Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Pavel blinks, momentarily drowsy, but shakes his head.
"No. Kuh'kind of a life-or-death situation we guh'got ourselves now. Buh'bad time fer a nap, eh?", he says before bashing in the last free raider's head with a morningstar.

+1 cold iron morningstar: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 171d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

If that guy is cut down, I'll start moving out toward Sorin and the bear.

Theoden takes a step forward and moves in on the last one standing. "Your ally is outnumbered outside! Go! Aid him! I will take care of this one!" he tells the others left with him.

Attack #5; 5' step on #4. :)

Mwk. Longsword w/PA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10

Missing badly, "Well... eventually," he states confidently.

AC 20; Hp's 33

Raith sees Garand hustling out the door, he follows.

Double move to C21. Perception1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

"Seriously?" Sorin asks the gods, seeing Asvig emerge from the longhouse. "I wonder if I just did not live well in a previous life...which raises interesting questions about reincarnation and the nature of the soul." he continues, nervously muttering to himself.

5'step to B/24 or B/25, whichever is diagonally northeast. Then cast a spell.

"Interestingly enough, you all should feel honored, this is the first time I have tried this spell. I wasn't certain about its effect and didn't feel comfortable trying it on someone who wasn't attempting to harm me."

Hands cupped together, Sorin begins chanting in a guttural, sibilant tongue. As he intones, his hands slowly fill with what appears to be molten rock, waves of heat and small flickers of flame dance across his fingers. Then, like a cobra rising to strike, the flame slithered out of Sorin's cupped hands, wove back and forth for a moment then streaked like a lance of fire away from Sorin towards the bandit to his right.

Scorching Ray on bandit 7: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
lovely...hope that is enough...
Scorching dmg: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 3) = 15

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 6 - Sorin, Pavel, Theoden, Raith and Garand
Garand silently thanks the Horned Hunter for his intercession in this combat, pleased with the effects of the magics he has called upon and not wishing to take his patron's favor for granted.
Noting the current field of battle, he chooses to join bear-spirit and Sorin, who may be at more risk than his allies here, who have all but finished off the raiders within the longhouse.
Bear-spirit yowls a warning and steps in front of Sorin, attacking first the raider who has stepped within arm's length of the mage. His paws and bites make short work of the raiders. He crashes to the floor, unconscious.

Pavel blinks, momentarily drowsy, but shakes his head. 
"No. Kuh'kind of a life-or-death situation we guh'got ourselves now. Buh'bad time fer a nap, eh?", he says before bashing in the last free raider's head with a morningstar.

Theoden takes a step forward and moves in on the last one standing. "Your ally is outnumbered outside! Go! Aid him! I will take care of this one!" he tells the others left with him.
Missing badly, "Well... eventually," he states confidently.

Raith sees Garand hustling out the door, he follows.

"Seriously?" Sorin asks the gods, seeing Asvig emerge from the longhouse. "I wonder if I just did not live well in a previous life...which raises interesting questions about reincarnation and the nature of the soul." he continues, nervously muttering to himself.

"Interestingly enough, you all should feel honored, this is the first time I have tried this spell. I wasn't certain about its effect and didn't feel comfortable trying it on someone who wasn't attempting to harm me."

Hands cupped together, Sorin begins chanting in a guttural, sibilant tongue. As he intones, his hands slowly fill with what appears to be molten rock, waves of heat and small flickers of flame dance across his fingers. Then, like a cobra rising to strike, the flame slithered out of Sorin's cupped hands, wove back and forth for a moment then streaked like a lance of fire away from Sorin towards the bandit to his right.

The raider yells in fear, ducking at the last moment under the tongue of fire.

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 6 - Asvig, Helda and the Raiders

”Ah! I’m finally out of that &?#!” is heard as a raider emerges from the web behind Pavel.

The raider blocking the way gains confidence as he sees his companion come out behind Pavel, flanking the ranger. He slashes in a downward arc.

Behind, Asvig’s woman runs outside: ”Kill them both...”

Outside, Asvig and his raider face bear-spirit with spear and axe.

