Feigr Roarrgun |
Feigr listens as Love explains his thinking, "I suspect we're going to have to deal with the gnolls before Stonebrow arrives. But, I don't mind putting it off a little longer. Like you've said, perhaps more information or an ally is available."
Khepri of the Dawn |
So that's Love and Feigr in favor of backtracking where the giant came from and seeing what remains in his home.
One more in favor and I'll consider it quorum...
Count me in
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
DM, how much time has passed since the last missive to the caravan? Seems like this would be a good time for an update if possible.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Missive to Stonebrow can be done in retrospect
Enlisting the aid of Nabo's olfactory senses once more the party sets out to follow the trail of the Giant's coming - leaving Tar-Urkatha to slowly shrink to their backs. It is hard going for the little jackalwere as the trail is old and there are many competing scents; but he manages to keep on it's path.
After a good few hours travel Nabo suddenly stops and rears back on his haunches growling faintly. You are just in front of a slight rise and turn in the path. He says quietly "I smell dog-head men near-close..." gesturing with his snout around the corner ahead of you...
Cynara |
Cynara quietly readies her weapons and makes sure her CLW wand is easily accessible. Leaning down towards Love, she whispers, "Well, then. Would you care to take a look ahead before we go rushing in?"
Padrym Steelribs |
Female voice: No, no! You're going the wrong way! We're right there, we can cut our way through them!
No. That's been tried and failed. We will go about this methodically. You're an axe and I'm a dwarf, we have a long time to do this right.
Padrym follows with the others, preparing for combat.
Ready to cast Shield when violence ensues.
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Dolgrym casts Mage Armor on himself, improving his defenses for three hours. After that he silently stands behind the group, letting the trackers do their thing, creating no distractions for them.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
I'll assume Love stalks to the corner for now.
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Perception: 1d20 + 5 - 15 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 15 = 9 - safe
Perception (inc. Canny): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 4 = 30
Love moves forward to take a look around the corner and sees that there is indeed gnolls ahead. Roughly 150ft away over clear ground there is a small camp of roughly four or five tents and he can see gnoll and hyena both. The lay of the land means that there is only one way to come upon them, and there is no real way to avoid conflict if you aim to keep going this way.
You count ten gnoll and four hyena there, you also note that one of the gnoll is armored better and there appears to be a priestess among them. Judging by what you can see of their armament and supplies you gauge that they are likely a hunting party. Checking the ground near to you yields no tracks, so you guess that they come from further up the path.
If Love is after any other details, I can fill them in
Feigr Roarrgun |
Feigr listens to Love report on the gnoll encampment. "Well, roughly two of them to each of us. I don't like the idea of getting pinched between them and the forces at the gates. We should be able to take this group if none are hidden in the tents. I should think we should plan on how to eliminate the priestess. I don't have any magic to incapacitate her. Anyone else?"
Cynara |
"I have a suggestion. Start by attacking one or two of the hyenas at range and shouting. Once wounded, they'll be less easily controlled, and more likely to simply charge in our direction; we can deal with them while the gnolls are still closing. Dolgrym can use his toppling attack to knock down the priestess, so even if she survives she can't support the gnolls as effectively. When they close, Khepri, you focus on the leader, Feigr and Padrym work on the rest, and I'll work on keeping everyone healthy. If they try to return ranged attacks, we retreat out of their line of sight."
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
'I don't like this we are badly outnumbered and they have magical support. But I dont see much of a choice." Love draws and readies his crossbow. "Old Grey Gary had two peices of advice on fighting. First, don't it is only wasted overhead and second, kill the casters first.
We need to remove the godbotherer. I don't think I need to tell you what kind of havoc they can bring down if you give them the time. That said we have some good casters here and the gift of some time. Do you all have any magic that can guide or bolster us? We'll need every edge we can get for this barny."
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
"You've seen about all I have as far as my ranged bolts. I do have one other spell to make one of us much stronger for a few moments. While I am sniping, one of you who will be closing initially could use it more effectively, I think."
I can Bull's strength someone who is closign to fight.
Khepri of the Dawn |
"I have some training with the bow, though not as much as with my scimitar. I can join in attacking from ranged if desired and switch back to the scimitar once they get closer."
