Bone March

Game Master farewell2kings

"Thank you , Sir. By Pelor's light, I will attempt to be worthy of the gift."

Agathon will give the others an 'after you' wave and will follow the group into the arms storage with Ambrose, the guard. Once there, he will select a magical Great Sword (if there is one). If there is not one to be had, then he will look for a Heavy Pick. If this also fails, then he will go for a magical bow.

After our time getting the magic stuff, I will ask Thaddeus if I might store my old sword at his father's home.

"I am loathe to give it up as it has seen me through some rather nasty moments and performed its task without nick or bend. It is a good solid blade and I would hope to have it one day to pass on to a son, if even the dream of such a future were not a terrible vanity in these times..."

"In any event, we must return there to get our takings from yonder mines to both sell and divide our shares of the bounty."

And I will thank him for his kindness and thank his father if the opportunity arises.

I will say my good evenings to Sir Gendar and file out with the others, following Ambrose to the arms locker - wherever that is.

First choice would be something that would allow me to cast more spells. Slim hope in an arms locker, but you never know.

Second choice would be something defensive - bracers or a ring.

Third choice would be a light crossbow, and fourth choice would be a quarterstaff.

"Agathon, of course you can store your sword at my father's shop! He can clean it up, sharpen it and coat it in grease so it won't rust. That way it will be in fine condition when you give it to your own son someday."

"Lesser magic item". This should prove interesting. I shall continue to save my funds to purchase one of the rumored tomes, that increase ones own prowess, rather than investing in items that can be taken from you. Each coin, each experience brings me closer to forging myself into the perfect weapon against evil and chaos. Jaques almost manages a full forty-five seconds of serious thought, before his youth overwhelms the serious part of his mind Agathon contemplates a son? Does he have a bride in mind? Has he, perhaps, already "known" women? Human women are much impressed with strong men. I wonder if elven women are too? He mentally pushes the annoying distraction aside, and quietly follows the others to the "armory".

I'm sure no such work would be in an "arms locker", Sir Gendar was probably speaking of standard weaponry, somewhat enhanced by enchantment. Ah well, anything that will increase our firepower for the coming assault on the mines will be welcome for the moment. Something to to improve the power of my hand strikes would be an asset, as would a fine sling for ranged work. Both of those possibly being uncommon in these lands, I'll replace one of my daggers with a magicked one. He allows his thoughts to wander to items he would dearly love to find. Magical Rings and garments that provide protection as armor, belts and gloves that make one stronger, magical goggles that allow one to see as the dwarves do in the darkness. However, he does not allow his daydreams to distract from the mission at hand, which he views as to remain alert, and bodyguard their spellcaster, who is also their liason to the patron.

The arms locker pickings are a bit slim, but better than nothing:

Here's what you have to pick from: (pick one)

+1 longsword
+1 war hammer
+1 battleaxe
+1 dagger
+1 light crossbow
+1 heavy crossbow
+1 short composite bow
Bracers of Armor +1
Cloak of Resistance +1
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Chainshirt +1
Hide armor +1
Leather armor +1
10 vials of "oil of magic weapon" (counts as one pick)
Any 1st level arcane spell on a scroll

100 xp each for the role-playing

Pick your item and we can move on to the mines the following morning. You heal your level + your CON bonus in hit points for sleeping a full night's sleep. (the CON bonus is a house rule, keep those house rules in mind)

Jaques picks up the Natural Armor Amulet, and looks to Thaddeus, raising one eyebrow. If he sees no look of dismay cross Thaddeus's face, he'll slip the chain over his neck, tuck the amulet into his shirt, and go stand by the door, waiting to join the others as they make their leave.

"Well, Thaddeus, it appears that I will not have need of bothering your father with the care of my sword as I see nothing here to replace it. Thus, I will choose this fine chain shirt."

Agathon will select the +1 Chain Shirt to both enhance is AC and reduce his encumbrance (as the shirt is lighter than his Scale Mail).

