GM Helio's Ballad of the Stolen Lands

Game Master Helio

Tyanos had a readied attack, why did it not go off?

I think because we were not really in melee yet. Den also tried to ready. Now that we are in melee he has readied again.

The honest answer is I totally forgot you had readied actions, but the totally retconned reason is because it's kind of an nonstandard fight where the spider's approaching from a totally different angle than you'd anticipated and the use of the hatches/tunnels makes it hard to predict and ready-aim-shoot. Think of it as keeping things interesting! (Also for future note - if you roll the dice when you ready an action it helps me spot it when I scroll over and look for things like that.)

As Dendarial and Tyanos scramble to spin their sights towards the newest emergence point of the spider, it scrambles back out from beneath the cover and once more pounces in Thomas' direct, leaping a good ten feet out of the tunnels in the blink of an eye.

Fortunately, Thomas is more than ready for the spider this time - easily ducking out of the way. Clearly dissatisfied, the spider scrambles back for cover as a hail of arrows fly its way...

If Ty and Den (and anyone else I missed) want to take those readied actions now, go right ahead. Assuming it doesn't die, it's going to hide back in its tunnel.

By the inheritor Thomas yells in shock.
as he backpedals rapidly away from where it bounced out at him.

Den lets loose his shaft, but his his aim was slightly off and the arrow not fully powered.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 131d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Will post later, crazy morning.

As the spider appears he fires.

Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d8 ⇒ 5

But it's sudden appearance and retreat make his aim shaky.

Both Dendarial and Tyanos open fire on the spider, but its quick and jerky movements keep it just out of the line of fire. The two arrows impact against the sod hatch as it closes behind the spider, hiding it within its tunnel.

Den+Acio, Spider, Thomas, Tyanos, Wetscale, Karina, Hadin
Den+Thomas already moved and readied, everyone else is still up!

Karina studies the spider's movements as it makes hit and run attacks. She carefully predicts where the spider will come from next and readies her crossbow to shoot it.

Crossbow Readied Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crossbow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Crossbow Readied Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Crossbow Crit Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Well, I'm last in initiative, so i'm waiting..

A little pale and shocky. What in the name of the Inheritor
Thomas tries to get his bow ready.

All I did on my action was a move and speak, so now getting ready to fight. :)

Tyanos readies another shot for the spider's appearance.

Hadin will try to locate the sod hatch on the spider's lair, to destroy it if possible

You should probably just make your rolls so Helio can just figure out how the combat round works without waiting for people to post rolls.

Hadin creeps closer to the hatch as the others back away and ready their weapons. Vermin were creatures of instinct - they weren't exactly clever. Carefully, Hadin pulls his handaxe and chops away at the sod hatch. With a few well-placed strokes, the flap falls away and exposes a very, very large spider - poised to pounce on his head.

Karina doesn't hesitate, immediately pulling the trigger of her crossbow. The bolt flies true, and the spider lets out an insectile screech as it skitters away from Karina's bolt. She'd found purchase where the other had not. Not to be outdone, Tyanos and Dendarial loose their weapons just behind her. Tyanos' bolt misses by a hairsbreadth, while Dendarial's arrow pierces through one of the spider's many legs.

Tyanos Readied: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Den Readied: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 zzz

Seriously injured and defending its territory, the spider leaps at Hadin and skitters back into its tunnel, disappearing down into a lower passage. Fortunately, the blows dealt to it deterred its full force of attack, and the spider's fangs can hardly pierce Hadin's heavy leathers.

It is no longer visible from the ground - it looks like the tunnel dips down about 10 feet back, possibly into the nest. It's large enough for you get in (single file) without squeezing - it's a big spider!

Round 2
Den+Acio, Spider, Thomas, Tyanos, Wetscale, Karina, Hadin
Den and the spider have already gone. I figured Den would just wait for another shot.

Round 2

Now that he is over his shock Thomas moves slightly up behind Hadin.
Iomedae grant him the favour of your blessing

Hadin now has a +2 Deflection bonus to his AC for the next 10 rounds

Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 172d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4 Well even if the crit confirmed that is the worst damage ever.

Hadin waits until all arrows and bolt are fired, then he takes his shield and his handaxe firmly before going into the spider's den

I don't think I will be able to use my flail down there, better be safe than sorry...

He nods to Thomas
Thank you for Iomedae's blessings.

Posting the combat dice now, if you don't mind
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Handaxe dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Karina stays at the entrance of the spider's hole, ready to shoot it if it comes from another direction.

Readied shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Readied damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Sorry about the delay, I've been very ill with the flu the last few days.

Tyanos keeps alert and ready for the spider to pop out again. There was no way he was going into a tunnel with that thing.

