Silver's Swift, Sweet Sound

Game Master Treppa

Sorry, I was unclear. The surprise round was only between the two aware of conflict, the dog and Bertom. This is Round 1, so you'll be able to act fully when we finally get to your turn.

Valeria sees the light of Rexus's lantern dim as the nobleman moves either farther from her or into the stable.

Ensis says, "Sounds like the dogs are attaching... we need to get in there. Now."

He winces at the thought of what he's about to do, not what this was made for..., and swings his sword a few inches from Dee's earlier strike.

Longsword Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Here. You need to weaken the boards. Try this." Ben says.

He steps forward and pulls out another of his ubiquitous vials. The brewer then gently places a hand on Ensis' chest to move him backwards, and steps back himself. He then tosses the small vial slowly & expertly onto the center of the boards the others were trying to break.

DO I need a 'to hit' vs boards? ;P

The vial shatters, and the wood begins hissing and smoking as the acid from the flask begins to eat away at the boards.

You can do that on your turn, waaaaay down at init 3.

Also, correction to surprise round: Bertom's moving in triggered the surprise round, but was not his action in that round. He gets a pre-round-1 action. The dog just moved.

Bertom draws his rapier and dagger seeing the dog coming towards him. "Drat, spotted already... let's see if we can surround it." He says over his shoulder to Rexus.

Longsword Damage 5 on stable wall.

The wall is easily struck, but surprisingly hard, the blade only marking the venerable wood.

Game terms, the damage didn't overcome the wood's hardness.

Still a bit grumpy that she failed to crack the boards with her fist like her teacher told her. She replies with only a hint of grumpiness to Ben; "You guys get in that way, I'll follow Val."

Thus she squeezes past the last part of the snikkelway into the courtyard beyond.

Move to V23

The dogs dash to where their fellow has discovered intruders. The biggest, meanest one, clearly better-nourished than its fellows, makes a beeline for Bertom, just inside the doorway. The first dog hangs back for a second, giving way to its leader, then goes after Rexus. The dog at the grate makes a dash for the door, afraid it’s missing out on something.

Dogs 1 and 3, double move. Dog 2 move and attack. Miss!

bite at Rexus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10dmg if hits: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Bertom and Ben are up, along with the four at the top of the order. So, yeah, everyone. Ben needs to roll an attack against AC5 to hit a particular spot on the wall, then damage if it’s something other than an acid flask. Don’t laugh; you can fail an attack on a square with a nat 1 roll! I moved Ensis and Ben as described in Ben’s action to get clear of acid- hope that’s OK.

Initiative: Bolded participants may act: Map!

Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow, blunt arrows)
Rexus (armed with rapier)
Dee (armed with fists)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3
Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Yes, move is fine, Ben might not be smart enough to come in out of the rain, but he IS smart enough to get out of the way of an acid splash!;P

Acid flask Att against helpless wood 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

It jumped! You all saw that! ;P

"Hm, I could have sworn that I aimed at the higher board. I think this structure is uneven." Ben says to Ensis.

"Still, that should help."

So glad I took a break from Sherlock to see if Paizo was back up. Hope I didn't wake the neighbors laughing. Almost. Alllllllmost.

Bertom attempts to nimbly slip past the dogs to put himself in a better position, and put a dog between him and Rexus. Then he finishes up the movement with a quick thrust of his rapier at the animal.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Stabby: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (5) = 9

I get another move? I thought the (almost) acid flask was my turn?

It was. You just took it after I posted the init, right? So that's your move.

<gives GM Treppa a thumbs up, waits until next round to deliver Alchemic coup-de-gras to the wooden wall> :)

Ensis pauses for a moment and looks at Ben, "Should we wait for the acid to burn through, or should I run over to the door they must have found? I suppose if I wait, there's always the chance to look dashing while saving the ladies from their peril, but still."

Delaying until Benjamin's action.