"I shall put this to good use in the defense of the city! Ambrose, Sir Gendar is indeed a generous and wise lord. I shall be worthy of his trust and his gift!"

As he begins pulling off his Scale Mail, he will say to Ambrose, "Would you please see that this armor is placed into the city's weapons hold for the use of some valiant young defender? It is good armor and though it is a bit dented and used, I will feel better if it is being used to defend the city rather than sitting useless unworn."

"That be fine bit o workmanship Agathon, good choice," Belric turns to Jaques, "Another wise choice, the more blows avoided the more ye can dole out!" Slowly stroking his beard, Belric is obviously torn between the crossbows, the leather armor, and the vials. With a sigh that sounds like it came from a deep cavern he grabs the bandoleer with the vials "Ach, the crossbows surely are sweet to behold, and the leathers look very comfy, but in the canons of Moradin Beer before battle, and a well oiled axe doesn't get stuck in your foes . So its da oil fer me and ole Cap here!" Belric lovingly pats his waraxe.

i hope the vials are in a bandoleer for easier storage and usage, if not he will purchase one

Thaddeus takes the bracers and pushes one up each arm, under his sleeves, then checks to make sure he can move freely.

A shrug to Jacques. "There are only so many ways to protect yourself without armor!"

CY577 9th day of Flocktime

Refreshed, re-equipped and with an additional member in the party, you guys set off for the coal mines a 2nd time.

Please advise me of your approach tactics and make Listen/Spot rolls each, plus any other rolls your post might indicate that should be resolved, such as a "move silently" if someone scouts ahead, etc.

Unless there's an objection, Jaques will take point, ranging out far enough ahead of Mr. Clankypants and the others that he can determine what's ahead before they are heard. He will be moving silently and hiding, as much as possible without too much of a speed reduction remaining alert for possible ambush.those basic handsignals I went over with Thaddeus should make it easier, this time, to coordinate our movements while remaining silent. I wonder if I should keep my sling loaded in my hand out here? He does not have his sling in his hand, relying on the quick throw of shuriken instead. Not making my own throws for the hiding or silence, since he would not know if he were successful or not, but his bonuses now would be H+9, MS+7.

Wow that lad can move like a somewhat solid shadow! Belric thinks as he watches Jaques move ahead. Checking to make sure his crossbow is loaded and the safety on (finger of the trigger) he follows after the others.

when we get near the fight on the trail where the dear was procured, Belric will go stealthy!

Being careful of where he is stepping Belric but maintaining a vigilant eye for gobbers, he doesn't accomplish either very well!
1d20-1=5, 1d20+3=7
Keeping his mouth shut, being the only thing he can keep silent, he trudges on.

On the way back to the mines, Agathon will bring up the rear with his Long Bow out and at the ready. He will make periodic scans to the side and our rear to prevent ambush from behind.

Here are three Spot Checks to cover the time marching back to the mine(His bonus for Spot is +3 in case the DM needs to roll more Spot Checks for me):

A spot check: (1d20+3=15)

A Spot Check: (1d20+3=17)

A Spot Check: (1d20+3=23)

Not speaking except to answer any questions someone might pose to him, Agathon looks inward and begins the process of “getting his game face on” by psyching himself up for anything that might happen.

Thinking to himself, ‘Come on lad, these gobbers and yrch (as our blessed priest calls them) are in their hole afraid of us. But do not under estimate either the quality of their arms or their heart in their cause… It will be fierce… But Good shall prevail. By the shining beams of Pelor’s sunrise, I will send them all to the abyss that awaits their tainted souls!’

Once near the “bowl”, Agathon will attempt to Move Silently (failing to do so, no doubt):

A Move Silently Check: (1d20+2=9)

Also as the group gets close to the “bowl”, and Agathon attempts to get quiet, he will also strain to hear any sign of enemies about:

A Listen check: (1d20=16)

I think we agreed on the email thread that our order would be Jacques, Belric, Thaddeus, and Agathon. Jacques is on point and we'll recon up to the 'bowl' up to the cave entrance if we're unopposed/undetected.