Asvig smiles, eyes filled with hatred: ”Helva! It’s about time you show up! Set them on fire!”

Status
Web
Shield of Faith on Theoden, round 5
Potion for Asvig
Shield Other between Pavel and Garand
Bless round 4 (+1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear for 4 minutes)

Updated Map
All are up.

Seeing the woman run out, a sense of urgency strikes the guardsman. Swinging down and hard upon the thug...

Attack #5
Mwk. Longsword w/PA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Theoden lands a solid hit. "You odds are survival are slim, my law breaking friends. I would suggest surrender," he offers the ones that are left.

Garand silently directs bear-spirit to turn on the remaining raider, hoping to further cut down on the number of their foes.

bear spirit full attack, +1 for bless, currently AC 18, 20 of 34 hp
bite 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
claw 1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
claw 2 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
confirming crit on bite 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

bite damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
claw 1 damage 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
claw 2 damage 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
extra crit damage on bite, if confirmed 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

He steps to stand just north of Raith's position, calling upon the Horned Hunter to draw away bear-spirit's injuries.

Move to B21, I think (directly above Raith, where he can touch bear-spirit without suffering an AoO from A(svig). Convert prepared liberating command to a cure light wounds.

healing for bear-spirit 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
bear-spirit is back up to 33 hp.

#5 is down. Theoden still has a move action.

Pavel bashes at the remaining raider in the longhouse.
Full attack, TWF+bless: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

As the last thug left takes a beating from the ranger, Theoden moves toward the door.

Move to I 25. The square in front of the door.

bear-spirits attack in the above post was on Raider #7. For some reason I forgot to post that...

"Ah, Raith. I am certainly glad that you have arrived. I believe, from what Asvig said, that that lady is a spellcaster of some sort. I think that your expertise will be required to deal with her. I suggest engaging her before she has a chance to cast something." Sorin says as his hands weave through a complex design. He spits out a few words and the ghostly outline of a large aurochs flares into existance. The summoned figment of Strength then walks into Raith, causing ghostly inverted horns hang from Raith's brow for the barest moment, before vanishing.

Bull strength for Raith, +4 str...go get 'er!, then Sorin backpedals to -A/27, which should be next to Garand.

Raith to end your turn.

Sorry guys, I wasn't seeing the updates.

Raith steps to C/21 next to the bear. Toss sword down free action. Grapple on A. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"The witch, Sorin. The woman is a witch." He throws his sword down and attempts to lock up the man the bear is fighting.

Forgot to include. Due to +1 morale bonus from bless Grapple check should 21.

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 7 - Sorin, Pavel, Theoden, Raith and Garand
Seeing the woman run out, a sense of urgency strikes the guardsman. Swinging down and hard upon the thug... Theoden lands a solid hit and the raider falls lifeless to the floor.

"You odds are survival are slim, my law breaking friends. I would suggest surrender," he offers the ones that are left.

Pavel bashes at the remaining raider in the longhouse. His shield slams into the man’s hip.

Outside, Garand silently directs bear-spirit to turn on the remaining raider, hoping to further cut down on the number of their foes. The bear cuts longs lashes in the man’s legs.

Garand steps to stand just north of Raith's position, calling upon the Horned Hunter to draw away bear-spirit's injuries.

"Ah, Raith. I am certainly glad that you have arrived. I believe, from what Asvig said, that that lady is a spellcaster of some sort. I think that your expertise will be required to deal with her. I suggest engaging her before she has a chance to cast something." Sorin says as his hands weave through a complex design. He spits out a few words and the ghostly outline of a large aurochs flares into existence. The summoned figment of Strength then walks into Raith, causing ghostly inverted horns hang from Raith's brow for the barest moment, before vanishing.

"The witch, Sorin. The woman is a witch." He throws his sword down and attempts to lock up the man the bear is fighting. He manages to get a solid grip on the man.

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 7 - Asvig, Helda and the Raiders
”You’re on your won now!” says the raider inside attacking Pavel:

Outside, Asvig swears in earnest as he gets grappled. ”Idiot! I’ll hang your skin on my door!” as he ignores Raith’s grip and stabs at him.

