a little ways away. You know, for next time." Tinker finishes the chore, gives Cameron a comradely slap on the back, and moves off to help Linden settle in.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 8:58:00 PM
Not really caring at this point who is leader, or whether he's present at the debriefing, he wonders off to the worship hall/temple area.... but stops abruptly and doesn't enter. He stands just looking at the entrance. He remains there awhile.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 9:02:27 PM
Nikolai had purposely stayed out of the discussion of Cameron's decision. Not that he thought Cam had done the right thing, but because he felt there was no way to 'win', as it were. This was one of those times that one must make a decision and no matter which one you make, someone is going to suffer. He would have felt very bad and mourned the loss of the circus folk if they'd been killed, but he would get over it. Cameron might not have.
Someday, Nikolai ponders, that same decision may come his way.
"Well, we could make the point that even though the circus folk were not citizens of Hornfowl, they were heading there and as such could be considered guest-in-transit, or something like that, and therefore considered under our protection as well. It's a long shot, but worth a try."
Meanwhile, Nikolai goes over their tactics again. It seems like the main problem is that they only have one member that can charge into a fight. This is a good tactic in principle, but with no backup to cover the flanks, a serious flaw. This causes others in the group to rush forward to help support the Charger, and then you have a split in the ranks.
On the other hand, they are not like other Fists. They don't have a Shield Wall, Archer Volley, Charging Cavalry Line, etc. They have a large varied skill set that they are going to have to learn to mesh together.
In time they will do so, if they get the time.
"Tinker, tell the Truth. Tell it in short, concise steps. Don't worry about the details, we can fill those in later."
He busies himself back at the camp and spends his time on crafting his item...
(OOC - How many hours do we have for crafting? I'd spent 4 so far this adventure on crafting his 2nd item and would like to focus on that...)
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 11:19:12 PM
If a discussion of tactics breaks out, Cameron has some insight into it that he would like to share with the group. " Looking at our skills we are a varied group, at first it looks like we would never be able to fight as a team. Hindsight is perfectly clear, and I have had alot of time to think about this, time that you all in the heat of the moment did not have. That being said look at this as an analysis of how we would probably work best together and not a judgement, eh?" "Linden is our main healer, and thus needs to be within reach of us to do what he does effectively. With that in mind he should form the center of our unit, call him the hub of the wheel. Myself, Prudence and William fight at range and tend to not move too much. For what it is worth we seem to deal our damage at range, but can do more damage as our opponents get closer. We are the spokes of the wheel, staying near the hub and keeping it safe. Nikolai and Tinker can fight at range, but do their best work in melee. Provided they stay in range of Linden's healing and the spoke's support, they are the protection for the spokes, ranging at the edge of the spokes reach they are the surface of the wheel, where the wheel strikes the road. Carver is built to devastate a single target with each charge and one of our best at taking and surviving abuse. So long as he does not go out from the hub, spokes and surface too far, the whole wheel can move to him quickly if he gets in trouble. If we look at our unit like this, think like this, and remember to work like this I think we can be very effective." "Against a large single opponent Carver challenges it, absorbs the abuse and deals heavy damage to it, while the spokes either pour more damage into the main target or help the surface by finishing off their wounded. With multiple targets Caver charges through, likely killing with each charge and the whole wheel simply keeps turning, defending and supporting itself. I think a tactic and a mindset like this would be terribly effective on the battlefield. All we have to do is remember these things when combat erupts."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 24th, 2014 8:15:22 AM
Ooc. Missed Monday post.
Cayzle comments: Sure, I leave the game and posting goes to heck! :-)
DM Ken E. Thursday July 24th, 2014 2:20:16 PM
With Tinker having made his thoughts on the report and some light tactics discussion, night falls and behind it comes the new day.
Upon returning to the Mailed Fist headquarters, your ponies and horses are taken from you by the groomsmen. You are told to report directly to Constance with no delay, with orders to give a full account of the mission and all factors weighing upon it on arrival. After deliberation, you arrive at her office and knock upon the door.
"Enter!
Constance sits at her desk, clearly impatient for your report.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Thursday July 24th, 2014 2:29:18 PM
Carver takes a deep breath and then lets it out. Opening the door, he is as settled as he's going to be and walks in as directed. He stands to one side, making sure there is room for the double fist to enter and line up along side him. He will wait until all of the members are in before speaking, unless someone else speaks up first.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday July 24th, 2014 3:14:58 PM
Cameron makes his finishing touches to his uniform with Prestidigitation, making his creases sharp and removing any grime or stains from the road. Uniform u to par Cameron steps into the office of the Knight Commander and salutes. He holds the salute until it is returned or he is told to be at ease. Tinker is in command at the moment and has said he would present the report. Now all Cameron needs to do is wait and see what the Knight Commander says about the mission.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 24th, 2014 5:19:01 PM
Tinker expected the commander to do exactly as she has done, and so it is no surprise that the group are hustling to the officer with road dirt and smells all about them. The dwarf doesn't even pause to wipe his face; if she wants now she gets now and bedamned to the niceties.
Tinker waits until all seven are lined up in Constance's office before taking a step forward and snapping a salute. "Lance Corporal Daemar Torvalsson and Trimmack's Thumb reporting as ordered."
"Link up and movement with Carren's Fist accomplished without incident until one day out of Hornfowl where we came across a circus caravan besieged by gnolls. On Carren's refusal to give an order to stay or go, Lance Steelshaper chose to stay and lead the caravan safely to Hornfowl, which they were able to do through a day-long running fight before entering mostly intact the morning of our departure."
"At Hornfowl, the gnolls made an obvious simultaneous attack on three sides while secretly tunneling under the low wall. Lance Linden conducted an interior sweep which discovered the ruse, raised the alarm, and stayed at the critical spot while keeping others healed even at his life. Tactics were haphazard and we split our strength in the face of an unknown enemy... bad idea. At the end it came down to beating on the other guy until they were dead first. It was here that Trooper Cobbleshot died."
