DM CD's Unrest in Atlus

Game Master Vethcyr

Please note that in PbP games, it is customary to roll out the additional damage, rather than merely to apply the critical modifier to your initial damage roll. Also, we will use the critical hit deck, whose effects I have shared with you as a google doc entitled "Critical Hit Table." If any of you didn't get it, please email me.

To provide an example of this, let us assume that persons A & B (both with strength scores of 10) are dueling each other with +1 short swords, which are piercing weapons whose critical stats are 19-20/x2.
Person A scores a critical threat on person B, and confirms the threat with a result of 22.
Person A rolls 1d52 ⇒ 40, which corresponds to the piercing critical effect of card 40, which is called "Lodged in the bone" and deals double damage and 2 bleed.

Damage is rolled thusly:
Base damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
If confirmed, additional critical damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Additional critical effects: 2 bleed, DC 20 heal check to stop

Please make these rolls any time you score a threat, as otherwise it can take some time to straighten out the effects with so many rolls.

Jamros's blast strikes the goblins in O5 and Q6, and while the one in O5 manages to escape the worst of the blast, both are badly burned. The one in Q6 ignites, to boot.

The first of Gareth's arrows goes wide, burying itself harmlessly in a tree branch. The second strikes the goblin in K2 high in the chest, although the goblin does not fall.

The goblins in K2 and L3 run to K0 and M0 (respectively) and swing their blades at the dangerous archer. The injured goblin returns the favor, slashing Gareth across the chest (7 damage), while his uninjured ally's blow glances off of Gareth's armor. Gareth does not get an attack of opportunity against either goblin, as he is wielding a ranged weapon that does not threaten adjacent squares.

Still burning, the goblin in Q6 screams in fury and charges Jamros (ends in Q4), swinging his blade at the halfling. His blow falls short, however. Happily for him, the fires burn out as suddenly as they ignited. The other burned goblin steps up from O5 to O4 and swings at Jamros as well, and just as before, the blow fails to connect with the lucky halfling.

Gasping from Martin's blow, the lead goblin shouts to his allies "Körülvesz neki! Állítsuk meg neki!" He seems to recover for a moment and stumbles to O8 to take a two-handed swing at the powerful warrior. His swing sneaks past Martin's guard and leaves a long gash on Martin's leg, opening an artery (confirmed critical - "long gash" result, 12 damage and 8 bleed, DC 15 heal check as standard action to halve bleed, or magical healing to end it).

In response, his allies attempt to surround Martin - the goblin in P9 attempt to tumble to N7, but his movement is clumsy and leaves him vulnerable (Martin may take an attack of opportunity against him - as this may well kill him, I will wait to roll his attack on Martin until we learn whether the goblin survives). His compatriot is able to move safely from Q9 to P7, where he too takes a swing at Martin but misses.

Round 3!

Map

A few sets of circumstances depending on what other people do in their turn.

If the leader goblin is still up on Gareth's turn:
...but Martin is in even worse of one. He narrows his eyes on the goblin guide.

Gareth heals himself as a swift action via lay on hands:
2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
He then moves to L4, provoking 2 attacks of opportunity, and takes a shot at the leader goblin:
Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
If hits, damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Otherwise
...and that he won't be able to get off any more shots easily against the two pesky goblins that are flanking him.

Gareth quickly tosses his bow aside and draws his greatsword. He takes a big swing at the injured goblin.
To Hit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
If hits, damage:2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 4) + 3 = 13

Coughing up a bit of blood as he says the command word, Martin activates his belt of healing for two charges.
3d8 ⇒ (3, 3, 6) = 12

The tumbling goblin falls dead after martin drives his sword into its neck.

Martin, you stop bleeding.

Just waiting on Jamros now.

Jamros successfully dodges away from the goblins, and manages to fry both with another blast of flame (not even rolling saves for them - the damage would kill them even if they were to succeed).

Gareth's movement leaves him vulnerable to the goblins flanking him, and both swing their blades at him. Neither is able to land a blow on the nimble archer, however, and his arrow flies true, striking the lead goblin full in the chest. Already severely injured, the goblin falls over with a gurgle.

The goblins in K0 and M0 pursue Gareth to K3 and M3 (respectively), attempting to charge down their quarry while avoiding the deadly halfling to the south. Both swing at him, but their track record of inaccuracy grows yet longer as neither blow connects with its target.

Meanwhile, the goblin in P7 steps to O6 and attempts to press the attack on Martin. While his attack easily bypasses Martin's guard, the goblin is not strong enough to inflict much damage (2 damage to Martin, critical not confirmed).

Begin Round 4!

Map

If the goblin at M3 still stands, then...
Jamros then shifts to N4 and yet another vortex of flame flies from the halfling's fiery fingers. Aoe hits both goblins, misses Gareth. :)
Goblin K3 dmg:3d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) = 7
reflex 1/2 dmg, on fail, 1d4 ⇒ 2
Goblin M3 dmg:3d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) = 6
reflex 1/2 dmg, on fail, 1d4 ⇒ 1
As the vortex dies down, leaving slightly crispier goblins, Jamros makes a motion as if to blow his fingers out, and they stop glowing.

Otherwise...
Jamros levels his crowbow at the goblin at K3 and fires.
to hit: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
He then reloads.

Jamros's attack of opportunity connects, severely burning but not killing the goblin.

Updated Map

If goblins are still alive on my turn
Gareth takes a step back to L5(if necessary to avoid AoO's)
And fires up to two shots at the remaining goblin(s)
(I'm preferentially targeting K3>M3>O6)

First arrow to hit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
First arrow damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Second arrow to hit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Second arrow damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

If goblins are dead
Gareth approaches Martin, "Martin, come here. Are you alright?", and gives him a soothing touch. "There you go, all better now."

