Ryuko's Forging of a Kingdom (Inactive)

Game Master Ryuko

"Of course! I should have thought of that. Run into enough of those pranks before around the Gronzi." She laughs. "I have to say though that this is a new one. Whoever is behind this has a particularly creative imagination." She rummages around in her pack. "I guess we should each try to leave something behind when we break camp." She considers her Medvyed signet ring or signal whistle for a moment, but quickly rejects both. She settles on the bit of copper wire that she usually uses as a focus for read magic. I'm probably going to regret this. she thinks as she sets it down on a leaf where she slept last night.

Arkady thinks for a minute. "Perhaps a small offering of food, as the housewives leave milk for the brownies? Alas, I only have trail rations, and I fear they would take offense at such food." He pauses, then takes two arrows from his quiver and places them on the tussock that served him last night for a pillow. "If they are willing to speak to us, it may be some scraps of old family tales will serve my tongue, but till then let items speak for words. Or... Devlin! What fey inhabit this forest besides the mites? What gifts do folk here usually give them, to be left alone?"

Once everyone has indicated their readiness to leave, made any last-minute suggestions, and/or left little goodies for our fey pranksters (or not).

"Let us move forward then, together, till our guides tell us we are near the camp. At that point, Anton and I will take stance, and the two scouting parties move out toward the lookouts. Kata and Devlin go left; Kheldor, Marcus, and Silas go right. Kata, cast your message spell when we part, and call me when the lookout is disposed of, or you have need of our assistance. Kheldor, you may take my signal horn if you desire, and blow at need. Anton and I will come as swiftly as we may. All in agreement? Any last-minute suggestions?" He looks around to make sure everyone has the plan straight, then gestures Devlin to lead the way forward into forest toward the bandit camp beyond.

I am assuming we camped on the far side of the river from the bandit camp.

As we get into the forest, Arkady looks for a convenient spot to leave the horses (except the one he's riding) tied up. He makes sure everyone looks at the spot from the reverse side so they can find it again if they have to retreat in a hurry.

To keep events moving I'll assume the answer to the question asked in discussion is no.

After sniffing all around the camp, Anton says, "There were two scents I cannot identify, one was clean, the other reptilian. They circled the camp then flew off that way." He points.

Saying prayers, "Gorum we are about to go to battle, for our causes, which honors you. Because of numbers we must strike swift so I delay the major prayers, Oh Lord of Might, so that I can offer the greater prayer of conflict, strife, and by your will, victory. Bless us all for we fight for beliefs held dear."

Anton leaves out his signal whistle and the steel striker for the fey.

"Arkady, I assume that if the ground is good you will ride your warhorse into the camp. I'll be much slower but will come to aid the first to call for it. Then I'll go for the leader, if the way is open. Try to find the downwind approach if possible, I may be able to discern much of the camp's numbers and types present. Are all the bandits human as far as your man knows? A good as plan as can be done with what we know."

Anton leaves his backpack with the horses, and when he sets off to the camp he will be carrying his sword with weapon cord attached.

Do you allow weapon cords, some DM's don't, Ryuko?

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 See or smell anything on approach to the bandit camp?

Anton and I are happy with the plan, anyone else please chime in.

Marcus is happy with the plan.

"Excellent, not only do we need to deal with bandits but we also need to appease capricious fey," Marcus shakes his head, "Let me see what I have that can be left as a gift."

Rummaging about his person, he elects to leave behind a pair of smoked goggles that he had purchased for the journey but had no need of them.

"Come, let's get this over and done with."

"Yes, take us to the downwind side of the camp before we split up, if it can be done," Arkady tells Devlin and Silas. "Anton, if you wish, I can have Gildas carry us both into the fight and have you slip off as we near the camp." Arkady checks the half-orc up and down to make sure that Gildas can (briefly) carry all the weight. The plan will be to ride up as near as possible, have Anton dismount, and then charge. Might save a little time getting Gorum's priest into the battle, if the ground is good for horses.

Anton is 6'9" and weighs 311 lbs without equipment. Even leaving behind his backpack the total weight will be over 350 lbs. a bit much for any horse. How are we feeding these horses anyway? Foraging will slow us down and horse eat a lot.

"I fear I would overburden your fine horse, perhaps it could work over a short distance, if you could, with your fine horsemanship, maintain control over your mount."

Anton seems eager to set off to a fine battle.

Arkady takes a second look at Anton's size, then glances at his horse, then grimaces. "It will be a very short distance. I think I can manage. Devlin, how close to the camp can you get us before the lookouts would hear?"

