TOZ's Assault on the Wound [PbP Gameday VI] (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

"What are you doing?!? DESTROY THEM!!!"

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

The schir forces gain an upper hand briefly, but the holy crusaders continue to batter back.

Combat 2: (Day Battle: No Adjustment.)

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 6)
Red Schir (Damage: 11)
Red Melee on Nemesis' Warpriests: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Red Melee on Nemesis' Warpriests: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 And we heal 5 points!

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

The gods are on their side - what less would be expected of an army of priests?

With a surge of holy energy, the crusaders scatter the demon horde once and for all!

Combat 2: (Day Battle: No Adjustment.)

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 1)
Red Schir (Damage: Oh so very much, Destroyed)
Red Melee on Nemesis' Warpriests: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Red Melee on Nemesis' Warpriests: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Kel tries to stop the Riftwardens from sending him away, but when all is said and done, he, alone, survives that battle...saying nothing to anyone except to report to Marcus Farabellus that his army was destroyed...he goes and locks himself away in seclusion, to pray to Apsu for guidance.

The unholy knights begin to fortify their holding in Silvershore, as the dretch horde limps on towards the next battle. With terrifying swiftness, the rift drakes descend upon the victorious warpriest army, darkening the sky with their numbers.

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 16)(Imposing a -1 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

18 Green (Damage: 14)
16 Rift Drakes
11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 30)
10 Nemesis's Warpriests (Damage: 1)

Combat 1:

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 1)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 0)

Lorian, you can either move to engage, or rest in place. Nemesis' army could also rest to heal the one point, as the decision to move or rest is at the start of the movement phase.

Sorely battered, the Army of Exploration stood fast and tried to recover from the pyrrhic victory they had obtained in fighting the Stitched Horrors.

Rest in Place and hope the Warpriests can give us two or three days of rest before dealing with the Howler Cavalry

The drakes breath harsh acid down on the assembled crusaders, circling to make a second pass before landing to join the melee!

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 11) (Imposing a -1 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

18 Green (Damage: 14)
16 Rift Drakes
11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 24)
10 Nemesis's Warpriests (Damage: 1)

Combat: Battlefield Conditions: 1d100 ⇒ 69

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 7, Bleed)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 0)
Rift Drakes Flight Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Rift Drakes Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Breath Weapon (Acid): 1d4 ⇒ 1

Understood, Lorian. Nemesis can give the first two melee attacks for the combat, as well as a Profession Soldier check to avoid fighting them in the dark. Hopefully we can speed this fight up and get everyone back in the game soon. Let me know if you are adjusting DV with non-standard strategy.

Well, if resting doesn't come at the expense of attack rolls, we'll gladly do that.

Nemesis's army takes some time to celebrate their victories - or something like that. Ymerians are hardly Caydenites or Calistrians, but the Iomedan army's evening revels have got to make for the...primmest party she's ever attended.

Nemesis sighs as she turns in comparatively early. Despite her victories, she has a bad feeling in her heart.

Come the dawn...comes the drakes.

Profession (Soldier): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 +5 healing

standard melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Let me know if you are adjusting DV with non-standard strategy.

How can I do that? This army is very much like a World of Warcraft Paladin - it seems to pay for its awesome fortitude with an exceptionally limited tactical menu.

At the start of each melee phase, you can adjust your strategy up or down one tier on the chart found on Slide 4 of the map presentation. If you need to move further, it takes a Morale check, the same as changing tactics does.

The rift drakes begin to attack with savage frenzy, but only the burning acid of their breath causes any damage at first. As the melee grows more chaotic, the warpriests of Mendev are driven back by the fury of the beasts.

Combat: (Dawn Battle: -1OM without Darkvision/Low-light)

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 21, Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 6)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 2)
Rift Drakes Morale: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Breath Weapon (Acid): 1d4 ⇒ 3

"Come flame, come wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back!"

Shifting to "Aggressive."

aggressive melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling, dawn penalty: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 +5 healing

aggressive melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling, dawn penalty: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 +5 healing

At Nemesis' exhortations, the warpriest army surges forward against the drakes, catching the planar beasts offguard!

Combat: (Dawn Battle: -1OM without Darkvision/Low-light)

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 14, Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 3)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 23)
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

A few more rounds of that and this is in the bag. Of course, now that I said it..

"DON'T STOP! DON'T STOP!"