Valexia continues her dash towards the others, turning around the corner behind the two men, getting ready to fire the blunt arrow into one of these dogs' silly puppy bodies. "Down boy! That's how people talk to dogs, right? I've always been more of a fish person. I don't feel as bad when they starve to death."

Ensis pauses for a moment and looks at Ben, "Should we wait for the acid to burn through, or should I run over to the door they must have found? I suppose if I wait, there's always the chance to look dashing while saving the ladies from their peril, but still."

Delaying until Benjamin's action.

Ben gives the wall a peeved look, as if it had personally offended him.

"If your going to do the dashing bit, you should probably follow the ladies. THIS might take a moment,..." The alchemist says, peering intently at the acid doing it work.

OMG, I just thought of a great bit! :) Now to see if I can actually work it in,... ;P

Bertom:

12 vs Dog DC 11+2+2+2 = 17, Riding dog DC 15+2+2+2=21. All 3 dogs get Attacks of Opportunity.

Dog 1 bite (big dog): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Dog 2 bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Dog 3 bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Attempting to slip between his opponents' flashing teeth, Bertom is snapped at by all three canines, but none manage to pierce the nimble man's sturdy leather garb.

His sword flashes out at the cornered dog, but it dodges out of the way with a yelp of panic.

Good thing Valexia wasn't in a position to see that yet.

Ben:

The acid sizzles on the wood, eating away at its substance. The wood appears moth-eaten and crumbly after.

acid flask dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Rule 0: Because of the age and weathering of this wood, I'm going to rule that the acid not only does 6 pts of damage, but also effectively removes DR from the wall, making it vulnerable to weapon damage.

Ensus: Go ahead at any time.

Valexia:

Valexia dashes into - or at least, near - the fray, ready to fire at one of the dogs when they are clear of the melee.

If you want a different spot, just give me the new coordinates. I put you at max move distance.

Rexus:

Hampered by the lantern and unwilling to set a container of fire in the straw anywhere it could be knocked over, Rexus uses his sword to distract the wily dog that Bertom just missed. Unfortunately, the animal seems focused on Bertom and not at all concerned with the fop holding the lanter.

Aid another, atk roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Dee: Go ahead at any time.

MAP!

Ensis looks at the bubbling wood, and chuckles at Ben's comment, the says somewhat more seriously, "Let's give this one more try -- never hurts to come at your enemies from another side."

He takes a breath and swings his blade at the wood again, "Let's see if you've weakened it."

Longsword: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Softened by Ben's acid, the wood crumbles under Ensis' blade, almost giving way. Another blow - or another vial of acid - and you'll be through the wall. Ensis' sword is smeared with a dark, gooey residue.

Rule 0: Acid flasks do splash damage, but when you're using them to break through walls and not in combat, I'm going to assume everyone is aware and savvy enough to stand clear and resume positions after the splash, all of which happens automatically in the flask-thrower's turn. Nearby stationary objects will be in trouble, of course, and combat acid-throwing will use normal splash weapon rules.

Dee runs after Valexia and into the stable, throwing herself between Valexia and the dogs just in time for the dogs to attack!

The biggest and meanest-looking mongrel takes a fancy for Dee and lunges at the lady, sinking its fangs in her arm and wrestling her to the ground.

Dee is bitten and tripped if 19 exceeds her AC and CMD, respectively. She takes 7 points of damage from the vicious fangs. Dee is prone.

Both of the more normal, starved-looking curs snap at Dee and Bertom, but both are too distracted by their captain's savaging of the new arrival to actually make contact.

=====================

Bottom of Round 2:

Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Round 3:

Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow, blunt arrows)
Rexus (armed with rapier)
Dee (prone, armed with fists)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3

Everyone bolded may act.

Map!

Valexia raises up her bow and then says, "Aiming at targets is much easier than this..." She lets her arrow fly!

Blunt arrow (melee penalty) on O24: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6
Bludgeoning!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Ben's eyes go wide at the sound of snarls and growls and activity within.