To Dolgrym,"Any aid in battle is appreciated"
Feigr Roarrgun |
"So, it sounds like we start with myself and Cynara providing magical guidance to Love, Khepri, and Padrym. The three of them shoot the hyenas. Dolgrym starts immediately on the priestess to see if he can keep her off her feet. As they close, we concentrate on the faster hyenas first, then the gnolls. As soon as we can get a clear shot at the priestess, we concentrate all efforts on her, especially Khepri. Any adjustments?" While waiting for an answer, Feigr grabs his skin of whiskey and takes a drink, preparing for battle.
Cynara |
"I fear that they'll be atop us before you could get a third shot off. And Love's right--killing the priestess would be better than simply knocking her down. So I'd say one of you shoots one hyena, the other two shoot the priestess, and then Dolgrym knocks her over. If they charge, by the time you take your second shot you should have some closer targets; take your shots at them while Dolgrym tries to take the priestess completely out of the fight. There's another thing that the last couple of fights showed: we can't split up. Even though spells can make us suffer when we're in a tight clump, none of us should be in a position to be surrounded and cut off."
Cynara casts bless on the party to start with, followed by guidance on Padrym.
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Dolgrym casts Bull's Strength on Khepri just before the action begins.
Khepri of the Dawn |
Dolgrym casts Bull's Strength on Khepri just before the action begins.
Khepri will take an inital shot with his bow with the others, then switch to sword/shield and stand in front of them
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
You'll have three minutes of it, Khepri, so that'll be plenty of time to fire off a couple shots, too.
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
Prep break down.
Round one: Cynara casts bless on party 30rds
: Fegir casts guidence on Love. If I can speak for you Fegir.
Round 2: 29rds bless. 9rds love guidence.
Cynara casts guidence on Padrym
Fegir casts guidence on Khepri
Round 3: 28rds bless. 8rds love guide. 9rds Padrym/Khepri guide
Cynara casts Magic Weapon on the xbow
Dolgrym casts Bull's Strength on Khepri
Shooting/suprise round effects.
Party: Bless 27rounds remain
Love: Guidence 7rounds remain, Magic weapon 29rounds remain.
Padrym: Guidence 8rounds remain
Khepri: Guidence 8 rounds remain, Bull's Strength 29 rounds remain.
If this is right, time to start with the killing.
Feigr Roarrgun |
I agree
Feigr stands by Love and begins, "Dwarves of old, bring us your skill at arms. Help this man fire his crossbow at our enemies, the gnolls."
Casts guidance on Love
Satisfied that the spell has taken effect, Feigr moves over to Khepri and repeats the call to his ancestors.
Padrym Steelribs |
Vision is returning, will make a full post tomorrow. As part of my preparation I will cast Shield on myself.
Padrym readies his short bow for two volleys before switching back to Magatha.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
The party gathers to prepare themselves for the assault upon the encamped gnolls. Nabo is left to ensure the camels do not get spooked and take flight once the combat is joined. After the combined weight of divine and arcane fortification has been applied, you surge into the line of sight as one to open proceedings.
The gnoll camp is clearly not expecting conflict, as they have remained mostly at rest with no sentries or watch posted. They mill around a campfire, weapons at their sides - but not drawn. The well armored gnoll is one of the closest towards you, crouched on his haunches eating something. The priestess is out of sight at present, lost within the milling group of gnolls. The four hyena lie to one side resting on their bellies.
Khepri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Padrym: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Dolgrym: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Lowfield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Cynara: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Gnolls + Hyena: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Priestess + Leader: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Initiative Tracker (Surprise): Feigr, Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Padrym, Dolgrym
Surprise round is all yours (remember standard action only) - you have a clear LoS bead to gnolls and the leader - who are standing; or the hyenas - which are currently prone. You cannot pick out the priestess in the surprise round at this range, so cannot directly target her.
Each of you start roughly 150ft minimum from the lead gnolls, unless you would like to be further away (I'm assuming Cynara at least would stand back from the front line).
Once you've taken your Surprise round freebies, I'll insert the opponents into the initiative order in their place and roll onto Round 1.
