Victrix nods. "Roight. Put the Rangers up top, so they can rain 'ell down on the demons while the knoights 'n' warriors flank 'em. Sound good?" Victrix looks around at the assembled group.
Go ahead and assign the NPC's to whatever army you want, or I'll default them all onto the Knights of Kenebres.
Take a look at the battle map and let me know if I placed the armies like you wanted. We will begin rolling the mass combat tomorrow night or Monday morning if I can't get to it.
If you are in command of an army, you can use your mythic surge ability to add to the army's OM roll or DV.
Default Commanders:
Knights of Kenebres (Irabeth)
Kellids (Victrix or Belle, whoever wants to)
Rangers (Lann)
But Irabeth and Lann would step aside to let any of you command.
::The journey::
Belledonna will travel mostly with the Sarkorian company, encouraging tales of their exploits up to now & also of their ancestors before the Worldwound opened. As Shelyn was a Deity known in Sarkoris, she will invite Sosiel Vaenic to travel with them whenever possible so she can hear more of her.
As Nurah is a Bard, Belledonna will be interested in her presence whenever possible as well, both as a source of tales of the battles of the Worldwound & as a chronicler of her force's deeds.
If Aron shows up, she won't shoo him away.
::Before the Battle::
At Victrix's recommendation, Belledonna's eyes flash, already anticipating accompanying her brave warriors into the fray.
Ok so
Sosiel to Kellids
Aron to Knights
Anevia to Kellids
Nurah to Rangers
Irabeth will fight alongside Anevia.
ACR 3
LG Medium(100) army of humans (paladin 4)
hp 16
DV 18; OM +7 ranged
Tactics expert flankers, standard, withdraw
Resources improved armor, improved weapons (mwk cold
iron), mounts, ranged weapons (longbows)
Special aura of courage, channel positive energy, divine health,
lay on hands, mercy, smite evil, spellcasting
Speed 3; Morale +1; Consumption 5
Commander: Barundar,
Attached NPCs: Aron Kir
Attachec PCs: Barundar, Konny, Brighton
ACR 1
LG Small(50) army of Mongrelmen (Ranger 4)
hp 5
DV 12; OM +4 (+5)ranged vs demons +5 (+6)
Tactics Sniper Support, Hit and Run, Live off the Land
Resources: improved armor, improved weapons (mwk cold iron), ranged weapons (MWK longbows)
Special: Animal Companion, Combat Style(Ranged), Favored Enemy (Demon), Favored Terrain, Track
Speed 2; Morale +2; Consumption 3
Commander: Victrix
Attached NPCs: Nurah
Attached PCs: Victrix
ACR 1
CN Small(50) army of Kellids (Barbarian 4)
hp 5
DV 10; OM +8
Tactics:Relentless Brutality, Spellbreaker, Merciless
Resources: improved armor, improved weapons (mwk cold iron)
Special: Rage, Powerful Charge
Speed 4; Morale +3; Consumption 3
Commander: Belledonna
Attached NPCs: Sosiel, Anevia, Irabeth
Attached PCs: Belledonna
Mass combat takes place over the course of three battle phases: the Tactics Phase, the Ranged Phase, and the Melee Phase. A phase doesn't denote a specific passage of time, leaving the GM latitude to determine how long a mass combat takes to resolve. For example, a battle in a muddy field after a rain could take place over hours and involve several short breaks to remove the dead from the battlefield, but still counts as one battle for the purposes of these rules. If there is an extended break (such as stopping at nightfall to resume combat in the morning) or the battle conditions change significantly (such as the assassination of a commander, the arrival of another army, and so on), the GM should treat each period of combat between armies as one battle. The battle phases are as follows.
1. Tactics Phase: The GM decides what battlefield modifiers apply to the battle. The commanders each select a tactic their respective armies will use during the battle.
2. Ranged Phase: Any army with the ability to make ranged attacks may make one attack against an enemy army. This phase typically lasts for 1 round (one attack) as the two armies use ranged attacks while they advance to melee range, and then use melee attacks thereafter. The battlefield's shape and other conditions can extend this duration. If both armies have ranged attacks, they may choose to stay at range and never approach each other for melee (at least until they run out of ammunition, though the Consumption cost of maintaining an army generally means the army is capable of many shots before this happens). Armies without ranged capability can't attack during this phase, but may still rush forward.
3. Melee Phase: The armies finally clash with melee attacks. Each commander selects a strategy using the Strategy Track, then each army makes an attack against another army. Repeat the Melee phase until one army is defeated or routs, or some other event ends the battle.
In mass combat, the hundreds of individual attacks that take place in one battle phase overlap each other enough that who actually attacks first is irrelevant.
When armies attack, each army attempts an Offense check (1d20 + the attacking army's OM) and compares the result to the target army's DV.
