Motteditor's Ironwall Gap Must Hold PBP (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

A dry wind blows through the scrub covering the dusty hills of northern Cor Rheale, which stretch for miles in all directions, the horizon broken only by massive mountains rising to the north.

Returning from your exploration of a ancient ruin, you're looking forward to your return to the capital city of the isolated kingdom, where a hot bath and hot food await.

As the miles seem to pass quickly, you suddenly notice a trail of dust rising over the hills ahead, clearly something moving quickly in your direction.

Corvus glances at Graah! to check he's seen it too and then stands as tall as she can - looking to see what the commotion is.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Are we on horseback or walking?

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 how wide is the dust trail? Trying to determine if it would suggest one or two fast-moving targets or more of a stampeding herd of buffalo.

If you have horses, you can be on them.

You can't make out what's causing the trail of dust, but you do notice four winged, antlered shapes in the sky, occasionally diving toward it.

didn't buy a horse, and not trained in Arcana. I'll wait for some others to chime in here.

Sorry, missed your first post, Galvrin. It's more of one or two fast-moving targets.

It appears to be only a couple minutes away and closing quickly.

No arcana either...

Dyalg shades his eyes, looking at the winged creatures. "My spyglass would be very useful right now," he says. "Hopefully the two wands I traded for it with that ranger will be more useful."

He glances at Marmoth. "Do you recognize them?"

My cohort has arcana.

OK. He can roll; of course, I'm not sure how he's going to give you the information. : )

Marmoth stands in his saddle and looks at the flying creatures and the cloud of dust.

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Marmoth would like to know any vulnerabilities the perytons may have

The cleric clears his throat, and Dyalg says, ”You know what they are right?”

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Walking along lazily a bit behind the others, the scaly skinned little monster glances up and the dust cloud and the distant creatures circling over it in the distance. Like he isn't sure whether he should care or not he takes a glance up above the party, shielding his eyes from the sun with a hand, looking for a shadow or presence he seems to know will be there.

Seemingly spotting what he was looking for, he raises one hand in the air and the other to his wide, snaggle-toothed mouth, and then letting out a short shrill whistle. A second later a shrill cry sounds back in response. A rush of something dark and massive sweeps down over the road. Whether it ever touches the ground is uncertain, but seems unlikely. In a moment, the tiny critter in the rear of the party is gone, and a shadow sweeps up and ahead and above the group.

Ride - Quick Mount: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

From his vantage on his massive companion, Graah! swings his mount up to an altitude well above the stag-wolf-bird things, and moves above the scene of the battle. He shrugs his bow into his hand and loosens an arrow as he does so.

Knowledge (arcana) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26. Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6.

"Describe what you are seeing," Illa demands, squinting as she tries to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun and see what is transpiring. "We might as well know whether we need to assist your... friend... or just leave him to it."

Seeing Graah! take such decisive action, Corvus immediately readies an arrow in her bow, waiting for something threatening to come into range.

"Graah! Give me a clue buddy, what are we facing?" Corvus has to raise her voice as her friend swoops into action, but her tone is friendly - as it always is with Graah!

Dyalg readies an arrow, indicating to Marmoth he should do the same. He sits in the saddle relaxed and curious what the flying creatures are chasing.

Galvrin moves towards the nearest cover, seeking to hide.

There's little good place to hide -- nowhere for the horses -- though you could hunker down in the scrub vegetation covering the hills.

Also, they're about 1200 feet away. Let's say it'll take you a couple rounds to get the roc and get back up in the sky but want to see what everyone else is doing...

"Perytons," Illa says. "Vicious brutes. Probably tormenting something - or someone - inside that dust cloud."

The Elf looks to the others. "How about it? It'd be a bit of sport, and we might do some good."

Illa... grins.

Corvus' natural thought process in this position is not to hide - but to get closer to the action. With Graah! blazing ahead, her choices are limited anyway.

Corvus looks around at the others before quickly setting off in the direction Graah! went - but not so fast that she has to stow her bow.