Nemesis seems to be enjoying the battle now, to the extent that some of her troops begin privately wondering if there's even a certain...profane...element to her enjoyment....

aggressive melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling, dawn penalty: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 +5 healing

aggressive melee, spellcasting, mwk cold iron weapons, Channeling, dawn penalty: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 +5 healing

The holy assault nearly sends the beasts into a panic, but the fear invigorates the planar menaces. With a thunderous surge, the crusader forces are broken and driven from the field.

Combat: (Dawn Battle: -1OM without Darkvision/Low-light)

Nemesis' Warpriests (Damage: 35, Destroyed)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 39)
Rift Drake Morale: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

I spoke way too soon. If that morale check had failed, this would have gone differently. :( Lorian, I hope you're ready. It's all on you.

As Nemesis makes her escape to the Army of Exploration, the war looks bleak for the Army of the Open Road.

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 6) (Imposing a -2 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

18 Green (Damage: 14)
16 Rift Drakes (Damage: 38)
11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 18)

I'm assuming you rest for the day, since the drakes have superior movement.

Just to be certain: Did you account for my troops healing themselves?

Yes, but 33 points of damage over the two rounds is nigh impossible to survive.

"We are the last to stand and we shall make the demons pay dearly for their arrogance! Watch their foul breath and pick them off when they land. Keep them from taking off ever again! Men, prepare to do some hard riding, stick together, and guard each other!" Lorian said as the horseman took to the field.

"For Taldor and Grand Prince Stavian the Third!!" he yelled as the unit charged...

The Army of Exploration weathers the acidic blasts of the drakes before taking the fight to the horde, thinned as it is by Nemesis' valiant troops!

Combat: Battlefield Conditions: 1d100 ⇒ 78

Lorian's AoE (Damage:21)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 45)
Rift Drakes Flight Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Breath Weapon (Acid): 1d4 ⇒ 1
Rift Drakes Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

I would not consider them mounted, as they do not have that tag in their stat block. Does that increase your damage? Don't forget you have a Profession Solider check to help determine the conditions of the fight.

Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Calvary Experts gives +2 OM to units that are not mounted. Nevermind, it is a tactic. Thought it was a feature of the unit

The drakes begin to frenzy, an animalistic desperation in their attacks. The army begins to falter, with time for one last charge.

Combat: (Night Battle: -2OM/-3DV without Darkvision)

Lorian's AoE (Damage:26)
Rift Drakes (Damage: 45)
Rift Drakes Morale: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Rift Drakes Melee Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 2 = 20
Rift Drakes Morale vs Taunt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Breath Weapon (Acid): 1d4 ⇒ 2

Alright, you're taking the penalties for a nighttime battle. I need one more melee check. EDIT: Missed the taunt, you're in a bit better position now.

Please toss in The Challenge Special (Once per battle, the army may
increase its OM by 2 against a target army, but it also reduces its DV by 1 against attacks from any army that is not the target army. These effects last for the rest of the battle.)

Gathering the few members of the army that remained, Lorian lead them on a final charge...
Standard attack, Taunt still in effect, +2 for challenge OM +12, DV 19
melee: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

The charge of the Army of Exploration runs down the remaining rift drakes, mighty knights hewing the serpentine monsters to bits. The day ends with weary celebration, heavy with the knowledge that the war is not yet done.

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 1) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

18 Green (Damage: 14)
11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 21)

You're able to rest once more, then the dretches are upon you.

The dretch horde arrives late in the day to find Lorian's forces as prepared as they can be.

Combat: (Battlefield Conditions: 1d100 ⇒ 82)

Lorian's AoE (Damage:21)
Green Dretches (Damage: 14)

Lather, rinse, repeat. You may be able to move the battle into a dusk rather than night battle with your Profession check.

Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
"The war is not lost! We will destroy these foul creatures! Come Demons we shall rid the lands of you!" Lorain said as he called out his challenge.

After the harrowing battles beforehand, the remaining dretches are crushed by the powerful charge of the Army of Exploration despite the volley of devastating demon magic.

Combat: (Night Battle: -2OV/-3DV without Darkvision)

Lorian's AoE (Damage:31)
Green Dretches (Damage: 23, Destroyed)
Green Morale: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Green Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Green Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Geez that was close. What will the Army of Exploration do?