"After the battle, Lance Bliss was directed by an unknown force to open conversation to Gargul where Linden was returned. Shortly after, Gargul cashed in his chips and Bliss was called to follow his god."
"At this time, the other members of Trimmack's Thumb will provide their analysis of their part in the battle."
Tinker shuts up and takes a step back into the line.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Thursday July 24th, 2014 6:51:48 PM
OOC: Checkin'
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:13:26 PM
William, his uniform immaculate, boots polished and overall appearance excellent, joins the others in saluting their leader. He fills in information when appropriate as the others give their reports, doing his best to put his colleagues in the best light possible...
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:27:27 PM Analysis. Oh, Domi help me.
"Um," Pru says. "Um, well, when Linden alerted us that the gnolls were tunneling through in the south, we moved there as quickly as we could. I attacked the gnolls I could reach with my basic spells, and I was able to assist some of the rest of the Fist as they engaged the gnolls. Um, and it wasn't just gnolls; there were hyenas, too. And a dire hyena. And a Flind.
"Anyway, I was able to help for a while, but then my position was overrun and I had a dire hyena in my face and then it was just a question of trying to survive."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday July 24th, 2014 10:53:56 PM
Nikolai, like most of the others, entered the office as dirty as the road. If the Commander wanted to know how bad it was, looking sharp and crisp and smelling like roses would not do it.
He stands at attention while Tinker gives his report. Short, concise, and to the point. Perfect. The Commander can ask for details if she wants them. When Pru mentions her part, that young boyish part of him overcomes his discipline to remain quiet until addressed, and he starts to speak, but has to clear his throat and bring his pitch back down to a more manly tone.
"When I arrived at the scene of the tunnel, Linden was on one flank, Pru was in the middle and Cobbleshot and another Carrne's archer on the other flank. Pru was doing well keeping the enemy at bay with her fire so I tried to assist Cobbleshot so they could use their archery more effectively. But when Pru was pounced upon by the dire hyena, I managed to engage the dire hyena to buy Pru some time. However none of that would have been possible if not for Linden's healing. Sir."
DM Ken E. Friday July 25th, 2014 2:47:48 PM
Constance leans slowly back in her chair, looking at each of you with a neutral expression. Her jaw clenches a few times before she finally speaks.
"So, we've had quite the adventure? Some of you more than others, right Steelshaper? This certainly is NOT what I expected from our prized Double Fist. A simple mission to kill some monstrous humanoids turns into a dead recruit, a dead Lance Corporal who is only still with us thanks to banter with Gargul, and a deserter in Bliss.
She shakes her head.
"THAT one pisses me off the most. I had high hopes for that kid and now I have to send to reclaimers after him."
Constance reaches into her desk drawer and pulls out a report and reads it, then places it back in her desk.
"I've got Trammacks recommendations for Thumb here. He says you gave some interesting responses to his questions and observations of leadership applied directly.. Tinker would rather die and pass on the mantle to another before sacrificing a green recruit to a trap? Nikolai responded cleverly. Carver would rather destroy every foe on the field than negotiate a surrender, even in exchange for a comrades life? And we shall not bother wasting our time speaking of dedication to comrades and mission with you, shall we Steelshaper?"
She looks back down to the report, then takes another from her desk written in her own ink.
"From the Desk of Constance Palance"
Per regulations set in place by Pavilion Nuterius, I hereby recognize and remove from the charter of the Wold Regiment the following asset:
"Wolf Regiment, Hurricane Company, A Troop, Trimmaks Fist."
Per regulations set in place by Pavilion Nuterius, I hereby recognize and add to the charter of the Wold Regiment the following asset:
"Wolf Regiment, Hurricane Company, A Troop, 1st Agents, Nikolai's Fist."
This asset will consist of Lance Corporal Prudence Grundle, Lance Corporal Linden Brereburr, Lance Corporal Daemar Torvalsson - alias "Tinker", Lance Corporal Cameron Honeytamer, Lance Corporal Carver, and Lance Corporal William.. " She pauses, then looks at William. "I couldn't find your last name anywhere. Did you really sign our roster as William the Courageous?
She rolls her eyes, then continues.
"This asset is mustered under the immediate leadership of Lance Corporal Nikolai Komonov.
Constance places the scroll in her desk.
"I hope you understand the significance of what just happened. After watching your squad's performance, it has become increasingly clear that your work as a Fist is too valuable to split apart and place into specialized Fists per regulation. Further, your high percentage of success when making your own decisions, even bad ones Steelshaper, fly directly in the face of our current policy that you be little more than the extension of your commanding officers. We can't have other Fists trying to copy you as things are right now.
You will remain a unit under the designation of Agents. You will remain a part of the rank structure of The Fist, but are immediately re-assignable by any ranking Warrant Officer within the organisation. Your assignments will often times call for quick judgement. Therefore, you are allowed to make field level decisions concerning the actions of your unit, even when not on special detail. You do not have leeway to order a superior, but if your mission requires it, you may ignore orders detrimental to the success of your mission.
With this much autonomy comes a hefty restriction. As long as you are a part of this unit, while your rank may increase, you will never receive a command of your own. This is it, as high up the totem as you go. Sorry, but the Fist needs able teams more than it needs another commissioned officer puffing out his chest.
Finally, all operations will have an after-action report required. Your decisions will need to be explained to myself, or whichever officer has placed you on assignment. Never forget that you might be Agents, but you are still a part of a whole. We haven't had a unit of Agents in Wolf Regiment for a long time. After that, you have 96 hours of liberty before your next assignment. It looks like we have to skimp on your promotion ceremony as well. Usually its our chaplains who put on these ceremonies, and for some reason the Eyes of Gargul have convinced them all to sit out on this one. "
Standing up, she clasps her hands behind her back as she looks down at the training grounds.