The other raider drops his axe on the bear.

Helva moves closer and stares at Raith: ”Leave him be! Lay your head and sleep! No worries my baby, no worry!” (Raith, Will save DC 15 or fall asleep.)

Status
Web
Shield of Faith on Theoden, round 6
Potion for Asvig
Shield Other between Pavel and Garand
Bless round 5 (+1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear for 4 minutes)
Bull Strength on Raith round 1

Updated Map
All are up.

Will save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The woman's words are overcome by the sheer fright of her sorcery, Raith's blood pounds and not a moment of drowsiness touches his thought. Raith through gritted teeth, "Kill that witch, Sorin. Her words are poison."

Raith grabs the man's swordarm at the wrist, pulls the arm into an extended position, and locks it holding the man in an extended and helpless position.

Grapple for pin:1d20 + 10 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 + 5 = 19

+5 circumstance bonus for maintaining the grapple from last round added. Not sure how familiar you are with the grapple rules Celestial, explaining to keep campaign from stopping for a question.

Grappled Condition: -4 penalty Dex outside attack. -2 attack for any other check other than grapple or break grapple. No bonus to AC or CMD for Dex for attacks outside of grappler.

Raith to the man he is grappling,"Drop your blade or the bear will feast on your throat."

"Don't suh'see what yer braggin' about, s!+~heel!", Pavel curses before bashing at the raider once more.
TWF w/bless: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 101d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Confirmation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Well, Raith, while I cannot deny your prowess," Sorin says as he watches the warrior drive Asvig into the ground, "I wish we had a bit better discussion of tactics to deal with this challenge. For instance, I would not have retreated so far away if I knew you were planning to pummel him into the ground."

Sorin grabs the crossbow hanging from the lanyard around his neck, loads and fires at the witch.

Crossbow at Helga: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Garand ensures that bear-spirit remains focused upon the raider he is already assaulting, and steps a pace to the north and two to the west, ending two paces north of the raider chieftan. He then calls upon the bow of the Hunter, to strike at the witch-woman.

Garand moves to A20, I think, two squares above Asvig, and casts spiritual weapon. Bear-spirit continues to full attack raider #7.

bear spirit full attack on 7, +1 for bless
bite 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
claw 1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
claw 2 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

bite damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
claw 1 damage 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
claw 2 damage 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

spiritual longbow attack on H, +1 for bless. Round 1 of 4. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
force damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

”You’re on your own now!” says the raider inside attacking Pavel.

Before Theoden exits, he turns his head back toward the raider, "Apparently you know little of my angry friend," he tells him, grinning wryly as he heads out the door and towards the commotion.

Double move to C 27(maybe 28); Right between the stone walls where it looks like a door would go. I think that's 40'. If not, put me as far as 40' will take me in that direction.

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 8 - Sorin, Pavel, Theoden, Raith and Garand

Inside the Longhouse:
"Don't suh'see what yer braggin' about, s@$!heel!", Pavel curses before bashing at the raider once more. He connects mightily with the raider and sends him flying back, unconscious on the floor.

Before Theoden exits, he turns his head back toward the raider, "Apparently you know little of my angry friend," he tells him, grinning wryly as he heads out the door and towards the commotion.

Outside the Longhouse:
The woman's words are overcome by the sheer fright of her sorcery, Raith's blood pounds and not a moment of drowsiness touches his thought. Raith through gritted teeth, "Kill that witch, Sorin. Her words are poison."
Raith grabs the man's swordarm at the wrist, pulls the arm into an extended position, and locks it holding the man in an extended and helpless position. Raith to the man he is grappling, "Drop your blade or the bear will feast on your throat."

"Well, Raith, while I cannot deny your prowess," Sorin says as he watches the warrior drive Asvig into the ground, "I wish we had a bit better discussion of tactics to deal with this challenge. For instance, I would not have retreated so far away if I knew you were planning to pummel him into the ground."
Sorin grabs the crossbow hanging from the lanyard around his neck, loads and fires at the witch. She is a bit far for the wizard and the bolt is off by a foot.

