Sardaukar's Legacy of Fire
Game Master Sardaukar

Daumari nods and glances to the gnoll trackers. He addresses them in a hushed voice.

The gnolls responds in the same level of voice.

As you contemplate your actions, the golden ram continues to walk slowly to your left. Soon it will arrive at the edge of the clearing on your left and would disappear again within the dense jungle.

Bahir just shakes his head realizing it would take him far longer to cover the ground to the beast than it would take it to disappear again.

Hazreem flies in front of Pae, asking him softly in Auran,

"I'm sorry! I know I can catch up to it, but I can't take anyone with me when I do. And I'm just not as effective at fighting as you all."

To move things along, shall I assume Hazreem will work his way around the outside of the clearing in his air elemental form to cut off the ram in an attempt to draw it back towards the rest of you?

Sounds good to me as I need a bit of help to get to the beast. Hazreem?

The plan agreed on, Hazreem flies off and proceeds to work his way around the clearing and then approaches the ram from the opposite side.

The whirling vortex of air disappears through the thick trees bringing silence to your senses. Slowly, the sounds of insects rise up again as you watch patiently. The golden ram continues it's meandering towards the left most edge of the grassy clearing. It disappears from view.

After what seems like an eternity but in actuality was only a few seconds after it disappeared from view, the large beast comes charging back into the clearing. It is moving slightly angled to your direction, but not headed towards you. It runs back out into the clearing at a speed nearly twice as fast as a man could run. It slows nearly to a halt as it arrives near the center of the clearing, about 300 feet from your position.

A while later, you make out the whirling air mass coming out of the trees directly opposite of your position from the golden ram and making a beeline for the large animal. As Hazreem gets about 100 feet from it, the beast turns directly towards the air elemental and begins to charge it, head down, full speed...

One of the gnolls watching barks out a comment.

Let's go into initiative order at this time, with Hazreem and the ram acting in a pseudo-surprise round.

Hazreem sees the beast coming and has time to react before the beast reaches him.

Hazreem, take surprise round action. Then the ram will take its surprise round action (charge attack). Then everyone else is up for Round 1.

Hazreem watches the ram charge him and waits for the creature to close into range of his spell. Once in range, he utters his prayer and points a swirling limb at it...

Ready action to cast Heatstroke at it.
Ranged Touch 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13 size. Take 1d4 ⇒ 2 nonlethal and Fort DC 19 or become exhausted. If it wears armor it takes -4 to that save.

Mah'ysa sings a quick prayer to Sarenrae.

Bless: All allies in 50'r. gain a +1 Morale bonus to hit and to saves vs. Fear. 1 min/Level.

"Fly away Hazreem..Fly away" Pae whispers to himself.

Not surprisingly, this beast has a horrible Touch AC. But it does have a great Fort Save modifier with bonuses against spells!

Fort Save: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Non-Lethal Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The large gorgon beast charges forward at top speed, head down, horns out. Dirt and grass fly in the air behind it as it's powerful hooves dig into the ground. The vortex of air stops, waiting for the beast to approach, preparing. Suddenly, a wavering red ray of energy is emitted from the vortex, easily striking the beast's large hide. Almost instantly, the beast seems to slow down, it's charge losing steam as the forward momentum drives it forward. While effected, this shear mass of this beast makes the effect seem almost non-existent.

Reaching the vortex, the ram head thrusts forward with a still powerful hit.

Ram Gore Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 Hits?
Damage: 4d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 2) + 12 = 28

This is an interesting situation. The beast began it's action charging, but was interrupted by a readied action that caused it to lose its ability to charge. But since it was already in a charge, the momentum would keep it going. I'll keep the charge for this round, but include the fatigue penalties with it.

I'm trying to understand wild shape a little bit here, this is the first time where it makes a difference so I'm digging into it. You lose your physical armor and shield bonuses to AC (unless with wild enhancement) but gain the air elemental's +3 natural armor. Beast Shape gives you an additional +1 to natural armor, but does this stack with the amulet of +2 natural armor? You also gain +2 to dex giving another +1. So your wild shape AC is 10 + 4/6 (nat armor) + 1 (dex) + 1 (size) + 1 (ring of prot) = 17 or 19. This changes whether it is a hit or miss for 28 points of damage. Let me know if I'm wrong here.

As the group on the side-line begins to react, Mah'ysa immediately blesses everyone (except Hazreem) with the blessing of the Dawnflower.

Round 1 - Everyone but Mah'ysa are up.