Padrym Steelribs |
Round Surprise
HP = 30
AC = 16/12/15 (20/12/19 w/ Shield)
Speed = 20'
Weapon Equipped = Composite Short Bow (+2 Str)
Arrows = 20/20
Arcane Pool = 3/3
Magus Spells Known (CL 3, 5 melee touch, 3 ranged touch):
1 (4/day) Shocking Grasp (x2), Shield (DC 13), True Strike (DC 13)
0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation (DC 12), Light
Status Effects = Bless, Guidance, Shield
Padrym draws and aims at the leader from the front row.
Composite Short Bow Bless Guidance 3rd Range Increment (-4)
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Feigr Roarrgun |
Surprise Round
Recognizing that preparations have caused his earlier protective spell to lapse and not needing to renew guidance on any of his allies, Feigr calls again on his ancestors to offer protection in the coming battle.
Casts shield of faith
AC 22, touch 12, flat-footed 22. . (+7 armor, +3 shield, +2 deflection)
hp 24/24 (+3 temporary)
Spd 20 ft.
Masterwork Waraxe, Dwarven +6+1 (1d10+3/20/x3)
1st level spells 4/6 remain
Status Effects Bless, Shield of faith
Khepri of the Dawn |
Front Gnoll
[ooc]Ranged Attack with Comp. Longbow[ooc] 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
[ooc]Damage[ooc] 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
HP 28/28
AC 20
Effects bless
Lay on Hands 4/day Used - [0]
Smite Evil (1/day) Used - [0]
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Since his original target has yet to present herself, Dolgrym doesn't want to waste the element of surprise and fires instead at the heavily armored gnoll.
Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6
Topple check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Ac 14 HP 26/26
Cynara |
Round Surprise:
Status:
HP: 21/21 AC: 18 Conditions: blessed, protection vs. evil
Expendables used:
L1 spells: 3/6 Channel energy: 0/6
Cynara invokes divine power to protect herself. Casts protection from evil on herself, since no one's guidances have been expended yet.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Love's surprise round still to come. Please toss it in with your Round 1 action.
Both Padrym and Khepri's missiles fail to find their target, though Dolgrym's magically guided bolts of force have greater success. Slamming into the startled armored gnoll they rock him back on his heels though do not force him to the ground.
Eyes squinting to the distance he barks a few words and the gnoll and hyena are surprisingly quick to respond. The gnolls start to eat up the ground between the parties, while the hyena find their feet and follow upon the right flank. The gnoll draw javelins as they move, and as the gnolls rush forward you can pick out the priestess within the camp.
Initiative Tracker (Round 1): Gnolls + Hyena, Feigr, Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Priestess + Leader, Padrym, Dolgrym
Damage Tracker:
Gnoll Leader - 6
Gnolls are ~90ft from the front line, and hyena are ~100ft. Leader and priestess are both now visible, though with soft cover from the gnolls.
Map will come in Round 2 when the distances are not so great.
Khepri of the Dawn |
Khepri fires once more with the bow then begins to get in front of the rest while strapping on his shield.
Standard action will fire an arrow at a lead gnoll, then drop the bow as a free action, then strap my shield on as a move, and finally take a 5' step in front of the others.
Ranged Attack with Comp. Longbow 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
HP 28/28
AC 22
Effects bless
Lay on Hands 4/day Used - [0]
Smite Evil (1/day) Used - [0]
Padrym Steelribs |
Round 1
HP = 30
AC = 16/12/15 (20/12/19 w/ Shield)
Speed = 20'
Weapon Equipped = Composite Short Bow (+2 Str)
Arrows = 20/20
Arcane Pool = 3/3
Magus Spells Known (CL 3, 5 melee touch, 3 ranged touch):
1 (4/day) Shocking Grasp (x2), Shield (DC 13), True Strike (DC 13)
0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation (DC 12), Light
Status Effects = Bless, Guidance, Shield
Padrym fires again before dropping his bow and drawing Magatha.
Assuming they close another 60 feet on my turn it'll be no range penalty, otherwise another -2 to this roll. Firing at the leader, I assume he's in the group with the rest.
Composite Short Bow Bless Guidance
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Khepri's bowshot flies wide again as he steps forward presenting as a target. Feigr lends the guidance of the ancestors to Padrym once more as he strains his bow taking aim...