Third in line, Thaddeus finds it difficult to tear his gaze away from his new crossbow. The stock is stained hickory and silky smooth to the touch. The metal parts are of dwarvish steel and made to an exactingly precise fit. The action is smooth and fluid, without the bit of a catch like the old one had. The maker had enough pride in his work that he stamped his name on a small silver plate. Well he should have pride in this creation! What a marvelous weapon!

Spot and listen rolls for the mine approach. (1d20=2, 1d20=20) Well, at least he might hear something...

Move silently and hide rolls for the mine approach. (1d20+3=12, 1d20+3=6)

On the trail towards the bowl leading to the coal mines, Jacques spots something unusual. Some rock formations he didn't notice before. He approaches carefully and notices that a deadfall trap of logs and boulders has been erected to send a deadly hail of debris down the trail if triggered.

He notices a hobgoblin sitting in a tree about 30 feet away from him. The creature is staring down the trail and will notice Jacques companions trudging up in about two rounds unless Jacques does something. There is a rope leading to the hobgoblin's wrist, tied on. The hobgoblin did not notice Jacques or has a very good poker face.

Jaques makes the signal for the group to "stop". This may be by a clenched fist hand signal, or a spell, if Thaddeus has that up. He will look to see if the wrist rope is a trigger to set off the deadfall, and will also observe carefully to see if there are any other Goblins about. If there are no other Goblins to be seen, and if the wristrope does indeed seem to be the trigger to the deadfall, Jaques will attempt to move up, and quietly sever the rope at some location in its course, where it is difficult for the Goblin to see from his vantage point. All the while looking for more Goblins. If the spell is in place he will "think" to Thaddeus what is going on. If not, he'll surreptitiously return to the now halted group, and describe the situation ahead. His movments and sound will now take into account the location of at least the one known hostile in his area of observation.

No message spell up; I was saving that for when Belric goes into the mine. Out here we can see each other and we have the hand signals somewhat worked out.

Thaddeus will halt at Jacques' signal, and pass the signal on to Agathon. Presumably Belric was in on the conversation where we worked out the hand signals and will know to stop; if he doesn't then Thaddeus will get his attention with a minimum of noise.

When Jacques quietly outlines his plan to sneak up and sever the rope, Thaddeus nods in understanding and agreement. That deadfall will make a lot of noise. Even if we kill the hobgoblin, he'll still fall out of the tree and trigger it. Disabling it is a good idea; it maintains our surprise on the hobgoblins. They must expect us to come, they just don't know when or how many. Once again, information is the key...

If Agathon missed any part of what Jacques said (in coming up from the rear), Thaddeus will bring him up to speed.

To Belric and Agathon, quietly: "I suggest that one of us keep the treed hobgoblin covered, while the other two keep watch. There may be more of them about to either defend or exploit this obstacle. Agathon, you've a higher rate of fire than we do, would you mind doing the honors?"

Assuming agreement, Thaddeus will then keep a look out on the right side of the trail.
Spot and listen checks. (1d20=10, 1d20=9)

Belric stops and nods to Thaddeous, and looks about for addional gobbers, Spot 1d20+3=13, Listen 1d20+4=21

In 3.5, you do not get two shots with a bow as a full round attack at second level. You get the number of attacks dictated by your BAB and your feats. So, Agathon only gets one shot with his bow right now.

Blissfully unaware of the rules differences between 2.0 and 3.5 controlling his Universe, Agathon will nod his agreement and silently move forward to take up a position behind whatever cover there is between him and the tree.

A Move Silently roll: (1d20+2=13)

Agathon will use his Spot skill to carefully keep the cover between him and the tree with the bad guy in it… The idea here is that if he can maneuver so that he can not see the bad guy, then the bad guy can not see him either…

A Spot Roll: (1d20+3=16)

If this movement takes him his full 30 feet (half movement for a round of moving silently, of course), then he is done for the round. (although we are not in initiative, I am assuming that we are moving by rounds now).