"THAT didn't sound good!" He squeaks the obvious. He pulls out a large, heavy stoppered and wax-covered flask. This resembles the flask he drank from at the demonstration earlier, except this vial has a distinct green tinge to it.

Hastily the skinny alchemist claws the top from the flask and he holds it up, he pauses. He guzzles the liquid down before he can change his mind.

He tucks the empty vial back into his satchel and wipes his lips with the back of his hand. He looks at Ensis.

"Odd. It usually takes effect by nURRK!" The skinny dandy doubles over, growling in pain, then just,... Growling. He starts to expand, his muscles growing and filling his usually loose clothing. There is the sound of a couple of seams popping, but no ripping or tearing sounds as of cloth ripping. He stumbles, growling in pain, or anger, then stands up once more.

Ben turns to face Ensis. It still LOOKS like Ben, but he is larger, more brutish-looking. With a hairy cro-magnon eyebrow and green-tinged skin. Ben breathes heavily. He peers at Ensis, then at the wall.

"Stoopid Wall!" Ben yells in a deep voice. "When I say break, you BREAK!" the Ben-Brute picks up the nearest large object and stomps towards the wall,...

Drinking Mutagen is a Standard action, so no other actions fo rme this round. ;P

As the dog drags her off her feet, she falls like she'd been taught. Landing flat on the floor, distributing her weight over her shoulders. Crimson blood trickles down her arms, soaking the linen of her sleeves.

"On my back in a stables with a slavering beast drooling on me isn't my idea of a good time." she quips wryly kicking up to her feet with a fluid jump.

Move: Jump to feet, giving up an AoO
Standard: Kick Dog: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8; Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Ensis swings his blade down at the wall again (1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8), then looks at the resulting hole and waves his hand, "After you, mean-drunk Ben. There's ladies to save."

Bertom looks over towrds Dee as she's dragged down "Hey pup, didn't you hear the lady? I believe she said you're not her type." He step over to get in striking position of the larger dog which is currently harassing Deanna, then lashes out with both of his weapons. "Hang on, I'll get this mutt off you." Though his swings are pretty wild he may have been too hasty coming to the rescue.

Stabbing: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 - 2 = 9
Hurting: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5
Double Stab: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 2 = 3
Second Hurting: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (1) = 5

Despite clever positioning, Bertom is frustrated by the big dog’s nimble dodging, and both his swings go wide.

Ben drinks his concoction and… changes, while Ensis finishes off the wall, cleaving a hole easily large enough for the pair to enter.

Valexia’s arrow flies over the mutt’s head as she tries not to hit her embattled friends, while Rexus steps into position between the dogs and the archer, attempting to distract the mutt standing over Dee.

Rexus Aid Another (+2 to AC): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 Dee’s AC: 14 -4 vs melee (prone) +2 AA = 12

Despite Rexus' interference, the biggest dog lunges at Dee as she nimbly kips up off the ground from where he so rudely placed her, dropping her back into the straw with blood pulsing from deep bites.

Mastiff bite vs 12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Mastiff dmg+trip: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Dee is DOWN and bleeding at -6!

With Dee unmoving in the filth of the stable floor, all the dogs turn on the threat in their midst, dragging the hapless Rexus to the ground in a flurry of savage attacks.

Rexus is DOWN and bleeding at -1!

Bottom of Round 3:

Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Round 4:

Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow, blunt arrows)
Rexus (down)
Dee (down)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3

Everyone bolded may act.
MAP!

CORRECTION:

Since we have not proceeded, I'm going to fix this. Rexus was hit by the mastiff, but his CMD is 13, so he was NOT tripped, and thus not prone when the second dog bit. He remains on his feet at 3 hp. I am fixing map and status and initiative. Unfortunately, this means all dogs are in melee and incur penalty for ranged attack. Fortunately, he is able to flank.

Bottom of Round 3:

Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Round 4:

Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow, blunt arrows)
Rexus (armed with sword cane)
Dee (down)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3

Everyone bolded may act.
MAP!