Garand ensures that bear-spirit remains focused upon the raider he is already assaulting, and steps a pace to the north and two to the west, ending two paces north of the raider chieftan. He then calls upon the bow of the Hunter, to strike at the witch-woman.

Bear-spirit brings down the raider, but the mystical arrow is off.

Asvig’s Longhouse: Round 8 - Asvig, Helda and the Raiders
Asvig, his shoulder stretched beyond recognition, drops his weapon and shield: ”Damn! I surrender! I surrender!”

Helva stops and says: ”All right then! No funny stuff... What do you all want with us anyways!?”

Status
Web
Shield of Faith on Theoden, round 7
Potion for Asvig
Shield Other between Pavel and Garand
Bless round 6 (+1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear for 4 minutes)
Bull Strength on Raith round 2

Combat is not necessarily over, as there are still raiders roaming nearby. All are up.

As Theoden makes his way near Garand, "You have been named as taking one of this group's own. And I am curious as to the fate of a mere child. A young boy to be precise. Now, you don't suppose you would have anything to do with either of these, would you? Hm?" he asks in a way that suggests he believes him guilty. "And if I were you, I'd choose your words carefully. The truth may just keep you alive," he tells Asvig as a matter of fact before throwing in one last warning. "But I fear I cannot control the actions of these around me who you've angered greatly. And I know of very little what they are capable of, except for what I've witnessed here this night. Which is quite impressive, I must confess. Don't you think?" he asks, not really looking for an answer. "So, unfortunately for you, I can promise you nothing on their behalf," he warns. "Remember now, carefully," he reiterates.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Double move should put me in the square below Garand or at least diagonal to him. C 22 or C 23

Raith maintains grapple. 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 5 = 36

If Asvig struggles, he'll inflict nonlethal damage. 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"Best be telling us where our friends are, the woman and Izumi. If you have any strange eastern swords, we're in a mood to listen to such tales as well.", Raith keeps the mans arm stretched and his face firmly in the ground. "Witch, if you do any more sorcery, I'll snap his arm and your neck next."

Sorry, I wasn't clear: As we are still in combat, with raiders not so far, I would like everyone to post actions for the round.

With the last raider in the longhouse down, Pavel creeps out the rear door to come up behind the sorceress.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 1 = 19

Mine was a double move. Ignore the intimidate. I think that requires some type of action anyway. So it's not really necessary. My whole spiel was meant as a 'walk and talk' type thing over the double move. At least the majority of it. If it's too much talk, use if for my next round action also. However long it takes is fine with me. It's all good to me.

Sorin reloads his crossbow and stands ready, but does not aim it at anybody, simply watching and waiting to see what happens next.

Reload, then no standard action.

Garand directs bear-spirit to return to his side, and readies his bow, holding his action to fire upon the witch, if she appears to be attempting to use her sorcery again.

Free action to handle bear-spirit, move action to order spiritual weapon to stop shooting at the witch, free action as part of move action to ready bow, delaying standard action. Sheesh! Whole lotta actions going on, for not doing anything! :)

Asvig's Longhouse - Round 9

Asvig cringes under Raith: "Forget it Idiot, you can't make me talk. I'm Asvig Longthews! I'm no Oathbreaker!"

Helva moves towards you, shadowed by Pavel a few paces behind: "Fool! You'll die either way!" She turns to Theoden: "I swore no oath. The boy I don't know and I don't care, but we did kidnap some Tien at a caravan. Beat him up nice and gave him to the Frozen Shadows."

A few seconds later, you see Kelda rounding the longhouse: "They're coming back! We don't have long!"

Back to you!

"Where do wuh'we... Where do we fuh'.... errrghh! Where do we find them?", Pavel says, failing to be menacing.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Maintain grapple.

"What are we going do? Who is coming back? Tell us where the Frozen Shadows are. We'll deal with them next."