If, however, he hears an alarm or any other sound that indicates that the bad guy is calling for help, then he move faster to get a shot immediately (if he has any movement left by the time that happens).

An arrow shot (just in case it is necessary this round):
An Arrow Shot: (1d20+5=15, 1d8=2)

Jacques moves up to sever the rope carefully. He is almost done when the hobgoblin spots him and jerks his hand up, triggering the trap. Jacques was off to the side, but failed his reflex save and takes 8 points of damage from sharp jagged rocks and a big tree limb that rips by him. He is, however, not swept off with the avalanche of debris.

The rest of the party has enough warning to avoid the trap, which thunders by them down the path. When the dust clears, they see Jacques prone under some debris and the hobgoblin rapidly climbing down the tree about 20 feet from Jacques.

It will take the party 2 rounds to get to Jacques. Jacques is not incapacitated but will need a full round action to get the debris off him and stand up. Fortunately, the hobgoblin is not quite to the bottom of the tree yet.

Agathon was unable to get his arrow shot off, as he had to use his action to avoid the trap.

Fudge.

You didn't ask for it but initiative seems appropriate at this point:
Initiative at the rock fall. (1d20+7=20)

In my best Michael Caine voice Someone shoot that chap!

Thaddeus will move to where he has a shot and take one: Crossbow shot at the hobgoblin coming down from the tree. (1d20+5=16, 1d8=3)

If I have action left after moving to get a shot, I will reload.

"Hate trees I do!" grumbles Belric as he takes off at a full sprint to get to Jaques to see if he is okay. iniative 1d20+2=22 two balance checks if needed1d20+1=13, 1d20+1=10 When Belric is up to Jaques he will either shoot the gobber, or heal Jaques depending on where we are at.

"With Moradin's blessings let ye woes be GONE!" Belric intones letting the power of his god flow into Jaquez 1d8+1=8

or

The race hatred of seeing goblinkind Belric fires his crossbow, 1d20+3=12, 1d8=3
"By Moradin's blessed beard" Belric grumbles dropping his crossbow and pulling his waraxe and shield into the ready position

Agathon rolls Initiative:
An Initiative Roll: (1d20+7=26)

As Agathon pulls his arrow all the way back to release, he will shout to the others, “together, lads…”

He will drop his initative to Thaddeus’ (20) along with Belric so that we may all fire in coordinated fashion… The +2 bonus we all get for there being three of us will have the effect of eliminating my -2 range increment penalty for being 110 feet from the target. However that doesn’t matter much as my total roll would still just be an 8.

An Arrow Shot at -2 for Range: (1d20+3=6, 1d8=5)

The moment the arrow flies, Agathon begins doing his Michael Irvin imitation and runs for everything he is worth toward the Hobgoblin. Agathon is in light armor now and will be able to do 60 feet across the rough terrain this round (1 move action is 30ft./2 X 4 = 60). He will keep his bow out for the run this round.

As he begins to pull at the air in his sprint, (and knowing that he and Thaddeus will easily out pace the dwarf), he calls back to Belric, “Brother, please help Jacques!” Just like Agathon to obviously state the obvious…

Don't know if my tumble skill was taken into account on dodging/extricating myself from deadfall trap, and also don't know if I have to be standing to fling a shuriken If Jaques is in fact not "prone" and merely appeared down since the others were misinterpreting a tumble maneuver, the he will fling a shuriken at the gobber 19+5=24 2 points of damage, don't know why IC isn't letting me copy to clipboard all of a sudden If he is down, and it doesn't look like he'll be up before the gobber gets to him, then he will make that throw from prone. If it looks like the gobber won't get to him before he can stand, he'll just get up, and be on his feet, ready for the gobbers attack, looking for an opportunity attack.

