Damaran, rapier in hand wheels his horse to the new threat. Easy now friend. Lay down those weapons and we wont have to float your corpses down river...
Seeing the unconvinced look on the bandits faces he winks. I was going to kill you anyway and laughs.
Well Gilthanas, you COULD try to skill check your way out with diplomacy, bluff, intimidate and such. But where is the fun in that? Still I will roll the initiatives just in case. You guys decide what your plan is.
Initiative:
Staryth:
Damaran:
Fulito:
Marianne:
Gilthanis:
Jeggrim:
Patrol:
Gentlemen! says the pudgy faced man, lets be reasonable shall we? We have the drop on you. If you resist, we will cut you to ribbons before you even make the forest line. I suggest you lay down your weapons and keep your lives. I will give you credit, you caught on to our little surprise fairly quickly. But now its time to give it up as he gestures at the wagon full of goods.
|
"Ha, I knew it. I'm a cleric of Shelyn by the way, just in case you boys are religious, not many people like attacking us. But I'm rather hoping you try because this is my first adventure, and I spent ages practicing for this sort of shenanigan - my dadd.. father hired me a tutor and everything. So who wants a glaive up their arse first?" Marianne says looking exceedingly cheerful, even if her bravado is perhaps the tiniest bit forced.
Oh, and the map is updated. There is no surprise round for obvious reasons. Let me know what you intend to do.
Initiative order is as follows should it come to blows;
Gilthanas
Jeggrim
Patrol members
Fulito
Damaran
Marianne
Staryth
Staryth considers the offer to surrender, spits on the ground announces plainly, "No."
Jeggrim growls in bestial rage, his pupils dilated to obscene proportions, pointing to one of the would-be bandits he screams at him The name's Jeggrim! Take in the sight 'o me fool fer me face'll be the last thing ye see 'afore I rip yer arm off and shove it up yer stupid arse!
Pointing to the bandit's companion standing near by, And yerself! Take note ye blatherin fool! I'm gonna rip that slack jaw right off yer ugly face and use yer head like a puppet! Jeggrim feels his blood begin to boil as his obscenities let fly. Soon he will have lost all control over himself; this is plain to see.
The visage of the crazed dwarf is enough to make any question his sanity. Gone is the kind hearted oaf of a dwarf, replaced instead with a screaming, foaming, blood-crazed maniac, hell bent on the morbid destruction of his foes.
The sudden flurry of threats and impending combat has the poor halfling a bit flabergasted intially but he soon gathers his wits.
Now look at what you guys have done. its really to the point where a musical master of the River Kingdoms can no longer entertain without threats of violence. It would be most appreciated that those that intend hostilities agianst me an my fine entourage, that you lower your weaponsd and join us for a bit of musical melody and perhaps a sip of fine ale.
Damaran settles his boots into his stirrups. His rapier held out to the side, his other hand held to his face. His thumb and first two fingers toward the sky the others folded down. The air around them distorts slightly as he whispers in low tone. The of air in front of him pops and begins to shimmer.
When he can, Staryth fires his crossbow into the nearest foe that isn't currently engaged in melee, as he wants a clear shot.
|
My father taught me never to judge based on race or appearance. But when Humans took towards the forest I called home to purge it of its natural beauty and wood, I told myself that Humans were despicable. I understand that not all Humans are horrible and Marianne you have proven to be a breath of fresh air and reassurance that there are good people out there and I thank you for that Gilthanis says with conviction.
Gilthanis strides towards the enemy on t-11, drawing his longsword and heavy shield along the way due to his martial training, lowering the blade to eye level of his enemy he is engaging and says...
You on the other-hand and your group of misfits, will taste the steel of my blade. For you have proven again that Humans cannot be trusted.
Upon reaching his intended target, Gilthanis takes the blade of his longsword, with effortless grace and precisions slices into the enemy to inflict the most damage as possible since they would intend to do the same to him and his comrades.
I'll remember that Damaran makes a mental note for later.