"None of you made Trimmacks decision an easy one. Well, except Cameron. A lot of it came down to who he thought truly wanted the responsibility. If there are no more questions, you are dismissed. Steelshaper stand fast."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday July 25th, 2014 3:38:05 PM
Quick post on the way out of town, William will spend most of his free time trying to craft his next item, which will take the good part of his liberty. I will roll when I get back next week
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday July 25th, 2014 4:08:19 PM
Pru breathes a little sigh of releif. She has not been put in charge, Cameron gets to stay with the group, and they have 96 hours of liberty.
Looking forward to a real bath, she salutes Knight Captain Palance and leaves the office.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday July 25th, 2014 4:36:24 PM
Cameron remains at attention as the remainder of the Fist files out. At no time does any of The Knight Commander's language surprise him. He had expected as much coming in. He had responses for each of the points she had mentioned, yet he knew that to answer was death. She did not want answers, she wanted unswerving loyalty. He waits to see what his private meeting will entail.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Friday July 25th, 2014 4:49:33 PM
Carver salutes and exits the office. He get's outside the building and waits for Cameron.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday July 25th, 2014 5:16:22 PM
Tinker looks a bit surprised, he never said that! But he doesn't say anything because he sure felt that way!
The orders to be agents is another surprise. In three years of training, he never heard of an "agent" unit. He's gonna have ask about that.
But that is for later. Now, everyone is told to leave except for Cameron. Tinker hesitates and doesn't get out of line, still standing by his battle mate. And he fully intends to tell that to the Captain, too, except Tinker finds that charging into battle to save a friend is a lot easier than having Captain Constance frowning at him.
It takes another heartbeat, but Tinker salutes, lays a hand on Cameron's shoulder, and marches out.
Once out he lingers in the outer offices to escort Cameron home. If he can.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday July 25th, 2014 5:31:53 PM
Linden mills around the temple grounds for awhile, never really making an effort to enter it. He eventually leaves just to disappear into a local tavern to lose himself in a couple of tall pints and some pipe weed.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday July 25th, 2014 10:19:11 PM
Nikolai felt like he'd gone pale at the announcement of their Fist being renamed, to his name! He gulped and hoped it wasn't audible. As dry as his mouth suddenly became he dared not say anything but saluted as best he could.
When ordered to leave he carefully spun on his heels and left with the others. He too stayed outside waiting for Cameron. He now was the leader, at least in name, and Cameron was just as important as any other Fist member.
Nikolai also felt Cameron might need a few drinks with friends. So he waits.
OOC: DM any word on Nikolai's Legacy Item approval? Since I can only afford the first couple levels, can I go ahead and 'purchase' them? I can role-play the event or you can do it. Either way I'd like Nikolai to have it before the next assignment.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Monday July 28th, 2014 4:15:00 PM
Checking in.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Monday July 28th, 2014 7:16:44 PM
checking in
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 23/23 (David Feest posting) . Monday July 28th, 2014 7:27:38 PM
Looking forward to the time off, William heads to his quarters to freshen up and then begin work on his magical experiments.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday July 28th, 2014 7:28:10 PM
Monday post. Is today a holiday or something? Very quiet on the boards.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=14 ; Monday July 28th, 2014 7:35:24 PM
Tinker lingers around the outer office. Looking around and noting where the assistants and secretaries are, he sidles over to the wall near Captain Constance's door and tries to listen in.
Perception: 14
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday July 28th, 2014 7:35:51 PM
Cameron thinks about all he has learned in the past week as he waits for the Knight Commander to continue on. About the workings of an army, and about the fragile thing called morale.. An army is only as strong as it's weakest member. If one member chooses to disobey an order or simply disregards a standard practice, the whole force can be lost. He may not think his help would have mattered at Hornfowl, but he cannot help but feel that he may have been able to stop one of the killing blows from landing somehow. He hopes he will never need to make such a difficult decision again. Morale is a fragile, yet terrible emotion. Without the hope he had given the performers he is sure they wouldn't have been able to rally and fight off the gnolls. With his guidance and good decisions though, Krog was able to outlast their attacks and save the whole caravan.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday July 28th, 2014 9:39:57 PM
Nikolai as a little time to let the idea of being the Fist leader sink in. He tries not to let the pride he feels show, for it is not pride in himself, but in all his father's hard work of bringing him up from a clumsy care-free boy to a well disciplined soldier. Not that he doesn't know how to have fun, but he'll need to be extra conscious of his words and actions now.
Thing is, he knows full well he'll be very limited when combat starts. He knows his team well and they all have a mind of their own. He'll give suggestions, but then trust on each one's own wisdom, something they just got a bucket load off.
He'll have to wright his father, of course, but he may want to wait until after his first mission as leader. Boy will his dad be surprised!
DM Ken E. Tuesday July 29th, 2014 1:33:31 PM
While the other agents wait outside, Palance is fairly brief with Cameron.
"Steelshaper, did you know that we originally intended for this to happen? Double Fist becoming Agents? We realized it somewhere around the time you had your bust-up against those Paladin boys in Cheerful Stay. You prevailed over a solid unit of higher skill and strength due to your ability to maximize your effectiveness as a group."
She pauses for a moment then continues.
"This mission, while mostly about finding a Thumb, was more to confirm our choice in you than a true competition. You were eager, followed orders, and knew your job. I can't begin to tell you how dissapointed Sgt. Trimmak was with your decision. He insisted it be your decision in the first place... gave you the rope to hang yourself with, so to speak. If you were to become a leader of Agents, we had to see how you acted outside of the direct leadership bubble."
She crosses to a wall, filled with various decorations and medals. She touches one thoughtfully.
"Speak of this incident to no one. You are too valuable to hang right now Steelshaper. Only Carrens decision to remove you from the Squad has kept you alive. I'm not above gifting a second chance to people who I think can repay it. But know this, if you ever leave your Fist to hang again...causing them death and loss because of it...I'll drop the axe on your neck myself. I can't have you gambling our whole Fist of Agents every time we send you into the field."