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 0) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 31)

"Come, we have been here for far too long. Let us move away from here and regroup." Lorain said as he lead the battered army away from Silvershore and the threat of the Howler Cavalry.

move to new location. If the Howlers do not move, then spend 5 days healing.

The howler cavalry does not move from Silvershore, refusing to relinquish their fortified position. The Army of Exploration fends for itself among the wilds of the Wolfcrags, the hostile surroundings bringing morale down from the high of victory.

23 Howler Cavalry (Damage: 0) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)

11 Lorian's AoE (Damage: 1)

"Gentlemen, we have to do something that cavalry is hard pressed to do, take a town without siege equipment. We will have to take the battle to them." Lorian said as he lead the Army forward "On to Silvershore! Let the bards tell of the battle, and I hope you will be alive to hear it!"

Move to new location. Rest one day. Assault Silvershore if they still stay in town

The tiefling antipaladins hold nothing back as the Army of Exploration once again assails Silvershore. However, they find their opponents not so susceptible to their fell power, and doubt begins to creep through the ranks.

(Day Battle: No Adjustments)

Lorian's AoE (Damage: 0)
Howler Cavalry (Damage: 6) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)
Howler Cavalry Morale: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Howler Cavalry Melee Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 = 8

Does this mean they miss their next offensive phase?
"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."
Mass combat, Attacking & Taking damage. Ultimate Campaign, pg 236

Right you are! That's a free round for the AoE.

"Come, we have them on the run! Forward to glory!" Lorian hollered as the Army of Exploration increased their tempo against the tieflings and their horrid mounts.

Tactics-Taunt, Reckless OM +11, DV 15 Morale 0 (+2 vs fear/rout)
Melee: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Frustration seethes through the enemy forces at the ferocious assault brought by the Taldan army! Several pockets of infighting among the chaotic paragons prevents the forces of darkness from rallying against their foes.

(Day Battle: No Adjustments)

Lorian's AoE (Damage: 0)
Howler Cavalry (Damage: 11) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)
Howler Cavalry Morale: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Oret watches and prays on from a distant that Lorian holds the fort.

"Keep up the assault and lets send them back to where they belong!

Tactics-Taunt, Reckless OM +11, DV 15 Morale 0 (+2 vs fear/rout)
This battle has got me digging out Lorian's Chronicle sheets to see if there was anything I can use. From 7-00 The Sky Key solution (Last entry:+1 morale bonus to a single d20 roll) OM =12

Melee: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Desperate to inflict some pain, some torture on their foes, the enemy cavalry abandons any attempt at defensive measures! But the Army of Exploration stands strong.

(Day Battle: No Adjustments)

Lorian's AoE (Damage: 0)
Howler Cavalry (Damage: 15) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)
Howler Cavalry Morale: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Howler Cavalry Melee Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 2 = 14

"Release the Eagles! Show them no mercy!" Lorian commanded."If you are fated to die today, take an honor guard with you!" he yelled, throwing caution to the wind as he lead the Army from the forefront, the din of the impact herd through out the Worldwound.

Melee: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Tactics-Taunt, Reckless OM +13, DV 13 Morale 0 (+2 vs fear/rout). Now it is reckless with the +4/-4, (Last turn, while I said reckless, I just modified it by +2/-2.

The tide of battle rushes over Silvershore, defenses falling, antipaladins struck from saddle, howlers trampled by charging horse. Though casualties mount on the Pathfinders side, Silvershore is once more secure.

(Day Battle: No Adjustments)

Lorian's AoE (Damage: 4)
Howler Cavalry (Damage: 29, Destroyed) (Imposing a -3 to OV/DV/Morale checks while in Silvershore.)
Howler Cavalry Morale: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Howler Cavalry Melee Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Yep, I recognized the calculations. Congratulations on pulling it out in the clutch!

This. Listen to this carefully. This is everything that just happened.

As the surviving forces rally together at Silvershore, a handful of the Mendevian crusaders invite you to join them in a midnight vigil for the fallen. In a quiet ceremony, they present their commanders a knight's pennon of battle in recognition of valor on the field.

On the morrow, the leader of the Silver Crusade arrives, requesting your presence in the command tent. Still painted in dried blood and dirt from the battlefield, Ollysta Zadrian produces a map of the immediate region with lines leading through the hills.