Corvus would know that Graah!'s inclination is just to scout out the situation from the air, and learn a bit more about what is going on up there. He will generally come back and report as opposed to just attacking, unless he sees something that needs immediate intervention.

Just making sure I've got everything straight: Galvin's planning to hide -- please give me a Stealth check. Corvus is moving toward the perytons; I assume Illa is as well. Dyalg and Marmoth are readying arrows. Graah's getting on his roc and scouting out the situation.

As Corvus and Illa reach the top of the hill ahead of them and Graah heads into the sky, they can see what's causing the dust trail: A single rider on a lathered horse.

At the same time, the perytons spot them and three of them start winging toward you to attack!

Please see discussion thread for some comments about how I run combat. They're about 1,000 feet away from Corvus, Illa and Graah; 1,100 from the rest. They're closing 100 feet each round.

stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

”That rider and horse are in trouble,” Dyalg says, ”It might be too late if we don’t ride to his aid.” He kicks his heels into his horse. ”Cha! Cho!” he signals for the horse to trot and then to run.

He’ll ride towards the perytons.

Illa starts to laugh; a mad, battle-happy sound.
The Elf points her hand at the approaching perytons and chants Words of Power: "Sphaera ignis expandens, e manu meu evoles!"

A tiny bead of flame shoots from Illa's hand, streaks over to the three perytons -- and expands into a roaring sphere of flame.

"It is good to have magic!" Illa shouts, laughing, as she leaps off of her horse and prepares to cast more magic.

Illa casts Fireball. The perytons should be well within range. ^^ Reflex save, DC17, to halve 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 6, 2) + 3 = 22 fire damage.

As soon as Corvus sees the target of the peryton's attack, she steadies herself, focuses on her breathing and lets loose her first arrow.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 181d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

As she readies for the upcoming attack from the winged creatures, she wonders if she's heard of these perytons. Specifically any weaknesses, typical mode of attack - anything that might give her an edge in battle.

Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Corvus, it's a Know (arcana) check, not dungeoneering. Illa, you can know three things about the perytons: special attacks, special defenses, special weaknesses, DR, resistances, etc. etc.

As the nearest perytons close to about 600 feet away, Illa casts and a ball of fire explodes in their midst, though they scatter and avoid the worst of the fiery blast.

The remaining one swoops down toward the rider, who manages to swerve his horse out of the way at the last moment.

OK, let's go formal initiative order now, so I'd like each of you to post your actions. Again, they're 600 feet away, so you may well just be waiting for them. If you want to just wait until they're X feet away, that's fine, just let me know and I'll only adjudicate those who are acting yet. Corvus, I haven't done your arrow yet, as they're still well out of range.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13.

"No, you don't, Sunny Jim!" Illa snaps, and she directs her magic at the peryton still attacking the rider. "Sagittae magicae, omne errore vacuae, e manu meu evolent!" Three darts of force fly screaming across the battlefield and impact the peryton.

Magic Missile on the peryton still focussing on the rider for 3d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) + 2 = 6.

Seeing that the others are beating feet to get over to the fight, Galvrin leaves his hiding spot and heads in that direction. double move towards combat, drawing his bow as he makes a move if he hasnt drawn it already

Dyalg swears as the reflexes of the perytons keep them from taking much damage from Illa’s fireball. He peeks under his arm to see how the group is arranged behind him then looks up in the sky for Graah!

When the peytons are about 100 feet away (so 2 range increments for a −2 to the usual attack modifiers I believe), Dyalg slows the horse to a steady canter (or whatever a double move is considered; a −4 to attack from a mount’s double move, right?) and fires an arrow at a peryton.

The attack once they are in range...

Comp. Short Bow attack: 1d20 + 6 - 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 6 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Not knowing how fast the perytons can move, Corvus continues to close ground between herself - readying her bow for when she can let the first arrow fly.

She also keeps a watchful eye on Graah! as he's most likely most at risk. 'Take care buddy,' she muses as she moves forward.

The two sides seem to race toward each other, the distance disappearing in a matter of seconds. Skipping a few rounds to let you all close the distance.