Open grassy field, 2-3 foot tall grasses but clear line of sight. No impairment to movement. Since the beast charged away from you, it is now about 400 feet from your position. Hazreem in wild shape form is in melee combat with the ram.

Oh my...OK first of all Hazreem is using Elemental Body I which provides a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity and an additional +2 natural armor bonus. I believe this means Hazreem's AC is now 18 (+5 natural w/bonus from wild shape, +1 deflection, +1 size, +1 DEX from wild shape). The natural armor bonus from his amulet does not stack....OUCH!

It is mentioned here that amulet of natural armor stacks with wildshape armor. And this post states it stacks as well. It sounds like there are two sources of natural armor, your actual natural armor (which includes wild shape) and enhancement natural armor (barkskin/amulet). Enhancements don't stack with each other, but they do stack with natural natural armor. I'll go with this to error on the side of the PCs. It would be nice if I could find something in the PRD on this.

The large ram tries to thrust it's horned head into the air elemental, but in its suddenly weakened state it doesn't seem to have enough strength to doing any damage and is only left standing in front of the whirling column of air.

I still dont understand why Hazreem didnt fly up,up and away ..he still had an action after casting

Pae winces as the beast rams it's head into Hazreem..

"Bahir..attract it's attention the rest off you scatter into the trees" he snaps and moves to conceal himself

Stealth 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

With a quick nod at Pae's suggestion Bahir charges off after the ram with all the speed he can muster.

Yep, that is a whole whopping 60' feet of movement each round. It's gonna be awhile...

no no just shout at it..leap about shout and scream..bring it to us..it's an ambush

Oh, I see. Ok, then playing off of Bahir's (and the players) lack of wisdom, the paladin makes it 60' feet before slowing up at Pae's terse words that "That is not what he meant! Get your shiny @$$ back here!" :)

Hazreem, Daumari, and Efreat are still up.

Well that is close enough I think. Now to lead this beast back to the others.

Withdraw action. Fly 120' towards Bahir and the others.

I know Efreat has been unable to post due to work overload. Daumari comes and goes. I'll assume both are out and NPC them. Efreat is a tough one... Does he cast Fly, Haste, Acid Arrow, or Fireball. Hmmm... Fireball! Detonate behind the ram to drive him towards you...

"Bahir..attract it's attention the rest off you scatter into the trees" Pae shouts out before disappearing into the trees. Instead, the brave Paladin jumps up, grabs his sword, and starts charging towards the beast. (I picture the scene from Monty Python here with the knight running across the open field towards the castle.) But after only a few dozen feet, he realizes his mistake and comes to a halt.

Daumari (NPC'd) readies his bow, sets himself up for a steady shot, and draws upon the Dawnflower to declare judgement against this magical beast to smite it. He casts True Strike, preparing for the long shot.

Meanwhile, Hazreem dodges back and circles around the beast with perfect precision, flying on a collision course with Bahir. The ram turns around and starts to pursue when a small pebble of fire soars through the air, over the heads of both the air elemental and the ram in pursuit. About 10 feet up and 10 feet behind the beast, fireworks explode. A large ball of fire engulfs the horizon and the golden ram with it. Hazreem feels the warmth at his back as the flames surround the area he just vacated. The eyes of both gnolls open wide at this sight. One mutters something in their crude language.

Fireball Potential Damage: 8d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 1, 5, 1, 4, 3) = 25
Golden Ram Reflex Save for Half DC18: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 (with fatigue)

As the flames dissipate, the ram lumbers forward still. From this distance, you can't seem to make out any damage. (Total Damage Taken: 2) The beast manages to keep up with Hazreem and stays right behind him, but seems to be struggling to do this and therefore fails to get an attack off. (The fatigue is preventing it's charge) The grass behind them seems to be smoldering from the blast, the well-watered grass here seemingly preventing the field from going up in a blaze.

The golden ram is now 5 feet away from Hazreem, 240 feet from Bahir, and 300 feet from everyone else at the treeline. Pae is no longer visible, not that anyone is paying attention to where he's at anyways. The gnolls are hunkered down for now, but looking like they are thinking about making a run for it.

Round 2 - Everyone is up!

That beast must have some kind of fire resistance...

Hazreem continues to withdraw towards the others.

Withdraw action.

Bahir raises his sword and shield in an attempt to get the beasts attention but stands his ground this time.

He'll make his sword have an additional +1 and the keen property this round.

Hmmm... It's been quiet around here lately.