She waves an arm his direction.
"Dismissed".
Back in the base, life slows down a little. Prudence is happy to some time off, and Nikolai is proud, Rightfully So!, of his newest accomplishment. Others wait like siblings to hear what punishment has been pushed on their little brother.
The Quartermaster is open, as well as the Libraries and training grounds. For the first time in awhile, you are free to do whatever the heck you want!
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 3:03:24 PM
Cameron still says nothing as Knight Captain Palance explains things to him. What kind of gambler would he be if he let his face slip when secrets were revealed to him? Most of it was hardly a surprise. Cameron would have had to be blind and a fool to have not seen the disappointment in Sergeant Trimmack's face and voice when he returned. He resolves to do some research before they reenter the field though. This new title was a mystery to him. He liked mysteries, but feared them all the same. They were fun to unravel, unless they could get you killed. As he exits the Knight Captain's office he sees the crowd waiting for him. Smiling he approaches his comrades. " Well we have a new thumb to celebrate, lets hit the Last Assignment and do that properly, shall we? But first we need baths, and some fresh uniforms. Let's head back to the barracks and see if Prudence, Linden and William want to join us eh?" On the way to the barracks Cameron keeps his eyes open for Sergeant Helmbane. He needs to talk to that man dwarf to dwarf. Once in the barracks he lets the others know that the Knight Captain wishes to have the incident kept quiet and it should not be spoken of. Though she mentioned no official punishment, Cameron would once again need to prove himself to his comrades.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 4:31:24 PM
If you look for him, Linden is drowning himself in ale and pipeweed, somewhere it's allowed. His isn't a celebration however.
"Huh. SNik ish Thumb? Okay." Is all he says, is able to say.
OOC: Camping Wednesday and Thursday folks, so I'll be unable to post.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 5:27:59 PM
Pru wastes no time when she gets back to the barracks, but grabs fresh clothing and heads for the baths.
Because she and her Fist-mates are at liberty, she emerges from the bathhouse in a dress, not her uniform, enjoying the feeling of being "decently attired" for a change.
She bundles up her dirty uniforms and takes them to the laundry. She could, of course, remove the dirt and grime with a Prestidigitation spell, but clothes never feel really clean to her unless they've been really washed.
Those chores out of the way, she reminds herself that she really ought to write to Sergeant Hammerheart, back at Akli Post, and tell him how she's been doing. She doesn't really feel like it, though. Her group had botched their first assignment, and nearly botched their second, leaving one of her Fist-mates dead, one deserted, and one in disgrace. Not the kind of thing she's really eager to share.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 5:45:49 PM
Carver heads back with the others to the barracks and can't wait to wash up, he gets out of his armor and under garments and hits the baths. When he feels clean he gets out and puts on a clean uniform shirt, since he really doesn't own any other clothing and sets about cleaning the leather work. Even off duty, he carries most of his gear, not wearing his armor or carrying his lance though. When they get to the Last Assignment he'll stick to wine, it's what he's used to.....
(selling his non magical scimitar and buying a longsword)
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 6:32:59 PM
Tinker is relieved that Cameron is cheerful enough, and that Knight Commander Constance wants to keep the story secret. "Right you are, Cameron, time for cleaning and celebrating Nikki's promotion to Thumb!"
With the others he bustles to the barracks and quickly strips, keeping just enough modesty for Prudence's sensibilities. A quick sluice and a long soak turns Tinker liveable. Trotting back to the barracks, he just manages to catch up with Prudence to take the dirty clothing to the quartermaster laundry. And the rest of the afternoon is spent cleaning and repairing every piece of his equipment and ensuring that it is ready to be counted on when needed. And then there is the evening...
The Last Assignment is familiar, and they are all Lance Corporals and veterans. Tinker quickly spots poor Linden drowning his sorrows, and realizes that it would be difficult for the centaur to come to their table, so he brings his food and tankard to Linden's table. Not sure what to say, he settles for a gruff "Sure are glad you are with us, Linden", and being a solid presence.
The next day is to troop with the group to the Quartermaster to collect their pay, hoping for more bonuses to adjust his gear...
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 23/23 (David Feest posting) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 6:56:29 PM
William wants to get to his crafting, but the chance to toast his new commander is a fitting reason to put it off, for a little while at least. He joins his comrades at the Last Assignment.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 9:39:02 PM
Nikolai is pleased that Cameron is back in full force with their Fist. "Welcome back to your Fist, mate." Seeing as getting cleaned up is what is on most the their minds, Nikolai heads on back to the barracks for his spare clothes and then to the baths.
Finally clean, really clean, he dons his fresh clothes, a plain tunic and trousers, and heads to the Last Assignment for some R&R. Tomorrow he'll have to start his duties as the Fist Thumb, but today, it is time to celebrate being back!
DM Ken E. Wednesday July 30th, 2014 6:40:31 PM
The Last Assignment is buzzing with activity. While the details of your promotion to Agents haven't been advertised (but its not a secret), many have heard of the stiff battle you fought. A few give you celebratory pats on the back, and a few others look at you jealously, wishing the glory had been theirs!
A few people of note emerge in the crowd, Qualtmie is there, wearing a short dress that makes her look childish to the average human. Trimmack as well, though not in a dress, but in his civilian attire. They aretalking with a few Minotaur that have grouped together.
A couple of soldiers have started some sort of drinking game, and seem to be seeking out new players.
(Please contain posts to the current evening. Qualtmie will open in the morning. =D)
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 7:27:11 PM Tinker enjoys the evening but doesn't overdo it... he remembers the midnight alert during graduation exercises and wants to always be ready! Not really social or diplomatic, he keeps his hand full and listens and watches the others without really participating. ........................