If it makes a difference of more than two rounds in how fast Anton arrives, we'll give it a try. Otherwise, Anton running will probably move as fast as Gildas burdened with both Arkady and Anton.

Going to jump ahead, but if we need to back up, no worries.

Kata heads out of camp with the rest of the group, staying close with Arkady and Anton. When we near the location where we need to split off, Kata looks to see if she can see or hear any patrols or lookouts nearby. She whispers, "Ready to go?"

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Sensing no life nothing in the darkness, she looks for a quiet way to slip through the woods and then moves forward with Devlin.

Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Devlin leads you each to the edge of The Thorn River Camp. He and Silas are able to point out the watchtowers (At K2 and K3) and the loot wagon (K5). They each agree that there would be one bandit in each tower. The remaining 7 bandits are arrayed around the campfire, including a woman with three axes strapped around her form whom Devlin identifies as Kressel.

You are roughly 200 feet away from the camp, downwind, and able to make out the area well enough. If you get any closer you will need to roll Stealth to avoid being noticed.

Kata whispers, "Ok, now that I see the layout, it is a little different than I expected. Looks like we should try to take out the lookout at the western tree first. Then move on the one by their campsite. Then attack the camp."

She pauses to see if there are any comments or other ideas. "So, if we're in agreement, I'll move on the west lookout. The rest can be prepared to hold a position on the camp side of the river in case I'm not successful."

"Arkady, I'll set up that link now."
Casts Message
Casts Mage Armor

Here's a reroll on the Stealth if you need it.
Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Once in position, she concentrates on the lookout and murmurs her spell.
Casts Charm Person DC 16

Kheldor creeps along beside Marcus and Silas, trying his best to stay quiet and hidden 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Stealth

Spells prepared: Detect Magic, Message, Ray of Frost, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, Color Spray(bonus), Vanish(Shadow spell)

Evidently the bandits were having breakfast, perhaps getting ready to ride in search of their late-returning comrades. He nods to Anton as they both crouch behind a bush. At least the bandits' cook fire would give them light to fight by. His hand is loose on Gildas' reins, as he readies himself to vault into the saddle and charge as soon as the signal comes.

Ride check to get into the saddle and cover the distance as fast as possible: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Arkady plans to close to within charge range on the first round, perhaps just south of K2,.and then pick his target as circumstances dictate.

Sorry, Anton, but I must aim for Kressle first if I can. She gets her folk together too fast, and I have no fancy to play hound and stag with her among these trees. Whichever of us takes her down, she holds her folk by fear and it will take them when she falls.

He carefully does not speak his words aloud.

Marcus also tries to remain as stealthy as possible, retrieving his loaded light crossbow and training it in the general area of the bandits. He'd never been in a battle like this before; some street fights and some manhunts when his scouting services had been required but never anything like this.

Abadar, guide my aim and blade as I seek to bring law and civilisation to this land.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

When battle is joined, Marcus aims for the nearest bandit.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + (2) = 8

Wow. Just... wow.

Is Arkady taking Anton along for the ride or not? If so how far? Anton cannot leap into or out of a saddle, he'll go splat. Ride and Stealth are at -4, elephants are sneakier than Anton.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Does Anton know what Arkady's thinking?

There seems little else to do but wait for the scouts.

Look at it this way, we're getting the bad rolls out of the way first.

I figure 200 feet is close enough than Anton can run the distance in two-three rounds. Any time we made up in faster horse would be lost in getting Anton in and out of the saddle. So no, not taking you for a ride.

Since Arkady isn't good at concealing his thoughts, Anton probably picks up that Arkady is focused on the leader. He probably isn't noticing Anton at all at this point, he's ferociously concentrated on getting into action as fast as possible once the action starts. So no reaction from Arkady other than maybe a brief nod.

Yes, I came to the same conclusion, glad we're on the same page.

Overheard, the sky slowly pales, though no color yet streaks the clouds. One by one, the stars are going out. Under the branches of the trees, all is still dark.

Arkady waits, eyes half-closed, not looking directly at the bandits' fire to preserve his night vision, ears poised for the first call from allies, the first clash of combat, the first noise...

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Idle thoughts drift across his mind. Why did Kressle get everyone up so early before dawn? Is this her doing, or do all the Stag Lords' bandits usually do this? What is taking everyone so long?

Will Save:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

The western lookout seems dazed for a moment, then snaps out of it as Kata feels her spell succeed in befuddling his mind. At almost exactly the same time Marcus stumbles accidentally across a large pair of rabbits in a bush. There is a flurry of movement and every bandit eye turns toward Marcus.