If the Offense check is equal to or less than the target army's DV, the army deals no damage that phase.
If the Offense check is greater than defender's DV, the defending army takes damage equal to the result of the attacker's Offense check minus the defender's DV. For example, if the attacker's Offense check is 11 and the defender's DV is 7, the defending army takes 4 points of damage. Because these attacks are resolved simultaneously, it is possible that both armies may damage or even destroy each other in the same phase.
If the Offense check is a natural 20, but that check is lower than the enemy army's DV, the attacking army still deals 1 point of damage. If the Offense check is a natural 1, that army can't attempt an Offense Check in the next phase, due to some setback: a misheard order, getting stuck in mud, and so on.
On the first Melee phase, the commander selects a strategy from one of five options on the strategy track. Strategies adjust the army's DV, OM, and damage modifier.
Once each Melee phase after the first, the commander can alter the army's strategy. Adjusting the strategy 1 step up or down does is automatically successful and doesn't require a check. If the commander wants to adjust strategy more than 1 step, the army attempts a DC 20 Morale check. Success means the strategy changes to the desired level. Otherwise, the army's current strategy doesn't change.
The armies are in place the allied Crusaders have the following bonuses
Advantageous Terrain: Generally, if one army occupies a position of superiority (such as being atop a hill, wedged in a narrow canyon, or protected by a deep river along one flank), the defending army increases its DV by 2.
Ambush: In order to attempt to ambush an army, the entire ambushing army must have concealment. The ambusher attempts an Offense check against the target army's DV. If successful, the battle begins but the target army doesn't get to act during the Tactics phase. Otherwise, the battle proceeds normally.
Commanders, choose a tactic from your army's tactics to use during combat. Also, choose a strategy from the track located Here
Commanders once you have chosen a strategy and tactic roll an OM check with your modified roll....
So to make sure I understand, I need to roll an Offense check vs. the army's DV and, if successful, they don't get to act during the Tactics phase of the first mass combat round, correct?
Brighton looks at the camp table and shakes his head. I'm thinking that the Neatholm folk would best be used on a hit and run mission, drawing attention from the paladins of Kenabres coming to hammer them. The Sarkoris Resplendant group could serve as the anvil to the paladins' hammer if they are relentlessly brutal."
Correct Barundar.
Victrix nods. "Ready ta go--I'll 'ave the rangers provide snoipin' support while yeh engage 'em."
The tiefling armies are caught unaware!
Battle Round 1
Tactics Phase
Kellids choose Relentless Brutality and reckless strategy, they charge directly at the tieflings intent on destroying them +8OM +4 dam -4DV!
Rangers choose sniper support and standard strategy +2 dam
Knights choose expert flankers tactic and standard strategy +2om and dv
Ranged Phase
Kellids charge the Kellids charge completely destroys the first tiefling army!
Knights move up to engage the other army.
Rangers fire their bows! but fail to deal damage to the enemy!
Melee phase
Kellids have already meleed
Knights attack! destroying the tiefling army!
The battle was short but brutal, the allied Crusaders made short work of the few hundred tieflings encamped at Vilareth Ford. The Crusaders are now able to cross the ford and continue on their way to Drezen.
Anevia and Aron head out to scout the ford along with several dozen Rangers.
Irabeth, Sosiel and Nurah say they are going to see about any wounded.
Victrix can only cheer in the aftermath of the battle. The tieflings never knew what hit them!
She's too busy making sure the Rangers are alright to really notice anyone missing...
Brighton is too busy in the camp working on mending equipment to notice anything.
"Good idea, though we should not have many the wat the battle was fought." says Konny and continues cleaning his gear.
Her followers victory achieved, Belledonna walks with the healers to provide what moral support she is able, praising their valor, listening to their tales & admiring their scars.
Barundar gives a victorious cry when the army of tieflings is routed, raising his golden warhammer high above his head, hoping that all the nearest paladins will be able to see the lifted symbol of their victory.
He walks through the paladins then, making sure to encourage and offer uplifting words to any who were injured in the fight, praising their bravery in the battle and speaking often of the honor that was brought to Torag, Iomedae, and the other valorous gods they collectively revere.
Aron and Anevia return and report that the Ford is safe to be crossed. Aron suggests that the army should scavenge supplies from the tieflings. As Drezen is still days away and the army only carried so much with them.
Irabeth returns with Sosiel and reports that a small contingent of the former Crusader army that guarded this ford remains alive. The tieflings were giving them to some beast that lives further down the valley.