Mastiff second roll for trip vs Dee CMD of 14, from first attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Mastiff second roll for trip vs Rexus CMD of 13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

So Rexus actually IS tripped and at -1 due to rules clarification.

Reposting actual real results. Sorry for confusion!

Despite clever positioning, Bertom is frustrated by the big dog’s nimble dodging, and both his swings go wide.

Ben drinks his concoction and… changes, while Ensis finishes off the wall, cleaving a hole easily large enough for the pair to enter.

Valexia’s arrow flies over the mutt’s head as she tries not to hit her embattled friends, while Rexus steps into position between the dogs and the archer, attempting to distract the mutt standing over Dee.

Despite Rexus' interference, the biggest dog lunges at Dee as she nimbly kips up off the ground from where he so rudely placed her, dropping her back into the straw with blood pulsing from deep bites.

Dee is DOWN and bleeding at -6!

With Dee unmoving in the filth of the stable floor, all the dogs turn on the threat in their midst, dragging the hapless Rexus to the ground in a flurry of savage attacks.

Rexus is DOWN and bleeding at -1!

Bottom of Round 3:

Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Round 4:

Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow)
Rexus (down)
Dee (down)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3

Everyone bolded may act.
MAP!

"OH! YEAAAH!" Ben cries as he crashes forward through what is left of the wall.

The alchemist charges forward, looking for his friends.

Should be able to get to about Q17, what IS that strange line between Q17/18 & P17/18 ?

"Hey, Fat-Ben? How about you get here right now. Kind of in a jam." She assumes it is fat Ben, because of the deep yelling, speaking while she draws her bow and fires on a dog P23.

Durable arrow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

5-foot step to R23

Ben finds that the room he and Ensis have broken in to has a grate at the end, a sturdy grate with a small hole that was probably used to hold livestock still. It's definitely locked. Also in that room is a wall panel that seems to be hanging by the hinges leading into the weird shed thing... odd.

Yet the sounds of battle rage from beyond the grate, including the sound of a *twang* and YIPE!.

Ben is behind a steel grate. You can try to break through it (STR check) or damage it (weapon hit damage - DR) or go back around the other way. Valexia transfixes the mutt at P23 through the body. Though it's not dead, it looks even more woeful than before, wailing and growling and spraying blood.

"Dang we're in a tight spot... who's flippin dog is this!?" Bertom lashes out at the huge dog again after seeing it neatly dispose of two of his friends. After his swings he takes a quick step back, hopefully he can at least keep it away from Valexia. "Where's our fancy swordsman? If we don't get backup soon there won't be anything left to back up. Maybe you should get out of here Ms. Aulamaxa these animals are crazed!"

Rapier thrust: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Dagger dice: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Rapier damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Dagger Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Double attack and 5ft step to M22

DC10 Con Check to Stabilize: 1d20 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 2 - 1 = 11

Rexus is now stable.

Bertom swings furiously but futilely at the snarling, lunging animal.

Current map!

Up now:
Ben - finish action
Ensis - full action
Dee - stabilization roll (Con DC 10 with -6 penalty to roll)

Question, as far as I can tell (in & out of char) the 'hanging panel' on the wall does NOT lead into the building proper where my friends are, just into the little shed/lean-to part, yes?

If that is right, then the quickest way to my pals is through this grate. (IS is wood or metal?) :)

That hanging panel leads the other way from the fracas, so no, not a good path. The grate is metal. The quickest way to your pals is either through the grate (if you can break it open or unlock it) or around the other way (if you can't get through the grate. The grate has been sheltered from the weather and is in very good shape. To give you a numeric idea of what Ben would be able to observe, its break DC (STR check) is 25, hardness 10, hp 60. There's no key hanginging conveniently nearby, either.

Ah, well that's no good then, he's not THAT strong. Yet. ;P

Ben roars in frustration, rattles the grate, and turns back the way he came.

"Go the other way! Hurry!" he bellows at Ensis.