Gilthanis: moved, attacked 2, and hit for 13
Jeggrim: moved, attacked 3, and hit for 8
Patrol members:
1: attack on Gilthanas *miss*
2: 5' step attack on Gilthanas damage
3: 5' step attack on Jeggrim *miss*
4: attack on Staryth damage
5: attack on Staryth damage
Fulito: Diplomacy check ... too late 8(
Damaran: Casts shield
Marianne: Still to go
Staryth: Shoots crossbow and misses
Merchant: Casts magic missile at Damaran
Round 1 Recap
The party figures out the ruse pretty quick. You realize that the merchant in the water is no merchant at all and just as Admiral Ackbar once said Damaran yells out "Its a trap!" As soon as that happens both Gilthanas and Jeggrim jump to action and head into the bush to assault the nearest enemies. Gilthanas steps up and draws his sword and in one clean sweep of the blade nearly decapitates the bowman in front of him just as the man takes aim at his head. The shower of gore shoots out like a fountain and the man stagers back 5 feet in a fit of sheer terror. He looses his arrow but it flies wide.
The archer in the water jumped out of the back of the wagon. With no one pressuring him he casually takes aim and shoots an arrow right into Gilthanas' thigh as he folows through on his sweeping cut.
Jeggrim does the same and in a fit of rage he rushes the second bowman in the area but unfortunately he cant quite charge him as he has to duck under branches and such to get to the man. More confident than his ally, the man takes aim at Jeggrim and the arrow flies straight at Jeggrim's head. The engraged dwarf, in a shocking display of economy of movement simply and casually moves his head slightly and the arrow goes whistling past his ear and out of harms way. Jeggrim then casually walks up to the man and punches him straight in the face forcing him back 5 feet.
Wit no one to challenge them, the two archers south of the party take aim and shoot at Staryth. One arrow hits high in the shoulder and finds a tiny gap in your armor burying itself deep. The second arrow isn't quite as true and it glances off your neck leaving a deep gash below the jawline. Staryth, dazed from the attack whips up his crossbow and shoots wildly at one of the assailants. Unfortunately the bolt flies wide as he lost his concentration at a crucial moment.
Fulito yells out to the men to lay down their arms but to no avail. At this point no one is listening. They are merely fighting for their lives.
Marriane yells taunts at the bowmen and tries to get them to surrender.
Meanwhile Damaran casts shield on himself just as the cloaked merchant from the water casts magic missile. Mystical bolts of pure energy come flying out from his finger tips and they shoot out towards the magus. Just as the approach the target, a shield of pure energy appears in front of Damaran and the energy bolts splash off the shield harmlessly.
Next up, round 2!!
Staryth grunts as he is struck by the two arrows.
and he curses in dwarvish
I have no problem with Marianne posting now. I will give her a few more hours and then I will gimp her turn to something basic like casting CLW on Staryth ... who badly needs it atm.
So Marianne, if you get a post in to finish the round perfect. Otherwise lets go with this.
Marianne uses the want of cure light wounds to heal Staryth
But by all means go ahead and start posting your round 2 actions.
|
|
Gilthanis screams out in obvious pain because there is a arrow shaft sticking out of his thigh muscle, with blood streaming out of whatever hole there is.
Not feeling to good and seeing as the healer is tending to the wounds of one of the dwarfs, Gilthanis takes a more defensive stance in hopes to not get hit again.
Well, well...seems like you thugs can actually take a hit! I don't think I could've connected any better than what I did. Well lets see if this will finish the job then!
Gilthanis moves to R-11. Even in obvious pain he brings his sword around in a sweeping motion, even being a little more caution of the bombarding of arrows coming his way.
My current AC is now 21
Attack
Damage
Howling with rage Jeggrim presses the attack, Get back over here ye coward! Jeggrim growls, a deep, bestial sound, and leaps upon the would-be ambusher in a storm of animistic fury.
Foaming at the mouth Jeggrim swings at the foolish bandit, fighting with reckless abandon.
damn, I hate fighting. he mumbles to nobody in particular
Fulito jumps down and moves to get in postion that is both advantagous to hmself as well as in a postion to help the others, pulling his harmonica from his pocket as he moves and begins to generate a catchy tune to keep pace with his comrades actions.
|
|
Hoping down from the cart Marianne hurries, looks between Gilthanis and Staryth for a moment worried about both and then nods.