Lay on hands:(3/5 uses remaining)
2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

And if this is the case, I'll do more role playing on top of that.

Atk Rolls:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Dmg:
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Also, Jamros idk if you had to cast a touch spell or ability to get the flames, but you can't take attacks of opportunities with touch spells unless you already had them cast prior to the AoO. IDK if this is the case, but the way u described it, it sounded like you started the spell right then.

Edit: I took a peek at your character sheet Jamros (Hope you don't mind, I didn't look too closely). If it's touch of flame, that is a standard action to activate, so it can't be used on attacks of opportunity.

Eleri peers into the darkness, trying to discern the best path up to the vista.
"This would all be much easier if I brought out my torch, but I imagine that would reveal our presence to any enemy within several miles. Better to climb slowly through the darkness, as much as we're able."

I have both darkvision and low-light vision, whichever is more useful outdoors at night, what do I see?

Martin takes off the goblin's head in one swing of his sword, while his shield bash launches it 30', causing the head to splatter on impact.

Jamros's blast of flame engulfs both goblins, burning them to death instantly (not even rolling saves - they're dead no matter what). Their corpses ignite. Unfortunately, so does the tree.

Gareth, denied the opportunity to kill any more goblins, moves to heal Martin's wounds.

Thus ends the battle and begins the possible forest fire!

Map

On the bodies of the goblins, you find:
- Masterwork Small Hide Armor (Value: 165 Gold)
- +1 Longsword (medium - Value: 2315 Gold)
- Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds (CL 3 - Value: 300 Gold)
- A crystal and carved-darkwood necklace (Art Object - 500 Gold)

Just saw your last update CD, Thanks for the ruling.

Jamros moves to put out as much of the fire as he can as a full round action (as per the spell description).

He starts to untie Petey from the spreading flames.

Do I need a roll for this, or do I just assume that I can untie the rope quickly enough?

Map

I suppose we will be keeping the cure moderate wounds. Will one of you want that sword? The sword costs (2315/2)*(2/3)=772 to the other two of us, whoever wants it or we can sell it for 1157.5 to party gold.

Gareth ignores Jamros, not wanting to give him any more credit or recognition. He instead turns to Martin,
"Looks like we're gonna get cozy here on Petey. He's a good horse. Maybe a little fiesty to newcomers, but he'll come around if you treat him alright. This one time..."
Gareth stops mid sentence, pointing at the necklace that Martin is holding.
"What's that? That's a cool looking necklace. I'll bet it's magical too."

"I'll take the chief's blade as a token of our victory, you gentleman can have the rest of the spoils. I think the blade will look good on my mantel, and it might even be sharp too. As for my belt, it's a healers belt. I picked it up off a Goldencrest trader before the war had escalated to this scale. It can gives some good healing in a pinch.

Edit: I dont have the gold to give the rest of u right now, but Next drop I can chip in some more

But now that you mention it, that belt is rather intriguing as well. It helped seal up that nasty wound real quick... But what were you doing with Goldcrest traders? Sleeping with the enemy, huh? Nah, I'm kidding. Oh, and you're welcome to keep the sword for now, and we'll figure out how much it's worth later.

Anyways, let's get the hell out of here. The barghest said they'd be hunting us in an hour, and I'm sure the fire and the battle will attract more goblins in no time. Martin, do you know which way the Vista is?"

DM, How much time is left until our expected meetup time?/What time is it now?

He then looks at the tree, still ablaze. "Martin, didn't you mention something about forest fires? Cause it's looking to me like this fire isn't gonna stop anytime soon. Do you think there's any chance of it reaching the gorge by sunrise?

As for the goblins, I reckon we don't have a choice whether or not they'll chase us. In either case, we can't afford to lose any more horses so I wouldn't want to take many chances by trying to start a fight."

You can reach the vista in 8 hours if you ride hard through the forest, or in 12 hours if you ride hard around. You will need to rest, rejuvenate with magic, or replace your horses to make either ride without forced march checks, especially if you are doubling up.

The fire catches in the dry tree too quickly for you to put it out, and the tree is consumed by fire in short order. The burning ashes and flying embers quickly spread the flames to nearby trees. You are able to safely collect the loot and free your horses, however. Where do you plan to go?

Due to the proximity of the fires, it will be more hazardous initially to try and go around the forest, but moving quickly through the forest might let you outrun the flames. Also, everything else in the forest will be trying to get out, so there might be a number of dangerous creatures outside the conflagration. If you go too slowly, going through the forest might be very dangerous, however.

As the group plans their next step, Gareth notices the fire continue to exponentially spread to other nearby trees.

"Look, friends. This fire is going to be HUGE. It's been a pretty dry season lately, and do you feel the strong wind pointing towards the forest that leads to the Vista? If we don't get out of here now, we're gonna burn up. Start riding, and we can discuss how long we want to ride and if we think we can make it through the forest before it becomes an inferno. Martin, hop on!"

He motions for Martin to saddle up behind him on his horse.

Martin pauses for a moment and says, "On the upside we may have just found our way to stop the Goldencrest army" before walking over to join Gareth on his horse.

Also, I need you to roll a bluff check if you want to go with that plan and to set up a sense motive spoiler with DC equal to the result of your bluff check. In it, you need to describe that you want to appear to check the necklace for magical effects, but that you aren't really examining it. You are, after all, attempting to deceive your fellow party members. There are no circumstance bonuses associated with your bluff check or their sense motive checks.

"We need to warn the others about the fire. I don't want any harm to come to them because of this change of events. I think we need to ride through the forest ahead of the flame. If we can get a good headstart, maybe we can take some time to rest before the flames catch up to us so our horses don't tire out."