I don't suppose I can double-move and go back the way I came?!? ;P

You can get back to Ensis (where he was, at least - the yelling was well thought of). Idea: Is your speed currently 30'? A double move would take you to the grate and back, but if you're faster with the mutagen, take the greatest possible distance.

If Tilnar doesn't post tonight, I'll double-move Ensis tomorrow per Ben's yell, to Q25.

Alas, the mutagen does many wonderful things, but boosting base speed is not one of them. ;P Even the Growth/Shrink spells do not change the base speed of the PC. (At least not the first lvl ones) :)

Ben and Ensis hurry back around the stable to help their fellows.

Ensis' sudden appearance in the doorway startles the canine pack, and they all mob him in savage welcome, bounding over the unheeding forms of Dee and Rexus to fail miserably in their attempt to savage the newcomer.

Ensis is untouched by the dogs.

Round 4:

Bertom (armed with rapier and dagger)
Ben

Round 5:
Ensis (armed with sword)
Valexia (armed with bow, blunt arrows)
Rexus (down)
Dee (down)
Dog1
Dog2
Dog3

Everyone bolded may act.
MAP!

'In for a copper, in for a crown....' She thinks as she jumps to her feet before being knocked by to the floor.

Stabilisation Check 1: 1d20 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 6 = -2
Stabilisation Check 2: 1d20 + 1 - 7 ⇒ (14) + 1 - 7 = 8

"Come on, Dee, hold on!" says Valexia. She drops her bow and draws her rapier, stepping northwardly and trying to stab at the dog. "Ensis, I need to get next to her to heal her, she's in rough shape! Cut me a path!"

Rapier: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"He didn't take the bait, but there's our swordsman! Now let's get these dogs off our friends and let Ms. Aulamaxa do her thing."

Bertom steps back up to the largest dog and lunges with his rapier.

Stabs: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (4) = 9

Move to flank with Ensis O23, and stab with rapier

Valexia carefully inches along the wall past the dogpile, making a feeble poke that misses the combatants entirely. Bertom, on the other hand, ducks forward to take advantage of Ensis' distraction, driving his rapier clean through the body of the largest and most aggressive dog, point erupting through the furry chest.

Mastiff (Dog1) is down!

Ensis has a flank on the injured dog with Valexia. The large dog is down. The dog at P25 is unharmed and unflanked.

"WAIT FOR ME!" Ben bellows as he charges after the fleet footed form of Ensis. Leaning forward his muscular legs quickly catch up, and unable to slow down in time he bumps pass Ensis into the room.

"'Skuze me. Ooh! BAD dog!"

If I counted right, with a double move I should be able to slide through Ensis square and end up R 24 or R 25.

I put you right at Q26 after a double move (remember every other diagnoal counts as 2 squares).

Current map

Ensis smiles as he arrives, "Sorry we're late, but Ben's acid is less potent than his last batch of ale.. Plus, he wanted to have a dramatic entrance.."

He winks, then swings his sword at the large dog, a little surprised at how quickly it leaks away from his attack. "Well now, that thing's just proven itself a better fighter than thugs at yesterday's protest."

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

With their leader down and the nearest exit blocked by the sudden arrival of two more of the dangerous intruders, the remaining starved curs turn tail and run for the far end of the stable and the gaping opening between the chained doors.

They are double-moving out of melee and are eligible for AoO. Valexia gets an AoO at the wounded one, while Ensis and Bertom can choose either the wounded or uninjured dog, if you so choose. They are essentially out of combat at this point, as they move into the darkness of the far end of the stable, unless you choose to pursue. If you do, go ahead and take your action; all are eligible to act in combat.

Rexus, though bitten, bleeding, and unconscious, breathes easily in the straw, while Dee lies gasping for breath as she slips into shock.

Rapier slap! (non-lethal): 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 4 = 0

Valexia takes a half-hearted swing at the injured dog as it leaves. She is an archer, though, and not a swordfighter. The attempt is pathetic. She drops the rapier when it seems the dogs are no longer a threat and she touches Deanna on the arm. "You're gonna be okay, Dee..."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5