Marcus Crossbow Sneak Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage:1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2

"Intrude-" Yells the lookout before being cut off by Marcus' bolt in the arm. The bandits immediately mobilize and begin drawing weapons.

Of the 8 bandits, only two draw blades and head toward Marcus. They will reach you and Kheldor next round, though they haven't seen Kheldor yet. The rest draw their bows, except the one Kata has charmed, who is still a bit confused by the spell.

Marcus has a storm of arrows come at him, though only one is well aimed, striking Marcus in the hip.

Kata calls out to the charmed bandit, "Nothing to be concerned with here, just a training exercise by the Stag Lord. Keep watching for intruders!"

She trains her focus on the bandits advancing on Arkady. Oh hells bells, I'm going to take them out anyway so Anton and Arkady can focus on that main group.

She twitches her fingers toward the bandits advancing on Marcus.

Casts Sleep DC 16. Trying to catch at least the two with blades without catching Marcus. Ideally will also catch that lookout. If they are too far, she'll move toward the action and cast or double move.

Hearing the twang of bowstrings and the whistle of arrows, Arkady curses in a low growl "Erastil blast them! Come on, Anton!" vaults into the saddle (Ride check 25 from prior post) and races forward, holding his lance low and dodging and weaving between the trees, trying to reach a position where he can charge into combat next turn. He does not sound his horn or shout his warcry, hoping not to alert the bandits to his presence, but he makes no particular effort at silence either -- the darkness and their own cries will likely keep them from noticing him. Unfortunately, the shadows also make it hard to see the ground beneath Gildas' hooves.

Ride check, if necessary, to avoid obstacles and/or rough ground on the way in: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

I don't think I can get a straight-line run for x3 or x4 movement given the forest, but I do want to get just outside the firelight from where I can charge next turn.

As he gallops in, he breathes a quick prayer to Old Deadeye, "Guide my lance and keep my horse this day." If anyone shoots at him, he tries the old cavalry trick of dropping down and using his mount for cover.

Hearing the cries of battle and seeing Arkady make a brilliant leap for his horse and charge off, Anton finishes his prayers and begins his slow march to battle.

At last, a true battle in this land, glory awaits us all.

Hustle at 40' per round about 5 rounds to reach the battle site. If he can run with his darkvision to keep him from tripping, he would run at 60' per round taking 3-4 rounds.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 To not trip and to see/hear/smell out surprises or events.

Kheldor moves right next to Marcus, and places his hand on the sniper's shoulder. He then whispers something in a totally alien language and Marcus disappears from sight Casting Vanish on Marcus

Do I need to roll Stealth again, or am I good?

Marcus feels a strange sensation as Kheldor's spell takes effect but the rogue wastes no time in marvelling at the magic; he moves perpendicular to the incoming bandits in an attempt to out-maneuver them.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

30' move in whichever direction is least obstructed and reload the crossbow.

that Stealth check should be 38, with the +20 for being invisible

Depends on whether or not they are using eyes, ears, or noses.

Kata can likely catch four bandits in her Sleep

Will Saves:
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

The other lookout, one of the crowd with bows and one of the men moving toward Marcus fall, sleeping peacefully.

Kheldor is fine to keep his stealth.

The remaining bandit coming toward Marcus stops, confused, and then advances again more slowly, looking around for his prey.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

"They're gone, but-" He starts before the bandits all turn at the thundering of hooves and the clanking of armor as Arkady and Anton rush forward. Arkady will be in charge range next round, Anton the round after.

The remaining 3 bandits turn their bows toward the knight thundering toward them.

1d20 ⇒ 5
1d20 ⇒ 17 For 1d8 ⇒ 6 Thanks to missing from cover, this shot will hit Gildas.
1d20 ⇒ 10

Kressel turns as her bandits fight this new threat, trying her best to find the men who disappeared.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Seeing the Shadow Mage and the Witch hiding near her bandits, she considers for a moment, then heads toward the witch, stopping behind one of the logs in camp and then hurling one of her hatchets toward Kata.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Luckily Kata's quick footwork makes the hatchet crash into a tree frighteningly nearby. The charmed lookout looks down at Kressel in confusion. "Why you attacking her boss? She's from the Stag Lord."

Kata sighs with relief as the hatchet misses her. Yow, that would have left a mark. She calls up to the man in the tree. "Don't worry pal, I think she's just trying to make it realistic."

Steeling her courage, Kata fixes Kressel with a dark look and then looks around to take any available cover away from the other woman.

Standard Action: Evil Eye (DC 15) on Kressel. -2 to Attack rolls for 8 rounds if successful.
Move Action: Looks to take cover.