As three of the perytons wing closer, Corvus and Dyalg continue to help close the gap between them, their first arrows flying wide, while Galvrin leaves his hiding spot and rushes to join his companions.

Illa casts a second spell, darts of force flying unerringly toward the trailing peryton, which continues to try to harass the rider, who continues to just steer his mount out of the way.

Graah, circling above his companions, peppers one of the creatures with a couple arrows, drawing screams of outrage.

Three continue rushing forward toward you They're now 80 feet from everyone but Galvin, who's 200 feet away. They're also about 200 feet up. Graah, please let me know how high you are.

The fourth peryton dives again toward the rider who's also about 80 feet from you and you can see the horse buck as its antlers gore it, though the steed's able to keep its feet and continues to run.

"Get off of him, you great filthy brute!" Illa roars, and she unleashes another trio of force missiles on the peryton bedeviling the rider. "Sagittae magicae, omne errore vacuae, e manu meu evolent!"

My last Magic Missile for 3d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1, 2) + 2 = 9 unerring force damage. Continuing to close the distance.

Galvrin continues to close the gap in a tactical manner, searching for a place to hide, and drawing an arrow.

Graah! will be at about 350 ft in order to be far enough up that if one turns towards him it will will not be able to climb that high within a single round.

Graah!'s knees tell his mount how to fly, keeping the distance between him and wolf-deer-birds. As he moves, he rotates in his saddle to get a better view of the monsters and this time unleashes a longer barrage of arrows.

MS/RS/DA/-2 Range: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 271d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 101d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
MS/RS/DA/-2 Range: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 291d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Confirm Crit on 19: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 2 = 202d6 + 14 ⇒ (1, 3) + 14 = 18
MS/RS/DA/-2 Range: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 2 = 91d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Damage on AC over 20 is 29, over 27 would be 20. If the AC is 20 or lower, damage is 47.

Dyalg fires his bow again while urging his mount on with his heels.

Short bow attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 4 = 4 damage if hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

A horse’s double move should get him to the mysterious rider in this round, right? haha what a terrible shot.

He shakes his head in disgust as his shot goes wide. As he approaches the prize of the perytons’ pursuit, he slows his horse by pulling on the reins. ”Get on!” he bellows at the ride, as he prepares to dismount.

His horse is still up and moving ...

Ah, the detail of the horse still running wasn’t as sticky in my brain as the goring was when I was writing my post. LOL

Dyalg blinks and looks again at the rider’s horse. It wasn’t as injured as he first thought. ”We’re here to help. Ride on!”

Corvus continues to ride forward, loosing an arrow at the lead peryton, though a jolt from her mount as it crests a hill throws off her aim badly.

Dyalg's shot also goes wide as he spurs his mount forward, catching up with the rider who gives him a glance of relief at his words -- "Thank the gods!" he calls back.

Galvrin runs forward, trailing behind the faster horses. With little but scrub vegetation, there are few places to hide, though falling prone could protect him from the eyes above.

Graah, at the same height as the attacking beasts, has more luck -- his shafts bury deep in the closest peryton and sends it plummeting into the ground, where it leaves a small furrow in the rocky soil, testament to the force of its collision.

Illa's spell slams into the final peryton, knocking it off its mark a moment, but not enough to stop it from goring the strange rider's horse again, causing it to fall, and tossing its rider who barely lands on his feet as his momentum comes to a sudden halt. He quickly pulls his bow and looses a shot that flies wide as the peryton swoops up again after its attack, climbing 20 feet into the air.

The other two perytons remain in the sky, one of them winging over Corvus, its shadow changing to match that of the human woman's. The other goes after Graah's roc, but its feathers easily turn the smaller creature's horns.

Illa calmly unslings her composite longbow, puts an arrow to the string, and takes aim at the peryton she had hit with both of her Magic Missiles.

I think that's my actions for this round. If it isn't, and if the peryton is within range, Illa shoots at it: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 damage.

Graah! keeps pulling arrows from his quiver, fitting two arrows to the string for his first attack, and then following it up with another two rapid shots. He fires into the attacking Perytons, aiming first at the one that flew up to attack Tasty Chicken.