Linden slumps a little in his corner, sliding back onto his haunches. "Heersh to NIk* (hic!) Nikolai. A thumb to shtick in the eye of an* (hic!) any gnoll!"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 23/23 (David Feest posting) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 7:53:20 PM
William has a few celebratory drinks to break in his new thumb but then retires to work on his magical research.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 8:05:35 PM
Cameron was prepared to drink until the wee hours celebrating living through the assignment and Nikolai's promotion until he spies Qualtmie there. Upon seeing her, dressed in her civilian attire rather than the uniform of the Fist, Cameron turns on the charm and tries to remain sober enough to remember the evening. He will pay for her drinks for the evening and try to learn more about the woman that has captured his heart. At the end of the evening he will make sure she gets home safely. Throughout the evening he also keeps an eye out for Sergeant Helmbane.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 9:16:21 PM
Carver will propose a toast. "To Our Thumb, may he remain flexible enough to survive the rest of his fist."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 10:13:07 PM
[OOC: Hipster Pru was wearing a dress before it went mainstream. :) ]
Pru enjoys her evening at the Last Assignment. She drinks, but not too much, and is smart enough to stay out of drinking contests. She gladly toasts Nikolai with the rest, and spends the rest of her time chatting, laughing, and basically having fun.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 11:27:32 PM
Nikolai tries to give Linden something to cheer about. "Linden, my friend, the hour is always darkest before dawn. There is a time to mourn, a time to wallow, end then a time to get back on your feet, and we'll be there with you when you decide to do that."
Nikolai returns the toast with one of his own, "To our Fist! May it be known by each one of us, not just by its Thumb! A Hand cannot be all Thumbs, you know, and a Thumb without a Hand is useless."
Nikolai has a few more drinks but keeps in mind his new position and doesn't let himself get drunk.
'Looks like tomorrow I'll be in the Library looking up the duties of a Thumb.' he muses.
After a few rounds of darts, he tips the barkeep, "See yonder morose centaur? See to it he gets to our barracks tonight." and hands him a gold piece. Then he heads to their barracks for a much needed rest.
DM Ken E. Thursday July 31st, 2014 3:24:05 PM
Qualtmie gives a cheerful wave in Cameronsdirection and beckons over towards her group. Ironically, he doesn't have to look long for Sergeant Helmbane, as he hears the mans booming voice behind him. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, he realizes Qualtmie was waving at Helmbane and not him!
Chuckling, the dour sergeant shoves past Cameron and makes his way to Trimmack and the quartermaster.
The barkeep promises to keep an eye on the Centaur.
As Prudence is being served, she is aware of her waitress eyeing her for long periods of time, then shyly ducking away every time Pru notices her staring. At one point the server comes back and pauses, biting her lip, poised on the edge of a question.
William retreats to his study, leaving the group early. As he nears his quarters, he is suprised to find a boy of around 11 years old waiting in front of the door!
Nikolai finds that his Fistmates are happy to celebrate with him, as are a few random revelry seekers in the Last Assignment. As he heads outside to the Library he is forced to cross paths with a Minotaur, obviously drunk.
The bullish wino snorts his direction.
"So yer a Thumb now? You think that makes you tough? Eh! I should have been a Thumb too!"
Shockingly, the Minotaur gives him a hard shove and snorts again, tipping his horns dangerously!
Tinker and Carver watch the numerous situations unfold! Cameron is now stuck between Helmbane and Trimmack, while wanting to talk to his object of desire! A barmaid is acting strangely around Pru. William has left very early and Linden is getting drunker by the minute. Then there's Nikolai, who had the misfortune of stepping outside right after a surly drunk minotaur was forcibly removed from the club!
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Thursday July 31st, 2014 4:57:45 PM
Turning to Tinker Carver speaks just loud enough to be heard.... "Rescue mission? Niko seems in most danger, then Cam and Pru, then we all manage to drag Linden back to the Barracks ? For the most part, they don't look in danger. You get Niko I'll go face down the Taur." Carver then trots over to the door and heads outside, on his way he grabs a Stampede, a drink that usually run over the drinker and leaves him or her floored, hence the name. Once outside he'll go up to the Minotaur, "Hey buddy, I brought you out a drink. I saw how rude they were and figured it was the least i could do. Did I hear you say you were up to becoming a Thumb? I was hoping to become one as well, What's a person got to do to qualify, kiss so behind?" Carver offers him the Stampede and makes friendly like, trying to distract him from Niko, His thumb doesn't need trouble before he's been in charge for even a day.....
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 31st, 2014 5:18:49 PM
Pru gives the server an encouraging smile. "Do you need something?" she asks kindly.
But then there's some shoving, and Pru turns to see what's happening. "Oops," she says. "Excuse me a moment. The boys are fighting again." She stands and begins making her way to Nikolai's side.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=13 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+10=24 ; Thursday July 31st, 2014 6:27:09 PM
Cameron recently stared down over a dozen slavering creatures that wanted to kill him. That was easy compared to this. He had let Trimmack down and now had to hope that this wouldn't become a scene in front of the woman he so badly wanted to like him. Helmbane was running a gambling ring and had a man that Cameron owed in his debt. Cameron wanted to set that right and hope that the Sergeant would take his money and be happy. He needs to do all this without causing a scene and making an evening with Qualtmie impossible.
" Sergeant's, Miss Qualtmie, Let me buy you all a drink. Both of you Sergeant's trained me and I want to talk to each of you. Sergeant Trimmack, I let you down and I let my comrades down on our last operation. I appreciate that you had so much faith in me and wanted me for thumb. I'm sorry I let you down and I hope I never do again. I hope you can forgive me." Cameron offers his hand to Sergeant Trimmack in an offer of friendship and forgiveness. Diplomacy 13
" Sergeant Helmbane, it has come to my attention that a friend of mine, Mr Turley, owes you a great deal for bailing him out of 'trouble' . I in turn owe him and would like to pay his debt to you and I would also like you to refer hhim to me should he ever be in the same position again. I don't want him to get in more 'trouble' again." Cameron slides a small pouch across the table to Sergeant Helmbane containing the amount Turley had said he owed the Sergeant. Diplomacy 24
" As for you miss Qualtmie, I would be honored if you would join me for dinner?" Diplomacy 24
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 23/23 (David Feest posting) Thursday July 31st, 2014 7:00:05 PM
William looks at the boy and then looks around. Turning to the boy he says " Heloo, may I help you somehow? Why are you here?"