Jacques is able to use his tumble skill to stand up with only a move action. His standard action attack on the hobgoblin is a hit, wounding the creature with a shuriken into the thigh.

Agathon's shot misses and Thaddeus crossbow shot hits. The hobgoblin ends his descent severely wounded. His remaining move action is spent running 30 feet up the hill away from Jacques. His distance from Jacques at the end of the round is 40 feet. Belric is huffing up the hill and the two missile shooters are 130 feet away from the hobgoblin.

Agathon-Belric-Thaddeus-Jacques-Hobgoblin is the initiative order.

Damnnit, no time to get out sling. Bastards not getting away from me Jaques will attempt to run him down, and do open hand attack if possible. 1d6+1=5 Paizo giving me fits, tried to "preview" and it lost my full post, sent me to an advertisement page. Still had damage roll on clipboard, but "to hit" lost. Would still be on Jaques in IC, as previous roll. It was 1d20+3= 15 Even presuming Jaques is faster than the gobber, and able to run him down for open hand attack

I could magic missile him, but he's not hurt badly enough for that to kill him...take another shot and see what happens.

Got to lead him more...add some elevation because he's higher than me...there!

Thaddeus will take his move action to reload.

Load, aim, deep breath, squeeze me trigger, Belric thinks to himself as he fires 1d20+2-2,1d8=[13, 2, -2], [1] did it wrong this time, so the roll to hit was an 11 and the damage 1

Hate missile fire, Belric mumbles looking to see if the gobber went down.

Agathon pulls back hard, aims a bit up and to the right this time and lets another arrow fly:

An Arrow Shot: (1d20+5=22, 1d8=6)

This shot is in coordination with Thaddeus and Belric’s shots. Thus it is at +2. I am -2 for range; so, the bonuses cancel and the shot is at his normal +5 bonus to hit with the bow…

As Agathon’s arrow plows deeply into the back of the Hobgoblin, Agathon will let out a, “wow!” as he runs out the rest of his action for the round… (30 feet for a regular Move Action in this terrain).

The hobgoblin is down. The echo of the logfall trap fades off the nearby hillsides just as the last bowstring snapped. The path to the mine beyond seems clear, for now.

I rolled some listen checks for the party

Jacques hears a distant bugle sound from the mine bowl area.

150 xp each, includes a partial xp award for the trap, since most of the party did avoid it thanks to Jacques

Belric runs the rest of the way to Jaques, "'Ere, lad let me see ya urts?" he pants out heal check 1d20+4=16 "Ye be pretty bang up, by you permission I can use the blessings of Moradin to heal ye up if ye desire" Belric states while grasping his holy stymbol.

only look at this if Jaques agrees to being healed, otherwise ignore and Belric won't heal him

[ooc]if he accepts "Ach, I believe that'll help ye" Belric says as he reloads his crossbow.

if he refuses "Fine, lad have it ye way" Belric grumbles, as he reloads his crossbow.

Agathon runs up to Jacques as well. "Are you greatly injured, my friend?"

To Thaddeus he will say, "It looked as though our darts struck the fellow at the same time. So, I suppose that we share credit for the kill. I am ever amazed at your prowess in martial affairs!"

To the group as he looks about the surrounding country side (once again, stating the obvious in true Agathon style)... "I can still hear the echo of yonder log fall. Clever trap that. I suspect that the Count now knows our exact position back in Knurl! What for it, lads? Do we try to continue up this path into the teeth of the arrows; or, will we turn aside to choose another path?"

"Do you think there might be profit in attempting to set our own trap here to take those who might investigate this trap after a while?"

Agathon says and asks all this while looking about.

Look to see what Agathon found!

Indeed,I was right about the wisdom of having a cleric with us. Ironic that I'm the first of us to need his services Master Belric, I certainly appreciate your help, that was a nasty trap. After the healing Ah! That I feel good as new, as though the injury never happened. Your connection to the spirit world is strong sir! My thanks.