Seargent Kamilo Dann approaches the party and bows. Thank you for the rescue, we thought the end was near. I'll tell you what we know about the enemy here. There is a larger force camped a few days north of the ford at a place called Keeper's Canyon. I've never been there, but my men overheard the tieflings flapping their gums. It is led by a creature named Exorius. The beast that led these armies,which you so aptly destroyed, was named Umestil, a brimorak demon. Didn't see its corpse among the others so it must've got away. I can lead my few men south to let the Queen know that the Ford has fallen, she can send reinforcements.
Though attentive to the Sergent's words, most of them mean little to Belledonna, so she defers to Irabeth & the others.
Victrix scratches her head. "Brimorak? What's that?"
The sergeant replies to Victrix Foul thing, hooves burn and smoke and it uses fire as a weapon. This one was especially foul, seemed more powerful than the norm. Kamilo gives a bow and With your leave. and turns to gather her few dozen men and return to Kenebres.
Irabeth says We should camp here this night, and cross the ford in the morning. Then we continue to...Keeper's Canyon.
Aron returns from his foray a few hours later and says Should really take those tieflings gear, would help us rebuild Drezen. Also, they had some food and we are gonna need that.
Nurah makes an appearance and says Everyone seems in high spirits, vanquishing an evil army will do that though I suppose.
Hrrm. I'm guessing this is the first time I've noted that Nurah concealing something? For now, I will simply pay more attention to her.
"Should they not be in high spirits?" Belledonna replies, puzzled. "As most are now aware, that magic barrier which has kept the rest of you 'safe' from those fiend's attacks has now fallen. Any victory is worthy of celebration in such circumstances, is it not?"
Turning to Aron, she adds, "Yes, whatever we can make use of...
Be certain we can make use of it though. Tieflings...
aren't as...
picky, about some things as Mendevs are." She explains.
Lann overhears Belledonna and chuckles Yes Mistress. We might want to make use of items once owened by tieflings. But they seem to turn their nose up at such things. Lann nods towards a knot of Mendevian paladins.
Barundar listens to the conversations intently, nodding at Aron's suggestion of using the tieflings' gear to help rebuild Drezen.
"Aye...i kin understand th' Mendevians hesitance tae uise demon-tainted gear, but...what is th' human expression? Beggars cannae be choosers, mibbie? Anyway...what ah mean is, richt noo tis mair important tae git th' toon re-established 'n' fortified afore th' enemy kin mount a counter-offense. A' body wantae hulp me blether tae th' paladins aboot it?"
Victrix nods. "I suppose I can ask 'em... an' I can se where they're comin' from regardin' lootin' their stuff." She shrugs. "After all, there's no guarantee there's anythin' we can use 'ere."
----------
Victrix gathers the Mendevian knights and the rest of the armies.
"Roight, we've done a great job clearin' out the cultists 'ere. We should be able ta get ta Drezen in a few more days, assumin' everythin' goes fine." She folds her arms behind her back.
"'Owever, I'm bettin' somethin' 'll come up that impedes our progress, an' will end up taxin' our supplies. Ta prevent that, I'm in favour o' takin' what supplies the cultists 'ad that we can use." She nods. "Believe me when I say that I understand yehr reluctance ta do so--were we under better circumstances, I wouldn't 'ave brought it up. But in order ta ensure the success o' our mission, I think it's for the best that we take what we can use 'ere, in case we're delayed."
The stoic looking Mendevians nod at Victrix's soldier-like efficiency with approval. They begin stripping the tieflings of usable gear and supplies.
The army rests the night. The next day the army crosses Vilareth Ford and begins its way north to Keeper's Canyon.
The night after the fourth day the party is awoken with cries of "To Arms to Arms!" and "The Enemy is Among us!
The party gathers their armor and weapons and ventures forth into chaos!
The party leaves their tent and sees several Brimorak demons rampaging and heading for the center of the encampment. One of them shimmers with power and commands the other three to attack!
Combat Round 1
Ustaril Exorius will reward me for your deaths! and casts a ball of fire from her fingers towards the party!
Konny
Brighton
Barundar
Victrix
Ustaril
Brimorak
Belledonna
Cackling madly as the flames fail to do more than singe her, Belledonna snarls a reply. "អវីដេលកខវក់ឆ្កួត! រង្វាន់តែមួយគត់ដែលអ្នកនឹងរកឃើញនឹងមានការស្លាប់របស់អ្នក!"
Suffice to say, Victrix doesn't see anything different about their leader. They're all demons. They'll die all the same.
Victrix raises her sword and charges at the demon directly south of the leader!
"MAHARA SARKORIS!"
Round 1
"You might wish, you ugly son of a... whatever." Konny shouts and charges one of the creatures.
"Hmm, let's dance a bit more." Konny decides to surprise his opponent with another swift attack
Round 1
Ustaril hurls a fireball at the party!
Konny charges dealing 42 total damage with his mythic enhanced abilities!
