DM-All-Stars´ Darkmoon Vale Campaign

Game Master Tim Bürgers

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

That is a mighty small bear. No this trap has caught the wrong prey. I say we release this creature and reset the trap for the hunter. Both fox and hunter will be well served that way.

"Free it, or finish it; either way, let us be quick."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

As Thorid discusses with the others if the fox should be killed or not, he sees something metallic glistening in the corner of his eye.

As he turns his head, he suddenly sees a well hidden man who aims his bow at the group - an ambush!

Thorid: You may take a standard action during the suprise round, as may Bollon and Snorey.
@Ki: Ears detected the enemy by scent and may also act in the surprise round.

@All: Please roll for initiative!

Round 1 (Surprise Round)

Initiative
Guy with bow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
His hunting-crows: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Situation:
The fox lies on the grassy shore of the lake, some 10 feet from the water
and 20 feet from the forest. The so far unknown archer has set up his hiding spot 50 feet to the northeast of the trap, just within the trees. The Hunter has concealment against ranged attacks.

Ini:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Ini:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Initiative for Ears: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Woohoo!

How far is it from our position to the hunter?

It's 50 ft.

Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

You made a mistake, hunter. We are no prey!

Thorid begins a charge on the archer's position while shouting a warning.

Stand down, friend or be put down as foe! Lower your weapon an' no harm comes yer way!

initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 7

First round (after surprise round) will be the actual charge and an attack provided the hunter has made an aggressive move toward someone in the group or otherwise not lowered his weapon.

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
(+2 on attack for charge)
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Note: -2 to Thorid's AC during charge round

Ears starts. So what should he do, Ki? Please also roll your ini to act in Round 2.

@Thorid: Let's assume, you already have a weapon in hand. You can charge next round, as the distance is then only 30 ft. after you took a move this round. I suppose, that's what you meant by "preparing a charge". The AC-penalty is therefore only relevant from Round 2 on.

Here is ini-order so far, anyone in bold letters may act in the surprise round:

Ears
Snorey
Gounar
Hunter
?Unknown Combatant(s)?
Kestrel
Bollon
Thorid

On his ini-count, the hunter will aim his bow at Thorid, trying to prevent the dwarf from closing.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Snorey does some panicked shrieking and hides somewhere on Bollon's body.

Bollon begins casting Summon Monster I to summon a celestial riding dog on his turn, spending a move action in round 2 to complete the spell. The dog will appear as close as possible to the hunter and then attack him.

Trusted friend from heavens follow my call to do my fighting!

The large ears that are the namesake of the wolf lay back flat against his head. He snarls and bolts forward towards the threatening archer.

Charge: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 161d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

As he bolts forward Ki, caught off guard, tries to hold on.

Ride: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sorry, I should have been more clear. Surprise round was indeed regular movement. First full round action is charge and attack.

Thorid growls and swings at the crow before charging the hunter.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 16
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Round 2:

Arrow Shot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 minus 4 if allies are in melee with him. I'm not counting on this shot to hit.

@Thorid: Nothing to be sorry about, got your point anyway.

Ears' jaws rip violently at the hunter, who is obviously a quite dirty hobgoblin. The force of Ears' takedown-attempt seems to be not enough. The goblinoid appears to have a modest flesh wound. Hobgoblin 5 damage

Then, the Hobgoblin draws a spear. ...instead of shooting, because that would be stupid now.

With a nasty and dry "Thump!" Thorids Hammer ends the life of the one crow prematurely.

The other bird, not scared off by the death of its peer, starts picking at Thorid (dealing the above-mentioned 2 damage.).

@Thorid: As your surprise action, you now maybe want to attack the second crow instead of moving, because that would entitle the crow to an attack of opportunity?!

Charge cancelled to deal with the second crow.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 7
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Thorid's hammer finds only empty space as he completes his swing.

Blasted vermin!

Round 2, Ears' turn.

Please name the current Round in your posts. This way it's easier to keep everything clear and simple.

If you like, you can post your action for the current round in advance, if it is something that will most certainly stay the same, no matter what the combatants before you do.