“Friends, Marcos Farabellus has begun the final push against the armies of Tancred and Thurl. Thanks to your efforts in breaking the demonic armies, Farabellus is intent on crushing the remaining forces of the traitor, which are hidden somewhere in the Wolfcrags. Complicating matters is the demon army’s warlord—a half-fiend named Brae-Hagen—who has retreated into a secure bunker where he oversees his remaining forces.”

“The warmaster sent me to inform you of the location of the bunker, an ominous structure built on the side of a cliff. While most of Brae-Hagen’s forces are engaged by the Army of the Open Road, you will slip in through a series of passages in the hills that lead to the entrance of the bunker. There could be some defenders left, but intelligence reports the demonic warlord runs a fairly lean command center.”

Thank you all for your patience with the mass combat. Now you get to use your actual characters! Zadrian can spare you a few minutes if there are any questions.

With the battle over, Lorian glances at a letter that he received. "My brothers and sisters, I must part ways for a while as there is a piece of business that I must personally deal with down south. I will send one of my companions to help you with this upcoming assault on the bunker." Lorian said as he took his leave.

A half hour later, a figure in resplendent O'yoroi armor arrived on horseback, wearing the two swords of a samurai, along with a no dachi that was in easy reach.

"Greetings, I am Minata Ryuunosuke." he said in common, thick with the accent of Tien as he bowed to the assembled. "I was asked to help you deal with an Oni, excuse me, a demon." he said.

Kel joins in the vigil for the fallen, and if asked will offer a benediction in the name of Apsu the Waybringer. Even after others leave the service that evening, he will remain, and will light a candle for each and every single riftwarden under his command who fell in battle, holding his head in shame.

During the conversation with Ollysta, Kel listens carefully and speaks softly, but with conviction. "The Code of the Waybringer is clear on such matters, even though I sometimes do not see myself as an exact of a paragon as He might wish. 'I am the talon of Apsu’s wrath. I strike where I am needed, but only when evil has been unmasked and there can be no doubt of my enemy’s malice.' This deed will be done to show those who choose the paths of evil that only one fate awaitss them." He will bow his head and take a breath before uttering, "may the souls of those who perished to bring us this far be with us," before falling silent to let Oret speak.

Oret joins as well the vigil, as a sign of respect and honour. He does what best he can do to ease the burdens of the sick, injured, and mourning. Adabar, preserve justice for the fallen.

Before Lorian leaves, Oret takes a moment to thank him for his efforts. "Clearly this was a fight we needed you. I hope you well in your future endeavours."

In the conversation with Ollysta, Oret validates his stance on the matter. "I understand. The teachings of Adabar makes it clear that justice must be preserved where it is due. With that said, I believe there is no place for vile hatred and chaotic behaviour in this world. We fight the good fight for the sake of the Crusade."

Ready to roll.

Dryden limps to the vigil to pay his respect for the fallen. After the vigil Dryden surveys the land and all that have fallen. So many lost for a scrap of land. Perhaps if he had been a better leader there would be more alive to celebrate. If not for Lorian's incredible,near impossible, victory against far, far overwhelming forces the day would have been a total loss. At least with her victory they have a fighting chance. For that he is thankful. Before Lorian leaves Dryden takes the time to congratulate him on turning the tide of the battle and helping as much as he did.

A slight rewind before Lorian leaves

At dusk, Lorian lead the Army of Exploration to the edge of Silvershore. A field with a dozen freshly dug graves, for those that had died in the final assault, would be their final resting place. When all were buried, it was time to sooth the living, and he gave a rousing tale of the valor of the fallen, many with tears in their eyes. "Your service here is done. Look with pride on all that you have accomplished. Tell Lady Gloriana that you have done your duty to her, far and above what is required of mere mortals."

Lorian attended the Midnight vigil in a somber mood. When the pennant was awarded, before wrapping it up, he asking if he could say a few words to the assembled. Taking a breath, he launched into a tale of valor for those that had fallen and their heroic fight.

As he was leaving, he meet with the other commanders and thanked them for their kind words.

Oratory: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

Kel will come to greet Minata when he arrives. "Any and all who come to help against the scourge of the worldwound are most welcome, friend." The vishkanya cleric will bow in return. "You have missed the clashing of armies, it seems, but now we go to behead the snake...to turn a phrasse."

Nemesis spends the night busily tending the wounded, and even more busily tending the funeral bonfires.

It is glorious....