MS/RS/DA: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 292d6 + 14 ⇒ (5, 6) + 14 = 25
RS/DA: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 291d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
RS/DA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

AC lower than 29 results in 38 damage, while 18 or lower results in 47. Damage is Magic/Piercing if DR is a concern.

Galvrin, once he gets closer, takes a shot with his masterwork longbow at the nearest living peryton.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 (range penalty not known and thus not factored)
1d8 ⇒ 8

Dyalg sees two perytons high above and chooses the third one who probably killed the rider’s horse with its latest goring. He whips out another arrow while he yells, ”Marmoth, check his injuries!”

He exhales and fires.

Short Bow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I miscalculated my attack roll. ^^; It should be 17.

Corvus fires a shot at the peryton, the arrow hitting a glancing blow on the strange creature as it swoops down toward her, though she's able to duck the sharp tines of its antlers. The rider also snaps a shot off at it, but the arrow flies wide.

Moments later, Dyalg's arrow hits the trailing peryton, but it seems to have no effect, the small wound closing almost as soon as its made. They have DR. Illa's arrow also flies up toward it, but the creature easily evades, winging past the shaft as it gains height. It flies over her and suddenly its shadow changes to match hers.

Galvrin catches up to the closest of the attackers, fighting high above with Graah, and his arrow just catches it as it swoops by. Seconds later, the goblin's own arrows catch the wounded beast and it all but explodes in a burst of feathers and gore, its carcass falling to the ground below.

Provided the peryton is within 35 ft...

Illa squints at the peryton that has decided to mimic her shadow and sneers. "Ignem iubeo." she whispers, without releasing her bow -- and a bright ray of fiery energy shoots out of thin air in front of her at the peryton.

Will save not to freak out at the shadow-trick: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12. Still Scorching Ray, ranged touch attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 for 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5, 5, 6) + 2 = 23 damage.

If the peryton is out of the spell's range, Illa sighs with irritation, puts another arrow to the string and lets it fly.

Ranged attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 damage.

Should the last Peryton still be alive by Graah!'s turn:

Graah! uses his knees to direct Tasty Chicken around until he catches sight of the last Wolf-Antler-Bird, and then he directs the large raptor into a dive in order to bring him closer to the final target. 80ft move downwards to 270 ft. -4 to attacks for two range increments is included.

MS/RS/DA/Range: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 4 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 14 ⇒ (1, 1) + 14 = 16

RS/DA/Range: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 4 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

MS/RS/DA/Range: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Think their AC is below 18 from what has hit prior, so here the first attack (two arrows), and the last should connect. 27 damage (Magic/Piercing)

Galvrin takes another shot, the creatures being out of range of his abilities.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

1d8 ⇒ 3

Corvus continues to fire arrows, paying no heed to the near miss from the creature's antlers - more worried about the rider and his horse.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Oops...

Dyalg grunts in dissatisfaction as he sees that his arrow has no effect. Pulling his holy symbol from beneath his armor, he holds it in his fist and mimes the hammer attack form Breaking Boulders as he chants. A 50 foot hemisphere of purple light pulsates from his holy symbol as he brings fear and doubt to his remaining enemy.

Casting Bane DC 14 at peryton when it’s within 50’
Spell resistance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Marmoth stands with his shield ready to cover the rider from an attack.

Corvus' arrow goes wide, her aim off as she tries to recover from having to duck out of the creature's way.

Galvrin's arrow hits the peryton, but it seems to have no effect on the tough best, though Graah's arrows seconds later tear into it, leaving it badly injured. It charges the goblin, just hitting with the last of its strength 5 hp as it begins to fall to the ground far below. It was at 0 hp, so used the last of its strength to charge, then collapsed, effectively dead.

Despite getting scorched by Illa's spell as it dives, the last peryton rushes toward the elf, this time its antlers catching her a glancing blow, but one that sends a tremor of fear through her 4 hp; plus DC 13 Fort save or be shaken one round.