She advances upon the unchalleneged bandits, raises her hand revealing a pale silvery mark shaped like a rose upon her wrist and calls,
"For beauty, for love, for friendship, Shelyn I call upon your aide!" And a gentle amber tinted light pulses forth from her rose birthmark, bringing with it the scents of flowers, the fresh smell of spring, and the faintest sounds of beautiful music and carefree laughter.
Staryth says "Thank you" in Dwarvish and leaves the wagon to close in on the archers to the south
Without another word he fires again, planning to switch to his warhammer when he gets closer soon.
Damaran brings his horse around and heels it in the sides. The horse scrabbles into a trot. Should've quit while you were ahead! he shouts as his thrusts his fine blade at the man.
Gilthanas: Steps up and hits the bowman in front of him
Jeggrim: Steps up and unloads a world of hurt on 3
Patrol members:
2 = dead
3 = dead
4 shoots at Marrianne and just misses
5 moves back to n17 and shoots Marrianne and also just misses
1 = shoots at Gilthanas for damage
Fulito: moves to r14 and begins to sing
Damaran: moves to o15 and hits 4
Marianne: unknown
Staryth: moves to q16 and misses(Staryth, don't forget the bard song bonus)
Merchant: Casts spell (Gilthanas and Jeggrim make save please; will dc 14)
Round 2 Recap:
Gilthanas, still reeling from the arrow to the thigh, looks up at the archer as he steps back. He takes one tentative step forward on his injured leg at first and then a second. Seeing that he can still move he takes a third step forward, crouching defensively as the archer pulls up his bow and then lunges forward with his sword blade and catches the man just under the chin. The archer's body goes limp as the light fades from his eyes; the body slumping to the ground.
Jeggrim, lost in battle lust launches himself recklessly at the retreating archer in front of him. He quickly launches a kick to the mid section of the archer before he can nock another arrow. The archer doubles over with an oof! sound as the wind is knocked out of him. Jeggrim takes the opportunity to grab the mans arm and twist it in order to flip him over onto his back. Unfortunately, in his murderous rage, Jeggrim misjudges the power needed to flip the man over and like a crocodile doing a death roll he twists and rips the mans arm clean from his body. The archer stands there for a moment dumbly looking at the dwarf standing there holding his arm before he slumps to the ground lifelessly.
Both archers at positions 4 and 5 take aim at Marianne and let loose at the same time. The two arrows head straight for her head and Marianne just manages to move her head enough and the two arrows graze her cheek leaving a scratch but nothing more.
Fulito jumps down off the wagon and making a 5 foot step he starts to sing a song of courage and bravery. The hymn is an old one that many of you remember singing as a child as a nursery rhyme. However when Fulito sings, the song takes on a new meaning for each of you. The world seems to slow down a touch and the chaos of battle seems to make a little bit more sense to you. Inspired by the song, each of you feels a bit braver and more confident.
Damaran, inspired by the song, puts his heels to his horse's flanks and rushes at one of the archers who shot at Marianne. He deftly pulls out his sword and makes a vicious cut at the mans exposed arm cutting him deeply.
Staryth, staggered from the wounds he has taken but feeling somewhat rejuvenated from Marianne's prayer, pulls out his crossbow and reloads the bolt. He quickly takes aim at the bandit at position 4. Just as he shot his bolt, the man attempts to duck away from Damaran's sword and the bolt flies wide.
The merchant, seeing that the battle isn't going well, quickly casts a spell. Both Gilthanas and Jeggrim feel a wave of arcane magic sweep over them.
Marianne:
I am immune to magical sleep because I am an elf :)
Jeggrim points the severed arm at the man by the wagon, growling furiously, You're next fatty! before tossing down the arm. He feels a wave of magical energy wash over him, but barely even registers this fact, and begins digging his heavy boots into the soft earth, finding his footing in order to launch himself at the wagon driver.