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=27 ; d20+12=25 Thursday July 31st, 2014 9:26:27 PM Tinker is enjoying his evening even though he doesn't say much, it is nice to see his mates having fun... until Carver notes that Nikolai is NOT having much fun with a disgruntled minotaur. "Not to argue with you, Carver, but I've seen what happens when we split ranks."
The dwarf leaves Linden propped against a wall and table, and hurries out after Carver, Nikolai, and the minotaur, palming his Sap as he goes. Hardly lithe, the dwarf doesn't do any elvish skipping about, but still manages with a step here and deft lean to flank the minotaur and put the drunkard into what Sergeant Trimmack used to call 'a poor tactical situation'.
.................
Acrobatics - 27 Tinker moves to avoid any AOO and get opposite of Carver with the minotaur in the middle.
Slieght of Hand to palm the Sap without Minotaur seeing - 25
Holding a Sap, Tinker is armed.
//////////////////////////////////////
Linden snores softly in his corner.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+1=6 ; d20=12 ; Thursday July 31st, 2014 10:04:55 PM
Nikolai is caught by surprise by the rudeness of the minotaur but smells the stink of drunkeness and decides a tactic other than a brawl is best. As he begins speaking, he notices a number of his Fist-mates emerge from the tavern and approach.
"Yeah, I'm a Thumb now. But toughness came from yonder obstacle course. I believe you are tough just as you claim I am. If it is your desire to prove yourself, then let's make a race of it. Your sergeants won't make you a Thumb for brawling, but they may make you a Thumb for defeating me in the obstacle course."
By now Carver shows up with a drink in hand and tries a little distraction.
"That obstacle course is a bear, a drink will certainly give you and edge over me."
Diplomacy +1 = 6
Nikolai waits, but prepared, for the the minotaur's response. Does he take up the challenge of the obstacle course? He hopes to wear the minotaur out and just leave him out there but the minotaur may be too drunk to understand the challenge. Either way, he tries not to let the minotaur realize the monk is in Total Defense. Bluff (hide Total Defense) = 12 AC this round = 20
DM Ken E. Friday August 1st, 2014 4:14:44 PM
As more of Nikolais Fistmates shuffle out of the bar, the Minotaur shifts his dull gaze to each fighter outside. Drunk he may be, but he is still a trained warrior and knows how to calculate odds. Snorting again, he turns to leave, barreling through any who don't move out of his way.
When she comes back inside, the girl continues to watch Pru closely.
Is.. is it true you burned a dozen Gnolls to ashes and then cooked and ate the heart of a Dire Hyena? That's what all the girls here in the pub are sayin'. It's been awhile since there's been a girl who goes out and dishes it like the boys. I mean... there's the Captain Palance, but shes not fer fightin' anymore."
The girl smiles shyly, then suddenly panics.
"Oh no! I'm bothering you again! My names Kaylee. Let me know if you need anything!"
She flitters away, passing by a angry looking Helmbane.
"I "loaned" him money. If you want to make his payment for him, be my guest, if you've got 300 gold just burnin' a hole in yer pockets."
Qualtmie gets a funny look on her face.
"Oh. I'm sorry Cameron. Sgt. Helmbane here is already taking me to dinner here shortly."
Helmbane grins.
"You can have the money ready for me tomorrow lad. Thanks again!"
In front of the barracks, William had come face to face with a small child.
"Hullo Sir, be you William the Courageous? I was sent by my mum to apprentice under you. I'm from Hornfowl see. Would you take me in please? I had to sign on with the Fist just to get this far, as a stable boy, but me bosses said I could see you if you would have me."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 23/23 (David Feest posting) Friday August 1st, 2014 4:35:03 PM
William has no idea what the Fist's policy on apprentices is. It never came up in his studies and he never looked because he had no idea it would ever come up. Clearly he can't have a young boy following him wherever he went on assignment. Heavens knew they barley survived most of their fights themselves. Yet here was this boy standing here and already signed up into the Fist! Smoothly, he hopes since smooth wasn't exactly his game, he tells the boy," Why don't you come in and tell me this story in full and then tell me what you know about being a wizard. It is hard work you know, much harder than learning to fight like those knuckle draggers out in the training yard have it. Not only do you have to be able to fight like them, you must master the arcane arts and learn the deft and complicated moves involved in casting a spell...." William rattles on as he lets the lad into his quarters and listen to his whole story and assesses his potential.
OOC Good luck with this one Ken. I bought you some time to get back by asking to hear how this all came about. From here on hes all yours.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=16 ; Friday August 1st, 2014 4:53:12 PM
Cameron barely hears the Sergeant as Qualtmie turns him down. He manages a quicky affirmation to meet Helmbane tomorrow and excuses himself from the table. His plans for the night in ruins, he can think of nothing better to do than join that drinking game that needed players. He has little trouble finding them since they are none too quiet about their search. He puts what he knows to good use and tries to win some pocket money to replace the debt of Turley's he will pay tomorrow. Profession Gambler 16
If you need to make more checks his profession gambler is at +5, his Fortitude save is at +5 and straight constitution save is at +2
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday August 1st, 2014 5:26:48 PM
Another casual lean and Tinker lets the minotaur by, the Sap unobtrusively slipping back to its thong. "Like my foster-brothers, eh? We'd squabble like furies among ourselves, but it is all for one if an outsider tried to take one of us." The dwarf gives a thumbs up to Carver and Nikolai before turning back into the Last Assignment and resuming his post to ensure no one bothers Linden.
.......................