Readied Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d8 ⇒ 1

That's a crit threat Tyanos

In a rush xP

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 5

Den moves forward with Haden, ready to loose another shaft at the first sign of any enemy.

Thomas draws his sword and enters the spiders den behind Hadin.
Hadin one second
as soon as it starts getting dark in the cave, Thomas casts light on his sword.

While the others wait for the spider to emerge from its den, Hadin boldly strides forward into the narrow confines of the tunnel. Thomas follow closely behind him, providing magical aid for the brave warrior as the others try to get clear shots from the mouth of the tunnel.

A sudden cracking sound resounds from the opposite hillside behind the group. Tyanos spins the sights of his crossbow around just in time to see Wetscale go down before another one of the giant spiders. He looses his bolt and the quarrel sinks deep into the spider - but does not deter it. Karina's bolt follows just behind, but misses as the beast pounces even lower. Wetscale howls at the beast in his native tongue, flailing wildly to get it off of himself.

In the ensuing chaos, the spider Hadin was chasing shows itself, skittering along the wall and snapping at his arms with its knife-sized fangs. With a quick step back, Hadin manages to avoid a dangerous injury. Dendarial steps up to the mouth of the tunnel, his eyes desperately searching for an opening around the mass of man blocking the way... desperate, he quickly launches his arrow, but it knocks off course as it grazes the tunnel wall.

With the narrow layout of the tunnel, there's no way to avoid the soft cover Hadin is providing for the spider. There's now two spiders - one trying to eat Wetscale, and one in melee with Hadin about ten feet back into a dirt tunnel. The one with Hadin looks pretty beat.

Round 3:
Den+Acio, Spider, Thomas, Tyanos, Wetscale, Karina, Hadin
Den's actions have been triggered, and the spiders just went. R3 actions for everyone else, and R4 for Dendarial

Round 3
Backpedaling slightly to allow Hadin a chance to do his thing and hearing a crack from behind.
Iomedae, grant us all your blessing.
Casting bless, all allies +1 hit, +1 vs fear

Sheild of faith 8/10, Light 9/10, Bless 10/10

Focusing on the closes spider to him Dendarial fires again as he back-peddles to put a little distance between him and the spider.

Lonbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Hadin prepares himself for the fight against the spider in the tunnels, waiting for an opportunity to bury his handaxe in the oversized creature

I think I can handle that one, don't take any unnecessary risk anyone.

Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Crit?: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
add damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Well, I hope the spider is dead after that...

Karina attempts to get a clear shot on one of the spiders, but is unable to do more than shoot a bolt into the walls of the tunnel.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 2 - Firing into melee, enemy has cover

Tyanos aims at the spider on the surface. Firing at the more direct threat. Missing due to the savagery of the spiders attack. He really needed to focus if he wanted to avoid becoming a meal.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d8 ⇒ 5

Figures after that crit. -.-

With the aid of Iomedae's blessings behind him, Hadin wades forward into the spider and plants his handaxe deep into its carapace. The spider gives a wild twitch before falling motionless, partly blocking the tunnel.

The first of the spiders is dead!

The group turns on the new spider - having emerged behind them and ambushed Wetscale while their attention was diverted. As the lizardfolk struggles to wrest himself from under the beast, a hail of arrows fly towards it. The first of which misses, the result of a hastily fired bolt. The second is accompanied by an unfriendly twang - the curse of the misanthropic crossbow having been transferred to Tyanos. The third - Dendarial's arrow - flies true, but inflicts only a minor wound.

The spider, undeterred, drags the struggling Wetscale closer to the hatch it emerged from. In mere moments, Wetscale will be dragged deeper into the tunnel with it!

Fortunately for Tyanos, the break is minor and the bowstring just came loose. It'll only take about a minute to restring the crossbow... but that might be a pain in the butt to do while in combat. <3 critical failures.

Round 4:
Den+Acio, Spider, Thomas, Tyanos, Wetscale, Karina, Hadin
Den's actions have been triggered, and the spider just went. R4 actions for everyone else, and R5 for Dendarial (and the spider)

This one is down, thanks the gods!

Hearing a commotion behind, as Wetscale is under attack, Hadin shouts

Hey, spider, leave our scaly friend alone!

He then tries to rushes to the lizardman's rescue, unsure of being quick enough in the cramped and crowded area

Karina reloads and fires again, hoping to keep Wetscale from being the spider's lunch.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Crossbow: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Not sure what penalties I need to apply. In melee I think, but it also seems to be grappling and gets a dex penalty and therefore AC penalty? Not sure on cover.

Thomas rushes towards the other spider brandishing his longsword.

Hey you get out of here

Not sure how far it was between spider holes

Den chooses to double move around the spider to block its access to its lair. Holding his bow in one hand he pulls his sword and taking a defensive stance stands ready to fight.