The wolf presses the attack.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

As it becomes clear that the hunter does not intend to surrender, Gounar charges towards him with a surprising speed, almost rivalling that of a wolf.
Hold. he says with his first step.
Your. he adds, closing in, preparing his body for the decisive strike.
Fire. is the last word which is spoken simultaneously with Gounar's fist shooting towards a point on the hunter's body where the nerves pass closest to the skin.
Charging unless Ki's wolf blocks the path, and using Stunning Fist.
Atk: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15 (-2 if charge is not allowed)
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Stun DC12

Snorey stops screaming and climbs down from Bollon. He cautiously nears the fray as if looking for an opportunity, where his small hands may be a help.

Gounar only punshes into the studded leather armor of the quite tough hobgoblin hunter, leaving him a bit unbalanced for a possible counterattack. Charge was possible, so AC is -2.

Ki, what's next?

Ki had rolled initiative at the beginning and goes in init 7. Sorry, but I forgot to add "round 2 at the top of Ear's second attack. It does not look like you have resolved that attack yet. Have you?

My last post from yesterday went missing... :-(

Ears jaws rip at the hobgoblin-hunter and hurt him quite a bit and force him to the ground. Hobgoblin 8 damage so far

[ooc] Sorry, I didn't realize, that Ears tripped the hobgoblin. That means, that Gounar also hits.[ooc]

As Gounars fist hits, the sinister hunter begs for mercy: Let go of me. Surely you are very honorable and have no need to kill an unworthy foe like me.

Gounar takes a step back and raises an eybrow. "First, tell me what was your need to take on obviously superior foes like us. The game is more plentiful farther away from humans. I don't want you to bring backup once we let you go, or to continue harassing the locals."

Ki finally reigns in his wolf while still holding and pointing his lance at the Hobgoblin. The wolf continues to growl, not happy he is being denied his kill. This beast would eat your liver sniper. Your actions are without honor and your life is forfeit for your attempt on ours. Speak a reason why you should live quickly, or prepare to meet your Hobgoblin god. The strange small shadowy man is almost in a rage at being attacked from ambush. His lance is raised and poised to strike. It should be obvious to all that he will not hesitate long.

PLEASE! Let go of me! I was just too stupid and greedy! I will never again ambush any people in these woods! Never! I swear it on... on... on my mother's grave! Yeah. Swear it. Please let me live... please...

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

You have failed to impress me Hobgoblin. Perhaps you should try again and provide some reason you should live. Some value to us or to society in general.

He lets the wolf snap and the prone goblinoid.

bite: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 4 = 101d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

This rogue should be incarcerated. Maybe he deserves dying, but who are we to decide that? Would make us not much better than him. I say we bind him on a summoned horse tomorrow and send it south with an explaining document.

Is the crow still attacking Thorid or has it been called off?

If crow is still attacking:

After crow is dead or if crow is not attacking:

Thorid stomps up to the hobgoblin glaring at him with fire in his eyes, swings his backpack off and grabs a coil of rope.
Sit up ya refuse covered sack. Resistance forfeits our mercy so choose your actions wisely.

As the hobgoblin sits up, Thorid holds one end of the rope and drops the rest of the coil on the hobgoblin's lap and growls something.

Thorid points a finger in the hobgoblin's face. This rope also makes a good noose an' I've no aversion ta reducin' tha number a slugs in this world. I remind ya, resistance or escape forfeits our mercy. He spits on the ground and takes a step back, looking over to the fox that was used to lure the team to the scene of the ambush.

He looks to Ki. Let's get that pup outta tha trap, get 'im fixed up, an' on his way, yeah?

The cavalier hesitates, glancing back and forth between the wizard and the dwarf, who obviously favor mercy for this creature and then back to the hobgoblin who, in Ki's mind, only deserves a quick death. He finally reaches some conclusion and hisses at the hobgoblin. Your gear is forfeit. You owe your life to these two. And then to Bollon. Remove from him anything that might be used as a weapon. He has already demonstrated he is without honor, and he has lied to us in stating he would not attack others in the future, so his word is useless. I do not see why you wish him to live but I will bow to the will of the group.