As Kelda shouts her warning, "Thank you, madam." He nods sincerely. "And as the gentleman here just asked you: Could you please tell us the location of the Frozen Shadows? Tell us that and we shall leave you be. Otherwise," he looks back to the area, checking to see if they've arrived yet, "let them come!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 vs. her take on the boy and the Tien, just in case.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Garand and Sorin are up.

"Did you swear this oath on behalf of your men, damning them all to this fate? Can they, by your recanting the oath, be saved, or are they forever accursed by your words?" Garand asks Asvig quietly, while the others question the much more forthcoming witch.

"If you would be remembered as a leader, and not as a fool who betrayed himself and his men into thralldom willingly, you would do whatever you must to free your surviving men from the oath you swore."

Garand, please roll Diplomacy or Intimidate as you see fit.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Just to clear it up, in case it seems that Garand is trying to sneakily get Asvig to spill his guts about the oath / Frozen Shadows, stuff; Garand is concerned about freeing his men from the lethal consequences of the oath. More of a cleric thing, concerned about folks souls being bound or sold, less of a 'party objective' thing. The witch, who seems quite willing to talk, seems to have the plot-relevant stuff covered.

Sorin to close the round.

Odd. I thought I posted...perhaps I dreamt it?

A perplexed expression crosses Sorin's face.

"Who is coming back Kelda? The Frozen Shadows? Or are they somewhere else?", Sorin asks, not following the conversation.

Asvig's Longhouse - Round 10

To Garand and Raith, Asvig spits out: "We all swore! My men and I. And we can't break that oath without losing our life first. So to Hell with you!!!"

Helva sighs: "My husband has gotten into business with a band gang. The Frozen Shadows control the Jade Quarter, but their leaders do not live in the city. I know they have a fortress, but I don't know where to find it... Please, just let us be! I know their front is the Rimerunner guild."

Kelda looks at Sorin, bemused: "The frozen what!? No! The raiders! They found their horses and they're riding back!!!"

All yours.

"Perhaps we best depart?" Sorin asks, looking at Garand and Pavel.

"If they are oathsworn to be the thralls of these Frozen Shadow, we may simply have to fight them later anyway, the next time their masters command their obedience. Are we strong enough to fight the remainder now, while we have the upper hand?" Garand asks.

"I still have some useful scrolls. Raith, Pavel and Orrick should be able to do significant damage to the returnees. So, I happen to agree with Garand. Leaving enemies at our back is imprudent."

"We uh'oughtta get outta here! Who knuh'knows what they cuh'could be doin' to Izumi right now? If yer wuh'worried about them, give 'em somethin' bigger to wuh'worry about!"

Pavel pulls a torch from his pack and bends to light it.
"We make another distruh'traction- set the pluh'place up! Teach 'em not to muh'mess with us again!"

"The angry one is right. Was not your purpose here to find your ally? We've information on where he could be located and fighting these ruffians possibly puts him in graver danger the longer we delay, just as your friend has mentioned," he motions to Pavel. "I would advise seeking out this Rimerunner guild."

"What about the sword? What do you know about an ancient Tian sword given to an Ulfen? Do you have it?", says Raith, "You know anything of it?"

Raith maintains his grapple. Let me know if you need a roll again.

Roll again Raith.

Kelda gets very nervous as the group is uncertain whether to move on, fight the remaining raiders or set the place on fire...

Please try to decide quickly. IC if possible. I'll leave room for a discussion to take place.

Grapple wrench his arm doing non-lethal damage:1d20 + 10 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 5 + 1 = 36(1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12)

"Tell me about the sword."

"He don't knuh'know, Raith! I got no pruh'problem with ye squeezin' his warty hide, but we gotta guh'get outta here! Izumi cuh'could be dead by now, for all we know!"

Pavel chucks the lit torch into the longhouse's window, hoping to get a table with alcohol or some furnishings.

Improvised ranged attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11

"Don't waste anymore tuh'time on him! We gotta go!"

A few pages ago, an informant said the last known person with the sword was a dealer named Fynn Snaevald- did anyone say Asvig knew about it?

Raith releases Asvig,"You say anything about us or trouble us any longer, we won't leave without your head next time." Raith follows the others out of the camp.