Thaddeus runs up pretty much shoulder to shoulder with Agathon, grinning despite himself at his friend's compliment. "The gods seem to have blessed me with the ability to slay my enemies at a distance! Pray they do not get too close!"

When he sees that Jacques is well enough and under the (tender?) minstrations of Belric, Thaddeus tells Agathon "I'm going to check our tree-dwelling quarry. Keep an eye out, will you?" He will then move up to the body and do a quick search for valuables or anything of intelligence value, telling my friends what I found. I'll leave the bulkier mundane items for later retrieval.

If Jacques mentions the bugle in the distance, I will look for a bugle or some other signaling device on the fallen hobgoblin.

Considering Agathon's suggestion: "I like the idea of preparing an ambush of our own. Doubtless they will send a party to investigate if their lookouts do not see us soon. If we choose not to set an ambush for them, I think we should continue our advance off the trail."

Here is our plan for the ambush:

• we will hide the body of the hobgoblin in the bushes at M-2.
  
• we will park the mule in the trees at B-3.
  
• Thaddeus' position will be in E-5, crossbow loaded and ready.
  
• Agathon's position will be in I-5, Old Blue readied.
  
• Belric's position will be in H-6, lovingly caressing Moradin's pube shaver.
  
• Jacques' position will be in G-6, with a dagger palmed for ready use.
  
• Jacques will take a moment to survey our positions, offering pointers on how to hide and be silent. (read: aid another)
  
• Thaddeus will offer Jacques tips on looking unconcious (read: aid another in bluff)
  
• Jacques will be the 'bait', looking like he was clobbered by the trap.
  
• the plan is to wait for them to get close enough and then throw a sleep spell on the rearmost group, at which time Belric and Agathon will fall upon their advance force with melee weapons.
  

After about a minute of waiting, the party spots a goblin riding a large grey wolf trotting down the trail. The worg has his nose to the ground and the goblin has a lance and a shield, plus he appears to be wearing some pretty impressive goblin sized plate mail. He stops at O13 and surveys the scene in front of him with a spyglass.

Actions?

Agathon and Belric might be able to see the wolf rider. Even if I speak quietly to alert them, the wolf might be well trained enough to alert its rider. The risk of discovery is too great for me to say anything. If I hold still he may not see me - goblins don't do well with daylight and it's high noon.

Thaddeus will become one with the stone, hoping that his low profile and lack of movement will be enough to escape detection. He will hold his position, taking no action.

Here is a Spot check to see if Agathon can see the Goblin from his hiding place without any movement…

A Spot Roll: (1d20+3=7)

Agathon sits as still as he can among the rocks of his hiding place.

A Hide Roll (if Jacques successfully aided in my hide, then this roll will be at an additional +2): (1d20+2=18)

Until he hears Thaddeus cast his spell, the “Go” word (‘Knurl!’), or we are attacked, Agathon will take no action.

Nice doggie, good doggie, never mind the dead human...Jaques will lie very still, but will jump to his feet to get his full maneuverability if that rider starts heading toward him with that lance at "ramming" speed. Great, I just went from "bait" to "kibble".

listen check I figure you want to roll DM, and what direction is the wind

Crouched down "Rock I be, still and silent...I hope...what did Jaques say aboot being silent? Damn! I think me getting gas" Belric thinks to himself while waiting for the signal, shield held flat to the ground, waraxe held so no glint can be made off of it's razor edge.

The goblin worg rider slowly trots forward. He stops at J-8 and waves his lance in the air a few times. Two rounds later, a group of about 20 goblins scampers forth from the rocks and bushes near the top of the map. They're not nearly as well armed or armored as the rider is, wearing only ragged leather armor, slings and clubs. But there's a lot of them! They're spread out and advancing tactically, with only a few of them on the trail itself.

The worg keeps sniffing the air. The worg rider has seen Jacques now and is eyeing him suspiciously.