You realize that Ki is angered beyond reason from the attack from ambush. He must hold some moral code that condemns such actions.

Moving to the fox he dismounts and moves up slowly, trying to calm the animal, and ask Thorid, is the leg broken? Does the fox require healing?

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

If Thorid intends to heal the animal he will wait. Once Thorid is ready Ki will quickly move in and open the trap, releasing the animal. He almost expects an attack and braces himself for it, accepting this as the price to free the creature.

Oh sorry, the crow is called off!

The fox growls scared and in pain at Ki. It is surely hurt, but nothing beyond healing. Even in his threatening stance, his big ears and eyes make him look cute.

The hobgoblin thanks you a thousandfolg for his life and even screams his thanks out as he is carried away by the summoned mount the next morning.

Posted this now to not forget it the next day. You can still take actions today, else we just assume that you rested peacefully.

Kestrel looks on with an impassive face. She keeps an arrow on the string of her bow, and scans the forest for any undetected allies the hob-goblin might have. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Gounar looks at the Cavalier a bit worriedly. "There is no doubt that the hobgoblin was a cowardly killer. But we - we are not. We removed the threat and this is what matters, not taking his life."

Once the emotions have calmed down a bit, he calls for everyone to continue the journey.

That one indicating the Hobgoblin riding away has killed innocents before, and may kill again because of your mercy. But I am not the law here. Were I, he would not ride away.

As the fox is freed from the trap, Thorid channels energy (making sure the hobgoblin is out of range).

Channel Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The hobgoblin was clearly alone.

The fox looks at Thorid with his big brown eyes. He calms down and sits in front of the dwarf.

Thorid gains a +2 circumstance bonus on any attempt to befriend the fox via handle animal.

Hah! Hey there, feller. Ya need some food?

Thorid grabs some of the trail rations from his pack and extends an offering to the fox.

Handle Animal (untrained): 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 2 = 6
Modifiers: -1 cha, +2 circumstance bonus

The fox seems much too scared and jumps a short distance away, ready to run off in the woods, should things become dangerous with that big, loud, hairy thing in front of it.

Ki will try to feed the critter.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

The fox gladly takes the morsel of food Ki is offering and licks his hands afterwards.

As the fox skips away from him, Thorid gently tries to reassure the fox. Okay, pup... okay. We're not gonna trouble ya. Thorid slowly stands and moves back.

As the fox take's Ki's offering Thorid grumbles Yeah, that's fine, take yer fleas over there. Taking a bite of the rations in his hand he says. Ya wouldn't a liked tha taste a mine anyway.

Please state your actions for this day within the next 24 hours. I'll start the next day then.

Ki leaves a small stack of food for the fox and moves back to his companions. Lets look over what that Hobgoblin left us. he suggests once he is back with Ears and the party.

Ki wants to continue at point. He is not in a big hurry and seems to enjoy the traveling, but is constantly aware of his surroundings.

Thorid is in favor of pushing on until nightfall. During travel he retains awareness of his surroundings but continues to shape the stone he picked up at the start of the trek. Perhaps if the final shape is interesting he'll weave it into his beard. If not, it's good practice for later works.

He volunteers for a night watch shift and offers to tidy up any gear that might be banged up. During his watch he occasionally checks on the hobgoblin to ensure he's bound tight and maybe a bit uncomfortable. He doesn't speak to the slug but considers reminding him the party could have, and maybe should have, ended him after he ambushed the group.

In the early morning he offers prayer to Torag, puts his gear in order and prepares for the continuation of their journey.

Bollon takes very much care to select a good sleeping place. After that he pulls a nice white pillow from his pack and shakes it up a bit.

So what are our plans for tomorrow? Anything special I should be prepared for? In case you don't know: Wizards can adjust their magic day by day. So if you are in need of something special I can provide, I would gladly do so.

Bollon takes the last watch. Although he tends to be a bit gruffy when roused from sleep he fulfills the watch dutifully.