Edit: original post content deleted as Arkady is not close enough to charge yet. Sorry.

Gildas screams in pain as an arrow sprouts in his shoulder.

Arkady pulls himself back up into the saddle, wondering how the archers are seeing him in the dim pre-dawn light, spurring his horse forward and angling off to the side to try and get an open charge angle on the archers or Kressle.

He'll take a DC 15 Ride check to take cover if anyone shoots at him again.

Arkady you misunderstood. One more round before you cam charge.

Marcus aims for the remaining bandit who was advancing towards both Kheldor and himself, pauses for breath and then pulls the trigger on his crossbow.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + (2) = 9

He then begins to reload his crossbow again.

Anton continues to chug closer to the action. Clop, Clop!

I know we're coming from downwind but what direction of the camp are we approaching? From the north perhaps?

Kheldor points at the incoming bandit and fires off a chilling ray at him Casting Ray of Frost 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Ranged Touch Attack for 1d3 ⇒ 2

You are indeed approaching from the north of camp.

Kressel Will:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Kressel feels herself shaken as Kata takes cover, but moves forward toward the woman anyway. She can't charge, but can reach you next round.

Seeing the bolt and spell from near him, the final melee bandit moves forward to attack Kheldor, but his clumsy attack is foiled by the mages agility.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The archers look nervous now, with the warhorse mounted paladin bearing down on them, but a quick look at Kressel seems to keep them rooted to the spot and firing, one sharp eyed one fires upon Anton instead.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 For 1d8 ⇒ 7
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
1d20 ⇒ 8

Arkady feels an arrow painfully punch into his side, but is heartened that he can get the perpetrator back. Within charge range of the archers, you can get to, but not charge Kressel with a double move.

Fast reactions. Good eyes in the shadows. Is one a half-elf, or some fey-cursed creature? Arkady thinks, as a second arrow slashes into his ribcage, too quick for him to duck. But now he is steady in his seat, ready to show these archers why scattered footmen die to charging cavalry. He brings his lance up, and spurs Gildas forward, slapping his steed's neck with his off hand before bringing it up to steady the lance.

Gildas thunders across the campsite toward the clustered archers, rearing and kicking as he plunges among them.

Hoof charge on archer #1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Arkady screams his house motto "Endurance overcomes ALL!", driving the lance home as the last word escapes his lips.

Lance charge on archer #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 for 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Among the archers, Arkady looks for any chance to strike that may arise. Gildas' hooves and his own lance create a whirling zone of death for the bandits. Hoof attacks at 5' reach and lance at 10' reach give Arkady a lot of room for attacks of opportunity to kill bandits with if they run or try to shoot.

Round 2

"Arkady, you idiot. You and Anton are supposed to be after Kressel, not me! Help!" Kata runs toward Anton at top speed.

Assuming that is not going to require going through Kressel. If it does, she runs the other way.

"You just have to last a little longer!" Arkady yells back. "Endurance Overcomes All, cousin!"

Breathlessly she calls out, "Yeah? Mother never said anything about it applying to running!"

Marcus curses his inability to hit anything and fires his crossbow at the nearest bandit who isn't currently in combat.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Bonus if flanking: 1d6 ⇒ 2

He then proceeds to reload his crossbow again.

...

Anton hears Kata's call for help, as an arrow flies by him in the lessening gloom, and starts heading in her direction, sniffing and looking to see her and any opposition that is following or attacking her. He will use hearing and scent to find her in the dark, and should see her clearly if she comes within 60' of him.

A call for aid, I will come, but quietly, I do not wish to aid the archers by calling out.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 To see/hear/smell Kata and her attackers.

Kheldor calls upon the nearby shadows and fires a ray of darkness at the bandit who just tried to attack him Using Binding Darkness 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Ranged Touch Atk. He's now entangled for 1 round

The archers are decimated by Arkady's charge, with one struck heartily by Gildas' hoof as another is run through by the knight's lance. The one already struck drops his bow and attempts to draw his blade, striking out at the cavalry in front of him as his companion rushes forward to strike with his own blade, being caught a crushing blow by Arkady's lance in the process.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The men are shaken, one almost dropping his blade with his clumsy strike.

Kressel continues to rush after Kata, a cruel grin stretching her face. "Come back here girlie. I've got a present for you." She sing-songs darkly.

Anton can reach (i.e. threaten) Kressel next round, but not attack or charge due to terrain.

The last bandit near Kheldor panics at the strange magic, "He's a mage... I can't see." He screeches, striking out in blind panic.