Linden snores on, gives a snort, and resumes snoring.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Friday August 1st, 2014 5:59:06 PM
Carver, walks back into the Last Assignment and looks around.... He's looking to see if one of the Minotaurs from the rival fist that had been their competition for honors is in the place. If he finds one, he offers him the Stampede, if not, he'll just set it on the bar and go back to his wine..... something he can enjoy and still be ready in a moments notice for duty..... He'll keep watch over any members in the pub and be sure to keep everyone mostly out of trouble...... If anyone asks about Linden, he'll say"He has The Dread Pirate Robert's disease"...... if they don't get it, he'll say, He's been mostly dead all day." and leave it at that....
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Friday August 1st, 2014 9:06:04 PM
Linden wakes up to a horrible hangover and glassy eyes.
"I'm going shopping." And he slips out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday August 1st, 2014 10:17:59 PM
Nikolai watches the minotaur walk away from the challenge and shakes his head. "It'll be a sorry Fist with that one a Thumb," he mumbles under his breath.
"Thank's, friends. I'd like to say I could have handled the drunkard on my own, but I'd prefer to avoid a brawl if possible. I want to enjoy my leave outside the infirmary. Your timely appearance did the trick. HA!"
Nikolai resumes his trip to the barracks. It is late considering their long day behind them. He wanted to be well rested for the next day.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 1st, 2014 10:27:19 PM
"It's nice to meet you, Kaylee," Pru says. "I'm Pru."
She listens to the barmaid's somewhat garbled account of the recent fight. "Well, no," she says. "Not really. That is, my Fist and I fought some gnolls, working as a team. I'm a sorcerer, you see, and fire is my main weapon. So I did burn some of our opponents, but not very many. And I certainly didn't eat anybody's heart, because eww!"
"Anyway," she continues, "there are plenty of girls in the Mailed Fist. Not as many as there are men, of course, but there are certainly more than just me and Captain Palance! There's Tay, for one--Ta'Nalia, a half-elf girl that graduated at the same time as me. Ruby and Shaila; they were also in our class. And back at Akli post, there were Kryry and Lidina. And Captain Akabi, of course. It's harder for girls, I think, because of all the training and stuff, but it's not impossible."
WIlliam waits for the boy to tell him his story, name, etc. and tries desperately to think of some non-dangerous way this child could apprentice while not getting himself killed...
(Craft check for my item that I was building during this time. Time goes back a while since it's from our last trip to the Catacombs... = 21. OK Plus vial to craft. ignore 3rd roll (accident) this one didn't go so well so assume wasted.)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Saturday August 2nd, 2014 6:31:17 PM
Ooc: yes. Thanks for covering me too.
The centaur does not return quickly.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Sunday August 3rd, 2014 11:44:44 PM
OOC: Checking in
DM Ken E. Monday August 4th, 2014 11:08:01 AM
The evening wears down to an eventual halt.
- Kaylee continues to dote over Prudence until she leaves. All the suspect signs on Hero Worship are there. Who knows how Pru feels about that?
- At some point, it will fall on Carver and Tinker to get Linden back to the barracks.
- Eventually, Helmbane and Qualtmie leave together.
- The boy at the door explains himself to William once inside. He is a young man named Rad, and his father died in the action at Hornfowl. His father had some trace of magical talent, and had been teaching his son cantrips before he died. With no formal education or father to teach him a trade, his mother had thought it best to send him to come study under the only Wizard she had ever seen: William the Courageous. After receiving Williams answer, the boy will depart.
The next morning some of you wake up fresh, others do not. You have to report for assignment in 2 days, when your 96 hours of liberty expire. A package arrives early in the morning, addressed to Nikolai. At first glance, it appears to be a fine wooden chest carved from a deep red cherry wood.
There is also a letter delivered to your barracks, informing you that payment is available with the Quartermaster for your latest action. In contrast to her usual cheerful demeanor, Qualtmie is quiet today. It seems even a new hairstyle, worn down and covering part of her face, isn't enough reason to be in a good mood.
Perception: DC 15
Highlight to display spoiler: {It appears that she might be trying to hide a purple bruise on her left cheek!}
She quietly hands anyone who comes in a letter of credit worth 750 gp, which can either be cashed in immediately or saved if desired.
( Please use today to make any Catacombs purchases and wrap up your gear. You will have another brief shopping period after the next scene starts, however. )
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=30 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+5=7 ; Monday August 4th, 2014 4:32:19 PM
Cameron crawls out of bed around noon. He is pretty sure he won the drinking contest, though he can't remember. It was down to him, and a dwarf that he swears had a hollow leg. He freshens up in the bath house and goes to see Qualtmie,bearing the beverage she normally loves when he visits. He wonders how he could have been outdone last night by Helmbane, a dwarf with all the charm of a rattlesnake and a man that is too free with his hands. Investments like Turley's needed to be cultivated, not abused. At the Quartermaser's office there is a line, the head of which has a rather loud Corporal at it with a list he insists need to be filled NOW. This gives Cameron some time to look at Qualtmie and realize she is not at her best. Perception 30 He sees the bruise and has a fair idea where it came from. With a quick gesture and a whispered word he casts Message on Qualtmie and whispers." I know enough of the store to help this Corporal with the attitude. Would that help out?" Assuming she says yes he gets the Corporal what he needs and waits for Qualtmie to finish with the other customers. He then gives her the beverage he brought and quietly, through the message spell asks her what happened to her cheek. was it Helmbane? Diplomacy 16 Sense Motive 7 He has seen the Sergeant's work before and feels that this time the Sergeant has gone too far. He collects his pay chit and goes out, looking for Nikolai, his thumb. He explains the Turley situation and what happened with Qualtmie and asks what Nikolai can do about it. He follows the chain of command but WILL see something done.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=18 ; Monday August 4th, 2014 5:09:05 PM
Pru is a little bewildered by Kaylee's regard. Pru doesn't regard herself as anything special--apart from her sorcery, which just sort of happened. She tries to explain that to Kaylee, and tries to explain that she, too, could join the Fist if she's willing to put in the work, but that doesn't seem to be what Kaylee is after.