Pae remains hidden moving foraward and diagonally away from the group to put himself in a position from where he can flank the beast once is engages th others

stealth1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

As Bahir flashes his sword at the vortex of air and golden ram coming his way, Pae tries to sneak out within the tall grass. But anyone can see the top of his head with the most cursory of glances.

Where is everyone? Mah'ysa, Daumari, and Efreat are up!

Casts Expeditious Retreat-- Adds 30 ft to movement for 1 min.

Rolling 1 is not an auto failure for skills..Perception rolls still required to spot Pae

Yes, I know. But a 17 is still fairly low for a perception DC. I will NPC Daumari and Efreat this evening if no post by then.

As Mah'ysa casts a spell upon herself, Efreat (NPC'd) fires again. With his fireball spell basically ineffective, he tries acid. "Mish'rah!" An arrow flies forward from his hand and quickly speeds across the landscape, striking the giant ram and splattering into a puddle of bubbling acid on the beast's golden hide. (Damage: 7)

Daumari (NPC'd) sets in for his shot, drawing on the Dawnflower to help him target this magical beast and he lets the arrow fly. (Apply Bane) The arrow sails across the field and strikes true. It embeds deep, the ram trashing its head in obvious pain from it. (Damage: 11)

Seeing the beast charge towards them, the two gnolls get to their feet and begin running back into the trees behind you. The ram continues to run forward after the fleeing air elemental, but is still laboring to keep up and is unable to bring his horns to bear.

The golden ram is now 180 feet from the tree line and the position where Efreat, Daumari, Mah'ysa. Bahir is standing only 120 feet from the ram. Hazreem is only 5 feet in front on it. Pae is out of sight in the thick grass about 20 feet to the side and 25 feet away from the tree line. At the rate Hazreem and the ram are traveling, they'll be on top of Bahir next round. I'll put together a map once everyone is closer together.

Round 3 - Everyone is up!

Hazreem continues his flight towards the others, altering his trajectory so he does not collide with the paladin.

Withdraw action; move 5' up in elevation (15' elevation total).

Mah'ysa blurrs 30 feet to a position 30 ft from Daumari and Efreat and 30 ft from Bahir.
She sings out a Prayer to Sarenrae.

__Prayer- All allies in 40'r. gain +1 luck bonus on all rolls, all enemies gain -1 to same. 1 round/Level.

Whoops, forgot the Bless +1 on Daumari's and Efreat's attack rolls. But no effect on the results.

Pae crouches down in the grass intent on making himself small and unnoticed.As he does he slips a potion bottle from his pouch and uncorks it.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Drinking potion of Expedious Retreat.Speed now 50' a round for the next 10 rounds

Bahir tries his best to stay in the path of the charging beast so he can intercept it before it strikes his friends.

I didn't notice my divine bond included in the ongoing effects you listed Sardaukar. Wondering if you missed it.

With the beast and Hazreem continuing to run quickly towards the group, the air elemental starts to gain altitude. Mah'ysa, with amazing speed, zips out half way to Bahir and sings a prayer for the coming battle while Pae, within the effect radius of the cleric's prayer, crouches down and pops a potion.

Daumari (NPC'd), having fired his true shot, drops his bow and rushes forward to help Bahir face the beast. As he does so, he pulls out his meteor hammers and begins to spin them fortress style, the hammers glowing with divine light. Efreat (NPC'd) stays back by the tree line and yells "Krack'koom" as he gestures with his hands. A glowing sphere of energy appears around him. (Mage Armor)

The bubbling acid on the beast's golden hide continues to burn as is charges after Hazreem. With the air elemental rising out of its reach, its focus seems to sift to the waiting paladin who has been waving his arms. Dispite its fatigue, it seems to be continuing to move forward full speed at the paladin and inquisitor. (Unable to charge attack from fatigue)

Acid Arrow Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

At the end of this round, the golden ram has reached the space just before Bahir and Daumari, and is running right at you. Hazreem as an air elemental sails over your head. A map of this has been put up.

Round 4 - Everyone is up!

Map Link

Hazreem continues to fly upwards another 15' before taking a hovering position above it. He then watches it closely...ready to act should it decide to breathe...

Move 15' up and hover.
Ready action to cast Wind Wall if the Ram uses its breath weapon. Hazreem will interpose the wall between the creature and whoever it breathes on, so the breath weapon is neutralized.

Mah'ysa casts Spiritual Weapon and the form of a flaming scimitar appears and spins to attack the creature.

_X_Spiritual Weapon-- Force weapon attacks +bab+wis mod, deals 1d8+(1/3lvls), med. range, 1 round/level

Wpn attack vs. Ram: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 14 for a possible 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10 cutting damage.