Brighton
Barundar
Victrix* actions posted above
Ustaril
Brimorak
Belledonna
Roaring with fury at the demons cowardly attack, Barundar lifts Radiance high into the air and dashes forward, charging straight at the demon directly in front of him!
Round 1
Ustaril hurls a fireball at the party!
Konny charges dealing 42 total damage with his mythic enhanced abilities!
Brighton moves forward and casts a spell the enemies are not effected, but all allies have +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks from the Prayer Spell
Barundar charges but misses!
Victrix charges dealing 14
Ustaril moves and coughs out a line of firey breath! Victrix dodges the worst of the fire and takes only 7 damage.
Brimorak
1 attacks Barundar Barundar is hit twice for
2 attacks Konny getting hit once for
3 attacks Victrix hitting Victrix savagely for and and and 20 total damage.
Belledonna
Eyes narrowed, Belledonna calls out a previously unheard incantation. With her final syllables, a pulse of arcane power swells, rippling out from her.
Round 1
Ustaril hurls a fireball at the party!
Konny charges dealing 42 total damage with his mythic enhanced abilities!
Brighton casts Prayer but fails to beat the SR of the demons, allies +1 to everything though!
Barundar charges, misses.
Victrix charges, hits for 14.
Ustaril breathes fire, hits Vic for 7
Brimoraks go full attack on Vic 20/Barundar 32 and Konny 12.
Belledonna casts anti summon shield, making it harder to summon allies.
Active Spells:Prayer +1 to everything for 5 rounds
Round 2
Ustaril casts a spell and flames appear in her demonic hands! Spellcraft DC 16 to identify.
Konny
Brighton
Barundar
Victrix
Ustaril
Brimorak
Belledonna
Konny swings Biggie at the demon
but his aim is somehow flawed
"You will not get away you filthspawn!"
Konny swiftly strikes the demon again, surprising even himself with his new powers.
That did it.
After being savaged by the demon before her, something awakens in Victrix. Its power reaches out... targeting Barundar, for some reason. "Barundar! Smash it!" She calls out, her power surging into his weapon!
That's all that she does before her rage takes over. With a feral scream, she wildly swings her greatsword at the brimorak, feeling another surge of power guiding her blade!
Active Spells:Prayer +1 to everything for 5 rounds
Round 2
Ustaril casts a spell and flames appear in her demonic hands! Spellcraft DC 16 to identify. Belledonna identifies the spell as Produce Flame
Konny misses with his first swing, but then smashes the demon down with his second one!
Brighton backs up and heals his allies for 7!
Barundar attacks his Demon but misses.
Victrix smacks her demon for 18! and gives Barundar another attack! but he misses again.
Ustaril hurls a bolt of fire at Brighton! striking the Cleric for
Brimorak
1 attacks Barundar missing the heavily armored dwarf completely!
2 attacks Victrix hitting the savage barbarian for Vic takes 13 total damage.
Belledonna
Round 3
Konny moves to flank the demon fighting Victrix and attacks
Belledonna casts Enlarge Person on Victrix, transforming the warrioress into a large sized demonslayer!
Active Spells:Prayer +1 to everything for 4 rounds, Enlarge Person on Vic 5 mins
Round 3
Ustaril hurls another bolt of fire at Brighton striking the dwarf for fire damage.
Konny rolls around to hit the brimorak, killing it!
Brighton
Barundar
Victrix
Ustaril
Brimorak
Belledonna
Victrix grins as the brimorak she's fighting falls to Konny's hammer.
It's only when Belle's magic makes her grow bigger that she lets out a blood-crazed laugh of glee.
She steps forward to meet the leader's attack and brings her newly enlarged sword down on its head...
Brighton closes his eyes and intones to Torag again for healing.
Round 3
Ustaril hurls another bolt of fire at Brighton striking the dwarf for 10 fire damage.
Konny rolls around to hit the brimorak, killing it!
Brighton heals everyone for 9, except Victrix who is extra healed!
Barundar attacks the Brimorak in front of him but misses.
Victrix steps closer to Ustaril and swings, missing the Mythic Brimorak!
Ustaril steps close to Vic and attacks with her longsword and hooves! Vic is hit twice for Vic is hit for a total of 18 damage.
Brimorak attacks Barundar Barundar is hit for
Belledonna casts Protection from Evil on Vic
Active Spells:Prayer +1 to everything for 3 rounds, Enlarge Person on Vic 5 mins, PfE on Vic for 5 mins
Round 4
Ustaril attacks Victrix again hitting Vic for
Konny
Brighton
Barundar
Victrix
Ustaril
Brimorak
Belledonna
When Belle's protective magics are woven around her, Victrix takes a step back and roars in rage. Some of her injuries close before the demon's eyes!