Just as Gilthanis starts to lose consciousness he snaps back to it and casts an evil glare at the merchant.
Fulito continues his tune as he tries to manuver to a better position to get a bit closer to the pair out in the water. his tune growing a bit louder as he moves. wading into the waters edge a short distance.
then once in position, he produces a series of fast loud notes that seem to actually take shape and fly out toward the fat man and the archer in a cone the stems of each note slicing like a blade.
Staryth switches to his warhammer and closes with the nearest Archer "Your greed is going to cost you all."
Staryth, that is a confirmed crit. Fulito, I will see if I cant reload the map again for you. I need to make dinner first though. Shouldn't be more than an hour or so.
Staryth, that is a confirmed crit. Fulito, I will see if I cant reload the map again for you. I need to make dinner first though. Shouldn't be more than an hour or so.
Staryth's hammer connects in the archer's midsection, and there is a horrid sound of ribs breaking. The archer's mouth spits out blood, and his eyes roll back into his head as he crumbles.
Staryth turns his gaze to the next archer, "Pray to your god if your soul is not secure, for your flesh and bone belongs to my hammer."
|
|
Marianne - thinking Shelyn herself must be taking a personal interest as not one, but two arrows threaten to do anything, but scratch her - giggles as she races around behind the archer to flank him with Damaran.
Wide eyed and suddenly silent as she stares at her gore staiend glaive Marianne moves over to Staryth and sketches a flower in the air with her fingers laying her hand upon the dwarf as she finishes and saying,
"Aladarma," in a subdued voice as warm magics flow from her fingers to lap at Staryth's wounds, eroding them and leaving perfect flesh in place of injury.
You're turn ye lyin sack 'o goblin filth! Jeggrim bellows pointing at the man on the wagon before charging toward him, beard and plait flying out behind him.
Jeggrim reaches out one of his massive hands, reaching to grab hold of the wagon driver and shove him mercilessly under the water.
Well, maybe I'll get to redirect that attack if my foes end up dead via cleric fu ;)
Round 3
I took a few liberties to accommodate for Marianne's late post and subsequent massacre of the two archers to the south. All of you are now very afraid of the cleric; no save, no resist, just fear.
Gilthanas delay
Jeggrim Rushes merchant and grapples *success*
Patrol members
Fulito moves to p11 and casts chords of shards on merchant and 1
Reflex Save Archer 1: *fail* 7 damage
Reflex Save Merchant: *fail* 7 damage
Damaran delay
Marianne AOO Kills 4, Attack kills 5, heals Staryth
Staryth round 2 action will be to move to n11 (instead of miss) because the cleric has things here in hand then attacks and kills 1
Gilthanas turns just in time to see the dwarves rush out into the water toward the merchant and his ally. Jeggrim is still carrying the severed arm of his previous foe as he rushes the merchant who stares wide eyed in fear of the demonic dwarf rushing at him. Just as the merchant is about to scream, the dwarf hits him full on and tackles him into the water. The man goes under without much of a fight but he is still alive. Staryth swings his mighty hammer in an upper cut and catches the archer in the midsection. The man vomits bile and blood before falling into the water face first.
In the meantime, Fulito moves closer to the wagon while playing his battle song. The chords take on a slightly new form as the coalesque and bind themselves into a visible dart striking the chest of the merchant and killing him under water.
Then Gilthanas looks to his partners to the south only to see Marianne wield her glaive with devastating effect. One archer takes aim at her head just as she reaches out and jabs the razor sharp end into his midsection through his leather armor and falling him like a tree. Then she runs around in behind the last remaining bowman and sweeping the blade low at the backs of his exposed legs; raking his hamstrings as she does so. The man falls to the ground never to rise again. Hrm, that was ... effective Gilthanas thinks to himself.
The first encounter is complete, congratulations.
Exp: 2400 / 6 = 400 xp each
Loot: I will always tell you the loot after an encounter unless it is otherwise hidden.
5 suits of leather armor, 5 longbows, 50 arrows, 5 short swords, gp, a +1 dagger, an empty wagon with 2 very old looking horses, a potion of bulls strength.