Signaling to Daumari to flank the beast with him, Bahir steps out of the direct path and alongside to avoid being crushed underneath its incredible bulk.

Blessed and prayer +3 keen frost scimitar attack with flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (4) = 14

Blessed and prayer +3 keen frost scimitar attack with flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (1) = 9

Pae takes off at top speed moving 50' straight ahead Assuming the tall grass makes it difficult ground for him

Looks like a four player game for the time being...

As Hazreem turns straight up, Bahir and Daumari (NPC'd) quickly dodge to the side with their weapons blazing. Daumari's hammer end thrusts towards the beast as it runs back, but the glowing end only bounces harmlessly off its golden hide. Bahir, with his keen enhanced and frosted blade, has better luck. The sharp blade slices through twice as the beast goes past. Strange blood oozes from the deep wound on the creature's side. (Total Damage: 23)

The beast continues forward, it's head down, but hits nothing as its targets stepped out of the way. But now in its path is Mah'ysa who prays to the Dawnflower to fight the beast. A glowing, floating scimitar appears next to her and zips forwards towards the beast, but only deflects harmlessly off the creature's thick head.

Meanwhile Pae appears in the grass and runs forward, only to look back and see the beast running the other way. Efreat (NPC'd) stays back and yells "Shiz'koom". From his outstretched hand, four bolts erupt, shooting dead-on and striking the golden ram in the head. The blasts seem to stun the beast momentarily but it continues forward regardless. (Magic Missile: 14 damage)

Bahir watches the acid continue burn on the ram's side just before its rear end slams into you as it shifts its weight in your direction. Without slowing down it runs right at Mah'ysa. Before she has a chance to dodge out of the way, it mows her down and keeps going. Efreat attempts to jump out of the way, but he's too late. He gets clocked and knocked to the ground. (Damage: 16)

Bahir takes 21 points of damage, Mah'ysa takes 25 points of damage. You can either attempt a reflex save at DC22 or take an Attack of Opportunity at -4 penalty. On successful save, take half damage. On fail, you are also knocked prone. With an AoO, you take full damage and are knocked prone after your attack. Don't forget Prayer adds +1 to your saves.

Round 5 - Everyone is up! Hazreem is floating 30 feet above the ground.

Map Link (I shifted everyone up 2)

Reflex save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

AOO as beast moves past him: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (5) = 16

His reflex to bring up his shield manages to deflect a good portion of the kick from the beast but it still caused his arm to go numb. Slashing out as it passes he feels the blade once again bite but is horrified to turn and see it bearing down on Mah'ysa, "Radiant One! Watch O..."

Normally, I would use a swift action on my AOO to use my Fire's of Entanglement spell (I think that is legal...) to keep the beast from running past me. I understand however if you want to keep things as they are (and am completely ok with that if so) after all your work on your post Sardaukar. It would still get a save but it would stop it at least for one round.

Mah'ysa is surprised when the beast doesn't stop to engage Bahir, but powers on through to attack her as well. She tries to dive to one side...
Ref save: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
But not quickly enough. She is steamrolled as the beast overruns her.

This fight is becoming a farce

Pae turns and runs back towards the carnage

"This wasn't suppossed to happen" he thinks then shouts "Hazreem do something"

Bahir: Reflex OR AoO, not both. :) And I don't believe you get a swift action on an AoO.

Also realized that I forgot to reduce the trample damage by 1 for the fatigue due to reduced strength. You all get 1 point back. :) Which also makes it a DC21 Reflex save I believe.

Hazreem shrugs his airy shoulders. And what would you have me do here? Sighing inwardly he flies towards the ram and lets loose an electrical bolt at it.

Fly 60' south.
Lightning arc 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 vs touch AC, 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Ah, I see. Ok, I'll stick with the reflex save since that was my first roll. On a side note, after reading up on it you are correct on the swift action thing. An immediate action can be used anytime (including when it's not your turn) but a swift action must still be used on your turn. Got those confused.

Bahir follows after the beast as quickly as he can straining to see where Mah'ysa fell in the tall grass.

I believe I can only double move (and that at only half speed since its difficult terrain) which means he moves a whopping 20' feet forward.

EDIT: Lest they be forgotten, where are the gnolls?

EDIT #2: Mah'ysa, don't forget your spiritual weapon is still attacking this round. Hmmmm, wait a second, you didn't take any action this round. Getting flattened doesn't count as an action ;)