Cursing his rotten luck with the crossbow, it's clear that it will take time he does not have to remedy. He throws a gesture with his free hand towards the remaining spider. A magical serpentine creature darts toward the spider, hitting it with a strange hiss.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

@Thomas, only about two dozen feet. The valley-sort of thing you've entered into is pretty narrow for most of it, and not very long.

@Karina - it pretty much balances out, actually. Convenient!

As three of the group charge to Wetscale's defense, Karina quickly loads and fires another bolt. The missile grazes the beast's back, as it doubles its pace trying to drag the lizard away. Tyanos quickly follows up on Karina's strike with a magical display of arcane talent. The magic missile arcs across the battle and sears into the creature's flesh. It screeches as its fangs bore down into Wetscale as it collapses.

Though the beast appears slain, Wetscale lays motionless beneath its carcase, nearly fully into the spider's lair.

Both spiders are dead, but Wetscale's condition does not look good.

Thomas pulls Wetscale out from under the spider
Iomedae, hear my plea
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Burning Magic weapon

He then settles down to take the time to look him over after casting the curative spell on Wetscale.
heal check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Thanks to Thomas' haste Wetscale was alive, if beaten and bloodied. Several dire wounds from the spider's fangs had pierced his garments, but they looked to be knitting shut with the aid of curative magic. Yet the lizard's eyes remained closed and his breathing shallow.

The ranger bends to examine Wetscale and confer with Thomas. He applies moss and a few leaves to the punctures, doing the best he can for his friend.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

His anatomy is not so different from our own. I believe he has been poisoned and have done what my training will allow to help his body process the venom. If I had a proper healing kit I might have been able to do more.

Alas, mine was stolen long before I came here else I would be using it right now. Thomas says with a frown.
I think the best thing that we can do, is return to Oleg's and get him resting in a proper bed.

Dendarial's efforts appear to ease Wetscale's pain, but the lizard remains in clear discomfort. He could definitely use a proper bed to recover, barring any magical aid.

Right. Back to Oleg's. The danger sets to building a litter that can carry the lizard man and in relatively short order has something lashed together. Lets see if these spiders have anything worth recovering in their dens or among their past victims. No telling how long they have been praying on travelers considering their size. After the litter is built he will spend some time looking around and recommend someone detect magic in the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

After helping make the litter, and getting wetscale on it, Thomas will also look around.

Casting detect magic
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

While the others prepare Wetscale for transport, Dendarial pushes into the spider's lair in search of treasure. Thomas puts the final touches on the litter before following his (half)kinsman. The narrow confines of the tunnels make moving troublesome, but it isn't all that difficult to locate where spiders did the majority of their eating. At the end of the hatch-covered tunnels, a five foot drop entered into a low-ceilinged chamber that had to stretch from one end of the valley to the other. Egg sacs and skeletons littered the chamber, but fortunately - no other spiders capable of putting up a fight. Tiny hatchlings scampered away from Dendarial as he prodded at the bodies.

A few minutes of searching uncover a little of real note. One dead bandit, freshly dead for perhaps a week. His leather armor looks to be in workable condition, and the short sword at his side never even left his scabbard. A silver stag-head necklace dangles from his lifeless neck, and a mostly empty coin pouch on his belt holds 10 gold coins. The most interesting thing about the man is a crude map (drawn partially in blood, even). It depicts a claw-shaped tree atop a barren hillside, an 'X' at the tree's base.

The only other thing worth even considering taking was a wrapped up bundle of perfectly round stones in a leather bundle. A quick examination reveals it to be a sling in surprisingly good condition - complete with eight masterwork bullets.

A quick examination by Thomas confirms that nothing here is magical.

Is there something I can do for Wetscale?

Hadin seems truly concerned by the well being of his fallen comrade

Right now, I think the only thing that we can do, is to get him where he can rest properly.

The ranger nods his agreement with Thomas. Back to Oleg's for us. Still we can skirt around to explore on the way back I think as Wetscale seems to be stable. Displaying his find to the others. There was some things worth picking up in the spider den. Here is leather armor, a short sword and 10 gold coins from some bandit. And see what else he was wearing. A silver stag-head necklace!. I wonder if this marks him as an officer. You know it occurs to me that these bandits might not know each other by face and that these necklaces might be how they identify each other. We should keep this one and any others we find in case we desire to pretend to be bandits. Oh, and there was is a crude map. It depicts a claw-shaped tree atop a barren hillside, an 'X' at the tree's base. Buried treasure?

Oleg's is just a hop and a skip away, but you can spend the rest of the day finishing exploring the hex you're in if you'd like. You're mostly done with it, anyway!

That would be my choice.