You're right to be suspicious. If he's smart he'll send one or two of his underlings in to check the 'body' and spread the rest out for security...find out what happened to the hobgoblin. Gets the job done with minimal risk to himself.

Of course, if he does that, then there is the risk of one of the underlings grabbing any loot off the 'body' before he can get it. And a human adventurer is likely to have some loot on him. I wonder if his greed and lack of trust in his underlings will overcome his native cowardice? An interesting topic...

Thaddeus will continue to do his best granite imitation.

I wonder if I jump to my feet and hurl this dagger at the leader, will it break the will of these underlings before they swarm me? I seem to recall hearing a bard tell a story once, about a great king, who with 300 men, took on an army a million strong, and how he tried to lure their king in within spear throw, only to miss by inches. I recall that didn't turn out well for him Jaques continues to lie very still, but he won't allow himself to get stuck with a weapon. He'll take move on the first goblin to get within THEIR melee range, unless Thaddeus calls the attack first. In which case he'll still go after the closest goblin with open hand attack. If they start to use a range weapon on him, or if they aren't within reach, he'll throw the dagger in his hand, but the bonus would be +5 to hit instead of the +4 already in the roll. Damage would be the last shown roll, a d4 in that eventuality
1d20+4=22
BBCode
1d6+1=5
BBCode
1d4+1=4

Belric strains to hear anything listen check=1d20+4=17 if the Belric is downwind does he get a wiff of rank goblin and worg?

"Stay still, stay quiet, Cap will soon be doing business!" he thinks to heself.

at the signal Belric will charge into the worg rider attacking the rider, if the worg rider goes past he will attack rider

"By Moradin's Beard!" Belric swings 1d20+4=20, 1d10+3=4 "Die ye gobber scum!"

Agathon continues to await the go code or other indications that it is time for him to leap into combat…

“Stay focused, boy.” Agathon will think to himself. “It sure sounds like a pack of Goblins heading in.”

Agathon will pray in his thoughts… “Oh great shining one, guide my modest blade to do your work this day.”

Again, in his mind… “These evil abominations can not stand and fight in His holy light…”

If we get a surprise action/attack, then here is a hit with the Great Sword on the nearest opponent:

A Hit with Ole Blue: (1d20+7=23, 2d6+6=11)

Otherwise, he will stay focused and still until time to act. On the next posting round, I am assuming that we will each roll initiative at that time…

The worg rider slashes his lance forward and the goblin horde advances towards the piled up trap. Some of them giggle and those who speak goblin hear them mentioning something about "manflesh" as they rapidly advance downhill towards Jacques. The worgrider stays behind, watching.

By the end of the round the goblins will be in squares H8 to K8 and H9 to K9, fairly spread out. Even though poorly armed and armored, they've clearly had "some" training.

Hold on to those attack rolls you've already made. I'll apply them when the time comes.

"Hmmmm. The leader knows his stuff.... He won't just walk into the trap." Agathon thinks to himself. Looking at his sword he will think, "Very well. We shall have to go to him."

Agathon will hold in place and await the Goblin's next move

Waiting for the signal

Dammit it takes me a round to cast sleep! They'll be where I want to them to be in a round, but if I start casting now the other PC's will take that as the signal to start the ambush...from too far away. Nothing to do but hold position.

Thaddeus will utter a silent prayer to Rao: Lord of reason, grant me the mental focus I will need during what is certain to be a chaotic battle. May the light of pure thought burn away the abject darkness of ignorance. It is will alone that sets my thoughts in motion.

It appears as if Thaddeus's eyebrows are much bushier than I first noted. If we get a large goblin body count here, I wonder if that elfen maid will be impressed. Focus. Waiting. Closer still. Goblins still not in range, and the leader is holding back. I will have to go for the closest one first it seems Jaques waits, watching the approach through slitted eyes, to see if he will have to throw the dagger, or drop it and kick in a skull.