Pru is still puzzling over it all as she makes her way back to the barracks. Odd, to have some girl mooning after her, just as if she were a boy or something, and...oh.
She stops in her tracks, stunned by the sudden thought. She had heard it said, once or twice, that there were some girls who liked other girls instead of boys. She wasn't sure she believed it. She still wasn't sure she believed it, even now. Was that what Kaylee was after? And if so, how in the Wold was Pru supposed to say "no" to a question that hadn't really been asked? Or had it?
Her mind whirling, Pru continues back to the barracks, where she says an extra round of prayers to all the gods, but especially Flower. Then she falls into a troubled sleep.
The next day, she collects her voucher from Qualtmie. She does happen to notice the bruise [Perception 18], but misses the significance. "Gracious, Qualtmie! Did you fall? You know, one of the priests should be able to just magick that bruise right off. It can't be comfortable going about with that on your face!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday August 4th, 2014 9:10:47 PM
Nikolai wakes up early and starts planning his day. He plans to spend much of it in the library. There was a lot of things he needed to look up. Like how to be a good Thumb. Was his father ever a Thumb? His father had made it to sergeant before he left the fist and joined in that now-famous caravan to the wild unknown and uncharted lands known at that time as the Uncharted Lands (because they were uncharted). That thriving mining town of Bryn Baraz owes much of its existence to the brave men and women that picked up their roots and traveled into the unknown, his father being a member of a group of guards that made sure the caravan arrived safely, then they protected the small mining settlement from the hazards of the wild wild west.
Being a Thumb seemed small in comparison, but he smiled. It was a start.
He's up and ready for breakfast in mere minutes. Ah, it was good to have a real breakfast for a change. He was about to wash up when he spots the letter for their pay and the redwood chest. Puzzled, he looks the chest over, looking for who sent it. 'Surely I don't have a secret admirer and the Fist doesn't hand out gifts to mere Thumbs. It's not an actual promotion. I wonder...'
Later...
Nikolai takes a break from reading up on famous Thumbs of the past and heads to the Quartermaster's to collect his pay. Perc +11 = 18 OOC: I had to refresh and enter my login password and lost the die roll post but fortunately managed to save the text. That's why you don't see the 18 in the Die Roll box.
He notices the bruise. "Qualtmie, are the boxes giving you trouble? Just point the culprit out to me, I'll chop it into match sticks" he quips.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday August 4th, 2014 9:12:26 PM
Tinker helps Carver to drag a drunken centaur back to the barracks; hard work, but Linden is a mate, and that's all there is to it!
In the morning, he pops up and does his calisthenics and quick wash, hearty breakfast, and tries to be quiet for his companions who had too much.
The Quartermaster is important, and Tinker immediately cashes in in order to get to the Catacombs.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday August 4th, 2014 9:12:56 PM
William smiles at the youth and wistfully remembers when he was that age and was mentored by an experienced mage. "Rad, it's nice to meet you son and I'm glad to hear of your interest in the arcane arts. Here's my suggestion. If you agree to become my apprentice, I'll pay for you to go to classes at the local mage's guild that's outside the gates of this town. I'm a member there and if you're going to be a good wizard, I'd like you to learn the basics of magic. The fact that you've done magic before is great and they can build on that. Once you've done your studies, you start training in more advanced arts with me? What do you think?"
He takes the credit and considers what to buy at the Catacombs... For now he'll save the funds for later use...
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden (Jay B) Monday August 4th, 2014 9:42:24 PM
When found, Linden is wearing plain grey robes and a burlap bag over his face. Eye holes cut.
(OOC: Is the 750gp a writ for future or only for this mission?)
DM OOC: It's regular pay, just think of the chit like a gem, it's less weight than 750 gold and you can use it now or save for later.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+3=19 ; Monday August 4th, 2014 9:53:06 PM
Carver cashes in his credit and stashes the gold with the rest of his money, it's not nearly enough for either the of the sets of shoes he wants, well actually needs to further his combat ability. He heads to the quartermasters to exchange the sabre for a longsword.... He sees the bruise, but it's honestly none of his business and lets it pass, unless others of the fist bring it up and demand some focus on it....
(weapons exchanged and cost deducted (sabre sold back at 1/2 cost))
DM Ken E. d20+2=19 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 10:58:47 AM DM OOC: Hey all! I'll be turning you over to Warren G. after this! Expect your first post in the new module today! I'm just wrapping up some RP stuff. So while this is a DM post it isnt THE DM Post!
Cameron sees fit to question Qualtmie on the bruise, and her response is immediate and curious.
"Oh heavens no! Um.. we had a good time Cameron, Helmbane and I! Please don't mention this to anyone else and drop it please! It's like Prudence said, I probably just bumped my cheek on a box. Bye Cameron!"
Nikolai's box is opened, and contains a cloth belt. The fabric tingles in his hands, humming with untapped power. There is a note inside.
"Nikolai, you bring yourself honor. Remember that it is not the tool that makes the artisan, but rather the master who brings out most from his tools. Continue to perfect your art."
His reading on famous Thumbs is slightly disappointing. Most famous solider of the Mailed Fist were Thumbs at one point or another in their career. He does find that the general principle that guides the most successful to have been summarized in a line in a junior officers book, "Throughout our brief history, the most successful Fists are those who are not burdened by constant re-assignment to other forces. They are held together by a strong, charismatic, and fair Thumb who helps his Fist succeed and attributes his success to his Fist. In this, a self sustaining camaraderie is created, and the whole Fist benefits."
END OF MODULE 4
XP Award for RP, a successful trip home, and PC resurrections: 500 xp each GP Awards: 750gp (Already paid out in post, but listed again here for record keeping.)
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