Initiative Tracker (Round 1): Gnolls + Hyena, Feigr, Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Priestess + Leader, Padrym, Dolgrym
Will give Love till morning my time (Superbowl weekend and all :P) before updating.
Cynara |
Round 1:
Status:
HP: 21/21 AC: 17 Conditions: blessed (26 rounds left), protection vs. evil (29 rounds left)
Expendables used:
L1 spells: 4/6 Channel energy: 0/6
Cynara can hear the approaching gnolls and the eerie yelps of the charging hyenas. Too close! No time for more guidances.... Spear in hand, she steps up behind Khepri and invokes divine protection on him. "Powers of Life and Light, shield this warrior!" Casts protection from evil on Khepri.
Ernst "Love" Lowfield |
And late again! GRRRRR!
Suprise round.
Love takes aim at the armored gnoll.
Attack with light crossbow, 1 range increment, guidence, magic weapon, bless: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 17. Damage light crossbow, magic weapon: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7.
Round 1
Love reloads (move action) and fires again(standard). This time targeting the priestess.
Attack with light crossbow, magic weapon, bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 8. Damage light crossbow, magic weapon: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7.
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Dolgrym fires his last missle at the priestess.
Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8
Topple check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Love's first bolt strikes true and deals the armored gnoll a solid wound, though his second does not have the same accuracy.
Cynara girds Khepri against the coming foes, while Padrym's second shot is more accurate - striking the armored gnoll who seems to step less solidly and waver as he stands.
The armored gnoll barks at the gnolls and hyena before him, exhorting them to greater speed as he pads forward himself. The priestess runs behind the pack, keeping them as a screen between herself and her foes.
Twin bolts of force arc out from Dolgrym once more - striking the Priestess but unable to force her from her feet.
Some of the gnolls heed the words of their leader and charge headlong towards the party - eating the ground with long bestial strides. The other gnolls continue to jog forward more warily. The hyena loop around to the right, looking to attack the party from the flank.
Initiative Tracker (Round 2): Gnolls + Hyena, Feigr, Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Priestess + Leader, Padrym, Dolgrym
Damage Tracker:
Gnoll Leader - 20
Priestess - 8
Four gnolls ran this round to close into melee. Two are attacking Khepri, while a single gnoll is on Padrym and a single gnoll on Feigr. The other six gnoll lag behind at ~30ft away.
The priestess and leader are both still ~100ft away at the top of round 2.
The four hyena are wide on your flank by about twenty feet and just behind the front line of scrimmage.
Map to come later tonight.
DM - Voice of the Voiceless |
Map for Top of Round 2 - after Gnolls and Hyena
The leader and priestess are still off map here - if the back row wants to shuffle a little, just include with your next post.
Padrym Steelribs |
Round 2
HP = 30
AC = 16/12/15 (20/12/19 w/ Shield)
Speed = 20'
Weapon Equipped = Magatha
Arrows = 20/20
Arcane Pool = 3/3
Magus Spells Known (CL 3, 5 melee touch, 3 ranged touch):
1 (4/day) Shocking Grasp (x2), True Strike (DC 13)
0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation (DC 12), Light
Status Effects = Bless, Shield
Female voice: More gnoll blood. I'm so tired of gnoll blood.
Padrym swings with a two handed grip on Magatha at the gnoll in front of him.
Magatha Two-Handed Power Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Cynara |
Round 2:
Status:
HP: 21/21 AC: 18 Conditions: blessed (25 rounds left), protection vs. evil (28 rounds left)
Expendables used:
L1 spells: 4/6 Channel energy: 0/6
Cynara squints at the gnolls that have suddenly appeared in her restricted field of view and comes to a decision. She steps forward 5' so she's just behind Khepri and feints with her spear at the gnoll directly in front of the paladin, trying to force him to dodge into Khepri's stronger blow.
Attack to Aid Another for +2 on Khepri's attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
But not today....
Dolgrym Sharpaxe |
Dolgrym casts his last prepatory spell, and more than one of the mage suddenly appear near him. Which is the real one? Whichever is real, they all pull their battle axe, and prepare to attaack the onrushing gnolls.
Cast Mirror Image.
Number of duplicates 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
AC 14
HP 26/26