1d20 ⇒ 10

Round 3

"See, just a game!" she calls out to the confused lookout.

I've got a present for you too b$&&!! thinks Kata to herself as she continues running in the direction of Anton.

Double move to pass Anton.

Gildas rears with a scream, pounding one of the archers into the ground with his terrible iron-shod hooves, then crow-hops backwards to let Anton use his lance on the other.

Left hoof: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Right hoof: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

At least that was the plan, but flailing hooves miss the bandit's face by inches, leaving him still on his feet but just barely alive. Arkady curses, rising up in his stirrups and swinging the lance around to try and take them both. Precise and delicate, he hears the voice of his father's riding master. Don't lose your lance in a bandit's heart. They don't have one. Inches of steel, not feet of wood. And from his own heart, I'd be dead if they'd come at me from both sides.

Lance attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Lance cleave attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 for 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

As the lancehead swings free, trailing dark drops of blood through the smoky air, he gives voice to his relief in a yell of triumph, "ALL!" and looks around the firelit clearing to see who's left.

Please let me know if I have a charge path to any bandits next turn.

Marcus swings his aim towards Kressel.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Bonus Damage if applicable: 1d6 ⇒ 4

And proceeds to reload his useless crossbow.

Anton stops his forward stride when Kata runs past him and prepares for battle.

Anton will protect Kata first and attack Kressle second as his priorities. By stopping and letting Kressle come to him will he be able to attack in the same round?

Ryuko, Ferocious Strike seems to have only the need to make a melee attack as its condition and cost for use. Is that how you read it or do you impose some additional requirements?

Excellent, the bandit leader comes to me, I can protect Kata and deal with the leader at once.

Anton salutes the bandit with his sword and silently waits for her arrival.

Ryuko, please let me know, if Kressle can attack me this round, and if she does can I attack her? I'm trying to position myself so that if she goes for Kata, I, at minimum, would get an AoO.

Kressel will not be able to attack you this round, but she can get to you, where she'll likely stop since there's now an angry half-orc between her and Kata. I agree that Ferocious Strike can be applied to any attack.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Kheldor attempts to keep the bandit near him blinded but the man manages to avoid the ball of shadow-stuff and attempts to strike back.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 For 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Kheldor takes a mighty blow from the bandits short blade, falling to the forest litter.

With no further bandits left, it is clear to Arkady that the battle is now split into Kressel nearing Anton and one bandit now standing triumphantly over Kheldor.

Kressel moves forward with a dark smile until a mountain of flesh and armor emerges from the forest ahead of her. She takes a double take for a moment, then moves forward with her handaxes raised warily. "Little girl has big friends. Don't worry big boy, my presents work for you too."

Um, what do you mean, he manages to avoid the ball of shadow stuff?. Binding Darkness only requires me to hit with a ranged touch attack, which I hope to the gods I did with a 19. I was then going to move away from him, towards Kressel, just haven't had a chance to post, as work has been crazy and ystrdy was Valentine's Day.

You hit with the 19 one earlier, I took your action in the next round. I apologize it wasn't the one you intended, but even moving away the actions would have remained the same afterward, since he would have followed you and struck, so now you're in the same situation but 30 feet closer to the others. Which is a good thing since they can help.

Round 4

Kata breathlessly darts past Anton, "Thanks big guy. Let me see if I can give you a little boost in exchange." She reaches out to touch Anton, "Guide this man's weapon!" and steps back away from the action about to begin.

Casts Guidance

+1 to next attack roll, saving throw or skill check.

Arkady's gaze swings frantically between the two threats. Kheldor is down, possibly dead, in deadly danger if alive, but Kata is his cousin, and a woman in danger. Every nerve shrieks to spur Gildas that way, to take down the bandit leader, and leave the tiresome shadowbinder to his fate. Which will not be kind, if he has only Marcus to prevent it.

Sorry Marcus, but Arkady's judging performance here, not potential.

Then Anton steps into the firelight, heavy iron clanking forward, and Kata darts behind the living wall, taking shelter as Kressle closes. Not this day, Arkady gasps with relief, and sends Gildas galloping toward the bandit standing over Kheldor's body. The bloodstained lance swings down again toward the bandit's waiting back.

Lance charge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 for 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Critical confirmation roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 for 2d8 + 22 ⇒ (7, 6) + 22 = 35 extra damage

Gildas finishes the job by trampling the bandit into the dirt.

Hoof charge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Being the trained lancer that he is, Arkady prepares himself again to duck behind Gildas' shoulder if Kressle throws one of those axes his way, or if another bandit comes out of the bushes at him.